October 8, 2020
Saints and Sages of Trinity,
Well, we’re in another month and the same one-word question is being asked, “When?” And I need to offer the same three-word answer, “I don’t know.” We continue in a time where so much depends on so many. I want to continue to say, “Friends ask friends to wear masks.” But there are all too many who ignore that simple protocol. We seem to see it everywhere, from college campuses, to campaign rallies, to grocery stores. I want to say again, the virus is real. Just ask those around us who have had it. They may have recovered but almost to a person, the residual side effects continue for each of them. It’s real. It’s dangerous. It will not be ignored. It is opportunistic. So please, let’s not ignore it. It’s only when we all (ALL) take it seriously that I’ll be able, with any level of confidence, to answer the “when” question. At this point, I simply don’t know. Also, remember, we’re all in this together. We’ll all get through it together. We all need to stay together as we journey together through this time.
Also, we’re trying hard to be creative about what we seek to offer. Families (closed circles) will be able to come in to the sanctuary and light a candle for a loved one during the days prior to All Saints Sunday. Advent will still offer individuals and families opportunities to share in the lighting of the Advent candles each week. We’re looking at a virtual “passing of the light of Christ” on Christmas Eve. We’re going to continue the parking lot service no matter how cold or rainy it gets. Kathleen and I have committed ourselves to be out there with you, no matter the weather. She shared with me this morning that Costco is having a sale on long underwear. I’ll be heading over this afternoon. The neighborhood gatherings will be continuing until everyone who would like to be a part of one has that opportunity. At this point, it looks as though we’ll be holding those well into November. We’re looking at safely pre-recording hymns for the Wednesday recording and for our parking lot Sundays where we can have four-part harmonies be offered. All of those are key pieces to continuing to be the church in such a time as this. But we are not stopping there.
The parking lot feeding program every other Wednesday will be continuing with the help of volunteers from Trinity. The program offers anyone in need to come and pick up a box of food with no questions asked. The average has been somewhere between 450 and 500 families being fed. Think about what that means. It represents about 7% of the population of Sequim. No, not all of the families come from within the city limits, but it’s still a whole lot of people. We’re trying to offer a drive-through dessert that will replace our annual Harvest Dinner. Nope, no Rummage Sale this year, no Community Dinners, and there are other things we’re unable to offer. At the same time, there are those who continue to think creatively about ways to continue the toy distribution at Christmas time. There is a lot more but I think you get the meaning of all of this. We’re all struggling through this time, but at Trinity, we continue to seek ways to be in mission and ministry. You are an amazing bunch and I can’t wait to be able to share the news that we can get back together. At the same time, it’s going to be a long time until things will be as they were before COVID. But, little by little, we’ll continue to be who we are called to be. Right now I still have to say, “I don’t know when.” But also, I can say, “Look at what we’re still doing.” You’re the best!
Pastor Brad
Some Concerns that we have:
- For those who continue to go through physical struggles, those who are dealing with cancer, or other health situations. Prayers for those who are emotionally feeling lost and alone.
- 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 peace in our country throughout the political process
- For Katherine Parker, missionary to Nepal
Even though you can’t be with those having birthdays this week, emails or 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 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.
Our annual harvest dinner lives on — but this year it can be called the Harvest Dessert. The full dinner is not practical during the pandemic, so the dinner committee chose a dessert-only event. Individual servings of apple crisp, from an original Harvest Dinner recipe, will be distributed after the Sunday service on October 18 (until 11:30 a.m.) via a drive-through setup (at the back of the church. There is no cost, thanks to committee members. Reservations are needed by October 13th to calculate how many servings to prepare. Contact Jan Kreidler by October 13 at (360) 681-5027 or by email: janet2.Kreidler@gmail.com. Those who can’t get to church can request delivery when making the reservation.
Note: The dessert will be prepared in individual-serving containers with lids in the church kitchen by committee members using precautions such as masks and gloves.
Volunteers needed for food box distribution – On the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month in October, November, and December. Operations are 11 am-2 pm with some volunteers needed before and after these hours to help with set-up and clean-up. All positions require standing but people rotate for breaks. Bottled water and snacks are provided. If you are interested in helping, please contact the church office – 360-683-5367 or church@sequimtumc.org.
Support group for those experiencing loss
Becky Morgan and Kathleen Charters invite you to an in-person support meeting for those who grieve lost opportunities due to COVID-19, e.g., trips, birthday and graduation celebrations, weddings, funerals, etc. Since in-person meetings are limited to 5 people, there are limited seats. Please contact Deacon Kathleen (240.463.7598 Mobile, 360.504.3150 Home, or kcharters@mac.com) if you are interested in participating.
Topic: Challenges and Comfort
Dates/Time: Every week on Tuesdays, through December 15, 2020; 02:00-3:30 pm.