Please join us for an important financial update meeting after worship service this coming Sunday, August 30, in the sanctuary.

Although we have cut expenses, income is down. We expect to end 2026 with a substantial budget deficit. Please join us for a presentation and discussion on FUMCO’s expected budget shortfall this year, what we are doing to “close the gap”, and what it means going forward into 2027 and beyond.

Affinity Nights are officially returning for a new program year! So join us on Wednesday, September 16th from 6:00-8:00pm for our annual BBQ & Lawn Games launch.

If you’re interested in helping prepare burgers and hotdogs for this event, please let Lauren know (multimedia@fumcoly.org)!

To learn more about what Affinity Nights will look like this year, check out our newsletter:
https://mailchi.mp/fumcoly/affinity-nights-8-18-26

On Monday, September 14th, Thurston Gun Sense invites you to a free public forum on preventing gun violence, which is the #1 killer of children and young adults in Washington and nationwide.

Two experts, whose mission is to find solutions to this tragic public health crisis, will address building partnerships in our communities and advocating for secure storage of firearms.

There will be a Q & A segment in the program.

Did you participate in the FUMCO Virtual Pilgrimage? We have printed stickers to commemorate the steps our congregation took in month through the spiritual practice of pilgrimage. The stickers will be available for anyone to grab after worship this Sunday or from the welcome desk. They will be stocked on a first-come first-serve basis.

Even if you didn’t participate in the step challenge itself, feel free to take a sticker anyway!

However, if you participated and don’t get a chance to grab a sticker this week, reach out to Lauren (multimedia@fumcoly.org). She’s set a few aside for this special reason.

As with most construction projects, this one is going longer than expected. We have run into complications with part of the roof. But the roof will likely be finished this week.

With the increased insulation requirements per code, we have had to lift the skylights several inches. Because of this, the inside drywall will need to be extended, textured, and painted. There will be plastic for containment under the skylights until that is completed, likely for only a week or so.

We have HVAC in the Narthex! Thank you for your patience with the heat in the building. The Gathering Place HVAC is still in process, but we have a small portable unit in there that cools the room well, so we have continued to use that room fully.

We are still waiting on the bell tower windows to arrive. The rest of the lower level outside work is mostly complete with the exception of the concrete sidewalk repair.

The upstairs doors are available now, and there is parking in the upper lot.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Kristin at ministrysupport@fumcoly.org.

Are you interested in kayaking with the South Sound Co-op?

The next opportunity to spend time with members of the other churches in the community is this Saturday, August 22th. We will launch from Tugboat Annie’s at 10am. Kayak rentals (and life vest) are available through this link: https://tugboatannies.com/kayak-rentals.

Contact Deb Williams (dijit65@gmail.com) to RSVP.

Our food supplies for our Free Little Food Pantry have dwindled considerably.

We are in great need of: canned protein with pull-tops, beverages, fruit (fresh or packaged), snacks, individual-sized cereals, shelf-stable milk, protein bars, crackers, and peanut butter (individual servings or small jars.) We could also use: plastic forks/spoons, paper bowls, paper lunch bags.

Bring your donations to the church office during business hours and we will make sure the pantry is refilled!

On Monday afternoon, Micky Vogel presented Donna Lowery with a Quilt of Valor. Micky made this beautiful quilt and had it registered with the QOV organization before presenting it to Donna.

Pastor Heather, Bea and Donna Gaddy were also present for the ceremony. Donna Lowery shared with them about her time in Vietnam, her lifelong career in the Army and some of her favorite moments from over the years.

We continue to pray for Donna, her health and healing as she recovers. If you’d like to send Donna a card, please drop them off in the church office and Bea will make sure they get to her.

You can learn more about the Quilt of Valor organization here:
https://www.qovf.org/about-qovf/our-history/.

Combatants For Peace Are Coming to Speak In Our Community:
Mark Thursday, September 24, 2026 on your calendars for an Interfaith Works sponsored evening presentation by 5 Combatants for Peace (venue yet to be determined.) Jesus taught us not to kill and to love our neighbors as ourselves. The Combatants For Peace Movement in the Near East is putting those commandments into practice. For 20 years Combatants for Peace have brought Israelis and Palestinians together to co-resist the Gaza Strip occupation and build a future for peace, equality and freedom for all. Their motto is “There Is a Better Way.” To learn more Google Combatants for Peace.

Host Families Needed:
The 2 men and 3 women Combatants for Peace representatives need accommodations for the nights of September 22nd, 23rd and 24th. If you are willing to host one of these guests for a night or two at your home please contact Rev. Corey Passons at corey@interfaithworks.org.

The Faith Network for immigrant support (FNIS) is sponsoring the Detention Lottery Play which will be open to the Olympia area public held in our FUMCO sanctuary October 3rd @7 pm.

Proceeds will go to two local immigrant support funds, AGUA, & ADVOCATES FOR IMMIGRANTS IN DETENTION NORTHWEST. Tickets will be free with online registration and the option for donation will be published next month here in the Courier and on The Detention Lottery play website: https://odonnellplaywright.com/the-detention-lottery/.

The Detention Lottery takes the audience past today’s scary headlines and news clips, directly into the detention courtroom. We witness desperate conferences between detainees and attorneys, realizing that these few moments together could determine their future forever. We sit in the courtroom where decisions are rendered, seeing for ourselves the justice being served in our name. After the approximately 45 minute play there will be a question & answer session with real life immigration lawyers to hear what’s happening right now in courts and detention centers in Washington State.

Hundreds of homes and lives have been forever changed by the wildfires that broke out across Eastern Washington and the Spokane area on August 1, the most devastating in a summer marked by fires and disasters across our region. As containment increases there, recovery for Spokane and other affected communities is only beginning, and your prayers, presence, and gifts make that walk alongside them possible.

You are invited to respond with urgency and generosity by giving to the PNW Conference Disaster Fund (Advance #352) or the UMCOR Advance #901670. Visit this page for complete information about how to give.

United Methodist volunteers have already been active staffing a UMCOR table at the Disaster Assistance Center at Shadle Park High School in Spokane over the weekend, handing out kits, prayerful support, and resources to survivors. They are also attending community meetings, making connections, and developing plans for future recovery efforts.

First, thank you for your patience with all the chaos and confusion around the construction at the main entrance to the building. As you can imagine, it hasn't been exactly what we’d planned for.

The project is moving along well. The roof should be completed by Friday. This means that there will be fewer dumpsters and better access to the main doors and also that the new HVAC unit will be installed before Sunday, August 16th. While that does not provide a/c for the Sanctuary, it does help provide some cooling in there. Our new units will be 2x-3x more efficient than our old units.

If you look up into the skylights, you will see some new wood. With the change in building codes, our new roof is thicker and thus the skylights had to be raised. In the next few weeks, there will be new drywall and paint on the inside to finish that, but until then you can see the skylight framing.

Much of the outside work has been done on the area outside the Gathering Place that was the site of the downed tree. There are a few other things to get done, like repairing the sidewalk, but all those repairs are all on track. The inside work will be done during the week of August 17th and we should have the Gathering Place restroom available for use again within a week or two.

As always, if you have any questions, reach out to Kristin (ministrysupport@fumcoly.org).

This month, we’ll be screening Honk For Jesus, Save Your Soul.

Honk For Jesus (2022) is a mockumentary critiquing the culture of “mega-churches” in America. Starring Sterling K Brown and Regina Hall as the disgraced pastor and first lady of a Southern Baptist church, the film follows their attempt to make a triumphant comeback after a horrific scandal allegedly involving the pastor soliciting young boys. They plan to reopen  on Easter Sunday… while feuding with a rival couple who’ve scooped up much of their old congregation.

We'll be showing the movie upstairs at First Olympia UMC in The Redwood Room THIS Sunday, August 16th @12:30pm. There will be a light lunch provided before/during the screening. The discussion will be held the next day Monday, August 17th at 7pm in a hybrid-style. This means you’re welcome to join us in-person at First Olympia UMC or on our normal Zoom link. However you’d prefer to connect, we hope to have you there! If you're interested in either the screening and/or the discussion, please RSVP here: https://fumcoly.breezechms.com/form/ARFCHonk4Jesus.

For all UWiF members, their families, and those interested in joining UWiF, it’s time to gather around Sue and Terry's pool once again to celebrate summer next Wednesday, August 12 at noon!

Please text or email Sue with your name, number in car, hamburger/hot dog preferences and which delicious side or dessert you will be bringing. We are looking forward to our festive summer gathering!

You may text: (770) 843-2790 or email: sueraymond@bellsouth.net.

Lord, have mercy on us as we find ourselves in this space of grief once more.

At least three people are dead, four more are injured – including one toddler – as these words are typed. Another shooting. This one in Seattle, just blocks from our First United Methodist Church community.

A Sunday evening where folks were gathered to celebrate the diversity of God’s humanity through food and fun has now been shattered by another senseless act of gun violence.

I am saddened by this loss of life. I am also outraged by what gun violence does — not only to human bodies, but to families, communities, and our willingness to gather, celebrate, and enjoy one another.

Our prayers are with the victims, their families, and all those traumatized by Sunday’s shooting.

But I have to admit, as your bishop, I’m tired of writing these messages and I’m sure you’re tired of reading them. Words begin to feel hollow when they aren’t followed by action.
As United Methodists and followers of Christ we stand firm in our belief that violence is never the answer and that gun violence is an epidemic in this country. The only way this cycle can end is by addressing the policies and politics that continue to put our neighbors – toddlers – in harms way.

We must call upon elected officials, businesses, corporations, and community leaders to support policies and practices that reduce gun violence and make our neighborhoods and public gathering places safer. Every one of us has the capacity to do the loud and quiet work this kind of advocacy requires.
 
Prayer cannot become a substitute for the difficult work of change. That work also comes closer to home.

Our faith teaches us that every person is of sacred worth and that we belong to one another. When one suffers, we all suffer. Therefore, we must continue to show up.

We must show up for those who have lost loved ones.
We must show up for those who are injured and traumatized.
We must show up for those who feel alone and without hope.
We must show up for those who do not yet know—or have forgotten—that their lives have meaning.

We are already living in a time when so much tempts us to withdraw and isolate ourselves. Violence of this magnitude can deepen that temptation. It can cause us to hide, become suspicious of one another, and retreat from the public spaces where community is formed.
 
We must not surrender our belonging to fear. We cannot allow hatred, violence, or fear to determine how we move through the world or dictate how we show up with and for one another. Our desire to gather and our need for human connection are too strong—and too sacred—to be stripped from us by anyone’s grievance, ideology, hatred, or violent impulse.

Jesus calls us to be in dialogue with one another, to see the face of God in each other so that we might work together to make the kin-dom of God real here on earth.

In moments like these, we find ourselves searching in the dark for scripture that can maybe help us make sense of what’s happened. There is no making “sense” here, but I take comfort in this week’s lectionary from Romans 8: 26 & 27

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness, for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes[a] with groanings too deep for words. And God, who searches hearts, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

May we continue to reach for and teach the bold love of Christ in all that we do, because together is the only way forward,

- -

Bishop Cedrick D. Bridgeforth
GNW Episcopal Area

Just a reminder that starting this weekend, the a/c will be unavailable in the Narthex and Gathering Place. While the forecast is for low-mid 70's, it's possible it will get warm in the building. Depending on how long it takes to replace the roof, we will have a/c back in the building within a couple of weeks.

If you are sensitive to the heat, we invite you to worship online at: https://www.youtube.com/@FirstUMCOlympia

We've gotten lots of questions now that the construction is underway. While we expect some adjustments and delays along the way, you can read about what the plan is for the church here: https://mailchi.mp/fumcoly/between-sundays-6-30-10383686

If you have any questions, please reach out to Kristin at ministrysupport@fumcoly.org.

On Sunday mornings this Summer, we're learning about the Spiritual Practice of pilgrimage. But we don't need to travel the world to put these lessons into practice right now!

During the month of August, We hope you'll join us in a "Virtual Pilgrimage." Whether you're taking an evening stroll or grocery shopping, every step you take can add to our total distance. And from the other side, may we look back and see just how far we've come alongside one another.

To participate, click the link below! It will prompt you to download an app called “Challenge Hound” where we’re hosting the pilgrimage. This activity is 100% free for all participants. The Journey Begins on August 1st!

https://www.challengehound.com/join/cf5d48a0-8549-11f1-83f5-fb2252de3764

In our deepest struggles like grief, illness, loss, and loneliness, God’s love provides the strength and air to keep going. GILLS is a faith-filled support group to help you breathe again. Find strength in the School.

Every Wednesday morning from 10:30-noon, join the GILLS group at St Andrews UMC in Lacey (540 School St SE). This group will be facilitated by Jill Marvin, PsyD.

For more information, email jillmarvinpsyd@gmail.com or call the St. Andrews UMC church office: (360) 491-2030.

Green bags will be handed out this coming Sunday, July 26.  Fill your bag with Canned protein, Peanut Butter, Mac n' Cheese, and Menstrual products.  

Bring your filled bag back to the church on August 2. Toni needs a volunteer to help transport the donations to the warehouse on August 8. If you can help please reach out to tonimik@comcast.net.

The Friendship Hikers enjoyed a beautiful hike on July 11th to Deer and Sand Lake in  the White Pass ski area—a spectacular day of appreciating/managing all that nature has to offer, including wildflowers and mosquitos!

If you’re interested in joining the group again on the trail, the next hike will be offered on two separate days: Wednesday, August 5 and Saturday, August 8. Please reach out to Mae Wharton (maewharton@gmail.com) for more information on time, location, and hike difficulty.

This year marks the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and you are invited to be part of an important conversation about disability justice, accessibility, and belonging in the Church.

Repent and Repair: A Call to Disability Justice 36 Years After the ADA will take place July 24–26 at Bothel UMC as a hybrid conference, offering both in-person hub locations and virtual participation. Together, we'll explore how our churches can move beyond accessibility toward true inclusion, ensuring that people of all abilities are welcomed, valued, and able to fully participate in the life of the Church.

The conference will feature inspiring worship, engaging keynote speakers, interactive workshops, panel discussions, and opportunities for fellowship. Topics include disability theology, neurodiversity, universal design, accessibility, and practical ways congregations can create more inclusive ministries.

Whether you're a pastor, ministry leader, volunteer, caregiver, or simply someone who wants to help build a more welcoming church, this conference offers encouragement, education, and practical tools to help us live out Christ's call to love and include all people.

Registration is $25. We encourage everyone interested in creating a more accessible and inclusive church to prayerfully consider attending.

For more information: https://www.pnwumc.org/event/repent-and-repair-a-call-to-disability-justice-36-years-after-the-ada/

To register, please visit the conference registration page: https://bothellumc.breezechms.com/form/30355020

Are you interested in kayaking with the South Sound Co-op? The next opportunity to spend time with members of the other churches in the community is on Sat, July 18th at Owen Teach in Tacoma. All trips will begin at 9am. This location has rentals available and are typically about $30.

Contact Deb Williams (dijit65@gmail.com) to RSVP.

This month, we’ll be screening Dance Me Outside (1994).

Described on it’s DVD box art as “Bill And Ted on the reservation,” Dance Me Outside (1994) is a teen buddy comedy with a tragic twist. Silas and his best friend Frank are applying for Mechanics school in the city… but first they need to write an essay about their lives on a First Nations reserve in Canada. Silas’s story gets more and more complicated when his sister brings home her white husband, an old friend returns from prison, and a peer is murdered after a community dance. Through a series of short vignettes, we see the boys react to their community’s outrage when the legal systems fails them.

We'll be showing the movie upstairs at First Olympia UMC in The Redwood Room THIS Sunday, July 19th @12:30pm. There will be a light lunch provided before/during the screening.

The discussion will be held the next day Monday, July 20th at 7pm in a hybrid-style. This means you’re welcome to join us in-person at First Olympia UMC or on our normal Zoom link. However you’d prefer to connect, we hope to have you there!

If you're interested in either the screening and/or the discussion, please RSVP here:
https://fumcoly.breezechms.com/form/ARFCDanceOutside.

If you purchased Baseball tickets for the July 19th game, they will be available for pickup this Sunday July 12 after worship at the church office. If you did not purchase tickets, but would like to attend, we have a few extra tickets available. Contact Kristin at ministrysupport@fumcoly.org for more info.

The baseball game will be @1:30pm on Sun, July 19th at Cheney Stadium in Tacoma. Please let Miss Bea know if you plan to sing the national anthem with our kids choir.

Join Interfaith Works for a screening of the film Fish War on Thursday, July 9th @6:30pm. The screening will be held at The United Churches of Olympia (110 11th Ave SE, Olympia, WA 98501). Stay after the screening for a special Q&A with Hanford McCloud—a traditional fisherman and cultural leader from the Nisqually Indian Tribe.

When the state of Washington started arresting Indigenous tribal fishers, it was a declaration of war. Scores of legal battles culminated in a landmark Supreme Court case that was meant to put an end to the violent Fish Wars. Fifty years later, the fight for salmon continues.