Virtural Sunday Worship 9:30 am

 Sunday Worship - Seventh Sunday of Easter

Service Reading & Music Below

Read more: Virtual Gatherings

Upcoming at Faith This Week

Dear Friends,

Sunday is the last of the Easter season, and what an Easter it’s been!  None of us could have possibly imagined our great festal season in the context we’re experiencing.  It may seem a meager balm, but I can’t tell you how many times I’ve given thanks that at least the pandemic struck in the springtime with its lengthening days and promise of resurrection.  The truth, of course, is that Easter is unstoppable; its promise arrives in the midst of war, plague, and tragedy.  There has been much to grieve this Easter season, but we rejoice even in the midst of death sure in the knowledge that the risen Christ moves, and influences, and loves through us. 

Mike and I regularly watch John Krasinski’s SGN (some good news) postings when they are aired online, and each week we are brought to tears by the kindness of so many folks who are determined to allow love and generosity take the lead in their lives rather than the pervasive fear that seems to infect so many of us these days.  I am filled with gratitude for the ongoing commitment you have shown to this community and one another; not only by attending our Zoom services on Sundays, but by your generous outpouring of love and care.  This is evidence of the Good News, the Risen One amongst us.  Christ is Risen Indeed!  Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

Laura+

Mask maker, mask maker, make me a mask! 

In anticipation of our return to the church building, I am asking those who sew to consider making a few masks for us to have on hand.  It will be a while before we’re back to worshipping the way we grew accustomed to; in the meantime, we will love one another by following the guidelines from the Diocese.  Wearing masks will be part of that effort.  Of course, bringing your own from home is preferable, but having a couple dozen washable masks for folks would be a great way to offer hospitality.

Read more: Upcoming Events

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!