Pastor’s eNote: Weekly Update

God is great and God is good! On Sunday Rev. Celeste Cranston pointed to God’s glory, prompting awe and praise, but also making space for our lament and hard questions. God’s glory, coming personally to us in Jesus, delighting in us, touching us, and lifting us up. As we worshipped the King and sang of the goodness of God together, we felt the breath of the Spirit.

All praise to God for a time of celebration on Friday at our first ever FFMC Family and Friends Valentine’s Dance! A whole lot of pizza was consumed, cookies decorated, and creative cards of love made, as we watched our kids dance with joy. Although not many NQACC families were able to attend due to an early release day, those who came enjoyed an evening full of laughter and connection, supported by FFMC volunteers and beautifully orchestrated by our Children’s Ministry Director Hannah Rogers.

Did you know our Kid’s Camp and nursery are growing? Hannah and our volunteers are excited about the new, engaging curriculum they began in January, and the kiddos who have joined our group. We now have up to 5 toddlers and babies in the nursery. SPU graduate, Ruth Addisu, is our new consistent nursery attendant. But she cannot serve in the nursery alone! More volunteers are urgently needed. Please consider signing up for one Sunday a month by contacting Hannah below. I know you will be blessed by these little ones whom Jesus loves and welcomes!

This Sunday, February 11th, we look forward to welcoming Rev. Hany and his wife Joanne, who serve in the Middle East. God is using them in profound ways to share the Gospel and bring holistic healing. Several years ago, Rev. Hany served on staff at FFMC while he attended SPU Seminary. We count them as part of our faith family and one of our strongest Global Partners. Following Rev. Hany’s message, we will host our Sunday Café in the Fine Center. You are also encouraged to stay for a special combined class time, where they will continue to share more ministry stories and answer questions.

The 40-day Season of Lent is almost upon us! I hope you plan to be a part of our Ash Wednesday Service on February 14th at 7pm in the sanctuary. This will be a meaningful time of reflection, prayer, and the imposition of ashes, as we dedicate ourselves to journey with Jesus in the wilderness. You will also be invited to embrace deeper spiritual disciplines in a variety of ways: 40 days of prayer and journaling, the Wesley Fast, Mid-Week Midday Prayer in the Chapel, and participating in Prayer Rooms across Seattle, among other opportunities.

Pastor Craig will be returning on February 18 to start a new series called “Practice Makes Possible”. We look forward to all that the Holy Spirit has for us in the days ahead.

Grace & Peace,

Pastor Camille Pook

February 6, 2024