I’m with the DJ | March 20th

Join Us for a Joyful Sunday: Infant Baptism & the Third Week of Lent

Dear Church Family,

This Sunday, March 23, we gather for a sacred and joyful occasion—the baptism of one of our youngest members. As we continue into the third week of Lent, we are reminded that this season is about renewal, waiting, and preparing—and what better way to celebrate these themes than by welcoming a child into the faith through baptism?

A Sign of Grace & Growth

Infant baptism is a powerful reminder that God’s love reaches us before we can even respond. Before we have accomplishments, before we can prove ourselves worthy, before we bear fruit—God claims us. This Sunday, we celebrate this grace and affirm our role as a faith community in nurturing and supporting this child and their family in their spiritual journey.

Lent: A Season of Preparing the Soil

Our scripture reading this week, Luke 13:6-9, is the Parable of the Fig Tree:

A man owned a fig tree planted in his vineyard. He came looking for fruit on it and found none. He said to his gardener, ‘Look, I’ve come looking for fruit on this fig tree for the past three years, and I’ve never found any. Cut it down! Why should it continue depleting the soil’s nutrients?’ The gardener responded, ‘Lord, give it one more year, and I will dig around it and give it fertilizer. Maybe it will produce fruit next year; if not, then you can cut it down.’

This parable speaks to patience, grace, and the slow work of transformation. Just like a newly baptized child will grow in faith over time, we, too, are continually nurtured by God’s love. And just like the gardener in the parable, God tends to us, cares for us, and gives us what we need to bear fruit.

A Call to Rest & Renewal

As we reflect on this passage and the season of Lent, we are invited into a time of resting, trusting, and preparing.

Here in the Pacific Northwest, March is not the season of harvest—it is the season of preparing the soil. Gardeners pull weeds while the ground is soft and ready, knowing that the work done now will lead to growth later.

In the same way, Lent is a time to prepare our hearts—to clear out what is not life-giving, to nourish our faith, and to trust that even when we do not see immediate results, God is at work within us.

Come, Celebrate & Be Renewed

This Sunday is an invitation:

• Come celebrate new life. Witness the baptism of this child and be reminded of the grace that claims us all.

• Come reflect on where God is tending to you. What areas of your life need patience, rest, and renewal?

• Come worship, rest, and grow. Lent is a season of making space—for grace, for transformation, for the slow and steady work of faith.

We can’t wait to worship with you this Sunday. See you this Sunday

Blessings,

Pastor DJ

A note from the artist…

Fig Leafing

by Hannah Garrity

Inspired by Luke 13:6-9

Paper lace and watercolor

At our church retreat a few months ago, we offered a session on eco-spirituality. Our instructor led an exercise that focused our attention on a single, natural object. I selected a wilted flower. We were to draw it, then tell its narrative. We were to refer to it as a “one.” This one. We were to affirm the one and be affirmed by the one.

That exercise resonates with me here as I revisit the parable of the fig tree. In this circular image, two figures lean in over the tree; their heads are full of ideas for fruiting, their bodies are full of dead fig leaf patterns.5 Their ideas and dreams have not born fruit. They converse about how to cultivate growth. Then one pushes back against the other and creates tension, discord. From that tension comes an opening, letting the fig tree have its time and space to thrive.

In this paper lace piece, the fig tree is full of life, representing its potential when given the time and space to grow. As I wonder about God’s presence here in the parable, I see that the God figure could be the fig tree. “Let it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put manure on it,”6 the vineyard keeper replies. As I breathe into the gift of another day, where do I see potential in need of my honor, my care, and the space and time to grow?

Or perhaps the God figure here is in the space between them all, between the three. The fig tree, this one, begins its leafing in the in-between. —Hannah Garrity

I’m with the DJ | March 12th

Week 2 of Lent: Everything In Between

Dear Church,

As we continue our Lenten journey, we enter the second week of our series, Everything In Between. This week, we sit with the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38-42—a story often framed as a competition between action and contemplation, between serving and sitting, between Martha’s busyness and Mary’s devotion.

But what if this isn’t a battle between two ways of being? What if, instead, it’s an invitation to hold both in tension—to embrace the sacred balance between faith and works?

Artist Rev. Lauren Wright Pittman wrestled with this tension in her artwork inspired by this passage. She reflects on how Martha’s work wasn’t just about housework—it was diakonia, the kind of service and ministry that would later be recognized in the early church. Martha wasn’t simply distracted by chores; she was worried about Mary stepping outside of cultural expectations, sitting at the feet of Jesus as a disciple—a space traditionally reserved for men.

Jesus doesn’t rebuke Martha’s service, nor does he diminish Mary’s choice. Instead, he affirms that Mary’s faith—small as a mustard seed—has the power to grow into something far greater. He assures Martha that Mary’s place as a disciple is hers to claim, and no one can take it away from her.

In Pittman’s artwork, Jesus is depicted in green, the blending of Mary’s yellow and Martha’s blue—symbolizing the integration of both faith and works. The truth is, we need both. We need Martha’s hospitality and Mary’s learning. We need action and contemplation. We need to make space for one another’s callings, even when they look different from our own.

So, as we gather this Sunday, I invite you to reflect: Where do you find yourself in this story? Are you distracted and overburdened, longing for permission to rest? Or are you feeling called to sit, to listen, and to claim your place at Jesus’ feet?

Let’s explore the everything in between together.

And don’t forget—this Saturday, our Men’s Breakfast will be held at the church from 9:00 AM to noon. It’s a great time for fellowship, reflection, and sharing a meal together. We hope to see you there!

Blessings,

Pastor DJ

DONATION DAY

Sunday, March 16

11:30am-2:30pm

Items Accepted: New or gently used clean clothing, kitchen/housewares, home decor, holiday decor, toys, stuffed animals, games, books, puzzles, toiletries, bedding, towels, shoes, boots, coats, socks, underwear, bras, jewelry, small kitchen appliances, small electronics, tools/hardware, sporting equipment, strollers, car seats, hats, gloves, scarves, craft, office or school supplies and non-perishable food.

Abundant Grace Free Market

Federal Way United Methodist Church  

29645 51st Ave S, Auburn, WA 98001

More info: www.fwumc.org or abundantgracefree@gmail.com

Shopping: The first Saturday of the month from 9 am – 12 pm.

March 1, 2025​

April 5, 2025 ​​

May 3, 2025​​

June 7, 2025​​

July 5, 2025

August 2, 2025​

Sept. 6, 2025​​

October 4, 2025​

Nov. 1, 2025​​

Dec. 6, 2025

Outdoor Events:  June 7, 2025 and Sept. 6, 2025 – similar to the outdoor events we have done in the past where people can give away larger items such as furniture and mattresses.

Donations: The third Sunday of the month from 11:30 am – 2:30 pm or by appointment

March 16, 2025​

April 20, 2025 ​

May 18, 2025​

June 15, 2025

​July 20, 2025

August 17, 2025​

Sept. 21, 2025​

October 19, 2025

​Nov. 16, 2025​

Dec. 21, 2025

Shopping Policies:

1.​All are welcome to shop. There is no requirement to demonstrate need.

2.​Maximum of 20 shoppers at a time in the store. Encouraged 30 minute shopping time. When 1 shopper leaves, another shopper enters.

3.​Limits on certain items are posted in the store. Please respect these limits. No exceptions.

4.​The large blue shopping bags will be used in the store and turned in before exiting the store. The cashier will transfer the items to reusable grocery/shopping bags before the shopper exits. The cashier will check for limited quantity items. Hangers stay at the store.

5.​Any shopper that doesn’t respect the rules, other shoppers, or volunteers must leave the store. We reserve the right to ask a shopper to leave at any time.

Donation Policies:

1.​Items Accepted: New or gently used clean clothing, kitchen/housewares, home décor, holiday decor, toys, stuffed animals, games, books, puzzles, toiletries, bedding, towels, shoes, boots, coats, socks, underwear, bras, jewelry, small kitchen appliances, small electronics, tools/hardware, sporting equipment, strollers, car seats, non-perishable food, hats, gloves, scarves, office or school supplies.

2.​Items not accepted: stained or ripped clothing, furniture, large electronics, microwaves, large appliances, large tools, anything larger than 2’x2’x2’.

3.​Donors will be asked to come in and sort or hang their donations in the designated areas.

4.​Electric items will be verified to be working by plugging them in prior to accepting the donation.

I’m with the DJ | March 5th

Everything In Between: A Journey Through Lent Begins

Tonight, we gather as a church family to mark the beginning of Lent with our Ash Wednesday service at 7 PM. This sacred season invites us to reflect on the space between intention and action, brokenness and healing, sin and grace—the very “in-between” moments where God meets us.

Why Ash Wednesday?

Ash Wednesday is a time to pause, to remember our humanity, our need for grace, and the hope we have in Christ. The ashes placed on our foreheads remind us of our mortality (“from dust you came, and to dust you shall return”), but they also invite us into a journey of renewal, repentance, and deeper faith.

This year, as we walk through Lent under the theme of “Everything In Between,” we recognize that our faith isn’t just about where we begin or where we end—it’s about the transformation that happens in the middle. It’s in this space that God is shaping us, calling us to align our intentions with action, our hearts with His will.

Join Us for Worship

Our Ash Wednesday service will be held in person at 7 PM tonight, and we hope to stream it online as well. This service will include prayer, Scripture, music, reflection, and the imposition of ashes—a powerful reminder of our need for God’s grace.

As we move through Lent together, we invite you to join us each week for worship at 10am.

Lent is an opportunity to slow down, to reflect, and to rediscover God’s presence in the in-between moments of life. Let’s begin this journey together.

We look forward to seeing you all tonight at 7pm either online or in person.

Pastor of Community Engagement Blog

Who knows but that you have come to your position

for such a time as this? Esther 4:14

It is hard to believe that we are already in the third month of the year and about to begin Lent. These months have felt like they have gone by so fast. For me it has felt like time has passed especially quickly because there have been so many things happening on the national level. Trying to keep up with the news has sometimes felt overwhelming, particularly when it comes to imagining how to faithfully engage with politics in such a time as this. I believe the Scriptures orient us to engage with things like politics, and the book of Esther is a good place to start. In Esther chapter four, Mordecai invites his relative Esther to not keep silent while their people suffer, but instead to advocate for others using the position of influence that she holds. Lately, I’ve found inspiration from the Book of Esther as to how I will use my position to stay engaged during all the changes that are happening and advocate for the wellbeing of others.

One way in which I am staying engaged has been in partnering with organizations such as the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN) and the Faith Action Network (FAN) to advocate for bills and policies that would protect the vulnerable people in our communities. My whole point with doing this advocacy is not to be partisan but to be politically engaged in a way that pastorally and theologically champions the Gospel’s call to seek the wellbeing of the most marginalized. The picture on the right was taken with folks from FAN as we spent the day in Olympia doing faith-rooted advocacy.

Another way I’m staying engaged for such a time as this is by becoming a board member at FUSION. The first time I heard of FUSION was when Judy Free told me about it on my second Sunday ever attending Federal Way UMC. From that moment, I knew that it was an organization that was truly serving the least of these in the Federal Way area and that I would love to connect further. Fast forwarding to now, I am so honored to be a board member of this organization that provided shelter, not just to folks transitioning out of living in the streets, but also provided shelter for 29 nights during this winter’s major cold spell that made it extremely dangerous for people sleeping outside. I am glad to represent Judy and other members of our church as I help foster a continued relationship with FUSION families and our church community. Pictured on the left is me and Christine Krug, taken right after my first FUSION board meeting!

I cannot write about how our church is engaging the community without talking about our Abundant Grace Free Market event, which happened this past Saturday. What a gift it was to share with our community the generosity and abundant grace that we find in the Gospel! Many neighbors and community members came through the doors of our church to shop for items for their families; we lost count after 140 people. I was so happy to see huge piles of empty hangers and so many empty shelves that had been overflowing just a few hours before, representing how generously our church community shared their abundance for the free store and how much our community members were blessed by the items that they were able to take home to their families. 

There are so many other recent events that I wish I could tell you about more in depth. I want to give a shout-out and thanks to Barbara Dadd Schaffer and many others for their leadership in pulling off a successful Spuds for Buds in Nepal potato bar fundraiser this month, and another shout-out and thanks to Michelle Thompson and many others for their continuing leadership and service in our Food 4 Families program partnership at Meredith Hill Elementary School, from carefully packing grocery bags after church on Sunday to delivering everything safely. I look forward to continuing our community engagement and outreach together, and I feel so blessed to do this work alongside you as your pastor. 

Bendiciones,

Pastor Caleb

I’m with the DJ | Feb 27th

Ash Wednesday, A Celebration of Life, and Spuds for Buds Update

Dear Church Family,

As we step into the season of Lent, I want to take a moment to share some important updates and opportunities for us to gather in worship, remembrance, and community.

Ash Wednesday – March 5 at 7 PM

Next Wednesday, we will gather for our Ash Wednesday service at 7 PM as we mark the beginning of Lent. This service is a time for reflection, repentance, and renewal as we journey toward Easter. We will offer the imposition of ashes as a reminder of our mortality and the grace of God that sustains us.

For those unable to attend in person, we will do our best to stream the service online so everyone can participate. You can use our same login from our YouTube channel that’s found on the front page of our website. www.fwumc.org

Celebrating the Life of Mary Lee Yount – This Sunday at 1 PM

This Sunday, we will come together to celebrate the life of Mary Lee Yount with a memorial service at 1 PM at the church. Mary Lee was a beloved part of our community, and we give thanks for her life and the ways she touched so many of us. Please keep her family in your prayers and join us as we honor her memory.

Spuds for Buds – Thank You!

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated in our Spuds for Buds fundraiser! Whether you attended, helped prepare food, or donated, your support made a difference.

Here’s what we accomplished together:

• $1,439.87 has been received so far through cash, checks, credit/debit cards, and online donations.

• 60 people were served 63 baked potatoes with all the fixings!

• More than 20 volunteers contributed food, time, and energy to make the event possible.

If you still wish to give, donations can be made by check (write “Spuds” in the memo), cash (please label it accordingly), or online through our church website. These funds will be forwarded in about two months to help those in need.

Thank you for your generosity and for making Spuds for Buds a success!

Looking Ahead

As we prepare for the season of Lent, let’s continue to seek ways to grow in faith, serve our neighbors, and walk in love together. I look forward to worshiping with you on Ash Wednesday at 7 PM and celebrating Mary Lee’s life with you this Sunday.

Grace and peace,

Pastor DJ

I’m with the DJ | Feb 19th

Join Us for Spuds for Buds & This Week’s Sermon: Lavish Love

Dear Church Family,

I hope this email finds you well! I’m excited to invite you to two special events happening this weekend at Federal Way United Methodist Church.

Spuds for Buds Fundraiser – Join Us for a Meal with a Mission!

Come and enjoy a delicious baked potato bar while supporting our Spuds for Buds fundraiser. This event is not just about food—it’s about community, generosity, and showing up for one another in tangible ways.

Your donations will go toward supporting our missionary covenant partner Katherine Parker, and every bite you take will make a difference! Bring your friends, family, and appetite as we gather in love and fellowship.

This Sunday’s Sermon: Lavish Love—Forgiveness and Gratitude in Action

Over the past two weeks, we’ve explored themes of compassion and humility, looking at how Jesus aligned himself with the marginalized, redefined love, and challenged societal norms. This Sunday, we continue our journey with the powerful story from Luke 7:36-50, where a woman, known only as a “sinner,” boldly approaches Jesus with an act of extravagant love and gratitude.

Her story invites us to reflect:

• How do we respond to God’s forgiveness?

• How does gratitude shape the way we love?

• Are we more like the woman, giving love freely, or like Simon, standing in silent judgment?

We will explore radical forgiveness as an invitation to love lavishly and see how true gratitude is not a transaction but an unreserved response to grace.

📖 Scripture: Luke 7:36-50

🎤 Sermon: “Lavish Love: Forgiveness and Gratitude in Action”

I encourage you to bring a friend and come with an open heart. Let’s worship together and reflect on how God’s grace calls us into deeper love, both with Him and with one another.

Looking forward to seeing you at Spuds for Buds and in worship on Sunday!

Blessings,

Pastor DJ

Federal Way United Methodist Church

I’m with the DJ | Feb 13th

Commissioning Our Church Board & Spuds for Buds Fundraiser!

Dear Church Family,

I pray this email finds you well as we step into another week together! There are some exciting things happening at Federal Way UMC, and I want to make sure you have all the details.

Worship This Sunday – Seeing Beyond Expectations

This Sunday, we’ll continue our journey through the Gospel of Luke with Luke 7:18-23. John the Baptist, once so sure of Jesus, now sends messengers with a question filled with doubt:

“Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?”

Even the most faithful among us can struggle when God doesn’t move the way we expect. Jesus’ response to John is not just for him—it’s for us too. Join us in worship as we explore what it means to recognize Christ in the unexpected.

Commissioning Our Church Board

During worship this Sunday, we will commission our church board, praying for and blessing those who serve in leadership. Their work is vital to the life of our church, and this is an opportunity to affirm their calling and commit to supporting them as they guide our community in faith.

Spuds for Buds – Fundraiser for Nepal (Next Sunday!)

When: Sunday, immediately after worship

Where: Welcome Center

What: A baked potato bar with all the fixings, plus salad and dessert!

This annual event helps support our Covenant Partnership with Katherine Parker, a United Methodist missionary in Nepal. Katherine has been serving as part of the United Mission to Nepal, providing medical and development services in Kathmandu and rural communities. The United Methodist Church has been a part of this mission since 1954, and our goal as a covenant partner is to raise $2,000 this year to support her work.

Everyone is welcome—regardless of a donation.

How You Can Help:

• Bring fixings! We need toppings for the potatoes, as well as volunteers to help.

• Join us for setup! We’ll meet on Saturday at 10:00 AM to prepare.

• Sign up in the Welcome Center! There’s a sheet on the counter where you can add your name to help.

This is a great opportunity to enjoy a meal together while making a real difference in a ministry that has been changing lives for decades.

Looking Ahead

I hope to see you all in worship this Sunday as we celebrate the work of our church leadership and continue to open our hearts to the ways God is moving. And of course, let’s come together next Sunday for a delicious meal and an opportunity to support global mission work!

With gratitude and expectation,

Pastor DJ

As we lean into 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

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 | Feb 5th

I hope you’re having a great week! You’re invited to join us for worship this Sunday, either in person at church or online via YouTube. If winter weather makes driving unsafe, please remember that you can always worship with us from home—your safety is important to us!

📍 In-Person Worship – Sundays at 10am

💻 Online Worship – Find the link at the front of our webpage: fwumc.org

Weather Update Reminder

FWUMC is a great place to stay informed about any worship changes due to severe weather. If you’re unsure about in-person services, check fwumc.org for updates. When in doubt, we will do our best to provide online worship through our YouTube channel so you can still worship from home.

This Week’s Sermon: “Faith That Amazes”

In Luke 7:1-17, Jesus encounters two people who couldn’t be more different—a Roman centurion, a man of power and influence, and a widow in Nain, a woman with no status and no advocate. Despite their differences, Jesus responds to both with compassion, healing, and amazement.

The Roman centurion’s deep trust in Jesus leads him to say, “Lord, just say the word, and my servant will be healed.” And Jesus is amazed by his faith. Meanwhile, the widow doesn’t even ask for help, yet Jesus sees her pain and restores her son to life.

This passage challenges us to ask:

👉 Would our faith amaze Jesus?

👉 Do we trust in His power, even when we don’t feel worthy?

👉 Are we paying attention to those in need, just as Jesus did?

I look forward to exploring these questions with you on Sunday. Whether you join us in person or online, let’s worship together and grow in a faith that amazes.

Upcoming Event: Church Board Commissioning – February 16th

On Sunday, February 16th, we will be commissioning our newest church board members and taking time to reintroduce our full church board to the congregation. This will be a special moment to bless and affirm those who are stepping into leadership as we continue working together to serve our community and live out our mission.

Grace and peace,

Pastor DJ

Federal Way UMC

As we lean into 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

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 | January 16th (with correct daily devotions from last week)

Here’s a note from Pacific Palisades Community United Methodist Church…

Supporting California Wildfire Victims: How You Can Help

The recent wildfires in California have devastated families and communities, leaving many with nothing. As a faith community, we are called to respond with compassion and tangible support. Here are ways you can help:

1. Donate Directly to the Church

Palisades United Methodist Church is providing immediate assistance to individuals and families affected by the fires and working toward eventual reconstruction.

Give Here

2. Contribute to the Los Angeles Fire Recovery Fund

The United Methodist California-Pacific Conference is coordinating relief efforts for all fire-impacted communities in Los Angeles.

Donate Here

3. Support UMCOR’s Disaster Relief Efforts

The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is providing critical aid for wildfire recovery across California. Your donation ensures essential resources are delivered to those most in need.

Donate to UMCOR

4. Send E-Gift Cards to Support Families

E-gift cards (e.g., Amazon, Target, Grubhub) are being collected to meet immediate needs. Send e-gift cards to palisadesmethodist@gmail.com, and they will be distributed to community members who have lost homes and belongings.

Thank you for joining us in providing hope and healing to wildfire survivors. Every prayer, donation, and act of support makes a difference.

Take-Home Sheet for Notes and Devotions

Sermon Title: Call. Be. Bless.

Notes from Sundays sermon

Key Scripture: Luke 3:1-22

Main Takeaway:
The season of Epiphany is about God’s light breaking into our world, revealing who God is and calling us to live out our faith in bold, tangible ways. John the Baptist challenges us to:
1. Call it what it is – Name sin and brokenness with honesty and courage.
2. Be a beacon of safety – Point others to Jesus through our words and actions.
3. Bless others – Reflect God’s love and grace by intentionally serving and lifting others.

Sermon Highlights:
1. Call It What It Is (Confronting Sin and Brokenness):
• Transformation begins with honesty. Naming sin isn’t judgment—it’s the first step toward healing.
• Repentance is visible—it changes how we live and engage with others.
• Reflection Question: Where in my life or community do I need to speak truth?
2. Be a Beacon of Safety:
• Like the Greek fisherman who guided refugees to safety, we are called to guide others to Jesus.
• Offering safety and hope is an active choice—it requires stepping into the waves.
• Reflection Question: Who in my life needs refuge, hope, or guidance, and how can I help?
3. Bless Others:
• Jesus’ baptism reveals God’s love, and John’s role reminds us we are vessels of blessing.
• Small acts of kindness and intentional love reflect God’s grace.
• Reflection Question: How can I intentionally bless someone this week through encouragement or service?

Devotions for the Week

Use these daily prompts to reflect on how you can live out the message of Call. Be. Bless.

Day 1 – Call It What It Is
Read: Luke 3:7-9
Reflection: Think about an area in your life or community where brokenness persists. Ask God for the courage to name it and begin working toward healing.
Prayer: Lord, give me the wisdom to see sin for what it is and the courage to speak the truth in love. Transform my heart and guide my actions.

Day 2 – Bearing Good Fruit
Read: Luke 3:10-14
Reflection: John told people to act in ways that reflect repentance—sharing, honesty, and justice. What “good fruit” is God asking you to bear in your daily life?
Prayer: Lord, help me to live out my faith through actions that reflect Your love and justice.

Day 3 – Be a Beacon
Read: Luke 3:15-16
Reflection: Consider the Greek fisherman’s example of stepping into the water to guide and carry others. Who in your life needs a beacon of hope, and how can you point them to Jesus?
Prayer: Jesus, You are the light in my life. Help me reflect that light to others who are lost, afraid, or searching for peace.

Day 4 – Step Into the Water
Read: Isaiah 43:2
Reflection: God promises to be with us when we pass through the waters. Where is God calling you to take a risk and step into the waves to help someone in need?
Prayer: God, strengthen my faith as I step into uncertain places to help others. Let me trust that You are always with me.

Day 5 – Bless Others
Read: Luke 3:21-22
Reflection: Jesus’ baptism was a moment of revelation and blessing. Reflect on someone in your life who needs a blessing—an encouraging word, a helping hand, or a listening ear. How can you intentionally bless them this week?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for blessing me with Your love. Use me as a vessel to share Your grace and kindness with others.

Day 6 – Reflect God’s Light
Read: Matthew 5:14-16
Reflection: You are called to be a light in the world. Where can you bring light into someone’s darkness this week?
Prayer: Lord, may my actions reflect Your goodness and light, so others may see You through me.

Day 7 – Trust and Act
Read: James 2:14-17
Reflection: Faith is alive when it is accompanied by action. Reflect on one way you can live out your faith this week by calling out brokenness, being a beacon, or blessing someone.
Prayer: Lord, move me from intention to action. Let my faith be visible in how I love and serve others.

Reflection Questions
• Where is God calling me to confront sin or brokenness in my life or community?
• Who in my life needs hope or guidance, and how can I point them to Jesus?
• How can I intentionally bless someone this week in a way that reflects God’s grace?

Closing Thought:

Whether we are responding to the needs of wildfire victims or working to break down boundaries in our own communities, the Spirit empowers us to live boldly into God’s mission. May we go forth to break boundaries, build hope, and proclaim good news with courage and love.

If you’d like to learn more or share how you’re living into God’s mission, feel free to connect with us. Together, we can embody the hope and healing of Christ in the world.

As we lean into 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

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 | Epiphany

Epiphany: A Season of Revelation

Dear Church Family,

This Sunday, we step into the season of Epiphany—a time of light, clarity, and discovery. Epiphany reminds us that Christ’s light has come into the world, revealing God’s love and calling us to live as faithful disciples.

Our Scripture reading this week, Luke 3:1-22, introduces us to John the Baptist, a prophet who lived on the edges, spoke truth to power, and prepared the way for Jesus. His message challenges us to reflect deeply on how we live out our faith and respond to God’s call in our lives.

As we prepare for worship, I invite you to spend time with this passage and reflect on these questions:

1. Where is God calling you to be honest about sin or brokenness, either in your own life or in the world around you?

• John’s call to repentance reminds us that transformation begins with truth. What areas of your life, relationships, or community need the light of Christ to bring healing and renewal?

2. How can you point others to Jesus this week?

• John was a beacon, guiding people to the One who could truly save. What practical ways can you reflect Christ’s love and hope to those who are searching or in need of direction?

3. What does it mean for you to live as God’s beloved?

• In Luke 3:22, God declares Jesus as His beloved Son. How does knowing you are deeply loved by God shape the way you see yourself and bless others?

Take time this week to pray and meditate on these questions. Let them guide your heart as we gather for worship and begin this season of revelation together.

I look forward to seeing you on Sunday as we continue to grow in faith and light.

Grace and peace,

Pastor DJ

As we lean into 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

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 | New Year, New Beginnings: Join Us for Communion on January 5th

Happy New Year! As we step into 2025, I’m reminded of the beauty and power of new beginnings. Each January, we have an opportunity to pause, reflect, and refocus on what matters most. This year, we invite you to start your journey with us at our special Communion service on Sunday, January 5th, at 10am.

This past Christmas Eve was a powerful reminder of the light of Christ that continues to shine in our lives and community. The glow of candlelight, the voices lifted in song, and the joy of sharing in worship together created a moment of sacred beauty. It was a reminder that, even in the darkest nights, God’s light and love are always with us.

As we enter 2025, we’re holding onto that light and looking forward with hope and anticipation. God is doing something new in and through us as a church, and we’d love for you to be a part of it.

Our January 5th Communion service is the perfect way to begin the year by centering ourselves on God’s presence and grace. Communion reminds us of the deep love of Christ—a love that unites us, sustains us, and calls us to live with purpose. Whether you’re a long-time member of our congregation or someone looking for a place to reconnect with God, this service is a beautiful opportunity to step into the new year with faith and hope.

The new year is also a time to reflect on the ways God has been at work in our lives and our church. Over the past year, we’ve seen incredible moments of connection, service, and transformation. From the Abundant Grace Free Market to our vibrant Christmas Eve celebration, God’s love has been evident in countless ways.

Looking ahead, we’re excited for all that 2025 holds. As Isaiah 43:19 says, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” God is always at work, creating new opportunities for growth, renewal, and hope. On January 5th, let’s come together to celebrate God’s faithfulness and dedicate this year to following where God leads us.

We hope you’ll join us for this special service. Bring your questions, your hopes, and your prayers as we share in the sacred meal that reminds us of Christ’s unending love. Together, let’s begin the new year with gratitude and anticipation for all that God has in store.

We’ll see you on January 5th!

With hope and gratitude,

Pastor DJ

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

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 | Hope is worth the risk

The Risk of Hope

Hope is a funny thing. It’s often painted as soft and easy, but if we’re honest, hope can feel like one of the riskiest things we do. For anyone who has experienced loss or disappointment, hope can feel downright dangerous. What if it doesn’t work out? What if we’re let down again? Sometimes, it feels safer to guard our hearts and keep our expectations low.

But the stories of Mary and Joseph in this week’s scriptures challenge us to see hope differently. Their hope wasn’t flimsy or naive—it was resilient, risky, and bold. It’s the kind of hope that chooses to believe in what God is doing, even when it feels uncertain. It’s the kind of hope that takes action, even when it feels easier to do nothing.

Mary’s Risky Hope

In Luke 1:46-55, Mary responds to the angel’s announcement with what we now call the Magnificat—a song of joy and praise. But let’s not romanticize this moment. Mary was a young woman, probably a teenager, in a society that had little room for unmarried pregnant women. Her “yes” to God wasn’t just a spiritual decision; it was a social risk. She was risking her reputation, her relationships, and even her life.

Mary’s hope wasn’t passive. She didn’t simply wish for things to work out; she acted on her trust in God. She believed that the child she carried would fulfill God’s promises and bring hope to her people. Her faith didn’t erase her fears, but it gave her the courage to move forward anyway. That’s the kind of hope we’re called to embody—not a hope that denies reality, but one that trusts God enough to take a step forward, even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed.

Joseph’s Courageous Choice

In Matthew 1:18-25, we see Joseph faced with his own risky decision. When he learns that Mary is pregnant, he plans to quietly end their engagement. By doing so, he could avoid scandal and protect his own reputation. But then an angel visits him in a dream and tells him to stay with Mary, to name the child Jesus, and to trust that this extraordinary situation is part of God’s plan.

Joseph could have walked away. He had every reason to take the safer, simpler route. But instead, he chooses hope. He chooses to believe in the angel’s message and in what God is doing through Mary. That choice changed everything—not just for him, but for the entire world. His decision reminds us that hope isn’t just a feeling; it’s a choice. It’s a decision to believe in the possibility of God’s work, even when it’s messy or inconvenient.

Hope as a Spiritual Practice

Hope gets a bad rap sometimes. It’s easy to dismiss it as wishful thinking or something for people who haven’t lived through hard times. But what if hope isn’t about ignoring reality or brushing off pain? What if hope is a spiritual discipline—a muscle we can strengthen through practice?

For some of us, hope feels hard because we’ve been hurt. Maybe we’ve been disappointed so many times that it feels safer to keep our guard up. For others, the weight of the world—violence, oppression, injustice—makes hope feel naive or even impossible. But Mary and Joseph remind us that hope isn’t about pretending everything is fine. It’s about trusting in God’s ability to work through us, even in the messiest, most uncertain moments.

When hope feels out of reach, we can lean on the hope of others. Maybe you’re carrying a heavy burden this season, and you don’t have the energy to hope right now. That’s okay. As a community, we can hold hope for one another. Our collective expressions of hope—through acts of kindness, words of encouragement, or simply showing up—can be a lifeline for those who are weary.

Becoming Hope-Bearers

In a world that often rewards cynicism and pessimism, choosing hope is a radical act. It’s easier to say, “Nothing will ever change” or “Why bother?” But the world doesn’t need more cynics. It needs people who say, “It can be better,” and then take steps to make it so.

As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus, we are reminded that hope is at the heart of the Christmas story. Mary and Joseph’s hope brought Jesus into the world—the hope of all humanity. Now it’s our turn to carry that hope forward.

This week, let’s ask ourselves: Where is God calling us to take a risk for hope? Maybe it’s reaching out to someone who feels forgotten. Maybe it’s advocating for justice or standing up for what’s right, even when it’s unpopular. Maybe it’s simply letting go of cynicism and daring to believe that God is still at work in our lives and in the world.

Hope isn’t easy. It’s vulnerable and risky, and it asks something of us. But it’s also powerful. When we practice hope—when we trust God and take action—we become part of the story God is still writing. This Advent, let’s choose hope. Let’s carry it into the world, not just for ourselves but for those who need it most.

After all, hope doesn’t just change us—it changes the world.

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

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

In grace and peace,

Pastor DJ