The Scripture for this Sunday will be John 11:14-44, the resurrection of Lazarus.  While this rich passage presents various themes, our guest preacher Derek will reflect on the aspects of mutual transformation and resurrection.  Here’s a description from Derek…

Jesus could have saved Lazarus before his death, but he says, "For your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe." (John 11:15 NRSV).  Before calling Lazarus from the grave, He tells the community to "take away the stone" (v.39).  After calling Lazarus, He says to them, "unbind him and let him go." (v.44).  Certainly, Jesus was capable of accomplishing these tasks without the aid of the community; yet he calls us to take part in the miracle for our own sake, saying, "Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?" (v.40).  At Underground Ministries, we see this passage as the blueprint for One Parish One Prisoner.  God raises the dead, literally, but calls His people to participate in the miracle for our mutual transformation and resurrection.

If you want to learn more about One Parish One Prisoner, please use this link.

Beginning the first Sunday in July, we will begin a new worship series entitled Water from Another Time. The pandemic has transformed society and continues to shape the church in unexpected ways. Even in these shifting sands, God helps us find solid footing by walking forgotten paths and retrieving ancient practices. Come each week in July and August as a series of preachers across Washington state reflect on ancient Christian tenets and original Wesleyan practices that we rediscovered during the pandemic. This summer, may you also be refreshed by water from another time. 

I am very excited about the chance for us to spend time studying and learning more about our Wesleyan roots. These Wesleyan practices are a lot of the reason why I love being Methodist. I hope that you join us on Sunday mornings.