Welcome Home

Dear Seattle First Baptist Family,

We likely all know the story of Jacob and Esau. The younger brother swindles his older brother out of his family inheritance and then tricks their blind father into giving him the birthright blessing instead. Jacob then flees in fear of Esau’s anger and starts a new life. It’s a familiar story that many of us have heard since childhood, but did you know that Esau and Jacob meet again years later? They meet again and Jacob is scared. He puts himself in front of his family having them stay back while he goes to meet Esau, because he just doesn’t know what Esau might do. Much to Jacob’s surprise and delight, Esau runs to him and embraces him. The brothers fall to the ground embracing and weeping. All has been forgiven. The brothers find home with each other again.

It’s a beautiful story of forgiveness, love, and welcome. The story reminds us of the love God has for each of us. God is always waiting to welcome us home with joy and open arms. It’s a story about always being able to come home again, because home is not just a place. Home is also the people we love.

Church is not just a place. Church is not just our building on the corner of Harvard and Seneca, it’s also the people. It’s the people across time who have called Seattle First Baptist Church home. It’s the people who have welcomed each other, loved each other, and shown up for each other time and time again. No matter how long it’s been, at Seattle First Baptist Church there is always a loving embrace to welcome you home.

On Sunday, September 7, 2024, Seattle First Baptist Church will celebrate Homecoming. During worship we will have a blessing of the backpacks to send our students into a new school year, sing some of our favorite hymns, and hear a wonderful sermon from Pastor Anita. After worship, we will gather for lunch in the Fellowship Hall. There is no reservation necessary and no cost for the lunch.

Whether it has been a week, a month, a year, or many years since you’ve been home to SFBC, whether you will be here in body or in spirit through our YouTube channel, join us on Homecoming Sunday. No matter where we go, what we do, or how long it has been, God is always waiting with open arms to welcome us home to love. 

We’ll see y’all at Home,

Pastor Leigh Curl-Dove and Pastor Anita Peebles