I’m with the DJ | September 10th.

Vision Boldly – A New Sermon Series Begins

Dear Church Family,

This Sunday we begin our new sermon series, Vision Boldly, rooted in the book of Nehemiah. Over the next several weeks, we will walk with Nehemiah and God’s people as they rebuild—not only the walls of Jerusalem, but also their trust in God’s promises and their life together as a community of faith.

We start with Nehemiah 1:1–11. When Nehemiah hears that Jerusalem’s walls are in ruins, his first response is not action, but prayer. He weeps, mourns, fasts, and confesses. He remembers God’s faithfulness and asks God to make a way forward. This opening chapter reminds us that bold vision begins not with human ambition but with humble prayer. Nehemiah dares to believe that God is still at work, even in the face of devastation.

Here is the heart of his prayer in verse 11:

“Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give success to your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.”

As you prepare for worship, I invite you to reflect on these questions:

1. When has prayer been your first step before making a bold decision?

2. What practices help you stay rooted in God when life feels overwhelming?

3. Where might God be inviting our church to begin with prayer before we act boldly?

Alongside this new series, you’ll notice a new graphic for Vision Boldly. It’s full of meaning for us. The waves remind us that life often feels turbulent and uncertain, yet God calls us to trust and move forward even in the storm. The mountain points to God’s steadfast presence, standing firm above the chaos. At the peak is the cross and flame, our United Methodist symbol, reminding us that Christ is with us and the Spirit continues to guide us. And at the top of the circle is the fish, one of the earliest Christian symbols, representing our call to follow Jesus with faith and courage.

Together, these images form a kind of “window” through which we are invited to see God’s vision more clearly. Just as Nehemiah invited the people of Jerusalem to look beyond the ruins and imagine what God could rebuild, this series invites us to lift our eyes and vision boldly for what God is doing in Federal Way today.

I encourage you to read Nehemiah 1:1–11 this week, sit with Nehemiah’s prayer, and ask God to open your heart to new possibilities.

I can’t wait to begin this journey with you. My prayer is that God will use this series to give us courage, clarity, and hope as we seek to live out our mission: Walking in Faith, Reaching Out in Love.

If you missed last Sunday (or want to share it with a friend), you can watch the service here:

👉 Last week’s sermon & recent streams

Pastor DJ

I’m with the DJ | August 21st

Beloved Church Family,

Grace and peace to you!

Thank you for the love you continue to offer our neighbors and one another. If you missed last Sunday (or want to share it with a friend), you can watch the service here:

👉 Last week’s sermon & recent streams

This Sunday, August 24 at 10:00am, we continue our series on the United Methodist Social Principles with:

The Social Community: Meeting Christ in Human Need

Scripture: Matthew 25:31–46

We’ll reflect on Jesus’ call to see and serve Christ in our neighbors—especially those who are hungry, thirsty, sick, imprisoned, or lonely—and consider practical ways we as a church can embody compassion, dignity, and justice in our community.

Come as you are. Bring a friend. Kids and teens are welcome in worship.

A few quick notes:

• In person: Federal Way United Methodist Church at 10:00am

• Online: The service will be available on our YouTube channel (link above)

• Invite: Think of one person who could use encouragement this week—invite them to join you.

Mission trip to UMCOR Depot

Sunday, September 21, after worship:  An information meeting about the Mission team going to the UMCOR Depot in Louisiana the first week in May, 2026.  Please attend if you are interested in being a part of the team, have already asked to participate, or are curious.   Team leadership from the Kent UMC will also be present.

The UMCOR Deport is a ministry of the United Methodist Church.  It provides emergency response supplies for disaster and other emergencies in the US and internationally.  More info at UMCmission.org/UMCOR.

Questions: Contact Pastor Caleb or Barbara Dadd Shaffer

I’m grateful for you. See you Sunday!

With hope,

Pastor DJ

Federal Way United Methodist Church

“Walking in Faith, Reaching Out in Love.”

I’m with the DJ | August 14th

Continuing Our Series, Prayers for Fusion, and Exciting Updates

Beloved Church Family,

This Sunday, we continue our sermon series on the United Methodist Social Principles as we explore what it means to live out good news for the poor right here in our community. We’ll look at Luke 4:16–30 and consider how Jesus’ mission statement shapes our call to economic justice today. We will also relaunch children’s Sunday school during worship starting this Sunday.

I’d like to ask you to join me in prayer for the campers, residents, staff, and volunteers who are part of Fusion Adventure Camp this week. Six faith communities and individuals from outside faith traditions have come together to create a week filled with safety, joy, and learning for children from families experiencing homelessness. Please pray for lasting impact in their lives — for stability, healing, and hope that breaks cycles of injustice.

Don’t forget — our next Abundant Grace Free Market is coming up soon! This is an opportunity for neighbors to come and shop freely for what they need, and for us to share God’s love in tangible ways. Mark your calendars and consider how you might help.

Also, we have an exciting creation care update — the installation of our new solar panels is coming soon! These panels will allow our church to generate clean, renewable energy, lower our operating costs, and store power in large-capacity batteries so that our facilities can be a place of support during community power outages. This is part of our ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and caring for God’s creation.

Thank you for being a church that lives out our faith in word and action. I look forward to worshiping with you this Sunday!

Grace and peace,

Rev. DJ del Rosario

Federal Way United Methodist Church

I’m with the DJ | August 6th

Beloved Church Family,

A reminder that this Thursday from 6:00–7:00 PM, we’re holding our final trauma-informed training for those interested in volunteering on-site at Fusion Adventure Camp, which runs next week, August 11–15 from 8:30 AM–1:00 PM. This training is required for all on-site volunteers. Breakfast and lunch will be provided each day as we welcome and care for children in our community. Please contact the church office for more information.

If you’re unable to join us in person, please hold the children and leaders in prayer throughout the week. Your spiritual support makes a difference.

Also, this Sunday we begin a brand-new sermon series exploring the United Methodist Social Principles—a set of teachings that guide how we live out our faith in the world. These principles help us think theologically and act compassionately in areas like creation care, economic justice, human dignity, and community life.

Join us as we reflect on Scripture and consider how our faith invites us to work for a more just and loving world.

Please join me in keeping Phil F. in your prayers. He hasn’t been feeling well, and we lift him up with hope for healing, comfort, and strength.

Grateful to be on the journey with you,

Pastor DJ

🌎 Mission Moment: Sager Brown Opportunity

From Marissa Thompson, our Office Administrator and Youth Director:

“We are in the early stages of planning a mission trip to Sager Brown Depot in Baldwin, Louisiana—a hub for United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). If you’re interested in serving in hands-on mission work that supports global disaster relief efforts, this may be for you! Stay tuned for an interest meeting coming this fall.”

If you’d like to receive more information, email Marissa at the church office.

See you Sunday at 10:00am—come with your questions, your longings, and your hope.

You are always welcome here.

Pastor DJ

I’m with the DJ | July 25th

Beloved Church,

This Sunday, we’re beginning a brand-new two-week sermon series, “The Courage to Be Kind.”

In a world where division and retaliation often feel easier than grace, Jesus’ words in Luke 6:27–36 call us to something radical: “Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who mistreat you.”

Kindness, the way Jesus teaches it, isn’t just “being nice.” It’s an act of holy resistance—a choice to reflect God’s mercy even when it costs us something. Over these two weeks, we’ll explore what it looks like to live this kind of courageous, transformative kindness in our everyday lives.

This Sunday’s message, “The Courage to Be Kind,” will invite us to take one bold, practical step toward kindness this week—kindness that reflects the heart of God and changes the world around us.

We will also be welcoming new members during worship as well.

Join us for worship this Sunday at 10:00 a.m. as we step into this timely and challenging call together.

Also This Week at FWUMC:

🫙 Jars for Jamaa Letu

Don’t forget to bring your change (and dollars!) as we continue collecting donations to support the children’s home in the Congo. Every coin makes a difference!

🎒 Fusion Adventure Camp is Coming!

We’re just a few weeks away from Fusion Adventure Camp, happening August 11–15—and the excitement is building! This is our third year hosting the camp, and for the first time, Federal Way UMC is the lead church! We’re partnering with Christ Lutheran, Calvary Lutheran, and Auburn First UMC to offer a week of joy, stability, learning, and fun for children from families experiencing homelessness.

This year’s theme is “Big Emotions”—and our goal is to create a trauma-informed, loving space where every child is seen, heard, and celebrated. It’s one of the most sacred ministries we do all year.

🧡 Get Involved – You Make It Possible!

There are three key ways to support:

1. Volunteer – A trauma-informed training is required for all volunteers.

• Next training is Wednesday, August 7 at 6:30pm

• A volunteer meeting will follow the training.

• To sign up, please contact the church office.

2. Give – Your financial gifts help provide meals, supplies, and scholarships for campers. If you feel led to give toward Fusion, simply mark your gift with “Fusion Camp.”

3. Pray & Show Up – Your prayers, presence, service, and witness all matter deeply. Whether you’re serving snacks, organizing games, or praying from home, your presence helps make God’s love tangible.

🌎 Mission Moment: Sager Brown Opportunity

From Marissa Thompson, our Office Administrator and Youth Director:

“We are in the early stages of planning a mission trip to Sager Brown Depot in Baldwin, Louisiana—a hub for United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). If you’re interested in serving in hands-on mission work that supports global disaster relief efforts, this may be for you! Stay tuned for an interest meeting coming this fall.”

If you’d like to receive more information, email Marissa at the church office.

See you Sunday at 10:00am—come with your questions, your longings, and your hope.

You are always welcome here.

Pastor DJ

I’m with the DJ | July 17th

Dear Beloved Church Family,

This Sunday, we conclude our summer sermon series Questions That Shape Us with the question Jesus asks in John 1:38:

“What are you looking for?”

Before Jesus invites us to believe or behave, he invites us to search. To notice our deepest longings. To bring our ache and desire to the One who says, “Come and see.”

Whether you’ve been with us each week or are joining for the first time—this is a powerful message of hope and belonging you won’t want to miss.

Also This Week at FWUMC:

🫙 Jars for Jamaa Letu

Don’t forget to bring your change (and dollars!) as we continue collecting donations to support the children’s home in the Congo. Every coin makes a difference!

🎒 Fusion Adventure Camp is Coming!

We’re just a few weeks away from Fusion Adventure Camp, happening August 11–15—and the excitement is building! This is our third year hosting the camp, and for the first time, Federal Way UMC is the lead church! We’re partnering with Christ Lutheran, Calvary Lutheran, and Auburn First UMC to offer a week of joy, stability, learning, and fun for children from families experiencing homelessness.

This year’s theme is “Big Emotions”—and our goal is to create a trauma-informed, loving space where every child is seen, heard, and celebrated. It’s one of the most sacred ministries we do all year.

🧡 Get Involved – You Make It Possible!

There are three key ways to support:

1. Volunteer – A trauma-informed training is required for all volunteers.

• Next training is Wednesday, August 7 at 6:30pm

• A volunteer meeting will follow the training.

• To sign up, please contact the church office.

2. Give – Your financial gifts help provide meals, supplies, and scholarships for campers. If you feel led to give toward Fusion, simply mark your gift with “Fusion Camp.”

3. Pray & Show Up – Your prayers, presence, service, and witness all matter deeply. Whether you’re serving snacks, organizing games, or praying from home, your presence helps make God’s love tangible.

🛍 Abundant Grace Free Market – Donation Day this Sunday

We’re collecting items this Sunday for our next Free Market. Clothing, household goods, and children’s items are especially appreciated. Help us be a blessing to our neighbors in need.

🌎 Mission Moment: Sager Brown Opportunity

From Marissa Thompson, our Office Administrator and Youth Director:

“We are in the early stages of planning a mission trip to Sager Brown Depot in Baldwin, Louisiana—a hub for United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). If you’re interested in serving in hands-on mission work that supports global disaster relief efforts, this may be for you! Stay tuned for an interest meeting coming this fall.”

If you’d like to receive more information, email Marissa at the church office.

See you Sunday at 10:00am—come with your questions, your longings, and your hope.

You are always welcome here.

Pastor DJ

I’m with the DJ | July 10th

Dear Church Family,

We’re just a few weeks away from Fusion Adventure Camp, happening August 11–15—and the excitement is building! This is our third year hosting the camp, and for the first time, Federal Way UMC is the lead church! We’re partnering with Christ Lutheran, Calvary Lutheran, and Auburn First UMC to offer a week of joy, stability, learning, and fun for children from families experiencing homelessness.

This year’s theme is “Big Emotions”—and our goal is to create a trauma-informed, loving space where every child is seen, heard, and celebrated. It’s one of the most sacred ministries we do all year.

🧡 Get Involved – You Make It Possible!

There are three key ways to support:

1. Volunteer – A trauma-informed training is required for all volunteers.

• Next training is Wednesday, August 7 at 6:30pm

• A Zoom volunteer meeting will follow the training.

• To sign up, please contact the church office.

2. Give – Your financial gifts help provide meals, supplies, and scholarships for campers. If you feel led to give toward Fusion, simply mark your gift with “Fusion Camp.”

3. Pray & Show Up – Your prayers, presence, service, and witness all matter deeply. Whether you’re serving snacks, organizing games, or praying from home, your presence helps make God’s love tangible.

🎙️ This Sunday in Worship

Join us as Pastor Caleb continues our sermon series:

“Questions That Shape Us” from the Gospel of Luke.

We’re exploring how the questions Jesus asks us can change the way we live, listen, and lead in love.

🌎 Mission Moment: Sager Brown Opportunity

From Marissa Thompson, our Office Administrator and Youth Director:

“We are in the early stages of planning a mission trip to Sager Brown Depot in Baldwin, Louisiana—a hub for United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). If you’re interested in serving in hands-on mission work that supports global disaster relief efforts, this may be for you! Stay tuned for an interest meeting coming this fall.”

If you’d like to receive more information, email Marissa at the church office.

Thank you for being a church that doesn’t just talk about faith—but lives it out in community. I’m grateful for each of you and all the ways you show up with compassion and courage.

With hope,

Pastor DJ

Federal Way United Methodist Church

“Walking in Faith, Reaching Out in Love”

I’m with the DJ | July 2nd

Dear beloved community,

This Sunday at 10am, I invite you to join us for worship either in person or online as we continue our summer series, Questions That Shape Us. Each week, we’ve been listening closely to the questions Jesus asked not to test or trickbut to transform and deepen our discipleship.

This week’s question is a big one: “What do you live for?”

We’ll be turning to Mark 8:34–38 as our primary Scripture and reflecting on what it means to live with purpose, courage, and faith in a world full of distractions. It’s a challenging passage but it’s also an invitation into something deeper and more meaningful.

We will also celebrate Holy Communion, so if you’re worshiping online, please have bread and juice (or something sacred to you) ready. All are welcome at Christ’s table no exceptions.

Volunteers and support Needed: Fusion Adventure Camp

We’re also getting ready for our third year of Fusion Adventure Camp—a week of fun, learning, and adventure for kids in Kindergarten through 6th grade who live at Fusion Housing. It’s one of the most joy-filled and meaningful things we do all year, and we need your help to make it possible. Camp runs August 11–15, and we’d love to have you volunteer for a day or the whole week!

To sign up, email us at Office@fwumc.org and let us know you’re in!

Thank you for being a church that shows up—with grace, with purpose, and with hope.

🛍️ Abundant Grace Free Market – Saturday, July 5

Our next Abundant Grace event will be held Saturday, July 5 at the church. We’re always in need of volunteers and donations. It’s a beautiful way to serve and meet neighbors with dignity and care.

In addition to this new worship series, we are preparing for a Back-to-School kickoff in the fall for our children’s ministry! As we plan for the upcoming year, we’re looking to build a rotation of Sunday School teachers and assistants. If you have a heart for children and a willingness to serve once every 4–6 weeks, please reach out to our lay leader Ann Mayer.

As always, I’m grateful to walk this journey of faith with each of you.

With peace and hope,

Pastor DJ

Federal Way United Methodist Church

“Walking in Faith, Reaching Out in Love”

I’m with the DJ | June 26th

This Week at FWUMC: Pride, Prayer, Worship & Abundant Grace

Dear Beloved Church Family,

I hope this note finds you well and grounded in grace as we move into summer together.

Here are a few important updates and invitations for the week ahead:

🙏 Annual Conference | June 26–28

Pastors and lay members from across the Pacific Northwest are gathering this week for our Annual Conference. Please keep our clergy and lay delegates in your prayers as we worship, discern, and make decisions that shape the life of our church together.

⛪ This Sunday in Worship

We continue our series, Questions That Shape Us, with the message:

“What Good is Worry?”

Scripture: Luke 12:25–31

Jesus reminds us that worry can’t add a single hour to our lives—and yet we often find ourselves stuck in anxious patterns. Come and explore what it means to seek God’s kingdom and trust in divine provision, even in uncertain times.

I’m grateful for Magrey deVega’s faithful scholarship and insight, which help shape this series. If you want to read along or go deeper, I encourage you to check out his book Questions Jesus Asked.

🛍️ Abundant Grace Free Market – Friday, July 5

Our next Abundant Grace event will be held Friday, July 5 at the church. We’re always in need of volunteers and donations. It’s a beautiful way to serve and meet neighbors with dignity and care.

🗂️ Staff Update: Welcome Marissa Thompson

We’re excited to share that Marissa Thompson will officially begin as our new Office Administrator on June 23rd! She’ll be working 20 hours per week, primarily on-site during her first 90 days to support the transition and deepen her familiarity with our community’s rhythms.

Marissa will also continue serving as our Youth Director, dedicating 10 hours per week to nurturing and leading our youth ministries.

Please join me in welcoming Marissa into this expanded role and praying for her as she takes on this new season of ministry and leadership.

In addition to this new worship series, we are preparing for a Back-to-School kickoff in the fall for our children’s ministry! As we plan for the upcoming year, we’re looking to build a rotation of Sunday School teachers and assistants. If you have a heart for children and a willingness to serve once every 4–6 weeks, please reach out to our lay leader Ann Mayer.

🌈 Pride Gathering at Auburn First UMC

Join with affirming churches and friends for a time of celebration and connection!

Friday, June 28 | 9:00 AM – Noon

As always, I’m grateful to walk this journey of faith with each of you.

With peace and hope,

Pastor DJ

Federal Way United Methodist Church

“Walking in Faith, Reaching Out in Love”

I’m with the DJ | June 18th

This Sunday’s Question, Juneteenth Reflections, and a Staff Update

Dear beloved community,

This past Sunday, we took time in worship to reflect on Juneteenth not just as a celebration, but as a mirror and a mandate. We named it for what it is: a remembrance of delayed justice, and a calling to ongoing liberation.

We talked about Now and Later candy sweet and chewy, immediate and enduring. Just like the work of justice. Not something to savor only when it’s easy, but something we commit to now and later, until all are truly free.

As I said Sunday: our work as people of faith isn’t measured by what we say, but by what we build.

🔍 Sermon Series:

Questions That Shape Us

We’re journeying through a worship series called “Questions That Shape Us: Exploring the Transformative Questions of Jesus.” Inspired by Questions Jesus Asked by Rev. Dr. Magrey deVega, we’re not chasing answers—we’re making space for transformation.

Last week, we explored:

✅ “Who do you say that I am?” (Luke 9:18–27) — a question about identity, courage, and discipleship.

This Sunday, we move into a stormy story and a soul-piercing question:

🌊 “Why are you afraid?” (Matthew 8:23–27)

Jesus doesn’t scold the sea first—he speaks to the fear in his followers. This week’s message invites us to consider how fear shapes us, and how faith can reshape our response.

✨ Join Us | In Person or Online

📅 This Sunday at 10:30 a.m.

📍 Federal Way United Methodist Church

💻 Streaming on YouTube and our church website

Whether you’re walking through calm or chaos, you are welcome here. Let’s explore Jesus’ question together.

🧭 Annual Conference – June 26–28

Please keep me and others from our Pacific Northwest United Methodist connection in prayer as we prepare for Annual Conference, June 26–28. This is a time for worship, discernment, and the holy work of conferencing together across churches in our region.

🗂️ Staff Update: Welcome Marissa Thompson

We’re excited to share that Marissa Thompson will officially begin as our new Office Administrator on June 23rd! She’ll be working 20 hours per week, primarily on-site during her first 90 days to support the transition and deepen her familiarity with our community’s rhythms.

Marissa will also continue serving as our Youth Director, dedicating 10 hours per week to nurturing and leading our youth ministries.

Please join me in welcoming Marissa into this expanded role and praying for her as she takes on this new season of ministry and leadership.

With gratitude and grace,

Pastor DJ

Stay tuned for the rest of the summer series as we journey through more of Jesus’ challenging and compassionate questions.

I’m grateful for Magrey deVega’s faithful scholarship and insight, which help shape this series. If you want to read along or go deeper, I encourage you to check out his book Questions Jesus Asked.

In addition to this new worship series, we are preparing for a Back-to-School kickoff in the fall for our children’s ministry! As we plan for the upcoming year, we’re looking to build a rotation of Sunday School teachers and assistants. If you have a heart for children and a willingness to serve once every 4–6 weeks, please reach out to our lay leader Ann Mayer.

I’m with the DJ | June 12th

New Sermon Series & Fall Plans

Dear beloved church,

This Sunday, we begin a new six-week sermon series titled “Questions That Shape Us: Exploring the Transformative Questions of Jesus.” Inspired by Questions Jesus Asked by Magrey R. deVega, we’ll reflect on how Jesus used questions—not to quiz, but to transform. Each week we’ll sit with one of these profound questions, allowing it to open us to deeper discipleship, spiritual growth, and courageous living.

Here’s what’s coming up in worship in the coming weeks:

📖 June 15 – A Question of Identity

Scripture: Luke 9:18–27

Question: “Who do you say that I am?”

Theme: Identity and Discipleship

📖 June 22 – Faith in the Storm

Scripture: Matthew 8:23–27

Question: “Why are you so afraid?”

Theme: Trust in Chaos

Stay tuned for the rest of the summer series as we journey through more of Jesus’ challenging and compassionate questions.

I’m grateful for Magrey deVega’s faithful scholarship and insight, which help shape this series. If you want to read along or go deeper, I encourage you to check out his book Questions Jesus Asked.

In addition to this new worship series, we are preparing for a Back-to-School kickoff in the fall for our children’s ministry! As we plan for the upcoming year, we’re looking to build a rotation of Sunday School teachers and assistants. If you have a heart for children and a willingness to serve once every 4–6 weeks, please reach out to our lay leader Ann Mayer.

Lastly, a quick reminder: this Sunday is our Abundant Grace Donation Sunday. Please bring your gently used items to bless others through our free market. Donations can be dropped off before or after worship.