August 20, 2020
Dear Saints of Trinity,
As many of you are aware, I’ve taken a few weeks of vacation. As odd as it may seem for a pastor to begin a new appointment and then almost immediately take vacation, I wanted to let you know why we do this. Every move is stressful, particularly a pastoral move. Saying goodbye to one church and immediately trying to say hello and get to know a new church is challenging in the best of times. Starting a new position is also stressful. Trying to learn the rhythms of a new and different congregation, particularly coming from Bellevue, I assure you that the stresses, rhythms and expectations are very different. And believe me, I will take Trinity over Bellevue any time. Also, given the inherent challenges within this pandemic, the stresses have been exponentially more difficult. But there is more.
In the materials created by the denomination regarding pastoral transitions, they recommend coming in to a new situation, getting a feel for the church, and then taking time away before the program year begins. I’ve always sought to do that, but given a few other elements going on, now feel as though the time away is even more important for both Dorothy and me. We haven’t fully moved in yet and hope to do that while on vacation. I haven’t gone to see my parents since moving. They are 92 and 93 and both Dorothy and I feel a need to see them and spend a day with them. We would love to explore the area a little more; go camping, for drives, bike the trail, take a hike or two, and really begin to get to know the beauty that is very literally all around us. In the midst of it we hope to just sit and be and breathe; to relax, enjoy each other, and rest a bit. I just wanted to let you know why I’m taking this time away. If you have questions about it, let me know…but not until after August 30th. I continue to pray for you.
Pastor Brad
Some Concerns that we have:
- For all those who are ill from the COVID-19 virus; for those families who have lost loved ones to the virus; and for all the first responders/essential workers.
- For Katherine Parker, missionary to Nepal (see note on next page)
Even though you can’t be with those having birthdays this week, sending emails or making phone calls are appreciated.
Parking lot service continues at 10:00 am. You can still view our service online. Just go to our webpage sequimtumc.org for a link to the service.
We still ask that you mail your contributions to the church and make sure to use ourP.O. Box 3697 instead of our street address. We thank you for your continued support of our ministries here at Trinity.
Pastor Brad is on vacation through August 30. Rev. Joey Olson will be preaching this Sunday and next, August 23 and 30. There will be no written sermons available, but you may go online to view the worship service. For Pastoral emergencies during this time, please call the church office.
Upcoming sermon series: Pastor Brad thought it might be time to have some fun in worship, so his sermons, beginning in September, will focus on what he’s calling the “Aged Sages of Biblical Renown.” He’ll be focusing on people like Sarai and her laughter, Elijah trying to find shade, Anna and Simeon at the Temple, Zachariah becoming mute, Solomon and his wisdom…and other biblical stories of those who were wise beyond their years, or who had a relationship with God that simply makes us smile. Sure, there will be points that can help us today, but it’s time for a little fun, some smiles, and maybe even some laughter. So, he says, I’ll see you in September.
Trinity to help CERT with food distribution: Beginning Wednesdays August 26, TUMC will be providing a staging area in our front parking lot for food distribution at Guy Cole Center (at Carrie Blake Park). This is a program providing food to those in need that CERT has been operating at the Sequim High School for several months. With the school year beginning, the Sequim High School parking lot will no longer be available so CERT has moved to the Guy Cole Center and requested use of our parking lot. For all those with business at church, there will be people at the street who will direct you where to park.
Upper Room daily devotionals for September and October are available to pick up at the church, just outside the main doors. Monday – Friday between 9 am and 2 pm.
August Noisy Can offering for the Boys and Girls Club’s Back to School Fair. Updated info on the Back to School Fair: it has been scheduled for Saturday, August 29th and it will be a drive-through event. Because of COVID-19, we are asking for monetary donations only instead of asking people to shop for supplies. Please get donations for this project in to the church by Tuesday, August 25. CHECKS PLEASE – NO COINS THIS TIME. Your ongoing support is always appreciated! (If you have questions, contact Jan Kreidler at janet2.kreidler@gmail.com or 360-681-5027.)
Hold the date: Beginning the week after Labor Day, Becky Morgan and Kathleen Charters will start a support group for people experiencing loss due to COVID-19. This includes missed social opportunities, traveling, special events and more.
A note from Katherine Parker:
Dear Friends at Trinity UMC,
I am grateful for your support of my work with the people of Nepal, even as I am working remotely from my parent’s house in California while Nepal is on lockdown. Despite the closed borders and limited movement, COVID is on the rise in Nepal as migrants stranded at the India border are finally being allowed in to return home. With UMW and UMCOR support, we (United Mission to Nepal) are reaching out to equip health facilities because maternal and child mortality is on the rise due to limited vaccine campaigns and fear to seek treatment. Email me at kparker@umcmission.org if you would like to join by Zoom for more updates.
Peace,
Katherine Parker