December 30, 2020
Dear Saints of Trinity,
Happy New Year’s Eve! As the ball drops and the melody of songs of ending and beginning begin to find their way across the airwaves, I wanted to wish you a Happy New Year. Yes, it’s been quite a ride these past six months, but at the same time so much has been accomplished. As those in need drove through our parking lot every other Wednesday, 350,000 tons of food were distributed. It was a team effort and one that continues into this new year. Worship is still offered every week for anyone who has access to a computer. Classes and groups have learned the technology needed to stay safe and yet meet together. We’ve developed a new vocabulary with words like, “Zoom” or “Microsoft Teams,” “social distancing” and even “pandemic.” In the midst of it all, we’ve continued to offer what we could in these challenging times. And now, as we enter a new year, it’s time to look ahead.
In my last letter, I talked about this new year being the year when we would be able to open up again; where we could become the center for music and concerts for the community. We could rebuild the choir, the dramas, the Bible Studies, and Trinity U. We will be able to look face to face rather than computer screen to computer screen. And as I have looked back, I realize the major difference between the 1918 Spanish Flu and our current pandemic has been technology; the ability to still see each other, talk with each other, be together while apart, all because of the technology that has opened up for us. That will continue until we’re able to open up. It will still take time, but it is coming, and I can’t wait.
Also looking ahead, I wanted to share that I’ve been approached by some very dedicated City and County personnel who are also looking ahead, and by “looking ahead” I mean anticipating the disaster that could devastate our area. No, we don’t want to talk about it, particularly now in the midst of a pandemic. But truth be told, we need to. We don’t want to anticipate it, particularly as we see the light at the end of the tunnel that has been this pandemic, but again, we need to in order to be prepared. We’re overdue for a major disaster, and being prepared is so much more than the Boy Scout motto. Being prepared is an essential element in knowing that, should something happen like a major earthquake, tsunami, or eruption, that we would be ready to aid and assist. Trinity can play a very significant role in preparedness, much like it plays a major role in other areas of the community. We could both house and “person” a portable kitchen that could feed hundreds. We could be a shelter that could house dozens or more. We could be a place that stores water and food and equipment, first aid supplies, tents, and other things that will be needed should such an event occur. This would be the obvious next step in the drive-through feeding service provided by this community partnership. So, I’m asking you to pray about that. Like our mandate to do no harm, there is also the mandate to do all the good we can, as often as we can, to all those we can.
This new year is going to bring its own sets of challenges. Hopefully, it will bring an end to the pandemic, and end to some elements of social distancing and mask-wearing.
Hopefully, it will bring an end to staying apart. But should something else arise, it is my hope that we can be prepared. I can still say, Happy New Year, and I can’t wait to see just how 2021 will unfold, but it’s also important that we continue to be a place of hope and healing no matter what may come our way. Blessings to you as we make this turn toward a new year. I appreciate you. You are a blessing!
Pastor Brad
New Year – New Beginnings
Wishing you a blessed New Year!
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 and the 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.
Upper Room Daily Devotionals
— for January/February are available for you to pick up at the church Monday-Friday 9 am to 2 pm outside the main door by the office.
Update on Sequim Food Distribution
At our briefing before the December 23 distribution, there were two announcements: 1) Between June 3rd and the end of December, the Sequim Food Bank distributed 350,000 tons of food (equal to about 500,000 meals). 2) There still is a great need. The food distributions will continue in 2021 on these dates: Jan. 13 & 27, Feb. 10 and 24, and Mar. 10 & 24. Hours for the volunteers are 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. If you would like to help, 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! The church will be closed through January 3 for the Christmas/New Year holidays. For Pastoral emergencies during this time, please call Pastor Brad at 425-628-1250 or Kathleen Charters at 240-463-7598.