Blown away
July 16, 2020
Dear Trinity Saints,
Well, you did it again. You blew us away…and I don’t mean the wind during Sunday’s service and sermon. To have Jerry sing “Consider Yourself” to us at the end of worship was just downright beautiful. We both loved the words and particularly the message. It is exactly how we feel, “A part of the family.” Thanks so much. Now to a few items that concern all of us.
Our members and friends at the Fifth Avenue Apartments are in need of our prayers. As most of you heard, one of the staff contracted COVID-19 and then entered the facility. The whole facility is on lockdown. What that means is isolation; meals in their rooms, no visitors, no real personal contact of any kind. As you know, it gets overwhelming at times, lonely, and can lead to a deep sense of hopelessness and fear. I tried to email each of them this morning and my emails didn’t go through. Obviously there was a problem with the “olypen.com” email system. I’ll try again, and will call them this week. Many of you know them well. Please reach out to them and help them know that they are loved by all of us. We’re praying for them and for everyone in the facility. I know I didn’t need to say any of that to you given your love for each other. There is that pastoral side of me that sometimes just needs to say it. Thanks for taking this on.
Also, I had an hour-long conversation with our Puget Sound Missional District Superintendent, the Rev. Mark Galang. Mark and I are old friends so it was less a lecture from him and more of a conversation. What I found is that we are out of compliance with the Bishop’s reopening requirements for both of our worship services, and for our gatherings. What that means is that I need to submit a recommendation of our reopening plan for approval before we are allowed, as a church, to move to Phase Two. It is my hope to get that done early this week. Also, we are not allowed to have live singing either in the sanctuary or in the parking lot service. I pushed it a bit and think that we’ve come up with some alternatives that would allow live singing and still be in compliance. I’ve sent the recommendations to the music staff and we’ll talk about it this week.
What that also means is that we need to postpone our Neighborhood Gatherings. Until we have approval, we are still in Phase One. That means no meetings in the church at all, not even with ten people practicing social distancing. And no, Dungeness Meadows, we can’t even meet under the apple tree. We need to wait. That’s a disappointment for all of us, but the time will come sooner rather than later when we can do those gatherings and I can get to know you more fully. Let me offer this around the Neighborhood Gatherings as we prepare to gather. Be thinking about what you’d like to know about your new pastor. Be ready with some questions. I’ll do my best to answer them. I’d also like to hear about your hopes and dreams for Trinity.
Finally, I wanted to thank you again for your patience as both Dorothy and I move into our new place. Our contractor has been there all week and is probably another week away from being done. The good news is that we now have a microwave, fridge, freezer, and dishwasher. The range will be installed on the 26th. The whole thing is taking a lot more time than we anticipated, and we’re both trying to do our work; me at Trinity, and Dorothy back in Bellevue. You’ve been amazing in your support and we can’t tell you how much we appreciate it. You’re the best. I’m praying for you, all of you, as we walk this challenging journey together.
In Faith,
Pastor Brad
Some Concerns that we have:
- Our Friends at the Fifth Avenue Apartments – in lockdown due to COVID-19
- For Bill and Jenny Green as they travel to their new home in Maryville, TN
- For our new pastor Brad Beeman and his wife Dorothy at this time of transition
- 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 Katherine Parker, missionary to Nepal
Even though you can’t be with those having birthdays this week, sending emails or making phone calls are appreciated.
The parking lot service continues at 10:00 am. on Sunday. You can still view our service online. Just go to our website, https://www.sequimtumc.org/ for a link to the service.
We still ask that you mail your contributions 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.
A MISSING PHONE: We had a cordless telephone in the front office that is missing. If anyone knows where it is, please contact the church office. Thanks!
UPCOMING ONLINE EVENT: The Church of the Resurrection Leadership Training event will be online this year so it will be open to everyone interested. A group from TUMC has attended this in the past. There will be more information about this next week with an email containing additional details.
Focus on three things
July 9, 2020
Saints of Trinity,
First and foremost, Dorothy and I want to say thank you for the overwhelming greeting last week. It was a gift on so many levels; sharing pieces of that service with Bill and Jenny, and being able to send them off with a few gifts, and with our love and prayers. Sharing the service with each of you, and even sharing it with one of the eagles that call this place home. Please pray for a safe journey for Bill and Jenny as, beginning on Wednesday, they started their journey toward Knoxville. From worship, Dorothy, Cora, and I went out for lunch, and even there had a surprise visit to our table from some of you. One more gift in a day filled with them. If that wasn’t enough, we then went home and explored the gift basket. I have to admit that I then spent about a half-hour with the lavender neck warmer around my neck, constantly sighing for the comfort it provided. It was warm, relaxing, and beautiful, kind of like you. Thank you so much for everything. Particularly as we continue to camp out at the house waiting for the contractors to finish their work, and awaiting the arrival of our appliances, the wonderment of last Sunday warmed our hearts. At the same time, I would like to begin to look ahead.
Today I also wanted to share where I’m headed in worship over these next three weeks, and a bit about what’s coming in August and September. As I prayed about messages for Wednesdays and Sundays, I thought maybe, if I were sitting in my car or at home and watching worship, I might want to know a bit more about the new pastor; how he sees himself, his role and expectations he may have for this church. So, for the next three weeks, I’ll be focusing on those three things. How I see myself as a Christian disciple, how I see my role as pastor, and how I see our role as a church in the world. At the outset let me share that these messages will not be all about me. It’s my hope that you can be challenged, and maybe even find yourself somewhere in the stories I share. Each week I’ll also focus on a specific piece of art. For instance, this coming Sunday it will be Rembrandt’s “Return of the Prodigal Son.” I’m not sure there is a piece of art that better explains how I see myself as a child of God. The following week I’ll be sharing one of my own pieces. It comes out of a series I’m drawing that focuses on “The Hands of the Carpenter.” This one is Jesus having just finished washing the feet of the disciples.
Following that series, I hope to begin another. It will be an expansion of the initial series. It will be an eight-week series that focuses on “Expressions of Jesus in Our Time.” It’s my hope to explore seven aspects of the life of Jesus that are directly transferable to this time and this place. It will focus on being “church” within this time, where the word “church” becomes an action verb rather than simply a noun. Each week I’ll focus on ways I believe we can or need to respond to; things happening around us here in Sequim, and in the world. Some of the topics include: healing and wholeness, teaching and practice, table-turning and confrontation, the need for prayer first, and being filled and transformed by a power greater than ourselves. Those are but a few and there are more to come.
It has been my hope to hit the ground running. The baton has been passed from Bill to me, and it’s time for me to begin my leg of the relay. You have already been an inspiration, already been supportive, and have already asked about what may be next. To respond to that last piece, let’s explore that together as “we run the race that has been set out before us.” It’s such a privilege to be here. I continue to pray for you!
In Faith,
Pastor Brad
Some Concerns that we have:
- For those who are dealing with significant health issues.
- For Bill and Jenny Green as they travel to their new home in Maryville, TN
- For our new pastor Brad Beeman and his wife Dorothy at this time of transition
- 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 Katherine Parker, missionary to Nepal
Even though you can’t be with those having birthdays this week, sending emails or making phone calls are appreciated.
The parking lot service continues at 10:00 am. You can still view our service online. Just go to our webpage sequimtumc.org for a link to the service.
We still ask that you mail your contributions to the church and make sure to use Post Office Box 3697 instead of our street address. We thank you for your continued support of our ministries here at Trinity.
Beginnings
July 2, 2020
Saints of Trinity,
What a privilege it is to be stepping in as your Lead Pastor. As we begin our relationship together, both Dorothy and I want to first thank Bill and Jenny for their hospitality; and thank Patricia and Wayne Guthrie for all they’ve done to make the transition as smooth as possible. I’ve now met many of the staff and find them to be an amazing group. I look forward to spending time with those I have yet to meet. Maybe more than anything, I am looking forward to spending time with you, each of you, even in this challenging time. It’s my hope that we can mobilize the Neighborhood Groups and have some small, informal, face to face gatherings just to get to know one another. Even if the eight current groups needed to split in half in order to meet the Governor’s requirements, I am more than happy to travel to wherever you may be to sit with you. Yet, as those gatherings are being organized I have a favor to ask.
I’ve developed a two page questionnaire that I would love to have you, if willing, fill out and get back to me. Some of the questions are simple. Others may take some thought. The purpose is to get to know you, and in so doing, get to know the church. My hope is to create a notebook with names and pictures and some of the answers that allow me to more fully understand your hopes and needs, your hobbies and interests, and even your understanding of your faith. Out of these I will develop any number of sermon series that will fit the needs and dreams of the church. So here is what I’m asking.
Download the questionnaire. Take some time with it. Answer the questions that you’re comfortable answering; and yes, even answer some of those you may be less comfortable answering. Once done, drop it by the office, or put it in my box, or mail it to the church, or if you want, scan and email it back to me at pastorbrad@sequimtumc.org. I assure you that it will stay confidential. And, given that I would never ask you to do anything I’m unwilling to do, here are the answers to my questionnaire.
My name is Bradley Paul Beeman. I go by Brad or Pastor Brad. My home community is Dungeness Meadows, just south of town off of River Road. I’m married to Dorothy. We have four children, all grown. My preferred contact, at least at this point, is either by email (see above) or on my cell. I’ve attended Trinity for one day. I came to Trinity because I asked to come and the Bishop said, “Yes.” I’m staying because I feel called to this church, this community, particularly in this time. The most important thing we do at Trinity, at least for me right now, is to get to know you.
The next question is, “I need my pastor to be…” Instead, let me answer the question, ‘I need my congregation to be’ as open and honest with me as possible, so that I can serve you in ways that will help further our call in this church, this community and in the world. As a Christian I am a moderate (4) with some conservative leanings. Yet I also feel as though offering ourselves to others in need is what completes us as Christians. Jesus is my guide, my savior, my rock. God is the Creator of the Universe, larger than I can contemplate and yet miraculously seeks a relationship with me. God also seeks to constantly move creation (us and the world) toward a greater good. The Holy Spirit is my sustainer, my inner spiritual voice, my comforter, and even my spiritual confronter. The primary role of the pastor is to serve.
I need Trinity to know that I am who I am because of God. God called me and I couldn’t help but answer. My call to ministry came while consulting in Washington DC, and while holding a cocaine addicted baby surrounded by religious and highly placed political figures. As lofty as that may sound, I know that it’s not about me. I am saved by grace and that God will and has placed me wherever I may be needed. Finally, the question I would love to ask you is, what do you need me to be, and what do you want to become? So there you have it. Let me know if you have any questions. I’ll do my best to answer as honestly as I can. I look forward to running this race with you.
In Faith,
Pastor Brad
To All of the Beloved Members of Trinity,
Something happened Sunday that rarely happens for me, I was left speechless! Your generous cash gift, the cards, the basket of lavender products, the prayer shawl and the quilt were all so amazing! And so many of you came to the parking lot for my last service. Getting to wave at you as you drove by warmed both Jenny and my hearts.
So thank you for everything! We will enjoy re-reading the cards when we get to Tennessee and thinking of all of you. We will snuggle under the quilt and wrap ourselves in the prayer shawl and feel your love and prayers. We will use the lavender items and think of the purple beauty of this area. And we will do something special with the cash gift to enhance our new home and pamper ourselves just a bit. So thank you for your love, not just now but over the nine years we were together. We leave in a week for our new home but you will ever be in our hearts.
With Much Love,
Bill and Jenny Green
Special guidance for Sunday service
June 25, 2020
This Sunday will be Pastor Bill’s last service with us and we hope that you will be able to join us in the parking lot. We have a few surprises for Bill and Jenny but if you are unable to attend “Parking Lot Church”, his last service was recorded to watch at home.
Sunday Parking Requirements
We know that many of you want to say goodbye to Pastor Bill and Jenny this Sunday. Parking will be at a premium. Parking attendants and Boy Scouts will be directing traffic and parking. There will be overflow parking on the grass behind the west parking lot. Please obey their directions and when the service is over do not attempt to leave until directed to safely do so by the parking attendants. There will be an established traffic pattern for exiting that allows for a drive-by farewell to Pastor Bill and Jenny. Please be patient and drive safely.
Until Clallam County enters Phase 3 the following protocols will be in place:
- All those entering the church will wear a mask and sign in at the front doors. Masks may be removed if a six-foot distance is maintained.
- Church doors will remain locked, visitors can be buzzed in by Marian. Marian will keep the front office locked and permit entry as necessary.
- As a courtesy to Marian, all volunteers and staff with keys should use the front door and sign in.
- All requests for meetings and entry for meetings (ten people or less) will call Marian to schedule. The meeting organizer will monitor the door until all attendees have entered.
- Men’s and Women’s Bible Studies will resume in August, but the kitchen remains closed until approved by the Bishop.
Pastor Brad Beeman will begin on July 1. If you have a pastoral need please call the church office and Marian will forward your message while Pastor Brad and Dorothy get settled into their new home.
The Staff Parish Relations Committee bids a fond farewell and many thanks to Pastor Bill and Jenny for their leadership. Please join us in welcoming Pastor Brad and Dorothy.
Even though you can’t be with those having birthdays this week, sending emails or making phone calls are appreciated.
Patricia Guthrie
Staff Parish Relations Committee Chair
Farewell from Bill and Jenny
June 25, 2020
Beloved Children of God,
In March, I began writing you weekly letters to keep you up to date on what was happening in the life of the church. Today, you are receiving my last one, a letter of gratitude, to all of you.
The Apostle Paul, when writing to the church in Philippi wrote: “I am thankful for all of you every time I pray, and it is always a prayer full of joy.” Those are my thoughts about all of you and this church. The nine years we have journeyed together in ministry have been some of the best, richest, and most love-filled of my ministry.
I am awed as to how you have welcomed me into the most vulnerable places in your lives. We have cried together as we said our farewells to beloved spouses, family, and friends holding on to the hope of resurrection. You have shared with me your health struggles and those of your family allowing me to walk beside you, holding you in prayer and love. To be allowed into those spaces is a trust I do not take lightly.
It has been my greatest privilege to walk beside you in ministry. So many amazing things have happened at Trinity. You are a beacon on a hill. What we have accomplished would not have been possible without each of you. It is for these and many more reasons I am thankful for you every day and those are always prayers of joy. As I end my time with you, celebrating what God has done among us and through us, I also ask for your forgiveness. I know I am but an imperfect vessel that God chose to call into ministry.
Jenny and I are overwhelmed by the love you have shown us during our time together. Your concern for us and our family has always touched us. We will never forget the study leave you sent us on. In so many ways you have shared with us how much you love us, care about us, and hold us in prayer. We are left humbled and in awe at this great gift of love which is a reminder of God’s love for each of us.
I ask that you give the same love and support to Brad and Dorothy who are coming to minister among you. As is our tradition, I will not be available for funerals or attend worship here so that he can have the space needed to do the work God has called him to do in this place. Know this, Jenny and I will continue to pray for you and hold you in our hearts.
Shortly I will officially end 47 years of licensed and ordained ministry. I want to affirm that in all these years God has been faithful and “God is Good All the Time!”
May the Peace of God be with you now and always and, until we meet again, know God is holding you in the palm of God’s hand.
In Christian love and affection,
Pastor Bill Green
A Loving Farewell from Jenny
Each of you is forever a shining light in my heart—I will carry your light and grace with me always. I have appreciated the amazing variety of gifts that are present in our congregation and I have been blessed by each one of you! The radical hospitality and love you have shown radiates outward so far that surely it is felt around the world! You are in my deep and frequent prayers as our journeys now take different directions.
Peace to your heart and joy for each day,
Jenny
Behind the scenes
June 18, 2020
Dear Friends:
I hope you have been having a good week and a Happy Father’s Day to all of our fathers. I know you are getting anxious for activities to resume at the church. Our re-opening committee will meet next Tuesday, June 23, and it is hoped that from that meeting a partial plan for allowing some activities to begin can be drafted and sent to our District Superintendent for approval.
Our parking lot service is continuing at 10:00 am. It will happen even if it is raining! You can still view our service online. Just go to our webpage sequimtumc.org for a link to the service.
We still ask that you mail your contributions to the church and make sure to use our Post Office Box 3697 instead of our street address. I want to thank you for your continued support of our ministries here at Trinity.
With the coming of a new pastor, we will be having a special Charge Conference on June 23 at 11 am. Because of the limitations on meeting size, only a few members of the Ad Council will attend in person. The purpose of this meeting is to approve a salary package for Pastor Brad. The recommendation from the Staff Parish Committee is the same salary package Pastor Bill received. The Annual Conference requires churches to again set the Pastor’s salary when there is a new pastoral appointment.
Following the Charge Conference, there will be a meeting of the Administration Council, again limited in size to those invited. There are three items for the Admin Council.
- Approve the completion of the housing loan repayment by Pastor Bill. This loan was given to him at the time of his moving to Sequim.
- Approve using $5,000 from reserves to pay for architectural and engineering work for the addition which would house Tim’s Place.
- Approve the re-opening committee.
The members are:
Margaret Cox, Lay Leader; Audrey Gift, Lay Leader; Ken Lillagore, Trustee Chair; Dick Bennett, Trustee and Chair of Security Task Force; Patricia Guthrie, Chair of SPR; Barb Parse, SPR and retired nurse; Judy Croonquist, Tim’s Place ministry; Randy Grubbs, Finance Chair; Gay Lyn Lillagore, Worship Chair; and Lou O’Hara, Senior Ministries
If you have questions or concerns, you can contact Margaret Cox, our Administration Council chair, at rainshadowgal@gmail.com. She will share them with those “in the room.”
Some Concerns that we have:
- For those who are dealing with significant health issues.
- 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.
Pastor Bill
Letter from Pastor Brad
June 14, 2020
Dear Saints of Trinity UMC,
The moving trucks are unpacked. The drive-by goodbye is over at Aldersgate. We’ve made the turn and are heading west. The trucks have dropped their loads and most of our stuff will go into the garage as we await the contractors to complete their work. For at least a little while we’ll be living at our cabin down in Hoodsport. It’s a time of transition, of change, of challenges, of endings and beginnings. We’re excited to begin our time in the beauty that is the North Peninsula and my time as pastor with you, Trinity. But with all of that said, to begin, I want to offer my congratulations to Bill and Jenny; for nine years as servant leaders with you, and now, my prayers as they head into retirement.
I’ve known Bill Green for almost forty years. I knew his parents before meeting him.
Over the years I’ve become more aware of his gifts, his grace, his bowties, his dry sense of humor, his skills in preaching and teaching, and his ability to cast and then live out a vision. In the past few months, he has become a personal gift. His are an amazing combination of gifts. I know they and he will be missed. But Bill was not in ministry alone. I heard about Jenny long before officially meeting her. I’d heard about her grace, her love, her generosity, her wisdom, and her hospitality. Now that I’ve met her and spent some time with her, I’ve found her to be a bright, warm beacon who’s light shines no matter where she is or who she’s with. Like Bill, hers are an unusual combination of gifts. The combination of the two of them has been a treasure and a gift to you as a church. There is no doubt but that they will be missed, but I assure you, they will always have a place here at Trinity.
Nine years in one parish is a long appointment. It allows for deeper relationships, a sense of and response to a vision. Nine years offers an opportunity to establish a more specific identity. It allows a pastor to become known, not only in the church but in the greater community. These would be the normal aspects of nine years of ministry together. But what you and Bill and Jenny have accomplished together isn’t normal. It’s exceptional. Your decision to work with The Church of the Resurrection was obviously pivotal. Your embracing of radical hospitality has become a part of your DNA, and has certainly played a part in facilitating growth. Your decision to focus on retirees was both courageous and risky, but the way you’ve taken it on has allowed God to use you in ways that you may not have expected. Your courage, persistence, your passion, your hospitality, your active involvement in the community, and yes, your growth have become an example of what a church can be and do. It has also become increasingly obvious to me that the Holy Spirit is actively involved in every step, every decision, every element of Trinity. Jesus has been your example, while God has led and filled you. It is a rare privilege to step into such a church. Becoming your pastor is an answer to my prayers, and a responsibility I don’t take lightly.
I remember the stirring in my heart a few months back. You just kept coming to mind. I knew that Bill was retiring. But it was much deeper than his retirement. The Godly nudge began to grow so I called my District Superintendent. We talked about a potential move and what that might mean for Aldersgate. That led to a meeting with your Superintendent, Rev. Mark Galang. He and I talked, prayed, and then spent time discerning God’s will. It was about a month later that I received the call; the call where Mark officially asked if I would like to make the move to Trinity. I immediately answered “YES.” He asked if I wanted to pray about it. I shared that I’d been praying about it for a month. Then, as the announcements took place in both churches, Bill and I began to meet. I met Patricia Guthrie. I met the Staff Parish Committee albeit online. Together, covered in prayer, we made the decision that this was the right move. Now, over the past few months, Bill and I have had multiple meetings, exchanges, and even a few strategic discussions. Patricia and I have spoken numerous times. With each meeting, each conversation, each visit I’ve become more and more excited. I thank God for you, for Patricia, and for Bill.
I have appreciated Bill’s willingness to include me in a variety of things; knowing the financial situation, being involved in the discussions around reopening, sharing about some of the current issues like the potential construction of a separate space for Tim’s Place, the issues around security of the church, and even the centricity of music to everything you do. He’s shared about the choir…and oh what a choir. He’s shared about the gift of the organ…and oh, what an organ. And I’ve watched in awe as the musicians have created some great music. I am also aware of the growing controversy around the Meth Clinic. I am aware of some of Sequim’s responses to the death of George Floyd; the protests, the coronavirus, and certainly become more aware of what Sequim seems to be about. I also know that I’ve only scratched the surface.
Going deeper will come with time and with relationships with each of you.
Now, I ask a couple of favors; first your patience. The closing of our new home in Sequim was delayed by eighteen days, mostly because of the coronavirus. Because of the delay we’ve had to move into two houses rather than just one. We’re currently waiting for the contractors to complete their work at our home in Sequim. That has caused us to have to store a fair amount of items at our cabin in Hoodsport. For at least another week, the cabin will be our primary home. We hope to move into the Sequim house by no later than June 23. While we’re waiting I’ll be in Sequim at least two or three times a week. While waiting I will be attending a variety of meetings at Trinity. So patience is the first favor. Second, I’m going to be asking Marian to send out a questionnaire of sorts. Given that we won’t be able to meet in person, at least as much as I would like, the questionnaire would allow me the chance to get to know you until we have the chance to share a cup of coffee or tea. Please know that there is no pressure to fill it out. If you complete it just drop it off at the church office or email it back to me. It will allow me to know a little more about each of you. I’ll fill it out as well and make mine available.
For now, as Bill and I approach Sunday, July 5, I wanted to share that the hymn that keeps coming to mind is “How Can I Keep From Singing.” It’s what is going on in my heart. The scriptures that come to mind are two of my favorites. The first is from the 10th chapter of Hebrews. The author writes, “And let us consider how we might stir one another up or spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” Jeremiah is the other. In chapter 29, verses 11 – 13 he writes, “I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord; plans to build you up and not to harm you, plans to give you hope, and offer you a future. Then you will call on me, and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me, particularly when you seek me with all of your heart.” No matter our situation, no matter the struggles we may be going through, God is with us hoping, longing, anticipating that we are seeking Him. As you know, it’s when we seek that we find. I mean, look at what you’re already doing. And now, as we go through the multiple levels of this time of transition let’s continue to seek, and stir up, and spur on. Let’s pray together and find the next pieces of what God hopes to bring to and from Trinity United Methodist Church. I look forward to taking it all on together.
In Faith, Pastor Brad
Charge conference
June 11, 2020
Dear Friends:
I hope you have been having a good week. I am seeing freshly cut hair and Jenny and I have been out to eat at a restaurant. These signs that we are moving out of isolation are heartwarming. We are a long way from what we used to experience as “normal” but at least things are moving in that direction. What does this mean for the church? Our bishop’s order that churches remain closed, except for essential work, expires next Monday. She is not expected to extend it. We have a committee named that will have to come up with a plan for opening. This then has to be approved by our District Superintendent. All of this takes time so it will be a few more weeks until committee meetings and Bible studies can resume. Marian or I will be in the office each weekday morning to take your calls.
Our parking lot service is continuing at 10:00 am. Sunday we had over 50 cars and the sun came out before we were done. It will happen even if it is raining! You can still view our service online. Just go to our webpage sequimtumc.org for a link to the service.
We still ask that you mail your offering into the church and make sure to use our post office box 3697 instead of our street address. I want to thank you for your continued support of our ministries here at Trinity.
With the coming of a new pastor, we need to have a special Charge Conference to approve a salary package for Pastor Brad. While the total amount will not change, Pastor Brad has the right to have items within the package adjusted to align with his expenses. The Charge Conference is scheduled for June 23rd at 11 am. Because of the limitations on meeting sizes, only a few members of the Admin Council will be invited to attend in person. My letter to you, just before the meeting, will have the details of the salary package. That way, if you have questions or concerns, you can let Margaret Cox, our Admin Council chair, know about them and she will share them with those “in the room” for the Charge Conference. We will also have a brief Admin Council meeting at this time. Again, all action items for this meeting will be sent out in advance.
The summer feeding program, which we have supported from the beginning, will happen again this summer. At this time they do not think they can use volunteers to help hand out the meals. But if they change their minds, we will let you know. The program costs a lot of money so if you would like to help please mail a check to the church and mark it “summer food program.”
Some Concerns that we have:
- For those who are dealing with significant health issues.
- 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.
Pastor Bill
Outdoor communion
June 4, 2020
Dear Friends:
I hope you have been having a good week. Our first parking lot service happened on Sunday and it was a success. We had about 40 cars and even though it was blustery, all enjoyed the opportunity to worship together. We will continue this service at 10:00 am. It will happen even if it is raining!
To look at the rules for attending the outdoor service and what you will need to participate in our communion service please click on this link. https://www.sequimtumc.org/worship/june-7-2020-communion-service/
We will not have a way to collect your offering at this worship service. We still ask that you mail it into the church and make sure to use our post office box 3697 instead of our street address.
Since this coming Sunday is the first Sunday of the month we will be celebrating Holy Communion. So before you tune into the video or come to the service in the church parking lot make sure you have a piece of bread and some juice or wine with you. In this way, we can be united through this service even if we need to be distanced.
With the coming of a new pastor, we need to have a special Charge Conference to approve a salary package for Pastor Brad. While the total amount will not change, Pastor Brad has the right to have items within the package adjusted to align with his expenses. The Charge Conference is scheduled for June 23rd at 11 am. Because of the limitations on meeting sizes, only a few members of the Ad Council will be invited to attend in person. My letter to you, just before the meeting, will have the details of the salary package. That way, if you have questions or concerns, you can let Margaret Cox, our Ad Council chair, know about them and she will share them with those “in the room” for the Charge Conference. We will also have a brief Ad Council at this time. Again, all action items for this meeting will be sent out in advance.
Our bishop has asked that our churches remain closed, except for essential work, until at least mid-June. After that, we will have to come up with an approved plan for opening. Until that time 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.
Pastor Bill
Something new: outdoor service
Date: May 28, 2020
Dear Friends:
I hope you have been having a good week. We will have worship in the parking lot this Sunday at 10:00 am. It will happen even if it is raining! Here are the rules we must follow to have a service and because of them, this service might not be a good fit for you.
- You are not allowed to get out of your cars.
- If you need to roll down a window for air, only the driver side window can be used, as open windows have to be at least 6 feet apart.
- You cannot run your car during the service and on a hot day with all but one window rolled up it could get hot!
- The church and its bathrooms are not available.
If, even with these rules, you want to join us, we look forward to seeing you. We will have parking lot attendants to hand out a bulletin with the words to the hymns so you can sing along and they will help you get parked in the right direction. The service should last about 40 minutes.
We will not have a way to collect your offering at this worship service. We still ask that you mail it into the church and make sure to use our Post Office box 3697 instead of our street address.
We will continue our online services so you are invited to go to our website at www.sequimtumc.org for the video link to these services.
Thanks to all who supported our church plant sale. Through your generosity, we raised almost $700!
This week there has been some confusion about when we will open the church to worship. Even with the president declaring in-person worship an essential activity we follow the direction of our bishop who has decided that our 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