From the Pastors

“[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

A video message from Pastor Sharon

Some of you may have met or read about Jason McGill, the new Executive Director of Northwest Youth Services. Jason has experience as a youth support professional both here in Washington state, and where he grew up on the east coast. He brings a dynamic, passionate, and dedicated approach to a challenging role: leading Northwest Youth Services in the midst of a pandemic, in the midst of institutional changes, and in the midst of the on-going crisis of youth homelessness in our community. I’m excited to hear Jason share from his life experience and from what he’s learned at the helm of such a wonderful organization.

If you caught the Midweek Message last week, you might recall that I spent much of last week at the UCC’s General Synod, the every-two-years national gathering for our denomination. Often times, such meetings are an opportunity to connect with old friends, to develop new relationships with colleagues and to see and learn from folks doing exciting and cutting-edge ministry throughout the country and beyond.

As we look forward to in-person worship this week, Membership Board has been continuing a series of conversations about a year of welcome. Every member of our congregation is responsible for welcoming others, whether that other is a first-time guest or a long-time member. After this pandemic year, it will be good to connect with friends on Sunday; let’s also strive to connect with people we don’t know well yet.