News

Dear Mt. Tam Friends,

This Sunday is Father’s Day. I’m excited because it’s the first Father’s Day since I moved to California 18 years ago that I’ll actually get to be with my dad. He is flying out to spend a few days with us and to come and hear me preach again. I have some special outings planned just for the two of us – a morning bike ride, a visit to a big ship in the East Bay – and just time to enjoy one another’s company. And then, of course, there will be special time honoring my own husband as well and the wonderful dad he is.

May this weekend be filled with beautiful moments with our dads and our loved ones. I’m sure that it will be busy – AND I hope that church will be one of your stops! See you soon.

Blessings,

Tricia Wiig

Dear Friends,

This Sunday we celebrate Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came to Jesus’ disciples and filled them with so much power it was like they were on fire! They couldn’t help it, they had to tell others about how they were changed. And they spoke in a way that those who were listening, even if they spoke another language, could understand them. That day, it’s said that about 3000 people were baptized. Wow! And that’s how the early church began. Our church has celebrated this day by wearing red or other fire like colors on Pentecost. 

This weekend also happens to be gun violence awareness weekend dubbed #wearorange. I think it’s fitting that these two events fall on the same weekend. Not only are the colors the bright colors of fire, but those who stand up against gun violence are filled with that holy power to speak and be a witness to others. We need now, more than ever, to speak in ways that others can hear and understand.

So, this Sunday, wear red! Or wear orange! And come celebrate the day that set the church in motion. May we continue to be a force that works for good.

Tricia Wiig

My beloved Mt. Tam Church,

There’s been a lot going on at the parsonage lately. New fences, main sewer line replaced, whacking back weeds and tree limbs for fire safety. And then there are the headline events:

TRIPLETS BORN AT THE PARSONAGE!
Ms. Raccoon gave birth to identical triplet babies in the bathtub underbelly sometime mid-May. Safe removal of the babies and mother took over a week, with a full uniting of the family late Thursday. The parsonage is now raccoon-proofed, or until the next time a wily raccoon mother-to-be decides that a Methodist parsonage makes a marvelous nursery.

MOUSEHOLE IS NOT JUST A CUTE BRITISH VILLAGE NAME!
It turns out there are more entrances for mice than humans at the parsonage! With a great flood of the jolly little creatures into the parsonage garage, closets and God-knows-where-else, the rodent advisor found at least a half a dozen wide-open welcome spots for the mice. Given that the humans aren’t ready to be a mouse Airbnb, the mousehole repair guy is hard at work closing off all entrances. Since Pastor Kim will be traveling to Mousehole, Cornwall, England this summer, somehow it seems an appropriate farewell.

PASTOR LEAVING ON SABBATICAL​
Well, maybe that’s not a headline and it’s the latest news from the parsonage. This will be my last Faith Matters until September 1. Words cannot convey the gratitude I have for this time of renewal and re-creation. Please hear my deep thanks to you, as a congregation for support and care and to individuals for all you have been doing and will do in my absence. That gratitude carries me to Devon and Cornwall, preaching in British Methodist Churches and following John Wesley’s trail there, a trail Lindy and I will pick up in a counter-clockwise circle around Ireland finding Mr. Wesley’s footprints there. Then home for rest, more travel and time with spiritual partners. I pray to come back renewed, refreshed and ready for another great year of ministry with my amazing congregation. Please join me in prayer for this time.

With thanks,
Peace,
Pastor Kim

My beloved Mt. Tam Church,

On my morning walk with Sophie today, I ran into my neighbor Agnes, with whom I always have a delightful conversation. Instead of mere pleasantries, today as she saw me, she blurted out, in a tone of near-panic, “I’m having my surgery tomorrow. Just found out on Friday!” Agnes has needed a knee replacement for months and now, the suddenness of the event has shaken her up.

Immediately, I asked her how I could help, because, well, between how I was raised and what I believe, that’s what you do! What I love is that she named specific ways of being able to help-her friend who is staying with her doesn’t drive, so maybe some rides. And yes, a couple of meals in the freezer would be nice. So many times, we want to help but folks aren’t quite sure how that can manifest. I am grateful for Agnes’ directness and openness.

This Sunday is our last Sunday of piecing together the Patchwork of Faithful Integrity. Together, we’ve focused on values, particularly moral courage and humility. This Sunday is all about helpfulness…which seems relatively easy but when you peel back the layers, isn’t as simple as it appears. What is true helpfulness and how can it be defined and therefore, carried out? What are the ways of helpfulness that you find most meaningful? And what kind of help do you need?

See you in church on Sunday!

Peace,

Pastor Kim

Pastor Kim teaches a basic Bible study on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of every month at 9 a.m. in Connell Lounge. The current study is an in-depth look at the Gospel of Mark. Upcoming dates: April 7th, May 5th and 19th. Anyone can join at any time, no experience needed or homework! Child care provided.