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Beloved in Christ,
 
This week and last week have been packed on my calendar with connections to our community. I feel like I’m getting a crash course in the stories that matter to our friends and neighbors and those with whom we are in relationship. Here’s a brief summary of some of what I’m up to.

  • Last week, our Faithland Team went to the Habitat for Humanity office for the first time, toured their facility, and made plans to have the Memorandum of Understanding about our new partnership signed by the end of the month. We hope to begin working toward a Purchase and Sale agreement, so that Habitat’s due diligence period can begin and applications for funding and permits for the new homes can move forward this summer.
  • I attended the White Privilege Conference Thursday through Saturday, attending sessions that will help me more effectively lead the Microagressions small groups that are forming, naming how racism impacts institutions like the church, and recognizing how race and other identities intersect. At this conference, I also spent time with several other pastors and leaders in the Greater NW area who are working on anti-racism as well.
  • On Sunday, worship with Edmonds UMC to celebrate Earth Day with them while you welcomed Nick Davenport as guest preacher at Haller Lake UMC led to many stories being shared. The publication, “My Edmonds News” was on hand to publish and article about the Earth Day celebration at church, featuring many different ways that they are putting their faith into action. You can read the full article here:https://myedmondsnews.com/2026/04/committed-to-honoring-the-land-edmonds-united-methodist-hosts-earth-day-services/.
  • This week, I’ll be meeting with the Commission for Environmental Stewardship on Wednesday to plan our priorities for the coming year and set things in motion for Annual Conference presentations, grant funding cycles to help congregations pay for solar panels and heat pumps, and to create on-ramps for all 200 congregations in our conference to participate in climate action.
  • On Thursday, I’ll be at Camp Indianola with many others from around the conference and beyond to help the Camp, The Suquamish tribe, and Puget Soundkeepers to clean up after winter brought dangerous conditions due to debris being washed up on the beach.
  • Then on Friday, I’ll conclude the week with the District Committee on Ministry meeting with candidates for ministry who seek accompaniment and discernment support as they move toward pastoral appointments and possible ordination.

I appreciate the many ways that you support me as your pastor in making these connections. More than that though, I appreciate that you are are also active in the community and reaching out to friends and neighbors, putting your faith into action, listening to the stories that matter, and responding with love and grace. All that said, I’m still here for you and available if you need anything. Don’t hesitate to email or call. I hope to hear from you soon.
 
With gratitude and grace,
Pastor Laura