From the Pastors

Today’s Midweek Message is information over inspiration—that is: details! Although, I am inspired by these details. Excited. Nervous-but-expectant. Hopeful.

“For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”

-Jesus in the Gospel according to Matthew 18:20

Like so much scripture, this passage is often taken out of context. In the Gospel, Jesus is describing community disagreement and how to address it. If you’ve tried other options, come together, Jesus encourages, and have open, honest conversation.

2022 will mark Pastor Sharon’s seventh year with First Congregational Church and it is time for her Sabbath! Her sabbatical will last three months, starting after Easter 2022. This past spring, Pastor Sharon and a team of First Congregational Church members prepared a grant application in support of her upcoming sabbatical period.

These last few weeks Jamie and I have been attempting to can the fruit flourishing in our yard. (Let’s be honest—I cut and mash; she cooks and cans). This note is one she wrote a few days ago, a bit of a peek into our life and faith and the congregations we cherish.

“[S]o be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” -Matthew 10:16 (NRSV)

It seems the pandemic has given scammers new creativity in how they attempt to con people, and several have targeted faith communities. So this is a public service announcement for all of us

Dear Church, As I write this it’s the morning of the first day of school for the Bellingham School District.

For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,  nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. -Romans 8:38-39