A Word from Pastor Elizabeth: The Story That Tells Us Who We Are
As the "What We Need Is Here" series comes to a close, Pastor Elizabeth reflects on the gift of storytelling, the Christian story of salvation, and gratitude as…
A Word from Pastor Elizabeth: Peace with Justice Sunday
On Peace with Justice Sunday, Pastor Elizabeth reflects on what justice means, welcoming new members, and the good things ahead for First Church.
A Word from Pastor Elizabeth: Pentecost
As we celebrate Pentecost, Pastor Elizabeth reflects on the First Church Forward word cloud, the practice of Holy Communion, and the movement of the Holy Spirit.
A Word from Pastor Elizabeth: Where to Find Good News
Amid a flood of difficult headlines, Pastor Elizabeth reflects on our need for good news — and where to find it.
Congregation Care with Pastor Doug
Like most other churches I’ve served, I’m discovering Seattle First has a very efficient system of congregational care. The Pastor (Jeremy) and a layperson (Joyce) are both recipients…
Pastoral Letter: Response to Uvalde
This is what the LORD says: “A voice is heard in [Uvalde], mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they…
Pastoral Letter: Responding to the Supreme Court’s Draft Opinion overturning Roe vs. Wade
In Matthew 23, Jesus condemns those who claim to be religious and pious but fail to care for their neighbor. He says “they tie together heavy packs that…
Pastors’ Column: Bound Together
One of my professors at Boston University School of Theology, the late Dr. Dale P. Andrews, wrote once about the 1958 movie “The Defiant Ones” starring the recently-deceased…
Introducing our Advent Theme: “Close to Home”
Dear First Church family, In German, one word describes the feeling of consciousness and being so content that it brings comfort and relaxation: Gemütlichkeit. There is no direct…
A Change of Appointment for Pastor Yvonne
Dear First Church, I am writing to let you know that Bishop Elaine Stanovsky has appointed me as pastor of Redmond United Methodist Church effective February 1, 2022. …