Greetings,
I am writing to you from the Annual Conference gathering, a time when lay people and clergy from the state of Washington and the panhandle of Idaho come together in unity. This event is a cornerstone in our church calendar, filled with worship, legislation, planning, and preparation for the year ahead. It’s a time of deep reflection, celebration, and remembrance.
Throughout this conference, we engage in meaningful worship, seeking divine guidance and inspiration for the months to come. We legislate on important matters, ensuring our church remains steadfast and adaptive in serving our communities. Our planning sessions are crucial, as we strategize and prepare for the work that lies ahead, aligning our efforts with our mission and values.
One of the most poignant aspects of our gathering is the memorial service for clergy who have passed away this year. We take a moment to honor their legacy, acknowledging their dedication and the impact they’ve had on our lives and ministries. Their memory inspires us to continue their work with renewed vigor and compassion.
We also rejoice in the commissioning, licensing, and ordination of new clergy persons. These individuals have answered the call to serve, and we celebrate their commitment and readiness to lead. Their fresh perspectives and energies infuse our conference with hope and enthusiasm for the future.
As we convene this weekend, we continue our sermon series focusing on Jesus’ parables or stories. This series has been an enriching journey, delving into the profound lessons Jesus imparted through simple yet powerful narratives. Our grounding Scripture for this weekend is Mark 4:26-29, the Parable of the Growing Seed.
In this parable, Jesus speaks of the mysterious and wondrous growth of the kingdom of God, likening it to a seed that grows in ways we cannot fully understand. “The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground, and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how. The earth produces of itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head. But when the grain is ripe, at once he goes in with his sickle, because the harvest has come.”
This passage reminds us that our efforts, while essential, are complemented by the mysterious and powerful work of God. As we scatter seeds of faith, love, and justice in our communities, God is at work in ways beyond our comprehension, nurturing growth and bringing forth a harvest of righteousness.
Let us carry this message into our lives and ministries, trusting in God’s providence and continuing to sow seeds of hope and transformation. Together, we can witness the incredible ways God’s kingdom unfolds in our midst.
Thank you for your continued faith and dedication. May this time of gathering strengthen our bonds and renew our collective spirit for the journey ahead.
Federal Way Pride Sponsorship – August 3rd
We are thrilled to announce that our church is once again a proud sponsor of Federal Way Pride on August 3rd. This event is a wonderful opportunity for us to show our support for the LGBTQ+ community and celebrate diversity and inclusion. If you are interested in supporting this event, whether through volunteering, donations, or simply attending, please let the church office know. Your participation can make a significant impact as we stand together in love and acceptance.
Abundant Grace Event – July 13th
Mark your calendars for our next Abundant Grace event on July 13th! These gatherings are a cornerstone of our church's mission, providing a time for fellowship, worship, and community service. Whether you are a regular attendee or new to our church, we invite you to join us for a time filled with inspiration and connection. Details about the event, including the schedule and volunteer opportunities, will be shared soon. We look forward to seeing you there and experiencing the abundant grace of God together.
Blessings,
Pastor DJ
