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.
Fasting (Sermon)
In the third week of the Lent: The Rhythm of Eremos series, Rev. Kelly Hostetler taught on fasting as a “new but old” practice connected to Jesus’ time in the wilderness. She described physical and psychological benefits associated with fasting and connected the practice to Isaiah 58 and Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6, emphasizing that Jesus assumed his disciples would fast and that God rewards what is done in secret. She distinguished fasting from Lenten abstinence, defined fasting as not eating food, and noted its central place in Jewish practice, the early church, and church history. A testimony from Matt Schmidt described weekly fasting as part of a rule of life. Rev. Hostetler offered three reasons to fast: it is good for body and soul, it helps relate to God through bodily “hunger,” and it is spiritually powerful, including standing in solidarity with the poor and seeking God amid injustice.
In the third week of the Lent: The Rhythm of Eremos series, Rev. Kelly Hostetler taught on fasting as a “new but old” practice connected to Jesus’ time in the wilderness. She described physical and psychological benefits associated with fasting and connected the practice to Isaiah 58 and Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6, emphasizing that Jesus assumed his disciples would fast and that God rewards what is done in secret. She distinguished fasting from Lenten abstinence, defined fasting as not eating food, and noted its central place in Jewish practice, the early church, and church history. A testimony from Matt Schmidt described weekly fasting as part of a rule of life. Rev. Hostetler offered three reasons to fast: it is good for body and soul, it helps relate to God through bodily “hunger,” and it is spiritually powerful, including standing in solidarity with the poor and seeking God amid injustice.
Silence (Sermon)
In his latest sermon, 'Silence', Rev. Jake Medcalf referenced Mark Lambertson’s The Dangerous Act of Worship and his practice of reading global mission updates, then led a pastoral prayer for peacemaking and an end to violence affecting families and children worldwide. He taught that people are made for deep intimacy with God but often fill their hunger with noise, busyness, and distraction, and he invited the church to practice solitude and silence in the “eremos” as Jesus did. Citing Augustine, Ruth Haley Barton, Søren Kierkegaard, C.S. Lewis, Andrew Sullivan, and John Mark Comer, he described silence as a place where illusions die, faith can be renewed, and God’s voice can be heard, while noting fear and uncertainty as barriers. A testimony from Louise described growing into extended silence and finding peace and freedom. The sermon concluded with communion, prayer, and invitations to a cohort and retreat to practice these disciplines.
In his latest sermon, 'Silence', Rev. Jake Medcalf referenced Mark Lambertson’s The Dangerous Act of Worship and his practice of reading global mission updates, then led a pastoral prayer for peacemaking and an end to violence affecting families and children worldwide. He taught that people are made for deep intimacy with God but often fill their hunger with noise, busyness, and distraction, and he invited the church to practice solitude and silence in the “eremos” as Jesus did. Citing Augustine, Ruth Haley Barton, Søren Kierkegaard, C.S. Lewis, Andrew Sullivan, and John Mark Comer, he described silence as a place where illusions die, faith can be renewed, and God’s voice can be heard, while noting fear and uncertainty as barriers. A testimony from Louise described growing into extended silence and finding peace and freedom. The sermon concluded with communion, prayer, and invitations to a cohort and retreat to practice these disciplines.
Solitude (Sermon)
This past Sunday, Rev. Jake Medcalf taught on “Solitude” in the Lent series “Lent: The Rhythm of Eremos,” inviting listeners into the biblical “Eremos” (wilderness/lonely or solitary place) as a regular practice where God’s transforming presence could be experienced. He explained that Jesus often withdrew to the Eremos (Luke 5) and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness (Luke 4), showing solitude as essential for hearing God, being fueled for ministry and daily life, and becoming more loving, honest, and grace-filled. Using Ruth Haley Barton’s “Invitation to Solitude and Silence” and the metaphor of river water settling in a jar, he described how solitude and silence exposed inner busyness and brought clarity, spiritual battle, and freedom. He emphasized that solitude was not escapism but running to God and returning to love and serve, calling the congregation to schedule small, practical times of solitude and consider resources like a Friday growth group, the SCC Institute practicum class, and a spiritual retreat during Lent.
This past Sunday, Rev. Jake Medcalf taught on “Solitude” in the Lent series “Lent: The Rhythm of Eremos,” inviting listeners into the biblical “Eremos” (wilderness/lonely or solitary place) as a regular practice where God’s transforming presence could be experienced. He explained that Jesus often withdrew to the Eremos (Luke 5) and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness (Luke 4), showing solitude as essential for hearing God, being fueled for ministry and daily life, and becoming more loving, honest, and grace-filled. Using Ruth Haley Barton’s “Invitation to Solitude and Silence” and the metaphor of river water settling in a jar, he described how solitude and silence exposed inner busyness and brought clarity, spiritual battle, and freedom. He emphasized that solitude was not escapism but running to God and returning to love and serve, calling the congregation to schedule small, practical times of solitude and consider resources like a Friday growth group, the SCC Institute practicum class, and a spiritual retreat during Lent.
Bingo Night (Recap)
What a night! We welcomed over 100 people to our Bingo Night on February 22, and it was an absolute blast. We enjoyed pizza, lots of laughs and a little friendly competition. It was wonderful to see friends, families, and neighbors come together for such a joyful community event. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the night so memorable!
What a night! We welcomed over 100 people to our Bingo Night on February 22, and it was an absolute blast. We enjoyed pizza, lots of laughs and a little friendly competition. It was wonderful to see friends, families, and neighbors come together for such a joyful community event. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the night so memorable!
Bingo Night
February 22, 2026
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
You are invited to a pizza dinner and bingo night at Sammamish Presbyterian Church!
Registration is free. Please sign up online so we can be sure to have enough food for everyone.
Feel free to invite your friends, family and neighbors - everyone is welcome at this fun community event!
Questions? Please contact Ashley Cole, acole@spconline.org.
SPC WyldLife: Valentine’s Club
35 middle schoolers has been our biggest number yet. It was pretty packed, so we’re definitely grateful for our high school leaders!
SPC WyldLife: Valentine’s Club 💘
What a night! 35 middle schoolers has been our biggest number yet. It was pretty packed, so we’re definitely grateful for our high school leaders! We packed the house with middle schoolers for our biggest Valentine’s Club yet — full of games, laughs, and tons of energy. So grateful for our high school leaders who made it all happen.
Valentine’s Club = loud, sweet, and one for the books 💗🎉
SPC YoungLife: Valentine’s Club
We had our biggest club yet with 35 middle schoolers packed in the room! It was loud, full, and so much fun. Huge shoutout to our amazing high school leaders for showing up and serving so well.
SPC YoungLife: Valentine’s Club ❤️
It was loud, full, and so much fun. Huge shoutout to our amazing high school leaders for showing up and serving so well.
Valentine’s Club was one for the books — and yes, Justin rocked the bleached hair 😂🔥
SPC Men’s Ministry Axe Throwing Tournament
On February 9, SPC Men gathered for a night of axes, pizza, and friendly competition. From first-time throwers to natural sharpshooters, everyone jumped in ready to learn, laugh, and cheer each other on. No experience was needed — just a willingness to have fun and maybe talk a little friendly smack.
Between throws, we grabbed slices, shared stories, and built stronger connections. In the end, bragging rights were earned, but the real win was the camaraderie.
Already looking forward to the next one! 🪓🍕
On February 9, our SPC Men’s Ministry gathered for a night of axes, pizza, and friendly competition. From first-time throwers to natural sharpshooters, everyone jumped in ready to learn, laugh, and cheer each other on.
Between throws, we grabbed slices, shared stories, and built stronger connections. In the end, bragging rights were earned, but the real win was the camaraderie.
Already looking forward to the next one! 🪓🍕
