During my 8 years with the Music Ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ (CRU), there was a song we recorded as part of a series of worship CD’s entitled “As You Really Are.” This song always spoke to me every time we would sing it. For it talked about the benefits of seeing and understanding the true character of God. The words are as follows:

As You Really Are
Show me Thy ways
Teach me Thy paths
Free me from all of my fears
Trusting in You
Is so easy to do
When I see You as You really are

So many times, we come before God without embracing who He really is. I can often approach God with a nonchalant attitude, instead of considering the very essence of His character. I have found that it is ALWAYS beneficial to reflect on the character and attributes of God, especially when it pertains to worship. Below is a list of some of the characteristics of God along with the related scripture references. I encourage you to reflect on one attribute per day for the next 10 days. I am convinced that when we take the time to focus on God’s character, we will be greatly impacted in our times of personal and corporate worship.

1. Eternal: Psalm 90:2; 102:25-27; Isaiah 57:15, Revelation 1:4.
2. Immutable, Unchangeable: James 1:17; Malachi 3:6; Psalm 33:11; Isaiah 46:9-10.
3. Omniscient, All Knowing: Psalm 147:5; Ezekiel 11:5; Acts 15:18; Matt. 10:30.
4. Omnipotent, All Powerful: Matt. 19:26; Jeremiah 32:17,27; Revelation 19:6.
5. Omnipresent, Everywhere Present: Psalm 139:7-10; Jeremiah 23:24; Matthew 6:6.
6. Just, Righteous: Genesis 18:25; Psalm 7:11; Psalm 96:13; 97:2
7. Holy: I Samuel 2:2; Psalm 99:9; Habakkuk 1:13; Revelation 15:4; Isaiah 6:1-5.
8. Truth: Titus 1:2; Numbers 23:19; I Samuel 15:29; John 1:14; 14:6.
9. Sovereign, Absolute: Psalm 115:3; Daniel 4:35; Ephesians 1:11; Romans 11:36.
10. Love, Good: I John 4:8, 10; Ephesians 2: 7; John 3:16

I recently took a trip to Alabama for the funeral of my aunt. I had two days in the 70’s and two days in the 80’s. Beautiful warmth and sunshine.

Fast forward to today—April 1st—in Edmonds, and it’s a different picture entirely. It’s 48 degrees, feels like 40, and the rain is falling. If you’ve lived in the Northwest long enough, you know this feeling well.

There’s a familiar saying: “April showers bring May flowers.” It reminds us that rain isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s actually necessary. Rain prepares the ground for growth, for new life, and for beauty that is coming.

In many ways, this mirrors the story of Easter.
Right now, a rainy April day can feel a bit like that Friday afternoon when Jesus died—heavy, gray, and uncertain. But Easter Sunday is coming. And when it arrives, it brings the warmth, hope, and life that feels more like those 80 degree days.

You may have heard it said that Easter is the “Super Bowl of Christianity.” And in many ways, that’s true. It is often the most attended Sunday of the year. Family members who don’t normally attend church come along. Invitations are more readily accepted. There’s a sense that this day matters.

But why does it matter so much?

Because the resurrection of Jesus is the very center of our faith. Jesus didn’t just die on the cross for the sins of the world—He was raised from the dead. He was still Himself but transformed. And because of that, we have the promise that we, too, will one day be made new.

The older we get, the more that promise begins to resonate. The hope of a renewed body and eternal life becomes not just theological—but deeply personal.

But Easter isn’t just about a future hope. It’s about a present reality.

Because of Jesus, we can “die” to our old life and be raised into a new one—right now. Forgiven. Free. Learning to walk in His way.
And even if it feels like sin or struggle is raining down on your life today, you don’t have to wait for better weather.

New life begins the moment you put your faith in Jesus.

So, as we step into April, may we remember: the rain is not the end of the story. Resurrection is coming.

In Him,
Pastor Ronnie

Because you give, lives are being touched in ways you may never fully see.

Recently, our church family had the opportunity to come alongside one of our own who is facing significant medical challenges. Through your faithful generosity, we were able to help ease the burden of medical bills during a very difficult time. What might have felt overwhelming became a little lighter—because of you.

Scripture calls us to care for the sick, to bear one another’s burdens, and to love not just in words, but in action. This is exactly what you are doing when you give. You are being the hands and feet of Christ, bringing comfort, provision, and hope when it’s needed most.

Thank you for being a church that cares deeply and gives faithfully. Your generosity is making a real difference.

1 John 3:18 – “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”

 Jesus tells us in John 4:24 that true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. What is a true worshiper? I looked up the definition as it pertains to this verse, and this is what I found:

"Those who worship God the Father in spirit and truth focus on a sincere, inward relationship rather than outward ritual or location.”

What does it mean to worship in spirit and in truth? Below, I have put together an acronym defining what I think are some of the key components of Biblical, God breathed worship.

W- Word. Worship must be based on the truth of God's Word. God reveals Himself to us through His Word, encompassing His wonderful plan of salvation through His Son Jesus Christ. When we see Him as He is, we can only bow down in humility and thankfulness for what He has done.

O- Open.  We must be open to let God have His way in worship. This is true in every stage, from preparation, to rehearsal, to the actual act of worship. Our prayer must always be "God, please have Your complete way with us.  

R- Real.  We must be real before God and before others. We must come to God with honest hearts. God hates pride and pretense. Psalm 51:17 says, "A broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise."

S- Sin.  We must confess our sins before the Lord. Un-confessed sin will always negatively affect our times of worship. God will not pour out His presence until we are willing in all aspects to be clean before Him. Psalm 66:18, 1 John 1:9

H- Holy Spirit. Our worship must be Spirit led. The Holy Spirit fills us, empowers us, guides us, and convicts us. Jesus said, "But when He, the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. He shall glorify Me; for He shall take of mine and shall disclose it to you."  John 16:13-14.

I- Intimate.  True worship must be relational and intimate. Psalm 62:8 says, "Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us." We cannot keep God at "arms length" if true worship is to happen.

P- Prayer- Without prayer, we are left with nothing but meaningless self-sufficiency and performance. We may even look "spiritual", but without prayer, it will amount to only "wood, hay and straw."  1 Cor. 3:12-13

As we step into March, we continue walking in our 1st Quarter of 2026 theme: The Coming of the Kingdom of God. In January, we focused on adding in spiritual resolutions for 2026 in addition to those usual physical ones. Suggestions were praying first, being rooted in scripture and extending grace to those you cross paths with. In February, we leaned into what it means to live as Kingdom citizens here and now—faithful, surrendered, and rooted in hope.

Now, with just 4½ weeks until Easter, we are on the homestretch of the road to resurrection.
This month, our journey brings us to Gospel of Luke 21:5–38. In this powerful passage, Jesus speaks of wars, turmoil, persecution, and cosmic signs—reminding His followers not to panic, but to watch, pray, and live ready. His words were not meant to stir fear, but faithfulness.

As headlines fill with reports of escalating conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran, many believers are asking important questions. Jesus told us that wars and rumors of wars would mark this age. These realities do not surprise God. They do not derail His Kingdom. They remind us that we live in the “already and not yet”—Christ reigns, and yet we await the full consummation of His reign.

Jesus’ command in Luke 21 is clear:
Do not be terrified. Stand firm. Watch yourselves. Stay awake. Pray for strength.

The call is not to speculation but to preparation. Not to anxiety, but to endurance. Not to obsession with signs, but to steadfast proclamation of the gospel.

As we move toward Easter, let us be a church that lives ready—ready to serve, ready to forgive, ready to witness, ready to worship. The resurrection we celebrate in April is not only a past event; it is our future hope. Because He rose, the Kingdom has come. Because He is coming again, the Kingdom will come in fullness.

Let us fix our eyes on Christ, live with holy expectancy, and walk faithfully together on this road to resurrection.

With hope in the King,
Pastor Ronnie

Edgewood’s January Baby Shower for the Cascade Women’s Health Clinic provided an abundance of vitally needed supplies for local moms and babies. Below is a story and personal testimony from one of the mothers who was blessed through your generosity.

As a single mom with no close family or community in the area, Shannon didn’t benefit from a baby shower or get any hand-me-downs. She was excited to learn that she could earn points by using the various services of Cascade Women’s Health. The points helped Shannon stock up the things she needed prepare of her baby. “I love the boutique! It has helped me SO much! Between the maternity clothes to all the newborn and baby stuff I have got! I received basically everything I need/have for my newborn. It's a godsend.” Thank you, Edgewood; because of you, women like Shannon have help, hope and compassion!

For decades I have led worship for groups large and small. There have been times where I’ve seen God pour out His presence, even to the point where I could no longer sing. And then there have been other times where it felt like I was just going through the motions. Not engaging with the Lord but simply leading a few songs.

Usually, I’ve found at the core of my uninspired worship is an unwillingness on my part to be vulnerable, not only before God, but others as well. It’s during those times when my mind will often wander. I can be thinking more about the musical arrangements than I can about the Savior I am singing to.

That being said, I have found it to be much easier to be vulnerable before God and others, when I am the one leading worship. Where I have struggled the most in my personal worship is when I am in the audience as a participant. It’s in those situations where I find myself thinking more about my surroundings. I can act more “reserved” based on who’s around me, or complain about having to stand too long. I can focus on the song choices or be thinking about the pot roast I’m going to be eating once the service is over.

So, what’s the answer? Cultivate my OWN heart of worship. From me to God. I must not just be a spectator and rely on someone else to worship FOR me. I must take responsibility to be vulnerable before God on my own. For I am convinced if my eyes are on Jesus, I will be less concerned about my surroundings, and much more focused on Him.

"God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." John 4:24

Through our partnership with the Nourishing Network, Edgewood helps bring food and hope to families in the Edmonds School District. This is just one example of how our Pop-Up Pantry is making a difference:

Patricia’s Story
Patricia has been coming to the Food Pantry regularly for the past three years. She has always been very appreciative of this wonderful resource and is hopeful that the pantry will continue providing this support in the future.

She shares:
“Being a single parent is very difficult, but being the sole provider is even harder. There have been times when the little money I earn barely covers rent, leaving nothing for food or other basic necessities. Knowing that the food pantry is coming gives me hope, and I anxiously wait for it to open.

I truly appreciate the Food Pantry because it offers more culturally appropriate foods, like tortillas. We are a Mexican family, and having tortillas to go with our meals makes us very happy.

I don’t know what I would do without the support we receive from the food pantry. I bless all the people working behind the scenes to make this possible—you are true angels supporting families who often go unnoticed or are invisible to other resources.”

Every day is an opportunity to trust God. Some days I do that well and other days I can experience trust issues with God. One day I opened up my Bible app, and the verse for the day was Jeremiah 17:7, which says “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord.” As I was looking closely at both parts of that verse, I immediately tried to distinguish if there was a difference between trusting in the Lord, and having the Lord as my trust. I understand about trusting in Him but what does it mean for Him to be my trust? I checked other versions and one was similar while others used the phrase “my confidence is in Him.”

As I thought about it, it became obvious that the reason I can say my trust IS the Lord is because of Who He is. For He is Loving, Righteous, Just, Holy, Sovereign, All Knowing, Compassionate, Slow to Anger, and All Powerful to name a few. And He loves us more than we could ever understand. That is someone who can be my trust. So when you have a day where you’re finding yourself having trust issues with God, just remember who He is. When we do that, it will be very clear that He can be our trust and we can have full confidence in Him.

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. Jeremiah 17:7 (ESV)

As the fresh calendar pages of 2026 invite us to start anew, many of us are already making our trusty list of resolutions. You know the usual suspects—“Eat fewer cookies,” “Work out more,” “Save money,” and my annual favorite: “Be kinder to drivers who don’t know how to use a turn signal.” Nothing wrong with those! But as followers of Jesus, we get to aim even higher—we can make spiritual resolutions that renew not just our habits, but our hearts.

Here are a few ideas to add to your list this year:

• Pray before you scroll. Before checking emails or opening social media each morning, take one quiet minute to thank God for the gift of a new day. It’ll set your heart in the right direction.
• Show up faithfully. Let’s make gathering each Sunday at Edgewood a sacred rhythm of life. When we worship and grow together, our faith deepens and our community strengthens.
• Stay rooted in Scripture. Whether it’s a verse a day, a gospel a month, or our church reading plan—open your Bible and let God speak to you daily.
• Extend grace freely. When someone frustrates you (and they will), pause and ask, “How can I respond in a way that shows Jesus instead of my impatience?”

The Apostle Paul reminds us in Philippians 3:13–14 that we should forget what is behind and press on toward what is ahead. The good news is that God’s mercies are brand new—not only on January 1st, but every single morning.
So yes, go ahead and hit that gym, drink more water, or even clean out that garage. But let’s also commit as an Edgewood family to grow spiritually—to lean in closer to Jesus and to each other.

May 2026 be a year where our resolutions draw us nearer to Christ and make His love visible in Edmonds, Lynnwood, and beyond.

“STRONG FINISHERS” II TIMOTHY 4:7

We had the pleasure of hearing from Mike Rohrbach who founded Run To Win Ministries, a local youth sports ministry that runs Christian Sports Camps for kids. Mike was the Team Captain for the '77-'78 Washington Husky National Championship Football team, was the chaplain for the for the NBA Seattle SuperSonics for 20 years, UW Football for 17 years, UW Men's Basketball for 22 years and is currently the Chaplain at Seattle Prep Football.

Here are his notes from Men's Breakfast on 12-13-25.

It’s been said that a man’s last words are often his main concern.  The Apostle Paul shared in II Timothy 4:7 some powerful words about Finishing Strong! We all know that we must rise up and finish strong.  Strong finishers are individuals who live with all the energy, determination and inspiration available to them to guarantee success.  They are totally committed and completely unwavering in their pursuit to bring their goals to completion even if some have not been met! Great individuals and teams are marked by the characteristic of being “strong finishers” and having a commitment to excellence along the way.  

Jesus had a total commitment to finish the work God had given Him to accomplish.  Jesus’ final statement from the cross was “tetelisti”, which translates, “It is finished!”  He completed the job.  Jesus accomplished what was set before Him to do, no matter what the cost.  The Apostle Paul was also a strong finisher. His entire life was marked by a steady quest to achieve his goals and realize his dreams.  Though often forced off track, Paul always regained his focus and pressed on with sheer determination, faith and trust.  His aim was always grounded in determination, focus and faith.  Like an athlete who has paid the price, Paul was able to say, “I have fought the good fight.”  He was also able to say that he had brought to completion what he set out to do, “I have finished the course.”  And finally, through it all, he had not wavered or lost sight of the source of his success, “I have kept the faith.”  

Let’s look at six of the keys to his success.

POSSESS A FINISHER’S HEART—Paul’s claim that “I have fought...” carries with it the determination and dedication of one who possesses a finishers spirit.  Paul endured much but he aggressively, with an all-out disciplined effort, fought ahead.  We need to possess that same attitude. I Cor.9:24

PREPARE FOR THE BATTLE—Paul was fighting “the good fight.”  He recognized that he
was in the midst of an intense battle.  He was not going to be caught off guard.  We’ve got to be committed to going the distance; prepared mentally, physically, and spiritually.

 PURPOSE TO STAY ON COURSE—Paul had “finished the course.”  To do so, one must remain focused, intent and true to their commitments.  Distractions will come, but they must be dealt with so that you don’t veer off course and miss the mark. Jer. 29:11

PROPEL YOURSELF THROUGH THE TAPE—To finish the course that God had set before Paul was a major accomplishment.  Not only did Paul finish the course, but he finished strong, he ran through the tape, he went the distance.  Paul was committed to ‘run to win’. Phil 3:14

PROTECT WHAT IS IMPORTANT—Paul then concludes the statement with, “I have kept...” Paul was an individual who held on to what’s important.  The word “kept” translates “Guarded”.  Envision armed soldiers guarding a prized possession.  That’s what Paul is saying. John 15:5

PURSUE FAITH TO THE END—The most important thing to Paul, the thing that he guarded the most was his faith.  “I have kept the faith.”  What an accomplishment!  To remain faithful to the end, no matter what the cost, was his goal.  Paul remained faithful to the end. Heb 11:6

The question for all of us is - will we be strong finishers, individuals who are committed to run through the tape and go the distance?

Cascade Women’s Health, formerly Pregnancy Resource Clinic

“The Education Room is filled with moms and babies Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. One mom comes on her lunch break, some have come for over a year, making it a priority in a challenging season of life. Single moms find the support they lack other days of the week. Moms Support Group is a caring community encouraging each other and offering practical help.

Leanna, a single mom with no family in the area, shares about her difficult week. She had a medical emergency but couldn’t get help because she didn’t know what to do with her son. Everyone in the room felt her desperation and fear, wondering what they would have done.

Two rules for sharing are, one, don’t solve someone else’s problem, and two, don’t give unsolicited advice. Leanna wasn’t seeking answers or help but sharing a new fear in her parenting journey. The moms responded with compassion, 'Call me, I’ll be there.'

Rejoice with those who rejoice, mourn with those who mourn, and bear one another’s burdens. Moms Support Group might not look like church, but it feels like it sometimes!”
--- Serena, Patient Services Director

The new name was rolled out in 2025, but the mission remains the same, to empower people to make life-affirming choices with the compassion of Jesus Christ, through Pregnancy test and ultrasound appointments, STI treatment and well woman services, childbirth and parenting classes, moms support and men’s services, and the Baby Boutique. All these services and resources, offered at no cost, encourage life-affirming decisions, build long-term relationships, and share the compassion of Jesus.

Because of you, 2025 was a HUGE year! Medical appointments increased 45% while Moms Support Group attendance increased 600%! Thank you, Edgewood Church!

With you for LIFE,

Stephanie Ritchey, CEO

I am so excited for our Edgewood App to finally be live and functional. It's been a long time coming but it's finally here.  I am writing this as of mid December 2025.  The calendar year is almost over, Christmas is next week, and we are in the final weeks of Advent. Hope, Peace, Joy and Love are our themes leading up to Christmas Eve service.  My prayer for you as this season of celebration culminates is that God is in your heart.  Whether you are a life long follower of Jesus or just getting started, God is with you.  The birth of Jesus is God with us.  For those still figuring out your spiritual journey, God created you, God loves you and God has come to reconcile you to Himself.  May the One who knit you in your mother's womb and is the center of all things, bringing grace and mercy to a broken world, become known to you in the most profound way possible this Christmas season. May you experience, here and now, the Good News of Great Joy the angels proclaimed to the shepherds 2000 years ago. Merry Christmas!

O Come let us adore Him Christ the Lord! This is the chorus from the familiar Christmas carol “O Come All Ye Faithful.” From my earliest memory I can recall singing this song. Through the years the song has been a part of most every Christmas celebration I have ever experienced. But what does the word “adore” mean? When I looked up the definition, it says: to love, admire, and respect someone deeply, often with a sense of worship or reverence. When I read that definition it’s clear to me, that to truly adore someone, it’s crucial to KNOW that someone. And that person is Jesus Christ. This Christmas season, if you do not know Jesus personally, there is no better time to receive him as your Savior and Lord. O Come let us adore Him!  
                                                                                                               

Because You Give:  Sensory Room for Special Needs Families

Our church now has a beautiful sensory room—a safe, calming space where children with unique needs can find comfort, regulation, and joy. This room is thoughtfully equipped with tools that help kids feel grounded and confident: soft lighting, tactile activities, cozy, quiet areas, and gentle swings for calming movement. It also offers active options for children who need more sensory input, ensuring every child can find the support they need.
The potential for families when a church offers a program with a sensory space is incredibly meaningful. A well-designed sensory room communicates to parents of children with special needs that their family is not only welcome but truly valued. It gives children a safe place to regulate, calm, and engage at their own pace, which often leads to deeper participation in classes and worship.
For parents, it brings relief, trust, and a sense of belonging—they know their child has support and they don’t have to navigate church alone. It opens the door for families who have previously felt hesitant or overwhelmed to return to church or visit for the first time.
A sensory space can transform a ministry into a place of inclusion, stability, and joy, where families experience the love of Christ in practical, heartfelt ways.
Your generosity made this possible. Because you give, every child will know they belong here. Because you give, families will feel supported. Because you give, we get to reflect the heart of Jesus in a tangible, life-changing way.
Thank you for helping us create a space where every child is seen, loved, and able to shine.