Category: Pastor Thoughts - Edmonds Presbyterian Church

From the Desk of Pastor Rob

5/29/2025

Dear Fellow Travelers,

Summer is here and we have many things planned. I will preach a series of sermons on Jeremiah through August. It will take some effort, but if you understand Jeremiah and where it sits in the Bible, you have a good understanding of the message and context of the whole Old Testament. Please take the journey with me. I promise that you will be enriched with a new understanding of the scriptures. Also, watch out for a “baby sprinkle” on June 29th. It will be great fun!

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) through June 22nd. 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. Starting in July we will have weekly sermon discussions after worship

Games Night on the 2nd Saturday of each month continues. The next one is June14th 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 June.
Sunday, June 1st. King Josiah was the most important king you may not know much about. In “Introducing Jeremiah” I will show how Jeremiah’s relationship with King Josiah set the stage for nearly half of the whole Old Testament.

Sunday, June 8th. This is Pentecost Sunday! The Holy Spirit is our constant companion and guide. The people lost their way and needed to see how this hurt God. Described as “The Wild Vine” their faithlessness needed to be told in stark terms. God’s purpose and goals were revealed by Jeremiah.

Sunday, June 15th. “Peace, Peace, When There is No Peace” is a good description of the world have lived in for generations. Jeremiah lived in similar times. We are called to not be conformed to this age, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds in Christ.

Sunday, June 22nd. "There is a balm in Gilead" is an African American spiritual from the early 19th century. With a strange name and reference, it was a great comfort. In a time of so much hopelessness, the hope of healing in the Lord brings comfort like nothing else. It is about the hope for freedom. In “No Balm in Gilead” I show how Jeremiah’s hard truth-telling gives us the hope for a better future.

Sunday, June 29th. Rev. David Hackett will preach an inspiring message. We will take a little break from Jeremiah but continue again July.

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

Grace and Peace, Pastor Rob

From the Desk of Pastor Rob

4/30/2025

Dear Fellow Travelers,

Easter is here. Talking about resurrection is literally uplifting. It gives us new hope and the promise of new life! Resurrection happens every day. Jesus is risen indeed! We experienced several wonderful services with our sister churches in the area. We had beautiful music and new members on Easter Sunday at Edmonds. Easter continues through May. As the rises in the sky, let this be our new hope fo renewal.

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 10th 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 May.
Sunday, May 4th. Jesus told Peter “Feed My Lambs” in three different ways after he had risen. The disciples were stunned and they returned to fishing again. When Jesus came to lakeshore, they caught 153 LARGE fish. I will explain why this was an act of civil disobedience and encouragement.

Sunday, May 11th. People were getting inpatient with Jesus’s constant parable stories. In “Tell Us Plainly!” I will describe how Jesus’s words of mercy were hard for them to hear. Storytelling was Jesus’s main way to share the simple truths that the people weren’t prepared to hear. This is a very important message for us today as well. Can we see what is right in front of us?

Sunday, May 18th. “Love One Another!” Jesus says this over and over. John wrote the words of love more than any disciple. It is a radical love. Yet it is always the people who withhold the love. How do we love even the people we hate? How do we love so radically that we can’t help doing it?

Sunday, April 25th. Do you feel paralyzed with worry and grief? Are you struck? Jesus told the sick man at the pool, “Stand Up and Walk!” After 38 years of being hopelessly stuck were over in an instant. Jesus chose to help the sick, blind, and lame on the Sabbath. He chose mercy over the rules. Are you willing to break the rules of religion in favor of loving people?

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

Grace and Peace, Pastor Rob

From the Desk of Pastor Rob

3/27/2025

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

January 30th, 2025

1/30/2025

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

From the Desk of Pastor Rob

11/25/2024

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

From the Desk of Pastor Rob

10/29/2024

Dear Fellow Travelers,

Now that we have settled into our fall routines, we are doing the steady work of ministry at Edmonds. We are an open and affirming church that is a beacon of hope in our community. Whenever I encounter people who use our property and when I talk to people online, this message comes through loud and clear. You will receive a Stewardship letter in the coming weeks. Please take a look and prayerfully consider your support for 2025.

Bible Study on 2 Corinthians continues until November 17th. On December 1st after Thanksgiving we will do a four week study on the Names of Jesus for Advent. 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 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 November 9th at 7 PM. Crafternoon is a great success. We will have it again on the 3rd Sunday after worship on October 17th. 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 November.

Sunday, November 3rd. In “Love the Stranger” we will see how Ruth followed her mother-in-law Naomi to Bethlehem. Ruth was a foreigner, and she was treated with dignity as the Bible commands. It’s a clear message for us to also treat people who are different than us with dignity and respect.

Sunday, November 10th. The story of Ruth continues as she meets and grows close to Boaz. “Gleaning in the Sheaves” is about the deep love that grows between people as they share favor and trust. By seeing these ancient people in their world as real people, we can see what love meant to them.

Sunday, November 17th. In one of the most beautiful passages in the Bible, David’s mother Hannah was given God’s favor in double measure. In “Hannah’s Double Portion” we see how God’s mercy is given unexpectedly.

Sunday, November 24th. This is Christ the King Sunday, the last week before Advent begins. The story of Jesus standing before Pilate tells us so much about power. In “My Kingdom is Not from Here,” we learn the source of Jesus’s power.

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

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