Pastor’s Pen
Dear Friends,
    So, summer is here! A little more free time? A little vacation? A little yard work?
    Summer is here! What we are finding are a few more members without work. A little more stress. A few more bills that cannot be paid. Do you know that some of our brothers and sisters in Christ have been without work for over a year? Do you know that some of our members have lost their jobs in the past few months?
    And now today’s news, the Head Start that has been in our building is to close. By the time of your reading, the children may have been assigned to another site. But the truth is that more than 50 Head Start families will not be placed. The State budget cuts seem far away on the news or in the newpaper. But today the State budget cuts are in our building. Our site closed for children May 31. The staff will be cleaning out the rooms and finding other sites for their equipment during June. Due to lease requirements, the rent is paid through July.
    So, another tale of woe. Yes, us. All is not lost, however! You can help!
    1) Pray for all our friends in need...especially those of our congregation who are out of work.
    2) Invite friends over to your home for dinner. There is a loneliness that accompanies those without work. Continuing to be included in friendships is most important.
    3) Bring job opportunities to the attention of Ruthanne or myself. We would gladly advertise in the VOICE or our weekly bulletins any position your employer may have open.
    4) Increase your giving to the church if you are able. Summer months are usually tight! This year will be especially so. You can have your offerings direct deposited to Trinity through a Thrivent program. Melanie L., Stewardship Chair, can assist.
    5) If you are able, designate a gift to “Those Members in Need”. This will let me know you want to assist our own folks who need financial help now. The Council and I will make sure such members know this gift is from their friends.
    6) Let us know of grants or other options where we can submit requests for assistance.
    7) Know about the Lakewood Christian Service Center and the Community Meals. These are things in place where neighbors are helping neighbors.
    8) Do you have odd jobs someone can do for you? Now is the time to call the church and ask for a name of someone who could assist...and who you could trust and pay.
    9) If you are out of work, there are odd jobs at the church for which we could use a volunteer. Time is valuable to us all. Come and do a job or two and get maximum benefit of appreciation! Property chair, Richard H., could give you a list.
    10) Come to worship regularly! God does not abandon anyone in time of need. Prayers and conversations are ways in which the Holy Spirit acts in us. We need one another.

    Pastor Paula