Dear Church,

Happy New Year to you and your loved ones.

As we step into 2026 together, I’m deeply grateful for this community—for your faithfulness, your care for one another, and your commitment to showing up with honesty and hope in a complex world. The turning of the calendar always invites reflection: What are we carrying forward? What are we releasing? Where is God inviting us to pay attention next?

On January 4 and January 11, we’ll begin a short, two-week sermon series to help us mark this threshold moment together. This series will invite us to slow down, take stock, and listen—especially as we stand between endings and beginnings. These Sundays will focus on noticing what sustains us, what grounds us, and how God meets us not only in movement, but also in pause. It’s a fitting way to begin a new year and to prepare our hearts for the season ahead in the life of our church.

I also want to share two important moments coming up on Sunday, January 11:

• During worship, we will honor and celebrate Jan Skaggs and her many years of faithful ministry among us as she retires. Jan’s music, dedication, and steady presence have shaped our worship life in profound ways, and we look forward to expressing our gratitude together as a congregation.

• January 11 will also be my final Sunday before my sabbatical begins. With the support of our Church Board, I’ll be stepping away beginning January 12 for a season of rest, reflection, and renewal, returning to worship on Easter Sunday. I’m deeply thankful for this gift and for the strong leadership of Pastor Caleb Encinas Cortés, our staff, and laity who will continue guiding our life together during this time.

I hope you’ll make plans to join us on January 4 and especially on January 11 as we worship, reflect, celebrate Jan, and mark these meaningful transitions together.

May this new year be one where you feel God’s nearness—in moments of joy, in moments of uncertainty, and in all the ordinary days in between.

With gratitude and hope,

Rev. DJ del Rosario

Lead Pastor

Federal Way United Methodist Church

With love and hope,

Pastor DJ

🌸 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.