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Hello church! This is the Fourth Sunday of the month, so it's time for Action to Change Things (ACT) through social justice. 

HELPING HUNGRY CHILDREN IN BELLEVUE
Creating 1000 Backpack Meals for Kids (ACT Sunday)
Sunday, April 25th, 10 - 11:30 am
Sign up here 
Every day children go hungry in Bellevue. Close to 250 Bellevue students are unsheltered. Approximately 3400 (17%) of the students qualify for free or reduced meals, including 57% of children at one elementary school, 44% at one middle school, and 38% in one high school. For many students, the only meal they get is at school. Backpack Meals is there to fill in the gap, providing food for the weekend and over the summer when schools are not in session.

We'll be packing 1,000 backpacks this Sunday, April 25th so that preschoolers in the district have something to eat on weekends through the end of the school year. We'll be masked, socially distanced, and outside, if at all possible. It is going to take all of us to accomplish this task, so register now so we know we can count on you! The food we are packing will all be prepackaged and preordered, but if you would like to support the project financially that would be wonderful. Please donate here. Questions? Email Laurie E.
 

2021 Finance Update

Our financial results through March 31st were very close to expectations. Giving was slightly above projections and expenses were slightly below budget. Thank you!

There was, however, still a significant operating deficit for the quarter, which was anticipated. Our second Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan/grant should cover the operating deficit into May. After that we will face a funding gap and will begin using reserves to support our mission. Additional giving would allow us to “stretch” our reserves, of course, and help ensure we continue to fulfill our mission. Please prayerfully consider donating a portion of a stimulus check or savings if possible.

While PPP funds and use of reserves will help meet our needs in 2021, we will continue to face a funding gap beyond 2021. Anticipated giving and tenant income at former levels will not be sufficient to support our mission. A task force has been formed to explore ways to fill the gap and is feeling hopeful that there are measures we can take that will provide necessary funds. More to come in the next several months.

Your continued financial support is critical to fulfilling our mission. We are doing church differently while making a difference in the world. The 35+ people signed up to help at this Sunday’s ACT event and the 50+ people who enjoyed the spiritual practice of our Good Friday service are proof of that! We thank you for your past support and look forward to being able to support our community and our mission endeavors in the future.

Thank you!

Book Group
The next meeting of the FUMCB Book Group will be held on Wednesday, May 19th, 2021, at 1 pm via Zoom. Darlene P will host the meeting. The selection for May is a non-fiction book published in 2017 by Jason Fagone. It is entitled: “Woman Who Smashed Codes; a True Story of Love, Spies, and the Unlikely Heroine Who Outwitted America’s Enemies. If you have questions, please contact Phyllis B or Darlene H.

Asian American/Pacific Islander (AAPI) Discrimination
AAPI discrimination is not new, but recent events have brought the issue to the forefront. What are the impacts of AAPI stereotypes on the AAPI community, on our policies and systems, and, in our everyday interactions? To find info and answers, check out The Smithsonian video series "We Are Not a Stereotype". Topics range from The Bamboo Ceiling to the Model Minority Myth, and Asian/Black solidarity movements. If you'd like to go one step further to be part of a virtual small group discussion of these issues and resources, please email Laurie Edwards.  

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. 
  • To leave a message for any of us, call the church office! We check messages remotely.
  • For other needs email Aya in our 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:
  • Prayers for baby Marlow, Marcia's nephew’s premature infant daughter, in a Denver NICU in critical condition. Prayers for her parents, Tara and Josh, for comfort, courage and strength as they go through this stressful and painful time. 
  • 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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