History 教會歷史

Jesus said  “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:19-20)

In spring and early summer of 2002, two brothers from Seattle Taiwanese Christian Church shared a common vision of evangelism burden and, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, determined to establish a Taiwanese church on the east side of Lake Washington.

 

A few families began prayer and Bible study meetings and approached Seattle Presbytery for guidance. After a period of time, and under Seattle Presbytery Director, Dr. Rev. Boyd A. Stockdale’s encouragement and acceptance, the group established the first Taiwanese Presbyterian Church in the Pacific Northwest. In September 15th, 2002, a group 16 people held the first Sunday service at the Taiwan Culture and Education Foundation office in Bellevue.

 

In October 20, 2002, the church relocated to Newport Presbyterian Church in Bellevue, and in November 19th, 2002, the church was formally accepted as a fellowship member within the Seattle Presbytery.  In March 16th, 2003, the church once again relocated to Mercer Island Presbyterian Church, where we have our worship services since.   With God’s Grace, the help from Catalyzing Missional Communities Committee, and the supports from the Seattle Presbytery, the First Taiwanese Presbyterian Church completed charter process, and on April 14, 2013, formally recognized as a church within the Seattle Presbytery, and under Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

 

Despite some stormy times in past years, the blessings of the Lord have helped the church endured all challenges.  We are convinced that the presence of God is with us, and He is the power that motivates us in sharing the gospel.  We seek the Holy Spirit to be with us continuously, and continue to guide our path forward.  May all the glory be to God, the Holy Trinity.

主耶穌說:「設使恁中間二人佇地裡無論求甚麼,若是同心,就我佇天裡的父欲給他們做成。因為不論甚麼所在,有二三人佇我的名聚集,我也佇他們中間。」(馬太福音十八章19-20節)

 

2002年的春末夏初,有兩位曾經是西雅圖台灣基督教會會友的弟兄,因著有共同傳福音的負擔與異象,在聖靈的引導下,決心在華盛頓湖的東邊設立說台語的教會。

 

經由祈禱與查經聚會一段時間後,終於在美國長老教會西雅圖中會總幹事Dr. Rev. Boyd A. Stockdale的鼓勵與接納之下,設立了美國西北地區 (包括華盛頓州、俄勒岡州、蒙他那州及愛達荷州)的第一個台灣人的基督長老教會,命名為第一台灣基督長老教會。2002年九月15日(禮拜日)在Bellevue的台灣文化教育基金會的辦公室舉行第一次的主日禮拜,共有16人參加。

 

2002年十月20日,教會搬到位於 Bellevue 的 Newport Presbyterian Church 聚會。2002年十一月19日的西雅圖中會會議中正式接納本會為西雅圖中會的一員。2003年三月16日,教會再搬到位於 Mercer Island 的 Mercer Island Presbyterian Church 聚會,直到現在。感謝上帝,本會已於2013年四月14日升格為堂會。

 

在過去的歲月裏,雖有風浪,但都蒙上帝保守與眷顧,均安然渡過。我們深信上帝的同在是教會能廣傳福音的唯一動力。懇求聖靈,就是我們的主耶穌基督的靈與我們同在,繼續引導及保守我們前面的道路。願一切的榮耀都歸於三位一體的上帝。

bible in hands Young girl praying