This Sunday’s Question, Juneteenth Reflections, and a Staff Update
Dear beloved community,
This past Sunday, we took time in worship to reflect on Juneteenth not just as a celebration, but as a mirror and a mandate. We named it for what it is: a remembrance of delayed justice, and a calling to ongoing liberation.
We talked about Now and Later candy sweet and chewy, immediate and enduring. Just like the work of justice. Not something to savor only when it’s easy, but something we commit to now and later, until all are truly free.
As I said Sunday: our work as people of faith isn’t measured by what we say, but by what we build.
🔍 Sermon Series:
Questions That Shape Us
We’re journeying through a worship series called “Questions That Shape Us: Exploring the Transformative Questions of Jesus.” Inspired by Questions Jesus Asked by Rev. Dr. Magrey deVega, we’re not chasing answers—we’re making space for transformation.
Last week, we explored:
✅ “Who do you say that I am?” (Luke 9:18–27) — a question about identity, courage, and discipleship.
This Sunday, we move into a stormy story and a soul-piercing question:
🌊 “Why are you afraid?” (Matthew 8:23–27)
Jesus doesn’t scold the sea first—he speaks to the fear in his followers. This week’s message invites us to consider how fear shapes us, and how faith can reshape our response.
✨ Join Us | In Person or Online
📅 This Sunday at 10:30 a.m.
📍 Federal Way United Methodist Church
💻 Streaming on YouTube and our church website
Whether you’re walking through calm or chaos, you are welcome here. Let’s explore Jesus’ question together.
🧭 Annual Conference – June 26–28
Please keep me and others from our Pacific Northwest United Methodist connection in prayer as we prepare for Annual Conference, June 26–28. This is a time for worship, discernment, and the holy work of conferencing together across churches in our region.
🗂️ Staff Update: Welcome Marissa Thompson
We’re excited to share that Marissa Thompson will officially begin as our new Office Administrator on June 23rd! She’ll be working 20 hours per week, primarily on-site during her first 90 days to support the transition and deepen her familiarity with our community’s rhythms.
Marissa will also continue serving as our Youth Director, dedicating 10 hours per week to nurturing and leading our youth ministries.
Please join me in welcoming Marissa into this expanded role and praying for her as she takes on this new season of ministry and leadership.
With gratitude and grace,
Pastor DJ
Stay tuned for the rest of the summer series as we journey through more of Jesus’ challenging and compassionate questions.
I’m grateful for Magrey deVega’s faithful scholarship and insight, which help shape this series. If you want to read along or go deeper, I encourage you to check out his book Questions Jesus Asked.
In addition to this new worship series, we are preparing for a Back-to-School kickoff in the fall for our children’s ministry! As we plan for the upcoming year, we’re looking to build a rotation of Sunday School teachers and assistants. If you have a heart for children and a willingness to serve once every 4–6 weeks, please reach out to our lay leader Ann Mayer.
