It is Saturday and the sun is shining.  The trees are in bloom and daffodils dot the yards in our neighborhood.  And yet this particular Saturday, the one between Good Friday and Easter, brings a bit of melancholy and introspection to the forefront.  I am struck with a couple of thoughts which I will share with you today.

The first is what I call "in between" which is the kind of feelings this day perhaps evokes for us.  The horror of the cross with all of its suffering and pain grieves us almost to the point of physical sickness.  Such brutality and disregard for human life in general and in particular toward the innocent and perfect life of Jesus.  This is what the early disciples were overwhelmed by along with a dashing of their now understood as somewhat shallow hope that Jesus would deliver Israel.  In some years past we have celebrated a Tenebrae service on Good Friday to emphasize just how dark it was on that particular day with what seemed to be all hope extinguished.  And yet... in that service the final solitary candle representing Jesus is not extinguished but rather carried out of the room as we contemplate the darkness.   I wonder if sometimes we also feel as if our hope has been extinguished by the pain and brutality of our world or even our particular current situation.  And yet,  be reminded that while it may seem that the light of Jesus has been "taken out of the room" and things are terribly dark, that we now know that light returns in glorious brightness on the third day with the resurrection.  May we learn the lessons of Saturday; the day "in between",  Lessons of grieving, waiting, wondering, trying to understand, frustration, tears, and weariness that leave us in between.  And yet, may we also remember that the light has not been extinguished but only removed from the room for a while.  

This all gives rise to what some theologians call "the already but not yet".  This phrase was developed in the early 20th century and made popular later in the century reminding us that God's kingdom is both present now but also a future kingdom which will fully fulfill God's promises.  With Jesus' arrival at the incarnation, the kingdom of God was now present as the king had arrived but it was also not yet.  It was further revealed in Christ's live, death, and resurrection culminating with the astounding words "It is finished" and "He is not here, He is risen."  but even then, what was "already" had not come to complete fruition because Jesus had not yet ascended to the Father or sent the Holy Spirit to empower believers to spread the news of the kingdom to the whole world.  And with that there is also the matter of Jesus' promised return to set up a literal kingdom judging the nations.  Only then will what we "already" have experienced in our hearts and know by faith to be true be fully realized and the "not yet" will become complete and full reality.  

So today on the Saturday "in between" grasp tightly to the "already" knowing that "the not yet" is still coming.  Dear saints, that is the hope of the resurrection for each of us.

God bless you all.
BB

Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor

Dear Saints,
 
As I gazed out my office window today at the beautiful ornamental plum trees planted in front of the house which are overflowing with gorgeous white blossoms; a scripture came to my mind.   Here it is:

"After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; 10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. 11 And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, 12 Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen. 13 And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? 14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. 16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. 17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes."  Revelation 7:9–17 

We are about to celebrate Palm Sunday which commemorates the worship given to Jesus as He entered into the city of Jerusalem.  We know what followed less than a week later.  

This scripture speaks also of palms in the hands of worshippers but this worship will be sincere and pure and eternal in nature because they (hopefully all of us) have washed their robes and made them while in the Blood of the precious Lamb of God which was slain on Calvary.  

In the words of a contemporary hymn..."There will be a day..." when all the hunger and thirst will be gone, no scorching heat or cold, and God Himself will wipe away all of our tears.   I want to be there on that day...don't you?

Reminders - There will be choir practice at 3:00 PM tomorrow.  
Also...there will be no Bible Study next week.  

Blessings,
BB
Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor

Happy Saturday to all,

As I was working on tomorrow's sermon, I spent some time in Galatians chapter 6.  It begins challenging us as believers to restore those who have been caught in faults/errors either intentional or unintentional considering that we also may need restoration.  It goes on to speak about the bearing of burdens, both those of others and our own.   It warns us against the deception of pride and that we must examine or prove our own actions and not compare with others.  It also then speaks of sharing with those who teach the Word faithfully to us.    That is a summary of the first six verses...but the ones that caught my eye are the three which follow.   Here they are:  

"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." Galatians 6:7–9

We must not sneer at or mock God in deception thinking that if we live contrary to the scriptures ...refusing restoration, refusing to bear either our own or other's burdens, proudly declaring we are not like others, living without serious self-examination, and selfishly refusing to share what God has provided, that the crop which will eventually grow will not be corruptible.  But by God's grace and help if we live in alignment with the scriptures then we are sowing to the Spirit and from that will grow a thriving eternal kind of living.  

May we not be wearying in doing what God has instructed/commanded because we know the outcome will come in God's perfect timing.  God bless you all as you plant in the Spirit.

Reminder - We do have choir practice tomorrow at 3:30 in the afternoon.  Thanks for your faithfulness.

Blessings,

BB
Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor

Greetings to all,

It is not too often that we have snow, rain, hail, and sunshine all within a 24-hour period but today was that kind of day.

 Someone has said that the only thing constant in life is "change".   And from a day-to-day practical perspective it may often feel much like that is true.  Different school schedules, different menus, different traffic, different challenges, and the list goes on and on.  In many ways change can be annoying or frustrating but occasionally downright frightening.  When Costco changes something they have always stocked, we are annoyed.  When we go to a place of business or perhaps a medical provider and find that they have changed their hours of service, we can feel frustrated.  And when we find that those upon whom we depend for life giving support have changed their phone numbers or locations, it can be frightening.
 
Consider the words of the prophet Malachi:
"For I am the Lord, I change not; Therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed." Malachi 3:6   

The context of the verse is a Messianic prophecy of the coming of a messenger preparing the way before the LORD. The LORD will take residence in the temple as the one who gave the covenant. He will refine, purify, and purge His people so their offerings will be righteous.  (They were not)  He will also come near in judgement and witness against a variety of abominable actions including sorcery, adultery, liars, and those that oppress employees, widows, orphans and others from outside Israel without fearing God.

So...the LORD's mercy and lovingkindness will never change just as His justice and judgement for evil will never change.  He does not acquit the wicked but exacts righteous judgement.  Without it His holy character would be impugned (lack integrity).  And so, it is this LORD who came in human flesh offering Himself as sinless ransom for human sins and sinfulness.  Not only do the sons of Jacob need not be consumed but you and I also need not be consumed and die in our sins.  Because the LORD does not change...His justice has been satisfied by His mercy/love in Christ's crucifixion.  And if we will only repent and believe, this mercy is freely extended to us.

We need not fear all the change around us as long as this one thing, the LORD, stays constant.   In that we can rejoice.

God bless you all.
BB

Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor

Happy Saturday,

We have safely returned from the Tabernacle meetings in Portland and were certainly blessed during our time there.  Thank you for your prayers for my presentation to the ministers and continue to pray for Bro. Alex who is running youth services there today .  

The special meetings there were held on the old campground which was established over 100 years ago and still houses the original tabernacle building.  Of course, over the years it has been enclosed, wings and a platform added along with heat and air conditioning.  Other areas of the campground continue to be improved, including 14 new cabins complete with utilities for next camp meeting.   There is still much to update physically as the Lord provides but we thank God that we have not updated what is preached and taught.  I'm reminded of the words of the prophet Jeremiah:

"Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein." Jeremiah 6:16

God encouraged the southern kingdom of Judah to stand up and take a good look at their situation and then to ask for the direction which God had already established for his covenant people to walk.  It was a good way, established by his deliverance and covenant promises of including the promised land.  And once that way had been rediscovered, if they would faithfully follow and walk in it they would find rest and thriving lives of shalom (peace).  

Unfortunately, the text also records that their response was NO...we won't walk in that established way.  The consequences for such a decision were disastrous for them and similar choices today will result in the same disastrous results.  May we by God's grace, not only seek the "old paths" which have proven successful in giving people thriving wholeness and eternal life, but also walk in them.  God will give us rest for our souls.  In today's troubled world, that is good news indeed.  

Reminder - Tomorrow marks the beginning of Daylight savings time and it is important to move your clocks one hour forward.   Also, there is choir practice tomorrow afternoon for those who are involved.  

God bless you all,

BB

Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor

Dear Saints,

What a beautiful Saturday in Seattle (which we never take for granted).  I've been preparing a presentation for the upcoming Ministers Training Sessions at our Portland Tabernacle Meetings next week.  I think some of the quotes I am using may be encouraging to you as well so I will share a few here today as I think they apply to more than just preachers.  They come from a book entitled "The Heart of the Yale Lectures" by Bastell Baxter and from a talk given by Bro. Nolan Roby on the same book 19 years ago.  

"Preaching is the communication of truth by man to men...through truth and personality."  pg 3
We all can communicate truth to others ...and it happens through our unique God given personalities.  

"The preacher is the sermon. He is the message. His life is the sermon that he preaches. NJR
We cannot separate our lives from the messages we share with people as parents, children, employees, employers, or ministers.  What you are speaks louder than what you say.  

"A Christlike personality ...cannot be resisted...it draws men across all barriers of race, creed, and condition..." pg 20
Living for Christ becomes an irresistible draw to those with no hope or purpose.  The barriers created by culture or perceived identities are broken down by Christ and what He did on Calvary.

"...the most important times of our lives as ministers are the times we spend alone with God. There is no substitute for that." NJR
This is true not only for ministers but for all of us...God wishes to walk with us in the cool of the day in the garden of His love and care if we will make time for Him.  

I don't want to share all or I'll have no presentation to make, but I thought these might be encouraging for you as we enter March.   Please note there will be no Bible Study this next week due to the Tabernacle meetings.  May I encourage you to watch them at: apostolicfaith.org.  

God bless you all and enjoy the sunshine.  
BB

Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor

Greetings again from Seattle,

Lori and I have returned safely from our time in the Philippines.  It was a very busy schedule and I apologize for not sending updates but will fill you in a bit on some highlights of our trip.  Thank you so much for your prayers.  

While not a highlight, we were happy to arrive after some challenges in our schedule due to plane mechanical issues.   Let's be clear, I am happy to NOT travel on an airplane which is deemed unsafe but the resulting rescheduling and waiting were not a joyous time but by God's grace we arrived in Manila (via Vancouver BC rather than San Francisco) a mere 31 hours after leaving home with only a 3 hour drive remaining.  God was gracious and we had planned a rest day so caught up before our schedule began.  

We were able to visit eight of our branch churches in addition to the Headquarters church.  We held services in six of those churches.  These services included the 42nd anniversary of one congregation and the 63rd anniversary of the Headquarters church as well as the ordination of two new pastors and the installation of a new Philippine Board member.  We also held a seminar entitled "Imago Dei - Christian Relationships" which I developed from a Bible Study we gave in Seattle last Fall.    

We were thrilled to see many that we have known over the years but even more thrilled at the new young faces in every congregation.  We were thrilled to feel a strong outpouring of the Holy Spirit around the altars in many of the services.  A highlight was praying with a sister who received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit after one service as well as many other receiving blessings.  

I would be remiss if I did not share that one night (February 11) was reserved to celebrate Lori's 70th birthday and celebrate they did.  Balloons, food, gifts, singing by a children's choir and also by a men's choir.  And of course, there was lots of food.  They honored her for her faithfulness over the years in coming and supporting them (and me).  Our children each also blessed us with short video greetings to their mother even though she was far away.  

Our final day was spent visiting our church group in Cavite province.  This group has met for over 12 years as a church and a few before that as an outreach.  They have recently purchased a lot upon which to build a church building.  We were able to go and view the lot and neighborhood there.  Please pray for the Lord to continue to provide for the building of this church and for the spread of the Gospel in that province.  

Thank you again for your prayers and patience in allowing Lori and me to minister there.  We are glad to be home (although a bit chilly...it was 85 degrees in the Philippines) and will be glad to see many of you again at church tomorrow.  

God bless,
BB
Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor

Dear Seattle Saints,

It is done!    Now I know that I just preached about that last Sunday, quoting from the book of The Revelation.  But it bears repeating these days that God is making all things new.  

And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. Revelation 21:5–6

It is also wise for us to remember that the Lord not only knows the beginning from the end (i.e. He is not at all confused like much of our society today)  but HE IS the beginning and the end.  He is sufficient for all our needs and also has offered to us free access to the water of life through the sacrificial life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.  We have tasted of that fountain at salvation and even more fully with entire sanctification and the baptism of the Holy Spirit, but what a wonderful thought that we will have physical access to that which we have only tasted and our souls have longed for more of.  

And also...It is done...yes that's correct.  Our sanctuary remodel is complete.  Old things have been made new with paint, carpet, pews, and blinds.   There is still a little touch up here and there and perhaps a bit of further decorating but we rejoice the project is complete.  Thanks for your prayers and support.  

A couple of other short thoughts.  First, you should have received your year-end 2025 contribution letters in the mail.  If there is a problem, please let me know and I will correct upon our return from Asia.   Second, Lori and I covet your prayers for our upcoming trip to the Philippines for a safe trip, strength and heath, and God's blessing on our churches there.   Thanks so much.

In Christ,
BB
Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor

Happy Saturday,

While working at my desk today I was reminded of several songs because of the wonderful (though cold) sunshine which we have uncharacteristically experienced over the last few weeks.  Consider these lyrics.

Sunshine in the Soul -   by EE Hewitt 1887
There is sunshine in my soul today, More glorious and bright Than glows in any earthly sky, For Jesus is my light.
Refrain:
O there’s sunshine, blessed sunshine, When the peaceful happy moments roll:
When Jesus shows His smiling face, There is sunshine in the soul.
2 There is music in my soul today, A carol to my King, And Jesus, listening, can hear The songs I cannot sing. [Refrain]
3 There is springtime in my soul today, For when the Lord is near, The dove of peace sings in my heart, The flowers of grace appear. [Refrain]
4 There is gladness in my soul today, And hope and praise and love,For blessings which He gives me now, For joys "laid up" above. [Refrain]

Would to God that we all had the glorious light of Jesus beaming not only into our souls but also reflecting back to others from our souls.  I have often mentioned to people here that on sunny days people are just nicer to one another in general.  This is always true of the Christian because of the smile of Jesus.   Romans 8:1 declares that we are free from the guilt and condemnation which clouded our lives as sinners.  Verse 3 speaks of the "dove of peace" singing in our hearts and "flowers of grace" appearing.  What an inspiring thought, that God's peace which passes our understanding is within our hearts and His grace springs up even in the coldest and most unlikely places.  May we (as encouraged in verses 2 and 4) let our souls be filled music and gladness: A spontaneous response to the light of God's love (no matter the weather around us).  While it is not likely that we will experience this physical sunshine a lot more during this season of the year, we can experience God's sunshine in our souls no matter the season or weather.  His blessings given now and the hope which we have laid up for us above should carry us through by God's grace.  

Sanctuary update:   Our sanctuary remodel is nearly complete.  Paint was completed a couple weeks ago and new carpet installed last week.  Our AV system has been upgraded to include 3 cameras so our live stream for those who are unable to get to service is of a much better quality.  This week new pews were delivered and installed and early next week new blinds will be installed on the windows.  God has provided and we thank Him for that as well as the many who have come down to help with the work and the transition of chairs, hymnbooks, music stands, etc. for these past few weeks.  God bless you all.  May we all give God glory for all He has done.  

In Christ,
BB

William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor

Dear Seattle Saints,

Today we celebrated the life of one of our members, Bro. Donnie Ferguson who went to be with the Lord on November 12 of last year.  He was the third of four children born to godly parents who attended our Tacoma, WA church faithfully for many years.  Donnie was what some describe as disabled or "special needs" and yet today we celebrated his life as uniquely created in God's image and sustained by that same God throughout his years.  I tried to share with those present (and now each of you) that they two are uniquely created in God's image, each with blessings and challenges.  

We know that all of creation was marred and infected with the sin and disobedience of the first couple in the Garden of Eden.  This has passed from generation to generation down to today and brings us to the dialectic tension caused between a creation in God's image that also is infected with evil.    We thank the Lord that Donnie's parents taught him well that the only answer for sin and its scars is a renewed relationship with God through the shed blood of Jesus Christ.  And in his own simple way, Donnie believed and received that answer in his own life.  

Though some might have thought him as less...God saw him as more.  In the last few years Donnie was plagued with illness which eventually took one of his kidneys, and his left leg, yet you seldom heard him complain.  He believed that the God his mother had told him about was a good God and could be trusted.  Donnie trusted that God right until the end.  I had the great privilege to be with Donnie as he stepped into the arms of a loving savior and there was a quiet peace in that room and awe by those surrounding him.  

Donnie loved sports (Seahawks, Mariners, Huskies, etc.) and seldom missed watching or listening to a game.  But more than that, Donnie loved Jesus and his family and all of you.  He would be thrilled if the Seahawks go on to win the Super Bowl this year for sure.  But in reality, that happens one year and there will be another winner the following year.  I think he would also be thrilled if we all joined him in Heaven with Jesus where he is now completely whole as will we be if we join him.  That my dear friends will last for all eternity.  

Housekeeping Notes:
Sanctuary remodel - Our old pews have been donated and the entire sanctuary is now repainted.  Carpet and installers arrive tomorrow afternoon so if you're available on Monday or Tuesday I'm sure there is plenty of work to share in.   And I am thrilled to report that our new pews are scheduled to be delivered and installed on January 21.  We have also ordered new window blinds and will be upgrading our AV system during this time.  Thank you for your prayers.  
Road Closure - I-5 North is closed for the weekend but the express lanes are open north so please don't stay away if you live on the south end.  
Tax Letters - The IRS requires that these letters go out before the end of the month. Usually they are completed sooner but with the remodel it may take another week or two.  Thank you for your patience.  
God Bless,
BB
Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor

Happy New Year!  

I learned recently that the early Roman calendar consisted of only 10 months...beginning in March and concluding in December.  If is fascinating to me that the dark winter months of what we know as January and February did not even rank being named.  The short days, bad weather, etc. made it difficult to cultivate fields or go to war and as such this time period was "unassigned".  

In Seattle, our short days and rainy weather can sometimes make us feel a bit like the early Romans did feeling like this time is kind of a "loss" or "unassigned" time to get through.  Yet, we know the scriptures tell us differently.

Genesis 1:14 And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:
Ecclesiastes 3:1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
Daniel 2:21 And he changeth the times and the seasons: He removeth kings, and setteth up kings: He giveth wisdom unto the wise, And knowledge to them that know understanding:

As we begin the new year may we remember our great Creator who created not only sunshine but also snow and rain, who set the earth a perfect distance from the Sun to make it habitable and "tipped" it just enough to give us a variety of seasons which we in the Pacific Northwest are blessed to enjoy.  And may we also remember that to each time and season there is a purpose, not only generally and environmentally but personally for each of us. Perhaps you are in a dark season in your life, and just holding on.  If that is the case, please know you are not alone and God is not nearly as distant as it might seem.  May His purpose be accomplished even in this season.  And may we not be soon troubled in mind or heart about the world around us.  God is still in charge as He was in the time of the prophet Daniel: changing times/seasons, setting up and putting down whom He will on the world's stage which is His.

Finally, may He give each of us wisdom and knowledge of how to live for Him daily in the next year until Jesus returns.  

God bless you all.

BB

Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor

Dear saints,

I try not to make these devotionals too personal or too humorous but the last couple of days have been bursting with joy.  

We welcomed a new grandson, Owen James Morgan yesterday (12/26) in the late afternoon/early evening.  8 pounds 7 1/2 ounces and 20 3/4 inches long.  Mom (Erin) and baby are doing well; Dad is very happy and big sister Mara ...is SO EXCITED.  She has been with us and plans to meet up with them at home later tonight.  

So...good news need not be long or involved.  Join with us and them in our joy.   God is good all the time.  

PS.  There will only be SS and AM service tomorrow.  No PM service.  We will undecorate the church after morning service.   God bless you all.  

BB

Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor

Micah 5:2 But thou, Beth-lehem Ephratah, Though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; Whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

Have you ever wondered why Bethlehem?  It is only a few short miles from Jerusalem, the royal city.  Around 750 years prior to Christ's birth the prophet Micah told us of the place it would happen.  He prophesied during troubling times in Palestine. The Assyrian Empire ultimately captured most of Judah (having already conquered Israel to the north) except Jerusalem. Beyond that corruption has infected most of the land and God is now allowing it to be taken from them.  Chapter 6 uses a courtroom style dialogue to emphasize God's heart toward His people culminating with Micah 6:8:

Micah 6:8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; And what doth the Lord require of thee, But to do justly, and to love mercy, And to walk humbly with thy God?

Jewish scribes and sages familiar with scripture knew Micah well. At the arrival of the Magi (Wise Men) they reported to the wicked King Herod that Bethlehem would be the place where the Jewish king would be born.  in Jerusalem.  Consider that these same scribes and sages would have been just as familiar with the second verse quoted above.
 
But why Bethlehem?   The Jewish nation was expecting a deliverer, the "Anointed One" or Messiah.  They just didn't expect Him to arrive in such a humble place and circumstances.   Bethlehem - which in Hebrew is a combination of two words meaning "house" and "bread" so means "House of Bread" was where King David had been born.  The greatest Jewish king,  but one who came from humble beginnings as Jesse's youngest son, a shepherd...not at all one anticipated to be king.   And this small town not even included in most geographical lists of towns in Judea, was called Ephratah (to differentiate it from another town of the same name) which also means "fruitful".   It was outside this town that lambs for temple sacrifices were raised and it is perhaps such that the shepherds were watching when the Angel appeared at Jesus' birth.  

It was from this small unheralded town that One whose goings were from old (or long ago implying from David's lineage/time), but more importantly from eternity,  would come forth to be God's ruler in Israel (and ultimately the whole world).  Could this have been God's way of illustrating Micah 6:8 ...a humble, just and merciful king who desires the same three qualities from His followers:  Justice/righteousness/, mercy/grace, and humility?  May the Lord help us all, no matter our birthplace or status in life to reflect these qualities of our king, Jesus Christ who exemplified them not only in His birthplace, but throughout His life, death, and resurrection.

Housekeeping Notes: 

1. Special music. Tomorrow the choir will present special music and the children receive a special story during the morning worship service.  Our young people will be exchanging "White Elephant gifts" after church and all are invited to join for pizza upstairs.  In the evening will be our annual Carols and Candles service.
2. Schedule. There will be no Bible Study on either Christmas Eve or New Years Eve.
3. Year End donations. For those with questions concerning year end donations for tax purposes.  If your donations are made in cash, they must be received by 12/31.  If by check, they must be dated by 12/31 and received no later than Jan 10th.   If you make donations via our website/app these are only deposited once weekly on Wednesday's so donations should be made by 12/27/25 for inclusion in the year end deposit.  

Merry Christmas,
BB
Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor 

Dear Saints,

Last week I wrote about birthdays and this week I am reminded of anniversaries.   I was born on December 7 and in American history that date is the anniversary of one of the most terrible attacks thrust upon our country (before 9/11).   We used to joke when I was growing up about bad things happening on that day.   I was reminded by an older sister recently that her brother was born on that date and turned 18 in 1941, the same date of the tragedy.  I have recently learned that another of our beloved younger saints shares my birthday and so I am reminded that good things also happen on that date.    

Lori and I also celebrated our 49th wedding anniversary this week.  Now that is a good way to celebrate a date, I think.  We were in college when we married, serving the Lord, and very much in love so when I figured out, we could afford to marry (barely I now realize),  I proposed and she said yes.  Unknown to her was the consecration I had made to the Lord that without her parents and our pastor's blessing we would wait.  Thank the Lord they all gave their blessing and the rest is history.    We bought our first Christmas tree ornament on our honeymoon and have over the years purchased another ornament each year during our travels.  This year is the 50th ornament and they now fill our entire tree.   We are indeed blessed.  

I write about this anniversary because I was reminded of another this morning when I read the Apostolic Faith HQ daily devotional.  I wrote it a number of years ago on a text from Mark 10 which is Jesus quoting the Genesis account of the creation of marriage.   The slice of life I chose to share was a very personal story about the love of my own mother and father through the years and the example of love and commitment they showed.  I would encourage you to read or listen to it if you have time.  

We are thankful for the goodness of God all year long but for us...this time of year we're especially thankful that the Lord has given us a loving and lasting marriage by His grace.  We are so appreciative of those who have invested in us through the years and desire to return that same to others in the days ahead.  

God bless,

BB

Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor

Happy December,

I think I have mentioned before that I have a December birthday and  growing up, my mother would not allow us to decorate for Christmas until my birthday was over.  I understand she was trying to protect the celebration of my birthday, but practically it bought a bit of consternation to my younger sister and also to my grandmother who lived nearby.   On the evening of my birthday, usually following an "official birthday dinner" and the opening of presents, my sister and I began pleading with my mother to allow us to get the Christmas decorations down from the attic.  

I have since learned that there are myriad customs around the world for celebrating Christmas, and they begin as early as Autumn and sometimes extend well into January, with the traditional Christian celebration of Epiphany marking the arrival off the Magi (think the 12 days of Christmas).

And that brings me to my point today...when should we celebrate the birth of Jesus?   Oh, I am not referring to the controversy over the placing the celebration on December 25 which also was the timing of another Roman festival. Nor am I concerned about the fact that it was fairly likely that the birth happened in the springtime rather than in winter based upon when shepherds were out.   What I am talking about is when in our hearts should we celebrate this miraculous happening which theologians call the Incarnation?  John's gospel declares:

"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth."  John 1:14

The obvious answer is that this celebration should be an ongoing one in our hearts no matter the calendar date or the world situation or even our own personal situation.   Let me tell you why I believe this is true (quoting/paraphrasing from a famous theologian named J.I. Packer):

1. The baby born at Bethlehem was God. John says earlier that he was with God and was God and was life...the light of men.  John further declares the baby Jesus was none other than the eternal Word of God.  
2. The baby born at Bethlehem was God made man.   Jesus was a real human baby, no less God than before.  Packer says "He was not now God minus some elements of his deity, but God plus all that he had made his own by taking manhood to himself."  He learned what it means to be human including temptation, pain, loss, and ultimately death.  It was for this purpose He came and it meant love beyond comprehension. 

And because of this the "spirit of Christmas" should be celebrated by true Christians all year long.   Jesus' example of humility and giving of Himself should be the inspiration of that celebration ...with caring, sharing, giving, and offering hope to all with whom we come in contact.    So...get the decorations down (if you have not already) and celebrate the season but never forget that for us...the season is all year long.  

God bless you all,
BB
 Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor 

Happy Saturday Evening,

Tomorrow marks the first Sunday of the Advent season.  As you may know, we traveled this year for Thanksgiving.  Our trip was about 750 miles round trip by car.  With holiday traffic,  that amounted to about 13 hours in the car.  Just a couple of weeks ago, Lori and I travelled to Chicago by airplane.   The roundtrip distance for that trip was about 3,500 miles but we spent about the same amount of time traveling.  

All this travel caused my mind to wander and wonder about the Magi and the trip which they made to see the Christ child.     While we only know they came "from the east" scholars suggest that perhaps they came from Babylon (about 400 miles) but more likely they came from ancient Persia (Modern Iran) which was a trip of 800-900 miles.  There were obviously no automobiles or airplanes and the distance was traversed at best by camel and worst on foot which means it was from a month to perhaps 4 months.    We traveled to see family members who were loved and valued while the Magi traveled to see the "King of the Jews" ...the Jewish Messiah/Christ.   As my mind continued to wonder and wander about travel, I thought of the distance beyond measure which Jesus took from His hallowed place at the right hand of the Father to a lowly manger bed in a cave or stable in Bethlehem.   I suppose all of this puts our travel into some perspective.   We usually travel either for things or people we love or for necessary tasks that must be performed.   Jesus did both of those...loving us enough to make the trip which was so necessary because of the sin which separates all humanity from their loving Creator.    

And yes of course we had a nice Thanksgiving,  but never want to lose sight of why we are truly thankful...not just for blessings but because of a God who loved us enough to send His unique and one-of-a-kind Son, just so our family tie with Him could be renewed.   A good way to start the Advent season I think, don't you?  

Housekeeping Notes:
Card Rack - There is a card rack in the Narthex where you may place Christmas cards for those who regularly attend church in person.   Please DO NOT place cards there which need to be mailed as we cannot do that for you.  
Camp meeting Sign up - I have been informed that the Portland HQ website link will open registration for 2026 Portland Camp meeting on December 1.   Dates for that camp are June 28-July 12.  They want me to remind you to register early since accommodations are limited.   Also, for those who are renting rooms/cabins, full payment will be needed to secure reservations.  No payment is needed for those wishing to stay in cabins without utilities.   Sanctuary Refurbish - It is our plan to refurbish the entire first floor of the church during the month of January.  Paint, new carpet, and new pews will all be installed, Lord willing.  This may disrupt the schedule and seating for several Sundays after the New Year and I wanted you all to be award of the changes.  Please pray all goes smoothly.  
Blessings
BB

Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor

Happy Saturday,

This has been a good week for our family.  During this week every year we celebrate three family birthdays.  It begins with the birth of our only son and finishes with the birth of our youngest daughter.  In the middle we celebrate the birth of our oldest daughter's only daughter (our granddaughter).   That is a lot of celebration for one week but I am reminded as we celebrate, the real miracle of birth.  It is not just a random combination of chemicals and elements gathered together by chance but instead a miraculous design by a Master Designer, the same one who designed the Universe.  

I am also reminded as we approach the holidays of the even greater miracle of birth which we call the Incarnation.  The Apostle John described it this way in John 1.  

"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth."  John 1:14.

The One who created the world, then entered the same world in human form.  He did not lose any of His divinity even while setting some of it aside to take on humanity.  The God who we serve chose to enter the world in the same manner every human after Adam and Eve entered the world.   It is from this miracle the miraculous miracles and teaching of Christ arose and culminated with the miracle of the crucifixion and resurrection.  None of those things happen without the Incarnation.  

So, celebrating birthdays this time of year is a good thing indeed ...both for our family and for all of us who rejoice in the miracle of Christ's birth at Christmas time.  

Housekeeping Notes:
Sunday Schedule - After morning service we will celebrate Thanksgiving with an all church dinner upstairs in the "Gathering Place".   We will have a short thanksgiving devotional upstairs after dinner and then ask those not in the choir to handle upstairs cleanup while choir members have an abbreviated practice in the sanctuary.  Following choir practice we will decorate the sanctuary for Christmas/Advent which begins the following Sunday.  

Blessings,
BB

William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor

Greetings from the Windy City of Chicago,

Lori and I are privileged to be here with the saints from our church in Worth, IL which is a suburb of Chicago.  We began the weekend of services with a text from Hebrews

"By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. 9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: 10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God."  Hebrews 11:8–10

I tried to share with the saints here that it matters less where we are from than where we are going to.  I also reminded them of what I called the 3 B's   (Someone has said B3). In Genesis 12:1-3 Abraham was promised by God that he would 1) be blessed, 2) be a blessing, and 3) inherit a blessing.   We also are called like Abraham...to be blessed, to be a blessing and to inherit a blessing.   May the Lord help each of us to answer that call.  

I wanted to let you all know of the passing of our beloved brother in the Lord, Donnie Ferguson last Wednesday.  I was there with him in the hospital and now he is with Jesus.  The family is planning a memorial service for sometime after Thanksgiving.  

God bless you all,
BB
William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor
Apostolic Faith Church

Autumn greetings to all,
 
I know many of you call this season, "fall".  That designation came from the phrase "fall of the leaf" which became popular in 16th-century England by poets of the time and was eventually shortened and brought to North America by British settlers.   Interestingly, "autumn" remained more popular in Britain.   Personally, I prefer autumn because the phrase "The Fall" is great theological implications.   "The Fall" is the term used to describe the intentional and voluntary act by the first humans, Adam and Eve, to reject God's authority and rebel against His direct instructions.  It was passed on to succeeding generations.

The implications are much greater than simply eating a piece of fruit in a garden.  Underlying are issues of God's authority as Creator, His objective goodness vs evil, human free will, and a host of other foundational things which we understand the Bible to teach.   For some previous generations in Western culture these types of things were "basic givens" when considering the world and how we as humans perceive and function in it.   In Eastern cultures, particularly prior to Christian missionary efforts,  the basic foundational issues and perceptions may be quite different.  

Today's culture is inundated with many of these other types of perceptions about the existence and nature of God, the nature and purpose of human beings, the nature of truth and goodness/evil, etc.  It was from a concern over some of these things and how they are affecting our society that the topic for last Wednesday's Bible Study was "Imago Dei" which is a Latin term meaning the Image of God.  It comes from the Genesis account of creation and confers on humanity, male & female, both the understanding of special unique creation and also that we are to be reflections/images of that creator.    

Now, does it really matter which term you use for this season.  Absolutely not!   But it greatly matters what you and I understand about God, humanity, good and evil, and truth.  By God's grace we will continue to teach, preach, and explore what God's Word has to say about these things.  

Prayer Requests -

• Pray for the Olson family for comfort and help after the passing of Sis. Gaylen's mom recently.  
• Pray for Bro. Donnie Ferguson who is in the ICU in Tacoma and unless the Lord heals, will soon be with Jesus.  
• Pray for our saints in the Philippines who are in the path of a Category 5 Typhoon and have cancelled Sunday services in most of our churches.  Pray for safety and protection.  

Housekeeping Notes-
Choir / Music Education - Choir practice tomorrow at 3:30 pm and Music Education for all at 3:50.  

Autumn Blessings,
BB
Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor 

Greetings a little early from Seattle,

I'm writing today rather than Saturday because tomorrow is filled with a couple of exciting and momentous events.   They have caused me to consider something which theologians call the Imago Dei  (Latin for "in the image of God") .  The basis for this is taken from the creation account found in Genesis 1.

Genesis 1:26–28 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. 28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.

Tomorrow's events begin with a "baby sprinkle" (apparently that's a smaller version of shower) for my youngest daughter and her husband who are expecting another child.   They will conclude with us attending a surprise birthday reception for a dear friend and sister who is celebrating 95 years of life.  

I was thinking about the Psalmist who declared that we are "fearfully and wonderfully made" (Psalm 139:14) and Jeremiah,  whom God declared he knew before he was born (Jeremiah 1:5) and finally the Psalmist again stating "My times are in thy hand..."  (Psalm 31:15).   We are all created in God's image and valuable from conception until natural death, with our value continuing into eternity.  Our culture seems to be in a sort of "free fall" devaluing God's precious creation on every hand.  Ending the lives of the preborn and those deemed less than perfect, commodification of children for profit or personal gratification alone,  taking of lives because of disease, age, or disability and calling it health care all should all make our hearts cry out.

And beyond those tragedies, there is the basic dignity and respect which we are called as Christians to give to EVERY person, all created in God's image irrespective of their nationality, personality, disability, polity and a host of other "ity's"   May we as Image Bearers, remember that we are to be reflections of the One whose image we bear to all those around us who also bear His image.  May our lives call them back into full fellowship with a Creator who loves them and sent Christ to die for them.  

God bless you all.  

Housekeeping Notes: 
Daylight Savings time:  Please turn your clocks back 1 hour on Saturday night.  
Choir: There will be choir practice on Sunday at 3:30 PM

BB
Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor

Happy Saturday,

Some have wondered why we did not have "special meetings" this month and I'd like to explain.  Over the past decade or so we have had special meetings in the fall.  In the past few years several of our sister churches have also begun to have special meetings during the fall and it has made the schedule quite hectic for many of you.  We want to do our best to support our neighboring brethren but especially for your kids, it is not easy when there has been so much travel so close together.  So, I proposed to the ministry here and then also to the leaders in Portland HQ that we move our meetings to the spring time.  They thought this was a great idea and so we have moved ahead.  

It is our hope to hold a weekend of special meetings on the weekend of May 15-17 and we are already working on a speaker.   It is the weekend after Mother's Day and before Memorial Day weekend.   We are praying this will be more workable for all and that God's blessing will be upon us as we support our sister churches and on them as they support us as well.  

Please remember that we have scheduled our quarterly ordinance service for tomorrow evening in the 5 pm service.    And yes...there is choir practice at 3:30 pm.  

God bless you all.  

BB

Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor

Dear Saints,

What a beautiful fall week it has been.  This time of year, we are well aware of the shortening days and crisp evenings.  We know what I like to call "hibernation season" will soon be upon us with only about 8 hours of sunlight and 16 hours of darkness at its peak.   And yet, this week it has been mostly sunny and dry during the day time with such clear air you can see both the Olympic mountains on one side of the Puget Sound and the Cascade mountains on the other side.  I was reminded of Bro. Taiwoo's recent Bible Study quoting "O Lord, our Lord, How excellent (majestic/awesome/powerful) is Thy name in all the earth."  Not only is the creation around us declaring the glory of God but beyond that, we have been given a great privilege during very dark times to know Jesus, the Light of the World and are charged to be reflections of that light to all of those within our range of influence.   That includes, school, work, home, family, friends, grocery store clerks, medical professionals, co-workers and suppliers or customers.  Our task and mission is to be salt and light in the world, hopefully adding a "sweet taste" to things wherever we go and also acting as a preservative of all that is good and right in God's creation in anticipation of the full redemption and restoration that He has promised.   May you and I do our little part to "live for Jesus" in such a way the world sees just a hint of how good it is to be in a relationship with Him and glorify God by living for Him.  

Housekeeping notes:  
Choir/Music education - Choir meets at 3:30 tomorrow afternoon with music education for all following at 3:50.  
Ordinance - Lord, willing we plan to have our quarterly ordinance service next Sunday night, October 26.

God bless,
BB
Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor

Dear Saints,

Last Sunday in Richmond as I was nearing the time to preach I had thought to do something "cute" by greeting the saints in the variety of native languages of those present.  I was familiar with several of those languages, but as I thought about it the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart and said "stick to your knitting".   This metaphor of course reminded me to do what I was called and charged to do and not to be distracted.  So, I got up, read my text, and did my best to preach.  

I've thought a lot since then about just how easy it is to become distracted from the important things in life.  In fact, many of us as human beings seek for distractions from either the mundane or painful things which we face in like.  These distractions take on a variety of forms depending upon who we are, our personalities, and desires.  

Yet, we must never let these distractions keep us from "our knitting".  Literally, our created and Divinely ordained purpose in life.   Jesus declared it in John 17:3 -

"And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent."    

If we hope to live life here in the thriving and fulfilling way in which the Creator intended and if we hope for that life to extend in that same manner into eternity...we must know God through the provision made by His son Jesus Christ.  

The apostle John declared in John 20:30-31 that the Gospel which he wrote had but one purpose.

 "And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples which are not written in this book: but these are written that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name."  

Beloved of God...amid all the distractions around us, may we never forget the most important thing in life is our belief in Christ and intimate relationship with Him.  It is the most precious gift we can receive and also pass on to those around us.   May the Lord help us all not to be distracted.  

Rich Blessings,

BB
William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor

Good morning,

Greetings from Richmond, CA where Sis. Lori and I have been the last couple of days for the funeral of the beloved wife of the pastor here, Sis. Brenda Bishop.  Her service yesterday was a fitting tribute to a wonderful Christian woman who served the Lord faithfully through the years.   From a sometimes challenging childhood she gave her heart to the Lord and God did wonderful things with her consecrated life.  Today would have been she and Bro. Bob's 51st wedding anniversary.  The service paid tribute to her hard work, diligence in prayer, wonderful piano playing, and the love and care she showed to all as a "partner in ministry".   She will be greatly missed by all and especially Bro. Bob, their daughter Kristy and the Richmond congregation.  Please pray for them all.  I had the great privilege to help officiate at the service yesterday and by God's grace will preach this morning in our Richmond congregation.  Thank you for allowing us to be gone and also to Bro. Alex and Bro. Taiwoo who so faithful keep things going forward smoothly in our absence.   May the Lord give you all a good day in God's house is our sincere prayer.  

I closed the funeral with the words from a song by Steve Green which seem appropriate this morning.  

We're pilgrims on the journey of the narrow road.  And those who've gone before us line the way.  Cheering on the faithful, encouraging the weary, their lives a stirring testament in God's sustaining grace.  Surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us run the race not only for the prize.  But as those who've gone before us , let us leave to those behind us, the heritage of faithfulness passed on through godly lives.  

Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful.   May the fire of our devotion light their way.  may the footprints that we leave, lead them to believe, and the lives we live inspire them to obey. Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful.  

In Christ,
BB
William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor

Good morning,

Fall (or Autumn if you prefer) is now officially upon us.  The autumnal equinox was last this past week.  Equinox comes from two Latin words meaning equal and night.  On the two equinoxes (spring and fall) we experience virtually the same amount of day and night. This reminded me of the ways in which we use the word equal.  Obviously we use it in mathematics to indicate that the numbers represented on each side of the equal sign are indeed equal with each other.    We also use it in a variety of ways to describe fairness or justice.    In the scriptures we find several examples of how it might look.  

In Numbers 15:15-16 Israel is told the same ordinance applies for the congregation (Covenant Israel) and the stranger (outside the Covenant) reminding them that all are the same before the Lord .  A similar principle is found in Deuteronomy 1:17 saying God's justice does not have "respect of persons" or treat one unequally from another.  This same principle is repeated in Deuteronomy 10:17 and 16:19.  The Apostle Peter declared, "of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him."  The Apostle Paul describes in Galatians 3:28 "There is neither Jew or Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."  He uses similar words in Colossians 3:11 reminding us all that while the world is out of balance for most of the time, God's heart, righteousness, and justice is never out of balance or unequal.  

As we enter the season of falling leaves, crisp evenings, and shorter days may we try to reflect this balance in our lives, treating all with the same type of heart that Jesus did.  

Housekeeping Notes:
Choir/Music Education - Tomorrow at 3:30 there will be a short choir practice and at 3:50 we will begin our first Music Education session which is open to all who wish to learn more about music and how we use it in the work of the Lord.  

God bless you all,
BB
William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor