All Members, Winter Residents, Family and Friends,
Greetings on this Tuesday afternoon! Thank you to everyone who attended the weeks that Susan and I were on Vacation.
I know that we attempted some innovative ways to worship and share the Gospel with all of you! I want to especially thank you for receiving Timothy, my first born, with such encouragement and warmth. Thank you!
FYI – Our office manager “Millie”/Carmen is home sick for the week.
Susan wanted me to tell you that the set up for the Caladium Festival has been moved back to 9:00AM because food vendors cannot set up until 9:30AM on Thursday July 24th, 2025!
I believe in transparency whenever possible. As many of you know at the beginning of 2025 I recommended to the Church Council that I was willing to cut my salary in half. I started receiving my SS and Concordia Retirement as well as half my salary from Trinity which enabled me to continue to work “fewer” hours, but not really. I did all this because although the attendance had been up, the giving of individual members had decreased considerably. Fixed costs for the church were increasing as they were for individuals in their homes So despite our best efforts to cut costs our expenditures were exceeding our income. With my cut in salary it gave us a little breathing room, but we still are facing challenges. We were able to maintain our current staffing level for now, however a reduction in staffing may be needed in the future. The day is coming when Susan and I will be retiring, which is to say that may be in the near future. At that time the congregation will be faced with going through the call process. Although Susan nor I have set a date for our retirements it will be coming. Because there is such a shortage of graduates from the Seminaries it may be some time to find another Pastor unless we can be creative. I cannot just walk away so we will do everything that we can do to provide spiritual care and nurture as the next chapter begins to unfold for Trinity and for Susan and myself.
Susan and I will be taking additional time off this fall for my 50th High School Class Reunion in New Jersey. I have been asked to put together a brief memorial service remembering those who have passed away.
Our President, Steve Bradshaw has been working hard attempting to find a way for people to donate on line from our Facebook Page and our Website. We hope to have that up and running very soon.
I have attached my sermon for Sunday. Have a great remainder of your week.