April 2, 2020
Dear Friends
I continue to hold all of you in my prayers. I wish I had the time to call and chat with each of you personally because I care and wonder if it is well with your soul. What does bring me great joy is to hear how well you are taking care of each other. I continue to hear about how you are phoning people, sending emails and cards. Well done. As we go through the month ahead with the requirement that we stay isolated as a way of loving our neighbor we need to, “not grow weary of doing good.” (Galatians 6:9).
Sunday is Palm Sunday and the beginning of Holy Week. I think this forced isolation will be hardest for me during this time. I was so looking forward to celebrating with you Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. We had an amazing Holy Thursday worship service that will now not take place. And most of all, I so looked forward to being with you on Easter. This is my last one in active ministry. There is no greater joy for me as a pastor than to celebrate our resurrection faith. So, my heart is sad as I work at creating the best Easter service possible for you to enjoy at home. Stay tuned for more details next week!
By now, you have heard the news that the Rev. Brad Beeman will be the next pastor in Trinity’s long and fruitful history. Brad’s father is a retired United Methodist Clergy person so I have known Brad for almost 60 years, over 25 as a colleague in ministry. You will be blessed by Brad and Dorothy. We still don’t know the details as to the future, when he will begin ministry here and when I retire. The limitations put in place by the coronavirus has affected all schedules.
Keep in prayers all those who are dealing with the virus, those who are sick, those who have lost loved ones, those who are caring for them or in the stores so we can buy what we need.
Again, I want to share what an awesome group you are! You are truly God’s real expression of love in this community. Continue to reach out to others. Thank those who take care of you in the stores. Pray for those in need here and around the world.
Hosanna! Blessed is He who Comes in the Name of the Lord!
Pastor Bill