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Perseverance (No I am not talking about the Mars lander)

2/25/2021

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Do you ever feel like giving up?  Many times, I have faced students who want to give up.  As an instructor, you just can’t let that happen.  My “go to” source on not giving up was telling students about President Abraham Lincoln.  I had a story about President Lincoln and the eight elections he lost, the business that he failed in, his sweetheart dying, and the nervous breakdown he experienced on his way to becoming one of the most revered Presidents in our nation’s history.   I would end by saying, “Don’t give up, Abraham Lincoln didn’t!”
 
The Bible provides us many examples to encourage us to seek the Christian virtue of Perseverance.  James 1:2-3 states; “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.”  I don’t know about you, but as long as I am not the one going the trial, I can see the “pure joy.”  That joy becomes a little fuzzier when it is me going through the trial.  When all is said and done, it does become more obvious that whatever I was facing continues to develop my perseverance. 
 
In researching information on perseverance, I ran across a sermon by the great theologian Charles Spurgeon.  He related perseverance to a race.  The only way you can determine a winner is by looking at who crosses the finish line first.  Looking at the starting line, everyone looks capable of winning.  But only one gets the prize.  1 Corinthians 9:24; “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize?  Run in such a way as to get the prize.” 
 
That got me to pondering, who are we in a race with?  Fortunate for me, the answer was in the Max Lucado devotional on February 23 (the day I am writing this).  From Ephesians 6:12; “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”  Wow!  I sure hope I am in shape for this race, it is not one I want to lose.  “This dark world and against spiritual forces of evil,” I know who Paul is talking about here.  You do too, it is the devil.
 
If we are in a race with you know who, I am sure he is going to lie, cheat, (he specializes in lying and cheating), and do everything possible to win “as he knows his time is short.”  Revelation 12:12. Good news we have Jesus on our side.  Remember Jesus has already defeated the devil.  I can see all of you crossing the finish line ahead of you know who, but it is worth noting the techniques he used in tempting Jesus.  Knowing how Jesus defeated him, will give us a tool to use in our race of perseverance. 
 
In Matthew 4:1-4;” Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil.  After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.  The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”  Jesus answered, “It is written:  Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that come from the mouth of God.” 
Thanks again to Max Lucado on February 16th from his devotional.  “We know Satan will attack weak spots first.  Forty days of fasting left Jesus famished, so Satan began with the topic of bread.  Jesus’ stomach was empty, so to the stomach Satan turned.”
 
Max continues; “Where are you empty?  Are you hungry for attention, craving success, longing for intimacy?  Be aware of your weaknesses.  Bring them to God before Satan brings them to you.”
Hebrews 12:1b-2a is a great way to end this message; “…Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.  Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.”  Amen – God bless you!
 
Don I, Session – Administration / Finance



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Session News

2/25/2021

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Where do we go from here?
 
Our church is at a crossroads. As we start the new year, and in the process of looking for a new pastoral care, we ask that you continue to pray that God will send a new leader for our church. For the past 10 years Pastor Amy has served our church as fulltime, three quarter time and finally half-time. She has shepherded our church thru the word of God, prayers, and counselling. She shared our joys and sorrows, enjoyed church picnics, potlucks, coloring nights, and crochet group. We are grateful for the time and fellowship we had together, and we send her off with prayers to her new chapter of her life.
 
In this midst of uncertainty, we continue to believe that God will direct us to the new possibilities out there to be discovered. God is always faithful. Currently the session is in the process of reviewing job applicants, in the meantime we are using pulpit supply pastors from the Presbytery list so our worship service will not be interrupted. Difficult as it may be at times it is part of a larger picture.  For our church family, this transition means being flexible and remembering that transition is part of the growth process. God will bless us when we remain faithful and wait. As faithful servants we will be positioned to receive and enjoy the blessings God brings through the transition.  Let us keep the faith and pray for each other and for our church. 


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Mission News

2/25/2021

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When Manuel Nazario casts his net into the water these days, his catch is far less plentiful.
In the remote area of Bolivia near the Paraguay-Argentina border, Manuel and the members of his indigenous community are finding that fishing, their traditional livelihood, is now in severe jeopardy.
The Capirendita (pronounced CAP-IR-EN-DITA) community is grappling with the devastating impact of climate change, irregular rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts, disease and mining pollution. As a result, their age-old ways of life and their means of economic support are increasingly threatened.  The degradation of the environment and the mounting lack of access to water threatens their very survival.
Manuel has emerged as one of the leaders in his fishing community. A born innovator and community organizer, he is now leading the families in Capirendita toward the promise of a better way, in partnership with a local organization called CERDET (Center for Regional Studies of Tarija). Together they are working to develop irrigation systems and to collect and store rainwater for safe drinking.
Because of gifts received through One Great Hour of Sharing, like the gifts you and I will make to this Offering here in our congregation, CERDET is building infrastructure to address the communities’ critical water shortage. Their goal is to create 500 meters of pipes to transport safe well water to those in need. Manuel will be responsible for carrying out the excavation work on the underground piping system. Our gifts will also support the distribution of plastic containers to collect and save rainwater.
One Great Hour of Sharing helps us address critical water needs in places like South Sudan, training technicians to dig water wells for their communities and on maintenance, hygiene and sanitation. And in places like Detroit, our gifts have joined We the People of Detroit to secure access to water for those who have had their water shut off during the pandemic. Imagine not being able to wash anything during the pandemic!
One Great Hour of Sharing is the single, largest way that Presbyterians come together every year to share God’s love by becoming “repairers of the breach,” joining with people in need to build God’s house, together. Together we are making a better world for those in need no matter where they are. Please give generously, for when we all do a little — it adds up to a lot.



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​Women's Association News

2/25/2021

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The Women’s Association met on Wednesday, February 10, 2021 at 11am virtually via Zoom with ten members and one guest (Freddie) present. Mission Chairman Ruth R reported she made and sent Valentines and candy to three students from our congregation, Teddy K, Kate S and Tyler M.  Ruth also gave a report on recent activities of Habitat for Humanity, one of our mission recipients, telling of new homes being built in Gold Bar with the help of the new home owners and community volunteers.
Our program was a presentation by Tyler and Rochelle H, a missionary couple partially sponsored by our church who are presently sheltering in place in Louisville KY, while awaiting permission to return to their mission post in Malawi. Tyler works with the University of Livingstonia Faculty of Theology training new pastors and church leaders for the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian.  Rochelle works (virtually) with Mzuzu University Center of Excellence, in water sanitation, supporting research and community outreach. Clean water and sanitation are a real problem in Malawi and is often a matter of life and death. They presented a slideshow showing the area where they lived in Malawi and some of the native people they work with along with their daughter and some of their friends. They ask that we pray for the country of Malawi, its government, its leaders and its students and also for the CCAP and the universities that they work for.
Our next meeting will be March 10, 2021 and we plan to have a presentation by Mary’s Place as a program.


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Books for Westgate Elementary

2/25/2021

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I just finished Dragons in a Bag, by Zetta Elliott.  It is recommended for children 8 to 12 years old.  I found it truly enjoyable.  Jaxon is introduced to a woman who needs help delivering baby dragons to a magical world.  There’s time travel, baby dragons living in a small tin, talking animals and plenty to hold your interest.  Along the way Jax makes several new friends, counts on the help of old friends, and discovers new secrets.  This story is “magical.”
 
The 21 Day Challenge for Racial Justice group is alive and well at Edmonds Presbyterian Church. And we are working on purchasing racially diverse books for the students at Westgate Elementary here in Edmonds.
 
Please, won’t you sponsor a book for Westgate Elementary? 

To sponsor this month’s book, send a check made out to the church to the church office for $6.99.

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You’re invited to join us for Home Communion

2/25/2021

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​While we cannot gather in person, we will gather over the internet to share the Lord’s Supper together. On Sunday, March 7th, at 1 PM (followed by our usual check-in at 2 PM) we will gather via Zoom for home communion together. We will have a special solo by Jerry G as part of our service that will be hosted by Pastor Milad N. Please have your own bread (simple is best), and grape juice / wine or other beverage common to your home. You may “Zoom in” in from your phone, Smartphone, or computer. 

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Bible Study

2/25/2021

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Our Zoom bible studies are starting a new series, “Heroes of Faith”. This study will introduce us not only to a series of Bible characters but also to a fascinating collection of roll models who will help us forge our own heroic faith. We will meet on Tuesdays at 10 AM, and Wednesdays at 3 PM, with the same study each day. Please contact Kim in the office if you would like a study guide for the series. There is also an eBook available. Leadership will rotate among the participants of the group. You are welcome to join us whenever it works in your schedule.
 

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​21 Day Racial Justice Challenge

2/25/2021

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Our next “next steps” meeting will be Wednesday, March 24th at 7 PM via zoom. Join us to hear about our upcoming projects and brainstorm about how we can positively impact our community.
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So What Now - LOVE?!

2/3/2021

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Our Pastor of 10 years is gone. We are unable to worship, sing, visit and eat  Jerry’s maple bars in person. We haven’t heard Brian, Alison, and Sarah, accompanied by Gina in person for 11 months. We have not heard Kathy and the choir perform in person. We haven’t been greeted at the door by Don H.   senior and Sid since last spring. We don’t get to admire one of Jim’s restored automobiles. No birthday cake and celebrations in the fellowship hall. The sanctuary and fellowship hall are empty. And the plan session had for transferring ownership of our property to Presbytery and becoming a tenant is no more. What now? Do you feel like we are alone with no-one in charge?
 
GOOD NEWS – God is still in charge! I will never leave you or forsake you! Joshua 1:5. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27. Working closely with Presbytery, session has    crafted a job description (on our website) describing the pastor we are seeking. There is an approved budget for 2021 that provides for our church in a financially responsible manner. By the time this article is published, session anticipates being in the process of reviewing applications and conducting interviews. By mid-March (of this year) we should have our new pastor! How exciting for us and for that individual, whomever he or she maybe?
 
Why exciting? Because of you. Yes, you. You may be expecting this pastor will do a lot for us, but I don’t think that will be the case. I think we will be the ones that will bless them. Why? You love so well! Over the last several months I have had the privilege of, working with the other members of session, attending the weekly bible study (a study of Christian Virtues – the current virtue we are studying is LOVE – what a coincidence?), participating in the 21-day racial justice challenge (we are now in day 200+ with no sign of stopping) and attend the regular Sunday afternoon check in. In all of these activities, I am so overwhelmed with the acts of love I see on your part. If you do not currently participate in one or more of these groups, join us! In addition, there are other groups in the church, women’s association, men’s group, and the session always have needs for volunteers for committees in    administration, finance, missions, education, and congregational life. Don’t hesitate to call Kim in the office and together we will find a group that you will “love.” There is room for you and you will be BLESSED, guaranteed.

The same love that so easily flows from you, will be needed for our new pastor. Imagine them wanting to meet and talk with you, but they aren’t able to do it in person. Many of you are amazing cooks and would host the new pastor for a visit. They would be engulfed by your hospitality, care for one another, and your delicious goodies! How are you going to share that love that so easily flows from your nature with our new pastor without meeting in person?
 
Yes, we have work to do. We have to get ready to LOVE our new pastor. We need to make their transition to our congregation a joyful time for them. A time when they will reflect back and realize what great disciples of Jesus the congregation of Edmonds Presbyterian Church is. They truly reflect John 13:34-35, A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
 
Maybe, we should not just do this for our new pastor, but for all of the people we meet. The stockers at the grocery store, the parking enforcement officer (Brian E.), the receptionist at the dental office, the mail carrier who comes to your door, the young couple down the block, the flight attendant on Alaska Airlines (Allison), or the teenager that walks by your place. Love one another.
 
Get ready for our new pastor. Be yourself and love well. God will take of you, me and Edmonds Presbyterian Church. 1 Peter 5:7 cast all your care upon God for HE cares for you!
 
 …love your neighbor as yourself. Matthew 22:39
Submitted by the least member of Session,
Don I

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Session News

2/3/2021

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Dear Edmonds Presbyterian congregation,
Listed below is an excerpt from the “Northwest Coast Presbytery policy on Separation Ethics when dissolving a call” guidelines to our church stating s to what capacity we can communicate with our departing pastor.
 
To Individual Members of the Congregation.
Pursuant to G-2.0905 it is important that, with particular friends, it be made clear that the pastoral relationship will come to an end. This does not mean that friendships must come to an end. Friendships are priceless and are to be preserved, but there is a special responsibility on the part of the departing pastor to prevent friendships from becoming confused with the pastoral relationship. The pastoral functions of counseling, calling, conducting weddings, funerals, or baptisms are not appropriate. Neither is the rendering of opinions or judgments about the ministry of the former church or its pastor. If the former pastor receives a request to return to the congregation for a particular occasion, it is important for her/him to remind those making the request that the present pastor is the one to whom the request should be made.
 
From Session
Edmonds Presbyterian Church

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