November 11, 2021: Do All That I Can

Pastor Tim Krick has left Holy Trinity on November 14, 2021, as he’s accepted a position with Lutheran World Relief. At this moment, our Church Council is actively working with the Synod to find an interim Pastor. We aim to have a new sitting Pastor by January 2021. The following is his goodbye article to the congregation.

Somedays I think a lot about what I wear for the day, and other days the only requirements I have is that it is cleaned and somewhat ironed. Today was a day that I stared at the clothes in my closet and thought about what I was going to wear. I settled on a casual, plaid, button down shirt. Fortunately, it was clean and not wrinkled, otherwise, I would have had to potentially woken the kids up when I opened up the ironing board with it customary “screech!”

The reason that I picked out the shirt that I am wearing, is because it is the same shirt that I wore when I met most of you for the first time. It was a Saturday in November, 2017 and I was making my second visit out to Holy Trinity. I came alone and the primary purpose was for an “official meet and greet” with the members of the church and then to preach in worship the next morning before you held a congregational meeting to call me as your pastor. For some reason, it felt fitting for me to wear the same thing on my last day “in the office” as I did for one of my first days with you.

It made me think about that Saturday and the conversations we had. During our time in the sanctuary, I remember being asked a question, “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” In response, I said, “Let me tell you what you are really asking. The real question behind the question is, ‘How long are you going to be here?’” I followed that up with, “There are no guarantees. I hope to be here until my kids are through high school and then we will re-evaluate. But I can’t promise that the phone won’t ring because of tragedy or with an opportunity. All I can do is promise you this. I will give you the best I have for as long as I am your pastor, even though there will be days when my best will not be very good.”

Tragedy did strike my family when my brother died 3 years ago and I would be lying if I didn’t admit that we had serious thoughts about moving back to the Midwest then. But we didn’t want to put our kids through another transition as we were still transitioning from the current move.

Opportunity called this past summer when I saw a new position with Lutheran World Relief. As I read about it, it was an opportunity that I found enticing and exciting and decided pursue it. Over the next couple of months, it went from possibility to reality and, as you know, on Monday of next week, I begin that opportunity with them to raise money to help end global poverty.

A question I was asked during that interview process was, “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” I gave a very similar answer. “There are no guarantees. I have hopes for how this will turn out, but I can’t promise the phone won’t ring and bring tragedy or opportunity. I only promise you I will give you my best for as long as I am with you.”

The more I think about that, the more I like that answer and I think that is the answer or response that God wants for us and from us. There are no guarantees in life. As we all have learned, life is fragile and can change in a blink of an eye. I don’t like the saying, “If you want to make God laugh, tell God your plans,” because that makes it sound like God is just somewhere toying with us and finding amusement in our frustrations as God decides and manipulates our lives. Rather, I think “God’s plans” for our lives are simply to do the best we can with what we have. It actually reminds me of a great quote/meme of former President Jimmy Carter.

“My faith demands that I do all that I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can with whatever I have to try and make a difference.”

I think that is good advice for all of us. There is a lot of uncertainty in the world and in our lives. I don’t know the future. None of us do. There is so much out of my control and I am learning to be fine with that. Instead, may we control what we can control and do the best that we can with whatever that is…remembering that at times it won’t be very good!

Grace and Peace,

Pastor (for this last time) Tim

November 1, 2021: All Saints Day

This Sunday, November 7th, is All Saints Sunday. It is a day in which we remember those who have died this past year. The way we do this is by giving you an opportunity to light a candle in their memory after you receive communion.

Obviously, due to the pandemic and our need to keep the services shorter to limit the amount of time that we spend indoors, we have been receiving communion in our seats using disposable communion cups. I know this is not ideal. Many people have expressed their desire to receive communion up front, near the alter, from either me or a communion assistant. I would prefer that also. While the effectiveness of communion is not dependent on way it is practiced, there is something sacred about receiving it personally from someone at the altar. I have appreciated the understanding that people have expressed during this time as we continue to implement practices that keep us all healthy and allow as many people as possible to feel as safe as possible. As I write this all to you, I am reminded that, concerning local ELCA churches, we are far more advanced in our worship practices during COVID than many others. As an example, Nativity Lutheran in North Conway has returned to only online services this fall.

This Sunday, we will make a one-week exception we and alter what we have been doing for two reasons. First, if we are going to allow people to come forward to light a candle in memory of a loved one, we ought to allow you all to come forward for communion. Secondly, there will be three of our young ones who will be receiving their “First Communion.” Some parents have asked if I would do first communion class before I go. We will be doing that this week and then this Sunday will be their first official communion. I would like to give them the experience of receiving it up front.

I know this will raise the question of “When can we return to our ‘normal’ communion practices?” I wish I knew the answer to that. The pandemic is still going on around us and it is necessary to implement practices that reduce the risk of spreading it when we gather together. One of the main ways to reduce the risk is to limit time spent indoors in large groups (along with wearing masks).

I look forward to this coming Sunday. It should be a sacred and special day.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Tim

Pastor Tim is leaving Holy Trinity, his last Sunday is on November 14.

Friends of Holy Trinity,

It is with a wide variety of emotion that I writing to inform you that my last Sunday at Holy Trinity will be Sunday, Nov. 14th. I have accepted the position of “Manager, Congregational Engagement” with Lutheran World Relief.

It is an opportunity and a new sense of call that is instigating this transition in my life. I want to be more directly involved in the fight against massive inequality that is happening across the world. As many in the world continue to develop, grow and progress, many more are left behind. My faith is compelling me to act more directly on behalf “of the least of these.” I will be doing this by representing and raising money for Lutheran World Relief.

I am proud of our time together at Holy Trinity. During the last 4 years, we dedicated ourselves to being a truly inclusive community by becoming a Reconciling in Christ congregation. We worked through covid and developed new ways of being together. We embraced technology and worshipped online for over a year (Zoom worship, cameras in the sanctuary, live-streaming). We read books (“God Can’t”, “The Road Back to You”) and studied the bible together, both in-person and on zoom (Bring Your Own Bible and Beverage). We worshipped outdoors at parks, by the ocean and in our parking lot (Christmas Eve Everywhere, The Longest Night and Brenna Fires). We started a weekly food program for people in our community (Pop-Up Pantry). This summer we experimented with a new type of intergenerational VBS (Backyard Wednesdays). We remained financially stable without taking a PPP loan that so many churches relied on. We talked about and struggled with race and racism. All of this wasn’t easy, but I firmly believe it was good.

I am thankful for the time my family and I have spent at Holy Trinity. When we first arrived, we were welcomed with open arms, warm smiles and plenty of delicious treats. When my brother died, you embraced and supported us. You celebrated my 10-year anniversary ordination by bringing deviled eggs by the hundreds! You listened to my sermons and opinions and hopes and dreams for Holy Trinity and the larger Church. Thank you.

I know this news will most likely be accompanied by a lot of questions about what comes next. I also know the church is in good hands because those hands are not ours, but they are the hands of God and God’s alone. In the coming weeks, the synod office will work with Church Council to develop a plan during this time of transition and then the Council will be in communication with all of you.

Thank you for your love and grace. I hope you experienced the same from me.

October 14, 2021: Stewardship Time

Stewardship Time

Try to contain your excitement, but it is that time of year. In the mail this week, or perhaps early next week, you will receive your annual stewardship packet! Please note, it contains more than a simple letter and a pledge card. There is a lot of information and I ask that you take some time looking through it. While there is the traditional, “Letter from the Pastor,” it also contains…

• A brochure highlighting our last 12 months together
• A sheet highlighting the work of the ELCA titled “Mission Support: A Deep Dive”
• An “Estimate of Giving” Card
• A self-addressed envelope to mail your card back, if needed
• Your quarterly giving statement
• Directions to submit your pledge electronically, if you would like

I won’t repeat here any of the things that are said and conveyed in the packet. All I ask is that you prayerfully consider how you might financially support the ministry of Holy Trinity in the upcoming year.

We are asking that you return you pledge card to church by Oct. 24th. (Although, obviously we will accept those that arrive later! )

Thank you for all the ways you have given of your time, energy and resources. It matters.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Tim

September 7, 2021: Upcoming events

What follows is not new information but is a recap of what has been in previous Tidings and announced at church.

Here is our schedule for worship and Faith Formation this fall.

Sunday morning worship – 9:30am

We will rotate between our Traditional and Contemporary formats. Services will remain at approximately 45 minutes long to limit the amount of time that we are gathered indoors. In order to accomplish this, we will continue to have communion using the pre-packaged cups and receive offering in a plate as you walk into worship.

Faith Formation – immediately following worship

Something each week for everybody. Each week we will rotate through one of 4 options. Food and Fellowship, Intergenerational, Age-Appropriate Faith Formation or Service Projects.

This Sunday, Sept. 12th, we kick it off with Sundae Sunday! Join us for ice cream Sunday’s and root beer floats! We will meet outside for these activities as much as possible.

Sweet Worship Tuesday – Tuesday evenings at 6:30pm

These nights we will worship outdoors, under the tent, and hear the grand narrative of the Bible throughout to learn how all of the Bible stories we know relate and connect to one another. Jon Koekler and Jonathan Bock will lead us in music and the sermon will be more of an explanation than a proclamation. We will also pray and have communion each week. After our 30-minute worship, we will stay for dessert!

Online Worship – Sunday at 9:30 and anytime afterwards

Don’t forget, if you are not able to make it to church on Sunday morning, for any reason, our services are live-streamed right to our website and then available immediately afterwards to watch at your convenience. The easiest way to find the worship is our website, www.htelc.com. You can also subscribe to our youtube page and find it there. www.youtube.com/holytrinityevangelicallutheranchurch

One last reminder – Mask policy

Thank you to how well masks have been received on Sunday mornings. I know it is not ideal, and I don’t know of anyone who likes or wants to be wearing one. Yet, I bet we have close to 95% of people in worship wearing a mask on Sunday morning. Our goal should always be to make worship as safe and welcoming for as many people as possible. While you might feel protected from COVID without the mask, we want to protect others, i.e. children under 12, immune-compromised, people who work with vulnerable populations, etc… If wearing a mask will help them, then let’s do it.

August 30, 2021: Fall Worship

I can’t believe this coming Sunday is Labor Day weekend and the unofficial end to summer. The older I get, the faster the days go by. I used to think, the days are long and the years are short, now I just think it all is short!

With that being said, the Sunday after Labor Day, we have traditionally resumed our fall worship schedule. Due to COVID, we are making some adjustments. Our goal is to provide opportunities for worship for as many people as possible in as many safe and sacred environments as our resources allow. To accomplish this, each week, there will be an in-person worship, outdoor worship (weather permitting) and online worship. The format and schedule will follow.

Sunday morning

Worship – 9:30am

• in-person and streamed on our website
• Alternate between our Traditional and Contemporary formats
• Faith Formation will immediately follow worship. More information below.

Sweet Worship Tuesdays (SWT)

• Tuesday – 6:30PM, outdoors under the tent (and lights as it gets darker)

This will have a little different feel to it. Instead of using the coming weeks Gospel lesson, we will make this more of a Faith Formation and fellowship opportunity by reading through the Bible and learning the grand narrative that is going on and how the stories connect to one another to create a larger story that we are all part of. It will still be a worship with communion and singing and a sermon(explanation) but Jon Koekler and Jonathon Bock will play and sing a bit more as they did last summer.

Then, immediately following the 30-minute service, we will have dessert. Each week, we will ask one person to provide dessert for the following week. It doesn’t need to be something that would be featured on “Dessert Week” on The Great British Baking Show, but we wouldn’t complain if it was!  (Victoria Sponge Cake anyone?)

It should have a casual, relaxed and perhaps festive atmosphere where we can enjoy each other’s company and learn about the Bible and our faith. Perhaps, kind of like the feel of the Backyard Wednesdays from this past summer.

Faith Formation

Each Sunday, we will provide everybody with an experience or opportunity to learn more about God’s love and community, but do it in different ways. Two years ago, we experimented with this and we are going to continue that. Every Sunday, after worship, we will participate in one of the five following options: an intergenerational event, Age-Appropriate Faith Formation (think Sunday School and Adult Forum), some type of larger food and fellowship event, a service project, or we will take the Sunday off and have regular Fellowship. The schedule for September and early October follows.

• September 12 – Ice Cream Social and Root Beer Floats!
• Sept. 19 – Intergenerational Activity – Create Bible Stories out of play-dough
• Sept. 26 – Age-Appropriate Faith Formation (Adult Forum topic TBD)
• Oct. 3 – Octoberfest! Church picnic! No beer, but maybe brats!
• Oct. 10 – Intergenerational Activity– Bingo! Bingo! Bingo! Prizes to be awarded!

We will be outdoors for all of this as much as possible. Hopefully the stifling heat has passed and rain won’t come on Sunday mornings. As the winter begins to turn, we will determine if we can move these activities indoors.

As the church moves into the future, it will require us to be more creative and adaptive. Some of what we do will remain the same. Some of what we do will change. We believe, whether it remains the same or changes, the primary goal to be accomplished is to convey the love of God that burns brighter and hotter than a thousand suns for you and all of creation

We hope you can join us this fall.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Tim

August 17, 2021: What Can I Do?

What can I do?

As we watch the news over the last few of days, “What can I do?” is a question we all are asking ourselves.

We hear about the Taliban taking over Afghanistan and we see images of airports and planes overcrowded with people trying to leave and we think, “These people are going to need housing, food, water, clothing, jobs, and safety. How can I help?”

We see crumbled buildings and hear about the death toll rise from the 7.2 earthquake in Haiti and our hearts are wrenched because it seems like they are still recovering from the last major earthquake, even though it was 10 years ago, and we think, “These people are going to need housing, food, water, clothing, jobs and safety. How can I help?”

We want to do something tangible. We want to do something where we see an immediate and direct impact. We want to do something that matters. We are tempted to collect items. We think about going through our closet or basement and want to donate things that are in good shape and we aren’t using anymore. Those are good thoughts supported by good intentions, but that is not what is needed immediately.

I believe the best thing we can do right now, besides pray, is to give money. There are organizations that are already “on the ground” working in tragic and disastrous situations around the world and who will need extra resources to deal with these new situations.

Three which are affiliated with the Lutheran church, and are highly respected while doing great work are Lutheran World Relief, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services and Ascentria Care Alliance

Vicky and I have already donated $300 total to these organizations and we ask that you take a few minutes and learn about each charity and decide how you might financially support them also. You may not be in a position to give at that amount, but even though it sounds cliché, but every little bit helps. Here are their websites.

Lutheran World Relief – www.lwr.org

Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services – www.lirs.org

Ascentria Care Alliance – www.ascentria.org

You will notice, each organization has a link easily found on their homepage that will guide you through the giving process.

Take a moment, learn about what each charity does, discern how you might be able to give and then click on the “DONATE” button on the organizations website that you choose.

Lastly, perhaps you know of another organization that does great work that you believe in and want to give to it instead. Go for it. Within that $300, Vicky and are giving to a smaller one we know personally in Haiti. (www.whatiffoundation.org).

Thanks for your generosity. It matters.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Tim

August 12, 2021: New guidance on masks and worship

UPDATED MASK GUIDELINES

Council met this past week and, as always, we took time to talk about our COVID guidelines and how that affects the way we gather together. As we all have heard in the news, case counts are on the rise again, which means, hospitalizations are up and most likely, in the next 2-3 weeks, the amount of people who will have died will increase as well. All of this seems to be attributed to the Delta variant of the COVID virus.

So, the question remains, what does that mean for us at Holy Trinity and how we worship? For the time being, we are going to stay the course that we have been on the last few weeks and not change our masking policy. This means…

• Unvaccinated people are required to wear masks
• Vaccinated people have the option to not wear masks

When we first started this policy, I would estimate 90% of people in worship were going maskless. Honestly, it felt really good and safe and gave a sense of “normalcy.”

A few weeks ago, things started to shift as the Delta variant started to spread. In response, the CDC issued new mask guidelines which were specific to individual counties. Unvaccinated people were still “required” to wear a mask indoors, but now vaccinated people were asked to mask again if their county had a substantial or high COVD transmission rate. Initially, Rockingham and many of the surrounding counties in New Hampshire, Maine and Massachusetts were designated as moderate. At that time, I wrote to all of you and said that while I, a vaccinated person, was not required to wear a mask, I was going to be proactive and begin wearing a mask while in public places and in worship. I asked all of you to do the same, while acknowledging it may not be practical for some.

I was pleased to see how many people joined me in wearing masks and would estimate that 90-95% of us are wearing masks. (I do take mine off when I am up front speaking, but put it back on when I return to my seat to sing.)

When I have talked to other pastors about your response to my request, many were astounded. Most expressed they wished they would have had that kind of response in the congregation they serve. So let me say thank you and well done. I assume, you are like me and would much rather not wear a mask. Personally, I want to throw it in the garbage and never see it again. Alas, it does not seem we are there yet. But if we want to get there, masking in certain situations seems like the sensible thing to do and the path we need to take.

But, as stated earlier, and due to your response over the last couple of weeks, even though Rockingham and the surrounding counties have now been designated as places of substantial transmission, we are not changing our masking policy. If you are vaccinated, you have the option of not wearing a mask but we do ask that you consider wearing one. If, for whatever reason, you choose not to wear a mask, you are welcome in worship.

Here are two links to the CDC website that we are using to guide us in our decisions that might be useful to you as you make your decisions.

Interactive map of transmission rate by county. https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view

Information about the Delta variant in relation to vaccines and masks. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/delta-variant.html

Also, because we know there are people who want to worship in person but aren’t comfortable coming indoors yet, we will continue to have our mid-week, Wednesday evening worship, outside, underneath the tent. Join us every Wednesday at 6pm for singing, communion, prayers and a mediocre sermon (masks are optional for everyone).

Don’t forget, our Sunday morning worship is live-streamed directly to our website and is available immediately afterwards to watch at your convenience.

Thanks for your continual persistence during this time. COVID-fatigue is real and I know I am feeling it. Therefore, I ask for your prayers to find the strength to do what is needed for the most vulnerable and I will do the same for you.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Tim

August 9, 2021: Backyard Wednesdays concludes this Wed. 8/11

This is your last chance! This Wednesday, August 11, is the final night of our Backyard Wednesdays. If you haven’t come yet, don’t let that stop you. In fact, this week would be a great time to come. As it is our final night and our topic is the Holy Spirit, we are decorating and flying kites! It promises to be a great time (assuming we have a little bit of wind!)

If you aren’t sure of what to expect or the format, let me remind you.

5:30-6pm – Dinner This week is a good ol’ traditional potluck. Bring something to share. Don’t worry about the type of food, simply bring something you like and that you want to eat. Vicky always does this, as then she knows there will be at least one dish she wants. 

6-6:30pm – Worship This is a traditional/camp fusion worship. We sing camp songs, but have elements of our regular worship, i.e., confession/forgiveness, communion, sermon.

6:30-7:30pm – VBS-style activities We watch a brief video then play some games and do a craft. As mentioned earlier, the craft/game time this week is decorating and flying kites!

The theme for all of these weeks as been “Females of the Bible.” So far, we have learned about Ruth and Naomi, Queen Esther, Mary and Martha, the Women and the tomb and this week we learn about the Holy Spirit. Wondering why we include the Holy Spirit when the theme is “Females of the Bible”? Well, I guess you will just have to come and fine out! (How is that for a teaser? )

We have had anywhere from 30-50 people come the previous 4 weeks and we hope to have even more Wednesday! Will you be there?

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Tim

August 2, 2021: I am the Bread of Life

In worship, and in our daily lives, we pray for people. We pray for physical and mental healings. We pray for safe travel. We pray for peace. We pray for those who are hungry.

As followers of Jesus, we are asked to do more than pray. In fact, I just heard the following quote from Pope Francis. “First you pray for the hungry then you feed them, that’s how prayer works.”

It seems pretty similar to James 2:16. “If a brother or sister is naked and lacks daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and eat your fill’, and yet you do not supply their bodily needs, what is the good of that?”

I also have heard the following, “Pray as if your works accomplish nothing and work as if your prayers do nothing.”

I share those quotes with you because each month, we want to follow up our prayers in worship with actions in our lives. For the Pop-Up Pantry, we are asking people to donate one specific item. In June we collected coffee. In July we collected laundry detergent. For August, we are asking people to donate bread.

The majority of the food we provide through the pantry are non-perishable items. Think of anything that comes in a can or dried in a box. There is nothing wrong with the food we give away. It stores for a long time and provides a full belly. But it isnt’ what is considered “fresh food.” To give that kind of food, we supplement the donations we received each week by purchasing milk, cheese, eggs and English muffins. We want to branch out in the way of the bread department and are asking all of you to donate bread this month. If you can, please donate a typical loaf of sandwich bread. It could be white, wheat, oat, whole grain, pumpernickel or rye. It could be one loaf, 2 loaves or 10. You could buy it at Walmart, Aldi, Hannaford or Market Basket. (I think you get the idea.)

You can drop them off when you come from worship on Sunday morning or anytime during regular office hours (Mon-Thurs. 8:30-4pm). If are not able to come during those times, there will be a cooler by the back office doors and by the front main doors for you to put your bread in and we will bring it inside each morning.

Thanks for the generosity you show through this ministry. Again, last week, as I was taking down the signs and tables, someone else stopped and dropped off several bags of food to donate. I asked why he chose to donate to our pantry and he said that he has driven by it every Wednesday for the past several months and just wanted to help out. He told me that what we do matters.

Thank you.

Pastor Tim

July 29, 2021: I'm wearing a mask again

I am wearing a mask again. I still have some in my car from a couple of months ago when it was common place and I didn’t leave the house without a mask. But I will throw those away and grab a couple new ones from a supply we have at church. I will wear one when I go to the grocery store. I will wear one when I go to Target. I will wear one when I am indoors in public places. I will wear one when I am in worship, beginning this Sunday morning. I ask you to do the same.

I don’t have to. According to the new CDC guidelines, masks are only mandated (as far as the CDC can mandate) to be worn indoors in counties where COVID transmission is “substantial” or “high.” At this point in time, we are fortunate, Rockingham County and the immediately surrounding counties are not in either category. Our level of community transmission is “moderate.” I am happy about that and am grateful for the ways the people of the seacoast have embraced the strategies for keeping COVID at bay, as much as we did. (Here is an article from NPR that contains an interactive map of the US with every county and their “rate of transmission.” https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2021/07/28/1021795290/cdc-mask-guidelines-indoors-vaccinated-by-county-covid-spread

The reason why I am doing so is simple. Even though we live in a place with lower transmission rates, we do not live in an isolated bubble. People are travelling this summer. Grandparents are going to see grandkids. Young adults are going to visit colleges. Disney vacations that were postponed are being resumed. Simply put, people are going to places of high transmission and coming home. Unless we take proactive steps to limit it (besides being vaccinated), we could very easily become a place of high transmission. I don’t want to think about the steps we might have to take if this were to occur. We all lived through the last 18 months. I don’t want to revisit that and I highly doubt you do either. I want kids in school (hopefully maskless). I like gathering in the sanctuary and singing and I want no one being anxious or afraid of becoming sick and dying if they were to join us. Vicky is looking to going to California to see friends in September. I have a trip there to run a Spartan race in October and the two of us have a vacation with family to Costa Rica in December (that has already been postponed twice!). I want to do these things. If wearing a mask will help to ensure that happens, I will gladly wear a mask.

But most of all, as a Christian, I am called to care for my neighbor. As I have said before, as a Christian, we forfeit the ability to make the statement of, “That’s my right.” Instead, that statement is turned into the question, “What’s right for my neighbor?” If it is better for the most vulnerable (those with compromised immune systems, children under 12 who can’t get a vaccine, etc…) that I wear a mask, then how could I not?

I also understand that at times masks can be very difficult for people. We are in the summer and it can get hot. Masks can make it more difficult for people to breathe. If you want to come to worship and are vaccinated and wearing a mask can be problematic, no one will kick you out of church if you are not wearing one.
Lastly, this is not a council decision and it is not being mandated by anyone. This is solely my thought and I ask you to join me in it. At our next meeting, I am sure we will talk about our COVID guidelines and what may or may not change.

July 26, 2021: Please Get Vaccinated

I am not a doctor, and I don’t pretend to play one on TV or anywhere else. The closest I came to being a doctor was thinking about it when I was in college, but if you saw my grades during my first year, you would know I didn’t think about it for long.

I tell you this because I am going to give what may be considered to be medical advice. In the end, you will need to make your own decision regarding the COVID vaccination and if you have questions, you should consult your doctor.

If you have not done so already and you are eligible, please get the COVID vaccine. As the summer moves on, vaccination rates have stagnated. We appear to have topped out at having only 58% of the population in New Hampshire receive both doses and, in the country, as a whole, we are only at 49.4%. While it seemed like we were going to get 70-80% of the population vaccinated, that now seems far-fetched.

I don’t exactly know what that will mean for all us when we get to fall and winter, I do know that it means we will continue to live with daily updates of cases, hospitalizations and death counts. As long as we need to know that information, it means that we will not be “living normally.”

I have had several conversations with people (not necessarily from church) who are choosing not to get the vaccine. Each conversation has come down to two reasons. One, they are waiting for more science to come out about the safety of the vaccine or two, they share an antidotal story they heard from someone who knows someone who had an adverse effect from the vaccine. In light of these conversations, let me offer some unsolicited advice on receiving the vaccine and why I believe we all should get it, if eligible.

First, while no vaccine has been advertised to be 100% effective, nearly all new COVID cases are appearing among the non-vaccinated. Here is an article from the AP that speaks to the efficacy of the vaccine and the protection it provides. https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-941fcf43d9731c76c16e7354f5d5e187

Second, when I thought about whether or not to get the vaccine, I weighed the chances of having an adverse reaction to the vaccine against having an adverse reaction to COVID. If one were to look solely at the possibility of death from either COVID or the vaccine, one is much more likely to die from COVID. In the United States, there has been 34.4 million cases of COVID resulting in 610,000 deaths. Conversely, 310 million doses have been administered to over 189 million people with only 6,207 deaths being reported (.0018%). https://covid-101.org/science/how-many-people-have-died-from-the-vaccine-in-the-u-s/

However, the following comes directly from the CDC website, “FDA requires healthcare providers to report any death after COVID-19 vaccination to VAERS (Vaccine Adverse Reporting System), even if it’s unclear whether the vaccine was the cause. Reports of adverse events to VAERS following vaccination, including deaths, do not necessarily mean that a vaccine caused a health problem.”) This means the number of deaths due to a COVID vaccine is MUCH less. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/adverse-events.html

But, if you are still on the fence of receiving the vaccine, I ask that you think of the children. Children 12 and under are still not eligible for the vaccine. While risk for serious adverse effects from COVID are low among them, there are still risks. When you get vaccinated, you are actively working to protect them also, not just yourself. Vaccinated people are less likely to spread COVID to others than non-vaccinated people. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/effectiveness/why-measure-effectiveness/breakthrough-cases.html#:~:text=Studies%20show%20that%20fully%20vaccinated,did%20before%20the%20pandemic.

After reading all of the preceding and you would like to get a vaccine and are not sure where to go, the following website will help. All you have to do is enter in your zip code and it will tell you where you can get your vaccine. https://www.vaccines.gov

I know that is a lot of information. I think part of the issue going on is that there is so much information out there and so many people are not sure what to believe. How do we sift through it all? Hopefully, what I shared has pared everything down into more manageable pieces and will come from trusted sources.

As always, thank you for taking the time to read what I write in the Tidings. I take seriously the responsibility I have and the platform given to me and my voice. I appreciate the trust you give me.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Tim

July 15, 2021: Next Steps

It is time we take another step in our progression through COVD and how we gather together for worship. But before I get to that, I would like to say how well I feel the summer has gone. We have had two outdoor worships and two indoor worships since deciding to resume worshipping in-person. Attendance and energy have been great. Singing together and hearing each other’s voices has been tremendous. When we sang the refrain of one of our hymns and then “Jesus Loves Me” a cappella, many mentioned how they were moved to tears. It has been good to have coffee and a treat and the ability to linger around afterwards to see people that we haven’t seen in over a year. Thank you to everyone who has worked hard to make all this happen.

This Sunday, we will move worship indoors on a regular basis and masks will be optional for those who are vaccinated. Please note, this does not mean we are a “mask-free” facility, and keep in mind, if someone is wearing a mask, it does not mean they are not vaccinated. There are many reasons why someone might choose to continue masking when indoors even though they are vaccinated. Below are just a sample of the following reasons why…

• Lives with someone with a weakened immune system
• Not old enough to get a vaccine
• Has a chronic illness
• Works with a vulnerable population, such as a hospital, nursing home, etc…
• Doesn’t want to get a cold
• Cares for a sick parent
• Doesn’t want to get the flu
• Feels more comfortable wearing a mask
• Will be vacationing or visiting others soon and taking precautions
• Returning from an area that is at greater risk

Additionally, children under 12 are not yet eligible for the vaccine and it is still recommended for them to wear masks. I know many schools will be requiring elementary aged kids to wear masks in the fall.

In fact, you might consider wearing a mask even if you are vaccinated simply to show support for those whom it is still required. Not only for people in our own community, but for those around the world who still do not have vaccines.

Also, remember we are not through the pandemic. Things are still subject to change and we might need to mandate mask wearing or return worship outdoors.

Lastly, if you want to worship in-person but are not comfortable with these new guidelines, remember, you can join us on Wednesday evenings. For the next 4 weeks, we are worshipping outdoors for our “Backyard VBS.” Dinner is served at 5:30pm, a hybrid style worship (camp/traditional) is at 6pm, and games, crafts and general tom foolery ensue from 6:30-7:30pm. We got off to a great start last night with close to 50 people participating throughout the evening. Thank you to our Indonesian sisters and brothers for providing dinner. Next week we will be grilling burgers and hotdogs and stuffing our faces with chips. We would love for you to join us.

As always, thank you. Thank you for your love and commitment to our shared faith and how we live it out in our lives. It is our faith that ultimately guides us and helps to determine our actions. Remember, God saves. We serve.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Tim

July 12, 2021: Backyard Wednesdays is this week.

It is finally here! Backyard VBS is this Wednesday. Here is what you need to know.

When: Every Wednesday for the next 5 Wednesdays

Place: Holy Trinity

Time: 5:30pm – Dinner, 6pm – Worship, 6:30 – 7:30pm games, crafts, video.

For Who: EVERYONE!!!

What do I need to bring: A chair to sit on and a good attitude to share!

Think of the backyard bbq’s you have had in your past. People are gathered together and relaxed, having fun with a fully belly and a full spirit. That is what we are hoping for!

The theme this year is “Females of the Bible.” This first week we learn about Ruth and Naomi and will be talking about loyalty and sticking with each other, especially when times are hard.

Dinner is being provided by our Indonesian sisters and brothers and so you know it is going to be good.

No reservations are required. Just show up. Stay for the entire evening, or come for part of it. We just hope you will come.

See you Wednesday!

Pastor Tim

June 28, 2021: Genesis History

As I have frequently mentioned, I like to listen to podcasts as I take my dog, Emma, out for a walk. (Yes, I will be logging those miles for Calumet’s “Walk the Walk”!) This morning, I got up early to beat the heat and was out the door by 6am. After listening to NPR’s “Up First,” I put on the latest episode from “The Bible for Normal People.” Today’s topic was about understanding and reading the book of Genesis.

Remember the three key rules when reading scripture? “Context. Context. Context.” This podcast was all about the context of Genesis, specifically, what were the authors (yes, plural) of Genesis trying to understand and convey to the listeners (most people could not read) of these stories.

Pete Enns, one of the hosts, who is a Professor of Biblical Studies at Eastern University, helped me better understand the context of Genesis in the way that I learned in seminary. He talks about the authors using stories of the past to help explain and understand and make commentary on their present-day situation. Another way of putting it is the following. The stories in Genesis are not written down because they actually happened, they are written down because they are helping people to better understand what is actually happening, in their lives, at that time.

A modern-day example Pete uses is the play “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller. The play is providing a commentary on “McCarthy-ism,” a time when people in the United States were being persecuted and accused of being Communists. Miller wasn’t trying to educate people about events that happened almost 300 years prior, he was using stories from 300 hundred years ago to comment on what was happening in the 1950’s, the time period he was living in. (On a side note, another helpful topic in understanding all of this is by being familiar with two terms “mythicized history” and “historicized myths.” You can watch a 15-minute YouTube video of him talking about it HERE. And now maybe I am starting to lose you in the weeds!)

The time the book of Genesis is helping people understand is from a period known as “The Monarchy” of ancient Israel. This is from approximately from the year 1000 BCE to 586 BCE and a little beyond. It was a defining time in ancient Israel’s life, when the people claimed and settled in the land that God was supposed to have given them only to be exiled from that same land after they failed to remain faithful to God and God’s ways. The authors use the stories of the ones like Adam and Eve in the garden to help understand what was happening to them.

If you are interested, I suggest you listen to the podcast. I will say, it starts off really strong, but as it goes on, I think Pete gets a little lost in the weeds. (Although, it is still worth your time.) You can find it wherever you get your podcasts, or at this link https://peteenns.com/podcast/.

I also realize, most people will not listen to the podcast, because they don’t have time, or they are not interested. I get it. So why am I sharing this with you? I want to continually encourage us to stretch in our faith and see things in new ways. I will be the first to admit, it would be and is easiest, if I could just read something in the bible and say, “See, look at what it says. That ends the conversation.” The people that I found with the deepest faiths are not the ones who know the most information, but are the ones who aren’t afraid to ask questions or who don’t settle for the easy answers. Therefore, my goal in all of this isn’t to educate you to the point that you are all Bible experts, but rather to help us all keep expanding our understanding of what it means to be a follower of Jesus and a child of God. I don’t want us to settle for what we have always thought or been told, but to ask ourselves, “Why have we been told or taught this?”

Perhaps, to help you in this new way of reading and thinking is to ask yourself the question, “Why was this story written down and shared? Why would these ideas have been passed down to me?”

Sometimes our ways of thinking will be reinforced? Sometimes they will be changed. Therefore, this will be hard at times and it will be challenging at times. I also hope it will be good.

Anyways, as always, thanks for reading my thoughts and giving it some space in your brain and in your life. I appreciate that you do and don’t take it lightly.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Tim

June 21, 2021: Walk The Walk at Calumet

Schools in New Hampshire finally let out this past week, which means summer is here!

With summer, comes camp! We have a couple youth attending Calumet this year and due to generous donors, we were able to give scholarships that paid for half of their registration fee!

Not all congregations are able to be as generous as you all have been and so to help offset the cost of camp, Calumet has traditionally participated in “Reach the Beach.” This meant, in prior years, over 200 runners were on teams of 12 and ran for over 24 hours from Bretton Woods to Hampton Beach. In those years, this has raised over $100,000 per year for camp scholarships. Unfortunately, due to COVID, the event was cancelled last year by the organizers (it is a national race) and this year, even though the race is being held, due to much uncertainty and the amount of planning it takes to participate, Calumet opted not do it.

This meant, last year and again this year, Calumet needed to find ways to make up for the loss of the $100,000 which would come from that event. Last year, they put together “Reach the Beach 2.0” and had people run at their location of choice while raising funds from family and friends. It was a smashing success! We even had a group of about 6 people from Holy Trinity participate and ran together at Hampton Beach on a beautiful Saturday morning in September.

This year, Calumet is putting together an event called “Walk the Walk.” The goal is to raise over $106,000 by having 1,500 people register (only $25!) and walk a total of 200,000 miles. (Yes, 1500 x 25 = 37,500 does not equal $106,000. There are matching gifts to help make up the majority of the rest. Calumet will receive an additional $30,000 if 1,500 people register and an additional $20,000 if 200,000 miles are walked and logged). Registration is now open and people will be asked to log their miles between July 1 and Aug. 31.

Click here to find out all the information about this event.

When you register, you can be on a “team” that Calumet has set-up or each congregation in the synod is asked to form their own team. We have already done this at Holy Trinity and Mark Donahue and I will serve as our “captains.” While we are still figuring out how the miles will be reported, we believe it will mainly be done by Mark and I sending out an email with a “Google Form” for you to fill out and submit your miles. We will then submit them to Calumet as part of our “Team.” (This is subject to change.)

I am in contact with the other New Hampshire churches and putting together categories for some friendly competitions. These categories might be, “Most Participants,” “Most Miles Walked” or “Highest Average Walked per Participant.” Congregations that choose to participate will be asked to make an additional $100 donation in the name of the congregation that wins each category.

Additionally, we can have our own little friendly competition here at the church as well. We can have winners for the following categories.

• Most Miles Walked • Most Days Walking • Make a suggestion for a category!

You can register one of two ways. Click on the link and register yourself.

REGISTER FOR CALUMETS “WALK THE WALK”

or

This Sunday, there will be an insert in the bulletin that you can fill out and we will register you. Once you are registered, you will receive an email that will provide a link in which you can make your one-time payment of $25 or you will be asked to send in a check.

A couple of weeks ago I started a journey to be healthier. As part of that journey, I have been going for walks after I eat my lunch. I have a route that uses our parking lot, the old exit/entrance road for the turnpike that is outside the church and Bernie & Phil’s parking lot. It is 1 mile and you can see a video of my walk from today HERE.) If you participate, you could start a new habit to increase your health and help Calumet at the same time. (Check out my video from my walk today!) Additionally, frequently, Vicky and I take our dog for a walk (those miles count!) and I run when I work out and I like to hike on my days off! (All those miles count!) Think of all the ways you already walk/move on a regular basis that you would count for you! Also, I just heard from Knute at Calumet and he said the miles your dog’s count, and cycling counts. Moving any distance from point A to point B counts! (That is human/dog powered, not machine powered.)

What is great about this, everyone can participate! The distance you are able to walk doesn’t matter. If all you can do is walk around your living room or apartment complex, do it! Designate a route, estimate how far that is in feet and then divide 5280 by that number (5280 is the amount of feet in a mile). That will tell you how many times you need to walk your route to make a mile!

Assuming we get people to register, we will organize several walks over the summer at various locations to get out and be together. Think about walks at Hampton Beach, Long Sands Beach or the newly renovated Dover Community Trail (Dover Delight Ice Cream is right nearby!). If you would be willing to organize and lead one, please contact me at pastortim@htelc.com.

Also, contact me if you have any other questions.

Happy Walking and Boom Chicka Boom!

Pastor Tim

June 17, 2021: Coffee

I have a morning routine. I generally wake up between 6-6:30 and after getting out of bed, the first thing I do is let our dog, Emma, out and while she “does her business” I make a cup of coffee. By the time it is done, I let Emma back in and then I sit on our couch with my coffee to read the news on my phone or computer. Saturdays are not much different, except that is the day that Vicky and I get to enjoy our coffee together before taking Emma out on a walk.

Coffee seems to be a staple for most people. Even if you don’t drink, you most likely have it in your house to be able to offer it to someone when they come over.

For the Pop-up Pantry, we are going to introduce to the congregation an “Item of the Month.” Essentially, every month, we are going to ask you to donate, as you are able, one specific item. This item will be something that Gather (where we get much of our food from) does not normally provide, but people thoroughly enjoy and appreciate having. If you haven’t guessed it by now, the “Item of the Month” for June is Coffee!

Here is what we are asking. Next time you are at the store, pick up a 1lb bag of coffee. Any variety will be fine. (While you might find a better price, per pound, by purchasing a large tin or container of coffee, those are not conducive to packing and take up too much space in our bags.) At church, by each entrance, we will have a box labeled “Pop-up Pantry” that you can leave it in. This will also be available on Sunday mornings.

On Wednesday morning, when our pantry is set up, I love seeing people stop by and pick something up. Occasionally, I will have the opportunity to talk to the people utilizing it. They are so very appreciative. Frequently, when Mark and I are putting everything away, we will find a note expressing their thanks as well.

So let me say this. Thank you for all the ways you have supported the Pop-up Pantry over the last year. We have now been operating for more than a year and we have never lacked for food, money or support. What you do makes a difference.

Now, where did I put my coffee cup?

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Tim

June 10, 2021: The Happiness Lab

Tidings, June 10, 2021

A podcast that I have been listening to this past several months is “The Happiness Lab.” (You can find it wherever you listen to podcasts.) It is hosted by Dr. Lauri Santos. She is a Professor of Psychology and the Head of Silliman College at Yale University and is an expert on human cognition and the cognitive biases that impede better choices (why we make the choices we do). She designed the course, “Psychology and Good Life” which is about how to make wiser choices and to live a happier and more fulfilling life. It is the most popular class in the 300-year history of Yale and has been modified and made available for free on the Coursera platform titled, “The Science of Well-Being.” You can find it HERE.

In season 2 of her podcast, Dr. Santos created a “mini-season” called, “The Happiness Lessons of the Ancients.” In it, she mines ancient philosophies and religions for what they got right about what brings us happiness and a more fulfilling life and how it has been supported through science today.

The episode I listened to on a walk during my lunch was titled “The Happiness Lab: The Torah.” She talks about the ancient wisdom of the first 5 books of the Bible and what they have to teach us today. While there is a lot I could go into, a major theme she shares on is gratefulness. She explains that much of the time we need to think our way into a new way of feeling as opposed to feeling our way into a new way of thinking. Perhaps it is better phrased with the following.

It is not happy people who are grateful, it is grateful people who are happy.

Being grateful is not dependent on being in a good mood. I don’t have to feel a certain way in order to name something that I am grateful for. Rather, science and the Torah says that whether you are in a good mood or not, we are asked to be grateful and it is in the naming of something that we are grateful for that we then actually begin feeling better and our mood starts to rise. Science has found this to be true.

Like many families, mine says grace before dinner every night. As part of saying grace, we leave a space in which we all say something for which we are grateful. Sometimes it is on the more serious side, such as giving thanks for a good diagnosis of a friend’s disease. Many times, it is very playful or even downright silly, and someone will say they are thankful for things like their “fork” or “toilet paper.” The point is not what you are grateful for (although I do wish we would veer on the more serious side more often, the point is to practice gratitude, which in turn will make us happier people.

So, if you are still reading this, take a moment and name something for which you are grateful. If you can, name three things. You don’t have to write them down, but you can if you want. Savor them. Think about how they have brought you joy in the past and how they might bring you joy again. Notice the feeling that, hopefully, develops within you and spreads throughout you.

Maybe end with giving thanks for the ability to feel gratitude.

Grace and Peace (and know that today I am giving thanks for you),

Pastor Tim

June 3, 2021: State Senate

This morning, Thursday, June 3rd, I was invited to give a prayer to open the session for the New Hampshire State Senate. While I have been to Concord many times, I have never been in the state capital before. I was greeted by the Communications Director for the State Senate and she gave me a brief tour of the building. I saw the Governor’s office and where he holds press conferences and executive meetings. I saw where Presidential candidates come every 4 years to meet with state legislators. I saw hallways filled with prior governor’s portraits and even saw one of an individual that hung for years without anyone knowing who it was!

As I walked the halls and met people from all walks of life, I was filled with a sense of wonder and a bit of awe. Not because of the “great” people who walked in those halls and stood in those rooms before me, but rather because of what those people hoped to accomplish and, perhaps more importantly, who they were hoping to accomplish it for.

Politics has become a zero-sum game. There is a winner and a loser. If I lose one vote, I will make certain that your idea doesn’t succeed so that I can win the next vote. You can see the problem with this. Nothing is ever accomplished because we are more concerned about winning and losing then actually solving a problem. We all suffer and no one “wins.”

With all those thoughts swirling through my mind and many of the ones I had before I even stepped foot in the building, here is the prayer I crafted and prayed for the people of the New Hampshire State Senate.

Creator and sustainer of all,

Thank you for all who have gathered here today to serve the people of New Hampshire. May we remember that you have imbued humanity with a diversity of people that come in all shapes, sizes, colors, orientations and ideas. Through experience, we know when any group of people come together, conflict and distrust may arise. We ask that you guide the people in the New Hampshire State Senate to listen better than they speak. Encourage them to be open to new ideas and perspectives, understanding that their own experience is one of many and not one individual experience makes the rule. Gift them with empathy and compassion and with boldness and decisiveness. May their conversations be based on love so that all people may benefit from their decisions and realize the inherent worth that you have given to them.
Amen.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Tim

June 1, 2021: Summer Worship is approaching

June 13th is quickly approaching! Why am I excited about June 13th? Because, on June 13th, we will move to our summer worship schedule and have it outdoors! It is marking another step toward the end of the pandemic! Here is what you need to know.

Time: 9:30am

Where: Under the tent and in and around the fenced in area at the church

When: Every Sunday from June 13th until Labor Day

Why: So we can worship together and SING!

Masks: Optional

In case of weather, we will move worship into the sanctuary. If this is the case, masks are required.

Additionally, beginning on June 13th, we will resume FELLOWSHIP after worship!

Now, in order to pull this off, we need some extra help each Sunday. This is where you all come in. Below is a list of job descriptions that will need to be filled. Nothing is difficult, we just need people willing to help. Remember, these won’t just be needed on Sunday, June 13th, but for every Sunday.

Greeters: Greet people as they come to worship and ensure they pick up a bulletin and communion.

Help Set-up: Arrive by 9am to help set up the sound system and chairs for people who are not able to bring their own.

Help Clean-up: Help take down the sound system and put away chairs for people who were not able to bring their own.

Fellowship Host: Make coffee, set everything up and clean everything up for Fellowship. We would like at least two people for every Sunday.

Treat Bringers: 5-6 people to bring some type of treat for Fellowship. One person will need to bring a gluten free treat.

There are lots of ways to help and get many people involved. None of the jobs are very complicated, and if you are not sure about something, ask, there will always be someone to help. Each week, the Monday Tidings will have a sign-up genius link for all that is needed. You don’t have to sign up for the same job every week, but perhaps you can sign-up 2-3 times throughout the summer.

I think this is going to be a fun summer at Holy Trinity. It will be good to be able to gather more and more people together and be in the same physical space.

Thanks for all you do to make us who we are.

Pastor Tim