LYNNWOOD — Giving freely is the idea behind Trinity Lutheran Church’s 13th Annual Thanksgiving Eve worship service Wednesday..
“This is a time that we gather to give thanks for the blessings in our lives, as well as to come together for outreach,” said Norma Aamodt-Nelson, minister of music.
Choirs from the church’s regular Sunday heritage, celebration and festival services came together as one to perform traditional liturgical songs alongside more modern hymns.
A brief sermon spoke about giving, while asking the congregation’s support for Trinity’s Neighbors in Need program.
In his sermon, Pastor Paul Sundberg retold the biblical story of the 10 lepers. As Jesus passed them, the 10 cried out to be healed, and were. As one thanked Jesus, he knew there was no way he could repay the gift Jesus had given. Neighbors in Need embodies that value, Sundberg said.
Every Saturday, Trinity opens its doors to all for breakfast. Originally, Neighbors in Need was an outreach program for homeless men. Now, more than 140 families regularly participate.
The congregation donates clothing and food to Neighbors in Need. There also is a community pantry, run in partnership with the Edmonds Food Bank.
“There is a strong desire here to give back to our community, Neighbors in Need is one way we can do that,” Aamodt-Nelson said. A special food drive last week allowed Trinity to provide Thanksgiving day baskets for people who needed help.
“Although the focus is on music, it is also a time to remind people that everyone has a special gift to give. The gift of music, the gift of art, the gift of giving. We share these all with our friends and the greater community,” Sundberg said.
The congregation of Trinity Lutheran has much to be thankful for.
“The church building was rededicated in 1992, along with our surviving organ,” said Joe Jeske, sound manager.
In 1992, serial arsonist and Trinity Lutheran member Paul Keller started a fire that destroyed the building. In 1994, the new building opened. The pipe organ needed to be refurbished, but it wasn’t destroyed. It’s a cornerstone of every service.
A plaque in the garden at Trinity Lutheran stands as a solemn reminder of all they have to be thankful for. Church members were able to rebuild from the ashes, and in turn forgave Keller, according to Richard Rouse, a former pastor.
The congregation has much to be thankful for 20 years after the devastation.
As the leper could do nothing to repay the gift Jesus gave to him, all he could do was give thanks. Trinity, in the same way, could only forgive Keller.
The congregation rejoices in its blessings. These are things that never can be repaid, only multiplied.
To share, to serve, that is the spirit of Thanksgiving, Sundberg said.
“All gifts from God are given freely, that they might be shared,” Sundberg said.
Andrew Gobin: 425-339-3000, ext. 5461; agobin@heraldnet.com
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