Upcoming at Faith This Week

Dear Friends,

I recently began listening to Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s latest book, “Love is the Way:  Holding on to Hope in Troubling Times,” and all I can think of is how much I want you all—y’all—to read this!  Bishop Curry addresses questions he’s received from folks all over regarding his claim that love is the answer; the way through, the way to peace, the way to understanding, the WAY.  He uses examples from his life and the life of the church to illustrate how, time and again, love has enabled a choice or path that is life-giving, and relationships where there didn’t seem to be the possibility at all.   I commend this book to you; perhaps we can use it as an Advent book study this year.  I have a feeling that once I finish it, I’ll undoubtedly be ready to read it again.  I have laughed out loud and been moved to tears by the stories Bishop Curry shares; he is encouraging, authentic, thoughtful, and admirable, and I am so thankful he is the primate of our church.

This book is one of the surprising joys I have encountered lately and if it seems as if I am going on and on about it, it’s because I am.  I have decided to proclaim the joys I find and share them.  What are you joyful about?  Please take note and, if you’re willing, share them with us on Sunday.  I’d love to hear them.  It is always important to claim joy when it blesses us, and, to find ways to engage in activities that give us joy.  Especially now.

God bless you all.

Joyfully yours,

Vicar Laura+

Read more: Upcoming Events

Sunday Worship 9:30 am

Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost

This Sunday’s Readings: Exodus 33:12-23 Psalm 99 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 Matthew 22:15-22 Download this page as a Word Document

This Sunday’s Readings:

Read more: Virtual Gatherings

Memorial Garden Sculptures

Jackson Foster continues to craft beautiful artwork for us.  Our memorial garden is populated with stations of the cross, and plans are underway to make that place a spot of respite and contemplation for everyone.

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Singers Without Borders presents Push That River On

Singers Without Borders presents Push That River On by Tom James

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Diocese Guide for Gatherings In Person

To the Good People of God in the Diocese of Olympia,

We live in interesting times. That might be one of the greatest understatements I have heard lately, but no doubt it is true. These have been especially interesting days for the church. We have learned a lot. We still have lots to learn. We have gained perspective on things we often took for granted, and we have learned of things that are not that important after all. In the face of all of this, we still have each other, and most importantly, an amazing God who loves us all and wishes only the best for us. I put my hope in those two things right now – each of you and our God.

 This document (A Guide to Gathering in Person: The Diocese of Olympia’s Phased-In Plan for Resuming In-Person Worship and Activities) has been worked on by our diocesan staff, with review by others in the diocese with expertise in these areas. It is loosely but carefully mirrored off of the four-phase plan offered by our governor this past week. It is offered to all of you as a roadmap to what our future might look like in the days ahead as we phase-in our return to face-to-face encounters. I think it is very safe to say, this will not be fast. As our governor has said so well, this will not be like turning on a light switch, but more like slowly turning the dial – and the turning will be going on for a while. It also might be two turns forward and then one back. This is new for all of us. I am blessed to be walking through it with all of you.

Read more: Diocese Guide for Gatherings In Person

Presiding Bishop's Message to the Church May 4, 2020 Note: Please use this version of the Presiding Bishop’s Word to the Church when sharing. It includes a reference to the What Would Love Do? companion resources. Thank you.   Note: the following information is presented in English, Spanish and French Aviso: La siguiente información se presenta en inglés y en español y en francés Note: Les informations suivantes sont présentées en anglais et en espagnol et en français   Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s Word to the Church: What Would Love Do? [April 29, 2020] A [Word%20to%20the%20Church]Word to the Church (https://episcopalchurch.org/concerning-covid19) regarding the rubric of love during the COVID-19 pandemic from the Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church:   In the midst of this COVID-19 pandemic, we are now at another one of those threshold moments when important and significant decisions must be made on all levels of our global community for the good and the well-being of the entire human family. In this moment, I would ask you to allow me to share with you a Word to the Church: What Would Love Do? (Companion resources available here; https://episcopalchurch.org/concerning-covid19.)

Read more: News from the Bishop

Bishop Rickel’s 10 Rules for Respect

I every Letter of Agreement Bishop Rickel has with congregations, and now with the Diocese of Olympia he has asked that the “10 Rules for Respect” spelled out below be made part of the agreement. He first saw these in an article by Church of the Nazarene pastor Charles Christian. He believes that they are quite helpful in framing our communication and life together.

He vows to do his best to follow them and invites you to do the same. We will all fail, but through gentle challenge and loving encouragement these can become a foundation for healthy communication for us all.

Faith’s Bishop’s Committee also uses this model as a rule for how we conduct our business and are in relationship with one another.

Read more: 10 Rules for Respect

Faith Family Fun Day Photos!

Photos of our first Annual Faith Family Fun Day are now available!  

This was a great opportunity for us to get to know one another and everyone who uses the church facilities.  Most importantly, plenty of time for us to visit and enjoy our community.  We look forward to seeing you at our 2nd Annual Family Fun Day in 2019!