Missions

We believe that the life of Jesus and the witness of the Bible call Christians to serve the poor, the powerless and the vulnerable. We at Lake Washington UMC respond to this call in a number of ways.

At least once a year, a team of members, both youth and adults, participate in a one-week mission trip to serve those in need. In 2006, we sent teams to Biloxi, Mississippi , and New Orleans to help with clean up and rebuilding after the damages wrought by Hurricane Katrina. In past years, groups have gone to Mexico, Kentucky California, and the Yakima Indian Reservation right here in Washington. Individual members have joined Volunteers-in-Mission (VIM) teams to work in Haiti, Alaska, Kentucky and the Philippines

Our Sunday School offerings sponsor a child in Haiti and our children also raise money for UNICEF and Heifer International.

On an ongoing basis, we support these local programs with our time, energy and financial resources:

• Kirkland Interfaith Network (KIN), a group of 9 faith-based communities that have been working together for over 20 years to serve the poor.  Every year, KIN organizes a Back to School program, the Kirkland CROP walk, and the KIN Holiday Fair.
• Kirkland Interfaith Transitions in Housing (KITH!) provides transitional and low-cost housing, case management, tutoring and a weekly Community Supper.
• Mary Magdalene, a day center for homeless and formerly homeless women in Seattle.
• Congregations for the Homeless, a shelter for homeless men provided by a network of host churches and their supporting congregations.
• Hopelink and Emergency Feeding Programs distribute the food we gather monthly
• Christmas Families receive special gifts and holiday foods

In 2005, our congregation hosted Tent City 4, a temporary encampment for homeless men and women. We continue our involvement with Tent City 4 and its sponsoring organization, SHARE/WHEEL. Click here for more information about Tent City 4 and homelessness.