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A Reconciling in Christ community
2006 NW 65th ST. SEATTLE, WA 98117 (206) 784-1306 ALL ARE WELCOME. |
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IN-PERSON WORSHIP
As of July 4, 2021, we have returned to in-person worship. At this time we require masks and seating reservations in order to ensure safe and proper distancing between households. However, some walk-in spaces will be available each week. To reserve your space in worship, please contact the church office at office@bflcs.org or (206) 784-1306 by noon on Fridays.
The in-person services will also be recorded and available here on this website or on our YouTube channel by 7:00 p.m. Sunday evening or by Monday.
The in-person services will also be recorded and available here on this website or on our YouTube channel by 7:00 p.m. Sunday evening or by Monday.
July 18, 2021 - 8th Sunday after Pentecost (recording of live service)
Mark’s gospel makes clear how great is the press of the crowd, with its countless needs to be met, on Jesus and his disciples. Yet in today’s gospel Jesus advises his disciples to get away and rest, to take care of themselves. Sometimes we think that when others are in great need we shouldn’t think of ourselves at all; but Jesus also honors the caregivers’ need. We are sent from Christ’s table to care for others and for ourselves.
Mark’s gospel makes clear how great is the press of the crowd, with its countless needs to be met, on Jesus and his disciples. Yet in today’s gospel Jesus advises his disciples to get away and rest, to take care of themselves. Sometimes we think that when others are in great need we shouldn’t think of ourselves at all; but Jesus also honors the caregivers’ need. We are sent from Christ’s table to care for others and for ourselves.
Letter from Pastor Erik and Pastor Elise
June 15, 2021
Dear Friends in Christ,
And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.
These words from St. Paul in 1st Corinthians have been so helpful in enduring the challenges and hardships of this past year. When fear, sadness, and grief at the many changes threaten to overwhelm, these words from St. Paul serve as a comforting reminder that faith, hope and love abide in each of life’s circumstances, that God abides with us through it all.
As we turn towards gathering together once again, these words still bring comfort and serve as a sign that we are grounded in something that is bigger than ourselves, something that helps us to meet fear with faith, despair with hope, and hate and division with God’s sure love. It’s true that it’s been well over a year since we were last able to see each other and worship together. It’s equally true, though, that Paul’s words are as relevant today as when he first penned them: Faith, hope and love still abide across the church and that includes our faith community here at Ballard First Lutheran. And indeed, the greatest of the gifts that sustain us through times of both sorrow and joy is that of God’s love.
And so it is in faith, hope and love that we joyfully anticipate a return to in-person worship in the very near future.
As many of you have likely heard, we will begin in-person worship again on Sunday, July 4, 2021.
Of course, at first, our return to the sanctuary will mean that worship will still not look exactly like it did the last time we worshiped together in-person in March of 2020.
Here are some changes to note:
In the beginning of our transition back to in-person worship, we will require reservations in order to provide seat assignments and ensure safe and proper distancing between households. However, some walk-in spaces will be available each week. To reserve your space in worship, please contact the church office at office@bflcs.org or (206) 784-1306 by noon on Fridays.
Each week, you will find a seating chart with your household name on it. To begin, masks will be required for all worshipers. If you forget your mask at home, there’s no need to fret! We will have additional masks on hand.
At first, our worship will consist of a simple Service of the Word. This means that for the first few weeks there will be primarily instrumental music rather than congregational singing and that we will not have communion right away either.
That being said, we hope to build up to additional singing and full communion as the weeks go on. Be assured that, as we begin to enjoy this Holy Sacrament once again, we will endeavor to do so in a way that is safe. This means that, for a time, you will receive the bread and wine in individualized, pre-packaged containers.
Of course, we recognize that the state, local, and CDC guidelines continue to be a moving target. Thus, we request your patience, kindness, and prayers during this transitional time.
In order to worship together once again, we will need volunteers to assist with duties such as greeting arrivals, helping to usher people to their seats, and driving people to church. We also encourage people willing to perform instrumental music to let us know about that as well. This will ensure that the transition back to in-person worship is a smooth one. Please see the article in this issue of Ballard Blessings to learn how you can be of assistance.
We cannot wait to see you and worship with you again in person! It has been a long, difficult year, but as St. Paul writes, we are all strengthened by the gifts of faith, hope, and love and we are confident that we will experience them as we begin to come together. We are so grateful for your continued participation and support in our faith community here at Ballard First Lutheran and we look forward to seeing the many ways that God calls us to serve and live together in community in the future.
In Christ’s Peace,
Pastor Erik and Pastor Elise
Dear Friends in Christ,
And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.
These words from St. Paul in 1st Corinthians have been so helpful in enduring the challenges and hardships of this past year. When fear, sadness, and grief at the many changes threaten to overwhelm, these words from St. Paul serve as a comforting reminder that faith, hope and love abide in each of life’s circumstances, that God abides with us through it all.
As we turn towards gathering together once again, these words still bring comfort and serve as a sign that we are grounded in something that is bigger than ourselves, something that helps us to meet fear with faith, despair with hope, and hate and division with God’s sure love. It’s true that it’s been well over a year since we were last able to see each other and worship together. It’s equally true, though, that Paul’s words are as relevant today as when he first penned them: Faith, hope and love still abide across the church and that includes our faith community here at Ballard First Lutheran. And indeed, the greatest of the gifts that sustain us through times of both sorrow and joy is that of God’s love.
And so it is in faith, hope and love that we joyfully anticipate a return to in-person worship in the very near future.
As many of you have likely heard, we will begin in-person worship again on Sunday, July 4, 2021.
Of course, at first, our return to the sanctuary will mean that worship will still not look exactly like it did the last time we worshiped together in-person in March of 2020.
Here are some changes to note:
In the beginning of our transition back to in-person worship, we will require reservations in order to provide seat assignments and ensure safe and proper distancing between households. However, some walk-in spaces will be available each week. To reserve your space in worship, please contact the church office at office@bflcs.org or (206) 784-1306 by noon on Fridays.
Each week, you will find a seating chart with your household name on it. To begin, masks will be required for all worshipers. If you forget your mask at home, there’s no need to fret! We will have additional masks on hand.
At first, our worship will consist of a simple Service of the Word. This means that for the first few weeks there will be primarily instrumental music rather than congregational singing and that we will not have communion right away either.
That being said, we hope to build up to additional singing and full communion as the weeks go on. Be assured that, as we begin to enjoy this Holy Sacrament once again, we will endeavor to do so in a way that is safe. This means that, for a time, you will receive the bread and wine in individualized, pre-packaged containers.
Of course, we recognize that the state, local, and CDC guidelines continue to be a moving target. Thus, we request your patience, kindness, and prayers during this transitional time.
In order to worship together once again, we will need volunteers to assist with duties such as greeting arrivals, helping to usher people to their seats, and driving people to church. We also encourage people willing to perform instrumental music to let us know about that as well. This will ensure that the transition back to in-person worship is a smooth one. Please see the article in this issue of Ballard Blessings to learn how you can be of assistance.
We cannot wait to see you and worship with you again in person! It has been a long, difficult year, but as St. Paul writes, we are all strengthened by the gifts of faith, hope, and love and we are confident that we will experience them as we begin to come together. We are so grateful for your continued participation and support in our faith community here at Ballard First Lutheran and we look forward to seeing the many ways that God calls us to serve and live together in community in the future.
In Christ’s Peace,
Pastor Erik and Pastor Elise
Previously recorded services:
July 11, 2021 - 7th Sunday after Pentecost (recording of live service)
When Amos reports his vision of God judging Israel for its mistreatment of the poor, he becomes a threat to the power of the priests and the king. John the Baptist also speaks truth to power, and Herod has him killed. In Herod’s fear that Jesus is John returned from the dead, we may hear hope for the oppressed: all the prophets killed through the ages are alive in Jesus. We are called to witness to justice in company with them, and to proclaim God’s saving love.
When Amos reports his vision of God judging Israel for its mistreatment of the poor, he becomes a threat to the power of the priests and the king. John the Baptist also speaks truth to power, and Herod has him killed. In Herod’s fear that Jesus is John returned from the dead, we may hear hope for the oppressed: all the prophets killed through the ages are alive in Jesus. We are called to witness to justice in company with them, and to proclaim God’s saving love.
July 4, 2021 - 6th Sunday after Pentecost (recording of live service)
Jesus does great deeds of power and gives his disciples authority over demons. Yet none of this power is unilateral; it all must be received by faith. Jesus asks his disciples to go out without money or supplies, so that they will be dependent on how others receive them. When we are sent from the assembly to witness and to heal, we are asked to be vulnerable, to be dependent on the reception of others. The Spirit always operates in the “between”: between Jesus and his Abba, between Jesus and us, between you and me, between us and those to whom we are sent.
Jesus does great deeds of power and gives his disciples authority over demons. Yet none of this power is unilateral; it all must be received by faith. Jesus asks his disciples to go out without money or supplies, so that they will be dependent on how others receive them. When we are sent from the assembly to witness and to heal, we are asked to be vulnerable, to be dependent on the reception of others. The Spirit always operates in the “between”: between Jesus and his Abba, between Jesus and us, between you and me, between us and those to whom we are sent.
For more past services, please go to our Virtual Worship page or visit our YouTube channel.
Please remember that you may still support Ballard First Lutheran with your regular giving by clicking the GIVE NOW button below. Offerings can be made through ACH, debit or credit cards.
Words of Scripture
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Psalm 42:1-5
(feelings of desperation) As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and behold the face of God? My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me continually, “Where is your God?” These things I remember, as I pour out my soul: how I went with the throng, and led them in procession to the house of God, with glad shouts and songs of thanksgiving, a multitude keeping festival. Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help and my God. |
Psalm 46:1-6, 10-11
(God is with us) God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved; God will help it when the morning dawns. The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. “Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth.” The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. |
Psalm 34: 15-18
(righteousness) The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their cry. The face of the Lord is against evildoers, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves the crushed in spirit. |
Classes may start again in Fall 2021.
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL: Sundays at 9:00-9:50 a.m. Haavik Hall CONFIRMATION CLASSES: 6th-8th Grade Sundays from 9:00-9:45 a.m. Church Office KIDS SUNDAY SCHOOL: Ages 3 - 5th Grade Sundays from 9:15-9:45 a.m. Kangaroo Room in the Childcare Building |
"Following the example of our Lord Jesus Christ, we at Ballard First Lutheran affirm the dignity and worth of all people...."
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Pastor Erik R. Wilson Weiberg
Pastor Elise Scott 
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FAN features events about justice, peace and care for the environment across the state of Washington.
See FAN website for more info.
See FAN website for more info.
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We are a Greening Congregation. Collectively, we can make our planet better. Learn more at earthministry.org
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