November 19, 2020
Dear Saints of Trinity,
I want to encourage you to watch the service this week. I think most of you do anyway, but there are a few things I hope you can capture. The first is the message. It’s all about being stone-droppers. We’re living in a time of accusations and blame being hurled one to another. As Christians, and as a church I want to encourage us to be those who can assist others to rebuild rather than tear down, offer grace rather than judgment, and offer reconciliation rather than condemnation. That, however, is not the only reason I’m asking you to watch.
I spend a few minutes talking with Dorothy on camera. In almost every neighborhood gathering someone has asked about her, and particularly when “we’ll be able to meet her.” So, we decided that we would do that for the Wednesday recordings. But wait, there’s more. I know I’ve shared that Dorothy and I fell in love while singing together. We will be singing together again for the recording. Donna was gracious enough to allow the two of us to lead the hymns this week. For us, it is an amazing gift; a gift we don’t get to do enough. To stand beside her, share together in worship, help lead the hymns was…well, just wonderful. We both hope you’ll joyfully sing along to these Thanksgiving favorites. Now that brings me to the next piece.
Thanksgiving is a week from today. We’ve been asked to stay as safe as possible. For many of us, that means not bringing in outside family to our homes. Thanksgiving is a precious time for the Beeman family, but it was our children who asked that we postpone it. I remember one of the kids said it well. “Thanksgiving is about being thankful, and, you know what, we can be thankful in February or March or even June. Let’s not let it go. Let’s just postpone it.” So, we’re going to postpone it.
One more thing, however. Our local restaurants are struggling. What if, instead of doing all the cooking for whoever it is that will be at your home, that instead, we order our meals from one or two of our local restaurants. They need us, friends. I ordered lunch yesterday at Rain Shadow. In talking with the staff there, I could feel the nervousness. She shared that this is supposed to be one of their busiest seasons, and yet, here they are, closed and doing only pick-up service. So, let’s be the church as well as being family and do whatever we can to support our local businesses.
So, there you have it. Happy week before Thanksgiving. I continue to pray for you throughout this time. Please let me know if you need anything from me. A reminder that neighborhood gatherings will begin again in January, if we’re able. Oh, and don’t miss the Advent worship services. They are going to be special.
In Peace,
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.
- 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.
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.
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 includes 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
— is suspended for now due to current covid19 regulations restricting in-person meetings.
Second small group book study
The second small group book study: Right Here Right Now, The Practice of Christian Mindfulness by Amy G. Oden begins on December 3rd. It will meet for six Thursdays at noon for one hour. The author of this book is a professor of Christianity and Theology and affiliated with The Church of the Resurrection in Kansas City.
People from our first group expressed they benefited greatly and even will continue to meet at least another 6 weeks to practice Christian Mindfulness.
This is a wonderful way to connect with others while deepening your sense of God’s presence in your life. While enhancing your spiritual life this calming practice also reduces stress and aids in providing resilience in this particularly challenging time.
We will be meeting on ZOOM. Your book can be ordered on www.Amazon.com. If for some reason, you are unable to use Amazon to order please let Melody Romeo know soon and we will order and deliver a book to you since we aren’t able to enter the church at this time.
Melody is leading our group and can be reached at email: melodycoach@olypen.com or by cellphone: (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!