September 10, 2020
Sages of Trinity,
What a privilege it has been to continue to meet you, whether under a tree, in a park, on your patio, here at church, or on the lawn outside. I’ve learned a lot from you and about you. I’ve found you to be so generous, so wise and deep spiritually. You’ve asked great questions and shared pieces of your stories as I have shared pieces of mine. Maybe most importantly, you’ve learned about each other; things you didn’t know or hadn’t realized, things that you share, and things that make us unique. Over and over again what’s hit me most is that we are first, all in this together. Second, it really takes the kind of diversity we have here at Trinity to make a church. Third, that you care, and care deeply about each other, this church, this community, and your faith. We truly are a Body of Christ with, as Paul says, each part serving a purpose.
So far I’ve met with about fifty of you. There are still eight to ten groups ready to meet. But one more thing that we seem to share is a kind of longing. It’s a longing to be together again. It’s a longing to be back in the sanctuary. It’s a longing to either hear or sing the music that is so central to who and what we are as a church. It’s the longing for those things that have connected us and connected us to the community. As you’ll hear on Sunday, what if, in this time, we begin to think at least a little differently about what it means to be church, to be connected, to be a part of this community and the world. What if God, as one person at a neighborhood gathering said, is calling us beyond the sanctuary? I believe there are ways to answer that call. The answers may not overcome the longing that lay so deeply within us, but it will continue to deepen our connection with each other and the community.
So here are a few pieces of what you’ll hear in the message this Sunday. In this time of COVID-19, and particularly now with the wildfires and smoke and need to stay indoors, the connections within the neighborhood groups are that much more vital. What would it take for you to check in on each other, even more intentionally than you have? We continue to have those among us who feel isolated and alone. We have those who are feeling nervous and afraid. We have those who feel called to do more, and here is an opportunity to do more. Beyond that, what if we thought differently about our parking lot. What if we offered parking lot concerts, or parking lot speakers, or rented a huge tent that could be placed outside the David White building and created safe opportunities to gather there? What if we thought about ways we could welcome those seeking a quieter place than Carrie Blake Park to this property. There are shade trees but no picnic tables. There is a water fountain but few know it’s there. What if we thought differently about those playing pickleball and offered them a place with shade and a cooler filled with Gatorade or water with chairs where they could take a break. Again, maybe with an awning or pop up off the side of the David White building toward the courts.
Connections are a vital part of who we are as human beings. I think it’s time to really begin to accept that this is where we are right now, within COVID-19, within the smoke, and within the protocols that are keeping us safe. I believe we’re called to extend our radical hospitality beyond the doors and do it creatively, safely, and with intention to help this community know that we care; that we’re here, and that we continue to seek to be a place of connection. Now one more thought. Jan has offered us an opportunity to help the victims of the wildfires in our state. It’s one more thing we can do to connect. At the very least we can pray, but let’s also remember that there are those who have very literally lost everything. Let’s connect to them. Let’s love them. Let’s reach out to them. Stay safe friends, but let’s not have this time of opportunity pass us by. God is calling. Do you hear that still small voice? Let’s connect.
Pastor Brad
Some Concerns that we have:
- For all the victims and firefighters dealing with the wildfires throughout the country
- 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
Joys: TUMC Neighborhood Groups
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 website, sequimtumc.org for a link to the service.
A suggestion for worship through the radio: Several members have purchased battery-powered radios to use in their cars during worship. They have found that there is less static than through their car radios. If the transmission through your car radio has not been clear, you might try this. Be sure to get a radio that will receive FM 87.7.
We still ask that you mail your contributions in to the church and make sure to use our Post Office Box 3697 instead of our street address. We thank you for your continued support of our ministries here at Trinity.
Wildfire relief – can you help? As of September 4th, there were an estimated 180 homes that have been destroyed by wildfires in Washington State. Over the weekend the whole town of Malden (30 miles south of Spokane) was destroyed. The number of estimated homes and businesses doubled as a result. And still, the fires continue to burn. Four Long Term Recovery Organizations are being formed to manage recovery. The estimate for rebuilding a home is $72,000. FEMA will be taking applications from individuals for assistance. If approved, FEMA’s maximum allocation is $32,800 per application. The remaining funds will need to be provided by donations and grants. If you can help, please issue a check to Trinity UMC, indicating in the memo section: Advance #352. (These funds will be used in Washington State.) Contact Jan Kreidler janet2.kreidler@gmail.com if you have questions.
Support group for those experiencing loss – Becky Morgan and Kathleen Charters invite you to a scheduled Zoom meeting on support for those who grieve lost opportunities due to COVID-19, e.g., trips, birthday, and graduation celebrations, weddings, funerals, etc.
Topic: Challenges and Comfort
Time: Sep 15, 2020 01:30 AM Pacific Time
Every week on Tue, until Dec 15, 2020, 14 occurrences
Please contact Deacon Charters for the Zoom meeting schedule and link.
A new book study is coming soon – Right Here Right Now: The Practice of Christian Mindfulness, by Amy G. Oden.
Come and learn about Christian Mindfulness while also practicing and experiencing its benefits. This has been used since the beginnings of our faith, is rooted in Scripture, and historically encouraged by Christian leaders, including John Wesley. This prayerful practice fosters a deeper relationship with God so that we can become more centered and less reactive; lead a more authentic, compassionate life, and increase our sense of gratitude. It is also known for its stress reduction and physical and mental health benefits.
Dates/Time: 6 consecutive Wednesdays: Oct. 7,14,21,28 and Nov. 4,11. 2-3:30 pm
Where: We will meet online using Zoom
Books: Limited copies available for purchase at church office for $15. Used copies available at Amazon.com and a few copies will be in the church library to borrow.
Leader: Melody Romeo
To sign up or ask questions contact Melody Romeo: email: melodycoach@olypen.com or call 360-461-5595
Trinity to help CERT with food distribution – On Wednesdays through September, TUMC provides 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 high school parking lot is no longer 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 on the street who will direct you where to park.