Hi, Everyone:
Sorry this is kind of late – the emails are flying fast and thick, and changes may be afoot.
So, as I mentioned in yesterday’s email blast, Saturday’s Spaghetti Feed is postponed. I also mentioned some of the measures we’re taking for safety during Sunday services. Please read the email if you haven’t yet by clicking here. Some more things you can help with: Pick up your own bulletins on your way into the service (instead of turning ushers into virus conduits), drop off your offering in the tray on the pedestal (instead of passing germ-y trays around), space yourselves out in the pews (pretend you’re an old-fashioned standoffish Lutheran), and keep a comfortable distance when lining up for communion. And, of course, wash your hands often and stay home if you’re sick. Here again is that link to the Alameda County Public Health Department coronavirus page for local information: http://www.acphd.org/2019-ncov.aspx
Of course, this is all assuming we will be holding services this Sunday, March 15. The Executive Committee will be having a conference call later this evening to discuss our worship schedule for this Sunday, the Third Sunday in Lent, and Fill the Food Barrel Sunday. At this point, it looks like Sunday School may be cancelled. Join us for Adult Forum (maybe) between services in the Activity Room this Sunday and March 22, when Leah and Kathleen Keating will be sharing what they did on their archaeological dig and the churches that they visited.
As of this writing, the monthly Daytimers’ Luncheon is still on for March 17. This is the potluck which the Tuesday Bible Study group has on third Tuesdays of each month at 11:30 am in the Activity Room. Everyone is invited. It’s a small group, so it’s probably not too dangerous (unless you’re talking about their sharp wit). I’ll let you know if it gets cancelled (Oh no, not my free lunch!).
Our newly-elected council has met and decided on who’s doing what. Congratulations to Collin Thormoto, elected as HTLC Council President for 2020, and Marta Wicke, elected as HTLC Council Vice President for the year. Here are the new committee liaison assignments for Council:
- Buildings and Grounds – John Williams
- Communication – Kathy Miedema
- Education – Marta Wicke
- Endowment – Roy Heaivilin
- Facility Use – Margie Cameron
- Hospitality – Arnold Kuhlmann
- Mutual Ministry – Collin Thormoto
- Social Concerns – Cheryl Hall
- Stewards of God’s Love – Erik Holland
- Welcoming (new) – Cheryl Hall
- Worship – Marta Wicke
- Youth & Family – Joe Smith
We are still short one Council member to meet the Constitution. Please contact any Council member with questions and let us know if you have any interest in this integral part of our church family.
Do you want to help select/elect the next Synod Bishop? We are looking for a non-female delegate to represent Holy Trinity in the election process at Synod Assembly in Fresno, May 1-3. That is, if it actually takes place. Please let Pastor Tim know if you are interested (I guess we must already have a non-male person).
Eligible Thrivent Financial members who have Thrivent Choice Dollars available have until March 31, 2020 to direct any remaining 2019 Choice Dollars to the charity of their choice (like Holy Trinity!) before they expire (I mean the Choice Dollars expire, not the charity or the Thrivent member). Go to Thrivent.com/thriventchoice to learn more.
Great news, everyone: Phase 1 of the Audio/Visual System Upgrade has begun! At a cost of approximately $5,500 the Council has authorized Cross Electric to install two new electrical sub-panels which are important first steps in laying the groundwork needed to install the upgraded audio/visual system in the church and Holland Hall. The enhanced electric capabilities will be of benefit to all operations. An example: we will be able to run the popcorn machine and the shave ice machine at the same time in the same building during special events! So rejoice! After 15 years, progress is happening! Maybe we’ll be able to have podcasts of our services for the next pandemic!
Finally, Pastor Tim would like to share this prayer:
God, our peace and our strength, we pray for our nation and the world as we face new uncertainties around coronavirus. Protect the most vulnerable among us, especially all who are currently sick or in isolation. Grant wisdom, patience, and clarity to health care workers, especially as their work caring for others puts them at great risk. Guide us as we consider how best to prepare and respond in our families, congregations, workplaces, and communities. Give us courage to face these days not with fear but with compassion, concern, and acts of service, trusting that you abide with us always.
Gracious God, it is good for us to gather as your beloved in community. We treasure your presence with us in word and meal, song and prayer. Be with us in these days when gathering together as often as we would like is not possible. When we must be apart for reasons of safety, we trust that you surround us with your sheltering wings. Encourage us in connecting as we are able, reaching out to our neighbors in need and being persistent in prayer. We ask this in the name of Jesus, our constant companion. Amen.
See you in church! (I hope)
-Keith, Your friendly PLC (Panic-Less Coordinator)