The Holy Spirit is Moving

Beloved in Christ,

I heard from some people about confusion introduced by my column in last week’s newsletter on the new superintendency model for churches in our conference. I apologize for making a confusing situation no less confusing, and maybe even more so. For now, what we need to know is that our main contact among the superintendency team is Rev. Mark Galang, who is the superintendent of churches to the north of us and in other areas surrounding Seattle. Rev. Galang was in worship with us on Sunday and offered our benediction. After worship on Sunday, he was interested to get a tour of our building, hear about our property discernment process, and meet many of those who were with us in person at Coffee Chat. He has also invited us to host a district training for the Puget Sound district in October. The date for that training has yet to be determined. He is interested in getting to know more of our congregation and may be able to attend some of our congregational events this fall to hear stories and learn what is important in our context.

You may be interested to know more about our property discernment process as well. Our Faithland team has continued to work with our consultants from LPA to hone the criteria by which we will select a development partner. Work continues and we expect that we will begin soliciting interested partners in the fall, in time to make a recommendation for a vote at Charge Conference, likely in late November. Our Leadership Board will share our process, criteria, hopes, and goals with the Sea-Tac Board of Church and Location when they meet this fall. Once a developer is selected and the church has agreed to work with them because their values align with our values, then we will start to have a better idea of what a potential development might really look like and how future neighbors will interact with the church.

In addition, there is good news about another ongoing project. We’ve just confirmed a date for our Day of Service and Learning 2.0, on September 27. This year, instead of a Back to School Party, we will be hosting a Fall Festival for children and families in residence at Riverton Park UMC and Fairwood UMC, most of whom are asylum seekers, new to the country, and awaiting legal proceedings. The General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) of the UMC is offering $2,000 Mustard Seed grants to help with outreach ministries to immigrants and refugees. A member of our Service Team is researching whether the Day of Service and Learning 2.0 might be a project that could qualify for that grant program, to help defray costs. To prepare volunteers for the event and educate ourselves, Service Team will also host a Lunch and Learn on September 7 at Haller Lake UMC where more will be shared about the background and situation in the countries of origin for the residents. More information will be coming soon on ways to get involved, especially how to donate food for the event or goods that the residents need.

Beyond the processes we already have in motion, summer is proving to be a time of rich connections with neighbors and allies in our ministry setting. Just last week, I had multiple people in our community contact me to talk about possible future projects together. The Girl Scouts are interested in partnering with us to help out with painting and gardening around the church and also participate in some of our upcoming service projects. A resident at a nearby assisted living facility expressed interest in possibly starting a shared mid-week worship experience. The Haller Lake Community Club contacted us about participating in an upcoming event there. It’s too early to say where any of these possibilities may lead or how we might be called to learn and transform because of our interactions with newcomers. It is clear that the Spirit is on the move, though. I’m thankful for the many ways that you all are open to what the future may hold and how you are helping to listen and share what you hear about where Spirit’s invitations might lead.

Many summer blessings,

-Pastor Laura