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.
