Over the last few years, I've incorporated an unconventional cooldown routine into my workouts at the gym: I read my Gideon's pocket New Testament Bible. You know the ones, those little cell phone-sized Bibles that get distributed all over the world in countless languages (including at Reach via Toys For Tots distribution season!). That little Bible has been a constant reminder of where true strength comes from, provided comfort and correction in moments of overwhelm, and even prompted the beginnings of sermons I've preached at Reach.

Over the course of this year, we've come to an important realization: growth doesn't happen coincidentally, rather, intentionally. As a church, it's crucial that we leverage our energy towards discipling the saints (each other) for the work of the ministry. As the church grows in spiritual maturity, it will inevitably grow stronger. As it grows stronger, it will grow in generosity inside and outside the community, it will deal less with sin and the consequences of sin, it will multiply itself out and be a blessing to other churches, it will advance the Gospel here, near, and far (2 Peter 1:3-11).

Friends, if there is anything I would hope for this church, this is it; to be a community that is faithful to the Gospel and by making an impact inside and outside our 100 year old armory walls. And while we've taken some significant steps through key hires, ministry launches, and increased connection opportunities, I believe the best is yet to come!

This year's annual report will include highlights of what's happened at Reach in 2023 (and there are plenty to report!), but more than that, my hope is that you will find your heart stirred up for what lies ahead in 2024. I hope you enjoy scrolling through it all this year.

Blessings to you as we close out this incredible year!

In 2022, our average Sunday attendance was 250 people. In 2023, that number grew to 360! That's a 44% increase!

In 2022, our biggest Sunday attendance was 324 people. In 2023, that number grew to 443! That's a 36.7% increase! Additionally, our 2022 Easter service hosted 500 people. In 2023, 585 people showed up! 

Our ladies hosted connect events, started new DNA studies, and facilitated their first ever, well-attended retreat in La Conner, WA! 70 ladies were in attendance! We've got another ladies' retreat scheduled for Fall 2024, so be sure to look out for more info!

Our guys hosted a few Saturday breakfasts, heard several impactful testimonies, did service projects at a few church member's houses, and even ventured north to Sumas, WA for our 2nd Men's Retreat with nearly 50 men present!

Taylor Murray | Real Life Church, Covington
On week one of the series, we had the honor of hearing from longtime friend of Pastor Sean, Taylor Murray, Lead Pastor of Real Life Church (Covington, WA), sharing about the goodness of God and how he's freed us, fed us, and not forgotten about us.

Jon DeYonker | Reach Church, Everett
Our own Youth Lead, Jon, spoke for his first time on a Sunday! Jon shared on the concepts of humility, spiritual gifts, and the interconnectedness of believers within the body of Christ.

Mary Butler | Toys for Tots + Reach Church, Everett
During week 3, we had the privilege of hearing an interview with Pastor Sean and our very own Mary Butler on the importance of growing in spiritual maturity. Mary shared with us her own personal journey through learning this lesson and how God's faithfulness has grown her into an even more faithful follower.

Bob Stone | Northwest Ministry Network, Retired Pastor
As we wrapped up our "Big Family" series, we were able to hear from Pastor Sean's friend + mentor, Bob Stone. He showed us that Paul pointed Timothy to five stones of faith + explained the significant value in each one.

The team took 28 kids to summer camp (16 more than the prior year)! They were joined for a combined camp with our friends at Reach Kirkland!

• 8 students took steps towards Jesus through water baptism! 
• 23 people have served at Reach Youth, helping with games, snack, small groups, worship leading, etc.
• About 30 kids attend on any given Thursday (36 peak attendance), and the excitement is only increasing as we continue creating space for our young people to experience the Gospel together. 

In September, Andrew joined our staff as our new Associate Pastor! Andrew, along with his wife (Christy) and son (Jude), packed tight a U-haul in Oakhurst, CA and drove to Everett, WA to join the Reach family. Andrew is passionate about the Bible, the Holy Spirit, discipleship, and of course, heavy Christian music. He's also a great conversationalist, so be sure to strike one up with him sometime!

Tyler has been around for a few years serving behind the scenes with kids, women, and also as one of our worship leaders (along with her husband, Cris). This year, she joined the staff as our Administrative Assistant! Helping handle all things office-related, Tyler has leveraged her creativity to improve systems, support our leaders, and keep our staff on track in the backend.

Justin is a newer face around Reach, but has been long connected with Pastor Sean and Kara in ministry and friendship. He and his wife Ashlee, along with 2 kids (Lillian and Elliott) came to Reach this Fall, resulting in Justin coming on staff for a few hours a week to help with Communications! He's a brilliant system builder and communications thinker, but an even better disciple of Jesus.

Michelle joined our Volunteer Leadership Team as our Missions Lead. Michelle is a wife (to Will), mom (to Liam and Elizabeth), and faithful volunteer at Reach who is committed to helping us care for folks outside our 4-walls. Michelle is a creative problem-solver, a warm and inviting presence, and a good friend to those in her community. She oversees our benevolence process, helps meet internal needs, and championed this year's Holiday Generosity Campaign! 

Having been invested at Reach since virtually "day one," Chris stepped onto the Volunteer Leadership Team in 2023 as our Men's Lead. In addition to a deep commitment to loving his wife, Addie, and their 3 daughters (Charlotte, Elizabeth, and Frankie), following Jesus personally and helping men at Reach take their faith seriously is a major passion for Chris. Whether on a retreat or at a work party, Chris is eager to help guys make their faith practical and their contribution to the body fruitful. Stay tuned for some great things coming up in Men's Ministry, and if you'd like to help, let Chris know! 

Friendly (and excited) faces abound at Reach! (No doubt, John's always is!)

2nd annual Fall Hoedown! People sure did show up and show off their sweet moves! 

Summer Connect parties are always a blast and great way to get connected.

Mario Movie Night, with our very own Mario! (Josh P. winning at life, as per usual!)

We shared a lot of meals and "broke bread" around tables often this year (Great job, as always, Allison and team!).

We stayed committed to that 2-minute greeting time! Did you meet anyone fun this year?

We are thrilled to have officially installed two additional Elders this year! In addition to our Lead Pastor, Sean Gasperetti (married to Kara), we're now blessed to be shepherded at the highest levels by volunteer Elders, Jeff Price (married to Ronda) and Russ Perron (married to Tammy).

At Reach, the Elders carry the responsibility of overseeing the mission, vision, life, and doctrine of the church. These men carry the responsibility and authority of leading the church side-by-side, while humbly following Jesus, the Chief Shepherd of the Church. A primary way the Elder Team fulfills its role is by empowering and caring for the men and women who serve as Reach’s Staff — those who lead the day-to-day ministries of the church.

Reach’s Staff Team — including both men and women who have been assigned as pastors, preachers, and/or ministry leaders — all serve under the authority and care of the Elder Team to lead ministries and equip the people of Reach to do the work of the ministry.

A child's first encounter with the foster care system is too often traumatic and confusing. The Bridge is stepping in to change this by building a welcoming place where kids can feel safe and have access to the services they need. Reach continues to be one of The Bridge's first and most engaged church donors!

Warehousing/distributing out of Reach Church, Toys for Tots helps bring the joy of Christmas and sends a message of hope to America's less fortunate children. In 2022 alone, over 72,000 kids from around our county were provided with quality toys for Christmas, and we anticipate the number increasing in 2023.

People in our city, and even in our church, are being negatively impacted by abortion. They often run from the Church rather than to the Church. In partnership with Love Life, Reach became a "House of Refuge," pledging our commitment to come alongside those facing unplanned/crisis pregnancy, connecting them with people who care and inroads to meaningful/timely support.

Atlas Free (formerly Rescue:Freedom International) is on a mission to end sex trafficking one life at a time. By pioneering initiatives domestically and internationally, AF is on the frontlines of this important and pressing work. This year, we made a $1,500 donation to Atlas Free. We also sent a group of people to their annual gala to learn how Reach can continue partnering in the fight for freedom.

The Janzens work with Reaching Portugal, a gospel-centered community in Vila do Conde and Potential to Plant, a discipleship school focused on training, resourcing, and supporting church planters. They also roast and sell specialty coffee in efforts to embody marketplace evangelism. Reach is a consistent monthly donor and personal friends with the Janzens.

Diapers & Donuts aims to love and support our community with fellowship, donuts, a free pack of diapers and an invitation to a Bible study. This ministry functions out of Reach's facility and meets on the 4th Saturday of every month. 

We were (and are!) blown away by the generosity of this church to help expand our kids room spaces. We not only had funds to renovate/introduce a new nursery space, but will also be able to improve several other spaces throughout our kids wing over the next year or two. 

In 2022, our church was able to secede from our sending church in Kirkland both legally and financially. This was a mutual decision in both of our best interest, and we not only survived the transition, we've grown through it! 

Through your consistent and one-time generosity, over $6,000 has been contributed to The Bridge Receiving Center, a non-profit providing transitional housing for kids entering foster care. 

Nearly 100 children from inside and outside of Reach were blessed by a summer Vacation Bible School. Our team created a fun, safe environment to hear the Gospel and take steps towards Jesus! The best part: thanks to your consistent giving, we were able to offer this experience FREE OF CHARGE to the community!