November 12, 2020
Dear Saints of Trinity,
There is no sermon per se this week. The message, however, was clear. We honor our veterans and thank them for their service. This past Wednesday was Veterans Day. It was moving to drive by Pioneer Park and see the celebration of veterans there. Over a hundred attended. Then to come here, to Trinity, and see the six flags in the sanctuary, each representing a branch of military service. To look on the altar and see the memorial flag given to Gay Lyn Lillagore’s family, to thank her father for his military service. He was a Marine who served with distinction and was at Pearl Harbor on the day of the attack. Also on the altar were five “lids” (hats) also representing branches of the military. But even that wasn’t all. We recorded our weekly service on this day.
The service itself was all about “Aged Sages” and focused on three of the veterans who are active members of Trinity. Ken Lillagore, Jim Stoffer, and Andy Pitts each spoke about their service and their faith. Each created images of what it was like serving their country. Each offered beautiful examples of where and when and how they saw God at work while each was serving. It was a powerful testament to God and Country.
As you’ve heard me say, I will always…always, honor those who serve. Always. We must remember that we are able to worship the way we do because of their service. We are able to participate in free elections without pressure or manipulation. We are able to make choices, free choices in almost everything we do because of their willingness to sacrifice themselves for the service of freedom. Our military are not Democrat or Republican. No one joins the military out of some need to serve an individual political party. Each serves because they feel called to service. The reasons each are called vary as much as the reasons teachers or pastors or doctors or nurses or anyone else may be called to a life of service. The difference; those called to military service offer their lives so that others like so many of us can also answer calls to serve.
In the midst of this day and even this week, I also want to thank our first responders; the fire personnel, our police and law enforcement, and so many others who also place their lives on the line for us. So friends, here’s what I ask of you this week. Stop for a moment and thank God for those who seek to serve. Thank God for the freedoms we all too often take for granted. Please thank God, and as you see them, thank them for their service. And I want to thank Ken and Jim and Andy for, not only their service, but for their messages as we remember that “Greater love has no one than this, that they lay down their lives for their friends.” Thank You!
Pastor Brad
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 throughout the political process particularly last Tuesday’s election.
- 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 website, sequimtumc.org, for a link to the service.
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.
Thank you to all our veterans
And a special thanks to Andy Pitts, Jim Stoffer and Dave Herr for loaning their service hats for the Veterans Day Service; to Wallace Teal for the use of his flags; and to Randy Grubb for helping Wallace get them set up in the sanctuary.
It’s a new day! A new way!
There’s a new shared Senior Ministries office in the Administrative wing, across from Pastor Brad’s office. New church phone line: 360-683-4307; E-mail: polsen@sequimtumc.org
Senior Ministries include Lois’s Legacy, Neighborhoods, and Home Support for unexpected life challenges. Volunteers will listen to your situation. We’ve helped folks find transportation, special equipment, or a helping hand. Sometimes it helps just to talk with someone who has time to listen. Senior Ministries also includes Tim’s Place, and Powerful Tools for Caregivers.
Call our new phone line and leave a message. We plan on having a volunteer in the office to pick up messages Monday – Friday.
Pauline Olsen, Chairperson, Lois’s Legacy
You are invited to join Joy Fellowship
They meet weekly on Zoom to share where each person has found joy and any concerns they may have. At the end of sharing joys and concerns, they pray. After the prayer, they discuss a topic. To end their time together, they read a hymn in unison.
The Joy Fellowship November topic is The Charter for Compassion. The December topic is an Advent study by Adam Hamilton: Incarnation: Rediscovering the Significance of Christmas. Joy Fellowship meets on Thursdays from 2:00-3:30 p.m. If you would like to join them, contact Linda Gordon at gordonlinda100@gmail.com.
Challenges and Comfort Group
There are still some seats available for the in-person Challenges and Comfort group. Each week participants have an opportunity to share the challenges they face and what gives them comfort in the midst of their challenges. They meet at the Church on Tuesdays from 2:00-3:00 p.m. Since we are limited to 8 participants, please make a reservation by contacting Kathleen Charters at kcharters@mac.com.
The second offering of the 6-week book study, “Right Here Right Now: The Practice of Christian Mindfulness,” by Amy G Oden, starts soon! It will be held on Thursdays at noon for 6 weeks beginning December 3rd. This is a wonderful way to deepen and expand your awareness of God’s presence in a peaceful, calming practice while connecting with others in a small group on Zoom. The book is available for purchase on Amazon.com.
Please contact Melody Romeo to join: Email: melodycoach@olypen.com / Cell phone: (360) 461-5595
Additional volunteers still needed to help with the Sequim food box distribution
— for November 25th and December 9th and 23rd from about 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Andra Smith (Sequim Food Bank Director) indicated that, even though CERT will not be involved those two months, volunteers still can be trained. If you are interested, contact Jan Kreidler at 681-5027 / janet2.kreidler@gmail.com.
Office hours note
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 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!