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From the Desk of Pastor Rob

12/31/2025

Dear 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

MISSION NEWS

12/31/2025

CHRISTMAS 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.

From the Desk of Pastor Rob

11/26/2025

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

Mission News

11/26/2025

CHRISTMAS FAMILY: Our Christmas family is a mother, a girl, age 9, and a five-year old boy. Each child will be given two $75 gift cards, and the family will get a $150 grocery card. We are not required to give anything to the mother, but so far, we have been able to give her gift cards, too. The cards for the family need to be delivered to Pathways on December 4th or 5th. November 30th is the last day to bring gifts for the family.

OPERATION NIGHTWATCH: We have been bringing white socks for Operation Nightwatch during November. Though it seems like a small item, a pair of clean, dry socks can help to keep a person warm on cold nights. Julie R will deliver the socks to Operation Nightwatch. They can also use small toiletries.

OPENING BLIND EYES: The Rev. “Rip” Van Winkle has ministered to men in the Monroe prison for many years. He has taught Bible classes, held worship services, and spent time listening to men who needed a chance to talk to someone. Now, the Rev. “Rip” Van Winkle has cancer and is no longer able to provide these services. His ministry is suspended for now. Please pray for him as he is now taking treatment for the cancer. He said, “I do not know what the future holds, but I know who holds the future.

MISSION DONATIONS FOR NOVEMBER:
Eagle Wing’s disAbility Ministry will receive the pre-school tithe plus a private donation to make a $150 gift for their ministry. Eagle Wing’s provides many services for people who do not have a lot of opportunity to socialize, do crafts or take classes. They also provide some times for care-givers to have a little time off.

World Concern will receive the $100 annual gift to help them provide their many services to people in Africa and Asia who need food, shelter and a way to earn a living. They help provide wells for sanitary water, and help rescue some young women and girls who have been trafficked for sexual purposes.

CHRISTMAS JOY

11/26/2025

Christmas is a special time of joy as we look forward to the birth of our Savior. Jesus’ birth fulfilled the coming of the promised Messiah for God’s chosen people as foretold in the Old Testament. Sometimes the holiday season can bring some sadness as we remember people no longer with us or experience loss of family who went to our heavenly home at Christmas time, but we can still have God’s comforting presence with us, and reach out to share his love with others who really need some extra help.

The Christmas Joy offering is a wonderful way to share God’s love with others. The offering is divided evenly between retired and current pastors and their families experiencing unusual hardship and students of color who need some financial help while attending Presbyterian-related schools.

On December 7th, 14th and 21st readers will read true stories telling how people have been helped by this offering. On December 21st we will have the opportunity to give our gifts to help people who really need some assistance. Offerings can still be given through the 11th of January, either in the collection plate clearly marked for “Christmas Joy, in the mail, or online.

Readers for Advent will be: Margaret K on the 7th, Linda R on the 14th, and Ruth R on the 21st.

Adult Education

11/26/2025

On November 30, the Adult Bible Study will start the six-week Advent Series titled “Advent of the Savior.” This is a six-week Bible Study edited by Cindy Bunch. For those of you who have been around Edmonds Presbyterian for a few years, yes, we did this same study five years ago. The study will run until epiphany, with the last day of the Sunday study being January 4 and for the Tuesday study, they will wrap up on January 6.After that, we will begin a fifteen-week study based on hymns of the church, using excerpts from the book “Songs for Renewal” by Janet Lindeblad Janzen with Richard J. Foster.

United in Faith Coalition

11/26/2025

On October 24, members of various churches throughout Edmonds and beyond met to worship and address how to respond to the threat of “Christian Nationalism.” The Bishops of the United Methodist Church and the ELCA Lutheran church spoke about their concerns with the rise of this movement that calls itself Christian nationalism but appears neither Christian nor patriotic. Members the United in Faith Coalition will meet every first Wednesday of the month at the Edmonds Methodist church to discuss responses, but one of the first things that arose from this meeting is this list of ways that people can help out, whether they are from small churches or large or not even from a church.

Food Bank Drives – urgent collections
1. Edmonds Food Bank: 828 Caspers St. Lower level of Edmonds UMC
https://edmondsfoodbank.org/

This Thursday night Town Hall at 6:30pm at the food bank on Food Insecurity in our area.

2.Lynnwood Food Bank: 5320 176th Street SW, Lynnwood, WA 98037
425-745-1635 https://www.lynnwoodfoodbank.org/
3. Search food banks in your area: https://www.hungerfreewa.org/foodbanks

Other Community Needs
4. Edmonds Toy Shop – At EUMC - Saturday Dec. 12 – 1500 children served
https://edmondsfoodbank.org/toy-shop/
5. Lynnwood Christmas Toy Shop (through their Food Bank) at Trinity Lutheran
Church, Lynnwood

Immigrant support and protection
6. WAISN Rapid Response Virtual Training; 11/5/25 at 6pm register
tinyurl.com/novrapidresponse
Next training is December 10. Registration link provided later.
7. WA Immigrant Services Network - WAISN: Accompaniment training – see WAISN
Facebook page

Become an Accompaniment Volunteer with WAISN to support immigrants as they navigate the immigration system. Join the upcoming virtual training (in English) where volunteers will learn to provide support through immigration court appointments while gaining a deeper understanding of the impact immigration systems have on our communities.

Training Details: Wed. November 12, 2025, 6:00 PM PST on Zoom
Registration required for Zoom link - tinyurl.com/Accompaniment-Nov2025

8. Tacoma Detention Center: La Resistencia https://laresistencianw.org/ go to
Facebook page for regular updates on detainees, actions regarding Hunger
Strike, reports on deportation flights from King County airport, monthly Saturday
in-person protests – watch FB page for date in November.

Resource groups at United in Faith: A Call to Action

ACLU of Washington: https://www.aclu-wa.org/
Edmonds Food Bank: https://edmondsfoodbank.org/
Faith Action Network: https://fanwa.org/
Housing Hope: https://www.housinghope.org/
League of Women Voters: https://www.lwvwa.org/
Refugee & Immigrant Services Northwest: https://risnw.org/
Snohomish County Indivisible: https://www.snocoindivisible.org/
Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN) : https://waisn.org/

From the Desk of Pastor Rob

6/26/2025

Dear Fellow Travelers,
I’m excited by the new life in our congregation. We’ve had many visitors and we have a new baby on the way. People respond when you treat them warmly and with intelligence. I am so grateful how you are bringing the love of God to everyone who visits us. This is how church is done well.

Bible Study is on summer holiday. Instead, we are having sermon discussions after worship. Please join us! We are planning to study James starting on September 7 . Stay tuned for details.

Games Night on the 2 Saturday of each month continues. The next one is July 12 at 7 PM. Men’s Group is very active. They meet at 9 AM on Saturday Mornings.

This is what I am planning for worship in in July.

Sunday, July 6 Our Jeremiah series continues. “Truth Speaks to Power” highlights the most important chapter in the Bible about prophesy: Jeremiah 28. How do you know a true prophet verses a false prophet? False prophesy tells powerful people exactly what they want to hear regardless of the truth. The intentions may be good. The prophet may be earnest, but truth matters.

Sunday, July 13 . Remember the heartwarming TV series “The Waltons” from the 1970s? It told stories of endurance and family love during the Great Depression. It was fictional but it had biographical relevance to bring comfort during a disorienting time. Jeremiah 30 marks a big shift of tone. Chapters 30-33 are called “The Book of Comfort” and it contains some of the most iconic themes of Jeremiah. Its rich poetry brings healing in times of trouble.

Sunday, July 20 . The Book of Comfort continues with the most amazing reframing of God’s covenantal relationship with the people of Israel and Judah. God says that He will make a new covenant with the people. Instead of living solely by the book, The “Law Written on Our Hearts” will be the New Covenant. This was written over 500 years before Jesus. I will show how this about the timeless witness of Christ rather than a replacement of the covenants of the Hebrew Bible.

Sunday, July 27 . Anyone who has made pottery on a wheel knows how hard it is to do and how many mistakes it takes to learn how to do it right. In the “Potter’s Vessel” about Jeremiah 18, God uses this metaphor about reshaping the people after their tragic downfall. There are many stories in scripture about God changing His mind and trying new things. This show that God works with people rather than over them. It is this humility that makes our God so accessible and intimate.

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

Grace and Peace, Pastor Rob

Mission News

6/26/2025

OPERATION NIGHTWATCH: The owner of the “Cheaper by the Day” store gave an enormous box of socks to provide new socks for many homeless people. Some socks were contributed by members of our congregation as well. A generous gift of $95 cash was also donated by our congregation. Some toiletries were taken from the donation box for them, too. Julie R and Margaret Stook everything to Operation Nightwatch. Julie said the lady who accepted the donations was amazed and very appreciative.

OPENING BLIND EYES: The “Opening Blind Eyes” Prison Ministry at the Monroe Prison will receive the $130 pre-school tithe, plus a $20 private donation, making a total gift of $150. Rev. “Rip” Van Winkle visits individually with men who want visits, and teaches Bible classes for interested inmates.

MIDDLE EAST PARTNERS: Kathy Giske from University Presbyterian Church oversees this ministry to provide spiritual help to Christians in Iran and in refugee camps in Greece and Germany. Kathy leads a group of Volunteers each year to help refugees strengthen their faith in Christ.

Women’s Association

6/26/2025

A salad luncheon and lively discussion of our mission projects was enjoyed by seven women at the Friendship Hall of the church on Wednesday, June 11. Mission chairman Ruth R read off a list of our 11 mission recipients and gave a summary of the activities of each. Jan Griffiths has retired in Sweden and no longer needs our support. Mathew House that supported the Monroe prison families is also now closed. Contributions of $730 to the mission fund were collected by acting treasurer Margaret S, who will distribute the funds. This should enable us to send $70 to each of our mission recipients Cheaper-By-The-Day store in Lynnwood contributed a box of new socks to Operation Nightwatch which Julie R and Margaret S delivered along with a collection of toiletries. The entire church took up a collection of $95 which is also being sent to them. Anyone wishing to contribute to the mission fund may do so by sending a check to Edmonds Presbyterian Church with a note designating that it is for the Women’s Association Mission Fund during the next 2 weeks. US Bank where we have had an account for several years has now begun to charge us a service fee. Since we need to make every penny count we plan to move our account to Washington Federal Bank in Edmonds during the summer. Linda R and Julie R volunteered to be additional check signers for the account along with Margaret S. Our next meeting will be at the church on September 10. Best wishes to everyone to have a safe and happy summer.