Slideshow of Trinity veterans recognition:
Tag: service
Memorial Day 2021
May 27, 2021
Dear Saints of Trinity,
As you read this many of you will be preparing for the upcoming three-day weekend. For many in the country, this Memorial Day weekend signifies the beginning of summer. For others, it’s a great time to get family and friends together, watch or play a little baseball, be outdoors potentially without masks, and feel the freedom of the beauty around us. It is my hope and prayer that that’s not all we do this weekend.
Memorial Day is one of the most significant weekends on our calendars. It was set aside, not as the beginning of summer, or the beginning of the BBQ season, but it was set aside to help us remember that so many of the freedoms we have came at a cost; and sometimes the ultimate cost. This weekend, and particularly Monday, is set aside to honor the fallen. It is to pause, give thanks and remember. You’ll hear me talk openly about this on Sunday. I’ll talk about why I believe the flag needs to have a place in our sanctuaries. It isn’t front and center. That’s where the cross belongs, where the altar lay, and where our focus is to be. But it is there, in front, on the chancel steps as a reminder that we are able to worship freely because of the price paid for that ability. I am deeply aware that there are those who disagree. If so, let’s talk.
I’m also aware of the dedication of so many in this congregation to service. Many of you served in the military and did it with honor and integrity. Many of you dedicated your lives to that service and it still plays a role in who you are today. You may be retired, but the service you provided never retires. Others of you are spouses of those who served. Still others are spouses or friends, or relatives of those we honor this weekend. Still others have served in other ways, in places like Federal agencies where you also put your lives in harm’s way, and also for the sake of freedom. Still others have family members currently serving. I also honor our fallen first responders this weekend. I may not talk about them on Sunday, but we need to remember them on days like these. To all of you, I say in deep humility, thank you. Your sacrifices will not go unnoticed and your service can never be taken for granted. And this weekend this Sunday worship will be dedicated to you.
I’ll certainly be talking about Jesus and I’ll remind us of the scripture out of John 15 that says, “Greater love has no one than this, but that they lay down their life for a friend.” It’s the scripture that has guided so many military funerals I’ve done and seen. It’s a guide to each of us that living sacrificially is what we are called to do. And this weekend we simply say thank you to those who did what Jesus taught, they laid down their lives for us. Take some time to pause this weekend; pause and remember, and thank God for those now gone. I will do the same.
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; for all the first responders/essential workers; and for those who haven’t been vaccinated yet.
- For peace in our country.
- For Katherine Parker, missionary to Nepal.
Veterans, service and sacrifice
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!
Begin our rebuilding
November 5, 2020
Dear Saints of Trinity,
Okay, what a strange week. We moved from Halloween, through remembering those we’ve lost in our All Saints celebration, to the election; an election where we’re still awaiting the results. Maybe by the time you receive this, we’ll know who our next President might be. But then will come the legal wrangling, the finger-pointing, and the potential violent responses no matter who wins or loses. In the midst of it all is the church; us. So what are we to do?
Over these next three weeks, it is my intention to have us focusing on rebuilding; rebuilding peace, wholeness, appreciation, grace and so much more. In our recoding today, I wanted to lay the foundation for this time of rebuilding. I challenge you to take whatever time you need to tune in to the worship service; to take a breath, a pause, a timeout, whatever it is that might be necessary to give yourselves some time away from everything swirling around you. The message is both one of hope and a challenge to us all. I deal with the ideas of navigating these times, and of rebuilding what has been torn down. You’ll find navigational terms that align with what we seek to do as people of faith. You’ll find a list of twelve things Nehemiah did in order to appropriately rebuild a place he loved. In the midst of it, my hope is that you’ll find some answers for yourself and for all of us.
The following week we’ll be recording the service on Veterans Day. I take Veterans Day very seriously. I will be forever grateful to those who serve and have served. I know, and hope you also know, that we can have free elections, even the ability to worship as we wish because of the service of those who have fought for freedom. So, I’ve invited three of our own to speak. Ken Lillagore, Andy Pitts, and Jim Stoffer will be bringing the message. I’ve asked each to respond to one simple question. It is, “How did your service to your country influence your faith?” The alternative is, “How did your faith influence your service to your country?” I look forward to hearing each of them. I know that each will bring a different perspective to that question simply because each brings with them significantly different experiences from their times of service.
Then, two weeks from today I’ll be focusing on another group of aged sages. They are a strange group, and it’s strange to be focusing on them. They are the group who were ready to stone the woman caught in adultery. Jesus happened on to them and convinced them to drop their stones. This story is all about judgment. And in this time in our history, it is severe judgments that seem to be guiding our actions. Jesus taught us a different approach. That’s what I’ll be exploring in that worship experience.
So three worship services that explore navigating this time in our lives; rebuilding a country in need of rebuilding, saying thank you to those who have allowed us to live in freedom, and to help us remember that judging, especially those on the other side of where we stand, is not something we are to do. It’s hard but it’s an essential piece of moving us back into loving one another. So friends, know that I’m praying for all of us as we move through this time. And remember, like in an election, our voices matter. This community, this country, this world cannot afford for our voices to be silent. We are the church. We are God’s representatives in the world. We are the hands and feet of Jesus Christ. We’re needed now more than ever. Let’s keep things moving as we move through this time.
Peace be with you!
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 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.
Note: Communion this week: As you prepare to watch this Sunday’s service, please have your elements (bread and juice or wine) ready.
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
Becky Morgan and Kathleen Charters invite you to an in-person support meeting. Since we are limited to 10 people,
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.
Location: Trinity UMC
Women’s Bible Study
We invite you to join our vibrant Women’s Bible Study. We meet Mondays from 9:30 am to 10:30 am in the
Fellowship Hall. The current study is based on the book, We Make the Road by Walking, by Brian D. McLaren. You do not need to have the book in order to attend. If you would like more information, please contact Barb Parse at bparse@wavecable.com or Mary Taylor at Taylor@olypen.com.
The second offering of the 6-week book study, “Right Here Right Now: The Practice of Christian Mindfulness,” starts soon.
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. We are looking for the most suitable time and day to hold the group. Please give us your input as to which of the following times you cannot come:
Wednesdays 11:00am; Thursdays 11am; Thursdays 2pm.
Please email or call Melody Romeo with the times you cannot come by this Tuesday, November 10th. Then she will select the best time and announce it next Thursday. We will likely begin the group the week after Thanksgiving. Email: melodycoach@olypen.com; cell phone: (360) 461-5595
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!
Service and faith
May 21, 2020
Dear Friends:
I hope you have been having a good week. As we prepare to celebrate Memorial Day let us remember its initial purpose, to remember those who have died in service to our country. We may not be able to get together, have picnics, or do all the other traditional activities associated with this unofficial start of summer, but we can spend a few moments in prayer and thanksgiving for those who now serve and remember those who served and died for our freedom.
We have a radio transmitter and will be working on getting it set up. This means that we will probably have the opportunity to worship from our cars starting May 31st. There are lots of rules we have to follow if we are to meet state guidelines. In next week’s letter, I will share all that is required. Because of the limitations, I know that these services will not work for everyone. We will continue our online services so you are invited to go to our website for the link to these services. As we move through the re-opening process, the restrictions for outside worship will loosen as well and make them more accessible for all.
Just a reminder:
TUMC Plant Sale: This Saturday, May 23 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon
We are having a modified plant sale this year in which our three greenhouse growers, Marilyn, Randy Grubbs, and Curt Alexander will have their usual vegetable, flower, and herb plants on sale. Rather than pricing items, we are asking for donations so we don’t have to make change. Checks will be accepted. We request you wear masks and practice social distancing.
This weekend in our worship service I have invited three of our veterans to share about faith and service. Because of that, we will not have a sermon as part of this letter. You will want to log onto our website for the link so you can hear them. May 24, 2020 service.
We continue to pray for patience as we continue to live with the stay home, stay safe orders. Our Bishop is requesting that churches remain closed, except for essential work, until at least mid-June. Marian or I will be in the office each weekday morning to take your calls.
Some Concerns that we have:
- Those who are needing to be at work and dealing with the public: first responders, health care workers, grocery store employees, and more.
- For all those who are ill from the virus and for those families who have lost loved ones to the virus.
- For our new pastor Brad Beeman and his wife Dorothy at this time of transition.
Even though you can’t be with those having birthdays this week, sending emails or making phone calls are appreciated.
Always feel free to contact me by email or at home. I care about you and am glad to hear from you.
Hope you have had a great week.
Pastor Bill
Note: As we look ahead to holding “parking lot” worship, we would like to borrow a small canopy for our worship team. If you have one that you could loan the church, please contact the church or Pastor Bill.