"Connection" by Dr. Savannah Jewell

God doesn’t want us to be alone.
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It has always been challenging, as an introvert, to make friends as an adult. Once I ‘launched’ into the world, so to speak, I found that I have no talent in simply striking up a conversation and connecting with a stranger. When we were looking for a new spiritual home, my husband and I initially tried Trinity because of the historic building (“at least it will be pretty, if nothing else”) and later morning service. We felt so immediately welcomed and engaged that we never left. Trinity is home.

One of the things I have always loved about Trinity was that the members strive for connection - a bond that extends beyond the sanctuary. We study together, we eat together, we garden together… This isn’t a happy accident - it is by design.

The staff works hard. I grew up in the Methodist church, and I have never seen the clergy work so much on the ground floor to help facilitate this sense of connection. Have you grabbed a coffee with Pastor Tracey? I think almost everyone has, coming away with a better sense of where we could find connection, through individual relationships or via engaging any of our ministries. The pandemic made this even more challenging, requiring the staff to push themselves and their creativity to find new, remote, and safe engagement opportunities. This virus has changed how we connect, but it didn’t stop us.

Beyond the congregation, I love seeing a staff that works together. Every week, they meet and discuss updates from their focused areas of ministry, as well as coordinate where those ministries overlap. Trinity isn’t going to assign one person to help you with your needs - you’ll get an entire, well-oiled machine! Recently, the staff announced their fall retreat - an opportunity to rest, rejuvenate, and recharge together. It is a blessing to have our church leaders model these healthy behaviors for the congregation. I have full faith that they will return from their retreat with a deepened team spirit, ready to collaborate and serve!

God doesn’t want us to be alone; Trinity UMC works together so we can all find connection.

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