FPC Bellingham

Message by Doug Bunnell, recorded live May 5, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham. Scripture read by Diane Tate.

Strong Tongues: We can do great damage by what we say, let us be quick to listen and slow to speak.

• What are the reasons that teachers will be judged with greater strictness?
• What does James have against the tongue?
• Do you think he is being hyperbolic, or is a tongue really capable of such damage?
• What does the image of a spring have to do with the tongue?
• How do you feel like responding to this strong word?

JAMES 3:1-18

1 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers and sisters, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. 2 For all of us make many mistakes. Anyone who makes no mistakes in speaking is perfect, able to keep the whole body in check with a bridle. 3 If we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we guide their whole bodies. 4 Or look at ships: though they are so large that it takes strong winds to drive them, yet they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. 5 So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great exploits.

How great a forest is set ablaze by a small fire! 6 And the tongue is a fire. The tongue is placed among our members as a world of iniquity; it stains the whole body, sets on fire the cycle of nature, and is itself set on fire by hell. 7 For every species of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by the human species, 8 but no one can tame the tongue—a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse those who are made in the likeness of God. 10 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this ought not to be so. 11 Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and brackish water? 12 Can a fig tree, my brothers and sisters, yield olives, or a grapevine figs? No more can salt water yield fresh.

13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Show by your good life that your works are done with gentleness born of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not be boastful and false to the truth. 15 Such wisdom does not come down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, devilish. 16 For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there will also be disorder and wickedness of every kind. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy. 18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace.

Message by Doug Bunnell, recorded live April 28, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham. Scripture read by our 3rd graders!

Dead Faith is Useless

Faith is not belief, faith is living in trust that God will really come through.

• How is James distinguishing a life of faith from a life of work?
• How might James show his faith by his works?
• What does he mean that even the demons believe?
• In verse 24,James says we are justified by works and faith, how do we square this with Paul saying we are saved by grace through faith and not by works?
• What might a dead faith look like? What might a living faith look like?

DEAD FAITH IS USELESS Faith and Works

14 What use is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone says he has faith, but he has no works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? 17 In the same way, faith also, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.

18 But someone may well say, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” 19 You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. 20 But are you willing to acknowledge, you foolish person, that faith without works is useless? 21 Was our father Abraham not justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected; 23 and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “And Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called a friend of God. 24 You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. 25 In the same way, was Rahab the prostitute not justified by works also when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? 26 For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.

Message by Doug Bunnell, recorded live April 21, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham. Scripture read by Greg Hart.

• We live out true faith when we treat all with welcome and kindness. What might it look like to be slow to speak and slow to anger?
• What is important to doing the word as opposed to only hearing it?
• True religion is caring for orphans and widows, why might James list these two categories?
• How do we show favoritism? Why might we be tempted to show favoritism?
• What would it look like to have a community that doesn’t show favoritism?
• What can you do today?

James 1:19-2:13

1:19 You must understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger, 20 for human anger does not produce God’s righteousness. 21 Therefore rid yourselves of all sordidness and rank growth of wickedness, and welcome with meekness the implanted word that has the power to save your souls. 22 But be doers of the word and not merely hearers who deceive themselves. 23 For if any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are like those who look at themselves in a mirror; 24 for they look at themselves and, on going away, immediately forget what they were like. 25 But those who look into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and persevere, being not hearers who forget but doers who act—they will be blessed in their doing. 26 If any think they are religious and do not bridle their tongues but deceive their hearts, their religion is worthless. 27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

2:1 My brothers and sisters, do not claim the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ of glory while showing partiality. 2 For if a person with gold rings and in fine clothes comes into your assembly, and if a poor person in dirty clothes also comes in, 3 and if you take notice of the one wearing the fine clothes and say, “Have a seat here in a good place, please,” while to the one who is poor you say, “Stand there,” or, “Sit by my footstool,” 4 have you not made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? 5 Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters. Has not God chosen the poor in the world to be rich in faith and to be heirs of the kingdom that he has promised to those who love him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor person. Is it not the rich who oppress you? Is it not they who drag you into the courts? 7 Is it not they who blaspheme the excellent name that was invoked over you 8 If you really fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you do well. 9 But if you show partiality, you commit sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. 10 For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it. 11 For the one who said, “You shall not commit adultery,” also said, “You shall not murder.” Now if you do not commit adultery but you murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak and so act as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty. 13 For judgment will be without mercy to anyone who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment.

Message by Doug Bunnell, recorded live April 14, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham. Scripture read by Ann Hinz.

What a Friend We Have in Jesus: We can approach trials in our life with hope and faith because God will use them to draw us into maturity and contentment.

• What are trials you have faced?
• How did God use these trials to carve out maturity and character in your life?
• What would it look like to consider those trials with joy?
• What future trials do you dread?
• What does it look like to face them with joy?

James 1:1-4

1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the dispersion: Greetings. 2 My brothers and sisters, whenever you face various trials, consider it all joy, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance complete its work, so that you may be complete and whole, lacking in nothing.

Message by Fred Hartsook, recorded April 7, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham. Scripture read by Pastor Doug.

Meet Brother James: James, the apostle and brother of Jesus, was not a part of Jesus’ ministry until after his death, when he quickly became the head of the church.

• What are good reasons that James was slow to embrace Jesus as Messiah?
• What do you think happened on Easter Sunday to change his mind?
• How would it feel to jump late on to a band wagon many others had already jumped on?
• How do you anticipate James was welcomed by the disciples?
• How do you think this slowness to see impacted James in his ministry?

Acts 15:12-21

12 The whole assembly kept silence and listened to Barnabas and Paul as they told of all the signs and wonders that God had done through them among the gentiles. 13 After they finished speaking, James replied, “My brothers, listen to me. 14 Simeon has related how God first looked favorably on the gentiles, to take from among them a people for his name. 15 This agrees with the words of the prophets, as it is written,

16 ‘After this I will return, and I will rebuild the dwelling of David, which has fallen; from its ruins I will rebuild it, and I will set it up,

17 so that all other peoples may seek the Lord— even all the gentiles over whom my name has been called. Thus says the Lord, who has been making these things 18 known from long ago.’

19 “Therefore I have reached the decision that we should not trouble those gentiles who are turning to God, 20 but we should write to them to abstain only from things polluted by idols and from sexual immorality and from whatever has been strangled and from blood. 21 For in every city, for generations past, Moses has had those who proclaim him, for he has been read aloud every Sabbath in the synagogues.”

In a fun twist, Pastor Kerrie interviews Pastor Doug: looking under the hood of his views on theology, the power of the Bible, and why he choose to be a Presbyterian pastor!

Message by Pastor Doug, recorded March 31, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham. Scripture read by Pastor Kerrie.

He is risen, and the worst news is now the best. Worship the risen Lord.

Matthew 28:1-15

The Resurrection of Jesus

1 After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning and his clothing white as snow. 4 For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. 5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here, for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for you.” 8 So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers and sisters to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”

The Report of the Guard

11 While they were going, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests everything that had happened. 12 After the priests had assembled with the elders, they devised a plan to give a large sum of money to the soldiers, 13 telling them, “You must say, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ 14 If this comes to the governor’s ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” 15 So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story is still told among the Judeans to this day.

Message by Pastor Doug, recorded March 24, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham. Scripture read by Mary Lynn Palmer.

Coats, towels, thorns: We are invited to go all in, and we are not necessary.

• What was the significance of the coat of many colors to Joseph? to the brothers?
• What was the significance of a cloak to a first century person?
• What does it mean that they are putting these cloaks on the path?
• What did Jesus mean to convey by riding the donkey?
• What did it mean that they were shouting out Psalm 118:26?
• What do you think bothered the Pharisees about the shouting?
• What do you think Jesus means by the rock’s crying out?

Genesis 37:1-11

37:1 Jacob settled in the land where his father had lived as an alien, the land of Canaan. 2 These are the descendants of Jacob.

Joseph, being seventeen years old, was shepherding the flock with his brothers; he was a helper to the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah, his father’s wives, and Joseph brought a bad report of them to their father. 3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his children because he was the son of his old age, and he made him an ornamented robe.[a] 4 But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peaceably to him.

5 Once Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him even more. 6 He said to them, “Listen to this dream that I dreamed. 7 There we were, binding sheaves in the field. Suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright; then your sheaves gathered around it and bowed down to my sheaf.” 8 His brothers said to him, “Are you indeed to reign over us? Are you indeed to have dominion over us?” So they hated him even more because of his dreams and his words.

9 He had another dream and told it to his brothers, saying, “Look, I have had another dream: the sun, the moon, and eleven stars were bowing down to me.” 10 But when he told it to his father and to his brothers, his father rebuked him and said to him, “What kind of dream is this that you have had? Shall we indeed come, I and your mother and your brothers, and bow to the ground before you?” 11 So his brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the matter in mind.

Luke 19:29-40

29 When he had come near Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples, 30 saying, “Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it.’ ” 32 So those who were sent departed and found it as he had told them. 33 As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?” 34 They said, “The Lord needs it.” 35 Then they brought it to Jesus, and after throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. 36 As he rode along, people kept spreading their cloaks on the road. 37 Now as he was approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen, 38 saying,

“Blessed is the king

who comes in the name of the Lord!

Peace in heaven,

and glory in the highest heaven!”

39 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, order your disciples to stop.” 40 He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.”

As we continue in our Lent series - this week we welcomed a panel of artists to continue the discussion that began during the Art & Faith Conference - Art as a Spiritual Practice. Artists: Troy Terpstra, Ryan Pemberton, and Kristen Gilje. Panel hosted by Pastor Doug Bunnell.

Psalm 23/ Matthew 26:6-13

Oil: Our love for God can be extravagant and sacrificial.

• What role does oil have in Psalm 23? What good would oil have been to a sheep?
• What does it mean that this happens at the house of Simon the Leper?
• What are the reasons that this woman poured this costly oil on Jesus’s head?
• What made the disciples angry?
• What surprises you about Jesus’s response?
• What do we learn from this story? How then, do we live?

Exodus 31:1-11 31:1 The Lord spoke to Moses: 2 See, I have called by name Bezalel son of Uri son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah: 3 and I have filled him with divine spirit, with ability, intelligence, and knowledge in every kind of craft, 4 to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, 5 in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, in every kind of craft. 6 Moreover, I have appointed with him Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; and I have given skill to all the skillful, so that they may make all that I have commanded you: 7 the tent of meeting, and the ark of the covenant, and the mercy-seat that is on it, and all the furnishings of the tent, 8 the table and its utensils, and the pure lampstand with all its utensils, and the altar of incense, 9 and the altar of burnt-offering with all its utensils, and the basin with its stand, 10 and the finely worked vestments, the holy vestments for the priest Aaron and the vestments of his sons, for their service as priests, 11 and the anointing-oil and the fragrant incense for the holy place. They shall do just as I have commanded you.

Message by Pastor Doug, recorded March 10, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham. Scripture read by Ann Hinz.

Shoes: Travel freely and lightly where you find welcome.

• What was it that Moses noticed?
• What is the significance of removing shoes?
• Why do you think Jesus had the disciples travel so lightly?
• What does it mean to shake off the dust and move on?
• Where do you need to travel more lightly?
• Where do you find welcome?

Exodus 3:1-6

1 Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian; he led his flock beyond the wilderness, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. 2 There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of a bush; he looked, and the bush was blazing, yet it was not consumed. 3 Then Moses said, ‘I must turn aside and look at this great sight, and see why the bush is not burned up.’ 4 When the Lord saw that he had turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, ‘Moses, Moses!’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’ 5 Then he said, ‘Come no closer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.’ 6 He said further, ‘I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.

Mark 6:6b-13

6b Then [Jesus] went about among the villages teaching. 7 He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. 8 He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; 9 but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. 10 He said to them, ‘Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. 11 If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.’ 12 So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. 13 They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.

Message by Pastor Doug, recorded March 3, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham. Scripture read by Laurie Bunnell.

Coins: The kingdom is a radical welcome to all, we are not to do anything that might inhibit someone, especially financially.

• How do you think Jesus felt when he saw the widow put in her pennies?
• What does he mean by lifting her up as an example?
• What else might he have been commenting about?
• In the Mark text, what bothered Jesus about the commerce in the temple?
• What was he saying by his actions? What was he saying with his words?
• What do we do that “inhibits” others from entering into worship?
• What can we do to live out the radical welcome of the kingdom?

Luke 21:1-4

1 He looked up and saw rich people putting their gifts into the treasury; 2 he also saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. 3 He said, ‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them; 4 for all of them have contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.’

John 2:13-22

13 The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 In the temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and the money-changers seated at their tables. 15 Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. 16 He told those who were selling the doves, ‘Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father’s house a market-place!’ 17 His disciples remembered that it was written, ‘Zeal for your house will consume me.’ 18 The Jews then said to him, ‘What sign can you show us for doing this?’ 19 Jesus answered them, ‘Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.’ 20 The Jews then said, ‘This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days?’ 21 But he was speaking of the temple of his body. 22 After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this; and they believed the scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.

Message by Pastor Doug, recorded February 25, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham. Scripture read by Steve Thames.

Cross: The cross means that the worst thing to happen is not the worst, it might be the best.

• Trust God in bad news.
• What did a cross mean to the disciples?
• How would they have interpreted Jesus’s call to pick up our crosses?
• How do we understand Jesus’s teaching about losing our life?
• How was the cross foolishness to those perishing?
• How was it foolishness to Jews? to Greeks? to Romans?
• How is it the power of God to us?
• How do we pick up our cross now?

Mark 8:31 - 34

31 Then he began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes and be killed and after three days rise again. 32 He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 33 But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.”

34 He called the crowd with his disciples and said to them, “If any wish to come[a] after me, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 35 For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel,[b] will save it. 36 For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? 37 Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? 38 Those who are ashamed of me and of my words[c] in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”

1 Corinthians 1:18-25

18 For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written,

“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,

and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.”

20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scholar? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of the proclamation, to save those who believe. 22 For Jews ask for signs and Greeks desire wisdom, 23 but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to gentiles, 24 but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength.

As a part of the past sermon series, Pastor Doug sat down with our Zoom community to discus in detail the calling to Holy Work.

Message by Fred Hartsook, recorded February 18, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham. Scripture read by Brad Day.

Bread: God gives us what we need for each day, let us trust in God.

• How does it feel to not gather bread for tomorrow?
• How is our daily bread similar to the gift of manna?
• How many days of bread do you like to have in your pantry?
• What would it be like to trust God for today’s provision?
• Would you get bored with daily bread? How about some cake?
• How does God provide for your needs today

Exodus 16:4-12

4 Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘I am going to rain bread from heaven for you, and each day the people shall go out and gather enough for that day. In that way I will test them, whether they will follow my instruction or not. 5 On the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather on other days.’ 6 So Moses and Aaron said to all the Israelites, ‘In the evening you shall know that it was the Lord who brought you out of the land of Egypt, 7 and in the morning you shall see the glory of the Lord, because he has heard your complaining against the Lord. For what are we, that you complain against us?’ 8 And Moses said, ‘When the Lord gives you meat to eat in the evening and your fill of bread in the morning, because the Lord has heard the complaining that you utter against him—what are we? Your complaining is not against us but against the Lord.’

9 Then Moses said to Aaron, ‘Say to the whole congregation of the Israelites, “Draw near to the Lord, for he has heard your complaining.”’ 10 And as Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of the Israelites, they looked towards the wilderness, and the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud. 11 The Lord spoke to Moses and said, 12 ‘I have heard the complaining of the Israelites; say to them, “At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall have your fill of bread; then you shall know that I am the Lord your God.”’

Matthew 6:7-15

7 ‘When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

9 ‘Pray then in this way:

Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name.

10 Your kingdom come.

Your will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts,

as we also have forgiven our debtors.

13 And do not bring us to the time of trial,

but rescue us from the evil one.

14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; 15 but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Pastor Doug is joined by Dr. Brad to discuss the February intergenerational question: "What good works have you been created to do?" The conversation includes the gift of animals, marveling in the complexity of creation, and Romans 1:20.

Romans 1:20 Ever since the creation of the world God’s eternal power and divine nature, invisible though they are, have been seen and understood through the things God has made. So they are without excuse

Message by Rev. Doug Bunnell, recorded February 11, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham. Scripture read by Theo Lewis.

Holy Work and Meaning: As beloved children who love God, we engage in the good work God created for each of us.

• In what ways were we dead?
• How are we alive in Jesus?
• What does it mean that we are saved by grace and not by works?
• What is the place then of works (vs 10)?
• What does it mean that these good works are to our way of life?

Ephesians 2:1-10

1 You were dead through the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once lived, following the course of this world, following the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work among those who are disobedient. 3 All of us once lived among them in the passions of our flesh, following the desires of flesh and senses, and we were by nature children of wrath, like everyone else. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us 5 even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the ages to come he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness towards us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God— 9 not the result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.

Message by Rev. Doug Bunnell, recorded February 4, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham. Scripture read by Ann Hinz.

Holy Work and Eternity: Work will continue in eternity, let us seek out where we feel God’s pleasure and do that work as much as possible.

• What does it mean that there is no temple in the new Jerusalem (vs22)?
• How about the lack of sun or moon?
• What do you think it means that the doors are open and people are bringing in the glory and honor of the nations in?
• Where have we seen the tree of life before? What does it mean that it appears here?
• What do you think worship will look like in the New Jerusalem?
• Where do we see work in this scenario?

Revelation 21:22-22:5

21:22 I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. 23 And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God is its light, and its lamp is the Lamb. 24 The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it. 25 Its gates will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there. 26 People will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations. 27 But nothing unclean will enter it, nor anyone who practices abomination or falsehood, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

22:1 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 through the middle of the street of the city. On either side of the river is the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, producing its fruit each month, and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. 3 Nothing accursed will be found there any more. But the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him; 4 they will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5 And there will be no more night; they need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.

Message by Rev. Doug Bunnell, recorded January 28, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham. Scripture read by Nick Berard.

Holy Work and the Spirit: All work worth doing is art and the Spirit helps us to be better artists.

• Bezalel is the first and only person in the Old Testament who is filled with the Holy Spirit, and it is all to do his art, does that surprise you?
• What does that say about God’s perspective on art and beauty?
• What are other words you would use for ability, intelligence, and knowledge?
• How is your work art?
• How does the Spirit help you in your work?

Exodus 31:1-11

1 The Lord spoke to Moses: 2 See, I have called by name Bezalel son of Uri son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah: 3 and I have filled him with divine spirit, with ability, intelligence, and knowledge in every kind of craft, 4 to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, 5 in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, in every kind of craft. 6 Moreover, I have appointed with him Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; and I have given skill to all the skillful, so that they may make all that I have commanded you: 7 the tent of meeting, and the ark of the covenant, and the mercy-seat that is on it, and all the furnishings of the tent, 8 the table and its utensils, and the pure lampstand with all its utensils, and the altar of incense, 9 and the altar of burnt-offering with all its utensils, and the basin with its stand, 10 and the finely worked vestments, the holy vestments for the priest Aaron and the vestments of his sons, for their service as priests, 11 and the anointing-oil and the fragrant incense for the holy place. They shall do just as I have commanded you.

Pastor Doug asks Nicki the January intergenerational question: "Which of your talents do you value?" They also discuss The Commons and upcoming Art & Faith Conference: Art as Spiritual Practice.

Recorded live at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham on January 21, 2023.

Message by Rev. Doug Bunnell, recorded January 21, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham. Scripture read by Mikyn Sygitowicz.

Work and Oppression: We are all laborers and all bosses and there is calling to doing both well. Do your work whole-heartedly as to God and work for justice and fairness.

Discussion Questions:

• It is hard to read a verse about slaves. Replace the word slave with laborer and the word master with boss. How does that feel?
• What does Paul call laborers to?
• What does Paul call bosses to?
• Where do we see injustice and unfairness in the workplace?
• What does it mean that there is no partiality?
• How can we live this way?

Colossians 3:22-4:1

3:22 Employees, obey your earthly bosses in everything, not only while being watched and in order to please them, but wholeheartedly, fearing the Lord. 23 Whatever your task, put yourselves into it, as done for the Lord and not for your bosses, 24 since you know that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward; you serve the Lord Christ. 25 For the wrongdoer will be paid back for whatever wrong has been done, and there is no partiality. 4:1 Bosses, treat your employees justly and fairly, for you know that you also have a Boss in heaven.

Message by Rev. Doug Bunnell, recorded January 14, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham. Scripture read by Kristen Frankland.

Work and Value: Good work feels good and is meant to be celebrated. Your work is valuable.

Discussion Questions

• What do you appreciate about this remarkable business woman?
• This can be seen as a text of terror, what feels hard about this text?
• What type of employee would this woman be? Would you want her as a supervisor?
• Verse 18 says that she sees her merchandise is valuable, what does that mean?
• What would it look like for you to perceive that your merchandise was
• valuable?

Proverbs 31:10-31: Ode to a Capable Wife

10 A capable wife who can find?

She is far more precious than jewels.

11 The heart of her husband trusts in her,

and he will have no lack of gain.

12 She does him good, and not harm,

all the days of her life.

13 She seeks wool and flax,

and works with willing hands.

14 She is like the ships of the merchant,

she brings her food from far away.

15 She rises while it is still night

and provides food for her household

and tasks for her servant-girls.

16 She considers a field and buys it;

with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.

17 She girds herself with strength,

and makes her arms strong.

18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.

Her lamp does not go out at night.

19 She puts her hands to the distaff,

and her hands hold the spindle.

20 She opens her hand to the poor,

and reaches out her hands to the needy.

21 She is not afraid for her household when it snows,

for all her household are clothed in crimson.

22 She makes herself coverings;

her clothing is fine linen and purple.

23 Her husband is known in the city gates,

taking his seat among the elders of the land.

24 She makes linen garments and sells them;

she supplies the merchant with sashes.

25 Strength and dignity are her clothing,

and she laughs at the time to come.

26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,

and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

27 She looks well to the ways of her household,

and does not eat the bread of idleness.

28 Her children rise up and call her happy;

her husband too, and he praises her:

29 ‘Many women have done excellently,

but you surpass them all.’

30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,

but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

31 Give her a share in the fruit of her hands,

and let her works praise her in the city gates.

Pastor Doug is joined by Bill Palmer in a spirited discussion about the breadth and depth of God's holy work.

Message by Rev. Doug Bunnell, recorded January 7, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham. Scripture read by Aven Bates.

Genesis 1:26-31

26 Then God said, ‘Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.’

27 So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

28 God blessed them, and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.’ 29 God said, ‘See, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit; you shall have them for food. 30 And to every beast of the earth, and to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.’ And it was so. 31 God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.

Reflection Questions: We were created to work to the glory of God and we will do so for eternity. Work is holy.

• What is mentioned that is so very good on this 6th day of creation?
• Where do we see community in this text?
• Where do we see work in this text?
• What would life be like if this was the end of the story and brokenness never
• entered the story?
• How do we work against God’s very good?

Pastor Doug is joined by Gini Bunnell, Nicki Lang, and Eshinee and Rob Veith to discuss their experiences creating art for the Daily Canticle Prayer Practice.

Their reflections can be found on the Daily Canticle podcasts and the Advent page on our website.

Message by Rev. Doug Bunnell recorded December 3, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham.

Original song written and performed by Eshinee and Rob Veith.

Original artwork by Gini Bunnell.

Luke 1:26-45; Scripture read by Addie Ward

Reflection Questions:

Elizabeth strengthens Mary’s faith as she sings out her joy, praise, and blessing.

• What do you think it was like when these two pregnant women met?
• How do you think Elizabeth felt when John leapt?
• What does Elizabeth say to Mary?
• What are the two blessings she offers? What does it mean that her greeting is bookended in blessing?
• How do you think it will affect Mary’s faith? Elizabeth’s faith?

Scripture read by Rob Veith.

Original song written and performed by Eshinee and Rob Veith.

Canticle of Simeon (The Nunc Dimittis); Luke 2:29–32

Guide us waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping;

that awake we may watch with Christ,

and asleep rest in his peace. 

Now, Lord, you let your servant go in peace:

your word has been fulfilled.

My own eyes have seen the salvation

which you have prepared in the sight of every people:

a light to reveal you to the nations

and the glory of your people Israel.

Guide us waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping;

that awake we may watch with Christ,

and asleep rest in his peace. 

Scripture read by Hillary Thomsen.

Original song written and performed by Eshinee and Rob Veith.

Song of Mary (The Magnificat); Luke 1:46–55

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,

my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,

my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for you, Lord, have looked with favor on your lowly servant.

From this day all generations will call me blessed:

you, the Almighty, have done great things for me

and holy is your name.

You have mercy on those who fear you,

from generation to generation.

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,

my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.

You have shown strength with your arm,

and scattered the proud in their conceit,

casting down the mighty from their thrones

and lifting up the lowly.

You have filled the hungry with good things,

and sent the rich away empty.

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,

my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.

You have come to the aid of your servant Israel,

to remember the promise of mercy,

the promise made to our forebears,

to Abraham and his children for ever.

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,

my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.

Scripture read by Gini Bunnell.

Original song written and performed by Eshinee and Rob Veith.

Canticle of Elizabeth; Luke 1:42-45

“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.

And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me?

For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting,

the child in me leaped for joy.

And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.”

Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.

Scripture read by Ozzie Lewis.

Original song written and recorded by Eshinee and Rob Veith.

Canticle of Zechariah (Benedictus); Luke 1:68–79

In the tender compassion of our God

the dawn from on high shall break upon us.

Blessed are you, Lord, the God of Israel;

you have come to your people and set them free.

You have raised up for us a mighty Savior,

born of the house of your servant David.

In the tender compassion of our God

the dawn from on high shall break upon us.

Through your holy prophets, you promised of old

to save us from our enemies,

from the hands of all who hate us, to show mercy to our forebears,

and to remember your holy covenant.

In the tender compassion of our God

the dawn from on high shall break upon us.

This was the oath you swore to our father Abraham:

to set us free from the hands of our enemies,

free to worship you without fear,

holy and righteous before you, all the days of our life.

In the tender compassion of our God

the dawn from on high shall break upon us.

And you, child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High,

for you will go before the Lord to prepare the way,

to give God’s people knowledge of salvation

by the forgiveness of their sins.

In the tender compassion of our God

the dawn from on high shall break upon us.

In the tender compassion of our God

the dawn from on high shall break upon us,

to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,

and to guide our feet into the way of peace.

In the tender compassion of our God

the dawn from on high shall break upon us.

It’s bedtime! Turn out your light and feel the warmth of the blanket over you. Put your hands on your heart and take three deep breaths. In the name of the Father, our creator, in the name of the Son, our Savior, in the name of the Holy Spirit, our sustainer. You are with us O God. We come close to you now. Kids songs recorded live at First Presbyterian Church on November 19, 2023. SIMEON'S SONG - LUKE 2:29 - 32

Now, Lord, let me go in peace:

your promise has come true.

My own eyes have seen the salvation

which you have prepared for all people to see:

a light to show you to the nations *

and the glory of your people.

When we wake up, Jesus, show us the way,

Keep us safe when we are sleeping

So that when we awake we hold Your hand and watch

And when we sleep we rest in Your arms.

It’s dinnertime! Set the table and sit down with your family. If you want, hold hands around the table and sing.

Kids songs recorded live at First Presbyterian Church on November 19, 2023. MARY'S SONG - LUKE 1:46-55

With all of me I shout - Great is God!

With all of me I rejoice with God my Savior!

With all of me I shout - Great is God!

With all of me I rejoice with God my Savior!

for you, Lord, look at me with love.

From this day all generations will call me blessed:

you, the Almighty, have done great things for me

and holy is your name.

You have mercy on those who look to you,

from generation to generation.

With all of me I shout - Great is God!

With all of me I rejoice with God my Savior!

You have shown strength,

scattering the ones who thought they were the best,

tumbling down the proud people

and lifting up the unseen and ignored.

You have filled the hungry with good things,

and sent the rich away empty.

With all of me I shout - Great is God!

With all of me I rejoice with God my Savior!

You have come to the aid of your people,

to remember the promise of mercy,

the promise made to our grandparents,

to all your beloved children forever.

With all of me I shout - Great is God!

With all of me I rejoice with God my Savior!

It’s the middle of the day! Shake out your hands, now put them on your tummy, take a deep breath, hold it and let it all out. God is with you wherever you are right now.

Kids songs recorded live at First Presbyterian Church on November 19, 2023.

ELIZABETH'S SONG - LUKE 1:42-45

God, in the middle of our day,

When we feel joy jump inside us,

Help us remember that

Nothing is impossible with God!

God, in the middle of our day,

No matter where we are or how we feel,

Help us remember that

Nothing is impossible with God!

Good morning! Let’s take a big deep breath and stretch and exhale. This is the day that the LORD has made. Let us rejoice and be glad! 

Kids songs recorded live at First Presbyterian Church on November 19, 2023.

ZECHARIAH'S SONG - LUKE 1:68–79

In God’s tender love, the new day will burst into color

All over us!

You are good LORD! We are your children! 

You have come to your people and set us free. 

You have given us a mighty Savior, 

A great, great, great grandchild of King David.

In God’s tender love, the new day will burst into color

All over us!

And you, child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High,

you will go before the Lord to clear the way,

and give people the Good News that   

God forgives us! 

In God’s tender love, the new day will burst into color

All over us!

In God’s tender love, the new day will burst into color! 

All over us!

to shine on those who live in darkness and fear,  

and to guide our feet into the way of peace. 

In God’s tender love, the new day will burst into color

All over us!

Dear Families - Every day this Advent our FPC family is praying the Canticles (songs) four times a day - the Canticle of Zechariah in the morning, the Canticle of Elizabeth at midday, the Canticle of Mary at dinnertime, and the Canticle of Simeon at bedtime. We invite children to join us in this practice!

This podcast has four episodes - one for each prayer. These kid-versions of the Canticles are written and read by Pastor Kerrie with a chorus of people reading the refrain. Encourage your child to say the refrain with the group! 

Message by Rev. Doug Bunnell recorded November 26, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham.

Luke 1:67-80; Scripture read by Nick Berard

Reflection Questions:

After months of silence Zechariah erupts in prayer to the God of Salvation and blessing upon his son.

• What would it be like to not be able to talk for 10 months? How would you be different?

• Zechariah’s prayer is all about God, what does he appreciate about God?

• How does Zechariah describe Jesus?

• What words of encouragement and blessing does he offer his son?

• What does it mean that the dawn from on high will break upon us? Has that happened yet?

Each Thanksgiving our Sunday service is transformed as members of our congregation share a deeply personal Thanksgiving reflection. This week we will be sharing four stories by Brad Day, Steve Thames, Jeanie Cox, and Greg and Christy Hart.

Our fourth message is by Greg and Christy Hart, recorded November 19, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham.

Each Thanksgiving our Sunday service is transformed as members of our congregation share a deeply personal Thanksgiving reflection. This week we will be sharing four stories by Brad Day, Steve Thames, Jeannie Cox, and Greg and Christy Hart.

Our third message is by Jeannie Cox, recorded November 19, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham.

Each Thanksgiving our Sunday service is transformed as members of our congregation share a deeply personal Thanksgiving reflection. This week we will be sharing four stories by Brad Day, Steve Thames, Jeannie Cox, and Greg and Christy Hart.

Our second message is by Steve Thames, recorded November 19, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham.

Each Thanksgiving our Sunday service is transformed as members of our congregation share a deeply personal Thanksgiving reflection. This week we will be sharing four stories by Brad Day, Steve Thames, Jeannie Cox, and Greg and Christy Hart.

Our first reflection is by Dr. Brad Day, recorded November 19, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham.

Message by Rev. Doug Bunnell recorded November 5, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham.

Acts 21:7-15; Scripture read by Ozzie Lewis

Reflection Questions:

Paul listens to the counsel of his peers, but then follows Jesus on his own.

• What do you think it felt like to hear the prophecy of Agabus?
• Luke says in verse 12 “we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem.”, who do you think he refers to?
• Paul listens to their counsel, but still chooses to go to Jerusalem. How did it affect his relationship with Agabus and the leaders? with Luke and his own entourage?
• How do you think Paul felt standing alone, in disagreement with the room?
• Do you think Paul does the right thing?

Message by Rev. Doug Bunnell from Sunday morning - October 29, 2023 Healthy relationships include healthy goodbyes. Living wholeheartedly involves joy and tears.

Acts 20:17-38; Scripture read by Jan Dougherty

Reflection Questions

• What strikes you about Paul’s Goodbye speech?
• Where do you live without regret?
• Where might you be tempted to shrink back?
• What hard things are coming up for you?
• How might you face them like Paul?
• What role do tears and grief play in your life?
• How are you at healthy goodbyes?