I’m with the DJ | December 7th

Dear Church Family and Friends,

This weekend, we joyfully continue our worship series, “Draw Near.” We're deeply grateful to our partners at Sanctified Arts for their invaluable contribution and creation of this series.

Our focus for this weekend will be on the Gospel of Luke, specifically chapter 3, verses 7-18. Just like last week, I want to encourage you to read (or re-read) the first 3 chapters of Luke.

For those who haven't yet obtained a daily devotional booklet for this series, please feel free to reach out to our church office at office@fwumc.org, or simply visit us at church. We'll be more than happy to provide you with a copy.

Wishing you grace and peace,

Pastor DJ

Grace and Peace,

Christmas Eve offering

Our Christmas Eve offering will be shared between three ways we share the love of Jesus in our communities.

1. Riverton Park UMC’s ministry for Asylum seekers.

   1.      Riverton Park United Methodist Church in Tukwila is living out Jesus’ call to care for God’s children: a ministry of hospitality for more than 400 asylum seekers (legally), including 100+ children, who are living on the church grounds. Many are from Angola in Africa and Venezuela in South America.

      1. I spent a couple of days this week with the people living at Riverton Park UMC and it’s truly an amazing sight.

   2. Abundant Grace ministries

      1. This is a chance to help our faith community continue to reach out to our neighbors.

   3. Sunshine Fund

      1. When people come to our doors and ask for help with rent, utilities or other urgent items, our church does our best to support them with this special line item we call the Sunshine Fund.

I’m with the DJ | November 29th

Dear Church Family and Friends,

This weekend, we joyfully continue our worship series, “Draw Near.” We're deeply grateful to our partners at Sanctified Arts for their invaluable contributions to this series.

Our focus for this session will be on the Gospel of Luke, specifically chapter 3. To enrich your understanding and experience of the text, I encourage you to read the first three chapters of Luke. This preparatory reading will provide a broader and more insightful context for our discussions.

For those who haven't yet obtained a daily devotional booklet for this series, please feel free to reach out to our church office at office@fwumc.org, or simply visit us at church. We'll be more than happy to provide you with a copy.

Wishing you grace and peace,

Pastor DJ

Grace and Peace,

Community Engagement Survey

We would greatly appreciate it if you would take the time to fill our yearly Community Engagement Survey. This is a chance for us to listen and learn from you. In the survey, we will ask about sermons and topics that you would like to learn more about, how you get information from our church and more. Click here to fill out our quick survey.

Below is a note that was embedded in a digitize newsletter from the Greater Northwest United Methodist Conference regarding our sibling church Riverton Park UMC.

FOX 13: Urgent need for resources as more than 300 migrants seek asylum at Tukwila church

It’s been nearly one month since City of Tukwila proclaimed a state of emergency to address the surge in people. However, help from state and federal government has been slow.

Still, Riverton Park United Methodist Church is doing all it can to offer some help for over 300 asylum seekers seeking aid at the church.

Watch more of this update on the FOX 13 website.

Donate to support RPUMC’s hospitality of asylum-seeking migrants

Are you looking for a way to partner with our sibling school Meredith Hill Elementary to support children and their families from our community? 

Adopt a Family for Christmas!

Would you like support Here’s how you can make their holidays a little brighter:

1. Go to link https://my.cheddarup.com/c/mhc

1. Make online donation (see chart below).

2. Complete by Sunday, December 10th.

The Meredith Hill Cares organization reviews applications from families and grants gift cards to as many as possible.  Throughout last year they assisted 15 families.

Thank you for reaching out in love to members of our community!

What your donation can do:

• $30 sponsors groceries for one person

• $60 sponsors groceries for two people

• $120 sponsors groceries for a family of four

• $25 sponsors a need or gift for one child

• $50 sponsors a need or gift for two children

• emergency support of $150 for each family member up to $750 as needed throughout the year
  

I’m with the DJ | November 23rd

Dear Church Friends and Families,

As we enter this weekend, we embark on the sacred season of Advent, embracing the theme 'Draw Near.' In these weeks of waiting and anticipation, we celebrate God's profound act of drawing near to us, becoming part of humanity, and experiencing the fullness of our daily lives.

During Advent, we acknowledge God's presence in the broken and scattered aspects of our existence. This journey begins with a focus on wonder, leading us onward to explore themes of Justice, Truth, and Community.

Starting this Sunday, we are delighted to offer unique, theologically-inspired coloring pages from our collaborators at Sanctified Art. Their exceptional work will be a guiding light throughout our Advent observance. Alongside these coloring pages, we will also share the artist statements and artwork from Sanctified Art, enriching our experience with their creative vision.

Join us as we journey through this meaningful season, inviting God's nearness into every aspect of our lives.

raise your head

by lauren wright pittman

inspired by luke 21:25-36

First Week of Advent

In the past, I have met this text and spiraled out in my own grief and

anxiety. Previously in my reading, these apocalyptic signs pointed

to my own smallness, fragility, and mortality, stirring up fear and

confusion. This year, however, for me these signs boldly point to the

unfathomable, overwhelming greatness of God. This text feels massive,

and it invites us into this Advent season in a thundering fashion.

Jesus says to respond to these apocalyptic signs with staggering hope

and confidence. When it feels like the very foundations of the heavens

are crumbling, we are to stand up. When the roaring sea and the waves confuse us, when the sun, moon and

stars come tumbling out of the sky, we are to raise our heads. When the news cycle feels like an endless fire

hose, people pour into the streets in protest, families are separated, and fires blaze through neighborhoods,

we are to stand up and confidently usher in and claim the redemption that God promises.

Just as the trees signal the changing of the seasons, these signs will prepare us for the coming of Christ.

Instead of getting lost in the worries of this life, stand up, raise your head, and get lost in the fact that this

expansive, infinite God is drawing near to you. Choose to get lost in wonder.

—Lauren Wright Pittman

Grace and Peace,

Pastor DJ

Here’s a quick video showing you some of the exciting things that happened at our last Abundant Grace event.

Community Engagement Survey

We would greatly appreciate it if you would take the time to fill our yearly Community Engagement Survey. This is a chance for us to listen and learn from you. In the survey, we will ask about sermons and topics that you would like to learn more about, how you get information from our church and more. Click here to fill out our quick survey.

Below is a note that was embedded in a digitize newsletter from the Greater Northwest United Methodist Conference regarding our sibling church Riverton Park UMC.

FOX 13: Urgent need for resources as more than 300 migrants seek asylum at Tukwila church

It’s been nearly one month since City of Tukwila proclaimed a state of emergency to address the surge in people. However, help from state and federal government has been slow.

Still, Riverton Park United Methodist Church is doing all it can to offer some help for over 300 asylum seekers seeking aid at the church.

Watch more of this update on the FOX 13 website.

Donate to support RPUMC’s hospitality of asylum-seeking migrants

Are you looking for a way to partner with our sibling school Meredith Hill Elementary to support children and their families from our community? 

Adopt a Family for Christmas!

Would you like support Here’s how you can make their holidays a little brighter:

1. Go to link https://my.cheddarup.com/c/mhc

1. Make online donation (see chart below).

2. Complete by Sunday, December 10th.

The Meredith Hill Cares organization reviews applications from families and grants gift cards to as many as possible.  Throughout last year they assisted 15 families.

Thank you for reaching out in love to members of our community!

What your donation can do:

• $30 sponsors groceries for one person

• $60 sponsors groceries for two people

• $120 sponsors groceries for a family of four

• $25 sponsors a need or gift for one child

• $50 sponsors a need or gift for two children

• emergency support of $150 for each family member up to $750 as needed throughout the year
  

I’m with the DJ | November 16th

Dear Church Friends and Families,

Greetings from Atlanta, GA! I've just concluded participating in the "Facing the Future" event organized by the General Commission on Race and Religion. It's been an honor to serve as the opening preacher at this important conference, dedicated to those in cross-cultural appointments.

A highlight for me was the teaching sessions led by KD Weaver, renowned author of "Meditate Like Jesus: Uncover the Meditative Practices of Jesus." His insightful interpretations of Scripture were both inspiring and thought-provoking.

Looking ahead to this weekend, I'm excited to invite you to our church's Abundant Grace event, happening Saturday from 9am-3pm. It's a wonderful opportunity to share and celebrate our community's blessings. Details are in the accompanying graphic.

This Sunday is also special as we will celebrate the baptism of Finn W. With many of his family members joining us, it promises to be a joyous occasion. I encourage you to share in this expression of love and faith. In our service, I will be exploring Jesus' parable of the talents from the Gospel of Matthew 25. I suggest reading this chapter ahead of time to enrich your experience.

I eagerly anticipate our time together. See you soon!

Blessings,

Pastor DJ

Community Engagement Survey

We would greatly appreciate it if you would take the time to fill our yearly Community Engagement Survey. This is a chance for us to listen and learn from you. In the survey, we will ask about sermons and topics that you would like to learn more about, how you get information from our church and more. Click here to fill out our quick survey.

Below is a note that was embedded in a digitize newsletter from the Greater Northwest United Methodist Conference regarding our sibling church Riverton Park UMC.

FOX 13: Urgent need for resources as more than 300 migrants seek asylum at Tukwila church

It’s been nearly one month since City of Tukwila proclaimed a state of emergency to address the surge in people. However, help from state and federal government has been slow.

Still, Riverton Park United Methodist Church is doing all it can to offer some help for over 300 asylum seekers seeking aid at the church.

Watch more of this update on the FOX 13 website.

Donate to support RPUMC’s hospitality of asylum-seeking migrants

Are you looking for a way to partner with our sibling school Meredith Hill Elementary to support children and their families from our community? 

Adopt a Family for Christmas!

Would you like support Here’s how you can make their holidays a little brighter:

1. Go to link https://my.cheddarup.com/c/mhc

1. Make online donation (see chart below).

2. Complete by Sunday, December 10th.

The Meredith Hill Cares organization reviews applications from families and grants gift cards to as many as possible.  Throughout last year they assisted 15 families.

Thank you for reaching out in love to members of our community!

What your donation can do:

• $30 sponsors groceries for one person

• $60 sponsors groceries for two people

• $120 sponsors groceries for a family of four

• $25 sponsors a need or gift for one child

• $50 sponsors a need or gift for two children

• emergency support of $150 for each family member up to $750 as needed throughout the year
  

I’m with the DJ | November 9th

Dear Wonderful Church Family,

I hope this note finds you and your loved ones in good health and spirits. Within these lines, you'll discover several important updates and opportunities for engagement. Learn how to support families in need at Meredith Hill Elementary, our partner school. Additionally, there's news about Riverton Park United Methodist Church's involvement with over 300 asylum-seeking migrants.

If you haven't yet had a chance to complete our annual Community Engagement Survey, please consider dedicating 5-10 minutes to it. Your feedback is invaluable, helping us better understand and serve our faith community.

Don’t forget that our next Abundant Grace community event is coming up November 18th. More info below.

This weekend marks the conclusion of our sacramental series, with Caleb Encinas Cortes offering his insights on the Sacrament of Baptism. I invite you to join us.

Community Engagement Survey

We would greatly appreciate it if you would take the time to fill our yearly Community Engagement Survey. This is a chance for us to listen and learn from you. In the survey, we will ask about sermons and topics that you would like to learn more about, how you get information from our church and more. Click here to fill out our quick survey.

Below is a note that was embedded in a digitize newsletter from the Greater Northwest United Methodist Conference regarding our sibling church Riverton Park UMC.

FOX 13: Urgent need for resources as more than 300 migrants seek asylum at Tukwila church

It’s been nearly one month since City of Tukwila proclaimed a state of emergency to address the surge in people. However, help from state and federal government has been slow.

Still, Riverton Park United Methodist Church is doing all it can to offer some help for over 300 asylum seekers seeking aid at the church.

Watch more of this update on the FOX 13 website.

Donate to support RPUMC’s hospitality of asylum-seeking migrants

Are you looking for a way to partner with our sibling school Meredith Hill Elementary to support children and their families from our community? 

Adopt a Family for Christmas!

Would you like support Here’s how you can make their holidays a little brighter:

1. Go to link https://my.cheddarup.com/c/mhc

1. Make online donation (see chart below).

2. Complete by Sunday, December 10th.

The Meredith Hill Cares organization reviews applications from families and grants gift cards to as many as possible.  Throughout last year they assisted 15 families.

Thank you for reaching out in love to members of our community!

What your donation can do:

• $30 sponsors groceries for one person

• $60 sponsors groceries for two people

• $120 sponsors groceries for a family of four

• $25 sponsors a need or gift for one child

• $50 sponsors a need or gift for two children

• emergency support of $150 for each family member up to $750 as needed throughout the year
  

I’m with the DJ

Church,

This Saturday we will host our 46th annual Holiday Fair. The fun starts at 9am.

Rock the knock video

We had a great trick or treating event on Saturday called Rock the Knock. Here is a quick 25 second video highlighting the fun and festivities. Click here to watch.

Community Engagement Survey

We would greatly appreciate it if you would take the time to fill our yearly Community Engagement Survey. This is a chance for us to listen and learn from you. In the survey, we will ask about sermons and topics that you would like to learn more about, how you get information from our church and more. Click here to fill out our quick survey.

If you haven't had the opportunity to fill out your commitment card for 2024, I invite you to do so. At our church, we believe that generosity manifests in five main ways: our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. Ideally, each one of us participates in generosity in all five ways, recognizing that there are seasons in our lives when we may emphasize one or more of these over others. Rest assured, God honors all that we offer.

I’m with the DJ

Church,

Last night during our annual All Church Conference, our church members approved our governing structure to move from a Church Council model to a Single Board model that we are now calling Church Board. In addition, we approved a slate of leaders to fill the board. I’ll gladly share more news in the weeks to come and introduce you to the awesome leaders, many of whom you probably recognize/know.

In just a few days, we will host our annual indoor “Rock the Knock” trick or treating event at our church. I hope you come join us as we engage with our neighbors and community.

If you haven't had the opportunity to fill out your commitment card for 2024, I invite you to do so. At our church, we believe that generosity manifests in five main ways: our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. Ideally, each one of us participates in generosity in all five ways, recognizing that there are seasons in our lives when we may emphasize one or more of these over others. Rest assured, God honors all that we offer.

I’m with the DJ

Church,

What a joy to welcome church members. Jenn and Tommy W. They started worshiping with us online and have recently begun attending in person.

Philip also became a part of our church family, and he brings with him a beautiful story of calling, love, and life.

If you haven't had the opportunity to fill out your commitment card for 2024, I invite you to do so. At our church, we believe that generosity manifests in five main ways: our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. Ideally, each one of us participates in generosity in all five ways, recognizing that there are seasons in our lives when we may emphasize one or more of these over others. Rest assured, God honors all that we offer.

I recently read an article in the Seattle Times focusing on a family living out of their car. This article highlights the lives of working persons who experience homelessness. You can read the article here.

Riverton Park UMC

Last Sunday, I mentioned one of our sister churches Riverton Park UMC in the news. Here’s a link to the Seattle Times article I mentioned.

I’m with the DJ

Church family,

I hope and pray that you and your loved ones are doing well. This weekend marks an exciting time for us at Federal Way United Methodist Church as we welcome and covenant with three new church members. Jenn and Tommy W. will join us as new members, and we have the joy of meeting their son as well! They started worshiping with us online and have recently begun attending in person. Philip will also become a part of our church family, and he brings with him a beautiful story of calling, love, and life.

In addition to welcoming new members, we will continue our sermon series titled "Inspire Generosity" by delving deeper into the Gospel of Luke, chapter 19. In the first ten verses, we discover Zach's interaction with Jesus. I encourage you to read all of Chapter 18 and 19 in preparation for our worship time together.

If you haven't had the opportunity to fill out your commitment card for 2024, I invite you to do so. At our church, we believe that generosity manifests in five main ways: our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. Ideally, each one of us participates in generosity in all five ways, recognizing that there are seasons in our lives when we may emphasize one or more of these over others. Rest assured, God honors all that we offer.

I eagerly anticipate seeing you either online or in person this weekend!

Riverton Park UMC

Last Sunday, I mentioned one of our sister churches Riverton Park UMC in the news. Here’s a link to the Seattle Times article I mentioned.

This Sunday, we will continue our dive into our Inspire Generosity series as we study Luke 14:28-33. We will also be taking a closer look at Discipleship through theologian and author Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s perspective from his book Discipleship.

Melinda Z’s memorial service

We have set the date for Melinda’s service for November 24th at 2pm.

Supporting our Hispanic Ministries

One way that you can celebrate Hispanic Heritage month with us is to donate toiletries that are needed one of our sibling faith communities in Mt. Vernon. We have a Hispanic speaking community that is in need of support. Below is a list of items that are needed. We will have a donation box available near the welcome table through Oct. 15th. For any further questions, please contact Caleb during church. Any full sized items of these will be greatly appreciated.

1. Toilet Paper

2. Paper Towels

3. Laundry Detergent

4. Fabric Softener

5. Dish Soap

6. Kitchen Cleaning Supplies (like multi-purpose spray, dish washing brushes/scrubbers, and sponges)

7. Bathroom Cleaning Supplies (like tub/tile/shower spray, toilet bowl cleaner)

8. Toothpaste

9. Body Wash

10. Menstrual Hygiene Products

11. Diapers

Don’t forget that our All Church Conference is October 25th @7pm.

What is a charge conference? “Charge Conference: Annual meeting of a church where officers are elected for the coming year. It also receives reports, reviews and evaluates the total mission and ministry of the congregation, and adopts objectives and goals recommended by the administrative council, or the Administrative Board. It also recommends candidates for the ordained and diaconal ministry to the District Committee on Ordained Ministry or to the Conference Board of Diaconal Ministry. Members of the Administrative Council, or Board, are members of the Charge Conference. The district superintendent calls the meeting and presides over it. Anyone may attend the meeting.”

To learn more terms and glossaries, click here.

I’m with the DJ

Animals are blessed

What a wonderful occasion we had last Sunday as we celebrated Holy Communion and followed it with a heartwarming blessing of the animals. I'm delighted to share a few cherished moments captured by Ken Free.

This Sunday, we will continue our dive into our Inspire Generosity series as we study Luke 14:28-33. We will also be taking a closer look at Discipleship through theologian and author Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s perspective from his book Discipleship.

Melinda Z’s memorial service

Once we finalize details regarding Melinda’s memorial service. We will share the news with you as soon as we are able to.

Generosity invitation for 2024

We want to convey our appreciation for your enduring support of Federal Way United Methodist Church (FWUMC). Your generosity holds immense significance in advancing our mission to spread God's love and serve our community, both locally and globally.

This past year of ministry has been a source of excitement and inspiration. After each service, individuals are invited to fill bags of food to support 16 families in need of sustenance over the weekends. While we previously supported 17 families, we celebrate that one family no longer requires assistance from our Food 4 Families program. Our connection with the Meredith Hill Elementary community remains a sacred privilege we've nurtured over time. Your support is truly inspiring.

Additionally, we joined forces with a local Lutheran church to offer an Adventure Camp for Fusion residents. Through this initiative, we provided children and their families with two daily meals, engaging activities, arts and crafts, reading sessions, and even a special "birthday party for everyone." A trauma specialist trained our volunteers to support families in need, contributing to their well-being. We're excitedly planning to offer this camp again next summer. I had a conversation with one parent who shared that her family, including three children, eagerly anticipated each day of the camp. This experience held significant value for them, and we later learned that their participation played a positive role in bringing them closer to permanent housing.

Will you reflect on how your contributions can further elevate our ministries and amplify our outreach endeavors. Our dedicated church leadership has crafted our 2024 budget, encompassing essential elements such as our devoted staff, critical building maintenance, and our unwavering commitment to the broader United Methodist Church.

If you click this link or the picture on this post you can digitally fill out our 2024 giving estimate e-card. We kindly request that you complete the digital card or we will be providing printed commitment cards during our worship services. You can place it in the offering plate, or submit it via email to generosity@fwumc.org by October 15th. This timeline ensures a thoughtful and accurate budget planning process as we express gratitude to God for our abundant blessings.

We anlso invite you to consider transitioning your pledge to online giving through fwumc.org/online-giving. This convenient platform provides a consistent means of expressing your generosity while supporting our budgeting efforts. If you require assistance in setting up online giving, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at generosity@fwumc.org.

Once again, thank you for joining us, as we nurture our mission within both local and global communities. Your support radiates Christ's love and propels us towards greater achievements in the name of our faith.

Sincerely,

Pastor DJ, Byron Osborn, Jan Franklin, and Ann Mayer

Generosity team

Abundant Grace update

What a blessing September 16th was! Our Abundant Grace free parking lot event was a smashing success. Here’s a quick video to give you a snippet of our time. Our next event will be Christmas themed. It’ll happen at our church on November 18th.

Religion and Race: Hispanic Heritage Month infographic available

The General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) has created a free, downloadable infographic to help churches observe Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. The graphic also contains recommended reading and suggestions for ways to celebrate. 

Hispanic Heritage Month

One way that you can celebrate Hispanic Heritage month with us is to donate toiletries that are needed one of our sibling faith communities in Mt. Vernon. We have a Hispanic speaking community that is in need of support. Below is a list of items that are needed. We will have a donation box available near the welcome table through Oct. 15th. For any further questions, please contact Caleb during church. Any full sized items of these will be greatly appreciated.

1. Toilet Paper

2. Paper Towels

3. Laundry Detergent

4. Fabric Softener

5. Dish Soap

6. Kitchen Cleaning Supplies (like multi-purpose spray, dish washing brushes/scrubbers, and sponges)

7. Bathroom Cleaning Supplies (like tub/tile/shower spray, toilet bowl cleaner)

8. Toothpaste

9. Body Wash

10. Menstrual Hygiene Products

11. Diapers

Single Board Governance update

The Discernment Team spent the afternoon of August 20th listening to concerns and questions regarding the formation of a Single Board.  We thank you for your valuable input and will be looking to hold Community Conversations on a regular occurrence.  The team met Tuesday to discuss what we heard at the listening session.  Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) issues will be addressed by forming a care group for staff separate from the "Board."  Additionally, Pastor and SPRC Chair, Sandy Shinbo, will meet with staff next week to review any concerns and discuss how the new structure will work.  Other issues will be incorporated into the organizational chart and Responsibilities Matrix.  We plan to hold another session after Worship Service on September 17th.  This will be to gather any final feedback prior to presenting to Church Council for approval.

Don’t forget that our All Church Conference is October 25th @7pm.

What is a charge conference? “Charge Conference: Annual meeting of a church where officers are elected for the coming year. It also receives reports, reviews and evaluates the total mission and ministry of the congregation, and adopts objectives and goals recommended by the administrative council, or the Administrative Board. It also recommends candidates for the ordained and diaconal ministry to the District Committee on Ordained Ministry or to the Conference Board of Diaconal Ministry. Members of the Administrative Council, or Board, are members of the Charge Conference. The district superintendent calls the meeting and presides over it. Anyone may attend the meeting.”

To learn more terms and glossaries, click here.

I’m with the DJ

Pets are awesome

Last weeks membership class was a blast. Thank you to everyone who joined us. We will be celebrating and welcoming new members coming up during worship soon. This Sunday, we will celebrate Holy Communion and immediately after the service, we will be hosting a blessing of our animals in our courtyard area outside the church.

Generosity invitation for 2024

We want to convey our appreciation for your enduring support of Federal Way United Methodist Church (FWUMC). Your generosity holds immense significance in advancing our mission to spread God's love and serve our community, both locally and globally.

This past year of ministry has been a source of excitement and inspiration. After each service, individuals are invited to fill bags of food to support 16 families in need of sustenance over the weekends. While we previously supported 17 families, we celebrate that one family no longer requires assistance from our Food 4 Families program. Our connection with the Meredith Hill Elementary community remains a sacred privilege we've nurtured over time. Your support is truly inspiring.

Additionally, we joined forces with a local Lutheran church to offer an Adventure Camp for Fusion residents. Through this initiative, we provided children and their families with two daily meals, engaging activities, arts and crafts, reading sessions, and even a special "birthday party for everyone." A trauma specialist trained our volunteers to support families in need, contributing to their well-being. We're excitedly planning to offer this camp again next summer. I had a conversation with one parent who shared that her family, including three children, eagerly anticipated each day of the camp. This experience held significant value for them, and we later learned that their participation played a positive role in bringing them closer to permanent housing.

Will you reflect on how your contributions can further elevate our ministries and amplify our outreach endeavors. Our dedicated church leadership has crafted our 2024 budget, encompassing essential elements such as our devoted staff, critical building maintenance, and our unwavering commitment to the broader United Methodist Church.

If you click this link or the picture on this post you can digitally fill out our 2024 giving estimate e-card. We kindly request that you complete the digital card or we will be providing printed commitment cards during our worship services. You can place it in the offering plate, or submit it via email to generosity@fwumc.org by October 15th. This timeline ensures a thoughtful and accurate budget planning process as we express gratitude to God for our abundant blessings.

We anlso invite you to consider transitioning your pledge to online giving through fwumc.org/online-giving. This convenient platform provides a consistent means of expressing your generosity while supporting our budgeting efforts. If you require assistance in setting up online giving, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at generosity@fwumc.org.

Once again, thank you for joining us, as we nurture our mission within both local and global communities. Your support radiates Christ's love and propels us towards greater achievements in the name of our faith.

Sincerely,

Pastor DJ, Byron Osborn, Jan Franklin, and Ann Mayer

Generosity team

Abundant Grace update

What a blessing September 16th was! Our Abundant Grace free parking lot event was a smashing success. Here’s a quick video to give you a snippet of our time. Our next event will be Christmas themed. It’ll happen at our church on November 18th.

Religion and Race: Hispanic Heritage Month infographic available

The General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) has created a free, downloadable infographic to help churches observe Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. The graphic also contains recommended reading and suggestions for ways to celebrate. 

Hispanic Heritage Month

One way that you can celebrate Hispanic Heritage month with us is to donate toiletries that are needed one of our sibling faith communities in Mt. Vernon. We have a Hispanic speaking community that is in need of support. Below is a list of items that are needed. We will have a donation box available near the welcome table through Oct. 15th. For any further questions, please contact Caleb during church. Any full sized items of these will be greatly appreciated.

1. Toilet Paper

2. Paper Towels

3. Laundry Detergent

4. Fabric Softener

5. Dish Soap

6. Kitchen Cleaning Supplies (like multi-purpose spray, dish washing brushes/scrubbers, and sponges)

7. Bathroom Cleaning Supplies (like tub/tile/shower spray, toilet bowl cleaner)

8. Toothpaste

9. Body Wash

10. Menstrual Hygiene Products

11. Diapers

Single Board Governance update

The Discernment Team spent the afternoon of August 20th listening to concerns and questions regarding the formation of a Single Board.  We thank you for your valuable input and will be looking to hold Community Conversations on a regular occurrence.  The team met Tuesday to discuss what we heard at the listening session.  Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) issues will be addressed by forming a care group for staff separate from the "Board."  Additionally, Pastor and SPRC Chair, Sandy Shinbo, will meet with staff next week to review any concerns and discuss how the new structure will work.  Other issues will be incorporated into the organizational chart and Responsibilities Matrix.  We plan to hold another session after Worship Service on September 17th.  This will be to gather any final feedback prior to presenting to Church Council for approval.

Don’t forget that our All Church Conference is October 25th @7pm.

What is a charge conference? “Charge Conference: Annual meeting of a church where officers are elected for the coming year. It also receives reports, reviews and evaluates the total mission and ministry of the congregation, and adopts objectives and goals recommended by the administrative council, or the Administrative Board. It also recommends candidates for the ordained and diaconal ministry to the District Committee on Ordained Ministry or to the Conference Board of Diaconal Ministry. Members of the Administrative Council, or Board, are members of the Charge Conference. The district superintendent calls the meeting and presides over it. Anyone may attend the meeting.”

To learn more terms and glossaries, click here.