Trinity Blog
Hi Y’all from Tennessee
October 21, 2021
Dear Friends at Trinity UMC:
Hi Y’all from Tennessee where the tea is sweet, the BBQ’s amazing and the churches are huge. Pastor Joey thought you would like an update on what has been happening in Jenny’s and my life since we moved. To put it succinctly, “We love it here!”
As you might expect, there were a few challenges moving here with a puppy and getting settled in the midst of the COVID pandemic, but we did it! After spending much of the first year watching church online our first in-person worship was a communion service in the parking lot. Sound familiar? We met the three delightful pastors, (that’s right, three!), of the church we attend. To give you an idea of church size, ours is not the largest UMC in the area, and there are a dozen or so smaller UMC churches, all in a community of 50,000. This spring worship in the sanctuary was opened, with safety protocols, and we started attending in person, feeling blessed to have found a church home where we are nourished spiritually. Now we are working at helping them to understand what it means to be “Radically Hospitable” like you!
In speaking with the senior pastor about how we both might volunteer, he mentioned his desire to get a Grief Ministry started. Jenny and I are co-leading this program, teaching an eight-week class that will be held twice a year, and overseeing a program where trained people from the church will support an individual during the first year after their loss. We are beginning to be known as “The Grief Couple” or the “Green Team!” There is also a Wednesday night Celebrate Recovery Service for those in recovery from addictions, and we help as needed from being in the kitchen to my preaching when asked.
While walking the puppy Bridget, we started visiting with people. From those casual conversations has blossomed a network of neighborhood friends that get together to eat, celebrate birthdays, and take some day trips, like to Dollywood. Jenny and a friend hosted a Paint Pour day for the women, teaching and learning about Fluid Art on canvas. These fun friendships bring us a lot of joy.
Being near son Sam is a blessing, seeing them often, sharing meals usually with something wonderful coming from Sam’s smoker/barbeque. Gwen, now 7, is with us at least once a week and we celebrate that she is doing well in Montessori school. We also do some day trips with them.
Maryville is a beautiful area in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. We added a screen room so we could enjoy the weather. Now into October, we are still eating outside some of the time. We love living twenty minutes from the Great Smokies National Park where we are beginning to see the leaves turning color.
Jenny and I often tell each other how fortunate we are to be living here, but we have not forgotten you! Each week we read about the events taking place, grieving with you for those beloved who have died since we left. They were all dear friends whom we enjoyed working beside. And we rejoice about all the ways God is continuing to bless you. Right now your biggest blessing is having Joey as your interim pastor! We so appreciate her asking us to share. It made the miles between us seem a little less.
As they say in Tennessee: “Have a Blessed Day!”
With Love,
Pastor Bill and Jenny
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.
Announcements for October 21-30, 2021
Sunday In-Person Services
Online Recorded Services
In Consideration of Others
Charge Conference – Monday, November 8, 1:30 pm
Trinity Interior Update Work Schedule – October 27 to November 12
- Painters will begin with the main hallway. Front doors will be CLOSED Oct. 27, 28, 29.
- People who have meetings in the Education wing or Fellowship Hall enter through the Education wing door next to the front entrance. Others will enter through the door by Pauline’s Office. People will use the restrooms in the Education wing.
- Painters in Fellowship Hall area Nov. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 (Front doors will be OPEN)
- Carpet installation Nov. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 (Front doors will be CLOSED). Again use the Education wing door or back door by Pauline’s office.
- Signs will direct people which doors to use.
- The Charge Conference on November 8 will have people enter through the back Sanctuary doors by the pastor’s Office.
October Noisy Can Offering: Sunday, October 31st
- A display board has been prepared and can be found in the fellowship hall.
- During COVID we are not able to accept coins.
Veterans’ Day Photos
Harvest Blessing Pasties
Sequim Food Bank
Let’s give Trinity some TLC!
PNW Conference of the UMC Early Response Team Basic Training is Back!
Discipleship Ministries Course: The Church’s Ministry with Dementia
- There will be three live webinars with Bishop Carder who will take questions and offer his insights. These will be November 4, December 2, and January 13 at 9 am PT. These will all be recorded if you cannot make the live version.
- We’ll be reading Bishop Carder’s book, Ministry with the Forgotten. Before you get started with the course, be sure to take advantage of Cokesbury’s discounted pricing and purchase your copy.
- The cost of the course is $50. Scholarships are available through the Education Committee.
The Virtual 21st Assembly of United Methodist Women, May 20-22, 2022
Save the Date for a Virtual Advent Study
Exposure to COVID
A Request from the Kitchen Committee
Upper Room Daily Devotionals
Recycle Empty Inkjet and Laser Printer Cartridges:
Office Hours
TUMC Office hours are 9 am-2 pm Monday through Friday. Remember to follow COVID-19 protocols: show your vaccination card (if not on file); wear masks; sign in when you arrive; and practice social distancing.
Announcements for October 15 – 23
Pastor Joey is on vacation this week. Jerry Wright (The Rev. Dr. Jerome Wright) will be preaching.
Jerry Wright is known to most of us as a choral and orchestral conductor. But he has a churchy side as well. This year he will celebrate the 37th Anniversary of his Ordination to the Ministry (September 14, 1984 – the Feast of the Holy Cross). Jerry is very ecumenical, and loves comparative religion as well as the faith-deepening ministry that church music-making provides. He is enjoying providing supply preaching at Trinity, and loves sharing his theological perspectives with you. We thank Jerry for sharing the message with us this Sunday.
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.
Memorial for Ernie Karger
Ernie had friends and family all over the world. For that reason, and also because of Covid, the family decided to do a Zoom memorial service this Saturday, October 16 (his birthday) at 1:00 pm Mountain Standard Time, so make sure to convert it to our time zone. If you want to share a short memory there will be an opportunity to do so during the service. If you want to share a longer, more detailed eulogy, please let them know ahead of time so they can weave it into the program.
Ernie’s obituary can be read on the site his family created for him at https://everloved.com/life-of/ernest-karger/obituary/?flow=201. Your memories or photos may also be added.
Sunday In-Person Services
Sunday services in the church are at 10 am. COVID safety guidelines are followed: show your vaccination card (if not on file), wear masks; check-in when you arrive; practice social distancing and no singing.
Quilt Signing on Sunday for Bob Rhoads
Please sign the quilt before you go into worship.
Online Recorded Services
The Sunday service is being filmed and available online the next day, Monday.
Harvest Dinner Blessing
The Harvest Blessing Pasties will be available following this Sunday’s worship service. (October 17). The ladies will be standing in the open kitchen window, ready to hand your Pasty to you as you walk by. Please follow social distancing guidelines.
COVID protocols from Pastor Joey
Some folks noticed a chill in the air on Sunday. In this trying time, we have two choices. Call off services in the sanctuary and have the service completely online or have the service in the sanctuary which means that we must keep outside doors open. Folks have asked me if they can bring a quilt. Yes. Can they wear hats and gloves? Yes. Might even want to wear an extra jacket. Also, some will realize that some places in the sanctuary are more protected from the cool air. You might want to come early and find a “warmer” place to sit. This protocol goes along with the others. To worship in the church you must be vaccinated, wear a mask, and be mindful of social distancing. My rationale for this is that COVID kills. Let’s do everything we can to help our church and community through this challenging time. Blessings, Joey
In Consideration of Others
As more people are becoming sensitive to fragrances, please avoid wearing perfumes and using scented lotions if attending in-person worship or meetings at TUMC. Thank you for your thoughtfulness.
October Noisy Can Offering: Sunday, October 31st
As many of you might already know, Jan Kreidler, chair of TUMC’s Missions committee, participated in several mission trips to Africa, and grew to love its land and its people. One of these, the Rev. Dr. Jean Claude Masuka Maleka, whom she met in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2001 when he was working with the youth in Lubumbashi, has now been assigned to the Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) as a Global Ministries Missionary of the United Methodist Church.
He wrote to Jan about a clean water project planned for the village of Gbontegleu which will benefit some 11,300 people, including the school and village clinic. Currently, the village women draw their water from a muddy river some distance away, and carry it on their heads through the jungle. (See the display in the Fellowship Hall.)
While we cannot raise the entire US$23,000, the contributions of many will help to improve the lives of a great number of people by providing clean water. If you would like to support this project, you can make a check out to TUMC and enter in the memo section October NCO; or put cash in an envelope labeled Oct. NCO. All donations, whatever the amount, will be appreciated by so many people!
Notes:
- A display board has been prepared and can be found in the fellowship hall.
- During COVID we are not able to accept coins.
Bookcases and Other Renovation Questions
Please send any inquiries, information, desires about bookcases to Andy Pitts. The trustees are clear about which bookcases go where, which ones go “out” and any other possible questions that you might have about bookcases. This probably would be a good idea for inquiries, information, desires about the renovation, too. I know other folks are involved, but it is possible to have too many folks directing the information pipeline. Blessings, Joey
Let’s give Trinity some TLC!
Come on out to Trinity TLC where we do light maintenance around the church while sharing in fellowship. We meet every two weeks, and our next meeting is Friday, October 15 at 9:30 AM for a couple of hours. We will be cutting grass, doing light maintenance and upkeep, some summertime work, and of course having a cup of coffee and light eats. All are welcome! For more info, call Andy Pitts at 804-724-3401.
The Virtual 21st Assembly of United Methodist Women, May 20-22, 2022
Women reflect on today’s challenges and find comfort and strength to make a difference in the world. Join Assembly 2022 online and Turn It Up for spiritual healing and renewal, rebirth in a new time, women leaders, and justice for women, children, and youth. Virtual attendees get access to all five Community Gatherings, one workshop on Friday and one workshop on Saturday, exclusive behind-the-scenes speaker interviews, and sisterhood networking. See https://assembly2022.org/ for more information and to register. Early bird registration is $199 and ends on November 30, 2021.
World Communion Sunday Special Offering
Thank you to those who contributed a total of $95 to the World Communion Special Offering. Over the years, many gifted people have been marginalized because of ethnicity, financial hardship or other biases. Our shared gifts for this special offering will support scholarships for marginalized students and trainees in their quest to become leaders who embody the mission of The United Methodist Church.
Save the Date for a Virtual Advent Study
Incarnation: Rediscovering the Significance of Christmas, by Adam Hamilton from 3:00-4:40 on Tuesdays from November 30 – December 21, 2021.
In Incarnation: Rediscovering the Significance of Christmas, Adam Hamilton examines the names of Christ used by the gospel writers, exploring the historical and personal significance of his birth. His parents gave him the name Jesus. But the prophets, the shepherds, the wise men, and the angels addressed him by other names. They called him Lord, Messiah, Savior, Emmanuel, Light of the World, and Word Made Flesh. In the face of uncertainty and conflict, Christians reclaim the Christ Child who brings us together, heals our hearts, and calls us to bring light into the darkness. This study invites you to reflect on the significance of the Christ Child for our lives and the world today. To ask questions and get the location, contact Dr. Kathleen Charters at kcharters@mac.com or call 240.463.7598.
Trinity Interior Update
The Paint/Decor/Windows committee of the Trustees has been hard at work and Trinity will soon be getting an interior update, including repainting and re-carpeting the narthex/main hallway, updating furniture, moving bulletin board locations to the new information center, and hanging artwork. A large scrolling announcement TV will make it easy to see what is going on, and a nearby card rack will be installed. The old church bell will be moved outside and once again will be rung on Sundays! The fellowship hall will be repainted and new flooring will be installed and will include an information center with information boards, a card rack, and a table for sign-up sheets. We know this will be high impact, but will be worth the inconvenience so “flexibility by all” will be the watchwords. This is the schedule of work as it currently stands: Painting: October 27-November 5. Flooring and carpeting: November 8-12th.
Where did TUMC’s historic pews go?
Pews from the era of both the 1895 Methodist Community Church and the 1929 Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church were donated to the Olympic Theatre Arts and are now in their Gathering Hall. Before it was the Olympic Theatre Arts building this was the Boys and Girls Club and before that Trinity United Methodist Church (1968) / Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church (1929) / Methodist Community Church (1895).
A Request from the Kitchen Committee
Due to COVID restrictions, we request that you do not donate any items to the kitchen at this time.
Recycle Empty Inkjet and Laser Printer Cartridges:
The recycle container for empty inkjet and laser printer cartridges and used cell phones is now in the church office. Besides helping the environment by recycling, the church is paid for every item donated. Thanks so much for your continued (or new) participation in this program!
Upper Room Daily Devotionals
— for November/December are now available in the Narthex.
Exposure to COVID
If you have been in the church and find out later that you were exposed to COVID prior to being here, please contact Jim Stoffer, 360-775-9356 or jamesstoffer@wavecable.com and the church office, 360-683-5367 or church@sequimtumc.org. There are steps and processes that we will need to take to ensure the health and safety of TUMC and our community.
Office Hours
TUMC Office hours are 9 am-2 pm Monday through Friday. Remember to follow COVID-19 protocols: show your vaccination card (if not on file); wear masks; sign in when you arrive; and practice social distancing.
The church has left the building!
October 7, 2021
During the 1970s, I was one of the many young people who left the church after college. Occasionally I visited a church but did not connect until six years later when I became a part of Christ United Methodist in Plano, Texas. The preacher was theologically deep and relevant to life issues that were meaningful to me. The 1200-member church had multiple ministries and chances for Christian education. I became a part of the choir, helped with the toddlers, and then became a youth counselor. Transformative to my faith was a mission trip that our youth group took to Appalachia under the guidance of the Appalachia Service Project. I realized that church took on another, deeper meaning for me as I was confronted with another culture, poverty, Christian discipleship, and work (that might just matter) with those in need. I do believe that Christian mission is a part of my calling. As I have led groups to Appalachia, Juarez, Guatemala, and to my own community, I have said that we don’t go to show our superiority to people in desperate need. We go to learn what it means to be disciples of Jesus Christ.
John Wesley got in trouble with the Anglican Church (for several reasons) as he declared, “The world is my parish!” Most ministers of his day concentrated strictly on the salvation of souls. His passion for others sent him outside the building. He was banned from preaching in some Anglican churches because he was too enthusiastic. His ministry challenged the social, political, and religious structures to bring about equality for the marginalized. Wow! His work included establishing schools, medical centers, chapels that worked to combat poverty and seek justice for all.
I had the chance recently to chat with Jan Kreidler, the mission chair at Trinity. Her faith journey was renewed years ago during a FaithQuest course where she began to think more about her faith and God. We talked about passion for missions. Hers and mine. I asked her why she cared so much. She said, “It’s important that we give back.” Implied of course is that the Holy One gives us so much. I agree with her that our money matters when we give for others, and that we are still missing a hands-on component that deepens our faith. I could listen to Jan all day as she tells stories from her three visits to the Congo. We will read in this newsletter more from the mission committee about the Noisy Can Offering this month. It is for the Water Project on the Ivory Coast. I hope to have many more conversations with all of you and with Jan about our church which leaves the building in so many ways. Thank you, Jan, for your continuing service as you live out your faith in Christ.
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.
Announcements for October 7-15, 2021
Sunday In-Person Services
Sunday services in the church are at 10 am. COVID safety guidelines are followed: show your vaccination card (if not on file), wear masks; check-in when you arrive; practice social distancing and no singing.
Online Recorded Services
The Sunday service is being recorded and available online the next day, Monday.
COVID protocols from Pastor Joey
Some folks noticed a chill in the air on Sunday. In this trying time, we have two choices. Call off services in the sanctuary and have the service completely online or have the service in the sanctuary which means that we must keep outside doors open. Folks have asked me if they can bring a quilt. Yes. Can they wear hats and gloves? Yes. Might even want to wear an extra jacket. Also, some will realize that some places in the sanctuary are more protected from the cool air. You might want to come early and find a “warmer” place to sit. This protocol goes along with the others. To worship in the church you must be vaccinated, wear a mask, and be mindful of social distancing. My rationale for this is that COVID kills. Let’s do everything we can to help our church and community through this challenging time. Blessings, Joey
In Consideration of Others
As more people are becoming sensitive to fragrances, please avoid wearing perfumes and using scented lotions if attending in-person worship or meetings at Trinity. Thank you for your thoughtfulness.
World Communion Sunday Special Offering
Last Sunday we celebrated our unity and participated together in Holy Communion on World Communion Sunday. Over the years, many gifted people have been marginalized because of ethnicity, financial hardship or other biases. Our shared gifts for this special offering will support scholarships for marginalized students and trainees in their quest to become leaders who embody the mission of The United Methodist Church. (Paraphrased from UM resources) Note: We have extended the opportunity to give to this special offering for one more Sunday.
Leadership Institute
If you are participating in the Leadership Institute, please email Joey. She would like to plan a follow-up after she returns from her week off.
Last Chance to Get Free Library Books!
This Sunday will be the last day to take advantage of the free books in the library. All must go! Whatever is left will go to the Sequim Library for their Book Sale, the unsuitable ones taken to the dump.
Harvest Dinner Blessing
Another year with COVID-19 is challenging us to be creative. This year we will focus on the blessing of Fall Harvest, providing Cornish pasties to take home following the worship service, Sunday, October 17.
The entree-size pasties are a pastry filled with meat (ground beef) and vegetables. A vegetarian version will be available. Sign-up for the pasties can be done in the fellowship hall this Sunday, October 10, or by phoning Jan Kreidler at (360) 681-5027 (please leave your name and number if no answer), or by email, janet2kreidler@gmail.com by October 11.
Many thanks to our generous donors! We had hoped for $200 in donations to cover the cost of the ingredients. This past Sunday, we received $220! So … the donation cards will not be put out this coming Sunday! We still are taking RSVPs until October 11.
October Noisy Can Offering: Sunday, October 31st
This Noisy Can Offering will support a clean water project for the village of Gbontegleu, Côte d’Ivoire. Water affects the health of many people. The new water tower will have a capacity of 8,000 gallons and will benefit approximately 11,300 people, including the school and the village clinic. (The currency rate 555.00 Franc CFA = $1 US.) The cost is 12,950,000 Franc CFA / $23,000 USD. This is a project of Rev. Dr. Jean Claude Masuka Maleka who is assigned to Côte d’Ivoire as a Global Ministries Missionary of the United Methodist Church. If you would like to make a contribution to help improve lives with clean water, please issue a check to Trinity UMC and enter in the memo section October NCO … or put cash in an envelope labeled Oct. NC). Thank you for whatever donations you choose to make.
Notes:
- A display board has been prepared and can be found in the fellowship hall.
- During COVID we are not able to accept coins.
Bookcases and Other Renovation Questions
Please send any inquiries, information, desires about bookcases to Andy Pitts. The trustees are clear about which bookcases go where, which ones go “out” and any other possible questions that you might have about bookcases. This probably would be a good idea for inquiries, information, and desires about the renovation, too. I know other folks are involved, but it is possible to have too many folks directing the information pipeline. Blessings, Joey
Let’s give Trinity some TLC!
Come on out to Trinity TLC where we do light maintenance around the church while sharing in fellowship. We meet every two weeks, and our next meeting is Friday, October 15 at 9:30 AM for a couple of hours. We will be cutting grass, doing light maintenance and upkeep, some summertime work, and of course having a cup of coffee and light eats. All are welcome! For more info, call Andy Pitts at 804-724-3401.
The Virtual 21st Assembly of United Methodist Women, May 20-22, 2022
Women reflect on today’s challenges and find comfort and strength to make a difference in the world. Join Assembly 2022 online and Turn It Up for spiritual healing and renewal, rebirth in a new time, women leaders, and justice for women, children and youth. Virtual attendees get access to all five Community Gatherings, one workshop on Friday and one workshop on Saturday, exclusive behind-the-scenes speaker interviews, and sisterhood networking. See https://assembly2022.org/ for more information and to register. Early bird registration is $199 and ends on November 30, 2021.
Save the Date for a Virtual Advent Study
Incarnation: Rediscovering the Significance of Christmas, by Adam Hamilton from 3:00-4:40 on Tuesdays from November 30 – December 21, 2021.
In Incarnation: Rediscovering the Significance of Christmas, Adam Hamilton examines the names of Christ used by the gospel writers, exploring the historical and personal significance of his birth. His parents gave him the name Jesus. But the prophets, the shepherds, the wise men, and the angels addressed him by other names. They called him Lord, Messiah, Savior, Emmanuel, Light of the World, and Word Made Flesh. In the face of uncertainty and conflict, Christians reclaim the Christ Child who brings us together, heals our hearts, and calls us to bring light into the darkness. This study invites you to reflect on the significance of the Christ Child for our lives and the world today. To ask questions and get the location, contact Dr. Kathleen Charters at kcharters@mac.com or call 240.463.7598.
Trinity Interior Update
The Paint/Decor/Windows committee of the Trustees has been hard at work and Trinity will soon be getting an interior update, including repainting and re-carpeting the narthex/main hallway, updating furniture, moving bulletin board locations to the new information center, and hanging artwork. A large scrolling announcement TV will make it easy to see what is going on, and a nearby card rack will be installed. The old church bell will be moved outside and once again will be rung on Sundays! The fellowship hall will be repainted and new flooring will be installed and will include an information center with information boards, a card rack, and a table for sign-up sheets. We know this will be high impact, but will be worth the inconvenience so “flexibility by all” will be the watchwords. This is the schedule of work as it currently stands: Painting: October 27-November 5. Flooring and carpeting: November 8-12th.
A Request from the Kitchen Committee
Due to COVID restrictions, we request that you do not donate any items to the kitchen at this time.
Recycle Empty Inkjet and Laser Printer Cartridges:
The recycle container for empty inkjet and laser printer cartridges and used cell phones is now in the church office. Besides helping the environment by recycling, the church is paid for every item donated. Thanks so much for your continued (or new) participation in this program!
Exposure to COVID
If you have been in the church and find out later that you were exposed to COVID prior to being here, please contact Jim Stoffer, 360-775-9356, or jamesstoffer@wavecable.com and the church office, 360-683-5367 or church@sequimtumc.org. There are steps and processes that we will need to take to ensure the health and safety of TUMC and our community.
Office Hours
TUMC Office hours are 9 am-2 pm Monday through Friday. Remember to follow COVID-19 protocols: show your vaccination card (if not on file); wear masks; sign in when you arrive; and practice social distancing.
Here I Am, Lord, in ASL
On Sunday, September 26, 2021, the Trinity Praising Hands Choir sang “Here I Am Lord” (words and music by Dan Schutte) in American Sign Language (ASL). Here is the video of that performance. Dr. Kathleen Charters (left) and Rae Walz are the performers.
If you wish to see a larger version, click on the YouTube logo to see it directly on YouTube.
Announcements for September 30 – October 9, 2021
Sunday In-Person Services
Sunday services in the church are at 10 am. COVID safety guidelines are followed: show your vaccination card (if not on file), wear masks; check-in when you arrive; practice social distancing and no singing.
Quilt Signing This Sunday
For Marian Warning as she begins cancer care. Please sign the quilt before you go into worship.
OnLine Recorded Services
The Sunday service is being recorded and available online the next day, Monday.
World Communion Sunday Special Offering – October 3, 2021
On October 3, 2021, we will celebrate our unity and participate together in Holy Communion on World Communion Sunday. Over the years, many gifted people have been marginalized because of ethnicity, financial hardship, or other biases. Our shared gifts for this special offering will support scholarships for marginalized students and trainees in their quest to become leaders who embody the mission of The United Methodist Church. (Paraphrased from UM resources)
Leadership Institute
If you are participating in the Leadership Institute, please email Joey. She would like to plan a follow-up after she returns from her week off.
Harvest Dinner Blessing
Another year with COVID19 is challenging us to be creative. This year we will focus on the blessing of Fall Harvest, providing Cornish pasties to take home following the worship service, Sunday, October 17.
The entree-size pasties are a pastry filled with meat (ground beef) and vegetables. A vegetarian version will be available.
Sign-up for the pasties can be done in the fellowship hall this Sunday, October 3, or by phoning Jan Kreidler at (360) 681-5027 (please leave your name and number if no answer), or by email, janet2kreidler@gmail.com by October 11.
Many thanks to our generous donors! We had hoped for $200 in donations to cover the cost of the ingredients. This past Sunday, we received $220! So … the donation cards will not be put out this coming Sunday! We still are taking RSVPs until 11 October.
Let’s give Trinity some TLC!
Come on out to Trinity TLC where we do light maintenance around the church while sharing in fellowship. We meet every two weeks, and our next meeting is tomorrow, Friday, October 1 at 9:30 AM for a couple of hours. We will be cutting grass, doing light maintenance and upkeep, some summertime work, and of course having a cup of coffee and light eats. All are welcome! For more info, call Andy Pitts at 804-724-3401.
Powerful Tools for Caregivers
One of the greatest challenges of being a family caregiver is maintaining one’s own physical and emotional health. The Powerful Tools for Caregivers class is designed to: help a caregiver reduce personal stress; communicate feelings and needs; use community services; deal with emotions such as anger, guilt, and depression; and make tough caregiving decisions. This six-week class will be offered again at TUMC on Tuesdays, 10 am to 12:30 pm, beginning Oct. 5 and ending Nov. 9. The fee is $30, which covers the cost of the book. If interested in attending, please register for the class by October 3 by calling Judy Croonquist 360-582-1370 or Barb Parse 360-683-2113.
Free library books!
It is with mixed feelings that I write this. Sad because it brings to a close a place many of us hold dear, a library; and joy because of the opportunity for many people to own some special books of their own. The time has come to close TUMC’s library. A part of the church for so long, it has ceased to be something that is useful to more than a handful of people per year.
Soooo . . . everyone can come to the library for the next couple of weeks and take home as many books as they like. Drop by the church during the week! Bring a friend! It would be great to clear out most of the books, sending them off to good homes. The final Sunday will be October 10th.
The Virtual 21st Assembly of United Methodist Women, May 20-22, 2022
Women reflect on today’s challenges and find comfort and strength to make a difference in the world. Join Assembly 2022 online and Turn It Up for spiritual healing and renewal, rebirth in a new time, women leaders, and justice for women, children, and youth. Virtual attendees get access to all five Community Gatherings, one workshop on Friday and one workshop on Saturday, exclusive behind-the-scenes speaker interviews, and sisterhood networking. See https://assembly2022.org/ for more information and to register. Early bird registration is $199 and ends on November 30, 2021.
Save the Date for a Virtual Advent Study
Incarnation: Rediscovering the Significance of Christmas by Adam Hamilton from 3:00-4:40 on Tuesdays from November 30 – December 21, 2021.
In Incarnation: Rediscovering the Significance of Christmas, Adam Hamilton examines the names of Christ used by the gospel writers, exploring the historical and personal significance of his birth. His parents gave him the name Jesus. But the prophets, the shepherds, the wise men, and the angels addressed him by other names. They called him Lord, Messiah, Savior, Emmanuel, Light of the World, and Word Made Flesh. In the face of uncertainty and conflict, Christians reclaim the Christ Child who brings us together, heals our hearts, and calls us to bring light into the darkness. This study invites you to reflect on the significance of the Christ Child for our lives and world today. To ask questions and get the location, contact Dr. Kathleen Charters at kcharters@mac.com or call 240.463.7598.
Building Major Update
Trinity will soon be getting a major update in our narthex and main hallway and fellowship hall! For several months the Decorating Committee has been in planning and estimating mode. This involved no fewer than four large meetings of Trustees, church leadership, and the Pastor and Ad Council to work through the concepts and details, and we are happy to report that the project was approved at the last meeting of the Ad Council and we are at the point of contracting with the painting and flooring/carpeting companies.
The upgrade will include repainting and re-carpeting the narthex/main hallway, updating some of the furniture, moving some bulletin board locations to the new information center (read on for what that is) and hanging artwork here and there. A large scrolling announcement TV (donated to us) will be installed to make it easy to see what is going on around Trinity, and a more visible card rack for cards, flyers, and other handouts will be installed. The old church bell, which is somewhat hidden in the old steeple foundation “closet” will be moved to the outside and once again will be rung on Sundays thanks to some generous donations for that purpose.
The fellowship hall and adjacent room will be repainted and new flooring will be installed so that the entire area is one type of flooring. As we have found checkouts from our library are very infrequent, we plan to remove the books and shelves to make that side of the room a bit larger for meetings. The other side of that room, the one with the TV, will house an information center with bulletin boards, card racks, and so forth to consolidate information we want to put out as well as providing a location for the various sign-up sheets we generate.
We will also reduce the number of pews we kept from the former church buildings to only the oldest one, and we are actively soliciting local historical venues and secondarily non-local venues to use the other five old pews we have, two of which are in storage.
The financial costs will be covered by a combination of current year Trustee Capital Improvement budget monies previously requested for this purpose, undesignated donations to the memorial fund, and the balance from the Trinity Capital Improvement Fund which has been built up over the years for purposes such as this.
This is the schedule of work as it currently stands:
Painting: October 27-November 5. We would like to caution building users that on the 25th and 26th we will need to get the last items out of the way before the painters arrive, so there may be some disruptions. Also, at some point before the painting starts, Burton Flooring will have to remove the rubber baseboards from all the affected spaces, so perhaps some disruption to meetings will be unavoidable. Once the painting starts, the painters will really clobber the hallway and fellowship hall, so meetings in the fellowship hall may not be possible. Then the flooring and carpeting (if all goes well with the painting) will be put down November 8-12th. Again, this will be high impact, but we will attempt to determine when each space is to be worked so we might still be able to use the fellowship hall at least part of that time. “Flexibility by all” will be the watchword.
A Request from the Kitchen Committee
Due to COVID restrictions, we request that you do not donate any items to the kitchen at this time.
Recycle Empty Inkjet and Laser Printer Cartridges:
The recycle container for empty inkjet and laser printer cartridges and used cell phones is now in the church office. Besides helping the environment by recycling, the church is paid for every item donated. Thanks so much for your continued (or new) participation in this program!
Exposure to COVID
If you have been in the church and find out later that you were exposed to COVID prior to being here, please contact Jim Stoffer, 360-775-9356 or jamesstoffer@wavecable.com and the church office, 360-683-5367 or church@sequimtumc.org. There are steps and processes that we will need to take to ensure the health and safety of TUMC and our community.
Office Hours
TUMC Office hours are 9 am-2 pm Monday through Friday. Remember to follow COVID-19 protocols: wear masks; sign in when you arrive; and practice social distancing.
100 S. Blake Avenue / Mailing: P. O. Box 3697, Sequim, WA 98382
Phone: 360-683-5367 / E-mail: church@sequimtumc.org
Pastoral care
September 30, 2021
From Pastor Joey
My first introduction to pastoral care did not come from the pastor. I was new to a congregation in Plano, Texas, when my dad died. When I returned from his memorial service, someone rang the doorbell. I opened the door and a lady from my church stood there with a casserole snuggled in oven mitts. It took a while for me to comprehend that my personal loss mattered to the people in my church. They cared for me, prayed for me. The pastor was part of the care, but many other folks were part of a powerful team.
As a pastor, I ask the question, “What is the spiritual significance of pastoral care?” I believe that pastoral care is always relational, beginning with our relationship with the Holy One who is our shepherd and restores our souls. Remembering “what a friend we have in Jesus.” Realizing that as God takes care of us, he invites us to “pass it on!”
During times of loss, illness, disorientation, people often experience a sense of separation from God and others. The ones distressed hunger for compassion, connection, hope. This is the task of pastoral care. I can attest that I must attend to my own need for healing before I can be of service to others. In my own life, this has involved worship, prayer, therapy, small group connection with other Christians, continued study of God’s Holy Word.
I also learned from my mother. As a child in the Presbyterian Church, she would often take my sisters and me to “visit.” That was my introduction to senior ministry. The Badges (both with beautiful white hair), the Buckalews (my Sunday school teacher, now a shut-in), Miss Levine (wheelchair-bound in a nursing home).
As an interim minister, I have joined our pastoral care team. Pauline Olsen and Kathleen Charters have done a remarkable job of keeping the hearth fires burning during Covid and unexpected transition. As I joined the team, I realized I need someone to help me coordinate my work. I chose Gay Lyn Lillagore, “the energizer worker-bee!” She is helping me organize the work for visits, phone calls, and connections. She will coordinate with Kathleen and Pauline to see that we are as effective as possible.
I consider pastoral care one of the front lines of the church’s ministry. Most calls come directly to me or to Marian Needham, the church’s effective, efficient office manager/bookkeeper. Then someone on the team begins the care. It will take several more articles to describe the extensive care network of the congregation, beginning with Lois’s Legacy, on to neighborhood group leaders, and much more. It is our hope and goal to serve God, our community, and the church with compassion that spreads throughout the land. May God bless you and keep you safe.
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.
Announcements for September 23 – October 2, 2021
Renewed Worship Restriction
Due to the recent spike in COVID-19 cases in the county, and my concern for the health of our congregation and community, I am asking for renewed restrictions for worship. I am asking that those attending in person be vaccinated and make a reservation through the church office. Many have already submitted copies of their vaccination card. If you plan to attend worship and your card is not on record, please submit them when you come on Sunday. At present, there is no need to have extra seating in the Fellowship Hall. After four Sundays, I will reassess the situation to see if these restrictions continue. Please plan to wear masks and stay socially distanced. I did not make this decision lightly, and I consulted with key leaders in the process. I can see that what is foremost in everyone’s thoughts is that we do our best to keep the congregation safe.
Blessings, Pastor Joey
Sunday In-Person Services
Sunday services in the church are at 10 am. (COVID safety guidelines are followed: wear masks; check-in when you arrive; practice social distancing and no singing.)
Online Recorded Services
The Sunday service is being recorded and available online the next day, Monday.
A Request from the Kitchen Committee
Due to COVID restrictions, we request that you do not donate any items to the kitchen at this time.
A Few Fun Facts from Pastor Joey
Okay, they’re just facts.
- Using the church email pastorjoeyoffice@sequimtumc.org ensures that I can read your email on my home and office computers.
- If you have information for Tuesday, Monday is too late to send it. I teach Disciple Bible study until 8 p.m. and do not check email after that.
- During my retirement, I shoved a lot of church processes to the back universe of my mind. It is slowly coming forward—but mistakes and missteps will happen. Help me to laugh at myself.
- I have been meeting with a lot, a lot, a lot of church leaders. We are truly blessed with this outstanding group of people who take responsibility, care deeply about their church and their faith, and work hard for the greatest good.
- I will be attending the Leadership Institute/Church of the Resurrection (online) Wednesday afternoon through Friday morning.
Blessings, Joey
Harvest Dinner Blessing
Another year with COVID-19 is challenging us to be creative. This year we will focus on the blessing of Fall Harvest, providing Cornish pasties to take home following the worship service, Sunday, October 17.
The entree-size pasties are a pastry filled with meat (ground beef) and vegetables. A vegetarian version will be available.
Sign-up for the pasties can be done in the fellowship hall on two Sundays, September 26 and October 3, or by phoning Jan Kreidler at (360) 681-5027 (please leave your name and number if no answer), or by email, janet2kreidler@gmail.com by October 11.
$5 donation cards will be available in the fellowship hall starting this Sunday to help with the purchase of ingredients. The pasties will be prepared in the church kitchen by members of the Harvest Dinner Committee.
Leadership Institute 2021
Join us September 29 – October 1, 2021, for the Leadership Institute 2021. The Church of the Resurrection’s aim is to equip, strengthen and inspire you in your leadership, preparing you for a new season of ministry marked by unity, clarity of vision, and a call to love extravagantly. Adam Hamilton will open the Leadership Institute with Worship on Wednesday, September 29 at 4:30 p.m. All General Sessions and Breakout Workshops will be available for On-Demand Replay through the Online Experience platform for 6 months after the event. (Note: The replay for the Keynote Session with Bob Goff is limited to 30 days after the event.)
See https://leadership.sharechurch.com/attend-leadership-institute-online/ for more information, the schedule, and to register. Individual registration is $99. The Education Committee has limited funds available for scholarships to this institute. Contact Melody, (360) 461-5595 to request financial assistance.
Let’s give Trinity some TLC!
Come on out to Trinity TLC where we do light maintenance around the church while sharing in fellowship. We meet every two weeks, and our next meeting is Friday, October 1 at 9:30 AM for a couple hours. We will be cutting grass, doing light maintenance and upkeep, some summertime work, and of course having a cup of coffee and light eats. All are welcome! For more info, call Andy Pitts at 804-724-3401.
Powerful Tools for Caregivers
One of the greatest challenges of being a family caregiver is maintaining one’s own physical and emotional health. The Powerful Tools for Caregivers class is designed to: help a caregiver reduce personal stress; communicate feelings and needs; use community services; deal with emotions such as anger, guilt, and depression; and make tough caregiving decisions. This six-week class will be offered again at TUMC on Tuesdays, 10 am to 12:30 pm, beginning Oct. 5 and ending Nov. 9. The fee is $30, which covers the cost of the book. If interested in attending, please register for the class by Oct. 1 by calling Judy Croonquist 360-582-1370 or Barb Parse 360-683-2113.
United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) –
Disaster Response and Recovery: UMCOR works with local partners on the ground in relief and recovery efforts in areas affected by disasters. As you know, Haiti is trying to recover from a major earthquake. The West Coast is battling huge and multiple wildfires. The South and East Coasts have been hit with devastating hurricanes. By giving to UMCOR’s Advance #901670, 100% of your funds will be allocated specifically for disaster response efforts within the United States and its territories. If you would like to help, you can write a check to Trinity UMC, indicating UMCOR / Advance #901670.
Free library books!
It is with mixed feelings that I write this. Sad because it brings to a close a place many of us hold dear, a library; and joy because of the opportunity for many people to own some special books of their own. The time has come to close TUMC’s library. A part of the church for so long, it has ceased to be something that is useful to more than a handful of people per year.
Soooo . . . everyone can come to the library for the next couple of weeks and take home as many books as they like. Drop by the church during the week! Bring a friend! It would be great to clear out most of the books, sending them off to good homes. The final Sunday will be October 10th.
Save the Date for a Virtual Advent Study
Incarnation: Rediscovering the Significance of Christmas by Adam Hamilton from 3:00-4:40 on Tuesdays from November 30 – December 21, 2021.
In Incarnation: Rediscovering the Significance of Christmas, Adam Hamilton examines the names of Christ used by the gospel writers, exploring the historical and personal significance of his birth. His parents gave him the name Jesus. But the prophets, the shepherds, the wise men, and the angels addressed him by other names. They called him Lord, Messiah, Savior, Emmanuel, Light of the World, and Word Made Flesh. In the face of uncertainty and conflict, Christians reclaim the Christ Child who brings us together, heals our hearts, and calls us to bring light into the darkness. This study invites you to reflect on the significance of the Christ-child for our lives and the world today. To ask questions and get the location, contact Dr. Kathleen Charters at kcharters@mac.com or call 240.463.7598.
The Virtual 21st Assembly of United Methodist Women, May 20-22, 2022
Women reflect on today’s challenges and find comfort and strength to make a difference in the world. Join Assembly 2022 online and Turn It Up for spiritual healing and renewal, rebirth in a new time, women leaders, and justice for women, children, and youth. Virtual attendees get access to all five Community Gatherings, one workshop on Friday and one workshop on Saturday, exclusive behind-the-scenes speaker interviews, and sisterhood networking. See https://assembly2022.org/ for more information and to register. Early bird registration is $199 and ends on November 30, 2021.
Building Major Update
Trinity will soon be getting a major update in our narthex and main hallway and fellowship hall! For several months the Decorating Committee has been in planning and estimating mode. This involved no fewer than four large meetings of Trustees, church leadership, and the Pastor and Ad Council to work through the concepts and details, and we are happy to report that the project was approved at the last meeting of the Ad Council and we are at the point of contracting with the painting and flooring/carpeting companies.
The upgrade will include repainting and re-carpeting the narthex/main hallway, updating some of the furniture, moving some bulletin board locations to the new information center (read on for what that is), and hanging artwork here and there. A large scrolling announcement TV (donated to us) will be installed to make it easy to see what is going on around Trinity, and a more visible card rack for cards, flyers, and other handouts will be installed. The old church bell, which is somewhat hidden in the old steeple foundation “closet” will be moved to the outside and once again will be rung on Sundays thanks to some generous donations for that purpose.
The fellowship hall and adjacent room will be repainted and new flooring will be installed so that the entire area is one type of flooring. As we have found checkouts from our library are very infrequent, we plan to remove the books and shelves to make that side of the room a bit larger for meetings. The other side of that room, the one with the TV, will house an information center with bulletin boards, card racks, and so forth to consolidate information we want to put out as well as providing a location for the various sign-up sheets we generate.
We will also reduce the number of pews we kept from the former church buildings to only the oldest one, and we are actively soliciting local historical venues and secondarily non-local venues to use the other five old pews we have, two of which are in storage.
The financial costs will be covered by a combination of current year Trustee Capital Improvement budget monies previously requested for this purpose, undesignated donations to the memorial fund, and the balance from the Trinity Capital Improvement Fund which has been built up over the years for purposes such as this.
This is the schedule of work as it currently stands:
Painting: October 27-November 5. We would like to caution building users that on the 25th and 26th we will need to get the last items out of the way before the painters arrive, so there may be some disruptions. Also, at some point before the painting starts, Burton Flooring will have to remove the rubber baseboards from all the affected spaces, so perhaps some disruption to meetings will be unavoidable. Once the painting starts, the painters will really clobber the hallway and fellowship hall, so meetings in the fellowship hall may not be possible. Then the flooring and carpeting (if all goes well with the painting) will be put down November 8-12th. Again, this will be high impact, but we will attempt to determine when each space is to be worked so we might still be able to use the fellowship hall at least part of that time. “Flexibility by all” will be the watchword.
Exposure to COVID-19
If you have been in the church and find out later that you were exposed to COVID prior to being here, please contact Jim Stoffer, 360-775-9356, or jamesstoffer@wavecable.com and the church office, 360-683-5367, or church@sequimtumc.org. There are steps and processes that we will need to take to ensure the health and safety of TUMC and our community.
Office Hours
TUMC Office hours are 9 am-2 pm Monday through Friday. Remember to follow COVID-19 protocols: wear masks; sign in when you arrive; and practice social distancing.
100 S. Blake Avenue / Mailing: P. O. Box 3697, Sequim, WA 98382
Phone: 360-683-5367 / E-mail: church@sequimtumc.org
Lessons on conflict
September 23, 2021
From Pastor Joey
While enjoying my retirement, I have been writing a book and taking classes on writing a novel. One lesson I enjoyed was the one on conflict in a story. The essence of the lesson might be that stories without conflict are boring. I must say that now I am gainfully unretired, I can assure you that Trinity UMC is not boring. Our church family, aka the motley crew, is ripe with fascinating characters, vivid plot lines, and yes—our share of conflict. We are not boring!
The problem with conflict is that it can be destructive if it festers. If it is eternally unresolved. If it becomes mean. So, is there a healthy way to be in conflict? This is not a rhetorical question.
Let me give a personal example. When Ole and I got married, we enjoyed the honeymoon phase. Then the reality of an ongoing relationship, true love, and day-by-day living set in. During one disagreement, I did my passive-aggressive thing of getting mad and then distancing myself. Ole said, “Honey, you have to learn to fight.” Six months later, he put both arms out—palms forward in surrender, and said, “Okay. You’ve learned to fight.” Even then we learned that it is not as easy as it sounds.
Here are personal things I have learned:
- Leaving issues unresolved can be toxic.
- Sometimes it helps to have a third person to be the neutral listener and feedback person.
- Listening is a skill that can be learned. This doesn’t make it easy. Even mastering “I” messages is not easy. (I think that you are…is not an “I” message. I feel… I think. It is my perception…are nice beginnings).
- My worldview is not the only worldview in the family. Just because someone has a different view, doesn’t make it wrong. A dysfunctional worldview embraces black and white thinking, blaming, seeking allies when one on one communication is needed.
- Jesus invites us to be and become the body of Christ. The disciples role model that relationship is not easy. They misunderstood him (You are the Messiah—but what is this die and be raised stuff?), argued with him (do we really have to stay and feed these people?), betrayed him (Peter in the courtyard—the rooster crows). And yet they became his message of everlasting love and kindness which echoes to this day.
Let us know that conflict is unavoidable. That we are blest with dedicated church leaders who invite us into healthy relationships. As pastor, I look forward to being one of the leaders of this most definitely non-boring congregation.
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.