Tag: charge conference

Announcements for November 5 – 13, 2021

Sunday In-Person Services

Sunday services in the church are at 10 am.

Current Covid 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.

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!

Charge Conference – Monday, November 8, 1:30 pm

At this time we will have an election of leaders, approve the pastor’s salary for the coming year, receive our year-end reports from all of our committees, and handle any other items that must come before the Charge Conference. The SPRC will meet with the District Superintendent Mark Galang at 12:30 pm. The membership of the Charge Conference shall be all members of the Ad Council, together with retired ordained ministers.

Daylight Savings Time Ends – Fall Back

Remember to reset your clocks this Saturday/Sunday, November 6-7

Note: The Church Office will be closed Thursday, Nov. 11 for Veterans’ Day.

Volunteers needed

— to help sort food at the Sequim Food Bank: Wednesday, Nov. 10, 12:00 noon. If you can help, please contact Jan Kreidler at 360-681-5027 or janet2.kreidler@gmail.com.

Trinity Interior Update Work Schedule – November 15 – 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.

Jim Stoffer, TUMC Lay Leader, receives Service Award

Blessings to Jim Stoffer, our congregation’s lay leader, who was one of four recipients of the Clallam County Community Service Award. As reported in the Peninsula Daily News, “This annual award was created to recognize the dedication, sacrifices, and accomplishments of Clallam County people who do extraordinary things for neighbors, their community, or the environment.”

Patricia McCauley is quoted as saying, “Jim’s full-time job is to be a volunteer for the Sequim community.” Jim’s service includes serving on the Sequim-Dungeness Chamber of Commerce and the Sequim School Board. He is active in the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Olympic Peninsula, working with the summer lunch program each week in Carrie Blake Park, and was elected to the Clallam County Charter Review Board in 2020. Patricia noted that Jim went into high gear with the food distribution during COVID and volunteered at the vaccine distribution at Carrie Blake Park. She said, “Jim is not looking for recognition. He is retired Coast Guard and realizes if he wants to improve our community, he needs to get involved and help solve problems, not sit back and let someone else do the work.” Thanks, Jim for your service to the community and our congregation!

Clean Water Project (Noisy Can) Update

Thank you for so generously supporting the Clean Water Project for the people in Gbontegleu Village, Côte d’Ivoire. To date, the amount donated is nearly $4,500! Know that your funds will improve the health and lives of thousands of people!

Free Youth Mental Health First Aid Classes for Clallam County Residents

Youth Mental Health First Aid is a nationally recognized certification course that will teach you how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness, substance abuse disorders, and challenges that youth face in our community. Classes were made possible through grant funding from Clallam County Health and Human Services.

Youth Mental Health First Aid Trainings: 9:00 am-2:30 pm, Nov. 19 Here at Trinity UMC

2.0 hrs. of online pre-work must be completed before the 4.5 hr. in-person training date.

An excellent program for parents, grandparents, and people who work with youth.

Space is limited! Reserve a seat today! 
Contact Kathy Hansen at 360-457-0431 x 531139, Peninsula Behavioral Health.

Take a course. Save a life…Strengthen your Community.

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 / 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!

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 12 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.

Opportunities 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 dates are both Fridays: November 19 and 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 the Guy Cole Center 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 at the Guy Cole Center and help will be needed there as well. If you can volunteer one or both of those days, or if you would like more information, please contact Jan Kreidler at 360-681-5027 or janet2.kreidler@gmail.com.

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.

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.

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.

Upper Room Daily Devotionals for November/December are now available at the church.

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.

Announcements for October 28 — November 4, 2021

Sunday In-Person Services

Sunday services in the church are at 10 am.

Current Covid 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.

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!

All Saints Sunday is this Sunday, October 31

Part of our service is a pictorial tribute for the 19 of our church family who have passed away since last November.

Normally, we have the congregation light a votive candle to honor their loved ones. However, due to COVID-19 restrictions, we will not be able to do so. We will light the “Christ Candle” and have a moment of silence for you to lift up the names of your family and friends you want to remember.

Ad Council Meeting this Sunday!

Everyone is invited to stay after the worship service on Sunday to attend an Administrative Council meeting. Ad Council meetings are open to all. Learn what is going on with the business of your church! Two items on the agenda are the 2022 budget prepared by the Finance Committee and a report of the Nominations Committee.

Charge Conference – Monday, November 8, 1:30 pm

At this time we will have an election of leaders, approve the pastor’s salary for the coming year, receive our year-end reports from all of our committees, and handle any other items that must come before the Charge Conference. The SPRC will meet with District Superintendent Mark Galang at 12:30 pm. The membership of the Charge Conference shall be all members of the church council, together with retired ordained ministers.

Trinity Interior Update Work Has Begun! – October 27 to November 12

This is the schedule of work as it currently stands: Painting: October 27-November 5. Flooring and carpeting: November 8-12th. Please note access to the church below.

  • Painters will begin with the main hallway. Front doors will be closed on 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 to which doors to use.
  • The Charge Conference on November 8 will have people enter through the back Sanctuary doors by the pastor’s office.

Veterans’ Day Photos

Our Veterans’ Day Service will be celebrated on Sunday, November 14. We are requesting photos of our church members (in uniform) who have served in the military.

Please submit your photo to the office by Monday, November 1, with the following information: Full name, the branch of service, and phone number. If you have already submitted a photo, there is no need to do it again.

Thank you, Worship Ministry Team

Note: The Church Office will be closed Thursday, November 11 for Veterans’ Day.

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 29 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.

TUMC Finance Report – Operating Fund

September, Year-to-Date

  • Income $ 22,120.12, $ 238,258.63
  • Expenses $ 38,137.57, $ 232,954.54
  • Difference ($16,017.45), $ 5,304.09

If you have any questions or comments, please contact Rena Blank, 360-683-2739, or Eva Lundstrom, 360-797-1613, Finance Co-Chairs.

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. NCO). 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.

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.

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.

Upper Room Daily Devotionals

— for November/December are now available in the church office.

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 / 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!

Discipleship Ministries Course: The Church’s Ministry with Dementia

This e-course will help you learn more about those living with dementia, understand the contributions and gifts of persons living with dementia can make to discipleship, and help you begin planning for a robust ministry with those that can too often slip through the cracks of the church’s ministry.

  • 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 for the course is $50. Scholarships are available through the Education Committee.

For more information and to sign up go to https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/

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.

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 21-30, 2021

Sunday In-Person Services

Sunday services in the church are at 10 am. Current Covid 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.

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!

Charge Conference – Monday, November 8, 1:30 pm

At this time we will have an election of leaders, approve the pastor’s salary for the coming year, receive our year-end reports from all of our committees, and handle any other items that must come before the Church Conference. The SPRC will meet with District Superintendent Mark Galang at 12:30 pm. We hope you will try to attend this important meeting.

Trinity Interior Update Work Schedule – October 27 to November 12

This is the schedule of work as it currently stands: Painting: October 27-November 5. Flooring and carpeting: November 8-12th. Please note access to the church below.
  • 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

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. NCO). 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.

Veterans’ Day Photos

Our Veterans’ Day Service will be celebrated on Sunday, November 14. We are requesting photos of our church members (in uniform) who have served in the military.
Please submit your photo to the office by Monday, November 1, with the following information: Full name, branch of service, and phone number. If you have already submitted a photo, there is no need to do so again.
Thank you, Worship Ministry Team

Harvest Blessing Pasties

Many thanks to all who donated funds towards the ingredients for the Pasties. And, many thanks to the awesome ladies who planned, shopped, prepared, and distributed the pasties … Karen Eldridge, Eva Lundstrom, Gloria Miller, and Barb Parse. From all indications, it was a successful event! – Jan Kreidler

Sequim Food Bank

They are currently accepting fresh garden & farm produce as well as feminine hygiene products and baby products. Also needed are cans/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!

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 29 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.

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.

Discipleship Ministries Course: The Church’s Ministry with Dementia

This e-course will help you learn more about those living with dementia, understand the contributions and gifts of persons living with dementia can make to discipleship, and help you begin planning for a robust ministry with those that can too often slip through the cracks of the church’s ministry.
  • 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.
For more information and to sign up go to https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/

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.

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.

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.

Upper Room Daily Devotionals

— for November/December are now available in the Narthex.

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.

Stepping up in time of need

October 22, 2020

Dear Saints of Trinity UMC,

First, I want to assure you, the saints of Trinity, that I do not have COVID-19. I got sick, and it is probably a coronavirus, but it’s not novel nor is it potentially serious. It feels a lot like a really bad cold or maybe the flu. Nope, I haven’t gotten my flu shot yet and continue to wait for the 65+ version. I will get it once the supply exceeds the demand. In the meantime, I’ll be fine. Now, with that said, I want to talk about COVID-19 but first I need to take this opportunity to say thank you.

To the team that came together to offer worship last Sunday in the parking lot, a huge thank you. I appreciate how you all came together and made it work. It was genius to utilize the recording from last Wednesday, and to go ahead with every other aspect of the parking lot service. You are the best and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate all that you do, even though it wasn’t in the best of circumstances. I also want to thank Kathleen for stepping in for me yesterday (Wednesday) for recording the online service for next week, and for preaching and leading again this coming Sunday. Thank you, Pam and Chris, Donna and Pauline, Randy and Jim, and all of you who stepped in and made things run so smoothly. I won’t be back for the service this Sunday so am counting on you again. This virus is hanging on. I’m making progress, great progress, albeit slower progress than I would want, and my apologies for that.

This leads me to COVID-19. I’ve been really careful about social distancing, mask-wearing, hand washing, and sanitizing surfaces. I still caught a virus. Nope, it’s not COVID-19 but it is a virus. I wasn’t vigilant enough to take the kinds of precautions that would have helped me avoid catching this. I’ve been able to contact trace it back to potentially three specific situations, and there is simply no way to know which of the three it was. I’m sharing that because it’s what can happen if we’re not vigilant in our efforts. And that brings me to the next piece of what I want to share.

I contacted the District Superintendent again today asking about reopening. I read through the Governor’s newest set of recommendations for religious organizations. The Governor has opened things up a bit, so I thought I would ask the question in regard to us. So far, the answer is still “no.” What we can do, and this is good news, is to have ten people in one place at one time with protocols in place. It means we can begin to combine some of our Neighborhood gatherings, particularly if they are held at the church. I want to propose that I begin to do three a week rather than six. That will help open up some time to do some other kinds of needed work right now. The harder news is that we can’t yet meet together in larger groups. If and when the Conference leaders allow us to move to the next phase, and if they agree with the Governor, we would be able to have the sanctuary open to 25% of its occupancy, as long as we practiced all of the other required protocols. In addition, we could shut the curtain to the fellowship hall and allow another 25% to worship in there. We would need to treat that gathering as being in a separate building. They would need to use the outside entrances that lead into the fellowship hall rather than the front doors, and again, would have to follow the same protocols as those worshipping in the sanctuary. Social distancing and mask-wearing would be key to all of this as would other protocols. So, friends, there is hope…always there is hope, but to get there we all need to be vigilant.

As exciting as that sounds, I want to again say, I unintentionally let down my guard and caught a coronavirus. One place was on a trail where someone stepping up to me asked me about the river. Another was at a lunch, and the other was at my son’s home. I caught a virus, got sick and it hasn’t been pleasant; as a matter of fact, far from it. I’m recovering and will be back in the office next week, but I share all of this with you to say: stay safe, don’t let your guard down for a minute, and that we all need to be in this together. Let’s pray for each other and even more so as we see the day approaching where we’ll be able to take that next step in getting back together. I miss you!

Pastor Brad

Some Concerns that we have:

  • Pastor Brad for recovery from a virus
  • 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; and for all the first responders/essential workers.
  • For peace in our country throughout the political process.
  • For Katherine Parker, missionary to Nepal

Even though you can’t be with those having birthdays this week, emails or phone calls are appreciated.

The parking lot service continues at 10:00 am. You can still view our service online. Just go to our website,  sequimtumc.org, for a link to the service.

We still ask that you mail your contributions to the church and make sure to use our Post Office Box 3697 instead of our street address. We thank you for your continued support of our ministries here at Trinity.

Trinity United Methodist Church’s Annual Charge Conference

– will be next Wednesday, October 28, at 1 pm. It will be limited to selected Admin Council members and will connect with the District Superintendent via Zoom. Our annual report will be brief this year due to limited activities and access to the church.

 A few more volunteers needed for food box distribution

–  on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month in October, November, and December. Operations are 11 am-2 pm with some volunteers needed before and after these hours to help with set-up and clean-up. All positions require standing but people rotate for breaks. Bottled water and snacks are provided. If you would like to help, please contact Jan Kreidler, 360-681-5027 or janet2.kreidler@gmail.com.

Support group for those experiencing loss

Becky Morgan and Kathleen Charters invite you to an in-person support meeting for those who grieve lost opportunities due to COVID-19, e.g., trips, celebrations, weddings, funerals, etc. In-person meetings are limited to 5 people so there are limited seats. Please contact Deacon Kathleen (240-463-7598 Mobile, 360-504-3150 Home, or Deacon Charters) if you are interested in participating.

Topic: Challenges and Comfort

Dates/Time: Every week on Tuesdays, through December 15, 2-3:30 pm

Upper Room daily devotionals

— for November/December are available for you to pick up at the church Monday-Friday from 9 am to 2 pm outside the main door by the office.

Office hours note

TUMC Office hours are 9 am – 2 pm Monday through Friday. However, due to limited access to the building during this phase of opening, we are keeping the doors locked. There is a doorbell to the right of the main door (by the office) that you need to ring to alert Marian and she will let you in. It is best to call ahead so we are aware that you are coming.  Thanks so much for your patience!

Charge conference

June 11, 2020

Dear Friends:

I hope you have been having a good week. I am seeing freshly cut hair and Jenny and I have been out to eat at a restaurant. These signs that we are moving out of isolation are heartwarming. We are a long way from what we used to experience as “normal” but at least things are moving in that direction. What does this mean for the church? Our bishop’s order that churches remain closed, except for essential work, expires next Monday. She is not expected to extend it. We have a committee named that will have to come up with a plan for opening. This then has to be approved by our District Superintendent. All of this takes time so it will be a few more weeks until committee meetings and Bible studies can resume. Marian or I will be in the office each weekday morning to take your calls.

Our parking lot service is continuing at 10:00 am. Sunday we had over 50 cars and the sun came out before we were done. It will happen even if it is raining! You can still view our service online. Just go to our webpage sequimtumc.org for a link to the service.

We still ask that you mail your offering into the church and make sure to use our post office box 3697 instead of our street address. I want to thank you for your continued support of our ministries here at Trinity.

With the coming of a new pastor, we need to have a special Charge Conference to approve a salary package for Pastor Brad. While the total amount will not change, Pastor Brad has the right to have items within the package adjusted to align with his expenses. The Charge Conference is scheduled for June 23rd at 11 am. Because of the limitations on meeting sizes, only a few members of the Admin Council will be invited to attend in person. My letter to you, just before the meeting, will have the details of the salary package. That way, if you have questions or concerns, you can let Margaret Cox, our Admin Council chair, know about them and she will share them with those “in the room” for the Charge Conference. We will also have a brief Admin Council meeting at this time. Again, all action items for this meeting will be sent out in advance.

The summer feeding program, which we have supported from the beginning, will happen again this summer. At this time they do not think they can use volunteers to help hand out the meals. But if they change their minds, we will let you know. The program costs a lot of money so if you would like to help please mail a check to the church and mark it “summer food program.”

Some Concerns that we have:

  • For those who are dealing with significant health issues.
  • For our new pastor Brad Beeman and his wife Dorothy at this time of transition.

Even though you can’t be with those having birthdays this week, sending emails or making phone calls are appreciated.

Always feel free to contact me by email or at home. I care about you and am glad to hear from you.

Pastor Bill