A Message from Pastor Andrea Chaumont

February 11, 2026

Dear MBPPC,

At our self study event, “Tell Me a Story,” last Sunday, one of the things that stood out to me is how much we laughed together. It is clear that there is a lot of warmth and goodwill in our community. The core values that emerged from our discussion are empathy, understanding and non-judgmental presence. It seems to me that empathy and understanding are essential ingredients missing from the cocktail of many people’s lives these days. I wonder who in our neighborhood is longing for a non-judgmental community and doesn’t even know that is their heart’s desire? The growth area or “sticky point” that came up last Sunday is our smaller size as a congregation. Many (if not all) churches experienced a significant shift in their size after the pandemic. I talked to one pastor of a Methodist congregation in Shoreline, WA who told me “I’m basically in church planting mode now.” Church planting mode is an exciting place to be, even if it can be destabilizing at times. This is the time for the Church to try new things, listen to the neighborhood, and think outside the box. It seems like MBPPC is ready for this moment - I loved what one member of MBPPC said last week “we are strange and kind!” In my book, this is a powerful combination. 

Here are some calendar items to be aware of...

-This Sunday, Feb. 15 Congregational Meeting after the service to elect the PNC (Pastoral Nominating Committee)

-Immediately following the congregational meeting, whistle packet making and resource sharing about how to respond to ICE in our community

-Ash Wednesday soup dinner and service February 18. Come when you can for dinner, starting at 5:30pm on Wednesday. We will finish eating at 6:30pm and an Ash Wednesday service will begin at 7pm in the sanctuary. Rev. Erin Grayson will preach at this service. Thank you to Susan and Ellen for organizing this dinner!

-Ash Wednesday is the beginning of our Lenten season. This Lent, we will be in the Psalms. 

-Pastor Andrea is on vacation Monday - Friday (February 16-20) and back in the service on 2/22.

-Ryan Shrauner is coming back to MBPPC to preach on February 22.

I am grateful to be on this transitional journey with you.

Blessings,

Andrea