CHURCH UPDATE | July 22
Happy Wednesday!
Our mission as Stanwood Foursquare Church: to love God and love people; to learn God’s words and ways; and to live out the mission and message of Jesus.
As we seek to live out the mission above, it's so important to take time to pause, look back, reflect, and praise God for all the good things He is doing in and through the lives of our church family! Here are a few of those awesome things worth celebrating:
BAPTISMS | On Sunday, July 12, we celebrated TEN people publicly declaring Jesus as their Lord and Savior through water baptism! What I love about the church, and what I love about this group of individuals who were baptized, is that it didn't matter if they were new or familiar to faith, old or young in age, what their upbringing or personal background was - all that mattered, and all that matters, is the obedient "Yes!" to live for Jesus.
SALVATIONS | Speaking of people saying "Yes!" to Jesus... So far, this Summer, we have had FIVE people commit to following Jesus! Plus -- since we have made the shift of also offering services online, since Quarantine began in March, we've had about FORTY people give their lives to Jesus! Come on, church, that is awesome!!
FOSTER CARE | At the beginning of this year, Pastor Tim called our church to action to support foster families and advocate for children in the foster care system. Since then we have created avenues for parents and families to become certified in the system, and today we celebrate SEVEN families who are either going through the training or have completed the training to be foster parents! If the Lord has been stirring your heart to serve the Kingdom in this way, please CLICK HERE to get connected with other families in the process and to start your online training.
KIDS DIGITAL EXPERIENCE | Here at Stanwood Foursquare, we love kids and we believe in the empowerment and discipleship of young people. This last week we had FORTY families register for our national Foursquare Kids Digital [Camp] Experience! If you and your kids missed this opportunity, do not worry! All the sessions were recorded and are available for you to watch - just email our 4SQ Kids Director, Hillary for the link at hillary@4sq.church.
ALL CHURCH | One of the most important aspects growing as a disciple of Jesus is staying connected to the body - the church. To help you, your family, and friends grow deeper in relationship with Jesus, we are continuing with our Online Services, as well as hosting Drive-In Services on Sundays August 2, 9, and 16! Click HERE for directions.
All such good things, right?! We love being disciples together!
Our mission as Stanwood Foursquare Church: to love God and love people; to learn God’s words and ways; and to live out the mission and message of Jesus.
As we seek to live out the mission above, it's so important to take time to pause, look back, reflect, and praise God for all the good things He is doing in and through the lives of our church family! Here are a few of those awesome things worth celebrating:
BAPTISMS | On Sunday, July 12, we celebrated TEN people publicly declaring Jesus as their Lord and Savior through water baptism! What I love about the church, and what I love about this group of individuals who were baptized, is that it didn't matter if they were new or familiar to faith, old or young in age, what their upbringing or personal background was - all that mattered, and all that matters, is the obedient "Yes!" to live for Jesus.
SALVATIONS | Speaking of people saying "Yes!" to Jesus... So far, this Summer, we have had FIVE people commit to following Jesus! Plus -- since we have made the shift of also offering services online, since Quarantine began in March, we've had about FORTY people give their lives to Jesus! Come on, church, that is awesome!!
FOSTER CARE | At the beginning of this year, Pastor Tim called our church to action to support foster families and advocate for children in the foster care system. Since then we have created avenues for parents and families to become certified in the system, and today we celebrate SEVEN families who are either going through the training or have completed the training to be foster parents! If the Lord has been stirring your heart to serve the Kingdom in this way, please CLICK HERE to get connected with other families in the process and to start your online training.
KIDS DIGITAL EXPERIENCE | Here at Stanwood Foursquare, we love kids and we believe in the empowerment and discipleship of young people. This last week we had FORTY families register for our national Foursquare Kids Digital [Camp] Experience! If you and your kids missed this opportunity, do not worry! All the sessions were recorded and are available for you to watch - just email our 4SQ Kids Director, Hillary for the link at hillary@4sq.church.
ALL CHURCH | One of the most important aspects growing as a disciple of Jesus is staying connected to the body - the church. To help you, your family, and friends grow deeper in relationship with Jesus, we are continuing with our Online Services, as well as hosting Drive-In Services on Sundays August 2, 9, and 16! Click HERE for directions.
All such good things, right?! We love being disciples together!
CHURCH UPDATE | July 1
Our mission as Stanwood Foursquare Church: to love God and love people; to learn God’s words and ways; and to live out the mission and message of Jesus. We love getting to celebrate the good things God is doing in and through His people at our church, and there are two testimonies this week I'd love to highlight!
FOSTER CARE UPDATE
You may recall, as an extension of our church mission (above), we are coming alongside couples and families as they take next-steps in becoming certified foster parents and families! If you are interested in foster care or how we are participating in the process as a church, we have some helpful information on our website at 4sq.church/foster-care. Today, we want to celebrate and give a special shoutout to our second family to complete their online foster care training: The Seigel family!
"Brandon and I have always wanted to adopt. We had started the process to foster before, but then Brandon went through a job change and we ended up moving again. Finally feeling settled in Stanwood, we felt like it was the right time. We prayed about it and then we saw that the church was supporting families who wanted to become foster parents.... It is wonderful to have support as you go through this process. I think that the best way for the church to support us is in prayer. We have no expectations and just plan to love and support the child or children that come in our home. We hope to adopt, but we trust that what is meant to be will happen. God knows what is best. Thank you for being willing to partner, support, and pray for foster families." We love this! We are excited to cheer on the Seigel family and honored to partner with them in prayer as they continue this journey; we invite you to do the same!
WATER BAPTISM | Next Sunday, July 12
At both of our drive-in services, we will be celebrating individuals taking steps forward in their journeys of faith through the waters of baptism! If you are interested in being baptized, you can go ahead and respond to this email, or feel free to contact us by clicking HERE.
WOMEN'S SUMMER STUDY | THURSDAYS in JULY
Ladies, register now - on our website - for our Summer Study through the book of Ephesians, starting July 9! It's important that you register HERE as space is limited; you'll also notice, as you register, different gathering options, so be sure to pick the one that fits best for you. Overall, we are excited to engage together in God's Word!
We hope you have a wonderful 4th of July and look forward to 'seeing' you this Sunday, July 5, at one of our online services!
FOSTER CARE UPDATE
You may recall, as an extension of our church mission (above), we are coming alongside couples and families as they take next-steps in becoming certified foster parents and families! If you are interested in foster care or how we are participating in the process as a church, we have some helpful information on our website at 4sq.church/foster-care. Today, we want to celebrate and give a special shoutout to our second family to complete their online foster care training: The Seigel family!
"Brandon and I have always wanted to adopt. We had started the process to foster before, but then Brandon went through a job change and we ended up moving again. Finally feeling settled in Stanwood, we felt like it was the right time. We prayed about it and then we saw that the church was supporting families who wanted to become foster parents.... It is wonderful to have support as you go through this process. I think that the best way for the church to support us is in prayer. We have no expectations and just plan to love and support the child or children that come in our home. We hope to adopt, but we trust that what is meant to be will happen. God knows what is best. Thank you for being willing to partner, support, and pray for foster families." We love this! We are excited to cheer on the Seigel family and honored to partner with them in prayer as they continue this journey; we invite you to do the same!
WATER BAPTISM | Next Sunday, July 12
At both of our drive-in services, we will be celebrating individuals taking steps forward in their journeys of faith through the waters of baptism! If you are interested in being baptized, you can go ahead and respond to this email, or feel free to contact us by clicking HERE.
WOMEN'S SUMMER STUDY | THURSDAYS in JULY
Ladies, register now - on our website - for our Summer Study through the book of Ephesians, starting July 9! It's important that you register HERE as space is limited; you'll also notice, as you register, different gathering options, so be sure to pick the one that fits best for you. Overall, we are excited to engage together in God's Word!
We hope you have a wonderful 4th of July and look forward to 'seeing' you this Sunday, July 5, at one of our online services!
CHURCH UPDATE | June 10
LOVE | LEARN | LIVE
This past Sunday we started a new sermon series called The Road, looking at the story Jesus tells of the Good Samaritan in the Gospel of Luke. If you were unable to join us, I sincerely encourage you to give the message a listen! You will find yourself deeply challenged and encouraged to love better, learn more, and live differently.
In addition to Sunday's message, we wanted to provide you and your family with some helpful resources given the heartbeat of our nation right now:
BOOK | WHITE AWAKE: An Honest Look at What It Means to Be White
Written by Daniel Hill, "this book is a call to find our deepest sense of identity in Christ, realizing that those who are white must first break free of the distorted sense of identity that has been internalized from the narrative of racial differences in order to do this. White Awake will give you a new perspective on being white and also empower you to be an agent of reconciliation in our increasingly diverse and divided world."
Interested in reading? Click here to view one option for purchasing the text.
VIDEO | BIBLE PROJECT: Justice
"'Justice' is a felt need in our world today and a controversial topic. But what is justice, exactly, and who gets to define it? In this video, we'll explore the biblical theme of Justice and discover how it's deeply rooted in the story-line of the Bible that leads to Jesus."
Interested in watching? Click here to watch the video on YouTube.
MOVIE | JUST MERCY
"A powerful and thought-provoking true-story, 'Just Mercy' follows young lawyer, Bryan Stevenson, and his history-making battle for justice. One of his first, and most incendiary, cases is that of Walter McMillian, who, in 1987, was sentenced to die for the notorious murder of an 18-year-old girl, despite evidence proving his innocence and the fact that the only testimony against him came from a criminal with a motive to lie. In the years that follow, Bryan becomes embroiled in a labyrinth of legal and political maneuverings and overt and unabashed racism as he fights for Walter, and others like him, with the odds-and the system-stacked against them."
Interested in watching? Click here to watch the movie on Amazon Prime Video
ONLINE SERVICES | 8, 9:30, & 11AM
Head to the front page of the website or the church app on your phone to find the link to join us!
DRIVE-UP SERVICES | 9:30 & 11AM
Located in the Viking Village parking lot, outside our Annex Building facing HWY 532, outdoor seating will be available in front of the stage for the first 100 celebrants (please bring camping/sports style chairs to sit in!). Cars will park in the remaining parking lot. Be sure to tune into FM 87.9 to engage in worship + the message, and download our church app to find song lyrics + sermon notes!
We look forward to gathering with you this weekend at either of our service options!
This past Sunday we started a new sermon series called The Road, looking at the story Jesus tells of the Good Samaritan in the Gospel of Luke. If you were unable to join us, I sincerely encourage you to give the message a listen! You will find yourself deeply challenged and encouraged to love better, learn more, and live differently.
In addition to Sunday's message, we wanted to provide you and your family with some helpful resources given the heartbeat of our nation right now:
BOOK | WHITE AWAKE: An Honest Look at What It Means to Be White
Written by Daniel Hill, "this book is a call to find our deepest sense of identity in Christ, realizing that those who are white must first break free of the distorted sense of identity that has been internalized from the narrative of racial differences in order to do this. White Awake will give you a new perspective on being white and also empower you to be an agent of reconciliation in our increasingly diverse and divided world."
Interested in reading? Click here to view one option for purchasing the text.
VIDEO | BIBLE PROJECT: Justice
"'Justice' is a felt need in our world today and a controversial topic. But what is justice, exactly, and who gets to define it? In this video, we'll explore the biblical theme of Justice and discover how it's deeply rooted in the story-line of the Bible that leads to Jesus."
Interested in watching? Click here to watch the video on YouTube.
MOVIE | JUST MERCY
"A powerful and thought-provoking true-story, 'Just Mercy' follows young lawyer, Bryan Stevenson, and his history-making battle for justice. One of his first, and most incendiary, cases is that of Walter McMillian, who, in 1987, was sentenced to die for the notorious murder of an 18-year-old girl, despite evidence proving his innocence and the fact that the only testimony against him came from a criminal with a motive to lie. In the years that follow, Bryan becomes embroiled in a labyrinth of legal and political maneuverings and overt and unabashed racism as he fights for Walter, and others like him, with the odds-and the system-stacked against them."
Interested in watching? Click here to watch the movie on Amazon Prime Video
ONLINE SERVICES | 8, 9:30, & 11AM
Head to the front page of the website or the church app on your phone to find the link to join us!
DRIVE-UP SERVICES | 9:30 & 11AM
Located in the Viking Village parking lot, outside our Annex Building facing HWY 532, outdoor seating will be available in front of the stage for the first 100 celebrants (please bring camping/sports style chairs to sit in!). Cars will park in the remaining parking lot. Be sure to tune into FM 87.9 to engage in worship + the message, and download our church app to find song lyrics + sermon notes!
We look forward to gathering with you this weekend at either of our service options!
CHURCH UPDATE | WEDNESDAY APRIL 22
Hello church and happy Wednesday!
Our mission as Stanwood Foursquare Church: to love God and love people; to learn God’s words and ways; and to live out the mission and message of Jesus.
LOVE
This week, our high school ‘Foursquare Generation’ students took on an Act Of Kindness Challenge! Students were asked to put love into action by doing something kind for those they are at home with. We had some great responses! From teaching younger siblings their school lessons to surprising their family by making them breakfast. Attached below you'll find a creative take on the challenge from one of our student leaders... Hope you get a good laugh!
LEARN
On Sunday we started our new series on Psalm 23, a psalm of David. We specifically looked at verse 1, “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” Jesus echoes the theme of David's psalm in the gospel of John, saying, “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me — just as the Father knows me and I know the Father — and I lay down my life for the sheep.” In this difficult season, remember that the Lord is your shepherd. He sees what we cannot, He cares deeply about what is going on in our hearts and lives, and He knows exactly what we need. Take heart; Jesus sees you, knows you, and is with you!
* PSALM 23 CHALLENGE * Pastor Tim is charging us with a challenge: memorize Psalm 23! Record you, your family, your young ones - whoever! - reciting Psalm 23 (please film horizontally) and send the video to us at info@stanwoodfoursquare.com. If you have a difficult time sending your video because the file is too large, click HERE for an easy way to get us your recording. And who knows, you may even be featured during one of our Sunday services! We cannot wait to hear from you!
LIVE
What a time to partner with God on mission! If you are interested in living the message of Jesus through service, the Stanwood-Camano Food Bank is in need of help! As a staff, we are committed to serving alongside the food bank team, and we want to invite you to join us. Visit the food bank website by clicking HERE for more information and to sign up to volunteer!
For other ways to stay connected with what's happening in the life of our church, find us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram, and visit our website! You'll find a fun update from Pastor Tim on all three platforms.
Soon,
Courtney Sleister
Assisting Pastor
Stanwood Foursquare Church
CHURCH UPDATE | WEDNESDAY APRIL 15, 2020
Hi church,
What a fun and unique Easter weekend experience! The beautiful thing about Easter is that no matter where we are - in the church building, in the high school PAC, or in our homes - the tomb is still empty and Jesus is alive!
I want to share with you a few encouraging updates on what is happening in the life of Stanwood Foursquare:
1 // CARE TEAM GROUPS
An important part of our church community is serving and helping those in need. In these uncertain and trying times, we are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus. If you would like to serve and be part of group who is serving in this way, we would encourage you to join a CARE TEAM. Click HERE and a leader will connect with you. We can't do this alone, and now we don't have to!
2 // COMMUNITY OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES
At Stanwood Foursquare, we seek to partner with God on mission to love people well! As mentioned in our Sunday services, we are partnering with the Stanwood Senior Center to help provide the seniors and care staff with basic necessities. We are also partnering with the Stanwood Food Bank by signing up for shifts to help organize and distribute food. If you're interested in serving at the food bank, click HERE to sign up for a volunteer shift!
3 // YOUTH + KIDS MINISTRIES
Parents, we have incredible online options for your kids to keep them engaged in the church and in relationship with Jesus!
Middle School & High School
Middle school and high school youth we have online service options (via Zoom and YouTube) for students to stay connected.
Click HERE for Middle School and HERE for High School.
Birth-6th Grade
Nursery through elementary age kids can engage in an interactive video curriculum that brings the Sunday-school experience right to your home! You can find all these resources HERE.
4 // FOSTER CARE TRAINING
At the beginning of this year, we decided on reaching for the goal of training and empowering 30 new foster families within our church. As we've been hearing foster family testimonies over the last few Sundays, if God has been or is stirring your heart to learn more about what it means to be a foster parent/family, we'd love to support you! Please contact Josh Govert at josh@4sq.church to get connected.
You are loved and believed in!
Pastor Tim
CHURCH UPDATE | WEDNESDAY APRIL 8, 2020
Hello church,
Happy Holy Week! This week we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. Even though we are worshiping a little differently these days, I guarantee you the tomb is still empty! We cannot wait to worship with you this weekend at our Good Friday and Easter services.
GOOD FRIDAY SERVICES | APRIL 10
Join us online at 5 & 7PM
Friday evening, we will gather online in remembrance of what Jesus, our perfect Savior did on the cross. We will sing, engage in scripture, and have a time of reflection while receiving communion. Please be sure to gather communion supplies for you and your family. A simple beverage, grape juice preferably, and a small piece of bread or crackers are all you need.
EASTER SERVICES | APRIL 11 & 12
Saturday at 5 & 7PM, Sunday at 8, 9:30, 11AM, & 7PM
We believe that Jesus took our place on the cross, died a sinner’s death, was placed in a grave, and that today, that tomb remains empty because HE IS RISEN! On Saturday evening and Sunday, we celebrate resurrection day! We will worship together, laugh a little, and hear an encouraging message from Pastor Tim.
Would you join us? And beyond that, would you invite someone to join you for service?
EASTER WEEKEND ‘INVITE’ GRAPHICS
Click HERE to find our Good Friday and Easter graphics. You can save them to your mobile device or computer, then share via email, text, or social media posts to invite your friends, family, and neighbors! We encourage you to invite others to the specific service you’ll be attending, that way you can all “go to church together!”
BEYOND THE WEEKEND | ANNOUNCEMENTS
Foster Parent Training | We are hosting a Zoom Video Chat this Thursday, April 9, for those interested in taking this next step.
Kids Online Resources | Check out our 4SQ Kids Ministry page this weekend for kids to participate in service! Link on the livestream page when viewing service.
Youth Groups Online | Foursquare Generation middle and high school students are gathering online! Follow on Instagram for more updates. Handles: @fg_middle_school and @fg_church
Blessings,
Pastor TIm
CHURCH UPDATE | WEDNESDAY APRIL 1, 2020
|
|
|
CHURCH UPDATE | MARCH 24, 2020
Pastor Tim shares some encouragement from John 20:19-22
CHURCH UPDATE | MARCH 17, 2020
Hello Stanwood Foursquare,
Many of you joined us on Sunday as we took our services online. We saw a huge response to our service streaming! Our congregation worshiped together, engaged in Scripture, asked for prayer, and greeted one another through our live-chat feature. Thank you for connecting with us!
As we look ahead to the coming weeks, we are unable to gather in person, but we will continue to gather online. We are excited to see how God continues to move as we are the Church together!
We will be streaming Sunday services at our regular times: 8, 9:30, and 11AM. You will find the link to our live services on our church website and app. Also, parents, our 4SQ Kids Team is working hard to gather ministry resources for you and your young-ones to do at home! Stay tuned for more information on this in the coming days.
If you are in need of prayer or in need of help, please do not hesitate to reach out! We are available and happy to help all week long, not just on Sundays. Know that you are loved and believed in!
Trusting Jesus together,
Tim Poetzl
Lead Pastor, Stanwood Foursquare Church
CHURCH UPDATE | MARCH 16, 2020
Video update from Pastor Tim
CHURCH UPDATE | MARCH 12, 2020
Video update from Pastor Tim
CHURCH UPDATE | MARCH 11, 2020 3:00pm
Dear Church,
Unfortunately, I’m writing you to share a new health update we just became aware of in the last hour. We have a confirmed case of the COVID-19 virus in our church congregation, one of our volunteer youth leaders.
The last time this individual attended a Sunday service was February 23, while the last time they served in youth ministry was Wednesday, February 26. Upon feeling ill the individual self-quarantined. On Monday, March 9 the individual went into the hospital and on Wednesday, March 11 was confirmed to have the COVID-19 virus. This individual is under the best doctoral care and is expected to make a full recovery!
In light of this, here is our plan of action as a church: We will be cancelling all church meetings and gatherings starting today, Wednesday, March 11, through this weekend, including our Sunday, March 15 services. During this time we will be deep cleaning and sanitizing our entire campus. We will host an online service experience this Sunday, March 15, via Facebook and Youtube. We will continue to keep you updated here on the website as information becomes available.
Let’s continue to trust Jesus together,
Tim Poetzl
Lead Pastor, Stanwood Foursquare Church
CHURCH UPDATE | MARCH 11, 2020 12:30pm
Dear Church,
Due to recent updates on the COVID-19 Virus in our community and region, Stanwood Foursquare will be postponing all gatherings and programs from today, March 11, 2020 through Saturday, March 14, 2020. This includes Foursquare Generation Youth services, Women’s Bible Study, and Men’s Breakfast.
To stay connected with church updates, please download our app, visit our website at 4sq.church, or follow us on social media (Facebook and Instagram).
You are loved and believed in!
Tim Poetzl
Lead Pastor, Stanwood Foursquare Church
CHURCH UPDATE | MARCH 5, 2020
Dear Church,
Many of you have been following the news as our region has received national and global attention due to the COVID-19 virus. As a church, we are focused on prayer for both the community and others around the world who have been deeply impacted by this virus. In light of all this, I wanted to share a few thoughts on how we are moving forward as a church.
In a world where there are so few things we can control, as Jesus followers, we are called to put Jesus as the King of our lives, not fear, worry, or anxiety. In times like these, we can easily let other things take the place of the Lordship of Jesus; let us be prayerful and purposeful in trusting Him to be our healer and strength. May the words of Psalm 46 guard our hearts and minds: "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear."
We want to be wise and measured in our response to the reality of the COVID-19 virus. Not being a medical professional myself, I have sought the council and wisdom of trained doctors and community health specialists. Here are few practical steps Stanwood Foursquare Church is taking:
- You will see additional hand sanitizing stations throughout our buildings.
- Our amazing kids and janitorial teams will be giving special attention, beyond the great work they do now, to make sure things are sanitized and clean.
- If you are ill, or have a compromised immune system, please stay home. We would love to have you join in worship and the message by watching a live stream of either the 9:30 or 11AM Sunday service on Facebook. You can also experience the teaching Sunday afternoons on the app (download the Stanwood Foursquare Church from any app store) or on the SERMONS page.
We believe Jesus is our healer, so if you are ill, we would love to pray for you and with you! There are two ways to confidentially request prayer: (1) please email info@4sq.church to let us know how we can be praying or (2) complete a virtual Connect Card through the Stanwood Foursquare App with your prayer request. We will reach out to you and pray with you.
We will be monitoring the communication of the CDC, Snohomish County Health, and the Stanwood/Camano School District and will update you as needed.
Trusting Jesus together,
Tim
Lead Pastor, Stanwood Foursquare Church