While in-person worship is set to resume on June 14, we recognize that many people should not initially
return. If you are elderly, immune-compromised, or have a medical condition that places you at increased risk, please continue to engage with Trinity virtually. Although we miss being together, we want everyone to remain safe. Therefore, remote and in-person opportunities will continue simultaneously for the next several months. In-Person Opportunities
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[Portions of this Pastor’s Word are adapted from a Taize service and reflection held at Our Lady of Grace Monastery and Benedict Inn in Indianapolis]
In Mark’s gospel, Jesus finds it continuously difficult to get away from the crowds clamoring for his help. He is continuously pressed in upon, even while he tries to make some time and space for his own physical and spiritual well-being. His public ministry begins in Capernaum where, on the first day, he cures many who are sick and casts out demons until late into the night. He rises early the next morning to go into the wilderness, a deserted place, where he can have quiet time in prayer. But the disciples track him down to tell him that everyone is looking for him, presumably because they want to be healed and helped. When Jesus goes to his hometown the crowd is so persistent, he does not even have time to eat. After an exhausting day of teaching, he tells his disciples, “Let us go across to the other side [of the sea].” Exhausted, he falls asleep. But when a storm arises, they awaken him in a panic. Reaching the other side of the sea, he is greeted by a demoniac as soon as he steps out of the boat. Crossing back again to the other side, a great crowd awaits him on the shoreline. People grab at the hem of his robe in the crowds. Wherever he goes, his arrival is anticipated, his presence is recognized, and people clamor after him. How exhausted Jesus must have been! Perhaps if Dr. Seuss were to write the gospel, he’d say: "Jesus cannot have quiet time on the boat; nor in the crowds where they pull at his coat; and he cannot have quiet in the remote. The crowds await him on every shore, they press and they holler “more, more, more.” One can imagine that each time Jesus “crossed to the other side,” he hoped something more peaceful and restful might await him. Can you relate? Oh, how we would like to get to the other side of this summer: to the other side of this virus, to the other side of our civil unrest, to the other side of our economic woes. And yet, at each turn, we find more of the same… a frightened, hurting, desperate world in need. I want to encourage you in this time to be true disciples of Jesus, learning to live like Jesus lived; seeking rest and prayer and balance, yet also being responsive to the needs of those around you. Rest as you are able. Pray! But do not grow weary in doing good and serving those in need… even though it may be physically and spiritually exhausting at times. And, as disciples, cling to the other lessons we have learned in this difficult season:
Pastor Tracey Opportunities for Prayer and Reflection
Pastor Tracey is offering opportunities for Christian prayer and reflection with scripture in two contexts:
Sunday Prayer Gathering Join us Sunday morning at 10 a.m. on Zoom for a virtual prayer gathering. Pastor Tracey always allows time at the end for fellowship. If you are missing some Trinity faces, log on and join us! It is a wonderful time to connect. Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87006129861?pwd=cXJuVzVsZks3Uk5RblFXSGh6eGMzZz09 Meeting ID: 870 0612 9861 Password: 618051 You may join by phone by dialing 1-312-626-6799 Please remember that when worship resumes on Sunday, June 14, the weekly prayer gathering on zoom will begin at 9:30 a.m. instead of 10. For more information on re-opening, visit http://www.trinitylafayette.org/back-together.html If you have not yet had a chance to view the worship service provided by the conference, it is still available on the homepage (www.trinitylafayette.org). Pastor Tracey's sermon will be posted on the website on Sunday, May 31. Outreach Initiatives During COVID Thank you to everyone who has contributed to our outreach initiatives during the pandemic. We received $957.60 to provides meals for IU, Franciscan, and Family Promise. We are excited to share with you another outreach imitative taking place on June 23 at 6 p.m in the Trinity parking lot. As a part of the USDA Farmers to Families program Trinity United Methodist Church is partnering with Prairie Farms for a milk drive on June 23 at 6 o’clock. All community members are welcome to pick up a gallon of milk (or two) from the TUMC parking lot. We will need three volunteers to help on June 23. If you are interested in helping with this event, please contact Pastor Tracey directly. Dear Trinity Friend:
In this season of COVID-19, we want everyone to stay safe. The decision has been made to suspend worship through Palm Sunday, April 5. We will communicate in early April regarding Easter worship. That will depend on where we are with this pandemic, CDC recommendations and government restrictions. In addition, beginning March 23, the church office will be closed. Staff will continue to check mail, print checks, etc. but will otherwise work remotely. Remember that…
Finally, as already mentioned, if you are aware of a church member who is homebound or self-quarantining, and who does not have someone checking in with them regularly, please take it upon yourself to contact them every couple of days or contact the church office. |
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