October 29, 2020
Dear Saints of Trinity,
Tuesday is election day. It’s remarkable to see just how many folks have already voiced their decisions. This election is so much more than electing a President. It involves a Governor, a potential shift in political capital, the advancement of certain ideas and agendas, and so much more. It is my hope and prayer that your voice has been or will be heard. Please friends, vote. Underneath all of this is a bigger issue, I believe. Someone is going to lose the Presidential election. A large group of people will be angry and disappointed. There will be mistrust. There will be inappropriate verbal bombs hurled one way or the other. There will be those who believe that there are winners and losers. The division that we’ve seen in our country will grow wider, larger, even deeper; again, no matter the outcome.
The following week’s worship will be focused on rebuilding. Not many of us have read the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Those books are joined together and involve rebuilding. They took what had been shattered and rebuilt it all. It was how they rebuilt it that should take our breath away. They were able to take those who had been enemies and bring them together, each taking a role in the rebuilding. They were able to create a feeling of joint responsibility, and ownership when it came to rebuilding. Each brought recognized gifts. Each played a specific role. But one thing lay at the center. It was God. It was the guidance of God that caused them to take it all on. It was the worship of God that kept them grounded. It was the inspiration of God that kept them going even in the hardest of times. I believe the same can work here, now, today. I mean, look at what we’ve already done with God’s help.
Some of the most significant aspects of Trinity’s mission and ministry have been redefined. The Community Dinner has turned into the parking lot food box distribution. Like the dinner, the parking lot food box distribution is helping those in need. Like the Community Dinners, there are a wide variety of people coming together to make it happen. Like the Community Dinners, the whole idea of community and what a community can do has been redefined, reengaged, and resurrected. It’s been rebuilt.
Worship, that which lay at the center of who we are, has not gone away. This church has found a way to bring a service of worship every week to a wide array of folks. Yes, the parking lot service is taking a break, but the service online will be expanding and involving a lot more folks. Worship, like in Ezra and Nehemiah, is what grounds us, directs us, and inspires us. Those are but two examples of what can happen when we get our heads and our hearts around rebuilding. But there is more.
Neighborhoods are gathering. Like the tribes of old, neighborhoods are coming together to be church for and with each other. Some are studying together while others are checking in on each other. Some, if not most, are intentionally praying for each other. These twelve areas have become the church for those living in and around those geographical locations. It’s not yet what it might be, but it’s certainly moving ahead. Even those meetings with me have been outgrowths of the neighborhoods. In a time we haven’t been able to be together fully, we’ve found a way to get together partially. And there is so much more that we’re doing and yet, at the same time, our community is headed toward a potential deeper divide. Please, friends, let’s move on from whatever happens on Tuesday. Let’s continue to rebuild in such a time as this. Let’s remember that it’s not politics that help us know who and what we are. It’s our relationship with Jesus Christ and our love of one another. The future is bright, not dark. The advent of a new era is here and we are being called to help define it. Let’s take on that task with the same fervor and passion as we have in other areas of our lives. God needs us. Trinity needs you. This community is counting on each of us. I love you, am proud of you, and I’m excited about where we’re headed. Let’s keep praying for one another, our community, our country, and the world. Be at peace.
Pastor Brad
Some Concerns that we have:
- Bill (and Jenny) Green for recovery from Bill’s surgery for a broken wrist.
- 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 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.
This Sunday is All Saints Sunday
— when we celebrate the saints of Trinity who died this past year. Those saints are: Joanne Branham • Anna Bush • Ines Cole • Lillian Elliott • Fred Gilchrist • Janice Kaler • Berneita Miles • Jean Morse • Bobby Oldenkamp • Dorothy Shreffler • Ernie Snyder • James White
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.
Additional volunteers still needed to help with the Sequim food box distribution
– for November 11th and 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.
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!