Blog Archives

From the Desk of Pastor Rob

6/26/2024

Dear Fellow Travelers,
Northwesterners are familiar with cool and cloudy June weather – June-uary – and this year didn’t disappoint. But now we get to enjoy July with its warmth and beauty. We have a new roof thanks to you! We have some new life and purpose as well. Preschool is off for the summer vacation. Bible Study is on break as well, after our yearlong study in Acts. All I can say is Great Work! Summer is a time for relaxing and regrouping.

Starting this month, I will preach a series on the mysterious book of Hebrews. We will have discussion time after worship in place of Bible Study. I really look forward to exploring Hebrews with you. In the fall, we will study 2nd Corinthians which is a great book in the lead up to the election in November. Paul talks about faithful and good leadership.

Games Night on the 2nd Saturday of each month will continue through the summer. The next one is July13th at 7 PM. Crafternoon was a great success in June. We will have it again on the 3rd Sunday after worship on July 21st.

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 July.

Sunday, July 7th. In “Hebrews - The True Human” we will start our study of Hebrews and it elegant sounding Greek words. The first two chapters show us the whole nature of Jesus, both as the Son of God above the angels and the True Human below the angels. Since Jesus is both, he is our guide and savior.

Sunday, July 14th. I tackle one of the misused verses in all the Bible, Hebrews 4:12 about the sword, in “Hebrews - Rest Not Warfare.” Instead of a weapon, the Word of God is about second chances. The Israelites weren’t allowed to rest in the wilderness, but in Jesus we can rest in the Logos, the Word.

Sunday, July 21st. In “Hebrews - Holy Melchizedek Batman!” I explore one of the weirdest and most mysterious connections between the Old Testament and the New Testament. Melchizedek is briefly mentioned in Genesis, but by the time of the New Testament, he was thought of as the ideal high priest. Jesus was compared to Melchizedek to show the people how he has become our intermediary with God the Father.

Sunday, July 28th. Elder Eileen Otti will preach “Everything We Need” about the amazing story of Jesus feeding the 5000 overlooking the Sea of Galilee. The people had come out to hear Jesus preach but many of them were poor fishermen and farmers, so they couldn’t just go to the local fast-food joint or grocery store to eat. Jesus provided both for their bodies as well as their hearts and souls.

It is a joy to serve God with you! I look forward to worshiping with you in July!
Grace and Peace, Pastor Rob

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MISSION NEWS

6/26/2024

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Middle East Partner, the ministry of Kathy Giske to help Iranian Christians, will receive our $100 mission allocation for this month. It is difficult to be a Christian in Iran since they are not allowed to worship freely. Middle East Partner provides materials for Christians who meet in small home fellowship groups. Iranian Christians have helped some women who have been victims of abusive marriages, helping them to find employment and safe living quarters. Some of these women become Christians themselves, and share the good news of God’s gift of salvation with others. One lady, Nadia, was in an abusive marriage and was kicked out of her unhappy, but only home when her husband brought another wife home. Not knowing what to do, she tried to commit suicide. She was found bleeding in the street by a Christian lady, who prayed desperately for her survival. The Christian lady helped her get to a hospital for treatment. When Nadia was recovered enough to look for work to support herself, she was surprised to find the Christian lady who helped her was the person who would interview her for the job. Nadia was hired, and though it took awhile before she was ready to accept Jesus as her Savior, she did become a Christian herself, and help plant several small house worship fellowships.

The last quarter of pre-school rent money for this school year will be divided equally between “Opening Blind eyes” prison ministry and Jan Griffith’s ministry in Sweden. Rev. “Rip” Van Winkle has a very dedicated ministry spending time visiting with inmates at the Monroe Prison. Besides holding worship services, he shares the gospel individually with any one wants to listen to the message of God’s love and salvation. He believes very strongly that God’s love is great enough to give second chances to anyone who is willing to accept His gift of love and forgiveness. We certainly have examples of Biblical saints who needed “second chances”, including Abraham, David and Peter.

Jan Griffith, our home-grown missionary to Sweden, works in a church that operates a Christian school. Some of the students are refugees. Jan also is very interested in supporting good ecumenical relations between different denominational groups, and with other ethnic cultures,   especially with Muslim refugees, since some of the students at the school where she works are children of Muslim refugees. She has been active in supporting the book, “Across the Street and Around the World” which gives ideas on how to share the Christian faith with other groups in a way that is not offensive to them.

We received a very nice thank you letter from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) for the $540 our congregation sent to the “One Great Hour of Sharing” offering. We also have a very appreciative thank you card from the Edmonds Food Bank for making the ‘books’ part of “Bikes, Books and Berries” a “huge success.”   The card says “the partnership you created with Half-Price Books brought in just the right amount of books for the event.” I will post these communications in the fellowship hall so every one can read them.

Since we have no special offerings in the summer, it is a good time to make our much-needed roof repair a place for special gifts. Write “roof repair” on the memo line of your check before putting it in the offering plate. Cash donations may be put in an envelope marked “roof repair.”

Gifts can also be given on line or in the mail, following normal procedures for gifts and offerings.
Ruth R, Mission Elder

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WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION

6/26/2024

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Five women met in the Friendship Hall for our Salad Luncheon on June 12. After discussion we decided to hold all our meetings at 11:30 an each meeting day, either at the church or at a nearby restaurant. Kathy M will no longer serve as treasurer so we are sending her a Thank-You card expressing our gratitude for the gracious way she has helped us in so many ways through the years. Margaret S will carry out the Treasurer’s duties until a new treasurer is elected. Luncheon consisted of a nice variety of salads and cookies brought by Ruth R. Linda R read a poem by Edgar Guest called “The Little Church” as our program.

Mission offerings were collected and will be divided among the 13 charities sponsored by our group. Ruth R wrote an updated summary of each charity we support. This summary will be posted in the friendship hall Bulletin Board and included in the Caller. We plan to give members one more week to add to our collection.

Next meeting will be at the church on September 11, 2024. Here’s wishing everyone a wonderful summer and looking forward to seeing you in the fall.

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WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION MISSION OFFERING RECIPIENTS--2024

6/26/2024

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MARY’S PLACE: Operates seven family shelters. Whole families, including fathers, can stay together at most locations. Over 600 people can have shelter each night. The newest shelter is in Bellevue. There are plans for the Burien center to open a permanent 90- unit apartment building at the same location as the temporary shelter. Many support services are provided for homeless and low- income people, including a women’s day room, children’s activities, and job training. Popsicle Place, located in Seattle, Burien and Bellevue, offers a safe place for children with special needs and chronic health issues. Help, including financial counseling, is given to families so they can move into permanent housing.

EVERETT GOSPEL MISSION: Provides shelter, job training, addiction counseling, and help with getting employment and permanent housing. Those who want to hear the gospel message of God’s love and salvation can do so. There is a shelter for women and children and another shelter for men. Four family apartments allow whole families to stay together. Four more family units are under construction. Cares for about 145 men and 75 women and children each night. The Passport Program offers assistance to people who need help securing employment, permanent housing and financial independence. People who want this training can either do some work at the shelter or pay a small bed fee while they learn the needed skills to achieve financial independence.

NEW HORIZON’S: Provides help for homeless youth, including shelter, day room, job training, counseling, and Bible study and Christian discussion time for interested youth. The “Nest”shelter on 3rd Ave. has 30 beds for youth transitioning out of homelessness. It is animal friendly so a pet is accepted. Youth can get breakfast and lunch and have time for interests and study. Computers are available. Dinner is served Monday through Thursday for day drop-ins, and every day for shelter residents. Laundry services, showers, counseling, clothing and other services help youth improve their lives. Job training for baristas is available at the Street Bean coffee shop at New Horizon’s day- room on Third Avenue. Some outside activities, including a hiking club, are available for interested youth.

PREGNANCY RESOURCE CLINIC: Provides pregnancy tests and ultra sounds for women who want them. Offers classes in baby care for expectant parents, including fathers. Class attendees earn points for baby clothes and other supplies. Maternity clothes are also available. New mother’s groups offer a place to socialize and continue earning points for more baby clothes and other necessities. Interested people can hear God’s message of salvation. Counseling and parenting classes are available for new and expectant fathers.

COCOON HOUSE: Provides shelter and other services for youth from high school age through age 24. Works to improve relations with parents, helps people overcome addictions, provides a safe place to study and helps older youth prepare for and obtain jobs and permanent housing. Works with school officials to help youth affected by recent homelessness continue their education. Young people age 12 and older can receive counseling. Sometimes counseling improves home situations enough that young people can remain at home. In 2023, 125 teen-agers and 25 young adults were given housing. 559 young people received services at the drop-on center.

MATTHEW HOUSE: Provides services to prisoners’ families while their loved ones are incarcerated. Prisoners’ families can find a place to rest, get something to eat, obtain clothing and groceries, and if necessary because of long drives, there is room for some families to spend the night. Prayer rooms are available, and anyone who wants spiritual help will receive it. Their goal is to meet the spiritual and practical needs of the families during a difficult time. It is often hard for children to understand why their father, or other loved-ones, cannot be with them.

VISION HOUSE: Provides private apartments for people getting ready to transition into permanent housing. Sometimes clients’ need comes from job loss, medical costs, or domestic violence. Vision House gives child care while parents attend school or work. Furniture and household items are provided when a family is ready to move into permanent housing. Counseling and other needed assistance is given to help insure the move to new housing will be permanent.

CONCERN FOR NEIGHBORS FOOD BANK: Donations of non-perishable food and monetary support help the food-bank provide help to needy families. Some stores donate produce and left-over bakery items. Food given to clients is still done by drive-through pick-ups. The number of families served has significantly increased. We made 150 Easter baskets this year, also given by drive-through.

HABITAT FOR HUMMANITY, SNOHOMISH COUNTY: Habitat stores help provide income for their housing costs. They are getting ready to build six 4-plexes on a site in Everett. One single home is on the premises. Zoning changes were needed to allow the townhouses. The townhouse project required sewer lines and other amenities to be completed before construction of the townhouses can begin. The foundation has been laid for the single family home at this site. A single-family home in North Everett has been acquired and is being repaired and updated. This home should be ready for occupation later this summer. Each family spends 500 hours of work on their new home. Habitat for Humanity also makes some home repairs for low-income people.

OPERATION NIGHTWATCH: Nightwatch helps people find shelter. Street ministers interact with homeless people living on the street. Street workers take clean socks, food, and waterproof blankets to people who do not have shelter. One homeless man told a worker a blanket is for than warmth. He felt safer with his head covered with a blanket, one more layer of protection from danger. Dinner is provided for people who will spend the night outside and for those who will be in a shelter. Those who want to, have a chance to hear the message of God’s love and salvation. Nightwatch has an apartment building with 24 small apartments for seniors. This is often the first permanent home the tenant has had in years. Small things, like new towels and sheets, make these apartments special for people who move in.

SUPPORT SEVEN, INTERNATIONAL CHAPLAINS’ MINISTRY: Provides spiritual and emotional help to people facing tragedies caused by accidents, or other difficult situations. Accident victims can find a place to wait or rest in the Support 7 vehicle. Support Seven serves as a Compassionate Care Liaison between first responders and people in crisis during on-scene emergency incidents such as unexpected natural deaths, homicides, house fires, suicides or other crisis incidents. A respite place is also provided for first responders to get quick refreshments and prepare for interviews. Compassionate chaplains from Support Seven are often the ones to bring notice of tragic death to the family, offering prayer and comfort to people who want it.

JAN GRIFFITH – OUR HOME-GROWN MISSIONARY TO SWEDEN: Jan grew up in our congregation. Her parents, Bob and Marian, were very active in our congregation for many years. Jan has been actively providing help to a church which operates a Christian school. Some of the students are immigrants. She has been active in ecumenical outdoor Passion Plays and in spiritual development classes. Her health is improving, but she still has to be careful. She works to help improve relations between different cultures and language groups. Jan has been active in promoting the book, “Across the Street and around the World” by Jeannie Marie. The book was published in Swedish last May. Jan says the book gives useful ideas for promoting God’s Word to people of different cultures. Jan was able to meet the author last November when Jeannie Marie was touring and teaching in Sweden. This was a very special time for Jan.

WORLD CONCERN: World Concern works to improve living conditions for people living in difficult circumstances. They provide water filters in areas where dirty water can be purified. They provide funds for wells in some areas, such as a village well in South Sudan. They work to prevent malnutrition and sex trafficking. Some young girls are given to sex traffickers by their families who have been deceived, thinking their daughters are being given good jobs. Some young girls are snatched right off the streets in third world countries. World Concern has been able to rescue some of these young women and provide them with a better life. World Concern teaches farming techniques, and provides tools and seeds so people can grow their own food. They also provide other services which improve the lives of people who are living in poverty. The goal is to lift people out of poverty by enabling them to earn enough money to provide a sustainable living.

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BUILDING AND GROUNDS

6/26/2024

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Roof Repair Update
The roof repairs were started the week of June 17th. Thank you to all who donated. The contributions we received certainly helped offset the cost.

You may be aware that the replacement of the beams in the atrium was put on hold until we were able to pay for the roof repairs. When repairing the roof, we discovered the sections where the beams join the roof couldn’t be repaired completely, without having the new beams in place. I authorized replacement of the beams now, saving the added cost of re-doing those sections of the roof if the beams were replaced later.

If you haven’t considered donating to the Roof Fund, there is no time like the present. Please also consider contributing to the Beam Replacement. Please make Checks out to Edmonds Presbyterian Church and write “Roof Fund” in the memo line.

We will have a Work Party in August, when we can paint all the new wood and finally paint the walls damaged by the roof leaks. Be thinking of other projects we can tackle as well.

With Grateful Thanks,
Gay H, Elder

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EDUCATION AND OUTREACH

6/26/2024

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On June 23, we concluded our study of the Book of Acts using the study from Scot McKnight. The Tuesday Bible study wrapped their study up on June 18. This study took the whole school year and worked all the way through the Book of Acts. Many EPC members participated in this study and learned a lot about the early Christian Church and discussed how what they did and learned in the early church is still applicable in our lives today. We look forward to starting a study of Second Corinthians on September 8. In the meantime, we will be having a sermon discussion group discussing Pastor Rob’s sermon series on the Book of Hebrews. If you have ideas or thoughts about future Bible study topics, reach out to Eileen O or pastor Rob.

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CONGRIGATIONAL LIFE

6/26/2024

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Friendship hour continues to be in the Friendship Hall with coffee, tea an snacks following church service each Sunday.

Game night was held at the church at 7 pm on Saturday, June 8. Since the weather was nice we enjoyed a game of croquet before going inside for other games. Next game night will be held on July 13.

We are starting a Crafting Hour, Crafternoon, to be held in he Friendship Hall on the 3rd Sunday of each month following church service and Bible discussion. The first session was held in May and people brought a variety of projects to work on while we chatted. It’s fun to see the various items our talented members are working on. The next crafting hour will be on July 21.

A summer potluck is being planned for July 14 following church service. Everyone is invited whether you bring anything or not. Please bring yourself and guests if you wish and enjoy each others company.

Margaret S, Congregational Life Elder

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From the Desk of Pastor Rob

MISSION NEWS

WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION

WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION MISSION OFFERING RECIPIENTS--2024

BUILDING AND GROUNDS

EDUCATION AND OUTREACH

CONGRIGATIONAL LIFE

Archives

The Caller

Categories

From the Desk of Pastor Rob

​MISSION NEWS

​WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION

WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION MISSION OFFERING RECIPIENTS--2024

BUILDING AND GROUNDS

EDUCATION AND OUTREACH

​CONGRIGATIONAL LIFE

Archives

The Caller

Categories

MISSION NEWS

WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION

CONGRIGATIONAL LIFE