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IT'S THE 4th SUNDAY OF THE MONTH
Join us in person on Sunday at 10 a.m. for an opportunity to put faith into action! There will be a short introduction at 10 and then time to work on our ACT project together. Click here or see below for more information.
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 are very close to funding all 24 backpacks that we will pack Sunday!   We also have shipping costs donated for at least 15 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."
Mid-year Financial Update
From Wayne Bruning, FUMCB Finance Chairperson

The year 2020 brought FUMCB all kinds of unexpected challenges, but 2021 is proceeding much as we expected, or perhaps even better than expected with life returning almost to normal again.

Our finances are proceeding much as we planned for 2021, as well. Giving and expenses are down, and we are operating at a deficit, as expected, but a second Paycheck Protection Program loan helped defray some of that deficit leaving us in better-than-expected circumstances. Your giving is key to our financial stability thus far and shows your appreciation of high-quality worship, ACT Sunday events, community groups, and other programs which our staff continues to work hard to create.

The remainder of this year looks to be much as expected and the use of reserves should keep our mission strong. While we are dipping into reserves for the remainder of this year, this is not something we take lightly even though it is what we planned to do.  

We are working hard to find more tenants whose future rental income will help us make the most of our building’s assets to fund our various ministries.  One of the first steps has been taken and we have retained a rental broker to assist in finding new tenants and the search is underway. We have learned a lot through this process, already, including the recognition that not every organization will perfectly share our values, but we do hope to find tenants who will celebrate our role as a “Reconciling Congregation” and walk with us in our support of marginalized and vulnerable communities

Your continued financial support is critical to fulfilling our mission. We thank you for your generosity thus far and look forward to your continued support of our community and our mission endeavors in the future. Thank you!
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!
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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