August 26, 2021
Dear Saints of Trinity,
In this final letter to you, I want to once again encourage you to “live lives worthy of the calling you’ve received.” (II Timothy). And to believe with all confidence that, “All things work together for good for those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28). Throughout this week I’ve been reminded of the story in Jeremiah where Jeremiah buys a vineyard in Israel as the people, him included, are being exiled to a distant land. His trust in God was so powerful that he wanted to assure those around him to believe in God’s abilities to continue to create opportunities for the future even in times that seemed dark. Now, I don’t believe for a second that anyone believes this time in Trinity’s history to be in any way “dark” as I head into medical leave. I think the Jeremiah story wasn’t a reminder for you. It was God telling me that there is still hope for a future; both mine and yours. You need look no further than who is coming to serve you as I leave.
Rev. Joey Olson is an incredible answer to prayer. You know her and she knows you. She loves you and you love her. I mean, it just doesn’t get any better than that. It affirms what I’ve written above and what I’ll be talking about this Sunday. All things really do work together for good for those who love God and are called toward the future God seeks in and around us. The challenge is that it can’t stop there. Paul’s words to his young protégé, Timothy, need to carry as much weight as his words to the church in Rome. For God’s purpose to be accomplished means we have to live the lives we’re called to live; serve in ways we’re called to serve, and love in the ways we’re called to love. Do that, and this church will continue to thrive. I know how deeply I believe that, and I know how deeply Joey believes that.
It has been a rare privilege to serve as your pastor during these past fourteen months. We’ve done a lot together in a very short amount of time. I will treasure the memories of so much of it. I will always remember your grace, your patience, your love, and your generosity.
But now we all need to look ahead. I need to get well, and you need to keep answering the call of Christ as individuals and as a church. I will be praying for you, as will Dorothy. May the peace of God, a peace that passes understanding, fill and guide you. May you continue to deepen your love of Christ and your love for one another. Finally, remember that our work is not so much within the doors of this beautiful building, but outside those doors. So, go in peace, and may the love and joy and peace and hope of Jesus Christ go with you now and forevermore.
With Deep Affection,
Pastor Brad
Some Concerns that we have:
- Pastor Brad and Dorothy for Brad’s health issues.
- For those who continue to go through physical struggles, those who are dealing with cancer, or other health situations. For those who are emotionally feeling lost and alone.
- For those who haven’t been vaccinated yet; for all those who are ill from the Covid-19 virus; for those families who have lost loved ones to the virus; and for essential workers.
- For peace in our country.
- For Katherine Parker, missionary to Nepal.