Finishing Well
Dear Friends,
Over 30 years ago I was introduced to a legend named Earl Palmer. Earl spoke at the college retreat I was leading. It was deeply memorable. I went to college with Earl’s son and I had met one of his daughters at a ski retreat, but meeting him in person was a thrill. He had to leave early because he always attended the Cal football games. How can you not love that? Earl spoke about the Bible and Jesus with such clarity and joy, I never forgot it. I was blessed then when I made my way up the coast to Seattle for seminary to find Earl had moved from Berkeley was now Pastoring the famous Mega Church, University Presbyterian Church. Laurie and had 3 years of sitting under Earl’s preaching, what a gift. When we moved up to Bellingham, and Earl ended his time at UPC, he would sometimes come and preach at FPC. If you were around then I am sure you remember some of those exciting Sundays.
All pastors, or at least the honest ones, have no idea what we are doing. We spend time watching other pastors and learning from them. I have been blessed to sit under the mentorship of a number of pastors, but I am deeply thankful to have been able to watch Earl for over 30 years. Here are just a few things I have learned from Earl’s life:
Go deep with Jesus and Put Him at the center
Earl has always been about Jesus. As far as I can see he has never wavered.
Preach the Bible
Earl is known for his amazing illustrations, but they are always in service of the Bible text. If you hear him teach or preach you will hear about the Bible.
Preach through a book
There is a danger to just preach themes. When you preach books you will end up hitting all the themes and not face the error of missing key ideas.
Put your family first
Earl has been a husband and father (and grandfather) first, and a pastor second. Even though he lead huge churches there are legendary stories of how he was there for his family in the midst of a number of taxing and challenging jobs.
Retirement is not in the Bible
Early is in his 90s, and he just put out a book a few months ago. Even when he stopped pastoring full time, he started up Earl Palmer Ministries and continued to travel, preach, teach, and bless others.
Read C.S. Lewis, Tolkien, Bonhoeffer, and Les Mis
They are so good, it will never be time wasted.
Digest the Media your kids watch
I paid attention at how Earl would enter into the TV shows that his kids watched. It gave him something to talk about with them. Often he would come up with deep theological ideas from these stories.
Climb Mountains
Early grew up in the shadow of Mt. Shasta and climbed it regularly- once he did it twice in a day.
Go to Musicals
Earl’s second daughter developed a love for musicals and called the whole family into the joy of musical theater. She just pulled off Les Mis with 150 High Schoolers- wow.
Support younger colleagues
When we came up to Bellingham, after Earl stopped pastoring, he and his amazing wife Shirley would welcome pastors and spouses into their house for an incredible meal and wonderful conversation. Those are evenings I will always treasure. Earl and Shirley have been able to join our church community online sometimes in the past year and they often send encouraging words of affirmation.
Have fun
Seriously life is too short, don’t be so serious. Jesus told jokes, laughed and had fun, don’t miss that.
Here is the hard part. Last month Earl was diagnosed with cancer and this weekend he entered into hospice. He always taught us how important it was to finish well. I can say with all my heart that this amazing disciples had done just that, right up the very end. Please join me in praying for the whole Palmer family, including his daughter Ann who is part of the FPC Bellingham community, as they gather with Earl for this final lap. Thank you Jesus for giving us all such a gift.
If you would like to explore some of the writings, teaching, and sermons from this beloved pastor, you can find them here: Earl Palmer Ministries.
Scott Erickson Resurrection Stations
If you have been at FPC for any of the past ten years you are familiar with artist/pastor Scott Erickson’s Stations of the Cross images. We put them up during Lent and they are a key part of our Tenebrae service. Scott was once a student at the INN and spent a lot of time in our building. It seems very fitting.
This year we are unveiling a new project, Scott’s depiction of the stations of the Resurrection. These are 14 interesting and inviting images that draw us deeper into the different encounters Jesus had with his followers post-resurrection. Each piece of art features a QR code that includes the image, the text, and a thoughtful reflection on the text. I encourage you to come and spend some good time with these images. If you are not able to make it to the sanctuary, here is the link to all 14 devotions and you can reflect on these wonderful themes. This is an exciting new way to celebrate Eastertide. He is Risen!
Shuksan Middle School Partnership
Several years ago many local churches and non-profits were invited to develop supportive partnerships with schools in the Bellingham School District.
In 2019, FPC partnered with Shuksan Middle School. It has been our privilege to be able to bring encouragement and support to the Shuksan staff, teachers and students.
We do this in many ways;
providing breakfast in late August for teacher work day
purchasing staff sweatshirts to promote a team culture
sending team of volunteers on FPC's August Service Sunday to help get the school ready for the new school sear
volunteering at the Turkey Trot school fun run in November
delivering snacks and home-made baked goods to the staff room each month
providing treats and lunch during Staff Appreciation Week in early May.
volunteering for 8th grade graduation in mid June
Many FPC folks are regularly involved in helping with these needs and events. Another way that you can help is through financial support. We are currently at $600 and we need an extra $1500. Please consider helping us raise $1500 to complete the remainder of the school year.
These funds help us buy:
staff sweatshirts
hot cocoa, ribbons, and prizes for the Turkey Trot
Catered lunch and other special treats for Staff Appreciation Week
student and staff needs as requested.
Your contributions really do make a difference in the school. Those of us who are frequently in the building hear their thankful words. They love the cookies. They love being cared for. They love FPC.
Thank you,
Christy Hart