FPC Bellingham Podcast: Recent Episodes
FPC Bellingham
Sermons, interviews, music, stories, seasonal content, worship service excerpts and more, from First Presbyterian Church in Bellingham, WA. See more at www.fpcbellingham.org.
In June as Pastor Doug is away, we will be hearing testimonies from 4 different members of our community. This week Theo Lewis shares about his transition into high school - and soon to college! recorded live June 9, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham. Scripture read by Isla Louws. Original composition by Theo Lewis.
Genesis 12:1-4
1 Now the Lord said to Abram, ‘Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. 2 I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.’
4 So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran.
In June as Pastor Doug is away, we will be hearing testimonies from 4 different members of our community. This week Linda Kolody shares her story of 2023, recorded live June 2, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham. Scripture read by Ann Hinz.
A Hiding Place: Psalm 27 teaches us to prevail against fear.
- What or whom do we fear?
- What does it mean that the Lord is our stronghold?
- What would it mean to live in courage? How would our lives look different?
- What does living in the house of the Lord have to do with courage?
- How do you gaze on the Lord?
Psalm 27:1-6
1 Do not boast about tomorrow,
for you do not know what a day may bring.
2 Let another praise you, and not your own mouth—
a stranger, and not your own lips.
3 A stone is heavy, and sand is weighty,
but a fool’s provocation is heavier than both.
4 Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming,
but who is able to stand before jealousy?
5 Better is open rebuke
than hidden love.
6 Well meant are the wounds a friend inflicts,
but profuse are the kisses of an enemy.
Message by Doug Bunnell, recorded live May 19, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham. Scripture read by Elodie and Vale Bates. Special music by Tammy Rutgers (organ), Elliot Smith (trumpet), Kaden Smith (trumpet), Jamison Schmidt (trombone), William Kovacevic (trombone), and Shon Schmidt (trombone).
Be Just, Patient, and Faithful: Be responsible and generous with your money, patient, and live with integrity.
- Why might James be so down on rich people?
- As rich people, how do we hear these hard words?
- What does patient living look like?
- How might we strengthen our hearts?
- What is the upside to letting your yes be your yes and your no be your no?
- Which of these hard words will you work on today?
James 5:1-11
1 Come now, you rich people, weep and wail for the miseries that are coming to you. 2 Your riches have rotted, and your clothes are moth-eaten. 3 Your gold and silver have rusted, and their rust will be evidence against you, and it will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure for the last days. 4 Listen! The wages of the labourers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. 5 You have lived on the earth in luxury and in pleasure; you have fattened your hearts on a day of slaughter. 6 You have condemned and murdered the righteous one, who does not resist you.
7 Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. 8 You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. 9 Beloved, do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the doors! 10 As an example of suffering and patience, beloved, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 Indeed we call blessed those who showed endurance. You have heard of the endurance of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.
Message by Doug Bunnell, recorded live May 12, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham. Scripture read by Nicki Bailey.
Don’t Judge or Presume: Submitting to God, we live kingdom lives by not judging and not presuming, when you drift into judgment or presumption, Spend time in the now.
- What does it mean to submit to God? How do we do that?
- What does it mean to resist the devil? How effective is that?
- What are the different ways we speak evil against others?
- Why do you think that James is so against judging?
- What is the healthy way to approach future plans?
James 4:7-16
7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Lament and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy into dejection. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.
11 Do not speak evil against one another, brothers and sisters. Whoever speaks evil against another or judges another, speaks evil against the law and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. 12 There is one lawgiver and judge who is able to save and to destroy. So who, then, are you to judge your neighbour?
13 Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a town and spend a year there, doing business and making money.’ 14 Yet you do not even know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wishes, we will live and do this or that.’ 16 As it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil.
Message by Doug Bunnell, recorded live May 5, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham. Scripture read by Diane Tate.
Strong Tongues: We can do great damage by what we say, let us be quick to listen and slow to speak.
- What are the reasons that teachers will be judged with greater strictness?
- What does James have against the tongue?
- Do you think he is being hyperbolic, or is a tongue really capable of such damage?
- What does the image of a spring have to do with the tongue?
- How do you feel like responding to this strong word?
JAMES 3:1-18
1 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers and sisters, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. 2 For all of us make many mistakes. Anyone who makes no mistakes in speaking is perfect, able to keep the whole body in check with a bridle. 3 If we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we guide their whole bodies. 4 Or look at ships: though they are so large that it takes strong winds to drive them, yet they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. 5 So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great exploits.
How great a forest is set ablaze by a small fire! 6 And the tongue is a fire. The tongue is placed among our members as a world of iniquity; it stains the whole body, sets on fire the cycle of nature, and is itself set on fire by hell. 7 For every species of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by the human species, 8 but no one can tame the tongue—a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse those who are made in the likeness of God. 10 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this ought not to be so. 11 Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and brackish water? 12 Can a fig tree, my brothers and sisters, yield olives, or a grapevine figs? No more can salt water yield fresh.
13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Show by your good life that your works are done with gentleness born of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not be boastful and false to the truth. 15 Such wisdom does not come down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, devilish. 16 For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there will also be disorder and wickedness of every kind. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy. 18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace.
Message by Doug Bunnell, recorded live April 28, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham. Scripture read by our 3rd graders!
Dead Faith is Useless
Faith is not belief, faith is living in trust that God will really come through.
- How is James distinguishing a life of faith from a life of work?
- How might James show his faith by his works?
- What does he mean that even the demons believe?
- In verse 24,James says we are justified by works and faith, how do we square this with Paul saying we are saved by grace through faith and not by works?
- What might a dead faith look like? What might a living faith look like?
DEAD FAITH IS USELESS Faith and Works
14 What use is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone says he has faith, but he has no works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? 17 In the same way, faith also, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.
18 But someone may well say, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” 19 You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. 20 But are you willing to acknowledge, you foolish person, that faith without works is useless? 21 Was our father Abraham not justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected; 23 and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “And Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called a friend of God. 24 You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. 25 In the same way, was Rahab the prostitute not justified by works also when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? 26 For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.
Message by Doug Bunnell, recorded live April 21, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham. Scripture read by Greg Hart.
- We live out true faith when we treat all with welcome and kindness. What might it look like to be slow to speak and slow to anger?
- What is important to doing the word as opposed to only hearing it?
- True religion is caring for orphans and widows, why might James list these two categories?
- How do we show favoritism? Why might we be tempted to show favoritism?
- What would it look like to have a community that doesn’t show favoritism?
- What can you do today?
James 1:19-2:13
1:19 You must understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger, 20 for human anger does not produce God’s righteousness. 21 Therefore rid yourselves of all sordidness and rank growth of wickedness, and welcome with meekness the implanted word that has the power to save your souls. 22 But be doers of the word and not merely hearers who deceive themselves. 23 For if any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are like those who look at themselves in a mirror; 24 for they look at themselves and, on going away, immediately forget what they were like. 25 But those who look into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and persevere, being not hearers who forget but doers who act—they will be blessed in their doing. 26 If any think they are religious and do not bridle their tongues but deceive their hearts, their religion is worthless. 27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world.
2:1 My brothers and sisters, do not claim the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ of glory while showing partiality. 2 For if a person with gold rings and in fine clothes comes into your assembly, and if a poor person in dirty clothes also comes in, 3 and if you take notice of the one wearing the fine clothes and say, “Have a seat here in a good place, please,” while to the one who is poor you say, “Stand there,” or, “Sit by my footstool,” 4 have you not made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? 5 Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters. Has not God chosen the poor in the world to be rich in faith and to be heirs of the kingdom that he has promised to those who love him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor person. Is it not the rich who oppress you? Is it not they who drag you into the courts? 7 Is it not they who blaspheme the excellent name that was invoked over you 8 If you really fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you do well. 9 But if you show partiality, you commit sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. 10 For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it. 11 For the one who said, “You shall not commit adultery,” also said, “You shall not murder.” Now if you do not commit adultery but you murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak and so act as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty. 13 For judgment will be without mercy to anyone who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment.
Message by Doug Bunnell, recorded live April 14, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham. Scripture read by Ann Hinz.
What a Friend We Have in Jesus: We can approach trials in our life with hope and faith because God will use them to draw us into maturity and contentment.
- What are trials you have faced?
- How did God use these trials to carve out maturity and character in your life?
- What would it look like to consider those trials with joy?
- What future trials do you dread?
- What does it look like to face them with joy?
James 1:1-4
1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the dispersion: Greetings. 2 My brothers and sisters, whenever you face various trials, consider it all joy, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance complete its work, so that you may be complete and whole, lacking in nothing.
Message by Fred Hartsook, recorded April 7, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham. Scripture read by Pastor Doug.
Meet Brother James: James, the apostle and brother of Jesus, was not a part of Jesus’ ministry until after his death, when he quickly became the head of the church.
- What are good reasons that James was slow to embrace Jesus as Messiah?
- What do you think happened on Easter Sunday to change his mind?
- How would it feel to jump late on to a band wagon many others had already jumped on?
- How do you anticipate James was welcomed by the disciples?
- How do you think this slowness to see impacted James in his ministry?
Acts 15:12-21
12 The whole assembly kept silence and listened to Barnabas and Paul as they told of all the signs and wonders that God had done through them among the gentiles. 13 After they finished speaking, James replied, “My brothers, listen to me. 14 Simeon has related how God first looked favorably on the gentiles, to take from among them a people for his name. 15 This agrees with the words of the prophets, as it is written,
16 ‘After this I will return, and I will rebuild the dwelling of David, which has fallen; from its ruins I will rebuild it, and I will set it up,
17 so that all other peoples may seek the Lord— even all the gentiles over whom my name has been called. Thus says the Lord, who has been making these things 18 known from long ago.’
19 “Therefore I have reached the decision that we should not trouble those gentiles who are turning to God, 20 but we should write to them to abstain only from things polluted by idols and from sexual immorality and from whatever has been strangled and from blood. 21 For in every city, for generations past, Moses has had those who proclaim him, for he has been read aloud every Sabbath in the synagogues.”
In a fun twist, Pastor Kerrie interviews Pastor Doug: looking under the hood of his views on theology, the power of the Bible, and why he choose to be a Presbyterian pastor!
Message by Pastor Doug, recorded March 31, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham. Scripture read by Pastor Kerrie.
He is risen, and the worst news is now the best. Worship the risen Lord.
- What does it mean that the women see the tomb stone rolled away?
- What do they make of the angel’s words?
- What does fear and joy feel like?
- What do you notice about this encounter with a risen Jesus?
- What does Jesus mean by brothers? How do we interpret this? Matthew 28:1-15
The Resurrection of Jesus
1 After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning and his clothing white as snow. 4 For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. 5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here, for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for you.” 8 So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers and sisters to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”
The Report of the Guard
11 While they were going, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests everything that had happened. 12 After the priests had assembled with the elders, they devised a plan to give a large sum of money to the soldiers, 13 telling them, “You must say, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ 14 If this comes to the governor’s ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” 15 So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story is still told among the Judeans to this day.
Message by Pastor Doug, recorded March 24, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham. Scripture read by Mary Lynn Palmer.
Coats, towels, thorns: We are invited to go all in, and we are not necessary.
- What was the significance of the coat of many colors to Joseph? to the brothers?
- What was the significance of a cloak to a first century person?
- What does it mean that they are putting these cloaks on the path?
- What did Jesus mean to convey by riding the donkey?
- What did it mean that they were shouting out Psalm 118:26?
- What do you think bothered the Pharisees about the shouting?
- What do you think Jesus means by the rock’s crying out?
Genesis 37:1-11
37:1 Jacob settled in the land where his father had lived as an alien, the land of Canaan. 2 These are the descendants of Jacob.
Joseph, being seventeen years old, was shepherding the flock with his brothers; he was a helper to the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah, his father’s wives, and Joseph brought a bad report of them to their father. 3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his children because he was the son of his old age, and he made him an ornamented robe.[a] 4 But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peaceably to him.
5 Once Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him even more. 6 He said to them, “Listen to this dream that I dreamed. 7 There we were, binding sheaves in the field. Suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright; then your sheaves gathered around it and bowed down to my sheaf.” 8 His brothers said to him, “Are you indeed to reign over us? Are you indeed to have dominion over us?” So they hated him even more because of his dreams and his words.
9 He had another dream and told it to his brothers, saying, “Look, I have had another dream: the sun, the moon, and eleven stars were bowing down to me.” 10 But when he told it to his father and to his brothers, his father rebuked him and said to him, “What kind of dream is this that you have had? Shall we indeed come, I and your mother and your brothers, and bow to the ground before you?” 11 So his brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the matter in mind.
Luke 19:29-40
29 When he had come near Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples, 30 saying, “Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it.’ ” 32 So those who were sent departed and found it as he had told them. 33 As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?” 34 They said, “The Lord needs it.” 35 Then they brought it to Jesus, and after throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. 36 As he rode along, people kept spreading their cloaks on the road. 37 Now as he was approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen, 38 saying,
“Blessed is the king
who comes in the name of the Lord!
Peace in heaven,
and glory in the highest heaven!”
39 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, order your disciples to stop.” 40 He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.”
Pastor Doug is joined by Steve Thames to discuss oil: the topic of the sixth week of Lent in Jill Duffield's book - Lent in Plain Sight.
We are encouraging everyone to read this devotional each day together as a community. We will be looking at the Sunday text together each week, and paying attention to the themes the book brings up.
Join us at FPC for our Lent activities.
As we continue in our Lent series - this week we welcomed a panel of artists to continue the discussion that began during the Art & Faith Conference - Art as a Spiritual Practice. Artists: Troy Terpstra, Ryan Pemberton, and Kristen Gilje. Panel hosted by Pastor Doug Bunnell.
Psalm 23/ Matthew 26:6-13
Oil: Our love for God can be extravagant and sacrificial.
- What role does oil have in Psalm 23? What good would oil have been to a sheep?
- What does it mean that this happens at the house of Simon the Leper?
- What are the reasons that this woman poured this costly oil on Jesus’s head?
- What made the disciples angry?
- What surprises you about Jesus’s response?
- What do we learn from this story? How then, do we live?
Exodus 31:1-1131:1 The Lord spoke to Moses: 2 See, I have called by name Bezalel son of Uri son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah: 3 and I have filled him with divine spirit, with ability, intelligence, and knowledge in every kind of craft, 4 to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, 5 in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, in every kind of craft. 6 Moreover, I have appointed with him Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; and I have given skill to all the skillful, so that they may make all that I have commanded you: 7 the tent of meeting, and the ark of the covenant, and the mercy-seat that is on it, and all the furnishings of the tent, 8 the table and its utensils, and the pure lampstand with all its utensils, and the altar of incense, 9 and the altar of burnt-offering with all its utensils, and the basin with its stand, 10 and the finely worked vestments, the holy vestments for the priest Aaron and the vestments of his sons, for their service as priests, 11 and the anointing-oil and the fragrant incense for the holy place. They shall do just as I have commanded you.
Pastor Doug is joined by Mike Morse to discuss shoes: the topic of the fifth week of Lent in Jill Duffield's book - Lent in Plain Sight.
We are encouraging everyone to read this devotional each day together as a community. We will be looking at the Sunday text together each week, and paying attention to the themes the book brings up.
Join us at FPC for our Lent activities.
Message by Pastor Doug, recorded March 10, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham. Scripture read by Ann Hinz.
Shoes: Travel freely and lightly where you find welcome.
- What was it that Moses noticed?
- What is the significance of removing shoes?
- Why do you think Jesus had the disciples travel so lightly?
- What does it mean to shake off the dust and move on?
- Where do you need to travel more lightly?
- Where do you find welcome?
Exodus 3:1-6
1 Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian; he led his flock beyond the wilderness, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. 2 There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of a bush; he looked, and the bush was blazing, yet it was not consumed. 3 Then Moses said, ‘I must turn aside and look at this great sight, and see why the bush is not burned up.’ 4 When the Lord saw that he had turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, ‘Moses, Moses!’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’ 5 Then he said, ‘Come no closer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.’ 6 He said further, ‘I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.
Mark 6:6b-13
6b Then [Jesus] went about among the villages teaching. 7 He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. 8 He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; 9 but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. 10 He said to them, ‘Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. 11 If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.’ 12 So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. 13 They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.
Pastor Doug is joined by Addie Ward to discuss coins: the topic of the forth week of Lent in Jill Duffield's book - Lent in Plain Sight.
We are encouraging everyone to read this devotional each day together as a community. We will be looking at the Sunday text together each week, and paying attention to the themes the book brings up.
Join us at FPC for our Lent activities.
Message by Pastor Doug, recorded March 3, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham. Scripture read by Laurie Bunnell.
Coins: The kingdom is a radical welcome to all, we are not to do anything that might inhibit someone, especially financially.
- How do you think Jesus felt when he saw the widow put in her pennies?
- What does he mean by lifting her up as an example?
- What else might he have been commenting about?
- In the Mark text, what bothered Jesus about the commerce in the temple?
- What was he saying by his actions? What was he saying with his words?
- What do we do that “inhibits” others from entering into worship?
- What can we do to live out the radical welcome of the kingdom?
Luke 21:1-4
1 He looked up and saw rich people putting their gifts into the treasury; 2 he also saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. 3 He said, ‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them; 4 for all of them have contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.’
John 2:13-22
13 The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 In the temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and the money-changers seated at their tables. 15 Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. 16 He told those who were selling the doves, ‘Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father’s house a market-place!’ 17 His disciples remembered that it was written, ‘Zeal for your house will consume me.’ 18 The Jews then said to him, ‘What sign can you show us for doing this?’ 19 Jesus answered them, ‘Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.’ 20 The Jews then said, ‘This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days?’ 21 But he was speaking of the temple of his body. 22 After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this; and they believed the scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.
Pastor Doug is joined by Jean Hamilton to discuss the cross: the topic of the third week of Lent in Jill Duffield's book - Lent in Plain Sight.
We are encouraging everyone to read this devotional each day together as a community. We will be looking at the Sunday text together each week, and paying attention to the themes the book brings up.
Join us at FPC for our Lent activities.
Message by Pastor Doug, recorded February 25, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham. Scripture read by Steve Thames.
Cross: The cross means that the worst thing to happen is not the worst, it might be the best.
- Trust God in bad news.
- What did a cross mean to the disciples?
- How would they have interpreted Jesus’s call to pick up our crosses?
- How do we understand Jesus’s teaching about losing our life?
- How was the cross foolishness to those perishing?
- How was it foolishness to Jews? to Greeks? to Romans?
- How is it the power of God to us?
- How do we pick up our cross now?
Mark 8:31 - 34
31 Then he began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes and be killed and after three days rise again. 32 He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 33 But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.”
34 He called the crowd with his disciples and said to them, “If any wish to come[a] after me, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 35 For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel,[b] will save it. 36 For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? 37 Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? 38 Those who are ashamed of me and of my words[c] in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”
1 Corinthians 1:18-25
18 For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written,
“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.”
20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scholar? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of the proclamation, to save those who believe. 22 For Jews ask for signs and Greeks desire wisdom, 23 but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to gentiles, 24 but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength.
Pastor Doug is joined by Fred Hartsook to discuss Bread: the topic of second week of Lent in Jill Duffield's book: Lent in Plain Sight.
We are encouraging everyone to read this devotional every day together as a community. We will be looking at the Sunday text together every Sunday and paying attention to the themes the book brings up.
Join us at FPC in our Lent activities.
As a part of the past sermon series, Pastor Doug sat down with our Zoom community to discus in detail the calling to Holy Work.
Message by Fred Hartsook, recorded February 18, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham. Scripture read by Brad Day.
Bread: God gives us what we need for each day, let us trust in God.
- How does it feel to not gather bread for tomorrow?
- How is our daily bread similar to the gift of manna?
- How many days of bread do you like to have in your pantry?
- What would it be like to trust God for today’s provision?
- Would you get bored with daily bread? How about some cake?
- How does God provide for your needs today
Exodus 16:4-12
4 Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘I am going to rain bread from heaven for you, and each day the people shall go out and gather enough for that day. In that way I will test them, whether they will follow my instruction or not. 5 On the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather on other days.’ 6 So Moses and Aaron said to all the Israelites, ‘In the evening you shall know that it was the Lord who brought you out of the land of Egypt, 7 and in the morning you shall see the glory of the Lord, because he has heard your complaining against the Lord. For what are we, that you complain against us?’ 8 And Moses said, ‘When the Lord gives you meat to eat in the evening and your fill of bread in the morning, because the Lord has heard the complaining that you utter against him—what are we? Your complaining is not against us but against the Lord.’
9 Then Moses said to Aaron, ‘Say to the whole congregation of the Israelites, “Draw near to the Lord, for he has heard your complaining.”’ 10 And as Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of the Israelites, they looked towards the wilderness, and the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud. 11 The Lord spoke to Moses and said, 12 ‘I have heard the complaining of the Israelites; say to them, “At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall have your fill of bread; then you shall know that I am the Lord your God.”’
Matthew 6:7-15
7 ‘When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
9 ‘Pray then in this way:
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
10 Your kingdom come.
Your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And do not bring us to the time of trial,
but rescue us from the evil one.
14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; 15 but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Pastor Doug is joined by Dr. Brad to discuss the February intergenerational question: "What good works have you been created to do?" The conversation includes the gift of animals, marveling in the complexity of creation, and Romans 1:20.
Romans 1:20 Ever since the creation of the world God’s eternal power and divine nature, invisible though they are, have been seen and understood through the things God has made. So they are without excuse
Message by Rev. Doug Bunnell, recorded February 11, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham. Scripture read by Theo Lewis.
Holy Work and Meaning: As beloved children who love God, we engage in the good work God created for each of us.
- In what ways were we dead?
- How are we alive in Jesus?
- What does it mean that we are saved by grace and not by works?
- What is the place then of works (vs 10)?
- What does it mean that these good works are to our way of life?
Ephesians 2:1-10
1 You were dead through the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once lived, following the course of this world, following the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work among those who are disobedient. 3 All of us once lived among them in the passions of our flesh, following the desires of flesh and senses, and we were by nature children of wrath, like everyone else. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us 5 even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the ages to come he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness towards us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God— 9 not the result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.
Message by Rev. Doug Bunnell, recorded February 4, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham. Scripture read by Ann Hinz.
Holy Work and Eternity: Work will continue in eternity, let us seek out where we feel God’s pleasure and do that work as much as possible.
- What does it mean that there is no temple in the new Jerusalem (vs22)?
- How about the lack of sun or moon?
- What do you think it means that the doors are open and people are bringing in the glory and honor of the nations in?
- Where have we seen the tree of life before? What does it mean that it appears here?
- What do you think worship will look like in the New Jerusalem?
- Where do we see work in this scenario?
Revelation 21:22-22:5
21:22 I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. 23 And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God is its light, and its lamp is the Lamb. 24 The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it. 25 Its gates will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there. 26 People will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations. 27 But nothing unclean will enter it, nor anyone who practices abomination or falsehood, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
22:1 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 through the middle of the street of the city. On either side of the river is the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, producing its fruit each month, and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. 3 Nothing accursed will be found there any more. But the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him; 4 they will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5 And there will be no more night; they need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.
Message by Rev. Doug Bunnell, recorded January 28, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham. Scripture read by Nick Berard.
Holy Work and the Spirit: All work worth doing is art and the Spirit helps us to be better artists.
- Bezalel is the first and only person in the Old Testament who is filled with the Holy Spirit, and it is all to do his art, does that surprise you?
- What does that say about God’s perspective on art and beauty?
- What are other words you would use for ability, intelligence, and knowledge?
- How is your work art?
- How does the Spirit help you in your work?
Exodus 31:1-11
1 The Lord spoke to Moses: 2 See, I have called by name Bezalel son of Uri son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah: 3 and I have filled him with divine spirit, with ability, intelligence, and knowledge in every kind of craft, 4 to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, 5 in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, in every kind of craft. 6 Moreover, I have appointed with him Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; and I have given skill to all the skillful, so that they may make all that I have commanded you: 7 the tent of meeting, and the ark of the covenant, and the mercy-seat that is on it, and all the furnishings of the tent, 8 the table and its utensils, and the pure lampstand with all its utensils, and the altar of incense, 9 and the altar of burnt-offering with all its utensils, and the basin with its stand, 10 and the finely worked vestments, the holy vestments for the priest Aaron and the vestments of his sons, for their service as priests, 11 and the anointing-oil and the fragrant incense for the holy place. They shall do just as I have commanded you.
Pastor Doug asks Nicki the January intergenerational question: "Which of your talents do you value?" They also discuss The Commons and upcoming Art & Faith Conference: Art as Spiritual Practice.
Recorded live at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham on January 21, 2023.
Message by Rev. Doug Bunnell, recorded January 21, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham. Scripture read by Mikyn Sygitowicz.
Work and Oppression: We are all laborers and all bosses and there is calling to doing both well. Do your work whole-heartedly as to God and work for justice and fairness.
Discussion Questions:
- It is hard to read a verse about slaves. Replace the word slave with laborer and the word master with boss. How does that feel?
- What does Paul call laborers to?
- What does Paul call bosses to?
- Where do we see injustice and unfairness in the workplace?
- What does it mean that there is no partiality?
- How can we live this way?
Colossians 3:22-4:1
3:22 Employees, obey your earthly bosses in everything, not only while being watched and in order to please them, but wholeheartedly, fearing the Lord. 23 Whatever your task, put yourselves into it, as done for the Lord and not for your bosses, 24 since you know that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward; you serve the Lord Christ. 25 For the wrongdoer will be paid back for whatever wrong has been done, and there is no partiality. 4:1 Bosses, treat your employees justly and fairly, for you know that you also have a Boss in heaven.
Message by Rev. Doug Bunnell, recorded January 14, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham. Scripture read by Kristen Frankland.
Work and Value: Good work feels good and is meant to be celebrated. Your work is valuable.
Discussion Questions
- What do you appreciate about this remarkable business woman?
- This can be seen as a text of terror, what feels hard about this text?
- What type of employee would this woman be? Would you want her as a supervisor?
- Verse 18 says that she sees her merchandise is valuable, what does that mean?
- What would it look like for you to perceive that your merchandise was
- valuable?
Proverbs 31:10-31: Ode to a Capable Wife
10 A capable wife who can find?
She is far more precious than jewels.
11 The heart of her husband trusts in her,
and he will have no lack of gain.
12 She does him good, and not harm,
all the days of her life.
13 She seeks wool and flax,
and works with willing hands.
14 She is like the ships of the merchant,
she brings her food from far away.
15 She rises while it is still night
and provides food for her household
and tasks for her servant-girls.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
17 She girds herself with strength,
and makes her arms strong.
18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.
Her lamp does not go out at night.
19 She puts her hands to the distaff,
and her hands hold the spindle.
20 She opens her hand to the poor,
and reaches out her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid for her household when it snows,
for all her household are clothed in crimson.
22 She makes herself coverings;
her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the city gates,
taking his seat among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them;
she supplies the merchant with sashes.
25 Strength and dignity are her clothing,
and she laughs at the time to come.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,
and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
27 She looks well to the ways of her household,
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up and call her happy;
her husband too, and he praises her:
29 ‘Many women have done excellently,
but you surpass them all.’
30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
31 Give her a share in the fruit of her hands,
and let her works praise her in the city gates.
Pastor Doug is joined by Bill Palmer in a spirited discussion about the breadth and depth of God's holy work.
Message by Rev. Doug Bunnell, recorded January 7, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham. Scripture read by Aven Bates.
Genesis 1:26-31
26 Then God said, ‘Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.’
27 So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.
28 God blessed them, and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.’ 29 God said, ‘See, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit; you shall have them for food. 30 And to every beast of the earth, and to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.’ And it was so. 31 God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.
Reflection Questions: We were created to work to the glory of God and we will do so for eternity. Work is holy.
- What is mentioned that is so very good on this 6th day of creation?
- Where do we see community in this text?
- Where do we see work in this text?
- What would life be like if this was the end of the story and brokenness never
- entered the story?
- How do we work against God’s very good?
Message by Rev. Doug Bunnell, recorded December 31, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham. Original canticle song written by Rob and Eshinee Veith. Advent artwork by Jennifer Newell.
Scripture: Luke 2:22-38; read by Laurie Bunnell
22 When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the law of the Lord, ‘Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord’), 24 and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, ‘a pair of turtle-doves or two young pigeons.’
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,
29 ‘Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace,
according to your word;
30 for my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel.’
33 And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, ‘This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed 35 so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.’
36 There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband for seven years after her marriage, 37 then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshipped there with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
Reflection Questions:
Simeon and Anna knew the God of surprising blessings and were able to welcome the surprising Messiah.
- How do you imagine Simeon?
- What was it like knowing that you would get to see the Messiah?
- What do you imagine it was like when he finally saw Mary and Joseph?
- What does it mean that God is a light for revelation to the gentiles?
- How is Anna a fitting bookend to Simeon?
Message by Rev. Doug Bunnell, recorded December 17, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham. Ave Maria performed Elena Bauer, accompaniment by Christy Hart. Original canticle song written and performed by Rob and Eshinee Veith. Advent artwork by Kathy Harvey.
Scripture: Luke 1:46-56
And Mary said,
“My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked with favor on the lowly state of his servant.
Surely from now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me,
and holy is his name;
indeed, his mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
He has brought down the powerful from their thrones
and lifted up the lowly;
he has filled the hungry with good things
and sent the rich away empty.
He has come to the aid of his child Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
according to the promise he made to our ancestors,
to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”
And Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home.
Reflection Questions: The lowly Mary is favored by the almighty and sings the joy of the upside down kingdom.
- What do you think Mary means by ‘my soul magnifies the Lord’?
- What does Mary Celebrate about the Almighty?
- How does our world treat the proud, wealthy, and powerful?
- How does God treat them?
- What does it mean for us to follow this type of God?
Message by Rev. Doug Bunnell recorded December 10, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham.
Harp performed by Brynn King. Advent artwork by Nicki Lang.
Luke 2:8-20; Scripture read by Diane Tate.
Reflection Questions:
Praising God may be the most important thing you do today, so do it.
- What do you think it felt like to see the glory of the Lord?
- Can you imagine their terror?
- What is the gist of the message the angels bring the shepherds?
- How do the shepherds respond?
- The shepherds heard the angel praise, and then the shepherds praised, how is praise contagious?
- How will you praise God today?
Pastor Doug is joined by Gini Bunnell, Nicki Lang, and Eshinee and Rob Veith to discuss their experiences creating art for the Daily Canticle Prayer Practice.
Their reflections can be found on the Daily Canticle podcasts and the Advent page on our website.
Message by Rev. Doug Bunnell recorded December 3, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham.
Original song written and performed by Eshinee and Rob Veith.
Original artwork by Gini Bunnell.
Luke 1:26-45; Scripture read by Addie Ward
Reflection Questions:
Elizabeth strengthens Mary’s faith as she sings out her joy, praise, and blessing.
- What do you think it was like when these two pregnant women met?
- How do you think Elizabeth felt when John leapt?
- What does Elizabeth say to Mary?
- What are the two blessings she offers? What does it mean that her greeting is bookended in blessing?
- How do you think it will affect Mary’s faith? Elizabeth’s faith?
Scripture read by Rob Veith.
Original song written and performed by Eshinee and Rob Veith.
Canticle of Simeon (The Nunc Dimittis); Luke 2:29–32
Guide us waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping;
that awake we may watch with Christ,
and asleep rest in his peace.
Now, Lord, you let your servant go in peace:
your word has been fulfilled.
My own eyes have seen the salvation
which you have prepared in the sight of every people:
a light to reveal you to the nations
and the glory of your people Israel.
Guide us waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping;
that awake we may watch with Christ,
and asleep rest in his peace.
Scripture read by Hillary Thomsen.
Original song written and performed by Eshinee and Rob Veith.
Song of Mary (The Magnificat); Luke 1:46–55
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for you, Lord, have looked with favor on your lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
you, the Almighty, have done great things for me
and holy is your name.
You have mercy on those who fear you,
from generation to generation.
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
You have shown strength with your arm,
and scattered the proud in their conceit,
casting down the mighty from their thrones
and lifting up the lowly.
You have filled the hungry with good things,
and sent the rich away empty.
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
You have come to the aid of your servant Israel,
to remember the promise of mercy,
the promise made to our forebears,
to Abraham and his children for ever.
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
Scripture read by Gini Bunnell.
Original song written and performed by Eshinee and Rob Veith.
Canticle of Elizabeth; Luke 1:42-45
“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.
And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me?
For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting,
the child in me leaped for joy.
And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.”
Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.
Scripture read by Ozzie Lewis.
Original song written and recorded by Eshinee and Rob Veith.
Canticle of Zechariah (Benedictus); Luke 1:68–79
In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high shall break upon us.
Blessed are you, Lord, the God of Israel;
you have come to your people and set them free.
You have raised up for us a mighty Savior,
born of the house of your servant David.
In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high shall break upon us.
Through your holy prophets, you promised of old
to save us from our enemies,
from the hands of all who hate us, to show mercy to our forebears,
and to remember your holy covenant.
In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high shall break upon us.
This was the oath you swore to our father Abraham:
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
free to worship you without fear,
holy and righteous before you, all the days of our life.
In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high shall break upon us.
And you, child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High,
for you will go before the Lord to prepare the way,
to give God’s people knowledge of salvation
by the forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high shall break upon us.
In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high shall break upon us.
It’s bedtime! Turn out your light and feel the warmth of the blanket over you. Put your hands on your heart and take three deep breaths. In the name of the Father, our creator, in the name of the Son, our Savior, in the name of the Holy Spirit, our sustainer. You are with us O God. We come close to you now.Kids songs recorded live at First Presbyterian Church on November 19, 2023.SIMEON'S SONG - LUKE 2:29 - 32
Now, Lord, let me go in peace:
your promise has come true.
My own eyes have seen the salvation
which you have prepared for all people to see:
a light to show you to the nations *
and the glory of your people.
When we wake up, Jesus, show us the way,
Keep us safe when we are sleeping
So that when we awake we hold Your hand and watch
And when we sleep we rest in Your arms.
It’s dinnertime! Set the table and sit down with your family. If you want, hold hands around the table and sing.
Kids songs recorded live at First Presbyterian Church on November 19, 2023.MARY'S SONG - LUKE 1:46-55
With all of me I shout - Great is God!
With all of me I rejoice with God my Savior!
With all of me I shout - Great is God!
With all of me I rejoice with God my Savior!
for you, Lord, look at me with love.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
you, the Almighty, have done great things for me
and holy is your name.
You have mercy on those who look to you,
from generation to generation.
With all of me I shout - Great is God!
With all of me I rejoice with God my Savior!
You have shown strength,
scattering the ones who thought they were the best,
tumbling down the proud people
and lifting up the unseen and ignored.
You have filled the hungry with good things,
and sent the rich away empty.
With all of me I shout - Great is God!
With all of me I rejoice with God my Savior!
You have come to the aid of your people,
to remember the promise of mercy,
the promise made to our grandparents,
to all your beloved children forever.
With all of me I shout - Great is God!
With all of me I rejoice with God my Savior!
It’s the middle of the day! Shake out your hands, now put them on your tummy, take a deep breath, hold it and let it all out. God is with you wherever you are right now.
Kids songs recorded live at First Presbyterian Church on November 19, 2023.
ELIZABETH'S SONG - LUKE 1:42-45
God, in the middle of our day,
When we feel joy jump inside us,
Help us remember that
Nothing is impossible with God!
God, in the middle of our day,
No matter where we are or how we feel,
Help us remember that
Nothing is impossible with God!
Good morning! Let’s take a big deep breath and stretch and exhale. This is the day that the LORD has made. Let us rejoice and be glad!
Kids songs recorded live at First Presbyterian Church on November 19, 2023.
ZECHARIAH'S SONG - LUKE 1:68–79
In God’s tender love, the new day will burst into color
All over us!
You are good LORD! We are your children!
You have come to your people and set us free.
You have given us a mighty Savior,
A great, great, great grandchild of King David.
In God’s tender love, the new day will burst into color
All over us!
And you, child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High,
you will go before the Lord to clear the way,
and give people the Good News that
God forgives us!
In God’s tender love, the new day will burst into color
All over us!
In God’s tender love, the new day will burst into color!
All over us!
to shine on those who live in darkness and fear,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
In God’s tender love, the new day will burst into color
All over us!
Dear Families - Every day this Advent our FPC family is praying the Canticles (songs) four times a day - the Canticle of Zechariah in the morning, the Canticle of Elizabeth at midday, the Canticle of Mary at dinnertime, and the Canticle of Simeon at bedtime. We invite children to join us in this practice!
This podcast has four episodes - one for each prayer. These kid-versions of the Canticles are written and read by Pastor Kerrie with a chorus of people reading the refrain. Encourage your child to say the refrain with the group!
Message by Rev. Doug Bunnell recorded November 26, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham.
Luke 1:67-80; Scripture read by Nick Berard
Reflection Questions:
After months of silence Zechariah erupts in prayer to the God of Salvation and blessing upon his son.
• What would it be like to not be able to talk for 10 months? How would you be different?
• Zechariah’s prayer is all about God, what does he appreciate about God?
• How does Zechariah describe Jesus?
• What words of encouragement and blessing does he offer his son?
• What does it mean that the dawn from on high will break upon us? Has that happened yet?
Each Thanksgiving our Sunday service is transformed as members of our congregation share a deeply personal Thanksgiving reflection. This week we will be sharing four stories by Brad Day, Steve Thames, Jeanie Cox, and Greg and Christy Hart.
Our fourth message is by Greg and Christy Hart, recorded November 19, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham.
Each Thanksgiving our Sunday service is transformed as members of our congregation share a deeply personal Thanksgiving reflection. This week we will be sharing four stories by Brad Day, Steve Thames, Jeannie Cox, and Greg and Christy Hart.
Our third message is by Jeannie Cox, recorded November 19, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham.
Each Thanksgiving our Sunday service is transformed as members of our congregation share a deeply personal Thanksgiving reflection. This week we will be sharing four stories by Brad Day, Steve Thames, Jeannie Cox, and Greg and Christy Hart.
Our second message is by Steve Thames, recorded November 19, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham.
Each Thanksgiving our Sunday service is transformed as members of our congregation share a deeply personal Thanksgiving reflection. This week we will be sharing four stories by Brad Day, Steve Thames, Jeannie Cox, and Greg and Christy Hart.
Our first reflection is by Dr. Brad Day, recorded November 19, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham.
Message by Rev. Doug Bunnell recorded November 5, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham.
Acts 21:7-15; Scripture read by Ozzie Lewis
Reflection Questions:
Paul listens to the counsel of his peers, but then follows Jesus on his own.
- What do you think it felt like to hear the prophecy of Agabus?
- Luke says in verse 12 “we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem.”, who do you think he refers to?
- Paul listens to their counsel, but still chooses to go to Jerusalem. How did it affect his relationship with Agabus and the leaders? with Luke and his own entourage?
- How do you think Paul felt standing alone, in disagreement with the room?
- Do you think Paul does the right thing?
Message by Rev. Doug Bunnell from Sunday morning - October 29, 2023Healthy relationships include healthy goodbyes.Living wholeheartedly involves joy and tears.
Acts 20:17-38; Scripture read by Jan Dougherty
Reflection Questions
- What strikes you about Paul’s Goodbye speech?
- Where do you live without regret?
- Where might you be tempted to shrink back?
- What hard things are coming up for you?
- How might you face them like Paul?
- What role do tears and grief play in your life?
- How are you at healthy goodbyes?
In a special set of episodes, Doug shares three special parts of Earl Palmer's memorial service at University Presbyterian Church this last June. Earl Palmer preached at First Presbyterian Church a number of times, and was a true legend.
In this part, we listen to a homily of hope by Pastor Doug, and a performance of Bring Him Home from the musical Les Misérables.
Earl Palmer Memorial Service on YouTube
In a special set of episodes, Doug shares three special parts of Earl Palmer's memorial service at University Presbyterian Church this last June. Earl Palmer preached at First Presbyterian Church a number of times, and was a true legend.
In this part, we listen to a poem written by Earl called "I Know a House."
Earl Palmer Memorial Service on YouTube I Know a House
I know a house that took me in to send me out and I keep finding this house in all of the places in my life as if it were as itinerant as I
My first memory of this place I call a house is of friendly fragrances the smell of evening suppers and coffee brewing, sometimes of old wooden doors that are out of fashion and sometimes the new aroma of children laughing
I came to know the people of this house who took me in and who send me out because they taught me here about the owner of the house and in time I learned his name
I always love best of all the main room right in the center of this house a room that seems always vast in size to me with its grand sounds solemn and joyous and the flood of colors on both sunny and cloudy days
I learned the memory of a royal past because of this house and like a waterfall cataract of some mysterious river that flowed around its open door I felt the powerful surprise of hope and resolve
I know this house and wherever I go I find it either settled in or precariously perched yet always the house that takes me in to send me out
In a special set of episodes, Doug shares three special parts of Earl Palmer's memorial service at University Presbyterian Church this last June. Earl Palmer preached at First Presbyterian Church a number of times, and was a true legend.
In this part, we listen to Earl's family reflect and share on following Jesus faithfully.
Earl Palmer Memorial Service on YouTube
Pastor Doug sits down with Becca Niemeyer and gets an update on how life is in central Washington, community building, and her roles at Quincy Presbyterian and Ingalls Creek Retreat Center.
Pastor Doug is joined by John Freal to talk about the beauty of math, using poetry to work through grief, using music to inspire writing, and the power of Dr. Seuss, T.S. Eliot, and Bob Dylan.
Some additional information from the conversation:
The Quadratic Equation
T.S. Eliot: Four Quartets
Keith Jarrett: The Köln Concert
Dr. Seuss: A Hatful of Seuss
Bob Dylan: Blonde on Blonde
John's blog: Prophet Margins
Join with us in the songs of Camp Creation! Recorded at St. James Presbyterian Church, Bellingham, WA on June 29, 2023, these songs follow the journey of our Crocodile, Kangaroo, Dingo, and Wombat groups as they learned about receiving guidance, provision, truth, and forgiveness - all in the dangerous Outback!
He Is Faithful
Jump! For the Lord is good
Clap! For He gives us strength
Stomp! For He's the King of Kings
The hope of all the world
Spin! For He redeems our souls
Run! For His word lights our way
Twist! For His peace calms our hearts
His banner over us is love
Jump! Clap! Stomp! Shout!
Give Him all the praise!
He's our Savior,
We'll praise Him all our days
Spin! Run! Twist! Sing!
On God we will depend
He is faithful,
His love will never end
Song and lyrics by Jocelyn Meyer
Join with us in the songs of Camp Creation! Recorded at St. James Presbyterian Church, Bellingham, WA on June 29, 2023, these songs follow the journey of our Crocodile, Kangaroo, Dingo, and Wombat groups as they learned about receiving guidance, provision, truth, and forgiveness - all in the dangerous Outback!
Always Remember
Sometimes when I go to school
It seems my friends are gone
There’s no one who will play with me
And I feel so alone
When I start to worry I always remember that
God loves, God loves, God loves me
Sometimes when I’m really mad
And don’t know what to do
I hurt the ones I care about
When I’m the one who’s blue
When I feel lost I always remember that
Spirit leads, Spirit leads, Spirit leads me
Sometimes when I go to bed
And all the lights are out
I wake up from a scary dream
I don’t want to think about
When I’m afraid I always remember that
Jesus saves, Jesus saves, Jesus saves me
Jesus saves, Spirit leads, God loves me
Song and lyrics by Jocelyn Meyer
Join with us in the songs of Camp Creation! Recorded at St. James Presbyterian Church, Bellingham, WA on June 29, 2023, these songs follow the journey of our Crocodile, Kangaroo, Dingo, and Wombat groups as they learned about receiving guidance, provision, truth, and forgiveness - all in the dangerous Outback!
All That I Need (The Crocodile Song)
Crocodiles! stand strong with the armor of God
Kangaroos! jump and leap for joy
Dingos! howl with their family
Wombats! run in pastures green
God provides all that I need
Water, food, and the air that I breathe
He loves me, this I believe
Crocodiles, Kangaroos, Dingos, Wombats and Me
God creates all that I see
Birds in the air and fish in the sea
He made me, this I believe
Crocodiles, Kangaroos, Dingos, Wombats and Me
Song and Lyrics by Jocelyn Meyer
Join with us in the songs of Camp Creation! Recorded at St. James Presbyterian Church, Bellingham, WA on June 29, 2023, these songs follow the journey of our Crocodile, Kangaroo, Dingo, and Wombat groups as they learned about receiving guidance, provision, truth, and forgiveness - all in the dangerous Outback!
John 10:14
I am the good shepherd
I know my own sheep
And my sheep know me
Arrangement by Jocelyn Meyer
Pastor Doug sits down with Griffin Oakes - AV Coordinator & Facilities Coordinator at FPC, and student at WWU - to share the podcast that Griffin produced for his English 101 class. The topic: Are churches still important?
Ephesians 2:19-22
So then, you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone; in him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling place for God.
Pastor Doug is joined with Nicki Lang to talk about being an artist, the faith journey, and how God speaks to us through art.
Ephesians 2:10No, we neither make nor save ourselves. God does both the making and saving. He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join him in the work he does, the good work he has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing.
Today we hear Bill Hunter's reflection on his dad - the engineer, recorded live at Al Hunter's Memorial Service at FPC on March 18, 2023.
Pastor Doug sits down with Joe Bernard to hear his stories about working at the Leopold hotel in downtown Bellingham from 1969 to 1978.
Psalm 78:1-4
Give ear, O my people, to my teaching;
incline your ears to the words of my mouth!
I will open my mouth in a parable;
I will utter dark sayings from of old,
things that we have heard and known,
that our fathers have told us.
We will not hide them from their children,
but tell to the coming generation
the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might,
and the wonders that he has done.
Pastor Doug talks with Linda Kolody about how life is right now, the importance of community, and how she is giving and receiving care.
Matthew 11:28-30“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
Susan S. Phillips, author of our Lent discussion book - The Cultivated Life, leads us in the Prayer of Examen.
In a recap of our Lent 2023, where we read and discussed The Cultivated Life, the author Susan S. Phillips joins Pastor Doug and First Presbyterian Church to discuss the pursuit of a cultivated life.
Pastor Kerrie shares about her upcoming sabbatical and how she plans to embody the rhythms of Psalm 23. Hint: there are green pastures, still waters, shadowed places, and the table.Psalm 23
The Divine Shepherd
A Psalm of David.
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters;
3 he restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
my whole life long.
Lent 2023: What helps you bear good fruit?
Welcome to our Lent 2023 podcast series, where we spend time discussing The Cultivated Life, by Susan S. Phillips. Pastor Doug, Pastor Kerrie, and Jocelyn Meyer finish our discussion by talking about bearing fruit, building significant soil, and being violently pruned - in reflection of Chapter 12 and the Conclusion. Scripture read by Emersyn Ahrenholz.
Galatians 5:22–26
By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, competing against one another, envying one another.
Lent 2023: What helps you be a good friend?Welcome to our Lent 2023 podcast series, where we spend time discussing The Cultivated Life, by Susan S. Phillips. In honor of Chapters 10 and 11, this week Pastor Doug is joined by his friend - Matt Gallagher. Scripture is read by Gannon McSharry, and Pastor Kerrie adds some thoughts on how to be a good friend in our family systems.
John 15:12-15
This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that a person will lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, because all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you.
Welcome to our Lent 2023 podcast series, where we spend time discussing The Cultivated Life, by Susan S. Phillips. This week Pastor Doug is joined by Isis Marks in reflection on Chapters 7 and 8 which is all about attachment and spiritual direction. The scripture is read by Estelle Blue, and Pastor Kerrie adds some thoughts on how to trustingly connect in our family systems.
2 Timothy 4:9-11
Do your best to come to me soon, for Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me in ministry.
2 Timothy 4:21-22
Do your best to come before winter. Eubulus sends greetings to you, as do Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brothers and sisters. The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.
Welcome to our Lent 2023 podcast series, where we spend some time discussing The Cultivated Life, by Susan S. Phillips. This week Pastor Doug is joined by Joan Lotze and Mel Freal in reflection on Chapters 6 and 7, and scripture is read by Isla Louws.
Luke 10: 38-42
Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.”
Welcome to our Lent 2023 podcast series, where we spend some time discussing The Cultivated Life. This week Pastor Doug is joined by Pastor Kerrie and Rob Veith in a reflection on Chapters 4 and 5. This week's scripture is read by Aven Bates.
Hebrews 4:1-11
Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest is still open, let us take care that none of you should seem to have failed to reach it. For indeed the good news came to us just as to them; but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened. For we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has said,
“As in my anger I swore, ‘They shall not enter my rest,’”
though his works were finished at the foundation of the world. For in one place it speaks about the seventh day as follows, “And God rested on the seventh day from all his works.” And again in this place it says, “They shall not enter my rest.” Since therefore it remains open for some to enter it, and those who formerly received the good news failed to enter because of disobedience, again he sets a certain day—“today”—saying through David much later, in the words already quoted,
“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.”
For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not speak later about another day. So then, a sabbath rest still remains for the people of God; for those who enter God’s rest also cease from their labors as God did from his. Let us therefore make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one may fall through such disobedience as theirs.
Reference Links from this weeks discussion:
The Ezra Klein Show, "Sabbath and the Art of Rest".
The book "Sabbath", by Abraham Heschel.
Welcome to our Lent 2023 podcast series, where we spend some time discussing The Cultivated Life. This week Pastor Doug is joined by Pastor Kerrie and Jocelyn Meyer in reflecting on chapters 1, 2, and 3. The scripture is read by Johnny Meyer.
Mark 4:3-9
“Listen to this! Behold, the sower went out to sow; as he was sowing, some seed fell beside the road, and the birds came and ate it up. Other seed fell on the rocky ground where it did not have much soil; and immediately it sprang up because it had no depth of soil. And when the sun had risen, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away. Other seed fell among the thorns, and the thorns came up and choked it, and it yielded no crop. Other seeds fell into the good soil, and as they grew up and increased, they yielded a crop and produced thirty, sixty, and a hundred times as much.” And He was saying, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”
We kick off our Lent 2023 podcast series with Doug and Kerrie talking to Susan Phillips, author of The Cultivated Life. FPC is seeking time this Lent to make room in our days to read and reflect on the practices of cultivation found in her book.
We want to encourage you to not just read this book, but to savor it. To slowly enjoy it. This is not a sports drink that you gulp down, this is a decadent Bordeaux that you slowly sip and enjoy. Slow down as you read, relax, enjoy and digest the wisdom in these pages. To do that you may need to make some time in your schedule. Voila - this is Lent - and we encourage you to abstain from something you do regularly for these 40 days and use that time to enjoy this book.
As mentioned in the podcast, Susan is leading a Contemplative Lenten Retreat on March 4, 2023 at 9:30 am.
Click here for more information.
Today we hear a story about Thresholds, recorded live at the Vespers service on January 8th, 2023.
Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, or check out our website at www.fpcbellingham.org.
Storyteller: Kerrie Bauer
Host: Jocelyn Meyer
The Bird's Christmas Carol by Kate Douglas Wiggin.
Read aloud by Pastor Doug Bunnell with special guest, Laurie Bunnell. Originally posted in 2020 as a 5 part story, the story is made available once again in 2022 as we continue to celebrate Advent.
For those who want to read along, the book can be found online at: https://www.gutenberg.org/files/24286/24286-h/24286-h.htm.
Welcome to the FPC Advent Podcast, where Pastor Doug and Pastor Kerrie spend a few minutes wondering about God's presence in Advent scriptures, as read by people from our community. We invite you to listen and reflect with us.
Today's scripture is read by Kristen Frankland, and Doug and Kerrie are joined in reflection by special guest Jocelyn Meyer.
Luke 2:25-38
Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, “Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.” There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
Welcome to the FPC Advent Podcast, where Pastor Doug and Pastor Kerrie spend a few minutes wondering about God's presence in Advent scriptures, as read by people from our community. We invite you to listen and reflect with us.
Today's scripture is read by Debbie Bernard.
John 1:10-18
He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. (John testified to him and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’ ”) From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known.
Welcome to the FPC Advent Podcast, where Pastor Doug and Pastor Kerrie spend a few minutes wondering about God's presence in Advent scriptures, as read by people from our community. We invite you to listen and reflect with us.
Today's scripture is read by Katy Murphy, and Doug and Kerrie are joined in reflection by special guest John Freal.
John 1:1-9
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
Welcome to the FPC Advent Podcast, where Pastor Doug and Pastor Kerrie spend a few minutes wondering about God's presence in Advent scriptures, as read by people from our community. We invite you to listen and reflect with us.
Today's scripture is read by Chloe Clinkenbeard, and Doug and Kerrie are joined in reflection by special guest Andy Lewis.
Matthew 2:19-23
When Herod died, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who were seeking the child’s life are dead.” Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And after being warned in a dream, he went away to the district of Galilee. There he made his home in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, “He will be called a Nazorean.”
Welcome to the FPC Advent Podcast, where Pastor Doug and Pastor Kerrie spend a few minutes wondering about God's presence in Advent scriptures, as read by people from our community. We invite you to listen and reflect with us.
Today's scripture is read by Lynn Schuman, and Doug and Kerrie are joined in reflection by special guest Nicki Lang.
Jeremiah 31:15-17
Thus says the Lord: A voice is heard in Ramah, lamentation and bitter weeping. Rachel is weeping for her children; she refuses to be comforted for her children, because they are no more. Thus says the Lord: Keep your voice from weeping, and your eyes from tears; for there is a reward for your work, says the Lord: they shall come back from the land of the enemy; there is hope for your future, says the Lord: your children shall come back to their own country.
Welcome to the FPC Advent Podcast, where Pastor Doug and Pastor Kerrie spend a few minutes wondering about God's presence in Advent scriptures, as read by people from our community. We invite you to listen and reflect with us.
Today's scripture is read by Thomas Clinkenbeard, and Doug and Kerrie are joined in reflection by special guest Laurie Bunnell.
Matthew 2:16-18
When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he was infuriated, and he sent and killed all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had learned from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah: “A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they are no more.”
Welcome to the FPC Advent Podcast, where Pastor Doug and Pastor Kerrie spend a few minutes wondering about God's presence in Advent scriptures, as read by people from our community. We invite you to listen and reflect with us.
Today's scripture is read by Karin Clumpner, and Doug and Kerrie are joined in reflection by special guest Mike Morse.
Matthew 2:13-15
Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, Out of Egypt I have called my son."
Welcome to the FPC Advent Podcast, where Pastor Doug and Pastor Kerrie spend a few minutes wondering about God's presence in Advent scriptures, as read by people from our community. We invite you to listen and reflect with us.
Today's scripture is read by Griffin Oakes, and Doug and Kerrie are joined in reflection by special guest Fred Hartsook.
Matthew 2:1-12
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.’ ” Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.
Welcome to the FPC Advent Podcast, where Pastor Doug and Pastor Kerrie spend a few minutes wondering about God's presence in Advent scriptures, as read by people from our community. We invite you to listen and reflect with us.
Today's scripture is read by Ashby Bounds, and Doug and Kerrie are joined in reflection by special guest Andy Lewis.
Micah 5:2-5
But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days. Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has brought forth; then the rest of his kindred shall return to the people of Israel. And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth; and he shall be the one of peace.
Welcome to the FPC Advent Podcast, where Pastor Doug and Pastor Kerrie spend a few minutes wondering about God's presence in Advent scriptures, as read by people from our community. We invite you to listen and reflect with us.
Today's scripture is read by Don Lotze, and Doug and Kerrie are joined in reflection by special guest Jocelyn Meyer.
Isaiah 11:6-9
The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze, their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder’s den. They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.
Welcome to the FPC Advent Podcast, where Pastor Doug and Pastor Kerrie spend a few minutes wondering about God's presence in Advent scriptures, as read by people from our community. We invite you to listen and reflect with us.
Today's scripture is read by Steve Thames. Steve also joins Doug and Kerrie in reflection for today's passage.
Isaiah 11:1-5
A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide by what his ears hear; but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked. Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist, and faithfulness the belt around his loins.
Welcome to the FPC Advent Podcast, where Pastor Doug and Pastor Kerrie spend a few minutes wondering about God's presence in Advent scriptures, as read by people from our community. We invite you to listen and reflect with us.
Today's scripture is read by Amanda Blue, and Doug and Kerrie are joined in reflection by special guest Addie Ward. We are also blessed with a special musical offering from Tara Ward.
Luke 1:46-56
And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.” And Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home.
Welcome to the FPC Advent Podcast, where Pastor Doug and Pastor Kerrie spend a few minutes wondering about God's presence in Advent scriptures, as read by people from our community. We invite you to listen and reflect with us.
Today's scripture is read by Mel Freal, and Doug and Kerrie are joined in reflection by special guest Mikyn Sygitowicz.
Luke 1:39-45
In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.”`
Welcome to the FPC Advent Podcast, where Pastor Doug and Pastor Kerrie spend a few minutes wondering about God's presence in Advent scriptures, as read by people from our community. We invite you to listen and reflect with us.
Today's scripture is read by Joan Lotze, and Doug and Kerrie are joined in reflection by special guest Jan Dougherty.
Revelation 4:8-11
“Holy, holy, holy, the Lord God the Almighty, who was and is and is to come.” And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to the one who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall before the one who is seated on the throne and worship the one who lives forever and ever; they cast their crowns before the throne, singing, “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”
Welcome to the FPC Advent Podcast, where Pastor Doug and Pastor Kerrie spend a few minutes wondering about God's presence in Advent scriptures, as read by people from our community. We invite you to listen and reflect with us.
Today's scripture is read by James Murphy, and Doug and Kerrie are joined in reflection by special guest Annika Morse.
Luke 2:8-20
In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
Welcome to the FPC Advent Podcast, where Pastor Doug and Pastor Kerrie spend a few minutes wondering about God's presence in Advent scriptures, as read by people from our community. We invite you to listen and reflect with us.
Today's scripture is read by Brian Murphy, and Doug and Kerrie are joined in reflection by special guest Ann Hinz.
Isaiah 7:13-16
Then Isaiah said: “Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary mortals, that you weary my God also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel. He shall eat curds and honey by the time he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good. For before the child knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land before whose two kings you are in dread will be deserted.
Welcome to the FPC Advent Podcast, where Pastor Doug and Pastor Kerrie spend a few minutes wondering about God's presence in Advent scriptures, as read by people from our community. We invite you to listen and reflect with us.
Today's scripture is read by Gannon McSharry, and Doug and Kerrie are joined in reflection by special guest Fred Hartsook.
John 3:16-17
For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
Welcome to the FPC Advent Podcast, where Pastor Doug and Pastor Kerrie spend a few minutes wondering about God's presence in Advent scriptures, as read by people from our community. We invite you to listen and reflect with us.
Today's scripture is read by Joe Cowen, and Doug and Kerrie are joined in reflection by special guest Steve Thames.
Jeremiah 33:14-16
The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: “The Lord is our righteousness.”
Welcome to the FPC Advent Podcast, where Pastor Doug and Pastor Kerrie spend a few minutes wondering about God's presence in Advent scriptures, as read by people from our community. We invite you to listen and reflect with us.
Today's scripture is read by Nancy Cowen.
Galatians 4:4-7
But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God.
Welcome to the FPC Advent Podcast, where Pastor Doug and Pastor Kerrie spend a few minutes wondering about God's presence in Advent scriptures, as read by people from our community. We invite you to listen and reflect with us.
Today's scripture is read by Elodie Bates, and Doug and Kerrie are joined in reflection by special guest Addie Jones.
Isaiah 9:6-7
For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
Welcome to the FPC Advent Podcast, where Pastor Doug and Pastor Kerrie spend a few minutes wondering about God's presence in Advent scriptures, as read by people from our community. We invite you to listen and reflect with us.
Today's scripture is read by Theo Lewis, and Doug and Kerrie are joined in reflection by special guest Mikyn Sygitowicz.
Is 9:1-4
But there will be no gloom for those who were in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he will make glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness— on them light has shined. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian.
Welcome to the FPC Advent Podcast, where Pastor Doug and Pastor Kerrie spend a few minutes wondering about God's presence in Advent scriptures, as read by people from our community. We invite you to listen and reflect with us.
Today's scripture is read by Ella Jones.
Luke 2:1-7
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
Welcome to the FPC Advent Podcast, where Pastor Doug and Pastor Kerrie spend a few minutes wondering about God's presence in Advent scriptures, as read by people from our community. We invite you to listen and reflect with us.
Today's scripture is read by Andrew Verneuil.
Luke 1:5-25
In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly order of Abijah. His wife was a descendant of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. Both of them were righteous before God, living blamelessly according to all the commandments and regulations of the Lord. But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were getting on in years. Once when he was serving as priest before God and his section was on duty, he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and offer incense. Now at the time of the incense offering, the whole assembly of the people was praying outside. Then there appeared to him an angel of the Lord, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was terrified; and fear overwhelmed him. But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John. You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He must never drink wine or strong drink; even before his birth he will be filled with the Holy Spirit. He will turn many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. With the spirit and power of Elijah he will go before him, to turn the hearts of parents to their children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” Zechariah said to the angel, “How will I know that this is so? For I am an old man, and my wife is getting on in years.” The angel replied, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. But now, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time, you will become mute, unable to speak, until the day these things occur.” Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah, and wondered at his delay in the sanctuary. When he did come out, he could not speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He kept motioning to them and remained unable to speak. When his time of service was ended, he went to his home. After those days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she remained in seclusion. She said, “This is what the Lord has done for me when he looked favorably on me and took away the disgrace I have endured among my people.”
Welcome to the FPC Advent Podcast, where Pastor Doug and Pastor Kerrie spend a few minutes wondering about God's presence in Advent scriptures, as read by people from our community. We invite you to listen and reflect with us.
Today's scripture is read by Jean Hamilton, and Doug and Kerrie are joined in reflection by special guest Andy Lewis.
Matthew 1:1-17
An account of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Aram, and Aram the father of Aminadab, and Aminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon, and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of King David. And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah, and Solomon the father of Rehoboam, and Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asaph, and Asaph the father of Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah, and Uzziah the father of Jotham, and Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah, and Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, and Manasseh the father of Amos, and Amos the father of Josiah, and Josiah the father of Jechoniah and his brothers, at the time of the deportation to Babylon. And after the deportation to Babylon: Jechoniah was the father of Salathiel, and Salathiel the father of Zerubbabel, and Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, and Abiud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor, and Azor the father of Zadok, and Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud, and Eliud the father of Eleazar, and Eleazar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called the Messiah. So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David to the deportation to Babylon, fourteen generations; and from the deportation to Babylon to the Messiah, fourteen generations.
Welcome to the FPC Advent Podcast, where Pastor Doug and Pastor Kerrie spend a few minutes wondering about God's presence in Advent scriptures, as read by people from our community. We invite you to listen and reflect with us.
Today's scripture is read by Felix Lewis.
Psalm 80
Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock! You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh. Stir up your might, and come to save us! Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved.
Welcome to the FPC Advent Podcast, where Pastor Doug and Pastor Kerrie spend a few minutes wondering about God's presence in Advent scriptures, as read by people from our community. We invite you to listen and reflect with us.
Today's scripture is read by Cindy Palmer.
Matthew 1:18-25
Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.
Welcome to the FPC Advent Podcast, where Pastor Doug and Pastor Kerrie spend a few minutes wondering about God's presence in Advent scriptures, as read by people from our community. We invite you to listen and reflect with us.
Today's scripture is read by Estelle Blue.
Isaiah 40:9-11
9 Get you up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good tidings; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings, lift it up, do not fear; say to the cities of Judah, “Here is your God!” 10 See, the Lord God comes with might, and his arm rules for him; his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. 11 He will feed his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms, and carry them in his bosom, and gently lead the mother sheep.
Welcome to the FPC Advent Podcast, where Pastor Doug and Pastor Kerrie spend a few minutes wondering about God's presence in Advent scriptures, as read by people from our community. We invite you to listen and reflect with us.
Today's scripture is read by Kris Hamilton, and Doug and Kerrie are joined in reflection by special guest John Freal.
Isaiah 40:6-8
6 A voice says, “Cry out!” And I said, “What shall I cry?” All people are grass, their constancy is like the flower of the field. 7 The grass withers, the flower fades, when the breath of the Lord blows upon it; surely the people are grass. 8 The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand forever.
Welcome to the FPC Advent Podcast, where Pastor Doug and Pastor Kerrie spend a few minutes wondering about God's presence in Advent scriptures, as read by people from our community. We invite you to listen and reflect with us.
Today's scripture is read by Monica Thames, and Doug and Kerrie are joined in reflection by special guest Ann Hinz.
Isaiah 40:1-5
1 Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God. 2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that she has served her term, that her penalty is paid, that she h.as received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins. 3 A voice cries out: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. 4 Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. 5 Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.
This is an FPC Up Close and Personal Interview with the Rev. Janice Smith, originally included in a January 16, 2022 Worship service.
Spring of '22 FPCers are heading to Yakama Reservation to hang out with the good people of Mending Wings. In November of '21 Pastor Becca did an interview with one of the main Mending Wings staff. Check out https://mendingwings.net for more info about this great organization.
For June 6th, 2021 our welcome back to the building service, Doug interviewed the 2nd class of Stephen Ministry Training. It is a joy to hear about the training from Dave, Karin, Carol, and Linda.
Here is another set of songs from our talented musicians:
- Do it again
- Joyful joyful
- His eye is on the sparrow
- We shall overcome
- Church
Enjoy!!
May 25, 2021 the FPC Spiritual Pathways team set up a chance for FPCers to learn from renowned author Amy-Jill Levine. Enjoy!
For our May 23rd, 2021 Pentecost Service Pastor Becca interviewed Rob and Eshinee Veith as a celebration of our Intellectual pathway.
On May 23, 2021, Pentecost, Pastor Doug preaches on Acts 2:43-47. We thank the McSherry boys for reading Scripture and Todd Fisher for Rocking "Church".
May 16th Zoom service featured a video of Becky Elmendorf interviewing our own Steve Thames about the life of the mind and his work as a Lawyer.
Our Up Close and Personal on May 9th, 2021 features Prof. David Nelson in the Economics Department of WWU. Pastor Doug interviews David about being a person of faith amidst the academy.
Pastor Doug preaches on May 9th, 2021. Pastor Kerrie offers the prayer in the middle and Josie Van Beek reads 2 Corinthians 5:14-21. The sermon ends with Lance Fisher offering a version of Children go where I send thee. The sermon includes a reference to John Perkins, a video of his story is available here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scRpgoR_qyo. As well the sermon includes a reading of Love III by George Herbert which is available here https://www.poemtree.com/poems/LoveIII.htm.
Fred Hartsook, the DIrector of the Garden, preached on May 2nd Zoom service on the text Ephesians 2:11-22 with the title that peace making rocks.
Our pathway for May is intellectual and Pastor Doug begins this month with our own Prof. Frances Howard-Snyder. Frances share the way she loves Jesus with the left side of her brain as well as the right. This interview took place for the 5.2.21 Zoom service and includes bonus content not shared in the service.
For the April 25th service, 2021, Pastor Doug interviews Life-Long FPCer Suzanne Taylor about her exciting new endeavor The Dish Foundation. More info on getting involved at https://www.dishfoundation.net.
Pastor Doug preached on April 25th, 2021 about the still more excellent way found in 1 Cor 13. The Scripture texts are read by the FPC 3rd Graders and Dave and Marnie Rhea lead a prayer of Thanksgiving.
On April 18th, 2021 The One Parish One Prisoner Team at FPC hosted a night of storytelling about what we have been learning and how we have been growing through this journey. If you are interested in more about OPOP you can find info at https://undergroundministries.org/opop
On April 18th, 2021 Pastor Doug preached a sermon on the Peace Seeking Body, Rev. Ann Hinz reads the Scripture.
Pastor Doug interviewed new to Bellingham and FPC Ann Hintz in the 4.18 service for our worship service, this is the whole unedited interview. At 12:30 the videoed interview ends and the new element of the interview starts. In this time Ann shares her experience over 25 years of being a pastor in WA, the first female pastor at every rural church she served in, and someone with a passion around racial justice.
Todays Musical offering looks at one melody, the Jupiter section of Holst's "The Planets." Lance Fisher shares O God Beyond All Praising, Rob and Eshinee Veith share Streams of Living Justice, and lastly we have Rob's orchestration of Jupiter.
Pastor Doug sat down for the 4.11.21 service with OPOP member and ceramic artist Anna Palmer.
Pastor Becca preaches about peace keeping sibling keepers from Genesis 4:1-10 and 1John 3:11-18. Garden Director Fred Hartsook is the scripture reader.
On Holy Saturday of 2021 Holy Week, FPC engaged in our first ever Rocky Soil Picture Show. This was a participatory reading of the whole Gospel of Mark with many crowd reactions and over 20 different readers, all on Zoom. It was a wonderful night for all. Special thanks to Eshinee Veith who put it all together.
On Resurrection Sunday '21 (Easter) Pastor Doug Bunnell preached on Luke 24:13-35, Faith amidst confusion. Scripture was read by a team consisting of Fred Hartsook, Mel Freal, and Thomas and Chloe Clinkenbeard. The Affirmation of Faith was lead by John Freal.
Easter is coming, here is some organ accompaniment. Tammy Rutgers at the mighty FPC organ blesses us with:
Christ the Lord is Risen Today
How Great Thou Art
In Christ Alone
Christ Arose
Because He Lives
He Lives
Jesus Christ is Risen Today
Thine is the Glory
I Know My Redeemer Lives
The Hallelujah Chorus
He is risen indeed!!!
At our Zoom Service for Palm Sunday, March 28, 2021 Pastor Kerrie leads us in a wonderful exposition of Luke 20:45-21:4 while our own CIndy Wadkins reads our Scripture.
Palm Sunday, March 28, 2021 we follow Isis Marks as she shares with us her prayer walking practice. The FPC kids singing is overlayed over this at certain points.
This week we are featuring the worship leading talent of Nicki Lang. This podcast features
Come Ye Sinners,
Come fall on us,
No Longer Slaves,
O God our Help,
On Christ the Solid Rock.
These songs were all used in an FPC Worship service during the COVID Season.
On March 21st, 2021 Pastor Doug preached a sermon called the THE PEACE TABLE based on Luke 22:14-22. June Veith is our scripture reader, Pastor Kerrie helps with communion and Todd Fisher is our musician.
For the March 21, 2021 worship service Doug interviewed Joanne Kestermont about soaking in God's love. Joanne is a member of FPC and worked for years on staff in Administration. It is so good to hear how God has been blessing Joanne...
On Thursday, March 18, We welcomed Pat Loughery who teaches at The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology. He led us in an exploration of Celtic contemplative practices as they connect to the contemplative tradition. His doctoral studies introduced him to Celtic and Orthodox spirituality, pilgrimage, and the beauty and variety of the global Christian church.
Ryan shares a bit of the blues by offering up:
Keep your lamps trimmed and burnin'
Wayfaring Stranger
for when the blues get ahold of you...
Our March 14th Up Close and Personal Interview features Pastor Kerrie interviewing Ryan Chace about the contemplative life.
The FPC Sermon for March 14th features Pastor Doug preaching on Luke 14:25-33 and Margaret Vlahos reading Scripture. the them is that wars are costly and seeking peace is cheaper.
Rob and Eshinee are global missionaries based here in Bham who often write their own songs based on Bible texts. We have been blessed through the years with their ministry. Here are some of their creations: You hold up my hands, Who do you say that I am, Unified psalm 133, Too light a thing, Together for your good.
FPC Up Close and Personal for March 7, 2021. Pastor Doug interviews Mel and Joan about their experience in a 10 month long contemplative journey through the Ignatian Exercises.
The FPC sermon for March 7, 2021 features Pastor Becca preaching on Luke 19:45-20:8, seeking peace is not timid. Some of the youth are reading part of the Scripture, and Dave Dougherty is reading the 2nd part.
For those of you who clamor for more of the old Hymns on the big organ- we just got a whole new stack of classics from our organist Tammy Rutgers. These are played and recorded on the mighty FPC Organ. All organ all the time. We bring you, in order:
01 Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee
02 Come Thou Font Of Every Blessing
03 O Worship The King
04 The Love Of God
05 Like A River Glorious
06 O God Our Help In Ages Past (Hymn)
08 A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
09 Great Is Thy Faithfulness
10 This Is My Father_s World
11 Fairest Lord Jesus
12 Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah
13 Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring
Our Up Close and Personal interview for February 28, 2012 features Pastor Doug interviewing Ryan Adams about caregiving. Ryan is a husband, father of 3 kids, as well Ryan talks about his work at the Juvenile Detention Facility in Whatcom County.
FPC Sermon from February 28th, 2021. Pastor Doug Bunnell Preaching on Luke 19:41-44, David Nelson reading Scripture and leading the prayer of confession, and Lance Fisher singing the St. Francis Prayer in response.
FPC Music treats us to a set of music from one of our talented volunteers. This week our musician is the talented Todd Fisher playing: Lay down your sorrows, There is a redeemer, The Kingdom is your, Lord I Need you, See what a morning, All who are thirsty. FPC music is released every Thursday.
Pastor Becca joins FPC Faith community Nurses Mary Lynn Palmer and Glenda McGlachlan, as well as FPC elders Jean and Kris Hamilton to talk about caregiving.
The FPC sermon from February 21, 2021 features Linda Kolody reading Scripture, Matthew 21:1-10. Pastor Doug begins the new series on peacemaking, Jesus signaled peace before he said anything.
Today we feature music performed by the amazingly talented Jocelyn Meyer. This podcast features Yet Not I, Wisdom and Grace, Wounded Healer, Tis So Sweet, and The Blessing. Thank you Jocelyn for blessing us with such great music!
FPC had a Zoom Worship service on 2.14.21 around the theme suffering connects us with each other. This episode features a few words from Doug Bunnell about the text for the day, 1Cor 12:12-26, Fred Hartsook reading Scripture, an interview with Todd Wagner, and 2 meditations from Nicki Lang and Laurie Bunnell. We end with Lance Fisher singing his original worship song using the St. Francis Prayer.
Watch a recording of this service here on FPC's YouTube channel.
First Presbyterian Church is located in Bellingham, Washington, and online at www.fpcbellingham.org
Pastor Doug interviews Todd Wagner about his experience with suffering as well as how that suffering connected him more deeply to his community.
Pastor Doug preaches on the theme of Suffering deepens us through 2 texts, Hebrews 5:7-9 and James 1:1-4. Jeff Hopwood reads the Scripture and Pastor Becca sets up the sermon with some invitations.
Pastor Doug interviews Mike Morse for our February 7th, 2021 Worship Service. Mike waxes eloquently on the gift of listening, calling, and what it means to live out the Kingdom as a man of business.
FPC Sermon preached on January 31, 2021. Becca Niemeyer preaching on 2 Corinthians 4:1-11 about the theme that suffering connects us to Jesus. Kathy Kipp reads the first half of scripture and Carson Neff the 2nd. The sermon involves some wonderful images that are available at the FPC Service now available on the FPC Youtube channel, https://www.youtube.com/c/FPCBellingham.
All year our wonderful FPC musicians have been doing great music- Here is selection of 4 instrumental acoustic songs... enjoy...
This is a sermon from 1/24/21 at FPC. Doug Bunnell is preaching, Gini Bunnell reads scripture, and Don and Joan Lotze are being interviewed.
On Sunday Jan 24th, 2021 our up close and personal interview was with Don and Jon Lotze. This is a wonderful chance to hear about their experience at a Quaker Retreat Center for 3 months.
On January 17th, 2021 Doug Preached a sermon on the Spirit and the Wilderness from Numbers 11:16-17, 24-30.
On January 17th, 2021, Pastor Kerrie met with our Faith Community Nurses, Mary Lynn and Glenda, as well as Dr. Andrew Verneuil (ENT) to have a discussion around COVID-19 Vaccines. Dr. Verneuil presented slides about the virus itself as well as different types of vaccines, and what to expect as the vaccine becomes available, with a Q&A format with attendees at the end. Information included was current at the time of the presentation.
See the video version of this discussion here on FPC's YouTube channel.
Find more Health information at FPC's Health Connect page: http://www.fpcbellingham.org/health/
First Presbyterian Church is in Whatcom County, Washington, and online at http://www.fpcbellingham.org/
In Fall '20, on Zoom during COVID, Pastor Doug, Gini Bunnell, and Jean Hamilton joined together for the first ever FPC Story Slam. They told some stories about life during church... enjoy! Hear stories about an April Fool's Day prank on the congregation...Christmas Eve bagpipe complications...Ash Wednesday ashes that seemed to be on fire during the church service...and more!
First Presbyterian Church is in Bellingham, Washington and online at http://www.fpcbellingham.org/
This is the long version of the interview Pastor Doug had with Pixar movie Director Pete Docter about the recently released movie Soul. It is long but well worth the time!
Pete is the Chief Creative Officer of Pixar, and has directed several films there including the Oscar-winning Up and Inside Out. Doug and Pete talk about faith, grief, grace, emotional themes in his movies, and their friendship over the years. Learn how Soul was finished and released during the COVID-19 pandemic era. Pete discusses the imaginative benefits of boredom for kids, and lets Doug know about the best pizza in the Bay Area.
Soul is available for streaming now here on Disney Plus.
See the video version of this interview on YouTube at https://youtu.be/JuiEIp1FEdk
Learn more about First Presbyterian Church in Bellingham, Washington at www.fpcbellingham.org
This is an Up Close and Personal interview with Pastor Doug checking in with Brett Bauer and Ryan Niemeyer, FPC's first ever Pastor Husbands.
More familiarly known as Twas the Night Before Christmas... this was a favorite of my fathers and he could sing it as a song... which I will not subject you to...
The sad and joyful conclusion to one of the great Christmas stories. I hope it has brought as much joy to your life as it did to mine.
Part 4 of the birds Christmas Carol in which Mrs. Ruggles teaches her little ones how to behave in society. Special Guest Reader in this episode is Laurie Bunnell.
Part 3 of the birds Christmas Carol in which we hear Carol's Plan to celebrate Christmas by blessing someone else.
Part 2 of The Birds Christmas Carol- In which we learn that Carol is not well and Uncle Jack is coming from England...
Part 1 of my favorite of all Christmas Stories, The Birds' Christmas Carol by Kate Douglas Wiggin... If you listen to any of these stories, listen to all of this one...
A story from Vernon Lee offering another view on the Nativity... it begins "Now I cannot affirm that things did really take place in this manner, but it greatly please me to think that they did." Fra Domincio Cavalca...
A story from Spain by Harrison S. Morris, some miracles are not always what we think...
Part 1 of Leo Tolstoy's Classic short Story "What Men Live By." We meet the stranger Michael who is welcomed into the family and smiles twice!
In which Scrooge leaves the 2nd Ghost and meets up with the scariest of them all... the Ghost of Christmas Future..
In which the Spirit of Christmas Present takes Scrooge to a variety of Christmas Celebrations, ending at his Nephew Freds.
Thus begins the classic Dickens tale of a Christmas Lesson learned... God bless us, every one!