Who are "Kingdom People"? At the start of 2024, we asked this question, seeking to understand the simplicity of loving God, cherishing Scripture, and living from a place of abiding. One phrase continues to resonate as the essence of it all:

Kingdom People Trust Jesus.

For the Gasperettis, this year has been one of both significant stretching and timely relief. We've faced complex challenges but were also blessed with a summer sabbatical that refreshed us more deeply than words can express (thanks to your generosity and encouragement). Through the highs and lows of self-reflection, repentance, and diving into God's Word, I've been repeatedly reminded of this truth: my only and best hope in life and death is that God loves me, has called me to Himself, and is shaping me through every circumstance. Perhaps you can relate.

Now, seven years into this journey from "church plant" to "established church in the city," I am more convinced than ever that God’s hand is on this community. He is teaching us to trust Him more deeply—and I’m fully at peace with that.

In his book Resilient: Restoring Your Weary Soul in These Turbulent Times, John Eldredge offers a prayer that has deeply impacted me: "God, I love you. I give you my allegiance. I choose you over all things. Give me the strength that prevails.” I’ve prayed similar prayers often this year, and I plan to keep doing so. I invite you to join me in this. If we truly want to see God move in our time and our community, we must adopt this posture together.

As we close out this incredible year, may we continue to trust Jesus more deeply, together.

Blessings,
Pastor Sean Gasperetti

In 2023, our average Sunday attendance was 365 people. In 2024, that number grew to 411! That's a 12.6% increase!

In 2023, our biggest Sunday attendance was 443 people. In 2024, that number grew to 534! That's a 20.5% increase! Additionally, our 2023 Easter service hosted 585 people. In 2024, 827 people showed up! 

Every Sunday, our team endeavors to love and serve children from birth - 5th grade by providing safe, FUN environments to hear the Gospel and meet Jesus. This year, we've served 332 unique children (our average kid attendance is 97 per Sunday)! We also dedicated 20 children to Jesus, committing to be a place where parents can grow together as the primary disciple-makers in their homes.

Brian McCormack | Breakaway Ministries, Texas A&M
Founder of Reach Church in Kirkland and current leader of Breakaway Ministries at Texas A&M, Brian inspired us with a message about keeping the cross at the center of our lives. His passion for gospel-centered living was both challenging and uplifting.

Andrew Munoz | New Life Church, Everett
A pastor at New Life in Everett, Andrew shared a powerful word on staying faithful through life's ups and downs. His personal testimony and powerful encouragement reminded us of the beauty of perseverance in our walk with Christ.

Jimmy Reed | Young Life, Everett
As the Area Director for Everett Young Life, Jimmy brought a heartfelt message about being formed in Christlikeness and equipped to serve others. His insights were both practical and deeply inspiring.

Chris Rich | Mercy Fellowship, Marysville
Pastor at Mercy Fellowship, Chris preached from Psalm 77 on trusting God in seasons of silence. His message was a poignant reminder of God's faithfulness even when we can't hear Him.

This year, our ladies grew deeper in their faith and in community. We hosted a Spring Tea with around 100 attendees and a panel of women from Reach sharing stories and testimonies of how God has walked with them through their life. Tammy Perron & Addie Wise stepped up as volunteers to lead an incredibly well attended Women's Bible Study this fall (around 80 women) with an emphasis on growing in resilience in our faith. In November, 75 women joined us for our second Women's Retreat!

Our guys hosted several Saturday breakfasts and bonfires, heard impactful testimonies, and did service projects at a few church member's houses. This fall, 33 men gathered together for an 8-week Men's Bible Study through the Book of Revelation!

Worship Director

A once Florida boy, now Washingtonian, Carson joined our team as Worship Director this spring! Having grown up around ministry, Carson brings a richness to his leadership, a passion to his craft, and a "David-like" heart to worship. We have seen the team grow, develop, and genuinely enjoy one another since he jumped on the team. We are so grateful to have you leading us each and every Sunday, Carson! 

Facilities Director

Drum roll please....If you've been around Reach for any stretch of time, you know this face! Allison Pennington has been serving faithfully since Reach's earliest days and has recently joined the team as our Facilities Manager! Allison is a "ride or die" type volunteer, having given much of her passion and time to this community. It's a joy to have her formally joining staff to oversee the operations, cleanliness, and functionality of our incredible facility. Welcome, Allison!

Executive Administrator

Kirsten is a newer face around Reach, but has quickly grafted into the family and recently joined our staff as Executive Administrator. Her background in ministry (in a former context) is extensive in areas of hospitality, connections, and administration. She and her husband Josh found us earlier this year and have quickly endeared themselves to our team.  Kirsten's passion of the local church and diligent work ethic have made her a fantastic addition (and massive support) to our team. Welcome, Kirsten!

Pastor Sean and family had the opportunity to take a summer sabbatical after 7 years of faithfully leading our church. Our team and community thrived during those 3 months...kudos to YOU all! 

3nd annual Fall Hoedown! A fun and family-friendly throwback to former uses of the armory over the course of the last 100 years. Those who attended had a blast and many expressed their gratitude!

Our summer BBQ/Baptism party was rained out, yet around 70+ came out anyway to celebrate baptisms! POWERFUL time church! 

A gaggle of children flooded our auditorium for a movie showing of Migration this summer! Hosting movie nights have been a fun and welcoming way to make space for followers of Jesus and their friends to connect and have fun together. 

Child dedications continue to be some of the sweeter moments we share together as a family. Praise the Lord for our kids! Thank you for entrusting us to bless you and them as you endeavor to disciple them well. 

This photo is worth sharing out of sheer principle. :)

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 2023 alone, over 72,000 kids from around our county were provided with quality toys for Christmas, and we anticipate the number increasing by the end of 2024.

PRC provides confidential services for teens and adults in Snohomish County in need of support when facing crisis and/or unplanned pregnancies. Providing ultrasounds, life-affirming options, counseling, and tangible goods for new parents/babies, PRC is a staple in our community and a godsend to Everett. Reach partnered with PRC by sending representatives to their annual fundraising gala and is also a monthly donor. 

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, Portugal 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.

Kaytlyn serves as a ministry apprentice at The Gate Church in Birmingham, England, actively working to engage families in a diverse community that maintains a Christian populace of under 2%. With residents from various backgrounds, she helps lead an after-school club at a local school, where children learn about Jesus through games, crafts, and connection times. Reach is a consistent monthly donor and is helping Kaytlyn take next steps to getting back on the mission field. 

This year, Reach has committed to come alongside a new church plant! Meet the Greenfields. About 10 years ago, Zeb & Leah Greenfield felt the call of God on their lives to live in Seattle, and even plant a church here. After being a part of multi-ethnic churches in Riverside, CA, Las Vegas, NV, and Cincinnati, OH, the Greenfield’s ended up at Highlands Community Church in Renton, WA where they have served for the last 5 years. They have helped create culture, build teams, and inspire people to find and follow Jesus. This year, Zeb and Leah were blessed to have been sent and supported by the people of Highlands to launch Odyssey Church in the Seattle area. Reach has recently committed to supporting this church planting effort on a monthly basis to help them get going! 

This may seem like a boring matter, but it's no doubt noticeable when our Auditorium and Lobby are ICE COLD in the winter months. Thanks to your generosity, we were able to easily remedy this issue and now have proper heat in our most used areas!

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 generosity, Reach has persisted as a top contributor to The Bridge Receiving Center, a non-profit providing transitional housing for kids entering foster care. 

Over 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!