October 15, 2020
Dear Saints of Trinity UMC,
Over this past week, I’ve been touched by any number of things. My time with Carolee Dunn and her heart for Tim’s place (which I had not realized was named after her husband). I was so impressed by her heart for this ministry; for the care with which she approached me after the article in the newsletter. Her grace and her support of this ministry are not only heartfelt but important for any and all of us who have friends, family, parents, spouses, or others going through the challenges of memory issues. I just wanted to thank her and thank Judy and Rhonda for heading up there with me, and for spending time helping me more fully understand the program, the priority, and the mission. All in all, it was a wonderful morning.
I wanted to thank Lynette Baughman for her follow up to last week’s sermon. It’s not often that a pastor gets corrected by a parishioner, and even less often that a correction is as appropriate as the one I received this week. What touched me most was the way Lynette approached this. She is an author, you know. She knows her stuff. Last week I kept referring to Oprah, when in fact, it wasn’t Oprah. The daughter-in-law of Naomi was Orpah. And the only reason Oprah Winfrey is named Oprah was that her mom transposed two letters when sighing her birth certificate. What Lynnette’s email told me is that she, and I know a lot of others, are paying attention to the messages; whether in written, video, or live forms. It warms the heart of any pastor to know that what they’re trying to communicate is being heard and studied. So, as I said at the recording on Wednesday, Lynnette gets a gold star and smiley face this week.
I wanted to thank the Trustees for their love and care of this facility. It is obvious just how deeply they love and care about this facility. It is in great condition and yes, like any building that is over a quarter of a century old, it has its challenges. They are on top of them, studying them, making plans about what needs to be done and in what order. And if that wasn’t enough, they are also concerned enough about Kathleen and me on Sunday mornings that they are going to construct an enclosure that will keep us warm and dry, and yet visible to those who attend the parking lot service. I’ve gotta tell you that I’ve never had a group who cared that much; not only about the facility but about the pastors as they try and reach as many of our congregation as possible, even on cold Fall days while reading and preaching outdoors. Thanks, guys!
I’m thankful for all of those who are preparing for the Harvest (Dessert). Given the challenges of Covid, they have gotten really creative about how to distribute those desserts in a safe and practical way. The distribution will be on Sunday after worship so come and pick up your dessert. It appears as though there will be somewhere between 100 and 150 given out. Way to go group. You’ve taken the disappointment of not being able to provide the annual Harvest Dinner, thought of a way to make it a Harvest Dessert, and do it all within the protocols and guidelines we are seeking to follow. And a big thank you to all of those who are serving as ushers for the parking lot service. Remember to stay warm. And for those providing music on Wednesdays and Sundays; I don’t know what we would do without you. I huge thank you to Pam for all she does with the sound, for Chris and his help, Randy and his help, and for Curt who makes it all work in the video booth. And none of it would be available if it wasn’t for Lawrence. You’re the best and the work you’re doing is deeply appreciated.
And finally, to you, the saints of Trinity, who continue to give of your time, your talents, your gifts, your service, and your witness. Your generosity is overwhelming. We are able to keep this staff because of you. We are able to offer what we do because of you. We are able to continue to be church because of you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
With Deep Appreciation,
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
- 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 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 in 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.
Our annual harvest dinner is the harvest dessert this year
The full dinner is not practical during the pandemic, so the dinner committee chose a dessert-only event. If you made your reservations earlier this week, individual servings of apple crisp, from an original Harvest Dinner recipe, may be picked up after this Sunday’s service on October 18 (until 11:30 a.m.) via a drive-through setup (at the back of the church.) The desserts are a thank you gift to our faithful, wonderful church family! Note: The dessert is being prepared and baked in individual-serving containers (with lids) in the church kitchen by committee members using precautions such as masks and gloves.
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 the church office, 360-683-5367 or church@sequimtumc.org.
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!