Category: Pastor Thoughts - Edmonds Presbyterian Church

From the Desk of Pastor Rob

9/25/2024

Dear Fellow Travelers,

We are in full swing for Fall! Our Bible Study has resumed. The preschool has started. Our new pianist Daniel has started playing for us regularly. And our new roof has withstood two major rain events without a leak! Thank you so much for all your support!

Bible Study on 2 Corinthians has resumed. Both the Sunday (11:30 AM in the Library and also on Zoom!) and Tuesday (10 AM on Zoom) groups really enjoyed the new material. Log in information is on the back of this newsletter. If you would like to download the study guide, please click the link on our website home page, www.epc-pcusa.org

Games Night on the 2nd Saturday of each month continues. The next one is October 12th at 7 PM. Crafternoon is a great success. We will have it again on the 3rd Sunday after worship on October 20th. 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 October.

Sunday, October 6th. In “The Devil Made Me Do It” I will show the array of evil beings in the Bible. Only later in church history did these coalesce into our images of Satan. It is important to understand this history when you encounter evil in the world.

Sunday, October 13th. The story of the Rich Man asking Jesus what he needs to do to achieve eternal life is one of most perplexing in the gospels. “Then Come and Follow Me” is how salvation is not about doing something but putting your trust in Jesus. Jesus flung the gate wide open.

Sunday, October 20th. In Job 38 and Psalm 104 we get “Caught Up in a Whirlwind.” The sweeping images of God’s glory can be disorienting. But instead of trying to understand and control everything, it is better to enjoy the thrilling ride of life.

Sunday, October 27th. One of the greatest challenges of modern Christianity is the idea of “Prosperity Gospel” and it is everywhere in our American culture. In this sermon I will cover the history of it and how we can avoid its traps while enjoying the goodness of God blessings.

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

From the Desk of Pastor Rob

8/27/2024

Dear Fellow Travelers,
We have so many things to be grateful for! The Preschool held a successful recruiting event. They are building a playground on our property. Vision House held their annual event at Edmonds. We completed our Hebrews study. We have restarted Children’s Time during worship. We have fresh new striping in the parking lot.

And amazingly, our roof came through a major thunderstorm without a single leak! Your generosity has really paid off! We still have about $9,000 of fund raising left to do. Thank you so much for your love of the church and congregation.

Grief Support classes are starting at Calvin Presbyterian on September 7. Please go to Grief Share to learn more. You can sign up here: GriefShare at Calvin

Bible Study will return in September on 2 Corinthians. Please join us after worship on Sundays, approximately 11:30 AM in person starting September 8th. Or you can join by Zoom on Tuesdays at 10 AM starting September 10th. Log in information is on the back of this newsletter.

Games Night on the 2nd Saturday of each month will continue through the summer. The next one is September 14th at 7 PM. Crafternoon was a great success in June. We will have it again on the 3rd Sunday after worship on September 15th.

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 September.

Sunday, September 1st. In “Hebrews – Endurance as Discipline” This completes our series on Hebrews. I will give an impassioned sermon about the future of the church and how to be the church for young people again.

Sunday, September 8th. We are back to the lectionary with the story of Jesus and the Syrophoenician woman in Mark 7 with “A Good Name is Golden.” We see how Jesus changed his approach and how his fame grew through his ministry.

Sunday, September 15th. “Fiery Words” focuses on James 3 where the power of words is described. Words of encouragement and words of rebuke can last a lifetime. What we say really matters.

Sunday, September 22nd and 29th. We will host two guest preachers who are preaching in a neutral pulpit as part of their pastor nominating process. It is a great privilege to be part of this. You will greatly benefit from their wisdom and learning.

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

From the Desk of Pastor Rob

7/24/2024

Dear Fellow Travelers,
With Summer in full swing, we have been busy at Edmonds PC. The roof redo is almost done. We only need some beams replaced in the atrium. There are two ways for you to help complete the job. Firstly, we have a Work-Day planned for Saturday, August 17 at 10am to paint some of the repaired woodwork. Please consider showing up in your paint-clothes and a paintbrush.

Secondly, you have generously donated to the roof fund. We have nearly $12,000 and we have about another $10,000 to go to cover the immediate costs. If you are able, we would greatly appreciate your further donations to the roof fund.

In worship, I am halfway through my 6-part series on Hebrews. It is such an important book to understand in our tumultuous times. We will continue after worship discussion time instead of Bible Study for the summer.

Bible Study will return in September on 2 Corinthians. This will go until Advent, when we will study the Names of Jesus by the amazing Walter Brueggemann. Please join us after worship on Sundays, approximately 11:30 AM in person. Or you can join by Zoom on Tuesdays at 10 AM. Log in information is on the back of this newsletter.

Games Night on the 2nd Saturday of each month will continue through the summer. The next one is August 10th at 7 PM. Crafternoon was a great success in June. We will have it again on the 3rd Sunday after worship on August 18th.

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 August.

Sunday, August 4th. In “Hebrews - No Going Back” I will show how the Old Covenant fits with the New Covenant. The New Covenant is about second chances, and it is about the law written on your heart.

Sunday, August 11th. Rev. Rob Hagan will preach an inspiring sermon. He is our Presbyterian Foundation Development Officer and a terrific preacher.

Sunday, August 18th. “Hebrews - The Meaning of Faith” focuses on Hebrews 11 which contains the most beautiful definition of faith and then shows the cloud of faithful witnesses from the Old Testament leading up to Jesus.

Sunday, August 25th. Amy Clippinger will preach “The Armor of Righteousness” about the famous imagery of Ephesians 6. Paul used the language and imagery of the pagan goddess Artemis as an example of the saving grace of Jesus.

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

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

From the Desk of Pastor Rob

5/28/2024

Dear Fellow Travelers,
There are a lot of great things happening at Edmonds PC. On May 18th, we had a great bicycle distribution event run by Edmonds Toyshop which is part of Edmonds Food Bank. They love working with us and we love them. If you would like to help them with their work, please consider giving to https://edmondsfoodbank.org/donate/

The Edmonds Coop Preschool has also been in full swing for several month. They will have a summer break starting in late June and then start up again in the fall. If you know anyone who needs preschool child care for 2 – 4 year olds, please have them to sign up for the fall: www.edmondscooppreschool.org

I will preach a series on the mysterious book of Hebrews this summer. We will have discussion time after worship in place of Bible Study starting in July. Our current “Acts” Bible Study continues through June 23. 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 June 8th at 7 PM. Crafternoon was a great success in May. We will have it again on the 3rd Sunday after worship on June 16th.

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 June.

Sunday, June 2nd. In “Your Servant is Listening” you will hear the story of Samuel being called by God quietly. I will also highlight Paul’s calling with a bang on the road to Damascus. We are all called to service in different ways. How do you answer God’s call in your life?

Sunday, June 9th. I interact with a lot of young people online. One theme I frequently hear about is the fear of “The Unforgivable Sin.” Jesus said blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is not forgiven. Should you fear it? It is something very specific and not something to be feared by ordinary people. Learn what it is.

Sunday, June 16th. In “We Walk By Faith Not By Sight” I explore one of the most amazing passages of 2nd Corinthians about Christian confidence. When we are integrated with our faith, we can serve God with boldness knowing that nothing is more power than the love of God in our lives.

Sunday, June 23rd. We will be blessed with the teaching of Rev. David Hackett. He has traveled the world spreading God’s goodness and he is filled with wisdom. Now retired, he and his wife Sandy are active in the Presbytery.

Sunday, June 30th. Eileen Otti will preach “Who Touched My Clothes” about Jesus healing the woman with a hemorrhage. This story is the best example of a Markan Sandwich. 11 times in Mark, he uses this literary device to highlight the deep compassion and grace of Jesus.

It is a joy to serve God with you! I look forward to worshiping with you in June!

Grace and Peace, Pastor Rob

From the Desk of Pastor Rob

2/26/2024

Dear Fellow Travelers,
Easter is almost here! Lent is all about preparation. I just returned from a vacation in Spain and Germany visiting some old friends. A highlight for me was visiting the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, which is Antoni Gaudi’s famous cathedral. Starting in 1882, it is still under construction. It should be completed in a few more years. I was overwhelmed by its beauty and its whimsy. Despite its huge size, it has the feeling of intimacy and organic hominess, unlike any other place. That sense of grandeur and familiarity reminds me so much of Holy Week. The story of Jesus’s passion and resurrection is at once so familiar and also indescribably amazing.
Here is a picture I took of the Sagrada Familia.

I also did a short video on my feelings about the humanity of Jesus and the Church while I was there:
www.youtube.com/shorts/6wbRyFxiepg

We are cooperating with Maplewood Presbyterian, Calvin Presbyterian, and Terrace View Presbyterian for Holy Week worship this year. I will participate in the worship with Revs. Hallack Greider, Janine Moriarty, Emily Mitchell, and Neil Trainer. We will gather at Maplewood for Maundy Thursday and at Calvin for Good Friday. We will celebrate Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday at 10 AM as usual at Edmonds. Stay tuned for more details as we get closer.

Please tell your friends and family about our Online Streaming Worship. Please go to the www.epc-pcusa.org website for the latest links.

This is what I am planning for worship in March.

Sunday, March 3rd. I will preach “Jesus the Man” about the fully human and fully divine nature of Jesus. Sometimes we have difficulty seeing Jesus as a real man who learned and grew. It is essential to understand how only a real human Jesus can be God with us. And only a real divine Jesus could be our savior.

Sunday, March 10th. Margaret K will preach “Jesus We, Jesus I” about Jesus’s relationship with the leader of the Pharisees, Nicodemus, in John 3. Through clever language and turns of phrase we can see how Nicodemus became an ally of Jesus.

Sunday, March 17th. Since Jesus was a real man, he was filled with fear as he approached the cross. Through obedience to God, he gained the courage to complete his journey. I explore his incredible bravery in “Completed in Obedience.”

Sunday, March 24th. This is Palm Sunday! As the people shouted “Hosanna” Jesus emptied himself. Paul described how Jesus’s strength was in this emptying. In 2nd Corinthians, Paul would “Gladly Boast in His Weakness” showing that there was no other way to do the work of Christ Jesus in the world.

Sunday, March 31st. Easter is finally here! I will preach about the renewal of Resurrection in “A People of Strange Language.” The people of Israel were redeemed by leaving the foreign land of Egypt. God fulfilled His promise. This complete transformation is what we experience when we leave the strange language of our old lives and we are reborn in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

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

From the Desk of Pastor Rob

1/25/2024

Dear Fellow Travelers,
The new church year is off to great start. We have some new people, some new music, and new energy our mission and purpose. We will start Lent in February. Lent is a reminder of sacrifice and endurance as well as hope for redemption. 2024 will be a year of change, fear, and uncertainty. It can also be a year of promise and strength. Preparation is what Lent is all about. Let’s make the most of it.

We will start new member classes in February. There are two meetings, some homework, and we will receive new members during out Easter Service on March 31st. Please plan ahead. If you are interested in joining, please contact me and I will give you all the information.

Our Bible Study on Acts continues. Join us after worship in person or Tuesday at 10 AM on Zoom. We are using Scot McKnight’s “Acts.” There are free copies on the back table at church. It is also available on Kindle. I have preordered books on 2nd Corinthians for the Fall. 2nd Corinthians is perfect to study in an election year.

Men’s Group happens at 9 AM on Saturday Mornings. We share in music, bible study, and discussion. Women’s Association meets on the 2nd Wednesday of the month with lunch. Get involved in their mission and outreach activities.

Please tell your friends and family about our Online Streaming Worship. Please go to the www.epc-pcusa.org website for the latest links.

This is what I am planning for worship in February.

Sunday, February 4th. We are honored to have Rev. Laura Terasaki in the pulpit. Rev. Terasaki is the Executive Presbyter of our presbytery, and she is a great preacher. She will preach on the healing of Simon’s mother-in-law in Mark 1.

Sunday, February 11th. Larry Y will preach “Let Light Shine Out” about the Transfiguration of Jesus. Moments of clarity are rare, but Jesus remains in the messiness of life. This is where the real work of ministry resides.

Sunday, February 18th. Every child’s favorite Old Testament story is Noah and the Ark. I will preach about the indigenous view of creation in “Noah Do Over.” A First Nations reading of 1 Peter 3:18-22 reveals how the fable of Noah fits in the creation story and God’s purpose for the story.

Sunday, February 25th. Abraham is a complicated character. He is the consistent through line of Judaism and Christianity. In “Father Abraham” I show how Abraham is at the center of the Paul’s theology of faithfulness and inclusion in his Letter to the Romans.

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

From the Desk of Pastor Rob

12/27/2023

Dear Fellow Travelers,

Welcome to the New Year! The church’s new year began last month with Advent. 2024 will begin with Baptism of the Lord Sunday on January 7th. I think 2024 will be very exciting. The Preschool starts meeting here this month. We have our new Musical Accompanist, Katherine, who I am delighted to welcome.

We will start new member classes in February. There are two meetings, some homework, and we will receive new members during out Easter Service on March 31st. Please plan ahead. If you are interested in joining, please contact me and I will give you all the information.

Our Bible Study on Acts continues. Join us after worship in person or Tuesday at 10 AM on Zoom. We are using Scot McKnight’s “Acts.” There are free copies on the back table at church. It is also available on Kindle.

Men’s Group happens 9 AM on Saturday Mornings. We share in music, bible study, and discussion. Women’s Association meets on the 2nd Wednesday of the month with lunch. Get involved in their mission and outreach activities.

Please tell your friends and family about our Online Streaming Worship. Please go to the www.epc-pcusa.org website for the latest links.

This is what I am planning for worship in January.

Sunday, January 7th. For Baptism of the Lord Sunday, I will preach “Apollos’s Education.” Apollos is a fascinating figure in Acts 18 & 19. He was very charismatic and on fire, but he needed some education to be more effective. He received it from Priscilla, one of the most important women in the Bible.

Sunday, January 14th. Ordinary Time begins again, but rather than being just ordinary, we will talk about what it means for Jesus to be from Galilee in “Anything Good Out of Nazareth.” Paul said all things are lawful but not all things are beneficial in 1 Corinthians. Jesus frees us to follow the law of love and acceptance.

Sunday, January 21st. I will explore one of the most interesting things about God’s action in the Old Testament in “God Changes.” To some this seems like it is not write, but God changed his mind several times in scripture. What did that mean for the ancient Hebrews and what does it mean for us?

Sunday, January 28th. Deuteronomy talks about “The Coming Prophet.” Is this prophet Jesus? Will he be the one to cast out demons and save Israel? Or will he be the one cast out by his own townspeople? According to Paul, Jesus gave us liberty from the law and from fear. Why doesn’t everyone see Jesus that way?

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

From the Desk of Pastor Rob

11/27/2023

Dear Fellow Travelers,
Advent is here! I love Advent for many reasons. Of course, the lights and the sweets and the Christmas cheer are wonderful. I also love the quietness and darkness. This is the time when we anticipate the coming of the Christ child on Christmas morning. This is when the Universal God comes to us as human in Jesus, a little defenseless baby at the breast of Mary. What kind of God does that? Explore the meaning of Jesus’s coming with the congregation and me this special season.

We are planning for a choral celebration on December 17th in worship. We are also cooperating with Maplewood Presbyterian and Terrace View Presbyterian for several events in Advent including Carol Singing and Christmas Eve services.

Our Bible Study on Acts continues. Join us after worship in person or Tuesday at 10 AM on Zoom. We are using Scot McKnight’s “Acts.” There are free copies on the back table at church. It is also available on Kindle.

Men’s Group is happening all summer at 9 AM on Saturday Mornings. We share in music, bible study, and discussion. Women’s Association meets on the 2nd Wednesday of the month with lunch. Get involved in their mission and outreach activities.
Please tell your friends and family about our Online Streaming Worship. We have a new camera with much improved video quality. Please go to the www.epc-pcusa.org website for the latest links.

This is what I am planning for worship in December.
Sunday, December3 rd. The darkest and most brooding Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent and I love it!! Am I crazy? Perhaps, but I love the holiness of this special Sunday. In “Tear Open the Heavens” I will talk about the incarnation of Christ and the meaning of the coming of Jesus as our Savior.

Sunday, December 10th. Margaret K will be our sermon leader. She will preach on the famous passage from Isaiah “Comfort Ye My People” which is the line that opens Handel’s Messiah. The coming of Jesus was announced by John the Baptist. In a troubled world, we can confidently give and seek comfort for all people.

Sunday, December 17th. This is Joy Sunday. Traditionally called Gaudete Sunday. The anointing of the Messiah is the highlight of this week. In “Testify to the Light” I will show how Isaiah tells us about the coming of Jesus. We will have a choral celebration with loads of carols. Come join in the joy of singing!

Sunday, November 24th. We will celebrate Christmas Eve in worship this year. This is Love Sunday just before Christmas Day. I will speak about “Sing the Lord a New Song” about hope for the future that Jesus brings.

Sunday, December 31st. Eileen O will be our sermon leader on this last day of 2023. She will say “Listen to Simeon” who was the righteous man who announced salvation in Jesus. In Galatians 4 we are told we have been adopted into the family of God. This adoption comes with great meaning.

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

Grace and Peace, Pastor Rob

From the Desk of Pastor Rob

10/25/2023

Dear Fellow Travelers,

The rain is back! Having spent 2/3 of my life in the Pacific Northwest it is in my bones. I welcome shorter cooler days with rain. Yet I also worry about overflowing gutters and leaking roofs. With a little prayer, some roof repair and lots of help from you, we hope to stay dry and warm inside. Soon we will have little voices in our midst when the Edmonds Coop Preschool will use our facility. Thanks be to God for them.

As we prepare for Advent, Stewardship season begins on November 12th. We will receive and celebrate 2024 pledges for Christ the King Sunday on November 26th. Watch for speakers and information to help with your pledge of tithes and offerings for the coming year!

Our Bible Study on Acts continues. Join us after worship in person or Tuesday at 10 AM on Zoom. We are using Scot McKnight’s “Acts.” There are free copies on the back table at church. It is also available on Kindle.

Men’s Group is happening all summer at 9 AM on Saturday Mornings. We share in music, bible study, and discussion. Women’s Association meets on the 2nd Wednesday of the month with lunch. Get involved in their mission and outreach activities.

Please tell your friends and family about our Online Streaming Worship. We have a new camera with much improved video quality. Please go to the www.epc-pcusa.org website for the latest links.

This is what I am planning for worship in November.

Sunday, November 5th. Rev. Jinsuk Kim will preach and celebrate communion this Sunday. Jinsuk worked with the Presbytery in many capacities and he has been pivotal in drawing us together with the Korean-American congregations in our area. Join us in person and online!

Sunday, November 12th. I like to say that God’s jealous love binds us together. Whenever we commission someone who moves away or passes on, I always send them with our jealous love as well. In “Jealous God” I will preach about how Joshua struggled to bind the Israelites together. We honor diversity, yet we try for common purpose.

Sunday, November 19th. In “You Go Girl” I will share the story of the two strongest women in the Old Testament, Deborah and Jael. They were surrounded by warriors and Israel was under constant threat. Through boldness and bravery, they set the example for strong female leadership.

Sunday, November 26th. Christ the King Sunday is the last Sunday before Advent. We celebrate a powerful image of Jesus, but then we are confronted with the humility of “The Least of These” in Matthew 25. Jesus’s presence in the most humble people is a reminder of our purpose as a church.

It is a joy to serve God with you! I look forward to worshiping with you in November!

Grace and Peace,
Pastor Rob