Upside Down

While giving thanks with farmers for the especially wet week behind us, I am looking forward to the opportunity to gather outdoors for worship this Sunday. The weather report is looking conducive at this point; we’re hoping that, by remaining in vehicles this week, the COVID numbers might allow us to gather safely. We’re going to be starting a new series entitled “Upside Down,” which explores some of the challenging and transformational values apparent when we embrace God’s authority and vision for life together rather than our own. We hope that you can join us for a fresh perspective on the practice of forgiveness in Matthew 18.

It was encouraging to be among the two dozen faces present on “Zoom” Wednesday night for the launch of our Confirmation year. While the challenges to learning this year are significant, we have a great cadre of youth; their enthusiasm for the possibilities and patience with the process were both a blessing to experience. Don’t forget that High School youth and younger children have ministries beginning this month. Watch the calendar!

Recent reports of the pandemic upon the mental health of both youth and adults are really alarming. The stigma attached to the topic isn’t helping to grow our awareness. I’d like to highlight a Holy Trinity event just over a week ahead! The Mental Health Advocacy Team invites you to a presentation on suicide awareness Sunday, 9-20 at 10:15 a.m. Join us as we welcome the “Alive and Running: Suicide Awareness and Prevention” founders, Ryan Nesbit and Troy Belmer, who will talk about the loss of their friend. Likewise Gail and Dan Husmann will share their experience with losing a grandson. This session is intended to increase awareness about prevention, identify available resources, and offer a message of hope. It’s intended for adults and students of middle-school age or older. We hope this will take place on the west lawn, accessible either under canopies or via FM radio in your vehicle. We truly hope that you can be present for these powerful testimonies. Check the website or the church voicemail for updates as the date grows nearer.

Let’s open our ears, eyes, and imaginations to what Christ might reveal to us this week. We need each other’s love and perspective more than ever!

Pastor Tim