|
Dear Fellow Travelers,
Holy Week is almost here. We are cooperating with our sister congregations Maplewood Presbyterian, Terrace View Presbyterian, and Calvin Presbyterian for services. Maundy Thursday service will be led by me and Rev. Janine Moriarty at Maplewood at 5PM on April 17th. Good Friday is at Calvin at 7PM on April 18th. All four pastors will lead this service. There will be a Sunrise Service at the Edmonds Waterfront at 6AM on April 20th. Bible Study is about C.S. Lewis’s “Reflections on the Psalms. Join us Sundays (11:30 AM in the Library and also on Zoom!) and Tuesdays (10 AM on Zoom). Log in information is on the back of this newsletter. If you haven’t already, pick up a copy of the book and the leader guides in the sanctuary or online. Games Night on the 2nd Saturday of each month continues. The next one is April 12th at 7 PM. Men’s Group is very active. They meet at 9 AM on Saturday Mornings. Women’s Association meets on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 11:30AM either at Pancake Haus or at the church. This is what I am planning for worship in April. Sunday, April 6th. In “Filled with Laughter and Shouts of Joy” I will speak about the touching scene in John 12 when Jesus is served by Martha and Mary. Mary wipes Jesus’s feet with an overwhelming amount of expensive ointment. She is invited into the space with the men, to show them what true devotion to Christ is. Sunday, April 13th. Palm Sunday is filled with so many contrasts. Joy and shouting. Fear and dread. Triumph and humility. Divinity and power politics. Jesus looks up at the walls of Jerusalem. In “Hitting the Wall” I describe the visceral dread of that moment and place, which shows Jesus’s incredible bravery and resolve. This inspires us to be brave and resolute as we face monumental challenges we encounter. Sunday, April 20th. “A New Creation” is about the Easter Story of resurrection against all odds. It was foretold and then it happened and we await the fruition of God’s promise of resurrection. Learn what resurrection really means in your life. Sunday, April 27th. Margaret Kulkin will lead worship and preach “Although Doors Were Shut” about the apostle Thomas who said he would not believe unless he saw and touched the risen Jesus. Questioning our beliefs is not bad. Deconstructing and rebuilding faith is a healthy and natural part in the life of a Christian. It is a joy to serve God with you! I look forward to worshiping with you in April! Grace and Peace, Pastor Rob EASTER BASKETS for CONCERN for NEIGHBORS FOOD BANK: We have received some very generous donations of candy and other needed items to fill the 200 Easter baskets requested for this year. The first 100 baskets will be filled on Sunday, April 6th after the worship service. Each basket has grass, a tissue paper base, a stuffed animal, a Scripture coloring book, and candy. The second 100 baskets will be filled on Saturday, April 12th, at 10 a.m. in the fellowship hall. The baskets will be delivered to the food bank on Monday, April 14th.
ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING: It is now the time of the year when we have a chance to share with people who are desperate for help. Natural and man-made disasters cause a lot of damage, leaving victims without homes and things necessary for every-day life. Some people are often hungry and need help to get supplies needed to provide for their families. Some people are victims of injustice, and need help to improve their situation. The “One great Hour of Sharing” offering provides some help for people with all of these problems. The Presbyterian Hunger Program receives 36% of the offering. Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and the Self Development of People each receive 32% of the offering. The offering will be given on Palm Sunday, April 13th. We will have readers for three weeks, sharing stories of how people have been helped by previous offerings. Eileen Otti will read on March 30th, Sue Scannell will read on April 6th, and Ruth Roberts will read on April 13th. People can put offerings in the collection plate through May 4th. Also, you can give on-line or by mail. After May 4th, the offering will be sent to the Presbyterian denomination so more people can receive help. EAGLE WINGS MINISTRIES: Eagle Wings disAbility Ministries builds relationships for adults with disAbilities, their families, and their caregivers. They provide various social, educational and devotional events throughout the year for their clients and caregivers. Eagle Wings will use our building on Saturday, April 5th for all-day activities. The mothers will have about 2 hours in the afternoon to look around or shop downtown or enjoy the waterfront. There will be various activities for the clients. We will provide a snack around 9 a.m. when guests arrive. Eagle Wings will provide lunch and dinner, but would like help with clean-up after dinner. They expect to be through by 7 p.m. MISSION RECIEPIENTS FOR APRIL: Renewal Ministries Northwest will receive the $130 tithe from the pre-school rent plus a $20 private donation to make a total amount of $150. Renewal Ministries provides workshops, retreats and worship services throughout the year to help people grow spiritually. Habitat for Humanity, Snohomish County, will receive the annual $100 donation. Habitat for Humanity provides housing for low-income people who could not afford a home otherwise. Each family works 500 hours on their home, and pays some of the cost of the house. Habitat for Humanity also does some repair work for people in need of assistance. On March 30, we start a study of Reflections on the Psalms, by C.S. Lewis that should take us through most of June. In this book, Lewis breaks out themes he sees in the Psalms, and addresses some of the common concerns that people have about the Psalms such as “What do we do with the cursing Psalms?” when the writer of the Psalm curses his enemy and wishes terrible things would happen to them; “Why does God want us to praise him?”; “Can we really relate to poetry written for a very agrarian culture?”; and “Is it appropriate to apply a New Testament understanding to Old Testament scripture?” Lewis can be challenging to understand as he is writing as a professor of English Literature at Oxford, but his insights and thoughts can help us look at the Psalms differently and find new meaning and understanding in familiar scriptures.
Adult Education classes are on Sundays (Except Easter) after worship at 11:30 am in person or by Zoom, or on Tuesdays at 10:00 by Zoom. Come join use and learn more about the Psalms and more about this very popular Christian author who makes it clear that he is not a theologian or a Biblical scholar. Eileen Otti, Elder in charge of Education and Outreach The March meeting was held at the Pancake Haus in downtown Edmonds with 6 women attending. Some of the topics discussed were the upcoming potluck lunch at the church on this coming Sunday, March 16, and the Easter Baskets we are making for the Neighbors-in-Need food bank. Some of us plan to attend the Quilt Show at the Monroe fairgrounds on Friday, March 14.
Our next meeting will be at the church on April 9 at 11:30 am. A speaker from Habitat for Humanity plans to come talk about their new plans for this year. Margaret Smith, Women’s Association Moderator  From the Desk of Pastor Rob
Dear Fellow Travelers, It is great to be together as we grow in our mission and outreach. Podcasts are quickly becoming the main way people listen to news and information. It is like on-demand radio covering every possible topic you can think about. I have launched the “Real Bible Rob” podcast. It is focused on Bible topics and there are already 18 episodes posted. You can download it from any of your usual devices, Apple iPhone/iPad, Android, Google, Spotify, YouTube, etc. Just look for the red logo. I am cooperating with the Presbytery (Northwest Coast) about future Presbytery social media and podcasting opportunities. This is the best way to reach new people, especially young people, who don’t know much about the PCUSA and all the great things we are involved with. I am very excited to be a part of this initiative. Stay tuned for more information. Meanwhile, tell your friends and family about our Online Streaming Worship. We are averaging about 30 views per week and would love to see it grow! Please go to the www.epc-pcusa.org website for the latest links. Our study on the Creeds and Confessions continues. Join us Sundays (11:30 AM in the Library and also on Zoom!) and Tuesdays (10 AM on Zoom). Log in information is on the back of this newsletter. Games Night on the 2nd Saturday of each month continues. The next one is February 8th at 7 PM. Crafternoon (Crafting with Carol) happens again on the 3rd Sunday after worship on February 16th. Men’s Group is very active. They meet at 9 AM on Saturday Mornings. Women’s Association meets on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 11:30 or Noon, depending on whether it is at Pancake Haus or at the church. This is what I am planning for worship in February. Sunday, February 2nd. We will install new officers and have the Annual Meeting right after worship. I will preach on the joy and pain of real love in “Love Hurts.” The ballad by the 70s rock band Nazareth has a lot of connection to Jesus’s hometown experience and the love chapter, 1 Corinthians 13. Sunday, February 9th. Jesus seems to always show up at the right time in “He Appeared Again.” We can take comfort that Jesus is calling us to be His disciples even in these difficult times. Sunday, February 16th. Can you trust your heart? We often think people have “A Devious Heart” as we read in Jeremiah 17, but it is important to know that your heart is a barometer of what is right and wrong, good and bad. Through prayer and discernment you can learn to trust what the Holy Spirit puts in your heart. Sunday, February 23rd. When he becomes the second most powerful man in Egypt after the Pharaoh, Joseph strikes fear in the hearts of this brothers who treated him so badly. Instead of revenge, Joseph asks “Is My Father Still Alive” about Jacob. There’s so much to learn about reconciliation and forgiveness in this story. It is a joy to serve God with you! I look forward to worshiping with you in February! Grace and Peace, Pastor Rob SOUPER BOWL OF CARING: Our congregation will participate in the national “Souper Bowl of Caring” on February 9th, the same day as the Super Bowl football game. All our donations will go to the “Concern for Neighbors Food Bank” at Terrace View Presbyterian Church. Any healthy non-perishable food item can be used. Cash donations are also welcome. If we each bring 2 or 3 food items and/or a small cash donation, it will help a lot to feed some hungry people who really need a little help. The amount of money and food we give will be registered with the “Souper Bowl of Caring” as they keep a record of donations from all over the country.
CHRISTMAS JOY: The Christmas Joy offering received $460 from our church to help pastors and their families with severe financial needs and to help students of color attending Presbyterian-related schools. Each group receives 50% of the offering. JAN GRIFFITH RETIRES: For a long time, we have been sending part of our mission money to Jan Griffith to help with her ministry in Sweden. Jan has worked full- time through her church, providing a lot of help to refugees, promoting Bible study in the community and strengthening relationships between denominations. Jan has played a vital role in the school operated by the church. Many students at the school are refugees. Jan grew up in our congregation, the daughter of Bob and Marian Griffith, who were long-time active members of this church. Jan is now retiring and will no longer need our support. We thank her for a job well done and wish her well in her retirement years. MATTHEW HOUSE IS CLOSED: Sadly, Matthew House, which has provided services to families visiting loved-ones in the Monroe Prison, is closed. Matthew House carried on a vital ministry for 40 years but is now closed and their property is being sold. We are sorry to see them go, but do thank God for the ministry Linda Paz, her staff and volunteers have done so faithfully. UNDERGROUND MINISTRIES JOINS OUR MISSION RECIPIENTS: Underground Ministries, founded by the Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church, builds relationships of trust between prisoners soon to be released and the community. They want newly released prisoners to feel like part of the community. Assistance finding housing and jobs is provided, as well as social and spiritual support. Underground Coffee Company provides training for ex-prisoners who want to work for the coffee company. A portion of money from coffee sales goes to help Underground Ministries. FEBRUARY MISSION RECIPIENTS: Opening Blind Eyes, a ministry to prisoners in the Monroe Prison, will receive $150 from pre-school tithe money. The Everett Gospel Mission will receive the annual $100 donation. The Everett Gospel Mission provides many services for homeless people. Ruth R, Mission Elder Six women of the church met for a lunch meeting at the Pancake Haus in Edmonds on January 8 to make plans for the year including the 180 Easter baskets we are making for the Neighbors In Need Food Bank.
Next meeting will be at 11:30 am on February 12 at the church with a short business meeting and luncheon followed by guest speaker Kim Gorney from Kids in Transition telling us about how they help homeless kids and kids living in cars. This is the time of year when we start thinking about contributions for our 13 mission projects. Which other projects or speakers would you like to consider? Please call me with suggestions. Margaret S, Moderator Dear Fellow Travelers,
Ahh, Advent is here. Instead of being frantic about Christmas, we can focus on the themes of the four Sundays of Advent: Hope, Peace, Joy, Love. One leads to the next, moving from the glimmer of hope to the unfolding promise of the coming of Jesus, the Christ child on Christmas Day. Our plans for Christmas Eve service are forming now. We are deciding whether to do it at 5 PM or 11 PM. Let me or the elders know if you have a preference. We will announce our plans in the coming weeks. Also, if you would like to participate in music for Advent, please contact Laurel who is putting an ensemble together. Bible Study is on the “Names for the Messiah.” Join us Sundays (11:30 AM in the Library and also on Zoom!) and Tuesdays (10 AM on Zoom). Log in information is on the back of this newsletter. Games Night on the 2nd Saturday of each month continues. The next one is December 13th at 7 PM. Crafternoon is a great success. We will have it again on the 3rd Sunday after worship on December 15th. Men’s Group is very active. They meet at 9 AM on Saturday Mornings. Women’s Association meets on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 11:30 or Noon, depending on whether it is at Pancake Haus or at the church. Please tell your friends and family about our Online Streaming Worship. We are averaging about 30 views per week and would love to see it grow! Please go to the www.epc-pcusa.org website for the latest links. This is what I am planning for worship in December. Sunday, December 1st. Advent starts in the dark. There is only a small glimmer of hope. If you have lost hope, “Lift Up My Soul” is the cry of the Psalmist. Hope Sunday is the beginning of a new start. Sunday, December 8th. Sometimes Peace Sunday feels off, like an illusion. Paul found peace in prayer while in prison. In “Rough Places Plain,” I will explore how we pray and why we pray for peace. Sunday, December 15th. Winnowing forks and refiner’s fire don’t seem peaceful, but it is the beginning of Joy, when we “Let Peace Become Joy.” This is when abiding and rest turn into resolve and action. Sunday, December 22nd. Love Sunday is the focus of “This Singular Moment” when we prepare for the coming of Jesus. We can ignore the chaff and the confusion and focus on redemption in Christ. Tuesday, December 24th. Christmas Eve will focus on the “Names for the Messiah.” Isaiah’s prophesy is about the deep longing we have for God to make things right and bring about the peaceable kingdom. Sunday, December 29th. The glow of Christmastide continues, but we are beginning to think about the future in “Back to Business.” 2025 will be a pivotal year for the Christian witness. Let us prepare. It is a joy to serve God with you! I look forward to worshiping with you in December! Grace and Peace, Pastor Rob CHRISTMAS FAMILY: Our family this year is a mother and two girls, ages 17 and 12. We are required to give two $75 gift cards per child and a $150 gift card for groceries. We are not required to give any gift cards to the mother, but so far, we have been able to give cards to the mother also. This year’s family only chose “Walmart” as a gift card choice. I need to deliver the gift cards to Pathway’s on December 6th, so December 1st is the last Sunday to donate.
CHRISTMAS JOY OFFERING: Readers will read stories for three weeks in December telling how past offerings have helped pastors and their families in times of real financial need, and about students of color who received financial assistance to attend a Presbyterian-related school. Margaret Smith will read on December 1st. Margaret Kulkin will read on December 8th, and Ruth Roberts will read on December 15th. The offering will be given on December 15th, but gifts identified as “Christmas Joy offerings” can be given through January 5th, 2025. Fifty percent of the offering goes to help students of color who attend Presbyterian-related schools. The other fifty percent is used to help pastors, and retired pastors and their families in times of real financial need. EAGLE WINGS DISABILITY MINISTRIES serves people with special needs, both physically and mentally. Social events provide happy times to celebrate with other people. One such happy occasion will be the annual Christmas dinner at Mountain View Presbyterian Church in Marysville. Classes give people the joy of learning an extra skill. Sometimes the need is much more serious such as suicide prevention help, and finding the individual a safe place to live. Care givers are also given a chance to relax while their loved-ones attend a happy event. Kinder Smoots, the director of Eagle Wings DisAbility ministries, gave a “minute for mission” on October 27th at our church. She will return to preach on January 12th. Eagle Wings DisAbility Ministries will receive the pre-school tithe of $195 given for November. WORLD CONCERN works in many ways to improve the lives of people living in poverty in areas with unsafe water and poor nutrition. Wells for safe water cut down on diseases. Livestock replenishment helps people who have lost animals in drought conditions. Vegetable seeds suitable for dry conditions help people have better nutrition and stave off hunger. Food vouchers help people who do not have money to buy food, and also help local farmers who have produce to sell. Agricultural training in better farming methods and gifts of farm tools make it easier for people to improve their nutrition and health. Emergency hygiene kits and nutrition packages provide for immediate need until fresh produce has a chance to grow. World Concern also equips local evangelists and pastors with supplies to help in their ministry of preaching the gospel in their villages and surrounding areas. World Concern will receive the $100 mission allocation for November. |
Archives
March 2025
The CallerA monthly newsletter of upcoming events, celebrations, and news of the church community. Categories
All
|
RSS Feed