I’m with the DJ | week of April 22nd

Dear Church Family,

As a spiritual community committed to growth, understanding, and active participation in the life of our denomination, I am excited to share an upcoming pivotal event in the United Methodist Church: the General Conference 2024. This global assembly is a profound opportunity for us to engage with the broader church, discern our shared future, and reflect on our mission in the world.

Understanding General Conference

The General Conference is the highest legislative body in the United Methodist Church and convenes every four years. Delegates from all over the world gather to discuss and decide on pressing matters that shape the direction of our denomination. It is a vital time of decision-making and vision-setting that impacts every local congregation, including ours. Here’s a link to United Methodist News…https://www.umnews.org/en/landing-pages/general-conference-news-and-commentary

Staying Informed

To keep us all informed and connected to this significant event, I recommend visiting the Pacific Northwest Conference resource page (https://www.pnwumc.org/general-conference-2024-resource-page).This page is an excellent starting point to learn about the specifics of the conference, the agenda, and the key issues that will be addressed.

Insights from Reverend Jeremy Smith

For a deeper understanding of what the General Conference entails and its implications, I encourage you to read insights by Reverend Jeremy Smith. His writings provide a clear and thoughtful perspective on the workings of the conference and can be accessed through Hacking Christianity by Jeremy Smith. (https://hackingchristianity.net).

Our Local Contribution

Additionally, I am personally involved in a project to create daily videos that will highlight the contributions and perspectives from our Pacific Northwest Annual Conference and the Greater Northwest Annual Conference. These videos will be embedded on the resource page and will offer us daily updates and insights directly from the conference floor. Some of you know that I also serve as a reserve delegate.

I have had the privilege of serving and attending several past General Conference gatherings. My greatest hope for our time together is that we, as followers of Jesus, step aside and allow His presence to be so profoundly felt that, by the end of our gathering, we are left inspired and in awe of the work of the Holy Spirit across the globe.

How you can participate.

As members of our church, your engagement is invaluable. I encourage each of you to visit these resources, watch our  videos, check out the livestream and engage in discussions both online and within our community. Your insights and prayers are invaluable as we collectively discern our path forward in faith.

May we approach this General Conference with open hearts and minds, ready to contribute to our church's legacy of faith, love, and service. We are a part of a global community, and together, we can make a meaningful impact.

Here’s the latest from day 1

For those interested. Here is a quick recap https://youtu.be/XtYXbkngnVc?si=Y6brLnPcs6-COMtr

Blessings,

Pastor DJ

I'm with the DJ | Week of April 8th

Hey everyone,

I hope this note finds you well and in good spirits! First off, a huge thank you for all your prayers and well-wishes while I was under the weather—I’m feeling much better now, thanks to you all.

A lot's been going on, so here’s the scoop:

🙏 Prayer Chain: If you’re not already hooked into our prayer chain, you’re missing out on a great way to stay connected, especially when we can't meet in person. Just drop a line to office@fwumc.org to sign up. It's a fantastic way to keep our community spirit buzzing!

📅 We had to hit pause on our last membership class because I was out sick. If you’re interested in becoming a member, just shoot an email to the office and we’ll get you all the info you need.

Abundant Grace Free Market – Saturday, April 13th, 9 AM - 12 PM

- Want to get involved? There’s plenty to do! Whether you want to man a table, help out at the hospitality table, monitor doors, oversee the parking, control indoor traffic, run the shoe store, or whip up some cookies or muffins, we’d love to have your help.

- Email abundantgracefree@gmail.com to reserve a table or volunteer.

- Spread the word! Invite friends and family to join in. It’s a wonderful opportunity to share our abundance with the neighbors and make some smiles happen.

General Conference is on the horizon!

- Ever wondered what the General Conference really is? Check out this quick video: What is General Conference?

- For more info, visit the main webpage: General Conference 2020 (but it’s been postponed until now 2024)

That’s all for now! Keep the prayers coming, stay involved, and let’s make the most of every chance we get to connect and grow together.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor DJ

I'm with the DJ | Week of April 1

Dear Church Family,

I hope this message finds you well. This week, I'm heeding my body's need for rest and recovery, leading me to take a brief pause from my duties, including this Sunday's service. I plan on preaching again on the 14th.

In my absence, I’m pleased to share that Caleb Encinas Cortes will be leading our service. Caleb is a gifted speaker whose insights and ability to connect with the congregation promise a meaningful and enriching Sunday service. Rev’s Brian and Anita Wood will preside over communion. I’ll be joining you in spirit and online, looking forward to the inspiration and guidance Caleb will offer.

Regarding a resource I've mentioned before, it’s Unmasking Autism: Discovering the New Faces of Neurodiversity. I’m finding this book to be a profound source of inspiration and learning. It’s a great opportunity for reflection and growth, and I encourage you to explore its insights.

I ask for your prayers, as you are in mine. This time of rest is an opportunity for me to regain strength and return to you all with renewed energy and dedication.

Thank you for your understanding and support. It is the strength of our community that makes times like these a period of growth and reflection. I look forward to reconnecting with you all soon, ready to continue our journey of faith together.

Grace and Peace be with you,

RevDJ

I'm with the DJ | Week of February 26th

Wandering Heart: Discovering Our Identity Through Peter's Confession

In our ongoing sermon series "Wandering Heart," we dive into the lives and lessons of biblical figures whose journeys of faith continue to inspire and instruct us today. This week, we turn our attention to Peter, a disciple whose journey reflects our own in many ways—filled with moments of profound faith and human faltering.

Our Scripture focus, Matthew 16:13-20, places us at a pivotal moment in Peter's life and in the narrative of the New Testament. Here, Jesus poses a question to His disciples, one that echoes through the ages to each of us: "Who do you say that I am?" Peter's response, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God," marks a moment of revelation, recognition, and the rock upon which our faith is built.

The Question of Identity

Jesus' question to His disciples is not merely rhetorical. It invites a moment of introspection and declaration. In our journey of faith, like Peter, we are often faced with this question in various forms. It challenges us to consider our understanding of Jesus, not just in the abstract, but in a deeply personal sense. Who is Jesus to us, in our daily lives, in our struggles, and in our joys?

Peter's Confession and Our Faith

Peter's confession is a testament to the revealing work of God in our hearts. It reminds us that our recognition of Jesus as the Messiah is not simply an intellectual acknowledgment but a revelation from the Father. This confession is the bedrock of our faith and the church itself. It invites us to consider the strength and foundation of our own faith. Are we building our lives upon this solid rock, or are we still searching for our footing?

A Call to Reflection

As we ponder Peter's response and its implications for our faith, let us also consider our own answer to Jesus' question. This week, I invite you to reflect on your personal confession of who Jesus is. How does this recognition shape your life, your decisions, and your relationship with God and others?

A Special E-Reader Devotional from Sanctified Art

We're blessed to have a special e-reader version of this year’s Lent devotional, courtesy of our friends at A Sanctified Art. We will also have printed versions available at church for your convenience. You can access it by sending me an email and I’ll send you the link DJ@revdj.com. Please remember, to honor and protect their creative work, refrain from sharing this link on social media or forwarding it outside our church community.

As we continue our journey through the "Wandering Heart" series, let's keep our hearts and minds open to the lessons of faith, identity, and discipleship that the Lord reveals to us through the lives of His disciples. Peter's story is our story—a journey of faith, faltering, and finding our foundation in Christ.

Beyond the Sermon

UMCOR Giving Sunday (March 10th): Mark your calendars for a special day of giving. UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) provides humanitarian relief and disaster response in the United States and internationally. Let's come together to support this vital ministry. Every contribution makes a difference.

UMCOR Sunday, March 10th (a note from our friends at the United Methodist Committee on Relief)

Every year, the world experiences devastating hurricanes, storms, wars, and other crises. As these events unfold and the number of those in need of help increases, the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is there to help. UMCOR, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, is dedicated to alleviating human suffering around the globe.  Working in more than 80 countries worldwide, UMCOR provides survivors with temporary relief and long-term education, training and support. UMCOR spends 100 percent of designated gifts on the projects that donors specify.  None of these designated gifts support administrative or operating costs.

How then are UMCOR’s administrative costs covered?

Every year on the fourth Sunday in Lent, we celebrate UMCOR Sunday, a day when individual and local church gifts are received to support UMCOR’s administrative costs.

Here’s a video to learn more about UMCOR Sunday.

Upcoming Membership Class

Are you considering joining our church family? If you're looking for a community where you can grow spiritually, engage in meaningful study, and connect with others, our upcoming membership class is the perfect opportunity. Join us on April 7th, following our service, to learn more about what it means to be a part of our church. To register your interest or for more information, please email office@fwumc.org.

New Church Board Leadership

Last year, we introduced a single board governance structure, with members elected by our church community. This board plays a crucial role in guiding the mission, vision, and purpose of our church, overseeing crucial areas like finance, human resources, and trusteeship. In upcoming issues, we will be highlighting individual members of the Church Board to help you get to know the people serving our church in these important roles. Should you have any questions or thoughts for our Church Board, feel free to reach out at ChurchBoard@fwumc.org.

Here is an artist statement from our friends at Sanctified Art…

Who Do You Say

That I Am?

by Lauren Wright Pittman Inspired by Matthew 16:13-20 Digital painting

I don’t know if this was a moment of clarity for Peter, if he was regurgitating the answer he thought Jesus wanted to hear, or if he was trying to convince himself that dropping everything and following this man was worth it, but I imagine this was a breakthrough for Peter.

I wanted to capture this as a moment of seeing and being seen. Jesus sees him as more than Simon, a fisherman and son of Jonah, and renames him Peter, the blessed foundation through which his ministry would take root and continue to grow. Jesus sees Peter through the eyes of God.

Peter sees Jesus as more than a teacher and companion. He sees through the veil of confusion concerning Jesus’ identity. He doesn’t see him as the reincarnation of a former prophet, or another contemporary baptizer pointing the way. He names Jesus as the “anointed one,” the one his people have so desperately longed for. Peter proclaims Jesus as Messiah and Son of the living God.

In this image, I wanted to create a kaleidoscope of perception, imaging the ways Jesus is perceived in the context of this passage, like light broken down into a myriad of shapes and colors. In the gold rays of light Jesus’ form is obscured by the metallic shine of God’s glory. In the gray and earth-tone rays he is seen in monochrome. Each of the earth-tone rays holds a pattern on Jesus’ clothing which represents a misunderstanding of who Jesus is. Starting on the left, honey, locusts, and baptismal waters misidentify him as John the Baptist. Within the next ray to the right, ravens, an empty chair, rain, and fires from the heavens misidentify him as Elijah. On the right, scales of justice and plants being uprooted and planted misidentify him as Jeremiah.

Through the middle of the image, there is a ray of light where the image comes into full color that holds this moment of clarity where Jesus and Peter truly see one another. In this ray, Peter’s clothing holds symbols of his new identity: a rock upon which the church will be built and keys to the kingdom. Jesus’ clothing holds imagery—an oil jar and the light of the sun— representing the way Peter sees him as the Messiah and Son of the living God.

—Rev. Lauren Wright Pittman

Abundant Grace Free Market
Saturday, April 13th 9 am - 12 pm

Reserve a table or sign up to volunteer in the Gathering Place or send an email to abundantgracefree@gmail.com.

Volunteer opportunities: Hospitality table(outside), front or back door monitor, parking lot attendant, inside traffic control, shoe store attendant, provide cookies or muffins for hospitality table.

Please share this information with friends and family and invite them to reserve a table or volunteer. Let's give everyone the opportunity to feel the joy of sharing our abundance with our neighbors!

I'm with the DJ | February 23rd

Welcoming New Members to Our Church Family

It's with great joy and open hearts that we welcome several new members to our church family. A warm welcome to Phil, Linda, Joe, Cassandra, Lizzy, James, and George! Each of you brings unique gifts and perspectives to our congregation, and we're excited to journey in faith together. To our existing members, I encourage you to extend a heartfelt welcome to these new faces in our midst.

Celebrating New Life

In the midst of welcoming new members, we also celebrate the birth of a new life within our church family. Congratulations on the arrival of baby Killian! May this new chapter be filled with love, joy, and blessings.

Upcoming Membership Class

Are you considering joining our church family? If you're looking for a community where you can grow spiritually, engage in meaningful study, and connect with others, our upcoming membership class is the perfect opportunity. Join us on April 7th, following our service, to learn more about what it means to be a part of our church. To register your interest or for more information, please email office@fwumc.org.

New Church Board Leadership

Last year, we introduced a single board governance structure, with members elected by our church community. This board plays a crucial role in guiding the mission, vision, and purpose of our church, overseeing crucial areas like finance, human resources, and trusteeship. In upcoming issues, we will be highlighting individual members of the Church Board to help you get to know the people serving our church in these important roles. Should you have any questions or thoughts for our Church Board, feel free to reach out at ChurchBoard@fwumc.org.

Here is an artist statement from our friends at Sanctified Art…

Lift Off

by Nicolette Peñaranda
Inspired by Matthew 14:22-23
Acrylic, ink, paper collage, and mixed media on canvas

There are no street lights in the ocean. I think about that often. Rarely do we think about how dark and mysterious the night is, even for a veteran fisherman. Nor do we take into consideration the movement of the wind and its roar rumbling off of the waves.

Inside the wind tunnel in this piece, we see the West African symbol, Adinkrahene,1 symbolizing leadership and charisma. Peter embodies all of that when he follows Jesus onto the

water. But the bottom of his foot holds the Mako. 2 Mako reminds us that not all peppers grow the same. As charismatic and eager to impress Jesus as Peter is, he does not necessarily embody the same level of development as Jesus. The hand of Jesus reaches through the image of Asase Ye Duru,3 reminding us that the earth has weight. Jesus, the divine, is greater than the limitations of the flesh, the fears we carry like the uncertainty of the water. What we also see around the hand of Christ is Nyame Dua,4 the sacred stump symbolizing God’s presence and protection. The ever-present God protected Peter from drowning. All of this storytelling is set inside the symbol of Mmusuyidee,5 signifying prosperity and sanctity. We are invited to maintain a hopeful outlook and persevere.

I titled this piece Lift Off as a nod to the 2011 Jay Z and Kanye West (ft. Beyonce) song by the same title. There is something about the opening lines, “We gon’ take it to the moon, take it to the stars, how many people you know can take it this far?” that lingers in my head. The emphasis on the night sky and the deep wonder of the stars definitely influences the correlation. However, I think it also pertains to how Peter must have felt walking on water toward Jesus. No one had ever done that before. Not only was he the first, but he must have felt like he was having a deeper experience with Jesus. Who else was flying this high right then? Who else had dropped everything to live vagrantly with Christ? Before stumbling in his ways, there was something otherworldly happening, which brings me back to the stars.

Living in a metropolitan area, I don’t get the luxury of stars but I like to imagine a world where the skies told their own stories. In Lift Off, the elements are like main characters, inspiring whimsical fantasy. Cut-out layered clouds build into the horizon of the sea. The forceful wind tunnel blows over the sinking foot of a probably panicking Peter. This is a moving piece that is meant to tell a story in any direction it is turned. Like the theme of this series, the viewer should feel like they are on a journey with Peter. Lift Off is intentionally dark with beautiful highlights of color and sparkle. It is because of the darkness that the colors shine bright. These two things are complimentary, not contrasting. The fear that entered Peter with the wind was most likely heightened because it was dark out. Without knowing exactly what was around him, Peter became vulnerable, thus causing him to reach out. The wonder of darkness exposes us and invites us to seek connection. We see that in the reaching hand gently entering the dark sky. —Rev. Nicolette Peñaranda

Abundant Grace Free Market
Saturday, April 13th 9 am - 12 pm

Reserve a table or sign up to volunteer in the Gathering Place or send an email to abundantgracefree@gmail.com.

Volunteer opportunities: Hospitality table(outside), front or back door monitor, parking lot attendant, inside traffic control, shoe store attendant, provide cookies or muffins for hospitality table.

Please share this information with friends and family and invite them to reserve a table or volunteer. Let's give everyone the opportunity to feel the joy of sharing our abundance with our neighbors!

I'm with the DJ February 13

Sermon series for Lent thanks to our friends at Sanctified Art.

As we embark on this Lenten journey, our focus turns to the story of Peter, one of the most relatable disciples of Jesus. Peter embodies a beautiful paradox: he is at once unwavering and faltering, a cherished companion yet also a denier, both a devoted follower and a wanderer. In Peter's experiences, we often catch glimpses of our own lives. His path offers us a unique perspective to witness Jesus' story, as seen through the eyes of an ordinary person striving to understand.

While delving into Peter's spiritual odyssey, the poignant words of the hymn "Come Thou Fount" resonated deeply with us. It's almost as if Peter himself could have penned this hymn. For each phase of Peter's journey, we've chosen a line from this hymn, allowing us to echo Peter's steps in song, and thereby drawing our wandering hearts closer to God.

This sermon series is an invitation to recognize that faith is a dynamic journey, marked by both commitment and change. It's a journey where wandering signifies exploration rather than estrangement from God. Through Peter's actions—whether he's casting his nets, treading upon water, racing to the empty tomb, or swimming towards a meeting with the risen Christ—we see a continual quest for understanding, love, and forgiveness, despite any setbacks or errors. Peter's story powerfully reminds us that God's love embraces the imperfect; indeed, it's often the flawed and faltering whom God chooses and calls.

During this Lent, we'll trace our own stories in the footprints of Peter's journey. We'll contemplate our faith's progression and the influences that have shaped us. Let's embrace this time of wandering as an opportunity to harmonize our hearts with the melody of God's grace, bathing in the endless streams of mercy.

About the Theme:

Peter, like many of us, has a wandering heart. His path is not flawless or straightforward, yet it is invariably linked to God's love. A closer look at Peter's life reveals Jesus' constant presence, guiding him towards fullness, supporting him in doubt, confronting him in resistance, serving him in humility, foreseeing his denial, and greeting him with unconditional love. This Lent, we walk with Peter in his quest to understand faith, not placing him on a pedestal nor condemning him, but journeying beside him, eager to discover what his footsteps can teach us about Jesus, and about ourselves.

Ash Wed service tomorrow at 10am

Let us come together to mark the beginning of Lent with our Ash Wednesday service. This solemn yet hopeful gathering will be held on Wednesday at 10 AM. It's a time for reflection, repentance, and the contemplation of our mortality and sinfulness in the light of God's grace.

You are welcome to join us in person or we will also be streaming our service live. Here’s the link to watch tomorrow at 10am.

"Tune my heart" | ASH WEDNESDAY

Tuning fork: A tuning fork is used to tune various instruments to a proper pitch so that all the instruments can play together in harmony. This image represents the Lenten posture of inward reflection and reminds us to make adjustments to get in tune with God’s will for our lives and the world.

A Special E-Reader Devotional from Sanctified Art

We're blessed to have a special e-reader version of this year’s Lent devotional, courtesy of our friends at A Sanctified Art. We will also have printed versions available at church for your convenience. You can access it by sending me an email and I’ll send you the link DJ@revdj.com. Please remember, to honor and protect their creative work, refrain from sharing this link on social media or forwarding it outside our church community.

A message from our Church Board chair Todd G.

Dear Church,

Sharon Wisenburg has agreed to step down as Church Administrator.  Until the position can be filled, Ileeda Denman will be available during new office hours of Monday - Wednesday, 9:00am to 12:00pm (Noon).  Any questions or concerns can be direct to the Church Board. Our email address is ChurchBoard@fwumc.org

Todd G.

Church Board chair

I'm with the DJ | February 7

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Weekly Blog: Journeying Together in Faith

Dear Beloved Community,

As we navigate through the weeks, embracing both our shared experiences and individual paths, it's important to stay connected and informed about the happenings within our church family. This week, I'd like to share a few key updates and an inspiring opportunity for spiritual growth as we approach the Lenten season.

Ash Wednesday Service

Let us come together to mark the beginning of Lent with our Ash Wednesday service. This solemn yet hopeful gathering will be held on Wednesday at 10 AM. It's a time for reflection, repentance, and the contemplation of our mortality and sinfulness in the light of God's grace.

The Wandering Heart

In our spiritual journey, it's natural to experience moments of wandering – times when our hearts and minds drift in various directions, seeking comfort, understanding, or simply a sense of peace. Embrace these wanderings not as missteps, but as opportunities to explore the depths of your faith and relationship with God.

Reflection Through Art

To enrich our spiritual experience, we'll be incorporating “Reflection” – a unique piece of art – into our worship and contemplation. Art has the power to transcend words, touching our souls and offering new perspectives on our faith journey.

Electronic Devotional Offering

In our effort to embrace modern means of spiritual nourishment, I'm excited to announce that we will be sending out our Lent devotional electronically. This format allows us to engage with the devotional at our convenience, be it on a computer or mobile device.

A Special E-Reader Devotional from Sanctified Art

We're blessed to have a special e-reader version of this year’s Lent devotional, courtesy of our friends at A Sanctified Art. You can access it by sending me an email and I’ll send you the link DJ@revdj.com. Please remember, to honor and protect their creative work, refrain from sharing this link on social media or forwarding it outside our church community.

Reflecting on Mark 9:2-9: The Transfiguration

This weekend, we will explore Mark 9:2-9, the Transfiguration of Jesus. This Scripture invites us to witness an extraordinary moment where the divine and human natures of Christ are revealed in a startling and transformative way. As we reflect on this passage, let's contemplate the ways in which we experience moments of transfiguration in our own lives – moments where the divine breaks through the ordinary, offering us glimpses of a deeper truth and understanding.

Stay Connected

As always, if you have any questions, suggestions, or need pastoral care, please don't hesitate to reach out to the church board via email. Our church is a community of support, faith, and love, and it's through our connections with one another that we truly embody the spirit of Christ.

In faith and fellowship,

Pastor DJ