Tue, 02 Jun 2026 09:01:09 -0700WeeblyWed, 29 Apr 2026 15:08:40 GMThttps://www.epc-pcusa.org/newsletter/from-the-desk-of-pastor-rob8720207Dear Fellow Travelers,

I hope you are enjoying Spring as much as I am. The longer days are especially welcome in the Pacific Northwest. With that comes renewed hope and new outlook.

We are doing a major rebuild of our website and messaging. It’s really clear in our planning is that there is a great unmet need for community. People in our neighborhoods are searching for safe places to explore their faith and to build friendships. Our church is the perfect place for these seekers, so we are directing our digital and community efforts toward building on this. Keep your eyes out for a new website, community events, and advertising in the coming months.

Our Bible Study is “Songs for Renewal” which is a study of the great hymns of the church. Bible Study continues after worship at 11:30 AM in person and on zoom. The Tuesday Bible Study group is at 10 AM on zoom only.

Women’s association will meet again on the 2nd Wednesday. Watch for details. The men’s group meets every Saturday at 9 AM. We have so many interesting discussions about scripture and current events, and a great time of prayer.

This is what I am planning for worship in May.
Sunday, May 3rd. “As Romans Do” This begins a 16-week series on Paul's Letter to the Romans. Romans 1 sets the stage for Paul's grand argument for Jesus. Many Christians have seen Romans about a system of theology, but that is way too limiting. It is really a book about freedom in Christ. I hope to help you with this in the coming weeks.

Sunday, May 10th. “Don’t Judge Others” Paul was absolutely brilliant. He spoke to haughty Greeks, who thought he was crazy, and turned them around. Through his messenger Phoebe, he wrote about Romans who seemed to have little self-control, and said that they had the law written on their hearts. He spoke to Jews who had the law of Moses, showing them that all humanity could receive the circumcision of the heart. Romans 2 completes the setup for the whole letter.

Sunday, May 17th. “Righteousness Through Faith” We continue our study of Romans with chapter 3, which contains the most famous statements of atonement through Christ in the New Testament. It continues Paul's argument for the equality of people and then how the Day of Atonement in the Old Testament is really the same as the redemption that we receive from Christ. Jesus is the mercy seat in the Ark of the Covenant, the protector of the people.

Pentecost Sunday, May 24th. “God’s Promise” We continue our study of Romans in chapter 4 which reaches all the way back to Abraham. The coming of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2 isn’t new but the fulfillment of God’ promise. The Holy Spirit was at the creation of the universe, was with Abraham, and then became our Advocate and witness of Jesus Christ at Pentecost.

Sunday, May 31st. Rev. Charlie Lewis will lead worship. He and his wife Ann Lewis were co-pastors at the Snohomish Presbyterian Church. I am so excited to have Pastor Charlie in the pulpit this week.

It is a joy to serve God with you! I look forward to worshipping with you in May!

Grace and Peace, Pastor Rob]]>Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:08:06 GMThttps://www.epc-pcusa.org/newsletter/missions2299367This month, our mission giving is supporting the work of Underground Ministries.

Underground Ministries walks alongside individuals impacted by incarceration, building relationships that support healing, restoration, and new beginnings. Through programs like reentry support and community-based initiatives, they help create pathways for people to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope. Their work is rooted in consistent presence and trust, offering encouragement and support as people navigate life both during and after incarceration.

We’re also grateful to share that One Great Hour of Sharing brought in $435 this season. Your generosity helps make this work possible, extending care and connection to those who need it most.]]>Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:07:22 GMThttps://www.epc-pcusa.org/newsletter/songs-for-renewal-bible-study-extendedWe have decided to move the planned study of Amos to early 2027 and extend the ongoing Songs for Renewal Study. The study will now run through June 14 (for the Sunday group) and June 16 (for the Tuesday group). Additional hymns that we will study are: "The Church's One Foundation", "Precious Lord, Take My Hand," "Joy to the World", "This is My Father's World", "In Christ There is No East or West", "O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing", and "Standing on the Promises". Each of these classic songs of the church are studied separately, so you are able to miss days of study and not be behind or lose out on the focus for that day. Join us in person on Sunday after worship or on Zoom on Tuesday. If you want to join us via Zoom on Sunday, let us know, and we can arrange that.]]>Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:03:39 GMThttps://www.epc-pcusa.org/newsletter/womens-association4899678Five women met at the church at 11:30 am on Wednesday April 8, 2026. Margaret S opened the meeting with a short prayer. Ruth R, secretary, reported delivery of 22 food items to the Neighbors in Need Food Bank and $89.00 was collected for Souperbowl Sunday. The entire congregation contributed to and helped assemble 210 Easter Baskets which were delivered to the food bank by David C, Laura D, and Linda R. The baskets were handed out by David and Kathy C, Linda R, Mikelanne B, and Sue S. Ruth R tied all the beautiful bows that topped the baskets and they were much appreciated by the recipients.

Ruth also reported it’s time to collect money to finance our yearly mission contributions which we plan to distribute to our 11 mission charities. The funds will be distributed after our June meeting which will be held at the church on June 10 at 11:30 am.

Linda R, treasurer, reported $731.51 in the bank. Linda and Margaret S are moving our account from US Bank to Global Credit Union so we will no longer have a monthly $6.50 service charge.

Plans were discussed regarding the Memorial Service for Julie Reymore which is to be held on Saturday April 11. We all are grateful that we got to know her. Julie was like a ray of sunshine to us with her friendliness and wonderfully generous nature. We also said a prayer for Jean G who is still receiving therapy for the leg fracture she received last fall and is having a slow but steady recovery.

Our next meeting will be at the Edmonds Pancake Haus at 11:30 am on May 13. A picnic lunch is being planned for our June meeting.

Respectfully Submitted by Margaret S, Moderator]]>Thu, 26 Mar 2026 18:45:10 GMThttps://www.epc-pcusa.org/newsletter/from-the-desk-of-pastor-rob2426105Dear Fellow Travelers,

He is Risen! Something we cry out every Easter. The great paradox of being a Christian is that we say this amid pain, grief, and disappointment. We don’t hide our feelings. We don’t say it in spite of the hard things in life. We stay it because of the hard things. Jesus is with us in joy and sadness, pain and gladness. Let’s go into Easter recognizing that the real glory comes in being with God in real life.

Our Bible Study is “Songs for Renewal” which is a study of the great hymns of the church. Bible Study continues after worship at 11:30 AM in person and on zoom. The Tuesday Bible Study group is at 10 AM on zoom only. Please check out our website for information. Look at the end of this flyer for login details.
Women’s association will meet again on the 2nd Wednesday. Watch for details. The men’s group meets every Saturday at 9 AM. We have so many interesting discussions about scripture and current events, and a great time of prayer.

This is what I am planning for worship in April.

Easter Sunday, April 5th. “Unexpected Resurrection” Mary Magdalene was the only one left to tend to Jesus's grave. Resurrection was quiet, small, and unexpected at first. It would be a while before it became clear. Instead of cries, "He is Risen" the resurrection is much more uncertain. I tell the story of Gideon to show how God works quietly and in smallness to bring resurrection and salvation.

Sunday, April 12th. “Is Now the Time?” Jesus had been resurrected and he walked among the disciples for a few weeks. After the disciples got over their shock, they asked Jesus, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” What an odd thing to ask. They didn't yet understand that Jesus's death and resurrection were far bigger than their politics of the moment.

Sunday, April 19th. “Precious Blood of Jesus” So much has been written and preached about the blood of Christ. We are told that it washes away the sins of humanity. We are told that it is our protection from evil and death. This is all true, but the Lamb of God does not insulate us from the world and take us out of the world. Instead puts the present time in perspective. It gives us hope for a greater story that what we worry about day to day.

Sunday, April 26th. “Bandits, Communists, and Capitalists” One of my most popular podcast episodes was titled "Was Jesus a Capitalist or a Communist?"  My answer was "neither!" Thieves and bandits are abundant in every economic and political system. The story of the early church and Jesus's story of the sheep who know their master's voice offers us hope about how to navigate through the real-life challenges of being faithful followers of Jesus.

It is a joy to serve God with you! I look forward to worshipping with you in April!

Grace and Peace, Pastor Rob]]>Thu, 26 Mar 2026 18:44:08 GMThttps://www.epc-pcusa.org/newsletter/missions5694388We’re grateful to share that this month’s mission giving has been directed to Habitat
for Humanity in Lynnwood.

Habitat for Humanity partners with local families to build and repair safe, affordable
housing, helping create stability and opportunity in our community. Through your
generosity, you are directly supporting this important work and making a meaningful
difference in the lives of others.

We are also continuing to receive gifts for One Great Hour of Sharing. The final day to
contribute will be Sunday, April 26, 2026.]]>Thu, 26 Mar 2026 18:31:51 GMThttps://www.epc-pcusa.org/newsletter/womens-association8658613Five women met at the Pancake Haus for a social hour in place of our usual meeting.
Since a quorum was present we decided to vote for a new treasurer, since our dear
friend Julie Reymore who had volunteered to be treasurer suddenly became ill and
passed away. Linda R was unanimously elected as treasurer for the coming year.

Ruth will continue as secretary and Margaret S will continue as
moderator.

Ruth R is again in charge of preparing Easter Baskets for the
Neighbors in Need Food Bank and has requests for 210 baskets this year.
We plan to meet in the Friendship Hall following church service on Sunday, March 22 to put the first half of the baskets together and will meet again at 10:30 AM on Saturday, March 28 to complete the rest of the baskets. We still need some artificial grass and used or unused tissue paper as well as individually wrapped candy for the baskets.
Cash donations are also gladly accepted as well in order to have enough candy to go
around. The baskets will be delivered to the food bank on Monday, March 30 and
handed out the next day.

Our next meeting will again be at the church at 11AM on Wednesday, April 8, and we
look forward to seeing you there.]]>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 16:18:40 GMThttps://www.epc-pcusa.org/newsletter/from-the-desk-of-pastor-rob5238823Dear Fellow Travelers,
We’ve made it to the New Year. I am astonished that we will call this new year 2026. “What happened?” I think. This is nothing new, of course. Every new year brings its own astonishments. But there is new hope. We begin 2026 with the hope of John 1 and the journey into the unknown in Isaiah. There is so much to be grateful for. Let us follow the wild goose this year and find new coastlines.

Our new Bible Study is called “Songs for Renewal.” We will study the beauty of the hymns and celebrate their amazing lyrics. Bible Study continues after worship at 11:30 AM in person and on zoom. The Tuesday Bible Study group is at 10 AM on zoom only. Please check out our website for information. Look at the end of this flyer for login details.

Women’s association will meet again on the 2nd Wednesday. Watch for details. The men’s group meets every Saturday at 9 AM. We have so many interesting discussions about scripture and current events, and a great time of prayer.
This is what I am planning for worship in January.

Sunday, January 4th. “God’s Love Made Visible” Was Jesus the Christ for all time? In the Gospel of John, the Christ is with God from the beginning and in one with God. In Ephesians, we are chosen before the foundation of the world in Christ. Not only is Jesus extra-special, so are we! Why don't we feel that way? Why aren't we with the cosmic Christ in our hearts? We are much more than we have been told. It is time to claim our inheritance as God's own.

Sunday, January 11th. “The Delight of You” God the Father says he is delighted in Jesus at his baptism. He is well pleased. In Isaiah, God says "Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights." We spend so much time feeling our depravity. We look at the horribleness of the world and think that is all there is. Let us celebrate in the delight of God.

Sunday, January 18th. “Coastlands” The most evocative image of faith is to be swept away in a coracle, taken by the wind, following the wild goose, and planting your feet on a new coastline. The old ways, the old life is over, and the new life is just waiting to start. Whether you are 9 or 90, nothing is ever quite the same when you ask God to just take you wherever God will. The disciples simply dropped everything and just followed Him.

Sunday, January 25th. “No Gloom, Only Light” The Big Dark is over, but we know that it will be long time before we walk barefoot in the grass again. Paul speaks of all the division and strife in the Corinthian church. They fought over who to follow, but they would find a way. Paul would give them foolish hope. The Gospel works like this. In the worst of times, it seems like foolishness, but it is actually life itself.  
​
It is a joy to serve God with you! I look forward to worshipping with you in January!
Grace and Peace, Pastor Rob]]>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 16:17:53 GMThttps://www.epc-pcusa.org/newsletter/mission-news3351662CHRISTMAS FAMILY:  Our church family gave an amazing $750 this year.  Since we wanted $600 for our family, we were able to give two $75 gift cards to help an unsponsored child.  A late $100 donation went to the YWCA to help another family, so our final total was $850.  There were some unsponsored families this year so we were able to help some that way also.  Our family was a mother with a nine- year-old girl, and a five- year-old boy.

OPERATION NIGHTWATCH:  Julie Reymore and her daughter delivered the big box of white socks we donated for Operation Nightwatch.  Some additional white socks were donated by the owner of the “Cheaper by the Day” store.  Julie said the staff at Operation Nightwatch was very thankful for the wonderful donation.  The socks will help keep some homeless men’s feet more comfortable.

CHRISTMAS JOY:  The Christmas Joy offering is used equally to help students of color who attend Presbyterian-related schools and current and retired pastors and families with unusual financial needs.  One student helped is Seren Briggs, a very unusual senior at the Menaul School in New Mexico.  He couldn’t wait to dig into the latest edition of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s Book of Order.  He is the youngest ruling elder in his church.  One pastor first received spiritual help from Presbyterian missionaries when he was a college student.  Jinho Kim felt led to become a pastor through missionary guidance.  Though he had no musical training, he was inspired to pick up a guitar and composed music for words from Psalm 117, “The steadfast love of the Lord is great towards us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.”  This song is still sung in Korean churches and diaspora communities world-wide.   In his retirement years, pastor Kim receives financial help from the Board of Pensions retirement funds.  During his ministry he served mostly start-up ministries where he received only a small amount of income.  The assistance he now receives eases his financial needs.  Margaret Kulkin, Linda Roberts and Ruth Roberts each read Christmas Joy messages. 

The Christmas Joy offering was given on December 21st, but contributions can still be given through January 11, 2026, either in the collection plate clearly marked for “Christmas Joy, in the mail or on-line.  After January 11th the offering will be sent on to help more people who really need a helping hand.

CHRISTMAS EVE OFFERING:  The Christmas Eve offering will be given to the Concern for Neighbors Food Bank in Mountlake Terrace.  More people need food assistance now to be able to feed their families’ needs.

JEAN KIM FOUNDATION FOR THE HOMELESS EDUCATION FOR THE HOMELESS EDUCTION:  The pre-school tithe and a private donation will make a $150 donation to help homeless students.  The Jean Kim Foundation has a day service center in Lynnwood that provides a place for homeless students to study, get something to eat, get counselling, shower and do laundry.  Students also receive help in applying for grants and other forms of assistance to help them financially.
​
TYLER HOLM:  The annual $100 annual donation will go to help Tyler Holm’s work in Malawi.  Tyler teaches theology at the University of Livingstonia in Malawi.  His wife, Rochelle, works for the government of Malawi, and daughter, Mphatso age 12, attends school.   ]]>Wed, 26 Nov 2025 16:10:52 GMThttps://www.epc-pcusa.org/newsletter/from-the-desk-of-pastor-rob9530334
Dear Fellow Travelers,

In Advent, the darkness of the evenings and heavy clouds of an approaching Pacific Northwest winter are everywhere. A small candle of light makes a big difference. The people of the Seattle area celebrate the light with garish displays of Christmas decorations. It is something I love about our place in the world. Let Edmonds Presbyterian Church be the candle of hope, peace, joy, and love in our neighborhood as we celebrate Advent.

Mark your calendars now for Christmas Eve service which will be at 11 PM again this year.

Our Bible Study is focused on Advent with “The Advent of the Savior” by Cindy Bunch. It was so well liked from several years ago, we decided to bring it to you again. Bible Study continues after worship at 11:30 AM in person and on zoom. The Tuesday Bible Study group is at 10 AM on zoom only. Please check out our website for information. Look at the end of this flyer for login details.

Women’s association will meet again on the 2nd Wednesday. Watch for details. The men’s group meets every Saturday at 9 AM. We have so many interesting discussions about scripture and current events, and a great time of prayer.

This is what I am planning for worship in December.
Sunday, December 7th. “Holy Spirit and Fire” We have a choice every day. Will we treat people with dignity and understanding? Will we be indifferent and look the other way from exploitation? It's much more complicated than it sounds. Isaiah gives a vision of world when it won't be so complicated. John the Baptist tells us how this can't happen without a reckoning. Jesus is that reckoning. When will we follow him?

Sunday, December 14th. “Project of a Lifetime” On Joy Sunday, we hear the words of Mary as she proclaims the turning of the age. She says things are going to be different from now on. It is an invitation to not accept the dog-eat-dog cruelty of the world. To hope for mercy and justice, finally. But it is easy to get discouraged. James says to be patient, because it is the project of a lifetime. The work never stops.

Sunday, December 21st. “Restore Us O God” Finally, Jesus is almost here. Mary is heavy with child, uncomfortable and deeply afraid, knowing that Joseph will protect and support her. He took a risk by setting aside the social norms of his culture. The mercy of God was with them, Mary and Joseph. This is what love looks like. It is more than a feeling. It is living out the love of God in a very human way.

Wednesday, Christmas Eve, 11 PM. “The Grace of God has Appeared” There are two phrases in the Letter to Titus that must always be read together. "Our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ" and "bringing salvation to all people." If we proclaim Jesus as Lord, it must be for all people, not just the few. The birth of Christ is Emanuel, God with Us, and the Us is everyone.
​
December 28th. “Safe in Nazareth” Jesus was born into a hurting and fractious world. He was not safe in Judah, so his parents fled to Egypt. When it was safe enough to return, they headed home to Nazareth in Galilee. Even though Jesus was descended from Judeans, he would never be completely safe there. The geography of Jesus's life is crucial to his ministry and to understanding what it means to be a Christian today.

It is a joy to serve God with you! I look forward to worshipping with you in December!

Grace and Peace, Pastor Rob]]>