Weekly Bulletin
Dear Gathering Place Family...
An Encouraging Word
As we continue to hunker down in our homes and stay safe distances from people I am reminded of the time Jesus spent in the wilderness. He went out to the wilderness for forty days (Matthew 4:1-11) where he fasted and prayed. During this time Satan came and tempted him and he uses these occasions to teach us about the ways of the enemy. Satan offers Jesus food, power and prosperity if he will only bow down to him.
During these forty days, Jesus used this time to pray, learn, grow and prepare for what God had for him. This is what I am striving to do with this time as well. I am encouraging you to fast one day each week from sunrise to sunset and also to spend time in prayer for the people of Gathering Place as well as others around you.
I always attempt to avoid legalism, let me put this disclaimer out there… if there is a medical reason you should not fast PLEASE do not participate in this activity. Fasting should always be about the discipline and never about “rules.” You choose when and how to join us, but know that as a family we are all in this together. Please consider joining us as we pray for hearts to be opened through this season, that we would become more attuned to what God has for us as individuals and as a congregation, and also for those who are sick to recover. God is faithful and will see us through this time.
Sunday Message Online at 10am
Watch Sunday’s online message which becomes available at 10am, but after that you can tune in anytime. You can also go directly to the Gathering Place YouTube page and subscribe. If you do, you will know when any new videos are posted. It is our goal to have announcement videos posted to keep everybody up to date on all the changes and what is happening at Gathering Place over the next several weeks.
Weekly Fun Challenge
The #GPFAMILYFUN challenge will be posted Friday morning. This week’s challenge is to turn on some tunes and throw down some moves. We are offering a gift card to the winner which will be drawn from all participants on April 19th. Spread the fun and challenge with other families to join in as well.
Family Devotional & Discussions
Our family devotional will be available online Sunday evening. This is an opportunity to read scripture and engage in conversations with your kids, spouse, friend, roommate, cousin, parent, etc. with a question. These are designed to stimulate discussion and faith – as well as give some great ways to get a conversation started.
Jeff’s Personal Note
I have been asked many questions during this time already. People have asked how I was doing personally. I feel more filled with “tasks” and less with people – and people are why I got into ministry in the first place so that has been difficult.
I have been asked how people can help. At this point, we don’t have many opportunities to serve, but as those become available I will put out the calls for help. I have been asked if we will continue recording and posting messages. I am not sure yet. I so value community but that seems like a way to avoid getting in the trenches together, and yet I also believe in helping people where ever they are on their personal journey.
Can I effectively communicate community and love digitally? I guess we will find out.
Know that I am hearing your questions, concerns, and ideas. I am praying through all of this. Church will look different. My hope is that the difference is an expansion of loving service to one another and not a scattering of our family.
Money Matters
Finally, I have been asked how we are doing financially. To be honest, I have been hesitant to even look at the numbers. We need your tithes and offerings. You can do that here: Online Giving.
If you have lost your job or are uncertain, but all means know that we are here to support you through this difficult time. Please reach out to us. However, if you are able to step up and give above what you have in the past please consider this.
It is our desire to continue ministry even better than before once we are able to come back together, but this will be really difficult if we have to lay off staff or cut ministry that we have grown to love.
You can give online, set up direct giving through your bank, or you can also send a check to 17700 1st Ave S, Burien, WA 98148. I never like asking for money, but I value our church enough to ask you to please help us keep moving forward so that when the quarantine is lifted we can move forward with gusto and passion.
Blessings–
Jeff Espeseth
Lead Pastor