April 9, 2021
Greetings. I am Rev. Joey Olson. I retired from the Port Angeles UMC in 2014 and have been a part of Trinity since then. I will be filling in for Pastor Brad until he returns. I have served churches in Texas, Ocean Shores, Mill Creek and as District Superintendent for the Inland District. My husband Ole and I in our blended family have two daughters and two sons along with nine grandchildren. I enjoy reading, hiking, kayaking and traveling. Please feel free to contact me at joeywolson@gmail.com. Along with you, I continue to pray for Pastor Brad and Dorothy for deep and abiding healing, that they experience the love of God as they take this time away.
Weekly Wonderings…Joey Olson’s Devotional
This week’s wondering is “How do folks learn about the faith?” As I’ve listened to people in church, I’ve come to realize that many have what I call “hymnbook” theology. A lot of Christians can sing and quote more hymns than Bible verses.
Years ago, I taught a class on Methodism and one man said, “Why do we sing hymns?” Not being a “why” child, I did not have a ready answer. But here it is now. Hymns connect us with our emotions during the service. They invite us into “feeling” the faith. Their poetry engages our imagination that leads beyond any spoken word.
During times of trouble, I find myself singing, humming, thinking hymns. One favorite is:
What a friend we have in Jesus. All our sins and griefs to bear.
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.
And then phrases from the other verses:
Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge; take it to the Lord in prayer.
(Words: Joseph M. Scriven from The United Methodist Hymnal.)
I hope you know the tune and can go around your house and neighborhood humming, singing, thinking this hymn. The invitation to “take it to the Lord” is not a hollow suggestion. It is the opening to dialogue with the Holy One who brings us peace beyond all understanding.
Blessings my friends, Joey Olson
Notes:
– If you asked Joey for a copy of the song from her Easter sermon, it is now in the church office waiting for you.
Dear Saints of Trinity,
Dorothy and I are overwhelmed with the outpouring of love from you. The cards, quilt, prayer shawl, flowers, notes, and letters are amazing expressions of your love. I thought I’d include pictures of about half the cards. The ones on the table are from you. Others, not pictured, are from friends near and far.
I just kept thinking, can you imagine if every person entering this church could feel the love, the faith in God, the love of Christ, the generous spirit that is this church, lives would be transformed and the community around us would have a much clearer picture of God’s hopes for the world.
You are living examples and living proof of God’s radical love. To be on the receiving end of the overwhelming capacity you have for sharing all of this cannot be put into words. Thank you.
With deep and abiding appreciation,
Pastor Brad and Dorothy
Some Concerns that we have:
· Pastor Brad and Dorothy for healing following Pastor Brad’s heart attack.
· 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 those who are ill from the Covid-19 virus; for those families who have lost loved ones to the virus; for all the first responders/essential workers; and for those who are nervous about getting shots.
· For peace in our country.
· For smooth delivery of the vaccine. And please pray for all of the volunteers.
· For Katherine Parker, missionary to Nepal.