Announcements for December 29, 2021 – January 8, 2022

Holiday Office Hours at Trinity

The church office will close at 1 pm December 30 and will be closed all day December 31 for New Year’s Eve. Pastor Joey will not be in the office from December 27 through 31. For pastoral emergencies during this time please call the church office.

Take Extra Caution During Icy Weather

Please be extra careful when walking around/into the church. The Trustees are monitoring the ice and snow, but new patches occur. We don’t want anyone to slip and fall!

Conference Connection

As our congregation wakes up from COVID-19, I have been noticing the need for renewed volunteers in several areas. Our sound tech group is especially slim. I contacted Rev. David Valera, Executive Director of Connectional Ministries, asking for help from the conference.

Tuesday, December 14th, Pastor Joey, Ken Lillagore, and Jim Stoffer met with David via Zoom. During the meeting, David began assessing the congregation’s needs for people, training, and most of all vision for this important ministry in our church. He and his team will continue to assess our needs and make recommendations for ways that the conference can offer support when he comes to Trinity next month. This resource is offered without charge (as David says—your apportionments at work!)

So here is the first recruitment call. Are there a few folks who are curious, ready to learn something new, up for a challenge? If you are someone who might want to work with David and Ken to serve on our tech team, please contact Pastor Joey, Ken, or Jim. (No tech experience required.)

I thank God for this new resource and for all those who serve in so many ways in our congregation.

Grace and peace, Pastor Joey

Thank You!

From Pastor Joey & Ole

Thanks so much for all the Christmas cheer sent our way. On Christmas Eve I think we brought home several hundred calories in the form of sweets. It is a joy to be a part of this loving congregation. May we have a blessed New Year as we spread God’s love throughout the land.

Grace and peace, Pastor Joey & Ole

Christmas card from Morningside’s program director—Jon Toliver:

To: Marsha Chatfield & Trustees & Trinity United Methodist Church

Thank you for employing Nicholas and for your generous donation to Morningside. We are so grateful for partners such as you.

Jon Toliver

Christmas Eve Offering to Benefit Nepal

Thank you for your donations to the ministry of Katherine Parker in Nepal. Your most generous donations totaling over $2,200 will go to the care and assistance of disabled Nepali people.

There is a display in our new Information Center (located just inside / left of the fellowship hall) that shares additional details, as well as biographical info on Katherine Parker.

Weekly Letter/Newsletter Update

In January we will be going to two letters. Then starting in February we will be back to our once-a-month Circuit Rider. For those who have newsletter articles for the Circuit Rider, please submit them to the church office by email by the 20th of the month.

Sunday In-Person Services

Sunday services in the church are at 10 am. Current COVID-19 Protocol: The following safety guidelines are still in effect: show your vaccination card (if not on file), wear masks; check-in when you arrive; practice social distancing and no congregational singing.

A Little Music!

Trinity has been given the go-ahead for singing from soloists and ensembles.

Let us all give thanks for this small step forward.

Safety Ministries

Welcome to our newest member of the Ad Council—Safety Ministries. The purpose of this committee is for the overall care of the congregation and the security of the building. It will provide oversight to the safety and security team already in place. The committee consists of Ken Lillagore, chair, and members Dave Croonquist, Laurie Kern, Jim Stoffer, Cynthia Zenner, and the pastor.

Women’s Monday Morning Bible Study

Our group has just completed our current book and we are taking a brief break. We will resume on Monday, January 10, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. Our next study book will be “Simon Peter — Flawed but Faithful Disciple” by Adam Hamilton. If you are interested in joining us, would like more information, or would like a copy of the book ordered for you, please contact Barb Parse (bparse@wavecable.com) or Jan Kreidler (janet2.kreidler@gmail.com). Books will be ordered on December 20th. Note: we social distance and wear masks!

Online Recorded Services

The Sunday service is being recorded and available online the next day, Monday.

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!

Save the date! Relax and renew yourself in Christ!

“Right Here Right Now: The Practice of Christian Mindfulness” by Amy Oden. This is a study and practice group starting Thursday, February 17th at noon, 6 weeks, on Zoom. Call Melody Romeo, 360-461-5595. It is okay to repeat this group! Offered by TUMC Christian Education committee.

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, January 7 at 9:30 AM for a couple of hours. We will be doing light maintenance and upkeep, doing jobs that need doing, and of course, having a cup of coffee and light eats. All are welcome! For more info, call Andy Pitts at 804-724-3401.

Helping in times of disasters

We recently have seen devastating disasters in the news, some fairly local, some within our country, and often some in other countries. If you would like to help by sending funds, you can issue a check to TUMC, writing one of these Advance Numbers in the memo section:

Pacific NW Conf. Disaster Fund — Advance #352
UMCOR US Disaster & Recovery — Advance #901670, or
UMCOR International Disaster Response — Advance #982450

The Sequim Food Bank

They are currently accepting feminine hygiene products and baby products. Also needed are cans and shelf-stable low-sodium soups, low-sugar cereals, macaroni and cheese boxes, and various condiments (i.e. ketchup, mustard, etc.). If you would like to donate any of the above items, you may bring them to the church and place them in the food container near the table at the front door. Note: Please donate only the items that are listed above. Thank you for caring!

Home Maintenance Funds Are Still Available

TUMC Missions Ministry has funds available to help folks with necessary home maintenance projects. Please let your friends and neighbors know that this is not just limited to the TUMC congregation. It is truly “neighbors helping neighbors.” This might include basic home repairs, yard cleanup, ramps, grab bars and other in-home needs. One household could receive one grant per year with a maximum of up to $500. Confidential requests will go through Lois’s Legacy. Contact Senior Ministries Office 360-683-4307 for further information.

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.

Announcements for November 18 – 26, 2021

Sunday In-Person Services

Sunday services in the church are at 10 am.

Current COVID-19 Protocol

We are going to Code Yellow and the outside doors to the sanctuary will now be closed. The following Safety guidelines are still in effect: 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.

The Spiritual Practice of Reading the Hymns

Unfortunately, or should I say tragically, COVID is still around. It still makes folks desperately sick. It still kills. Clallam County, which seemed to avoid the worst at the beginning of the pandemic, is digressing. Dr. Berry (Peninsula Daily News, Tuesday) says “We’re still seeing quite a bit of transmission, and we are at a risky time…. Clallam County is in the high-risk category with case rates more than 75 per 100,000 for the past two weeks.”

Why am I repeating what you already know? The answer is that many of us are literally begging to be able to sing in church again. Our Conference guideline for singing in church recommends that the County have more than 1 but less than 5 new cases to be safe to sing indoors. It might be possible to blame the “dad-gum” Methodist system for our lack of singing, but in truth, the cause is the rate of new infection caused partly by those who will not get vaccinated.

So, I invite us to continue the spiritual practice of reading the hymns. Meditate on the words as the music fills our hearts. Please know that we will not have singing police. If a song bursts forth from your heart (under your mask), then God bless you! I join with other leaders in our congregation whose priority during this time is to do what we can to keep all of us safe and well.

We do have hymnbooks back in the sanctuary if reading the screen does not work for you. To check the Conference website for Covid protocols and other Methodist-y stuff, go to the  Pacific Northwest Conference website.

So, what gets us through these gloomy times? Our faith in God, our love for one another, our mission to spread the love of Jesus throughout the land. I am happy to be in this journey with you. I hope to see you soon!

Blessings, Joey

Notice for both Disciple classes

Our Joseph celebration will be Monday, December 6 at 1 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. You may bring Covid appropriate snacks!

Stewardship Letter and Pledge Card

Watch for your stewardship letter and pledge card on Sunday morning. Please pick yours up and save the church a stamp. If you can’t make it to church, it will be mailed to you.

No Ad Council Meeting this Sunday!

As there is no church business requiring action by the Council, the regularly scheduled Administrative Council meeting for this Sunday, November 21, is canceled. Look for the next one after church on December 19th.

Two Quilt Signings this Sunday

For Mike Griswold and for Margaret Preston. Please sign before going into the sanctuary for worship.

TUMC Annual Reports for 2021

The Trinity United Methodist annual reports are available in the church office during the week and will be out on the table on Sunday for anyone who is interested in picking one up.

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!

Trinity Interior Update Work Schedule – November 18 – 24

Painting is completed! This is the schedule of work remaining:

Flooring and carpeting: November 15-18 & 22-24.

Please note access to the church below

    • Flooring in Fellowship Hall Nov. 15, 16, 17, 18 (Front doors open)
    • Carpet installation in hallway Nov. 22, 23, 24 (Front doors will be CLOSED) 
Use the Education wing door or back door by Pauline’s office.
    • Signs will direct people to which doors to use.

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, November 26 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 Sequim Food Bank

They are currently accepting fresh garden & farm produce as well as feminine hygiene products and baby products. Also needed are cans and shelf-stable low-sodium soups, low-sugar cereals, macaroni and cheese boxes, and various condiments (i.e. ketchup, mustard, etc.). If you would like to donate any of the above items, you may bring them to the church and place them in the food container near the table at the front door. Note: Please donate only the items that are listed above. Thank you for caring!

Opportunity to Serve Our Community!

We have been asked to again partner with the Sequim Food Bank, CERT, and the City of Sequim to distribute the Holiday Food Boxes. The Christmas Food Box Give-away will be Friday, December 17 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. As we did last time, some of us will be staging our guests in our TUMC parking lot before directing them to Carrie Blake Park for the food boxes. This will involve standing most of the time; it is recommended that volunteers wear sturdy shoes and bring a lawn chair for sitting during the occasional quiet times. Some TUMC volunteers also helped with the actual food distribution and help will be needed there as well. If you would like to volunteer, or if you would like more information, please contact Jan Kreidler at 360-681-5027 or janet2.kreidler@gmail.com.

Home Maintenance Funds Available

TUMC Missions Ministry has limited funds available to help folks with necessary home maintenance projects. This might include basic home repairs, yard cleanup, ramps, grab bars and other in-home needs. One household could receive one grant per year with a maximum of up to $500. Confidential requests will go through Lois’s Legacy. Contact Senior Ministries Office 360-683-4307 for further information.

PNW Conference of the UMC Early Response Team Basic Training is Back!

  • There will be an eight-hour, Zoom-based ERT Basic Training on Friday, December 3, and Monday, December 6, both days 1:30-5:30 (PST).
  • The class will include real-world examples, interactive activities, and an opportunity to virtually meet people with a passion to serve.
  • Both days are required to complete the training. Anyone 18 years or older is welcome to attend. Registration fees are waived for this Zoom-based training.
  • Class size is limited so register ASAP at: Be Ready. Registration deadline is Friday, November 19 unless the class fills prior. There are pre-class requirements to complete prior to the training. Any questions? Contact Kathy Bryson at brysonpnw@gmail, (509) 539-2978.

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.

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.

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!

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.