TJ2026 Mission Trip Recap: Love Builds
From June 26–July 3, SPC high school and college-age students, along with adult leaders, traveled to Tijuana, Mexico for the TJ2026 Mission Trip. It was a week filled with hard work, new friendships, laughter, prayer, and countless moments that reminded us what can happen when we choose to serve alongside one another.
From June 26–July 3, SPC high school and college-age students, along with adult leaders, traveled to Tijuana, Mexico for the TJ2026 Mission Trip. It was a week filled with hard work, new friendships, laughter, prayer, and countless moments that reminded us what can happen when we choose to serve alongside one another.
Through SPC’s longtime partnership with DOXA, our team stepped into the home-building experience—working side by side with families and community members to help build homes. From hauling gravel and swinging hammers to painting, sharing meals, and taking much-needed breaks together, every part of the week became an opportunity to connect.
But the trip was about far more than construction. Relationships were built across languages and cultures. Our students served, learned, worshiped, laughed, got incredibly dirty, and experienced firsthand the joy of giving their time and energy to others.
We are grateful for our partners at DOXA, the families and community members who welcomed our team, our adult leaders, and every student who said yes to this experience. Thank you also to the SPC community for your prayers and support before and throughout the trip.
The houses may be finished, but the relationships, stories, and memories built in Tijuana will continue far beyond this week. Love builds.
Message to Philadelphia
Rev. Jake Medcalf continued the “Letters to the Churches” series with “Message to Philadelphia,” connecting Jesus’ teaching in Matthew about building on the rock to the faithfulness of the church in Philadelphia in Revelation. Jake explained Philadelphia’s history as a small, resource-limited gateway city and noted it was one of only two churches in Revelation with nothing to correct, enduring as a Christian community for roughly 1,300 years. He highlighted Jesus’ commendations: they had little strength, they kept (guarded and obeyed) God’s word, and they did not deny Jesus’ name despite costly opposition. This sermon challenged listeners to pursue big God-given vision with humility, practice obedience in community and through the Holy Spirit’s transforming work, and consider what cost they would pay to remain faithful.
Rev. Jake Medcalf continued the “Letters to the Churches” series with “Message to Philadelphia,” connecting Jesus’ teaching in Matthew about building on the rock to the faithfulness of the church in Philadelphia in Revelation. Jake explained Philadelphia’s history as a small, resource-limited gateway city and noted it was one of only two churches in Revelation with nothing to correct, enduring as a Christian community for roughly 1,300 years. He highlighted Jesus’ commendations: they had little strength, they kept (guarded and obeyed) God’s word, and they did not deny Jesus’ name despite costly opposition. This sermon challenged listeners to pursue big God-given vision with humility, practice obedience in community and through the Holy Spirit’s transforming work, and consider what cost they would pay to remain faithful.
Class of 2026: Seniors Celebration
Before they step into their next chapter, they left a piece of their story behind by signing the pillar in The Box, a reminder that they have helped shape this community and will always be part of it.
We’ve watched them grow in faith, build friendships, serve others, ask hard questions, and discover more of who God created them to be. While their time in Student Ministry may be ending, our prayers for them are not.
Seniors, wherever God leads you next, remember this: you are deeply loved, you belong, and your foundation is in Christ.
Congratulations, Class of 2026. We are so proud of you.
Last Sunday we celebrated an incredible group of seniors at SPC. 🎓❤️
Before they step into their next chapter, they left a piece of their story behind by signing the pillar in The Box, a reminder that they have helped shape this community and will always be part of it.
We’ve watched them grow in faith, build friendships, serve others, ask hard questions, and discover more of who God created them to be. While their time in Student Ministry may be ending, our prayers for them are not.
Seniors, wherever God leads you next, remember this: you are deeply loved, you belong, and your foundation is in Christ.
Congratulations, Class of 2026. We are so proud of you.
If you’re a senior and didn’t get a chance to sign the pillar yet, let me know! We would love to make sure your name is added and your story is represented as part of the legacy you’ve helped build here at SPC.
#SeniorSunday #SPCStudents #ClassOf2026 #LoveAllEverywhereLikeJesus #SPCFamily
Message to Sardis
Rev. Jake Medcalf opened with a personal wake-up call from a July 2022 doctor visit where his blood pressure was 180/120 and he was warned he was on pace to die of a heart attack unless he changed his lifestyle. He connected that urgency to Jesus’ message to the church in Sardis in Revelation 3, a wealthy, once-secure city that fell after becoming complacent, and a church with a reputation for being alive but spiritually dead. He emphasized that Jesus’ blunt call was an invitation to repent (metanoia—change) and live: wake up, strengthen what remains through intentional spiritual effort, remember what believers have received and heard, hold it fast, and act with urgency. Jake concluded the message with prayer and communion as a practice of remembering Christ’s body and blood.
Rev. Jake Medcalf opened with a personal wake-up call from a July 2022 doctor visit where his blood pressure was 180/120 and he was warned he was on pace to die of a heart attack unless he changed his lifestyle. He connected that urgency to Jesus’ message to the church in Sardis in Revelation 3, a wealthy, once-secure city that fell after becoming complacent, and a church with a reputation for being alive but spiritually dead. He emphasized that Jesus’ blunt call was an invitation to repent (metanoia—change) and live: wake up, strengthen what remains through intentional spiritual effort, remember what believers have received and heard, hold it fast, and act with urgency. Jake concluded the message with prayer and communion as a practice of remembering Christ’s body and blood.
Message to Thyatira
Pastor Tyler Easley continued the “Letters to the Churches” series in Revelation by focusing on the fourth letter, Jesus’ message to the church in Thyatira (Revelation 2:18–29). He explained Revelation as a singular vision given to the aged Apostle John on Patmos and cautioned against both ignoring the book and overinterpreting it as a predictive geopolitical roadmap, describing it instead as a symbolic restatement of basic Christian teaching centered on Jesus as the slain-yet-living Lamb who forgives sin and is Lord of all. In the Thyatira passage, Tyler highlighted two themes: Jesus affirmed the church’s love, faith, service, and endurance, and Jesus corrected what needed correction, warning against tolerating sexual immorality and idolatry and urging discernment about cultural influences within personal and church life. He closed by describing the gospel as “regime change” and led the congregation into prayer and communion.
Pastor Tyler Easley continued the “Letters to the Churches” series in Revelation by focusing on the fourth letter, Jesus’ message to the church in Thyatira (Revelation 2:18–29). He explained Revelation as a singular vision given to the aged Apostle John on Patmos and cautioned against both ignoring the book and overinterpreting it as a predictive geopolitical roadmap, describing it instead as a symbolic restatement of basic Christian teaching centered on Jesus as the slain-yet-living Lamb who forgives sin and is Lord of all. In the Thyatira passage, Tyler highlighted two themes: Jesus affirmed the church’s love, faith, service, and endurance, and Jesus corrected what needed correction, warning against tolerating sexual immorality and idolatry and urging discernment about cultural influences within personal and church life. He closed by describing the gospel as “regime change” and led the congregation into prayer and communion.
Message to Pergamum
Rev. Kelly Hostetler In week three of the “Letters to the Churches” series, Rev. Kelly Hostetler preached “Message to Pergamum,” outlining the common structure of Jesus’ letters: identifying the speaker, offering encouragement (“I see you”), giving a warning, and calling for action—most often, repentance. She explored repentance as a regular practice of turning toward God, not a one-time event, and connected Jesus’ words to Pergamum with the Old Testament story of Balaam and Balak as a warning against subtle compromise with surrounding culture. Emphasizing that Jesus sees people’s burdens and struggles, she described confession as telling God the truth about what we believe about God, ourselves, and others, which activates repentance and opens the way to forgiveness and freedom. The congregation was invited to write an honest confession on a card and leave it in a basket as an act of release.
Rev. Kelly Hostetler In week three of the “Letters to the Churches” series, Rev. Kelly Hostetler preached “Message to Pergamum,” outlining the common structure of Jesus’ letters: identifying the speaker, offering encouragement (“I see you”), giving a warning, and calling for action—most often, repentance. She explored repentance as a regular practice of turning toward God, not a one-time event, and connected Jesus’ words to Pergamum with the Old Testament story of Balaam and Balak as a warning against subtle compromise with surrounding culture. Emphasizing that Jesus sees people’s burdens and struggles, she described confession as telling God the truth about what we believe about God, ourselves, and others, which activates repentance and opens the way to forgiveness and freedom. The congregation was invited to write an honest confession on a card and leave it in a basket as an act of release.
Message to Smyrna
In “Message to Smyrna,” Becca Philipsen continued the “Letters to the Churches” series by exploring Revelation’s letter to the small, suffering church in Smyrna, written by the exiled apostle John. Becca described Smyrna as a Roman-loyal port city marked by emperor worship and trade guild pressure that could cost Christians their livelihoods for refusing to declare “Caesar is Lord,” noting Polycarp as a historical example of faithfulness unto death. Becca walked through Jesus’ words as the First and the Last who knows their affliction and poverty yet calls them rich, urging them to be faithful unto death and promising the “crown of life,” explained as the victor’s stephanos. She contrasted suffering from a broken world with suffering from obedience, challenged listeners to identify idols, and shared a personal story of resisting comfort to keep a commitment to serve.
In “Message to Smyrna,” Becca Philipsen continued the “Letters to the Churches” series by exploring Revelation’s letter to the small, suffering church in Smyrna, written by the exiled apostle John. Becca described Smyrna as a Roman-loyal port city marked by emperor worship and trade guild pressure that could cost Christians their livelihoods for refusing to declare “Caesar is Lord,” noting Polycarp as a historical example of faithfulness unto death. Becca walked through Jesus’ words as the First and the Last who knows their affliction and poverty yet calls them rich, urging them to be faithful unto death and promising the “crown of life,” explained as the victor’s stephanos. She contrasted suffering from a broken world with suffering from obedience, challenged listeners to identify idols, and shared a personal story of resisting comfort to keep a commitment to serve.
Message to Ephesus (Sermon)
On May 10th, Rev. Jake Medcalf opened with a Mother’s Day story about learning dance steps with his mom and used it to illustrate how someone can “dance the dance” without hearing the music. In the sermon “Message to Ephesus,” from the “Letters to the Churches” series, he taught from Revelation’s letter to the church in Ephesus, explaining John’s exile and the warning that a church can keep doing the right deeds yet lose its lampstand. Jesus commended Ephesus for hard work, perseverance, and rejecting falsehood, but confronted them for forsaking their first love—love for God and for one another. Jake urged listeners to hear the music again by receiving God’s love in quiet, turning off distractions, and repenting now by returning to the practices they did at first, then invited communal confession, worship, and prayer.
On May 10th, Rev. Jake Medcalf opened with a Mother’s Day story about learning dance steps with his mom and used it to illustrate how someone can “dance the dance” without hearing the music. In the sermon “Message to Ephesus,” from the “Letters to the Churches” series, he taught from Revelation’s letter to the church in Ephesus, explaining John’s exile and the warning that a church can keep doing the right deeds yet lose its lampstand. Jesus commended Ephesus for hard work, perseverance, and rejecting falsehood, but confronted them for forsaking their first love—love for God and for one another. Jake urged listeners to hear the music again by receiving God’s love in quiet, turning off distractions, and repenting now by returning to the practices they did at first, then invited communal confession, worship, and prayer.
We Give the Holy Spirit (Sermon)
Rev. Kelly Hostetler concluded the “Holy Spirit” series by teaching that the Holy Spirit wants to fill believers and work through them to bring God’s kingdom on earth. She opened with Pete Greig’s story of engaging a waiter named Jeremiah who later came to church and gave his life to Christ, illustrating how the Spirit prompts connection when people pay attention. In Acts 3:1–10, she walked through Peter and John’s healing of a man lame from birth at the Beautiful Gate, emphasizing their prayerful, worship-centered rhythms, their intentional attention to the marginalized, and the power of Jesus’ name through the Spirit. She connected the man’s long-term brokenness to personal and communal wounds, highlighted how scarcity can invite Spirit-led creativity, and invited the church into silence, communion, and prayer for healing and restoration.
Rev. Kelly Hostetler concluded the “Holy Spirit” series by teaching that the Holy Spirit wants to fill believers and work through them to bring God’s kingdom on earth. She opened with Pete Greig’s story of engaging a waiter named Jeremiah who later came to church and gave his life to Christ, illustrating how the Spirit prompts connection when people pay attention. In Acts 3:1–10, she walked through Peter and John’s healing of a man lame from birth at the Beautiful Gate, emphasizing their prayerful, worship-centered rhythms, their intentional attention to the marginalized, and the power of Jesus’ name through the Spirit. She connected the man’s long-term brokenness to personal and communal wounds, highlighted how scarcity can invite Spirit-led creativity, and invited the church into silence, communion, and prayer for healing and restoration.
Pentecost: Now & Today (Sermon)
Rev. Jake Medcalf opened the “Holy Spirit” series with “Pentecost: Now & Today,” recounting Acts 2 as the Spirit’s rushing wind and multilingual witness drew a crowd and Peter, an uneducated Galilean, explained that they were not drunk but witnessing the fulfillment of Joel’s promise through Jesus’ death, resurrection, and the gift of the Spirit. He focused on the phrase “cut to the heart,” describing conviction as the Spirit’s surgical work that wounds in order to heal, calling listeners not to deflect or run but to lean in and ask, “What should we do?” He highlighted Peter’s answer—repent and be baptized, defining repentance as a mind change that reshapes one’s whole lifestyle, and baptism as both a decisive public confession and an ongoing daily dying to the old life and rising to the new. He emphasized the Spirit as a gift for all generations and all who are far off, urged believers to “uncork” the Spirit by living repentantly, and invited the congregation to come forward for prayer for physical, emotional, and spiritual healing and renewed empowerment.
Rev. Jake Medcalf opened the “Holy Spirit” series with “Pentecost: Now & Today,” recounting Acts 2 as the Spirit’s rushing wind and multilingual witness drew a crowd and Peter, an uneducated Galilean, explained that they were not drunk but witnessing the fulfillment of Joel’s promise through Jesus’ death, resurrection, and the gift of the Spirit. He focused on the phrase “cut to the heart,” describing conviction as the Spirit’s surgical work that wounds in order to heal, calling listeners not to deflect or run but to lean in and ask, “What should we do?” He highlighted Peter’s answer—repent and be baptized—defining repentance as a mind change that reshapes one’s whole lifestyle, and baptism as both a decisive public confession and an ongoing daily dying to the old life and rising to the new. He emphasized the Spirit as a gift for all generations and all who are far off, urged believers to “uncork” the Spirit by living repentantly, and invited the congregation to come forward for prayer for physical, emotional, and spiritual healing and renewed empowerment.
The Woodwards (Testimony)
Rev. Kelly Hostetler introduced Vic and Monique Woodward, long-time True Face volunteers and retreat leaders from Burlington, Washington, inviting the congregation to learn about the “True Face Journey,” a nine-month growth group leader training experience starting in the fall, with a follow-up conversation and lunch in room C-201. Monique explained the monthly cohort structure, guided readings and exercises, two retreats (including story-sharing), and an emphasis on slowing down from busyness to explore how God sees us, identity in Christ, and living the gospel in relationships; she notes the program uses resources from multiple ministries, is not a product being sold, and cites growth across about 160 groups in 18 states with many repeat leaders. Vic describes men building trust, commitment, and deep bonds through sharing stories.
Rev. Kelly Hostetler introduced Vic and Monique Woodward, long-time True Face volunteers and retreat leaders from Burlington, Washington, inviting the congregation to learn about the “True Face Journey,” a nine-month growth group leader training experience starting in the fall, with a follow-up conversation and lunch in room C-201. Monique explained the monthly cohort structure, guided readings and exercises, two retreats (including story-sharing), and an emphasis on slowing down from busyness to explore how God sees us, identity in Christ, and living the gospel in relationships; she notes the program uses resources from multiple ministries, is not a product being sold, and cites growth across about 160 groups in 18 states with many repeat leaders. Vic describes men building trust, commitment, and deep bonds through sharing stories.
Announcements | April 26, 2026
Rev. Kelly Hostetler shared some church-wide updates beyond Sunday worship, the bulletin and website info about deacons and Stephen ministers. Kelly shared some insight on a SPC vision-and-values conversation after worship next Sunday with Jake, with registration on the website under events. Kelly emphasized prayer as essential “fuel” for ministry, inviting the congregation to a nonstop day of prayer this Wednesday (one 10:00 PM slot open) and noting the prayer room is available all week, plus a monthly prayer service on May 6. She also revisits the church’s 10-year transformation goal: 900 people meeting weekly in “growth groups” (transformational cohorts) launching in Fall 2027.
Rev. Kelly Hostetler shared some church-wide updates beyond Sunday worship, the bulletin and website info about deacons and Stephen ministers. Kelly shared some insight on a SPC vision-and-values conversation after worship next Sunday with Jake, with registration on the website under events. Kelly emphasized prayer as essential “fuel” for ministry, inviting the congregation to a nonstop day of prayer this Wednesday (one 10:00 PM slot open) and noting the prayer room is available all week, plus a monthly prayer service on May 6. She also revisits the church’s 10-year transformation goal: 900 people meeting weekly in “growth groups” (transformational cohorts) launching in Fall 2027.
Character of the Holy Spirit (Sermon)
Rev. Jake Medcalf taught from John 7 and Acts 2, beginning with John writing late in life from Ephesus and reflecting on Jesus’ proclamation at the Festival of Tabernacles that anyone who is thirsty should come to him and drink, and that rivers of living water would flow from within those who believe—referring to the Holy Spirit. He connected this promise to Pentecost, when the disciples waited together in Jerusalem and the Spirit came with the sound of a violent wind and tongues of fire, filling everyone present. He emphasized that believers already belong to Jesus and are filled with the Holy Spirit, carrying the same dunamis power seen in Jesus’ works, yet often “cork” that power through a desire for control. He invited the congregation to “uncork” the Spirit, seek openness and availability, and respond by lighting candles and singing “Same Power.”
Rev. Jake Medcalf taught from John 7 and Acts 2, beginning with John writing late in life from Ephesus and reflecting on Jesus’ proclamation at the Festival of Tabernacles that anyone who is thirsty should come to him and drink, and that rivers of living water would flow from within those who believe—referring to the Holy Spirit. He connected this promise to Pentecost, when the disciples waited together in Jerusalem and the Spirit came with the sound of a violent wind and tongues of fire, filling everyone present. He emphasized that believers already belong to Jesus and are filled with the Holy Spirit, carrying the same dunamis power seen in Jesus’ works, yet often “cork” that power through a desire for control. He invited the congregation to “uncork” the Spirit, seek openness and availability, and respond by lighting candles and singing “Same Power.”
Middle School Mission Lock-In
Our Middle School Mission Lock-In was a powerful and unforgettable experience! Five middle school students, alongside a high school leader and three adult leaders, spent the night at Sammamish Presbyterian Church (SPC) and dedicated their time to serving our community. Together, they partnered with The Sophia Way, a women’s homeless shelter in Bellevue, where they sorted donations, hung clothing, packed snacks, organized supplies, and carried totes filled with essential items. The following day, they helped deep-clean the shelter—scrubbing bathrooms, sweeping and mopping floors, cleaning windows and vents, and organizing a pantry to better serve the women.
Our Middle School Mission Lock-In was a powerful and unforgettable experience! Five middle school students, alongside a high school leader and three adult leaders, spent the night at Sammamish Presbyterian Church (SPC) and dedicated their time to serving our community. Together, they partnered with The Sophia Way, a women’s homeless shelter in Bellevue, where they sorted donations, hung clothing, packed snacks, organized supplies, and carried totes filled with essential items. The following day, they helped deep-clean the shelter—scrubbing bathrooms, sweeping and mopping floors, cleaning windows and vents, and organizing a pantry to better serve the women.
Their efforts did not go unnoticed. A volunteer coordinator shared heartfelt gratitude, noting how the staff were amazed by the abundance of snacks and the beautifully cleaned space. Throughout the weekend, students truly reflected the hands and feet of Jesus, demonstrating humility, compassion, and a willingness to learn.
Of course, the lock-in also included moments of fun and fellowship—complete with a late-night McDonald’s run, movies, visits to local youth services, laser tag, free ice cream, and a special talk from guest speaker Chris Scott on living as compassionate humanitarians.
We are beyond proud of these middle schoolers for serving with open hearts and joyful spirits!
Mission Lock-In: For All Middle School Students
April 12, 2026 – April 15, 2026
Join us for a 3-night Mission Lock-In where our middle schoolers will get a hands-on look at the incredible mission work at The Sophia Way, a women shelter. Students will learn about mission work, serving together, and discover how God can use them to make a difference—right now, right where they are.
Holy Spirit (Sermon)
On April 12, Rev. Jake Medcalf preached from Acts 1:8, emphasizing that believers receive Holy Spirit “dunamis” power to be witnesses locally and to the ends of the earth. He connected this call to the church’s partnerships around the world and described the Spirit’s power as strength, capability, and miraculous capacity available as a gift to all who believe, not only to the original disciples. He addressed the common gap between biblical promise and modern experience, drawing from Tyler Staton’s The Familiar Stranger, and identified three postures toward the Spirit: thirsty, uninformed, and suspicious. Urging the church to “say yes to both,” he taught that faithful discipleship required both biblical/theological grounding and lived experience of the Spirit’s work. The sermon ended with an invitation to prayer and communion.
On April 12, Rev. Jake Medcalf preached from Acts 1:8, emphasizing that believers receive Holy Spirit “dunamis” power to be witnesses locally and to the ends of the earth. He connected this call to the church’s partnerships around the world and described the Spirit’s power as strength, capability, and miraculous capacity available as a gift to all who believe, not only to the original disciples. He addressed the common gap between biblical promise and modern experience, drawing from Tyler Staton’s The Familiar Stranger, and identified three postures toward the Spirit: thirsty, uninformed, and suspicious. Urging the church to “say yes to both,” he taught that faithful discipleship required both biblical/theological grounding and lived experience of the Spirit’s work. The sermon ended with an invitation to prayer and communion.
Sabbath (Sermon)
In the sermon “Sabbath,” Rev. Jake Medcalf used a power outage and phone-battery anxiety to illustrate how modern life drains the soul and how, without intentional recharging, many people live in the “red” through burnout, hurry, distraction, and emotional numbness. Drawing on John Tyson’s battery metaphor, research on exhaustion, and insights from John Mark Comer’s The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, the message contrasted being busy with being hurried and described common symptoms of hurry. Rev. Jake Medcalf set Jesus’ invitation to the weary in its historical context and emphasized Jesus’ “yoke” as adopting his lifestyle, including Sabbath as a weekly practice. Sabbath was defined as “stop and delight,” involving ceasing work and enjoying God’s gifts through rest, worship, feasting, play, and renewal, with an invitation to begin practicing—starting small—and to light a candle as a commitment.
In the sermon “Sabbath,” Rev. Jake Medcalf used a power outage and phone-battery anxiety to illustrate how modern life drains the soul and how, without intentional recharging, many people live in the “red” through burnout, hurry, distraction, and emotional numbness. Drawing on John Tyson’s battery metaphor, research on exhaustion, and insights from John Mark Comer’s The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, the message contrasted being busy with being hurried and described common symptoms of hurry. Rev. Jake Medcalf set Jesus’ invitation to the weary in its historical context and emphasized Jesus’ “yoke” as adopting his lifestyle, including Sabbath as a weekly practice. Sabbath was defined as “stop and delight,” involving ceasing work and enjoying God’s gifts through rest, worship, feasting, play, and renewal, with an invitation to begin practicing—starting small—and to light a candle as a commitment.