Today’s Word from Pastor Jim…
“I thank my God in every remembrance of you.”
Dear Friends in Christ, there has never been a more important time to be the church together. Our neighbors long for words of promise, grace and hope. The non-profits of Whidbey Island need the support of Trinity Lutheran Church. Young families need a caring Christian Preschool where their little ones will learn life lessons and experience love in a safe environment. The mission entrusted to us is bearing fruit every day and thanks to the Trinity Endowment we are positioning ourselves to touch the future long after we are gone.
I am thankful for our wonderful staff. They are dedicated to you and to our shared mission. I am thankful for the dozens and dozens of volunteers who share their time and talent with the community each week making Trinity a place of hospitality and grace. A few weeks ago, a young mother who lives in another state contacted me and said that Trinity offers her hope for the world.
Last week a couple who had returned from winter in the South met with me midweek. Reflecting on the previous Sunday service they commented saying, “On the way home we both said, ‘This is what worship should be like.’” We have something special at TLC; there is a sweet spirit in this place. The stewardship of this precious place is up to each of us. No judging. No excluding. No background checks. Either all are welcome or soon all will be excluded. So put on the uniform of a servant each Sunday morning and come ready to welcome the guests that Jesus invites to our community.
Our mid-year financials are strong and put us in a position to do even more for our neighbors. We will continue to work with trusted ministry partners who go places that we cannot go.
It is an exciting time of transition as Pastor Katrina is now with us full-time. We continue to adjust our staff responsibilities, matching ministry gifts with the needs of the congregation. No one is leaving our staff in the near term, we are growing and thriving together.
On July 12th we have a once in a lifetime event, once in the lifetime of a church that is already 73 years old, as we will be hosting the Presiding Bishop of the ELCA. I was with one of our colleagues in Everett last week and the pastor asked, “How do you rate?” The Presiding Bishop will be here to observe and give thanks. Bishop Curry wants to see and experience a congregation in the most unchurched region of the country that continues to thrive even in the midst of an historic decline in mainline denominations. Bishop Curry also wants to thank us for the amazingly generous benevolent giving that sets Trinity apart as one of the most generous congregations in the ELCA.
So, I have two asks of you in the Summer of 2026. First, please plan to be with us on July 12th. Worship services will be at 8 and 10:30 to allow us time between services for a forum with the Presiding Bishop and with Northwest Washington Synod Bishop Shelley Bryan Wee. Let’s show our bishops who we are as we extend extravagant hospitality to all. Second, an invitation for you to join Felicia and me by remembering the Trinity Endowment in your estate plan. We have the names of lawyers in the office who can help you with this. Together we can touch the future. Together we can assure that our legacy of generosity will go on for decades to come.
Blessed to be a Blessing! I am thankful for you! I am one beggar, telling another beggar where to find bread, I am your,
Pastor Jim
