Hello good church folk,

I hope this week of giving thanks has brought you moments of rest, gratitude, and connection. For many in our community, this season also holds the layered stories of Indigenous Peoples whose land we inhabit. As we move toward Advent, may we honor those stories with humility, respect, and a commitment to justice and neighbor-love.

As part of this week of gratitude, I invite you to read this thoughtful article:

“5 Ways You Can Honor Indigenous People on Thanksgiving”

It offers simple, meaningful ways to deepen our gratitude by honoring the wisdom, resilience, and ongoing struggles of Indigenous communities.

If you’d like to learn more about the broader fight for Indigenous rights, I also recommend this powerful TED Talk by Tara Houska:

“The Standing Rock Resistance and Our Fight for Indigenous Rights”

Prepare for Advent This Weekend

This Sunday marks the beginning of Advent, the four-week season when Christians around the world prepare their hearts for the coming of Christ.

Advent is a season of hope, waiting, and holy expectation. Through Scripture, prayer, worship, and community, we make room for God’s light to break into our lives again—as it did in Bethlehem, and as it still does today.

We’ll launch our new Advent sermon series from Illustrated Ministries, inviting us to slow down, breathe deeply, and rediscover hope in a complex and hurried world.

Our Illustrated Ministries Advent Devotional will be available to pick up starting this weekend. It’s a great resource for households, small groups, and personal prayer.

If you missed worship last week—or would like to revisit the message—you can watch the sermon on our YouTube channel. Watch last Sunday’s sermon on YouTube here. (Feel free to share it with anyone who may be blessed by it.)

Pastor Caleb Featured on Bishop Cedrick Bridgeforth’s Podcast

I’m excited to share that our own Pastor Caleb Encinas Cortés was a guest on Bishop Cedrick Bridgeforth’s new podcast, Going the MILE: Stories of Calling and Ministry in the Greater Northwest.

In this episode, Bishop Cedrick sits down with Caleb to explore how his call to ministry has been shaped by community affirmation, grassroots organizing, and a deep commitment to care for our neighbors. Caleb shares stories that move from preaching his first sermon at eighteen to showing up in Olympia alongside immigrant coalitions—always guided by the conviction that faith must take action and defend the dignity of vulnerable communities.

Episode 10 – Rev. Caleb Encinas Cortés: Connection, Courage, and Community

Upcoming Services

Each week of Advent, we will explore themes of wonder, courage, and God’s unexpected presence breaking into ordinary life. I hope you’ll join us—and invite someone you love—as we journey toward Christmas together.As we journey through this holy season, here are a few important dates to keep on your calendar:

🌙 Longest Night Service

December 21st at 4:00pm

A gentle, contemplative service for anyone carrying grief, stress, or heaviness during the holidays.

✨ Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

December 24th at 6:00pm

A beautiful service of carols, Scripture, and candlelight as we celebrate the birth of Christ.

Join Us for Worship

I’m looking forward to being in worship with you this Sunday as we light the first Advent candle and step into this season of hope together.

Grace and peace,

Rev. DJ del Rosario

Lead Pastor, Federal Way UMC

Looking Ahead

In the new year, I’ll begin a 12-week sabbatical following worship on January 11th, returning to celebrate Easter Sunday with you all. During that time, Pastor Caleb Encinas Cortes will serve as Pastor in Charge and our main preacher, supported by guest preachers who will help continue our focus on community engagement, antiracism, and creation care as we grow in our work as a Resiliency Hub.

🌸 New Women’s Bible Study — Claiming Hope

• When: 1st and 3rd Sundays, 11:30–12:45

• Where: Lori L’s House

• What: A women’s Bible study reflecting on the Sunday sermon and scripture. Pastor DJ will provide a few bulletin questions each week as a springboard for conversation.

• Why: To build community and connection as we walk with Jesus.

Bring a snack and join us! See Lori or contact the church office for details.