First, you probably saw Shiv’s note. After the usual livestreamed service in the morning, we’ll be holding outdoor worship in the evening: 6:30p in the parking lot (not on the hillside around the fire-pit). Details are on the website. We ask your patience and pardon — there will be plenty of wrinkles to iron out. For inspiration I offer the quote below from the period of the Scottish Disruption of 1843. In order to preserve biblical orthodoxy, many congregations left the Church of Scotland, forming the Free Church of Scotland. In the process they lost their beautiful stone buildings and, at least for a time, worshiped anywhere and everywhere. Here’s one account:
“Our ordinary meetings for public worship were held in a field, …kindly granted for the purpose by Mr. Robert Frame, a surgeon. The field was admirably adapted to the object, having a gentle slope, and being surrounded on three sides by trees, which afforded partial shelter. Many a happy Sabbath we spent there under the open canopy of heaven and also dispensed, on the first occasion after the Disruption, the holy ordinance of the Lord’s Supper, with circumstances of peculiar solemnity, which many, I believe, will remember to their dying hour. On the green grass was the table spread, and all around were the congregation gathered, some on chairs or rustic seats which they had brought, others on the bare ground. The service commenced at half-past ten o’clock, and continued without intermission till near five [then], after the interval of an hour, Dr. Hanna preached the evening sermon from Hebrews 6:19.”
Second, the PCA study committee on human sexuality (read: homosexuality) has finished their work. I believe it’s well done — pastoral and nurturing, but not at the expense of orthodoxy. If you read it you’ll see, it’s very good work: nuanced, historical, comprehensive. You’ll find it here.
Third, it’s our pleasure to welcome this week Katie Stacy as our new office admin. Please welcome her when you have the chance. We’re very grateful the Lord has brought her to us. I asked her to write a brief bio: “Brian and Katie Stacy grew up in the Seattle area and have considered the CPC congregation their church family for many years. After living in Spokane for three years, where Brian completed a Doctorate of Nurse Anesthesia Practice at Gonzaga University, they recently moved to Kirkland. He is excited to begin his job as a nurse anesthetist at UW Medical Center in September. Prior to accepting the office administrator position at CPC, Katie managed the Education department of the Mobius Science Center in Spokane. Brian and Katie love hiking, backpacking, and exploring our beautiful State!”
Finally, this difficult transition in the midst of a pandemic would not have been possible without the gracious support and tireless labor of Sylvia Winans. What a godsend she’s been. We are so grateful for her hard work, her humble, servant’s heart, and her patience in such a difficult moment. Please join us in thanking her!