Uplook - August 30, 2025
Dear Seattle Saints,
As many of you know, Lori and I were out of town last weekend and as such I did not send a Weekly Uplook. Thanks to Bro. Alex and our guest minister Bro. Ryan who faithfully held things together. We had a nice restful time but are now home and working again. Thanks for allowing us a little time away.
This weekend is what many consider the "end of summer" although technically we have several more weeks before the seasons officially change. I was reminded of an Old Testament scripture from the prophet Jeremiah.
"The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved." Jeremiah 8:20
The context of this short verse is that the nation of Judah has continually turned away from God even as God pleads over and over again for them to "turn", "return", and "repent". Instead, they willfully choose to follow false prophets and teachers, foolishly expecting an unconditional guarantee of God's blessing no matter their behavior. Grief and loss are the outcome of such an attitude.
This summer many of us have had great opportunity to receive from the Lord at camp meetings, youth camps, and even in our times of rest and relaxation. May we not take for granted the hope which these opportunities have offered us. In the New Testament the Apostle Peter responds to some questions about the delay of the Lord's return.
"But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness." 2 Peter 3:8–13
We are living in God's summer of grace and hope but soon the summer will be past and we will all face the question, "Are we saved?" Have our lives been transformed (conduct and conversation) by new life in Christ? It is God's longsuffering love toward us which continues to give us a few more days of "summer". May we all use them wisely,
Housekeeping Notes
Guest minister - We have been blessed to learn that Bro. Howard Wilson is in Seattle for the weekend and he has agreed to preach in the morning. Keep he and Sis. Gale in your prayers. Bible Study - Weekly Wednesday evening Bible Study will resume this Wednesday, September 3 at 7 pm in the third floor Fellowship Hall.
Chehalis Special Meetings - Our sister church in Chehalis is planning special meetings on September 19-21. Please see the flyer posted in the narthex. We will plan to recess Sunday evening service that weekend so we can support these services.
Children's Messages - Children's messages are scheduled to return on September 7. Be praying for those who give these short messages and for the children's hearts to whom they are given.
Musicians - Please note that we anticipate having some training/rehearsals starting sometime next month. You will be hearing more from Sis. Tricia about this in the weeks to come.
Blessings to you all,
BB
Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor
As many of you know, Lori and I were out of town last weekend and as such I did not send a Weekly Uplook. Thanks to Bro. Alex and our guest minister Bro. Ryan who faithfully held things together. We had a nice restful time but are now home and working again. Thanks for allowing us a little time away.
This weekend is what many consider the "end of summer" although technically we have several more weeks before the seasons officially change. I was reminded of an Old Testament scripture from the prophet Jeremiah.
"The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved." Jeremiah 8:20
The context of this short verse is that the nation of Judah has continually turned away from God even as God pleads over and over again for them to "turn", "return", and "repent". Instead, they willfully choose to follow false prophets and teachers, foolishly expecting an unconditional guarantee of God's blessing no matter their behavior. Grief and loss are the outcome of such an attitude.
This summer many of us have had great opportunity to receive from the Lord at camp meetings, youth camps, and even in our times of rest and relaxation. May we not take for granted the hope which these opportunities have offered us. In the New Testament the Apostle Peter responds to some questions about the delay of the Lord's return.
"But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness." 2 Peter 3:8–13
We are living in God's summer of grace and hope but soon the summer will be past and we will all face the question, "Are we saved?" Have our lives been transformed (conduct and conversation) by new life in Christ? It is God's longsuffering love toward us which continues to give us a few more days of "summer". May we all use them wisely,
Housekeeping Notes
Guest minister - We have been blessed to learn that Bro. Howard Wilson is in Seattle for the weekend and he has agreed to preach in the morning. Keep he and Sis. Gale in your prayers. Bible Study - Weekly Wednesday evening Bible Study will resume this Wednesday, September 3 at 7 pm in the third floor Fellowship Hall.
Chehalis Special Meetings - Our sister church in Chehalis is planning special meetings on September 19-21. Please see the flyer posted in the narthex. We will plan to recess Sunday evening service that weekend so we can support these services.
Children's Messages - Children's messages are scheduled to return on September 7. Be praying for those who give these short messages and for the children's hearts to whom they are given.
Musicians - Please note that we anticipate having some training/rehearsals starting sometime next month. You will be hearing more from Sis. Tricia about this in the weeks to come.
Blessings to you all,
BB
Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor
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