November 2025
Together In Mission
Monthly Reflections from BCC
Relief and Development:
Discerning How to Best Steward Our Resources For the Common Good
By Phil Rushton
Lead Pastor
I felt conflicted on this particular Wednesday morning in Longview, Washington. I had finished a short weekly volunteer shift at a local homeless shelter and was now in my office at the church getting ready for a day of sermon research and writing. I found myself questioning my vocational choices. It seemed as if the last thing the world needed was another sermon when so many immediate needs were present on the streets of our community. I had just heard stories of trauma, abuse, and destitution. Reading commentaries in my comfortable office seemed like an impractical luxury. I found myself wondering — does discipleship deserve this much attention when the world is on fire?
I wonder if you have wrestled with these types of questions? There are so many needs in our world, and our time and resources are limited. Where should we invest? This is likely a timely question for many of us right now. If you are like me, your inbox is filling up with end-of-year stewardship invitations from non-profits and ministries. You received one from me this month as well! What does it look like to be a faithful steward of what God has given us?
We will all have different answers to these questions. Our callings, passions, resources, and gifts differ. However, I have found it helpful to think about the importance of balancing both relief and development efforts in our world. It is important to provide immediate and direct relief to those in distress, while also developing people, communities, and programs that work to prevent destitution. To use a medical analogy, we need a combination of emergency departments, public health programs, and medical schools. We need to treat those who are currently sick, while also finding ways to prevent illness, create healthy communities, and form competent doctors and nurses.
Since that conflicted Wednesday morning some years ago, I have come to believe that discipleship does matter in a world full of pain. We do need to engage in direct relief work as individuals and churches, but we also need to create healthy spiritual communities that equip, nurture, and form compassionate people. Our outputs of mercy must be regularly replenished by the inputs of God’s Spirit and guidance. We see this modeled for us in the life and ministry of Jesus. Jesus brought relief to those on the margins. Much of his ministry involved healing the sick and caring for the destitute. At the same time, he spent a significant amount of his earthly ministry teaching and discipling people.
I am currently reading a book about the connection between spirituality and philanthropy by Kerry Robinson. She shares a story about how she faced some backlash from a local bishop for taking on the role of leading a fundraising and development program for a catholic student ministries initiative at Yale University. Her bishop knew she had a heart for social justice and questioned why she had diverted her energy away from direct relief efforts to creating programs for wealthy Yale students. She acknowledged his critique but proceeded to argue that her engagement in student formation isn’t disconnected from her care for the poor. She said,
“Isn’t it important that these students be fully formed in an adult, mature faith that can inspire their leadership, so that one day the decisions they make that could have an impact on hundreds of thousands of other people would be informed by Catholic social justice teaching?”
Robinson’s perspective illustrates a both/and rather than an either/or approach to stewardship. Relief and development are two sides of the philanthropic coin.
With all this said, I want to thank you as a congregation for your ongoing support and investment in our local congregation. I truly believe that we need to invest in being the church! Our capacity to sustain compassion in the world requires an ongoing commitment to discipleship. Our mission here at BCC seeks to hold these efforts in balance. We are seeking to create a community that is being formed deeper in Christ for the good of our neighbors. Thank you for your partnership in developing our faith community. Discipleship truly does matter in a world full of pain!
In Christ,
Pastor Phil
From Reluctance to Joy
By Joel Bentley
BCC Kids Volunteer
A fellow BCC member once told me that everyone who can volunteer should volunteer. So when Megan put a call out for help with the kids' ministry, I (somewhat reluctantly) signed up as a helper. Part of me was curious to peek behind the curtain and see what my kids experience every week. Reader, it did not disappoint.
There is something magical that happens during the “Worshipful Play” storytime. Wiggly kids sit (mostly) still. Shy kids offer insightful observations. As Megan puts it, “There is something captivating about telling God's stories in this slow, storytelling, relational way.” God feels ever-present in these discussions. This is carried into response time — I have never seen a group of kids with such calm, focused attention on reflection. Finally, during gym time, it was a joy to see older kids playing with love and care with younger kids. A little glimpse of heaven.
Consider me a convert. I encourage anyone who has the capacity and wants to experience a Sunday morning full of joy to volunteer with the kids' ministry. You’ll be glad you did.
Tidings of Comfort and Joy?
Facing the holidays after bereavement
By GriefShare/BCC
When you’re grieving the death of a family member or friend, you may dread the holiday season. Thoughts of social gatherings, family traditions, and obligations leave you anxious and overwhelmed. Your sadness can seem unbearable. You may wish you could skip these next two months and go straight to the routine of the next year—but you can’t. What can you do to lessen your stress and loneliness?
Holidays trigger tough emotions
You can start by learning what emotions are normal and to be expected when facing the holidays without your loved one. “If you’re feeling overwhelmed as this holiday season approaches, that’s very normal,” advises psychologist Dr. Susan Zonnebelt-Smeenge, whose husband died. “You’re probably wondering how you’re going to handle this and are unsure of what course to take. I want to assure you that you can get through these holidays, and hopefully you can even find moments of joy.”
When you know what to expect, you won’t be rendered helpless as holiday events trigger unexpected emotions. Make a point to spend time talking with people who have experienced a past loss and have already been through a holiday season without their loved one. They can help you have an idea of typical emotions and emotional triggers to expect. These people can also provide much-needed comfort and support.
Creating a holiday plan will help
Another important step in surviving the holidays is to create a healthy plan for the coming season. “Planning does help you to have a little control, even when you feel totally out of control,” said Dr. Zonnebelt-Smeenge. A healthy plan involves making decisions in advance about traditions, meals, time spent with others, holiday decorating, gift-giving, and commitments.
You will likely not have the energy or the interest in doing as much as you have in past years. Decide ahead of time which invitations you’ll accept, and let the host or family member know that you might leave early. Consider whether your decorating will be different this year: perhaps a smaller tree or less decor. If you cook or bake, cut back.
Make a list of every holiday tradition you can think of, from music to presents to outings. Then decide which traditions will be too difficult without your deceased loved one, which traditions you’d like to maintain, and what new traditions you can start this year.
Communicating with family and friends
What’s also helpful in facing the holidays is to communicate your specific concerns and needs with your family and friends. People in grief are often tempted to put on a mask and pretend things are fine, especially over the holidays. “I didn’t want to put a damper on anyone else’s joy,” shared Mardie. “So I put on a happy face and tried to be the sister, the daughter, the aunt that everybody wanted to see. Putting on that happy face was a heavier burden than I was emotionally able to carry at the time.”
Your friends may want you to “cheer up” and “have fun,” when that’s the last thing you want. Others will avoid you because they don’t know what to say and don’t want to make you feel worse. Some family members will give you wrong advice in a misguided attempt to help. All of these people likely mean well, but will only end up hurting you if you don’t communicate what you truly need from them.
As difficult as this may be, it’s important to tell people what they can do to help and what they are doing that isn’t helping. And if you don’t have the energy or inclination to talk to people face-to-face, then write your thoughts, concerns, and needs in a letter or email. What’s important is that you are being honest and gracious in your communication.
So, where can you find out what emotions to expect over the holidays, how to create a healthy plan, and how to communicate with family and friends these coming weeks?
“Surviving the Holidays” Seminar on November 13 and December 7
BCC will be hosting two identical “Surviving the Holidays” seminars: the first on Thursday, November 13, 1:30-3:30 PM, and the second on Sunday, December 7, 10:45 AM to 12:45 PM. (A light lunch will be provided on the second date). This event will offer practical, actionable strategies for making it through the holiday season. You’ll view a video featuring advice from people in grief who’ve faced the holidays after their loss. You’ll hear insights from respected Christian counselors, pastors, and psychologists. You’ll receive a Holiday Survival Guide with practical strategies, encouraging words, helpful exercises, Q&A, and journaling ideas for daily survival through the holiday season
At “Surviving the Holidays,” you’ll meet with other grieving people who have an understanding of what you’re going through. They won’t judge you or force you to share, but will accept you where you are and will offer comfort and support.
Your holiday season won’t be easy; your emotions may ambush you and suck you under at times. But you can choose to walk through this season in a way that honors your loved one and puts you on the path of health and healing.
To find out more about “Surviving the Holidays,” contact Pastor Adria at adria@bellinghamcov.org. Please RSVP HERE. There is a suggested donation of $5, cash or check (made to BCC, with memo “Adult Ministry Events”).
Making Room Update:
Phase 1 Complete, Phase 2 Started
By Phil Rushton
Lead Pastor
At the end of June, our Lead Team put forward a three-phase plan to accommodate growth at Bellingham Covenant Church over the next few years. We wanted to share a quick update about where we are in the process.
Phase 1 Complete:
Phase one of our project was a relatively small-scale project that quickly added 45 seats to our sanctuary. This involved reducing the footprint of our tech booth so we could add a whole extra pew and two half rows of chairs. This was accomplished by mounting cameras and moving our video operator to the office. Thanks to the hard work of Jeff Grosskopf, Graham Meeks, Ed Goebel, and Justin Mattix, this project was finished in early September. Below is a quick before-and-after photo of the tech booth. The total cost of the tech booth demo, reconstruction, and new video system was $12,000. We were able to sell some of our older equipment to bring our costs down. We used reserves from our capital improvement fund to cover this expense.
We have also placed 25 other temporary chairs on the wings of the sanctuary and in other open spaces in our sanctuary. This has relieved our immediate capacity needs this fall. Most experts agree that you have a capacity issue when you hit 80% of seating capacity, especially with pews. Our 80% capacity number has increased from 256 people to 290 people.
Before
After (over half as small!)
Phase 2 Started:
The second phase of our project is more time and cost-intensive. Our conceptual idea is to create an additional seven rows of seating on both sides of the sanctuary. The sanctuary was designed to expand in these directions. The slant floor exists below the current classrooms. This plan allows us to preserve two large adult ed classrooms and create 80 permanent new seats in the sanctuary. To offset the loss of our larger classroom C space, we are exploring the idea of framing out our back patio and creating an atrium space. This would be about a 1100 square foot conference space compared to the 750 square foot classroom C space.
The first step in moving towards phase two has involved working with an architect. We hit a slight delay in our progress this summer. The initial architect we planned to work with had to step back from the project due to some changing family circumstances. This set us back about 6-8 weeks. We have since hired RMC architects in Bellingham, WA. They have extensive experience in church renovation projects. They have started working on preliminary drawings. We hope to have these drawings by mid-November so we can start the bidding process with local contractors. Once we have better estimates of the cost, we will evaluate the feasibility of the project and bring a proposal to the congregation for a vote. We are hoping to have a congregational meeting to discuss phase 2 before the end of the year.
Phase 3 Explorations:
We believe that these first two phases will allow us to steward and maximize our current facility and staffing structure. Should we continue to see growth down the road, we hope to explore the feasibility of church planting. We have started conversations with conference staff about the process of planting. This, however, is not something that is on the immediate horizon for us as a church.
Please pray for BCC and our leadership as we continue to discern God’s direction. In the midst of all the logistics, let us remember and celebrate that God is calling us to be a hospitable community. We are creating space for people to find community, grow deeper in faith, and serve our neighborhood. As we step forward into the future together, we remember that our identity in the covenant church is not just to be friends, but mission friends. We continue to desire that we would create a deep, close-knit community of friends that also remains outwardly focused towards others who are seeking God!
God Bless,
Pastor Phil
Up next:
Writers’ Forum
Saturday, November 1
10:00 –11:30 am in Classroom C
*Encouragement and mentoring for aspiring writers, from beginners to pros. We meet on the first Saturday of each month (September-June) to share projects and ideas. This month, Gaye White will share a method she used to create a book of her life experiences as a gift for her grandchildren. Hosts: Roy and Nancy Taylor
Contact if you have questions: taynancy@comcast.net
One Community, Many Cultures Fundraiser
Saturday, November 1, 2:00 pm-4:30 pm
*This special fundraiser will support the launch of Renew Northwest: a place where newcomers can find connection, support, and opportunity.
Vespers Evening Service
Sunday, November 2nd
6:00 pm in the Sanctuary
*Vespers is a contemplative evening worship service of scripture, singing, and prayer, in the style of Taizé.
Holiday Bazaar
Saturday, November 8th
9:00 am-4:00 pm
*Volunteer Sign-Up will be in the foyer on Sunday, October 19, October 26, and November 2, after each worship service.
Prime Timers
Thursday, November 13th
12:30 pm in the dining room
*Join this great group of retired age folks for a potluck lunch in the BCC dining room. Contact Jim Bruns for more information at (360) 393-1403.
Surviving the Holidays After the Loss of a Loved One
Thursday, November 13th, from 1:30-3:30 pm (following Prime Timers) in Classroom C.
*Visit this page for more information (an identical class is offered on December 7)
New to BCC Gathering:
Every Sunday in November
10:45 in Classroom C
*An opportunity to meet others and get to know more about the mission, ministry, and theology at Bellingham Covenant Church. RSVP to phil@bellinghamcov.org
Surviving the Holidays After the Loss of a Loved One
Sunday, December 7, 10:45 AM-12:45 PM in Classroom C
*Visit this page for more information (an identical class is offered on November 13)