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IT'S THE 3rd SUNDAY OF THE MONTH
We look forward to seeing you for virtual live worship this Sunday at 10 am,
complete with music and communion.

Worship Link www.fumcbellevue.org/online
Communion Link https://fumcbellevue.org/online/communion-link
The View from This Side of the Border
NEXT Wednesday, July 21
Register here. for this virtual event.

The rights of asylum seekers requesting protection at US borders, guaranteed by domestic law and international obligations, have effectively been suspended.  Unaccompanied children are arriving in never-before-seen numbers, others, who came earlier, have still not been reunited with their families.  And the asylum process in the US is excruciatingly slow. 

Join us in welcoming Aaron Tate, Director for Program Innovation for Church World Service’s Immigration and Refugee Program, who will bring us up to date on the current status of refugees and asylum seekers who have made it to this side of the border and share insights from allies on the ground along our southern border. 

 Church World Service advocates for better policies and stands in solidarity with faith and immigrant communities to help keep immigrant families together, defending America’s longstanding tradition of protecting the persecuted.  Their Refugee and Immigration offices in 17 different states provide services to newly arrived refugees and help them to learn new skills and integrate into their local communities.  For more information on Church World Service’s work, visit their website 
Refugee Welcome Backpacks and Cards (ACT Sunday)
Sunday, July 25th
10 am, Benson/Fellowship Hall

Church World Service (CWS) provides Welcome Backpacks to asylum seekers on this side of our southern border at shelters where families are welcomed and their immediate needs are met. These backpacks provide necessities for those who have arrived with few material possessions: food and water, children’s activities, a blanket, basic hygiene items, etc.  Each newly-arrived refugee also receives a message of hope through a Welcome Card.

We have funded 15 backpacks from our goal to fund 24!  We also have shipping costs donated for 8 of the 24.  If you would like to pay for one or more backpacks, ($50) and/or help with shipping costs ($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.
 
We'll gather in person on July 25th at 10 am to fill the backpacks and make the cards.  Bring a friend and join us!  Sign up here to let us know you'll be there to help!  In the meantime, please consider praying some of the phrases we will write on the welcoming cards as you consider these new neighbors:  "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."
Congregations for Kids
 Back to School Supply Drive (Funds and Backpacks, only)
Time once again to ensure that ALL children and youth in Bellevue start the school year with the appropriate school supplies!  As they did last year, Congregations for Kids would like you to help in one of two ways.
  • Fund a school supply kit specialized for a specific grade in Bellevue School District,  Costs per kit range from $13 for a Kindergarten/1st-grade kit to $18 for a 4th/5th-grade kit.  Fund as many kits as you would like by donating online or sending a check to the church (1934 108th Ave NE, Bellevue, 98004) with Back to School written on it.  All funds need to be at the church by Tuesday, August 3rd.
  • Or, donate a sturdy backpack for any grade level.  Please,  no slings or wheels or red backpacks, and larger backpacks should have padded backs and laptop compartments,  Backpacks should be dropped off at Spiritridge Elementary School gym (16401 SE 24th, Bellevue) Monday, August 9 (10-2) or Tuesday, August 10 (10-noon).
Please, no donations of anything but funds for school kits and backpacks.  They are unable to accept anything else this year.  Questions?  Email Laurie E!
JUBILEE SERVICE DAY 2021
Saturday, August 28th, 8 am - 12 noon
Serve at your neighborhood school or Clyde Hill Elementary, the church's nearest school
With the lifting of Covid restrictions and Bellevue School District (BSD) gearing up for in-person school in the fall, Jubilee Service Day, when volunteers help BSD schools get set up and organized before the children arrive, is on again for this year.  Sign up for the school where you'd like to serve, show up that day, and help wherever needed:  organizing books, stapling packets, using the copier, doing bulletin boards, etc. There's something for everyone, and the teachers are always so thankful for any help provided!  Plus, its fun!
Host Homes King County:  Please consider hosting a young adult with housing insecurity in your home for six months
Over 1,500 youth and young adults are unstably housed in King County. There are not nearly enough shelter beds to provide a place for homeless young people to sleep each night. Building new shelters cannot happen quickly or inexpensively enough. But did you know that there are over 200,000 empty bedrooms in King County? What if you could help support a young person in need of housing?

The Y Social Impact Center has launched a program that efficiently and effectively houses homeless young folks. Host Homes King County connects participants who are experiencing homelessness with supportive hosts in the community that have a spare room who can provide short-term, stable housing for a young person (18-24 years old) for up to 6 months. Hosts provide young people with the support needed to develop independent living skills, as well as a safe space to work toward becoming stable and self-sufficient. Most importantly, young people are able to build and expand their community.

It’s clear that our community wants to end homelessness, and individuals have struggled to find a way to get involved. Please consider becoming a Host Home. It will be life-changing for the young person.  It may even be life-changing for you too.

For more information on the Host Homes King County program, contact Kimberly Turner or visit their website.
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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