Here's a taste of what happened at Seattle First Baptist Church from Sep. - Dec. 2015
New Year's Eve, Dec. 31
Fellowship Hall was the scene of great food, fun for all, and lots of entertainment on New Year's Eve. The Second Annual New York New Years party was a huge success. Thanks to all who made it possible.
Photos courtesy of Lupe Carlos III
Photos courtesy of Lupe Carlos III
Christmas Sunday, Dec. 27
We had a wonderful post-Christmas service, filled with carols and special guests. Photos courtesy of Lupe Carlos III.
Christmas Eve, Dec. 24
The sanctuary glowed with candlelight during the Christmas Eve services. These photos are from the 10:30 p.m. service, courtesy of Lupe Carlos III.
Sunday, Dec. 20 - Fourth Sunday in Advent
Christmas Breakfast and Do-It-Yourself Christmas Pageant
Our Children, Youth and Families Commission hosted a wonderful event again this year. The food was great and the pageant, which began with Pastor Ned the Narrator saying "A long time ago, in a Galilee far far away...," poked fun at Star Wars while paying homage of sorts to the Baby Jesus.
Our Children, Youth and Families Commission hosted a wonderful event again this year. The food was great and the pageant, which began with Pastor Ned the Narrator saying "A long time ago, in a Galilee far far away...," poked fun at Star Wars while paying homage of sorts to the Baby Jesus.
Magnificat - Our 2015 Christmas Concert
Vicky Thomas did a masterful job of leading The Sanctuary Choir and orchestra through this year's Christmas concert. In addition to J.S. Bach's Magnificat, the concert featured many favorite carols. And a special Thank You to our fantastic soloists and guest singers.
Photos courtesy of Lupe Carlos III.
Vicky Thomas did a masterful job of leading The Sanctuary Choir and orchestra through this year's Christmas concert. In addition to J.S. Bach's Magnificat, the concert featured many favorite carols. And a special Thank You to our fantastic soloists and guest singers.
Photos courtesy of Lupe Carlos III.
Moments from Worship
The Intergenerational Choir under the direction of Belle Chenault got things going by singing Joy to the World for the Gathering. The Stern family lit the Advent Candle of Love, and taught us all the song Love Makes a Family during the Time with Children. Natalie Chin and Conrad Smith both contributed their musical talents to the service, and Pastor Patricia Hunter preached about The Mighty Gift of Praise.
The Intergenerational Choir under the direction of Belle Chenault got things going by singing Joy to the World for the Gathering. The Stern family lit the Advent Candle of Love, and taught us all the song Love Makes a Family during the Time with Children. Natalie Chin and Conrad Smith both contributed their musical talents to the service, and Pastor Patricia Hunter preached about The Mighty Gift of Praise.
Sunday, Dec. 13 - Third Sunday in Advent
We had a joyous time on the Third Sunday of Advent, when the candle of Joy was lit. Pastor Patricia Hunter led Adult Learning. Two of our greeters got into the holiday spirit. We helped Pastor Tim Phillips celebrate the anniversary of his 29th Birthday. Our Advent Canticle and candle lighting, led by Zack Fields, focused on Joy. The time with children seemed more tense than usual, calling for high levels of attention. Special music included Natalie Chin on the violin. Pastor Ned Allyn Parker delivered an animated sermon: "Restorative Joy."
A special feature: The Many Faces of Joy, or at least preaching about joy...
Saturday, Dec. 12 - Rehearsing for the upcoming Christmas concerts
The Sanctuary Choir and orchestra spend Saturday morning preparing for next weekend's Christmas concerts. It will be a true team effort!
Sunday, Dec. 6 - Second Sunday in Advent and Communion
Pastor Patricia Hunter began a two-part series on Advent Scriptures during Adult Learning. Today she and the class explored the story of Mary and Elizabeth, Two Unlikely Mothers, from Luke 1. Belle Chenault led the Intergenerational Choir in a traditional French Christmas Carol to begin worship. Vicky Thomas invited the congregation to the many musical events happening at SFBC in December. Wayne McCleskey played a Native American flute as part of the Advent Canticle. Jim Ginn was cantor for The Song of Zechariah. Pastor Tim Phillips got excited during his sermon, and we celebrated Communion.
Sunday, Nov. 29 - a very special day
Honoring Bill Malcomson
We celebrated the ministry of Bill Malcomson, who is retiring as our Theologian in Residence. Bill taught one last Adult Learning class, shared about his love of SFBC and read scripture during the service, and was the guest of honor at lunch following worship. Thank you Bill, for all you have given us over the years. And thank you to everyone who helped make this a very special celebration.
We celebrated the ministry of Bill Malcomson, who is retiring as our Theologian in Residence. Bill taught one last Adult Learning class, shared about his love of SFBC and read scripture during the service, and was the guest of honor at lunch following worship. Thank you Bill, for all you have given us over the years. And thank you to everyone who helped make this a very special celebration.
Notes of Gratitude
Michelle Horsley gave a special organ recital following worship and lunch. She selected music that expressed gratitude, praise, thanksgiving, sharing, and even dancing.
Michelle Horsley gave a special organ recital following worship and lunch. She selected music that expressed gratitude, praise, thanksgiving, sharing, and even dancing.
Moments from Worship
With a theme of It's a Gift to Be Simple, we began celebrating Advent. We lit the Hope candle in our Advent Wreath. Pastor Ned and the children got to open a present early. Service also included special music and a message of Hope.
With a theme of It's a Gift to Be Simple, we began celebrating Advent. We lit the Hope candle in our Advent Wreath. Pastor Ned and the children got to open a present early. Service also included special music and a message of Hope.
Saturday, Nov. 28 - Greening the Sanctuary
A merry band of elves descended on the sanctuary to decorate for Advent and Christmas. Thanks to all who helped brighten our sanctuary with lights and greenery.
Sunday, Nov. 22 - Thanksgiving Sunday
We had a lot to be thankful for on Sunday, Nov. 22. Bill Malcomson, our Theologian in Residence, began his final Adult Learning class before he retires from that position, a discussion of Atul Gawande's book, Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End. The Sanctuary Choir is working extra hard to prepare for Magnificat, this year's Christmas concert, and sectionals met in various rooms around church. During worship we started with a film of what some members of our community are thankful for. Pastor Tim Phillips welcomed us. We welcomed new members, had a baby dedication, and a holiday-themed Time with Children. Naomi Simila-Dickinson read scripture, and Pastor Ned Allyn Parker delivered the message.
Pledge Sunday, Nov. 15
Sunday was especially busy at Seattle First Baptist. Adult Learning featured a double header: Yoram Bauman (and assistant) talked about climate change, carbon tax, and Initiative 732 while Bill Malcomson wrapped up a series about Finding the Words: Languaging Our Faith. During worship, Pat Kile shared an Invitation to Stewardship and two of our youth led us in a responsive reading. Pastor Ned and the children discussed offerings of various types, and a pickup band joined the Sanctuary Choir for a rousing rendition of Save the Country. Pastor Tim Phillips delivered another inspirational message, and we brought our pledges forward while singing God of Every Spire and Steeple. After the service the American Baptist Women hosted a bake sale.
Photos by Lupe Carlos III and Jim Segaar.
Photos by Lupe Carlos III and Jim Segaar.
Sunday, Nov. 8
Trudy James and Harriet Platts wrapped up their Adult Learning offering of Reflections on Living More Deeply. Worship featured Pastor Patricia Hunter.
Photos courtesy of Lupe Carlos III
Photos courtesy of Lupe Carlos III
Sunday, Nov. 1 - All Saints Day
Two new offerings began for Adult Learning. Trudy James, with assistance from Harriet Platts, shared her faith story. Next week they will discuss Reflections on Living More Deeply. Bill Malcomson began a series on Finding the Words: Languaging Our Faith. It will continue through Nov. 15.
In worship, we remembered those in our community who died in the past year. Toni Fields read the scripture lesson. Pastor Ned Allyn Parker did double duty - he preached and did the Time with Children.
In worship, we remembered those in our community who died in the past year. Toni Fields read the scripture lesson. Pastor Ned Allyn Parker did double duty - he preached and did the Time with Children.
Companis Event on Thursday, Oct. 29
Craig Darling was the guest of honor Thursday during Companis' biennial fundraising dinner at the Marriott on the waterfront in Seattle. Many people from the SFBC community were among the attendees.
Sunday, Oct. 25
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Adult Learning - Crossing Borders with Local Ministry Partners Chris Hoke, chaplain and gang ministry director with Tierra Nueva in Skagit Valley, talked about his work with immigrant youth who get involved with gangs. Gangs attract kids without a place in society, he said. Many of these youth came to the U.S. with parents. They do not have a home country and they are labeled "illegals" in this country. Gangs attract the undocumented and unwanted. They meet needs for people without a nation by providing security, employment, income, territory and boundaries, and enemies - who to hate. "Gangs will thrive as long as they keep doing the church's job better than us." |
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Family Halloween Lunch
Assorted ghouls, princesses, super heros, minions, and robots converged on the gym for the annual Family Halloween Lunch. This year the fun included a Bouncy House and pumpkin painting table, as well as food and treats.
Assorted ghouls, princesses, super heros, minions, and robots converged on the gym for the annual Family Halloween Lunch. This year the fun included a Bouncy House and pumpkin painting table, as well as food and treats.
Moments from Worship
Wind Farmer Ned shared a Time with Children on their way to the Family Halloween Lunch. The choir led the way as we sang several favorite hymns, including Amazing Grace. Angie Buysse brought us an Invitation to Stewardship. We also had special music and welcomed a new member into the congregation.
Wind Farmer Ned shared a Time with Children on their way to the Family Halloween Lunch. The choir led the way as we sang several favorite hymns, including Amazing Grace. Angie Buysse brought us an Invitation to Stewardship. We also had special music and welcomed a new member into the congregation.
Sunday, Oct. 18
During Adult Learning, Courtney Burns Cadigan and Paul Tan of Lutheran Community Services talked about their work with the Immigrant and Refugee Children's Program.
Worship included Patrick Green doing a Time with Children. Margaret Norton-Arnold played piano for the Offertory. Pastor Tim Phillips asked us to look at each other and repeat a favorite verse from Ephesians: “There is a power already at work within you that is able to accomplish far more than you can ask or imagine.”
After worship, Pastor Patricia Hunter spoke at a Stewardship Luncheon about managing our personal finances in order to serve the world. Some enjoyed a luscious lunch while others waited patiently.
Worship included Patrick Green doing a Time with Children. Margaret Norton-Arnold played piano for the Offertory. Pastor Tim Phillips asked us to look at each other and repeat a favorite verse from Ephesians: “There is a power already at work within you that is able to accomplish far more than you can ask or imagine.”
After worship, Pastor Patricia Hunter spoke at a Stewardship Luncheon about managing our personal finances in order to serve the world. Some enjoyed a luscious lunch while others waited patiently.
Mindfulness, Meditation, and Mind Fitness with Joel and Michelle Levey - Saturday, Oct. 17
Dr. Joel and Michelle Levey led a group of about 60 people through a series of mindfulness and meditation exercises on Saturday. Two of the many themes were ripples - how we all impact each other - and gratitude.
Nadia Bolz-Weber - Tuesday, Oct. 13
Author and pastor Nadia Bolz-Weber spoke to a full house when she visited Seattle First Baptist as part of a tour for her latest book, Accidental Saints. She read from the book, answered questions, and presided over a raffle of "worthless junk" and a "Ham of God." The raffle benefited Mary's Place. The event was part of the Spiritual Synthesis series co-sponsored with Elliott Bay Book Company.
Sunday, Oct. 11
This week was the first Adult Learning session in a new series focused on Immigration: Crossing Borders with Local Ministry Partners. Peggy Herman, an immigration lawyer with the Northwest Immigration Rights Project and Pat Gunn with AID NW talked about work they do with detainees in the facility in Tacoma, where up to 1,575 people are held. Opportunities exist to volunteer or to contribute supplies such as backpacks, warm clothing, snacks, and many other items.
During worship, Joan Benner encouraged people to attend the program with Dr. Joel and Michelle Levey next Saturday. More information is available by clicking here. Patrick Green found coins in interesting places during the Time with Children. Pastor Patricia Hunter kicked off this year's stewardship drive with an engaging sermon, What's In Your Pocket?
During worship, Joan Benner encouraged people to attend the program with Dr. Joel and Michelle Levey next Saturday. More information is available by clicking here. Patrick Green found coins in interesting places during the Time with Children. Pastor Patricia Hunter kicked off this year's stewardship drive with an engaging sermon, What's In Your Pocket?
Sunday, Oct. 4
Celebration of Creativity Week and World Communion Sunday combined to deliver a lively, heart-felt experience this weekend.
During worship, the Come Sunday Band, made up of all the members of our community who wanted to participate, brought exuberance and joy to the Communion Canticle. A Time with Children elicited smiles and raised hands. The Sanctuary Choir brought us an anthem titled The Artist. Pastors Ned Allyn Parker and Patricia Hunter led Communion. Joan Brenner shared her work, The Human Card, as a blessing. And one of our artists renewed her commitment to the church.
On Wednesday evening, Saturday and Sunday, the Creativity Expo filled Fellowship Hall with art, artists, performance, and great food. See our special Celebration of Creativity page for photos and more from the week.
Thank you to Lupe Carlos III for providing some of these photos.
During worship, the Come Sunday Band, made up of all the members of our community who wanted to participate, brought exuberance and joy to the Communion Canticle. A Time with Children elicited smiles and raised hands. The Sanctuary Choir brought us an anthem titled The Artist. Pastors Ned Allyn Parker and Patricia Hunter led Communion. Joan Brenner shared her work, The Human Card, as a blessing. And one of our artists renewed her commitment to the church.
On Wednesday evening, Saturday and Sunday, the Creativity Expo filled Fellowship Hall with art, artists, performance, and great food. See our special Celebration of Creativity page for photos and more from the week.
Thank you to Lupe Carlos III for providing some of these photos.
Sunday, Sept. 27
Artist Lupe Carlos III kicked off activities for Celebration of Creativity Week during Adult Learning with a talk about creativity and spirituality. The Homecoming Quilt continued to grace the sanctuary. Pat Kile shared a favorite line from the hymn My Shepherd Is the Living God: "No more a stranger or a guest, but like a child at home." Pastor Ned Allyn Parker and the young at heart took a selfie with "Flat Jesus." Janet Whitlock and the Sanctuary Choir led us in praise. Keith Ervin shared parts of Pope Francis' Laudato Si. Pastor Tim Phillips challenged us with a thought-provoking sermon. After the service, senior adults gathered for lunch and to listen to Diane Rohrbach on the topic of Fare Nutrition/Healthy Aging.
Second Sunday of Homecoming, Sept. 20
Inaugural Poet Richard Blanco read, chatted and signed books on Saturday evening. People in attendance described the experience as powerful and thought-provoking. Pastor Tim Phillips interviewed Richard during Adult Learning on Sunday. Worship included Pastor Patricia Hunter, Richard Blanco, and Pastor David Kile. Margaret Norton-Arnold introduced our special guest, funded by the Romney Endowment. Sterling Morris and Belle Chenault had leading roles in the music for the day. Pastor Tim Phillips preached, and Pastor Ned Allyn Parker did the Time with Children.
Photos courtesy of Lupe Carlos III
Photos courtesy of Lupe Carlos III
Homecoming Sunday, Sept. 13
The church year got off to a great start on Homecoming Sunday, Sept. 13. Pastor Patricia Hunter shared her Faith Journey during Adult Learning. The choir returned from summer break and filled the sanctuary with beautiful music. Patrick Green and the children honored Pastor Ned Allyn Parker on his fifth anniversary at SFBC. Faith Raymon gathered us with a poem called Home. Janet Hasselblad introduced the Homecoming Quilt that she created, using panels that reflect how various members of our community interpret "home." We welcomed new members. Pastor Ned preached, then invited everyone to Fellowship Hall for a potluck, continuing last week's celebration of Communion. Lots of fun followed the food, including words from Pastor Tim Phillips, conversation, crafts, and even football.
Photos courtesy of Lupe Carlos III
Photos courtesy of Lupe Carlos III
Wednesday, Sept. 10
Wednesday night dinners and programs are back in full swing at SFBC. Conversation, food, and pranks all flowed freely during dinner. Pastor Tim Phillips presented a program on The Meaning of Home.
Photos courtesy of Lupe Carlos III
Photos courtesy of Lupe Carlos III
Sunday, Sept. 6
Pastor Patricia Hunter led the service, and the hugging. Pastor Ned Allyn Parker's Time with Children also drew some of the Young at Heart. Aaron Burkhalter joined Michelle Horsley for Special Music, and Michelle played both piano and organ. Pastors Tim Phillips and Patricia Hunter offered Communion.
Photos by Lupe Carlos III
Photos by Lupe Carlos III
