Uplook - February 25, 2023
Warm greetings on a cold Seattle day,
The temperature has been below freezing the last several morning as we have arisen in Seattle and stayed fairly low all day. I know that the sense of “coldness” is a relative one because of our international travel to Southeast Asia. I often chuckle when we visit the Philippines in the “winter” which is the same season as ours since they are north of the equator. When the nighttime low temperatures drop to 68 degrees Fahrenheit they consider it quite cold and don sweaters, sweatshirts, and coats. They are amazed when I share that in Seattle, 68 degrees Fahrenheit is weather for shorts and t-shirts . I have been reminded of the difference in perspectives when traveling from the Philippines to South Korea during January. We have departed from Manila with a Fahrenheit temperature of around 85 degrees to arrive in Seoul where the temperature was 25 degrees (below freezing) with blowing snow. Simple math discloses the somewhat brutal 60 degree difference and the necessity of packing two quite different sets of clothing.
In Palestine…temperature is generally regulated by elevation and proximity to the Mediterranean Sea. Generally it is colder as you move to higher elevations. Water is generally scarce and so greatly valued in all of it’s forms (snow, dew, frost, rain, etc.) Psalm 147 calls us to praise the Lord as Creator noting his knowledge of the universe as well as care for individuals within it. Consider this small portion…
He sendeth forth his commandment upon earth: His word runneth very swiftly. 16 He giveth snow like wool: He scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes. 17 He casteth forth his ice like morsels: Who can stand before his cold? 18 He sendeth out his word, and melteth them: He causeth his wind to blow, and the waters flow. Psalm 147:15–18
The snow, frost, and ice all flow from the authority of God’s commands across the earth and once again the melting of them to provide healing, nourishing, and sustaining waters are all metered and delivered by the word of the Creator.
So…on the days it seems “too cold” or six months from now in August when we in Seattle deem a few days above 80 degrees Fahrenheit as “too hot” may we always remember that our Creator is in control of it all and we should give Him praise and honor.
Housekeeping notes:
Ordinance Service – Our quarterly observation of the Lord’s Supper and the Washing of the Disciples feet will be tomorrow evening at 5 pm.
Choir – As announced last week – we will be having Choir practices at 3:45 pm on Sunday afternoons in preparation for Easter.
Bible Study – There will be no Seattle Bible Study this week (March 1) as our Portland Headquarters is having “Tabernacle Meetings” this week. They will be on Sundays and each weekday evening from Tuesday through Saturday. Those meetings can be watched on their website at apostolicfaith.org.
Love@Easter - Check last week's post for details on the clothing drive for Nigeria. Donations can be made tomorrow through March 25. For questions see Sis. Dami.
Men’s Fellowship – We have scheduled a Men’s Fellowship breakfast/devotional on Saturday, March 11. It will be from 8:30 am -10 am in the church activity/fellowship room on the third floor for men from 8th grade through adult. Breakfast will be provided. Please sign up in the church narthex.
Youth Retreat – The Northwest Youth Retreat is scheduled for April 14-16 in Sutherlin, Oregon. Age range is from 8th grade through 25 years. Cost is $140 per person. We will be scheduling a Saturday morning church work day soon for those who would like to have 50% ($70) scholarship for their fees. For more information see Bro. Alex Wilson.
God bless you all…and keep warm in God’s love,
BB
Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor
The temperature has been below freezing the last several morning as we have arisen in Seattle and stayed fairly low all day. I know that the sense of “coldness” is a relative one because of our international travel to Southeast Asia. I often chuckle when we visit the Philippines in the “winter” which is the same season as ours since they are north of the equator. When the nighttime low temperatures drop to 68 degrees Fahrenheit they consider it quite cold and don sweaters, sweatshirts, and coats. They are amazed when I share that in Seattle, 68 degrees Fahrenheit is weather for shorts and t-shirts . I have been reminded of the difference in perspectives when traveling from the Philippines to South Korea during January. We have departed from Manila with a Fahrenheit temperature of around 85 degrees to arrive in Seoul where the temperature was 25 degrees (below freezing) with blowing snow. Simple math discloses the somewhat brutal 60 degree difference and the necessity of packing two quite different sets of clothing.
In Palestine…temperature is generally regulated by elevation and proximity to the Mediterranean Sea. Generally it is colder as you move to higher elevations. Water is generally scarce and so greatly valued in all of it’s forms (snow, dew, frost, rain, etc.) Psalm 147 calls us to praise the Lord as Creator noting his knowledge of the universe as well as care for individuals within it. Consider this small portion…
He sendeth forth his commandment upon earth: His word runneth very swiftly. 16 He giveth snow like wool: He scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes. 17 He casteth forth his ice like morsels: Who can stand before his cold? 18 He sendeth out his word, and melteth them: He causeth his wind to blow, and the waters flow. Psalm 147:15–18
The snow, frost, and ice all flow from the authority of God’s commands across the earth and once again the melting of them to provide healing, nourishing, and sustaining waters are all metered and delivered by the word of the Creator.
So…on the days it seems “too cold” or six months from now in August when we in Seattle deem a few days above 80 degrees Fahrenheit as “too hot” may we always remember that our Creator is in control of it all and we should give Him praise and honor.
Housekeeping notes:
Ordinance Service – Our quarterly observation of the Lord’s Supper and the Washing of the Disciples feet will be tomorrow evening at 5 pm.
Choir – As announced last week – we will be having Choir practices at 3:45 pm on Sunday afternoons in preparation for Easter.
Bible Study – There will be no Seattle Bible Study this week (March 1) as our Portland Headquarters is having “Tabernacle Meetings” this week. They will be on Sundays and each weekday evening from Tuesday through Saturday. Those meetings can be watched on their website at apostolicfaith.org.
Love@Easter - Check last week's post for details on the clothing drive for Nigeria. Donations can be made tomorrow through March 25. For questions see Sis. Dami.
Men’s Fellowship – We have scheduled a Men’s Fellowship breakfast/devotional on Saturday, March 11. It will be from 8:30 am -10 am in the church activity/fellowship room on the third floor for men from 8th grade through adult. Breakfast will be provided. Please sign up in the church narthex.
Youth Retreat – The Northwest Youth Retreat is scheduled for April 14-16 in Sutherlin, Oregon. Age range is from 8th grade through 25 years. Cost is $140 per person. We will be scheduling a Saturday morning church work day soon for those who would like to have 50% ($70) scholarship for their fees. For more information see Bro. Alex Wilson.
God bless you all…and keep warm in God’s love,
BB
Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor
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