I’m with the DJ | Week of June 26th

Greetings,

This weekend, we begin a new worship series as we continue our exploration of the Gospel of Mark. Our focus will be on two healing stories found in Mark 5:21-43. In these passages, we see two very different approaches to Jesus: one woman discreetly seeks healing, while Jairus, a synagogue leader, publicly falls at Jesus' feet before a crowd. The woman has suffered from a hemorrhage for 12 long years, a period that mirrors the age of Jairus's daughter. For the woman, these 12 years represent a prolonged struggle with illness and isolation. For the young girl, her age signifies the threshold of adulthood and the traditional age of betrothal.

Join us as we delve into these profound stories of faith, healing, and the transformative power of Jesus' love.

I'm sorry to share the news that our beloved member, Tom Touma, passed away and joined the Church Triumphant this past week. Once the service information is finalized, we will be sure to let you know.

Blessings,

Reverend DJ del Rosario

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

I’m with the DJ | Week of June 10th

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

I’m with the DJ | Week of May 27th

Dear Church Family,

It’s been a whirlwind of a last month or so! As some of you know, I’ve been representing our church at General Conference in North Carolina for a couple of weeks. Almost immediately after, I went to Princeton Theological Seminary as part of my service as a Board of Trustees member. Following that week, my family and I took a vacation to enjoy some time together. Serving as a United Methodist Elder (Pastor) often means having responsibilities beyond our local faith community. While, I cherish the greater Church, I missed you all!

I’m looking forward to worshipping with you this Sunday as we celebrate Holy Communion and study Mark 2:23-3:6. I encourage you to read through this passage before we worship together to prepare for our time together.

I hope this message finds you well and filled with the spirit of joy and compassion. As we continue our faith journey together, I am excited to share some upcoming events that highlight our commitment to community and grace.

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.

Let us continue to walk in faith, supporting and uplifting one another as we strive to make a positive difference in our community by sharing the love of Jesus. If you have any questions or would like more information about these events, please do not hesitate to contact the church office.

By staying engaged and involved, we can strengthen our bonds and further our mission to spread love and grace. We appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you at these upcoming events.

Remember, your involvement in these events not only enriches our church community but also extends our reach to the broader community around us. Let's come together and make a difference!

Blessings,

Pastor DJ

I'm with the DJ | Week of April 6th

Good Morning,

I hope and pray that you are all doing well. As promised, this weekly e-note brings additional resources about General Conference 2024.

Our recent General Conference, attended by delegates from forty nations over two weeks, reached a strong consensus—often between 80%-90%—to remove restrictive language that has been detrimental to the LGBTQ+ community. Simultaneously, our Church has affirmed the autonomy and conscience of local congregations to express Christ's love uniquely suited to their community's context.

We are a diverse body, encompassing traditional, moderate, and progressive members. Whichever of these descriptors you identify with, please know that you are valued and essential to our community.

A time-honored adage has guided us for centuries: "In essentials, unity. In non-essentials, liberty. In all things, charity." This principle continues to steer us as we advance together.

Here are some resources following the General Conference 2024:

- Western Jurisdiction Bishop’s Pastoral Address

- Watch the video here

- Read the transcript here

- Further Information:

- Western Jurisdiction news about General Conference

- Pacific Northwest Annual Conference’s perspective

Thank you for staying engaged and informed. Let us continue to embody the love of Christ in all that we do.

Jars for Jamaa Letu

Jars for Jamaa Letu is a way to support the two orphanages in the Congo which our church helps fund.  The money goes to support the operating expenses, including food, shelter, clothing, school fees, medical care and salaries for the staff.

A colorful label for JARS will be available this Sunday.  Tape it to your own jar and collect cash from now until June 15th.  Or, make a donation in the offering plate or on the website.

Grace and Peace be with you,

Are you interested in planning your service or your loved ones? Click the picture above to let us know any of your favorite hymns, requests and even bible verses. This way we can helped your loved ones celebrate the gift of your life without having to worry about some of these details.

Pastor DJ

I’m with the DJ | week of April 22nd

Dear Church Family,

As a spiritual community committed to growth, understanding, and active participation in the life of our denomination, I am excited to share an upcoming pivotal event in the United Methodist Church: the General Conference 2024. This global assembly is a profound opportunity for us to engage with the broader church, discern our shared future, and reflect on our mission in the world.

Understanding General Conference

The General Conference is the highest legislative body in the United Methodist Church and convenes every four years. Delegates from all over the world gather to discuss and decide on pressing matters that shape the direction of our denomination. It is a vital time of decision-making and vision-setting that impacts every local congregation, including ours. Here’s a link to United Methodist News…https://www.umnews.org/en/landing-pages/general-conference-news-and-commentary

Staying Informed

To keep us all informed and connected to this significant event, I recommend visiting the Pacific Northwest Conference resource page (https://www.pnwumc.org/general-conference-2024-resource-page).This page is an excellent starting point to learn about the specifics of the conference, the agenda, and the key issues that will be addressed.

Insights from Reverend Jeremy Smith

For a deeper understanding of what the General Conference entails and its implications, I encourage you to read insights by Reverend Jeremy Smith. His writings provide a clear and thoughtful perspective on the workings of the conference and can be accessed through Hacking Christianity by Jeremy Smith. (https://hackingchristianity.net).

Our Local Contribution

Additionally, I am personally involved in a project to create daily videos that will highlight the contributions and perspectives from our Pacific Northwest Annual Conference and the Greater Northwest Annual Conference. These videos will be embedded on the resource page and will offer us daily updates and insights directly from the conference floor. Some of you know that I also serve as a reserve delegate.

I have had the privilege of serving and attending several past General Conference gatherings. My greatest hope for our time together is that we, as followers of Jesus, step aside and allow His presence to be so profoundly felt that, by the end of our gathering, we are left inspired and in awe of the work of the Holy Spirit across the globe.

How you can participate.

As members of our church, your engagement is invaluable. I encourage each of you to visit these resources, watch our  videos, check out the livestream and engage in discussions both online and within our community. Your insights and prayers are invaluable as we collectively discern our path forward in faith.

May we approach this General Conference with open hearts and minds, ready to contribute to our church's legacy of faith, love, and service. We are a part of a global community, and together, we can make a meaningful impact.

Here’s the latest from day 1

For those interested. Here is a quick recap https://youtu.be/XtYXbkngnVc?si=Y6brLnPcs6-COMtr

Blessings,

Pastor DJ

I'm with the DJ | Week of April 8th

Hey everyone,

I hope this note finds you well and in good spirits! First off, a huge thank you for all your prayers and well-wishes while I was under the weather—I’m feeling much better now, thanks to you all.

A lot's been going on, so here’s the scoop:

🙏 Prayer Chain: If you’re not already hooked into our prayer chain, you’re missing out on a great way to stay connected, especially when we can't meet in person. Just drop a line to office@fwumc.org to sign up. It's a fantastic way to keep our community spirit buzzing!

📅 We had to hit pause on our last membership class because I was out sick. If you’re interested in becoming a member, just shoot an email to the office and we’ll get you all the info you need.

Abundant Grace Free Market – Saturday, April 13th, 9 AM - 12 PM

- Want to get involved? There’s plenty to do! Whether you want to man a table, help out at the hospitality table, monitor doors, oversee the parking, control indoor traffic, run the shoe store, or whip up some cookies or muffins, we’d love to have your help.

- Email abundantgracefree@gmail.com to reserve a table or volunteer.

- Spread the word! Invite friends and family to join in. It’s a wonderful opportunity to share our abundance with the neighbors and make some smiles happen.

General Conference is on the horizon!

- Ever wondered what the General Conference really is? Check out this quick video: What is General Conference?

- For more info, visit the main webpage: General Conference 2020 (but it’s been postponed until now 2024)

That’s all for now! Keep the prayers coming, stay involved, and let’s make the most of every chance we get to connect and grow together.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor DJ

I'm with the DJ | Week of April 1

Dear Church Family,

I hope this message finds you well. This week, I'm heeding my body's need for rest and recovery, leading me to take a brief pause from my duties, including this Sunday's service. I plan on preaching again on the 14th.

In my absence, I’m pleased to share that Caleb Encinas Cortes will be leading our service. Caleb is a gifted speaker whose insights and ability to connect with the congregation promise a meaningful and enriching Sunday service. Rev’s Brian and Anita Wood will preside over communion. I’ll be joining you in spirit and online, looking forward to the inspiration and guidance Caleb will offer.

Regarding a resource I've mentioned before, it’s Unmasking Autism: Discovering the New Faces of Neurodiversity. I’m finding this book to be a profound source of inspiration and learning. It’s a great opportunity for reflection and growth, and I encourage you to explore its insights.

I ask for your prayers, as you are in mine. This time of rest is an opportunity for me to regain strength and return to you all with renewed energy and dedication.

Thank you for your understanding and support. It is the strength of our community that makes times like these a period of growth and reflection. I look forward to reconnecting with you all soon, ready to continue our journey of faith together.

Grace and Peace be with you,

RevDJ