Jul 9, 2022 | Pastor Jim's Blog
A Word from Pastor Jim…
40 years ago today, I was at a rehearsal dinner for a wedding that would take place on July 10th. Now, I have officiated at hundreds of weddings; in fact, I have one this afternoon at Bush Point. In the last decade I have had the privilege of walking two of my daughters down the aisle. I have calmed nervous brides and encouraged anxious grooms. On occasion I have been called upon to assist aging grandparents, coax tiny flower girls down the aisle, and referee divorced parents who forgot that the day was not about them. I was asked to jump out of a plane for a couple who really wanted to take the leap. A flight with no frequent flyer miles, I said, “No.”
Hundreds of weddings. Would you like to hear my rules for weddings? I only have one rule: the couple must choose their own vows. It is all about the vows, sacred promises exchanged before God and honored guests. Besides that, no rules; it is their wedding not mine. The groom arriving by float plane? No problem. Dogs in the ceremony? No problem. The rings delivered by a motorcycle loudly racing down the center aisle at TLC? No problem.
The wedding 40 years ago was a little different. You see, it was my wedding. After four and a half years of dating, Felicia and I walked down the aisle at First Lutheran Church. Holding hands in front of the altar, we promised to face the future together. We were young Dekalb High School sweethearts, and I can say, with all confidence, that we had no idea what we were getting into. When we arrived in Florida for our honeymoon, Felicia had second thoughts; I arrived with only the dress shoes from the marriage ceremony, and spiked golf shoes. That’s all.
Where did those 40 years go? Three children, five grandchildren, miscarriages, surgeries, suicides, caring for and burying parents. Homes and cars have come and gone. Money has been made, spent, and lost. Better, worse, richer, poorer, in sickness and in health until death parts us. I can say with complete confidence that we had no idea what we were doing!
40 years and 33 of those years at TLC.
I won the lottery 40 years ago. I married up; Felicia got the Lindus diamond and the curse that came with it, a man who brings only golf shoes on his honeymoon.
I am headed to Bush Point to officiate at a wedding. I will see you tomorrow.
One day closer,
Pastor Jim
Jul 7, 2022 | Pastor Jim's Blog
Today’s Word from Deacon Amy…
This past Friday evening I returned home exhausted, sore, and thoroughly delighted after spending a week at camp with a group of middle school students. The last time we were at camp was in 2019; it was so very good to be back!
On Sunday morning, we met in the parking lot to load our gear into Trinity’s van. This 12-passenger van has a remarkable way of stretching to fit our needs. Six middle schoolers and two adults, with all of our gear, fit comfortably to make the 7+ hour journey from Whidbey Island to Lake Coeur d’Alene in 
Idaho.
Together, we attended the 8:00 worship service, some of the teens stifling yawns as they had not seen that early hour since school got out for summer break. After gathering near the font for a prayer of safe travels, we piled into the van and headed east. We ate lunch on the road and made it to Camp Lutherhaven with plenty of time to get checked in before dinner was served.
The week was spent in a combination of study, conversations, adventures, silliness, exhaustion, and just plain fun. We would gather in a private meeting space in the mornings for a Bible lesson (this year, we focused our studies on the latest Disney movie, “Encanto,”) and games before joining the rest of the camp for lunch. In the afternoons we joined in camp games and activities, went swimming in the lake, and had some great adventures as a group.
On Tuesday afternoon, the camp arranged for us to do some challenge activities where the students worked together as a group to solve a problem. The 
first task was to have everybody stand on a log and arrange themselves in age order, without stepping off of the log, and without talking. It was very entertaining watching them try to communicate without speaking! Next was a more complex activity where they had to move the entire group through a course of stepping stones, using only two boards to create “bridges” between stones. There were some interesting rules in place that added to the challenge – but the kids worked it out and everybody got through!
Wednesday afternoon brought the much-anticipated climbing tower and zipline! The climbing tower is a three-sided structure that stands 35 feet tall. Each side offers a different kind of climbing experience. Two sides are engineered climbing walls with spaced out foot and hand holds. The other side is what they call the “junk yard.” This is an odd assortment of obstacles, all connected with ropes and bungees, meaning that none of the obstacles on this side are anchored, so they all continually move. Students had an opportunity to don a harness and helmet and tackle whichever side (or sides) they liked. For the couple who were not able to make the climb, there was a ladder that got them to the top. Once at the peak, their harness was switched to a zipline and they came back to the ground by flying over our heads and out into the grassy field. The afternoon was a thrilling mix of excitement and terror as students stretched their limits, went outside of their comfort zones, and tried something new. I’m thrilled to report that every one of them reached the top of the tower and took the zipline down. It was awesome!
After our morning Bible study on Thursday, we packed for the day and headed to Silverwood Theme Park where we played 
all day long. There were water slides, a lazy river, a train ride, and roller coasters galore. The kids had an amazing day swimming, riding, and playing. When we arrived back at our cabins around 10:00 that night, everyone crawled straight into bed and fell fast asleep.
On Friday morning, we once again packed the van and made the long drive home, pausing to stretch our legs and enjoy the views at Vantage before stopping in Ellensburg for a “sit down” lunch at IHOP. It’s always fun to see some of these kids order their own meals for the first time. Milk shakes and waffles make an interesting combo!
The week was amazing. We talked, we explored, we grew, we learned, we stretched our boundaries, we made new friends, and we had a blast!
Thank you, Trinity, for supporting our kids and making trips like this possible. Because of your generosity, our families only had to pay about half the cost of this trip, making the adventure accessible for everyone. Thank you!
Now it’s time to switch gears and get ready for Vacation Bible School and Day Camp. Soon enough I’ll be heading to Montana with high school kids. I’ll keep you posted on our adventures!
Deacon Amy
Jul 2, 2022 | Pastor Jim's Blog
A Word from Pastor Jim…
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He was there to greet me when I unlocked the doors on a Tuesday morning. A single snail climbing up the glass, probably unsure of his destination, somewhat weary from the long journey that brought him to TLC.
Had he lost his family? Was he looking for food, or love, or a wet place to curl up in his shell and rest?
I am guessing that snails cannot read, but he seemed to be looking in toward the welcome mat that bears the Trinity logo and the simple phase that helps to define our life together:
“Mine is the church, where everybody’s welcome.”
Are snails welcome at TLC?
In the years that have followed our adoption of that simple phrase we have had many test cases. Sometimes people slither, stumble, or limp in the door; they are not sure why they are here, and, at first glance we are not sure that we want them here. They might not be the kind of people that we see at the club or invite to our home for a dinner party.
Are snails welcome at TLC?
We have had a parade of strange uncles, eccentric aunts, unchurched drifters, democrats, and republicans. They garner the courage to walk into a place where they are likely to be judged. They are so desperate that they take a chance and, against all odds, walk through the door that the snail climbed.
Doubting, uncertain, and insecure children of God they hobble into the sanctuary – which is defined as a “safe place.” They are new to the community, they have just lost a loved one, were recently divorced, gay, straight, questioning, transgendered, they are terminally ill and critically lonely. They long for hope, for a word of grace, for a place to curl up in their shell and rest.
Are snails welcome at TLC?
Mine is the church where everybody’s welcome. Either all are welcome, or all will be excluded. Either all are welcome, or the church becomes a club. We are TLC. We are the Total Loser Club, one beggar telling another where to find bread.
Are snails welcome at TLC?
Look for them this Sunday. They will be there. They took a chance on us, they are waiting to meet Jesus, they are our sisters and brothers. Mine is the church where everybody’s welcome. Such an easy sentence to speak, living it takes work. Living it forces us to face our own prejudices and our ever-present self-righteousness.
Not sure where you are going? Not sure what you believe? A little bit afraid and massively insecure? You will feel right at home at TLC.
One day closer,
Pastor Jim
To make a donation to Trinity, go to https://trinitylutheranfreeland.org/give
Jun 27, 2022 | Pastor Jim's Blog
SUNDAY, JULY 3 WORSHIP
We invite you to join us for worship both in-person and online at 8:00 and 10:00 a.m. this Sunday. Our nursery will be open for infants, toddlers and preschoolers during the 10:00 service. Masks are optional on the TLC campus. You may choose to wear a mask, or not, while in worship. We will “live-stream” both services on Facebook, YouTube, and our Website. The video will be saved and available for viewing online at any time.
12 NEW MEMBERS WELCOMED AT TRINITY
The following people have participated in our summer New Member’s Class over the past two weeks and this past Sunday became members of Trinity Lutheran: Sandy Moon, Laurell & Rick Waclawik, Everett Winsberg, Dana & Amy Melick, Susan Lewis, Donna & Joe Sheldon, Coyla Shepard, Manny Ziegler, and Sue Williams. Please seek these folks out, introduce yourself, and welcome them into our fellowship at Trinity!
PLEASE DON’T PARK OVERNIGHT IN THE CHURCH LOT
Our church van has had the gas line cut twice in the past two months while parked in our lot. Please don’t leave your car overnight in the parking lot.
GO-FUND-ME FOR TINY HOUSE
Trinity Lutheran Church is joining five other South Whidbey Churches and three community groups in sponsoring a charming campus of nine tiny homes in Langley. This tiny home community will provide affordable housing for South Whidbey Island workers. This will not solve the crisis in affordable housing entirely, but it will be a part of the solution. Trinity Lutheran Church has pledged to raise $30,000 to support this effort. We invite you to join us in providing beautiful affordable housing for your neighbors. 100% of the money raised will go to this project.
Contact the church office at 360-331-5191 if you would like to sign up to help with this build. Rocky Knickerbocker and Gary Guernsey are coordinating the project. Follow the link to donate through GoFundMe, then share the link to your social media pages!
To donate to our Tiny House GoFundMe, go to: https://gofund.me/d2718ab1
SUPPORT FOR LAKE CITY HOMELESS SHELTER
We are supporting the Lake City Partners Ending Homelessness Shelter in Shoreline. Check them out on Facebook. A complete list of needed items is on the flyer on the greeting table or on the mailbox table in the lobby. Items can be left in the donation bins in the office lobby. Thank you for your support.
THURSDAY PRAYER GROUP
Meets at 10:00 a.m. This dedicated group gathers weekly in the Sunday School wing to pray for our church family, their friends and neighbors, and issues in our nation and around the world. Prayers of all sorts are needed now.
VBS & DAY CAMP, JULY 18 – 22
At ReNew Vacation Bible School and Day Camp, students will Grow in Faith, Have Fun, and Change the World! Students age 4 through those entering 5th grade will be on campus from 9:00 to Noon each day, growing in faith as they play, learn, sing, and work to ReNew our community, near and far. Students entering 6th through 12th grades will help the younger students in the mornings and then head out for local field trips in the afternoons where we will learn how to care about our environment and our neighbors. Pick up time is at 3:30. Online registration is now available through Trinity’s website.
TO DONATE TO TRINITY:
There are several ways to support the work of Trinity Lutheran Church: Drop your check or cash donation in the offering box in the narthex on Sundays, or at the front desk during the week Or, mail a check to: PO Box 97, Freeland WA 98249 Or, donate online by following the link at the end of this post.
CHURCH LIBRARY & OFFICE HOURS
The church office and library are open Tuesday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Our library is well stocked with a wide variety of reading options. Stop by to check out a great read! Call the church office at 360-331-5191 or email the staff with questions about life at TLC!
To read our full newsletter, go to: https://gem.godaddy.com/s/cedb241
To make a donation to Trinity, go to https://trinitylutheranfreeland.org/give
Jun 22, 2022 | Pastor Jim's Blog
A Word from Deacon Amy
Although preschool ended three weeks ago, the sounds of children laughing and playing have filled our hallways and playgrounds once again. Our amazing teachers and their fantastic teen helpers have put on two exciting day camp programs for our students.
Last week’s theme was Fairy-tales! Kids had a wonderful time hearing some of their favorite stories while playing with their friends and creating magical craft projects. Their candy cottages turned out especially delightful!
Their fairy-tale activities for the week included a reenactment of the three little pigs story, going for carriage rides (wagons pulled by teens), and making s’mores. 
It’s been wonderful to be able to utilize our beautiful outdoor spaces. We have been especially thankful for the cooperative weather.
This week’s camp has been all about Superheroes! Kids learned about the kindness of super heroes while making a friendship snack mix to share.
They went through intensive super hero training in the meadow, and tested their skills.
Each hero got to design and create their own shields, too. A custom mask and some face paint completed the super hero ensemble and made for some fantastic photos in front of our cityscape backdrop. These heroes are ready to save the day, whatever challenges may come their way! 
Thursday will be the final day of adventures for these intrepid campers! They’ll finish the week with a water fun day, splashing and playing in the grass. We are so thankful for our teachers who put so much thought and creativity into planning these fun activities. We also offer a huge thanks to our teen helpers who have been a ton of fun this week!
Thanks, campers, for bringing so much joy to our TLC campus once again!
With love and gratitude,
Deacon Amy
Jun 22, 2022 | Pastor Jim's Blog
Today’s Word from Laura Canby…
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We all need a sanctuary when our emotional/physical/spiritual reserves run low in the face of loss, voluminous to-do lists, turbulent societal times, disappointment, and the general wear-and-tear of life.
Sometimes all we need is a brief respite of calm for re-centering… an escape into beauty, nature, prayer.
Many people lean into God’s promises to see them through.
Some find strength amidst a circle of family and friends, while others seek solitude. Some walk the beaches or forests. Others burrow into a book. Some dig their hands into the garden soil.
After the passing of one of my favorite people this week, I found sanctuary in a song that Karl sang at the 8 a.m. service a week ago. I invite you to take a few minutes and relax into it.
And if you don’t mind sharing, where do YOU find sanctuary?
A place? An activity? A Bible verse? A song?
