Local Church

In a letter to his church, Rev. Mike Graef names some of the disappointment many feel celebrating Easter in these COVID-19 times. While sharing this disappointment, he reminds us that the true Easter experience doesn't require these things.

"Because there is so much darkness in the world, I don’t think there has been a better time for us to be Christians and to let our light shine." Port Hadlock Community UMC Pastor Scott Rosekrans shares how a little light can make a big difference.

The news of a possible agreement, pending General Conference approval, to allow traditionalist churches to leave The United Methodist Church has prompted many conversations in local churches. Many pastors like Rev. Kelly Dahlman-Oeth are working to proactively answer questions and prepare their congregations for what may come next.

As the Christmas holiday arrives, it's important to remember that fraudsters are most eager to take advantage of the benevolence and trusting nature of church members. Be proactive and keep your people safe!

"I don’t think it’s right to mix politics and religion," said Dorene, "but maybe Jose was kind of like a prophet." June Darling eloquently shares how a unconventional attendee of the Cashmere United Methodist Church pushed the edges out to help others to grow just "a tidbit more patient."

Port Hadlock Community UMC pastor Scott Rosekrans shares how a chance encounter on a Sunday afternoon gave him the opportunity to meet a new neighbor. The church's new Advent study had him at the church when it would normally be empty and provided a lesson which perfectly aligned with his encounter.

As pastor of Community UMC in Port Hadlock, Wash., Scott Rosekrans has encouraged his church to engage in mini-missions like their current "Socktober." This year, that project delivered big with a unexpected, maybe even miraculous, donation.

"For those of you who never went to North Mason UMC in Belfair, the Tree of Life was the centering theme for the sanctuary and the spiritual life of the church." The Rev. Justin White shares this beautiful reflection on the closing of the church and the life it will "continue to birth."

The Reconciling Ministries team at Auburn First UMC is presenting a mini-workshop entitled Supporting the Transgender – A Medical and Spiritual Journey to be held on Saturday, September 14 at the church.

Once a month for the last year-and-a-half, Ephrata UMC has hosted a Memory Café for those who suffer from memory loss illnesses such as dementia and Alzheimer’s as well as their caregivers. Kristen Caldwell shares their story.