May 27, 2021
Dear Saints of Trinity,
As you read this many of you will be preparing for the upcoming three-day weekend. For many in the country, this Memorial Day weekend signifies the beginning of summer. For others, it’s a great time to get family and friends together, watch or play a little baseball, be outdoors potentially without masks, and feel the freedom of the beauty around us. It is my hope and prayer that that’s not all we do this weekend.
Memorial Day is one of the most significant weekends on our calendars. It was set aside, not as the beginning of summer, or the beginning of the BBQ season, but it was set aside to help us remember that so many of the freedoms we have came at a cost; and sometimes the ultimate cost. This weekend, and particularly Monday, is set aside to honor the fallen. It is to pause, give thanks and remember. You’ll hear me talk openly about this on Sunday. I’ll talk about why I believe the flag needs to have a place in our sanctuaries. It isn’t front and center. That’s where the cross belongs, where the altar lay, and where our focus is to be. But it is there, in front, on the chancel steps as a reminder that we are able to worship freely because of the price paid for that ability. I am deeply aware that there are those who disagree. If so, let’s talk.
I’m also aware of the dedication of so many in this congregation to service. Many of you served in the military and did it with honor and integrity. Many of you dedicated your lives to that service and it still plays a role in who you are today. You may be retired, but the service you provided never retires. Others of you are spouses of those who served. Still others are spouses or friends, or relatives of those we honor this weekend. Still others have served in other ways, in places like Federal agencies where you also put your lives in harm’s way, and also for the sake of freedom. Still others have family members currently serving. I also honor our fallen first responders this weekend. I may not talk about them on Sunday, but we need to remember them on days like these. To all of you, I say in deep humility, thank you. Your sacrifices will not go unnoticed and your service can never be taken for granted. And this weekend this Sunday worship will be dedicated to you.
I’ll certainly be talking about Jesus and I’ll remind us of the scripture out of John 15 that says, “Greater love has no one than this, but that they lay down their life for a friend.” It’s the scripture that has guided so many military funerals I’ve done and seen. It’s a guide to each of us that living sacrificially is what we are called to do. And this weekend we simply say thank you to those who did what Jesus taught, they laid down their lives for us. Take some time to pause this weekend; pause and remember, and thank God for those now gone. I will do the same.
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 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 haven’t been vaccinated yet.
- For peace in our country.
- For Katherine Parker, missionary to Nepal.