Tag: Covid-19

National Day of Prayer and Mother’s Day

May 6, 2021

Saints of Trinity,

Today is the National Day of Prayer. It seems so needed, so timely, so appropriate that it falls on this day, with over 100 new cases of Covid and two new deaths, one involving a young father who is leaving behind a wife and children. We need to be praying that people take seriously the continued threat of this awful disease; our hearts hurt for those who ignore the threat. Please take down the signs that say wearing masks is somehow an infringement on our freedoms, and let’s instead be a loving community whose priority is loving each other. Lord, hear our prayer.

That, as we look ahead to Sunday, Mother’s Day, we know that for some it is a day to celebrate, to remember, to look back on moms who provided wonderful guidance and direction to so many of us. For still others, it is a tougher day, a day to be reminded of a mom who was anything but loving, supportive, nurturing, or caring. In my message this Sunday, you’ll hear of both. My mom is the first; a woman who, in spite of how she was severely abused growing up, made a conscious decision to stop the cycle of abuse, and offer her children, me being one, a life of love and grace, hugs, and support, encouragement, and nurture. Her mom offered her and her sister the opposite. The abuses were indescribable, and even to this day hearing of them takes my breath away. But I’m reminded that the church, this church, is a place where both are to be welcomed and offered opportunities for healing and transformation, to remember that we believe in a God of transformation, grace, and forgiveness. As hard as that may be to hear for some, we are a people of grace who seek to bring wholeness to all. Lord hear our prayer.

It’s my first Sunday back with you after experiencing arguably the scariest time in my life. And my experience with it falls well short of Dorothy’s. She saved my life on so many levels and yet, then had to stand and only watch as I’m carted away into an ambulance to travel forty miles to the hospital. I can’t begin to describe the joy both of us feel as we look ahead toward Sunday and being with those of you in the sanctuary, and being able to greet those of you at home. There are just so many miracles around all of this but I share that with deep caution. In no way does that mean that God did something for me that He was unable or unwilling to do for others. God is with those of you who have lost someone. I feel the loss of Pia Christensen deeply as I write this today. I know that Pia is with God who is surrounding Carl and Sue right now. God has been with so many of you through times like this, and will continue to be with you as you remember lives loved and lost. I hope and pray you remember all of that. And being so thankful for those who stepped in in this time of crisis. Lord hear our prayer.

I can now share that we are going to reopen in larger numbers over these next few weeks. I’ll be working with the leaders of the church to create that timeline. Beginning on Sunday, May 16 we will open the sanctuary to capacity. By capacity, I mean numbers that include specific protocols. We will be six feet apart, check-in, wear our masks, refrain from shared communion (one loaf of bread and one cup). We will follow singing protocols. I just shared this with the music staff and heard words like, “finally,” “alleluia” and “thank God.” We do thank God and I’ll be getting leaders together soon to finalize what it all means. For a while, we’ll continue to do sign-ups for being in the sanctuary. We will approach it all cautiously and yet optimistically, but we will approach it recognizing that the Lord heard our prayers.

There is so much more to share, but there are upcoming weeks that will allow sharing more. On this National Day of Prayer, I want to encourage you, as strongly as I possibly can, to set aside time today to pray; to allow God to direct you in your prayer, guide you in who and what to be praying for, and allow you to center on God and His love and grace. You continue in my heart and I will be spending time today in prayer for you.

With Love, Pastor Brad

Today is the National Day of Prayer. This is an opportunity to be intentional about praying for the following concerns:

  • Pastor Brad and Dorothy for healing following Pastor Brad’s heart attack.
  • The family of Jamestown S’Klallam Tribal Elder Kurt Grinnell – to his mother, Tribal Elder Elaine Grinnell, and to the entire tribe for Kurt’s tragic death. Extended prayers of comfort, love, and healing are requested. He was a personal friend of Jim Stoffer’s and a friend of our Church and Community.
  • For those who continue to go through physical struggles, those who are dealing with cancer, or other health situations. Prayers for those who are emotionally feeling lost and alone.
  • For all those who are ill from the COVID-19 virus; for those families who have lost loved ones to the virus; for all the first responders/essential workers; and for those who are nervous about getting shots.
  • For those who consider COVID-19 to be a conspiracy theory even as people are dying from this terrible disease.
  • For those who celebrate Mother’s Day and for those who find Mother’s Day to be a challenge.
  • For peace in our country.
  • For Katherine Parker, missionary to Nepal.

Updates on COVID-19 and other matters

January 29, 2021

Dear Saints of Trinity,

No Pastor’s letter this week. See below for prayer concerns, birthdays, and announcements, and especially note updates to COVID-19 vaccination events – now by online registration – no waiting overnight in your vehicles!

Some Concerns that we have:

  • For those who continue to go through physical struggles, those who are dealing with cancer, or other health situations. Prayers for those who are emotionally feeling lost and alone.
  • For all those who are ill from the covid-19 virus; for those families who have lost loved ones to the virus; and for all the first responders/essential workers.
  • For peace in our country.
  • For smooth delivery of the vaccine.
  • For Katherine Parker, missionary to Nepal.

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

Parking Lot service is taking a break for winter

You can view our service online. Just go to our webpage, sequimtumc.org for a link to the service, or to YouTube, where you then type in Sequim Trinity United Methodist Church in the search bar.

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

COVID-19 Vaccinations

For Sequim area residents ages 65+ and their spouse/partner or household member who lives with them (regardless of age). This is a drive-through process. People stay in their cars. Check-in is here at TUMC in the parking lot. After completing the paperwork, people are directed to Carrie Blake Park where they will receive their vaccination. There is now an online registration system for upcoming vaccine events, however next week’s dates and times are all filled up. For complete information about the vaccination program, you can go to the Jamestown Clinic website at https://jamestownhealth.org/

Hosts needed

— to assist Covid vaccination volunteers with snacks and lunches in the fellowship hall on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, 9 am to Noon and Noon to 3 pm. If you’d like to help, contact Gay Lyn Lillagore, 360-582-6192 or glillagore@yahoo.com.

Access to the Church during the COVID-19 Vaccinations

First, you will be unable to reach the church if you come from Washington Ave and try to turn onto Blake. It will be closed. If, however, you can go around to one of the main north-south roads, head north, and then turn onto Spruce or Alder or Fir and head toward Carrie Blake Park. Then turn south onto Blake toward the church. You will be stopped by a Volunteer Police person. Simply let them know you are trying to get to the church for a meeting; they will wave you on by. Turn into the north entrance, drive by the skate park, and then go around the back of the church building. There will be parking available. This is on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays before 9 am and until 2 pm.

Save the Date for a Lenten Study

“You Are Never Alone,” by Max Lucado. This class will meet on Tuesdays from 1:00-2:00 p.m. for 6 weeks starting February 23 and ending March 30, 2021.

God’s presence and power are nearer than we think. Through studying the miracles of Jesus as told in the Gospel of John we find Jesus right here with us. We are stronger than we think because God is nearer than we know. We can learn to trust in the miracle of God’s presence and power. For more information and to sign up for this class, contact Kathleen Charters by emailing kcharters@mac.com or calling 240.463.7598.

Noisy Can Offering for Katherine Parker – January 31

Katherine is a missionary with the General Board of Global Ministries of the UMC and serves as a Health and Community Transformation Advisor with the United Mission to Nepal (UMN). For several years Trinity UMC has supported (and continues to support) Katherine via a Covenant Relationship, which means we annually send $1,000 towards her salary. (Any funds donated above and beyond her salary will be used to help provide medical care for COVID-19 patients in Nepal.) Donations of any amount are gratefully accepted. Checks may be issued to TUMC, indicating January NCO in the memo section.

Update on Sequim Food Distribution

Food needs continue to increase and the food distributions continue. The dates for the next few months are: February 10 and 24, and March 10 and 24. Hours for the volunteers are 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. If you would like to help with the food distributions, contact Jan Kreidler (360-681-5027 or janet2.kreidler@gmail.com).

Another opportunity to serve: CERT

CERT has contacted Trinity UMC to ask if any of us would be interested in volunteering to “staff” one of CERT’s two field/portable kitchens in the event of a natural disaster. This kitchen would be deployed in eastern Clallam County, where food would be provided and served. Training would be required. If you are interested, contact Jan Kreidler at 360-681-5027 or janet2.kreidler@gmail.com.

Office Hours

Trinity United Methodist Church 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 the office and you will be let in. It is best to call ahead so we are aware that you are coming. Thanks so much for your patience and remember when in the building to be sure and wear your mask!

Have a great week – stay warm and healthy
and wear your masks!

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!

Being unafraid

March 26, 2020

Dear Friends

My prayers are with each of you as we continue to live through these changing times. Our world has been turned upside down. Being told to stay home is a challenge. We need to remember that this is one concrete way we can love our neighbor. If you need something, please contact the church office. We have some limited ability to deliver things to our members.

On Tuesday night we receive notice that our Bishop is shutting down all United Methodist Churches in our region through the month of April. This means no worship services, small groups, Bible Studies or outside groups will be meeting in our building during this time. The rules given out from the governor’s office allows an individual to be at work, if they are the only one present. With this in mind, I will be in the office on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings and Marian will be available on Tuesday and Thursday. You can always email me and feel free to call me at home at 360-504-2079. You don’t have to have a reason to call other than you want to check in with your pastor!

We will not be sending out a newsletter until things get better. Deacon Kathleen wanted you to know about a resource:

Since the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we can be connected as a faith community, I would like to make you aware of the opportunity to view online any of the “Unafraid” videos. Pastor Bill did a sermon series based on the book “Unafraid” by Adam Hamilton. Kathleen taught a class based on the book. Each video features Adam Hamilton, a panel discussion, and an interview with an expert. If you go to:

https://my.amplifymedia.com/amplify/series/unitedmethodistpublishinghouse/14438-unafraid

you may watch any of the 5 sessions for free. Feel free to share this information with others who might be interested.

We were able to record this week’s worship service before the new rules took place. It will available through our web page on Friday. I am thankful for the music and tech team helping me to quickly put this together early this week. I will continue recording my sermons for you. On Palm Sunday I will have to do it myself! We still are waiting to see what we can do for Easter.

Just a reminder that if you want to send a check or any other mail to the church, please remember to use our mailing address,

Trinity United Methodist Church
P.O. Box 3697
Sequim WA 98382

as we do not have delivery to our street address.

These are stressful times for all. When you go to the grocery store thank those who are serving you. Call a friend. Reach out to someone in the church you might not know well. Together we will get through this.

May God Bless each of you.

Pastor Bill

Uncertain times

March 20, 2020

Dear Church Family:

I am holding each of you in my prayers as we go through these uncertain times. Please feel free to call me if you need someone to talk to or email me and I will respond. I am enjoying some of the creative ways you are finding to stay connected to one another. I know I am missing my daily interactions with you and I am sure you are feeling pain from this forced isolation as well. It is my prayer that these techniques will slow the spread of the virus so that we may soon gather together for worship.

My sermon and a video version of Sunday worship are now online so you can worship from home. Go to the Worship section of our website, and select the Sermons. Find the service for March 22nd and enjoy. If you would like to worship live on Sunday morning, I would suggest going to the Church of the Resurrection website: COR.org. Rev. Adam Hamilton’s church was built for live broadcasting and they do an awesome job.

Here are a few prayer concerns:

For all those affected by the coronavirus.

For those who have lost or might lose their jobs.

Again, a reminder that we need your contributions to the church. You can mail them in, drop them off during business hours which are Monday through Friday 9 until 1 (at least next week) or work with your bank to have them send it directly to the church,

Trinity United Methodist Church
P.O. Box 3697,
Sequim, WA 98382

Thanks so much to those who have continued to financially support our ministries and thank you for all your prayers. If there is anything I can do, please contact me.

In Christian Love,

Pastor Bill

Keep those bonds of love

March 18, 2020

Good Morning:

As we go through these remarkable times remember God is with us. The thing that is being hurt the most is our sense of community. Make sure and call one another. Keep those bonds of love and compassion strong.

I recorded my sermon from last Sunday and we now have it on YouTube. You can see the video below. I will have this Sunday’s sermon available for your viewing on Sunday morning. We hope to have live streaming of worship in another week. We are dealing with some technical issues that are keeping us from doing this sooner.

Last Sunday I worshipped online with the Church of the Resurrection. As you know, Adam Hamilton, their pastor is my mentor in many things. His sermon related to the virus and why the church should be doing the things we are doing was really good. The link to that sermon is below. I encourage you to watch it.

https://cor.org/leawood/sermon-series/independent-sermons-2020#d/sermon/27031/cor_l

I will be sending out additional information on Friday. Things change every day so we will try our best to keep you informed.

Rev. Bill Green

Church is not a building

March 13, 2020

Dear Trinity Family:

You have received serval bulletins from me related to the COVID-19 virus and how it has affected our ability to worship together and do some of the important work of ministry. Now I wish to share some thoughts from my heart.

I am fully aware of how this affects you on a personal and spiritual level. We gather each week to celebrate how awesome is our God. We gather each week to share God’s love with one another and to support each other in their times of need. We gather to be inspired by the music and message. We will grieve the loss of these things. None of us knows how long it will be until we can again gather to worship.

But the church is more than a building or a time of worship. You are the church. During this time, reach out to others who might be feeling isolated or scared. Give them a call and let them know you care. Send notes of encouragement to those who are sick, grieving or dealing with other medical conditions. It isn’t as good as a Sunday hug but it is better than nothing. Continue to fill your spiritual needs through reading the Bible, praying, going online to find devotionals and more. Perhaps you could invite a friend to be a prayer partner during this time and read scripture and pray together over the phone.

We will be in the office next week from 9 until 1 to answer your calls, to check emails and continue the work of the church. If you have concerns or just need to talk, call and I will be glad to visit. I am working at getting my sermon in video format on the web, hopefully sometime early next week.

As we hold each other in prayer, share God’s love in any way we can and keep a positive attitude we can get through this. Our God is an Awesome God and in faith, we journey together.

In Christian Love

Pastor Bill