“Rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say rejoice.” – The words of the Apostle Paul to the church in Philippi from a prison in Rome.
We have so much to be thankful for as we live our island lives in peace, as we travel safely down Highway 525, as we wait in endless ferry lines among strange looking tourists from the mainland. We have much to be thankful for as we gather each Sunday to celebrate God’s grace and the privilege of belonging to a church where everybody’s welcome.
I am thankful for each of you and the unique gifts that you bring to our community. I am thankful for our bakers, artists, musicians, quilters, woodcutters, church council members, teachers, greeters and ushers. I am thankful for the wonderful staff that serves the mission of TLC with tireless dedication. I rejoice always for the strong, courageous and dedicated women who serve as a part of our staff: Robin, Laura, Tonya, Deacon Amy, Sheila, Yuka, Megan, Cathy, Emma, our six wonderful Preschool teachers and Pastor Katrina!
It has been 5 months now since Pastor Katrina was ordained at TLC. She has worked part-time and continued her nursing career as well. In the past 5 months we have been inspired by her preaching, teaching, and serving. We have embraced her and loved her as part of our family. Rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say rejoice.
On June 1st there will be a major transition at TLC. The Church Council has decided that the time is right to expand Pastor Katrina’s ministry role. Beginning June 1st Pastor Katrina will be full-time on our church staff. She will have consistent office hours every Tuesday- Friday from 9 am to 1 pm. In addition to those hours she will be teaching, providing pastoral care, writing, providing leadership and juggling the various responsibilities of full-time ministry. In January, Pastor Katrina dedicated her life to Christian service. This service can be all consuming. The demands on her time will be considerable, following Jesus in this form of leadership is a 24-7 calling. I would ask you to do what you have always done, namely, love your pastors. Pray for Pastor Katrina in this time of transition.
This transition is a win-win for all, a move that is enthusiastically embraced by our staff. Pastor Katrina is not replacing anyone on our staff, she is enhancing an already capable team.
Rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say rejoice! We have so much to be thankful for! I am optimistic as we face the future together. We are in good hands. Trinity is a place of grace.
Thanks for your loving and tender care for me, my family and our staff. One beggar, telling another beggar where to find bread, I am your,
Pastor Jim
