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IT'S THE 3rd SUNDAY OF THE MONTH
We look forward to seeing you for virtual worship this Sunday at 10 am.
Worship Link www.fumcbellevue.org/online
Refugee Welcoming Backpacks and Cards
ACT Sunday, July 25th at 10 am
Helping Others
Most commonly from Central America, asylum seekers arrive with few material possessions, having survived a grueling journey, detention, etc.  Along the border, shelters have been created as short-term places of respite where families are welcomed and their immediate needs are met. Along with information on the asylum process and travel arrangements to reach family members and welcoming communities, Church World Service (CWS) and other humanitarian/religious organizations provide some necessities upon arrival:  food and water, children’s activities, a blanket, basic hygiene items, etc.  WE HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO HELP AND PROVIDE HOPE, too.
 
The CWS Welcome Backpacks that we will fill on Sunday, July 25th contain these vital supplies for newly arrived refugees.  The cards that we will create to welcome these new neighbor will, we hope, begin to ease the burden of a life left behind out of fear and a future full of unknowns.

Sign up here to let us know you'll be there to help!

Decorating Welcome Cards 
If you would be interested in decorating the fronts of any welcome cards, prior to July 25th, with scrapbooking materials or original art, please email Laurie to let her know!

Paying for the Backpacks
Our goal is to fund and fill 24 backpacks and make 100 cards.  While the cost of the cards is minimal, the backpacks are a significant investment.  Please, consider paying for one or more backpacks, which cost about $50 each to fill and/or help with shipping costs (about $20/each). Click here to donate online, or send a check to the church (1934 108th Ave NE, Bellevue, 98004) with Welcome Backpack on the memo line.

Pray for our New Neighbors
Over the next few days as we celebrate our country’s independence and the freedoms we enjoy, please pray for the asylum seekers at our southern border..  You may want to meditate on some of the phrases we will write on the welcoming cards;  "We welcome you, and pray for blessings for you and your family. You aren’t alone; we are with you. We care about you and are glad you are here."
 

Lectio Divina
Mondays from 4 - 5:30
Join here. Lectio Divina is a contemplative method of reading the Bible with ‘the ear of the heart’ so as to be transformed, more than simply informed, by the text. We hope this group will help us focus on how the Bible can help to navigate this cultural moment and uplift us with needed hope in this season of upheaval.
STAFF:  We're here for you!
  • To sign up for a time to meet with Pastor Phil, click here. 
  • To sign up for a visit with Laurie, click here. 
  • You can email Chris Curia or email Vanessa  Perkins, our interns.
  • To leave a message for any of us, call the church office! We check messages remotely.
  • For other needs, email the office: Changes in your contact information, emergency contact information (if you would like to provide that), opting out to receive reminder texts on Sundays, a paper copy of the directory, your Care Circle list, etc. 
 
For Your Prayers
Consider spending some time this week in a moment of quiet reflection or prayer. Consider praying for the following
  • Please pray for the members of the Duwamish Tribe, as well as all those whose ancestors lived on these lands from time immemorial.
  • Please pray for all of our LGBTQ neighbors.
  • Please pray for the protestors.
  • Please pray for our country to be less divided
  • Please pray for the health of our community and those affected by COVID-19.
  • Please pray for Pastor Joe and his LGBTQ+ friendly medical clinic and church in Kenya
  • Please pray for Pastor Phil for wisdom, strength, and vision
  • The mission and vision of our Church 
  • Our church family and friends
  • The local community and our neighbors 
  • The United Methodist Church
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