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Weekly Message: Living Together on Uncommon Ground: Respect

As we journey through our worship series Do Unto Others, we’re diving deeply into how we can be people of kindness, respect, and compassion—even in a world that seems to pull us apart. This week, we continue with a focus on “Respect,” a foundation for living together on the uncommon ground of God’s grace.

Each time we gather to study scripture, we explore how our spiritual ancestors navigated the challenges of division in their own times. Together, we discover how their experiences can guide us today, teaching us to interact through the lens of respect. Our scripture for this Sunday, 1 Corinthians 12:1-26, reminds us of our deep interdependence. Paul’s words show us that humanity was made to help and rely on one another, with each of us playing a vital role in God’s creation. When we recognize this connection, we see our relationships and responsibilities differently, as part of God’s ongoing work in the world.

Will we choose to respect our dependence on one another, honoring the unique ways each person reflects the Body of Christ? This week’s message is an invitation to consider how we can do that together.

This Sunday, we will also gather around the table to celebrate Communion, reminded of the grace and unity we share in Christ. Let this be a moment of reconnection with God and with one another.

And as we look forward to 2025, please remember to turn in your generosity cards. Your generosity makes everything we do together possible, supporting the ministries that help us to be a beacon of love, hope, and respect in our community.

Click here to fill out your pledge card

Also, don’t forget to join us this Saturday for our Annual Holiday Fair at church!

Whether you join us in person or online, we look forward to worshiping with you this weekend.

In grace and peace,

Pastor DJ

I’m with the DJ

Sometimes, even when it’s hard to believe, we are called to hold onto the Gospel’s good news as truth. Together, we work to share this deeply good news with all people by approaching our interactions through the lens of humility. This weekends Scripture passage from Ephesians 4:1-6 invites us to engage with “all humility, gentleness, and patience.” What we put into the world actively shapes and participates in God’s ongoing creation. Notice that the scripture doesn’t say unity means we all have to agree; instead, it calls us to nurture the qualities that allow us to live in unity, even when we don’t see eye to eye. Can we start to trust that this kind of unity is truly possible?

Join us this weekend as we continue our worship series “Do Unto Others”.

Here’s a video introduction to give you a sense of the worship series.

Don’t forget that our annual trick or treating event is this Saturday evening from 6-8pm at the church!

Save the Date: All Church Conference

Join us for our All Church Conference with District Superintendent, scheduled for October 23rd at 7:15 PM. This important gathering is a key moment for our church community to come together, reflect on our past year, and plan for the future. We’ll discuss important matters and set our goals for the coming year. Your presence and participation are welcomed as we continue to grow and serve together. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for further details!

In grace and peace,

Pastor DJ

I’m with the DJ

I am excited to introduce our new sermon series, a vision inspired by Dr. Marcia McFee, Creator and Visionary of the Worship Design Studio, and Reverend Adam Hamilton from The Church of the Resurrection. In a time when our world feels increasingly divided—often symbolized by the colors red and blue—our hope is to create a ‘purple space’ where kindness, compassion, and love flourish beyond our differences.

In our society, it’s easy to retreat into silos, to surround ourselves with those who think, vote, and believe like we do. Yet, as people of faith, we are called to something more profound. The Golden Rule invites us to engage in honest, compassionate conversations with our friends, neighbors, and even those we may see as political or ideological opponents. Scripture challenges us to seek the common good, a vision for a better world that includes all of God’s children.

Our goal isn’t to erase our differences or force anyone to change. Instead, we seek to embrace the beauty that emerges when we truly listen, work together, and allow God’s love to lead. We invite you to step into this ‘purple space’ with us—a place where we cultivate humility, respect, kindness, and compassion for the sake of the common good.

Here’s a video introduction to give you a sense of the worship series.

This Sunday, we will begin our journey with a reading from Luke 6:32-36:

“Do to others as you would have them do to you. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you expect to receive payment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. Instead, love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, for [God] is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your [Abba, God,] is merciful.”Sunday, October 13th, we’re hosting a Blessing of the Animals right after the service, out in the courtyard. It’s always such a joy to gather with our beloved pets and honor the sacred bond we share with them. Whether you bring your pets or a picture of them—whatever feels right for you—we will celebrate their presence in our lives with a special blessing.

I hope you’ll join us as we reflect on these words and seek to embody them in our lives. Together, let’s discover the beauty and possibility that God offers when we step beyond division and work toward unity, love, and mercy.

This Sunday, on October 13th, we’re hosting a Blessing of the Animals right after the service, out in the courtyard. It’s always such a joy to gather with our beloved pets and honor the sacred bond we share with them. Whether you bring your pets or a picture of them—whatever feels right for you—we will celebrate their presence in our lives with a special blessing.

Also, during our service, we’ll be presenting Bibles to our elementary-age children. This is such a meaningful milestone for our young ones as they begin to explore God’s Word for themselves. If your child hasn’t yet received a Bible, please reach out to the church office as soon as possible so we can be sure to include them.

Save the Date: Annual Charge Conference

Join us for our Annual Charge Conference with District Superintendent, scheduled for October 23rd at 7:15 PM. This important gathering is a key moment for our church community to come together, reflect on our past year, and plan for the future. We’ll discuss important matters and set our goals for the coming year. Your presence and participation are welcomed as we continue to grow and serve together. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for further details!

In grace and peace,

Pastor DJ

I’m with the DJ

A Special Sunday Coming Up!    

Dear Church Family,

I’m excited to share some wonderful things happening in the life of our church, and I don’t want you to miss any of it!

First, on Sunday, October 13th, we’re hosting a Blessing of the Animals right after the service, out in the courtyard. It’s always such a joy to gather with our beloved pets and honor the sacred bond we share with them. Whether you bring your pets or a picture of them—whatever feels right for you—we will celebrate their presence in our lives with a special blessing.

Also, during our service, we’ll be presenting Bibles to our elementary-age children. This is such a meaningful milestone for our young ones as they begin to explore God’s Word for themselves. If your child hasn’t yet received a Bible, please reach out to the church office as soon as possible so we can be sure to include them.

This Sunday, we’ll also be concluding our worship series, "First Fruits and Fig Trees.” It’s been a journey of exploring God’s provision and purpose, and I hope you’ve been encouraged by these messages.

And a heads up—on the first Sunday in October, we will be celebrating the Sacrament of Communion together. It’s always a powerful moment of grace and connection as we come to the table.

Finally, I want to extend a special thank you to everyone who prayed for and volunteered at our last Abundant Grace Free Market event. Your support made a tremendous difference in the lives of so many in our community. If you haven’t seen it yet, here’s a video recap of the day: [YouTube Video].

And don’t forget—this Sunday we’ll be sharing a big announcement     during the service! I can’t wait to see the joy this news will bring to our community. You won’t want to miss it.

I’m looking forward to all the good things God is doing in and through our church, and I’m grateful to be on this journey with each of you.

With hope and joy,

Pastor DJ    

Save the Date: Annual Charge Conference

Join us for our Annual Charge Conference with District Superintendent, scheduled for October 23rd at 7:15 PM. This important gathering is a key moment for our church community to come together, reflect on our past year, and plan for the future. We’ll discuss important matters and set our goals for the coming year. Your presence and participation are welcomed as we continue to grow and serve together. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for further details!

In grace and peace,

Pastor DJ

I’m with the DJ

New Devotional Available for Our Worship Series: Fig Trees and First Fruits

Dear Church Family,

This Sunday, we will explore Matthew 21:18-22; 24.32-35 and Joel 2:21-24. As a reminder, in our current worship series, “Fig Trees and First Fruits”, we have a devotional available to help guide you through this season. The devotion is designed to deepen your connection to scripture and our shared faith. You can request a printed copy or digital version—simply let us know your preference, and we’ll be happy to provide it.

This Saturday!

Finally, mark your calendars for our next Abundant Grace Free Market on September 21st. It’s a beautiful opportunity to bless our community with essential items and embody the generosity of Christ.

Save the Date: Annual Charge Conference

Join us for our Annual Charge Conference with District Superintendent, scheduled for October 23rd at 7:15 PM. This important gathering is a key moment for our church community to come together, reflect on our past year, and plan for the future. We’ll discuss important matters and set our goals for the coming year. Your presence and participation are welcomed as we continue to grow and serve together. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for further details!

In grace and peace,

Pastor DJ

I’m with the DJ

New Devotional Available for Our Worship Series: Fig Trees and First Fruits

Dear Church Family,

As we journey through our current worship series, “Fig Trees and First Fruits”, I’m excited to share that we have a devotional available to help guide you through this season. The devotion is designed to deepen your connection to scripture and our shared faith. You can request a printed copy or digital version—simply let us know your preference, and we’ll be happy to provide it.

This Sunday, we will explore Matthew 21:18-22; 24:32-35, and Joel 2:21-24, focusing on the importance of trusting in God’s promises, as shown through the lessons of the fig tree and the abundant provision in creation.

Additionally, we invite all families to stay after worship for a Children’s and Youth Ministries Meeting. We’ll discuss our plans for the fall and beyond. Lunch will be provided, so please plan to stay and engage with us.

We also take a moment today, September 11th, to remember the sacrifices and bravery of first responders, and we hold in gratitude those who continue to serve and protect our communities with courage and dedication.

Finally, mark your calendars for our next Abundant Grace Free Market on September 21st. It’s a beautiful opportunity to bless our community with essential items and embody the generosity of Christ.

Let’s continue to trust in God’s provision as we move forward together.

In grace and peace,

Pastor DJ

I’m with the DJ

Dear Church Family,

I hope this message finds you well as we prepare for another meaningful Sunday together. This week, we’ll have a special moment in our service to offer a Back to School Blessing for all our students. Whether they are starting school for the first time or returning for another year, we want to surround them with prayer and love as they begin this new chapter.

We’ll also continue our worship series, Fig Trees and Fruit Tree, where we’ve been exploring the powerful imagery of trees in scripture and what they teach us about growth, fruitfulness, and God’s Kingdom. This Sunday, we’ll be focusing on Luke 21:29-33 and Jeremiah 24:1-10, drawing from these passages to reflect on how God’s presence is near and how we are called to bear fruit in our own lives.

For those who missed it, I mentioned in last Sunday’s sermon that we have a special devotion for this worship series in September. We have printed copies available at church. If you would like a digital copy, please let me know. I encourage you to take some time with it during the week as we journey together through this season of learning and growth.

Looking ahead, I want to remind parents and guardians that we’ll be hosting a Children’s Ministry Meeting after the church service on September 15th. This will be an important time for us to gather, share updates, and discuss how we can continue to support and nurture the spiritual growth of our children. Please mark your calendars, and I look forward to seeing you there!

I’m excited to share in worship with you this Sunday. Let’s continue to pray for one another, especially our students, as we step into this new season together.

Grace and peace,

PAstor DJ

I’m with the DJ | July 24

Exciting Updates and Events at Our Church

I am thrilled to share some wonderful news and upcoming events that highlight the vibrant life of our community.

This Sunday: Grant Announcement by Ann Mayer

We are blessed to have our Lay Leader, Ann Mayer, speak to us this Sunday. Ann will share details about the incredible $872k grant our church has received to build solar panels and batteries to serve our communities. This initiative is a significant step toward sustainability and community service, and we are excited about the positive impact it will have. The Seattle Times has a great write up which you can find here.

Special Guest Preacher and Communion – August 4th

Mark your calendars for the first Sunday in August, when we will have the honor of welcoming District Superintendent Derek Nakano as our guest preacher. Additionally, Reverends Brian and Anita Wood will preside over Holy Communion. I am looking forward to celebrating the sacredness of Holy Communion and worshiping with you all on this special day.

Thank You for a Successful Abundant Grace Event

Our Abundant Grace event on July 13th was a tremendous success, thanks to the many people who supported this important ministry. Your dedication and hard work are deeply appreciated, and together, we have made a significant impact on those in need.

Federal Way Pride Sponsorship – August 3rd

We are thrilled to announce that our church is once again a proud sponsor of Federal Way Pride on August 3rd. This event is a wonderful opportunity for us to show our support for the LGBTQ+ community and celebrate diversity and inclusion. If you are interested in supporting this event, whether through volunteering, donations, or simply attending, please let the church office know. Your participation can make a significant impact as we stand together in love and acceptance.

Thank you for being a part of our church family and for your continued support and involvement. I look forward to seeing you at these upcoming events and celebrating our shared mission and values.

Blessings,

Pastor DJ

I’m with the DJ | July 10

Good Morning Church Friends and Family,

I hope and pray that you are doing well and finding ways to stay cool in the hot weather we are all experiencing. I'm writing to you from Spokane, Washington, as we begin our work at the Western Jurisdictional Conference, where we are responsible for electing two bishops. If you would like to learn more about our work and get a glimpse of the history of the Western Jurisdiction, my friend and colleague, Reverend Jeremy Smith, wrote a fantastic article on his blog. You can read it here.

This Sunday, we will continue our worship series as we journey through the Gospel of Mark. The Scripture readings for this Sunday are 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19, and Mark 6:14-29. I am also including a Hebrew passage as part of our lectionary reading. For the time being, I’d like to expand our Scripture readings to balance the Old and New Testaments, allowing us to experience and learn from the depth and richness of the Bible.

Below, I’m sharing announcements about the Solar Power Grant our church has been awarded, thanks to the leadership of many in our congregation, led by our Lay Leader Ann Mayer. More information will follow, but this article from the Seattle Times is a great introduction.

I look forward to seeing you all and worshipping with you soon.

Peace be with you all!

Pastor DJ

Federal Way Pride Sponsorship – August 3rd

We are thrilled to announce that our church is once again a proud sponsor of Federal Way Pride on August 3rd. This event is a wonderful opportunity for us to show our support for the LGBTQ+ community and celebrate diversity and inclusion. If you are interested in supporting this event, whether through volunteering, donations, or simply attending, please let the church office know. Your participation can make a significant impact as we stand together in love and acceptance.

Abundant Grace Event – July 13th

Mark your calendars for our next Abundant Grace event this Saturday on July 13th! These gatherings are a cornerstone of our church's mission, providing a time for fellowship, worship, and community service. Whether you are a regular attendee or new to our church, we invite you to join us for a time filled with inspiration and connection. Details about the event, including the schedule and volunteer opportunities, will be shared soon. We look forward to seeing you there and experiencing the abundant grace of God together. If you would like to read the Federal Way Mirror article, you can find the link here.

Blessings,

Pastor DJ