Author: Bob Chapman

  • Summer choir on August 30, 2026

    Summer choir on August 30, 2026

    Church of the Redeemer invites you to make new friends by singing with others in a summer choir on Sunday, August 30, 2026. No experience necessary.

    This does not commit you to singing with the choir this fall.

    Be ready at the organ at 10:00 am that morning to run through the introit for the day.

    Why you should sing with a choir

    Singing in a chorus does more than make beautiful music. Studies suggest this can boost mood, sharpen the mind, strengthen community ties, and support wellness at every stage of life.

    • Lifts your mood and reduces stress 
    • Promotes social bonding 
    • Promotes childhood development 
    • Benefits older adults 
    • Improves your memory 
    • Helps You Breathe Easy 
    • Improves speech
    • Makes you stand tall
    • Is good for the heart
    • Strengthens your immune system

    The Chorus America website has information on each of these points.

    If you want information of a clinical nature to back this up, see the National Institutes of Health website.

    The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer: Worshiping God, living in community, reaching out to the world.

    Church of the Redeemer

    Church of the Redeemer: Worshiping God, living in community, and reaching out to the world around us. We are an Episcopal Church serving north King County and south Snohomish County, Washington. As you travel your road, go with friends walking the way of Jesus at Redeemer.

    Church of the Redeemer is at 6220 Northeast 181st Street in Kenmore, Washington. The campus is a short distance north of Bothell Way, near the Burke-Gilman Trail. The entrance looks like a gravel driveway. The campus is larger on the inside than it is on the outside. And we managed to hide a large building on the side of a hill that is not easily seen from the street.

    The Episcopal Church welcomes you.

  • Spokane bishop responds to region’s wildfires

    Spokane bishop responds to region’s wildfires

    [Episcopal News Service] Spokane Bishop Gretchen Rehberg is calling for Episcopalians to “be the hands and feet of Jesus” in response to multiple wildfires spreading throughout eastern Washington. The 2026 wildfire season is the most destructive in the state’s modern history.

    “Our hearts and prayers are with everyone who has been displaced or is suffering loss due to the fires in our region,” Rehberg said in an August 3, 2026, reel on the Diocese of Spokane’s Facebook page. “You are not alone.”

    The state’s governor issued a statewide emergency on August 1, 2026. As of August 4, at least 700 structures have burned in the state’s second-most populated city, Spokane, displacing at least 65,000 people. The three fires – called the Old Trails, Autumn Lane and Fairview fires and collectively known as the Spokane Complex Fire – are burning on Spokane’s outskirts and are all 0% contained. More than 250,000 acres statewide have burned, surpassing the total acres burned in 2025.

    A man has been arrested for allegedly starting the Old Trails fire on purpose. The cause of the Autumn Lane and Fairview fires remains unknown. No deaths have been reported.

    Weather behind the wildfires

    Strong winds, high heat and a very dry cold front are exacerbating the wildfires. Washington has been experiencing a statewide drought since summer 2023. Climate change is also intensifying the severity of the wildfires, as burning fossil fuels contributes to hotter temperatures and a drier atmosphere. As the climate warms, more water vapor evaporates from plants, which dries them out and increases the risk of fires that can also generate smoke plumes, according to a report from Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut.

    The Spokane wildfires are the latest case of an urban firestorm, which occurs when large fires move into a built environment. This causes structures to become the fires’ primary fuel source instead of vegetation, according to the Yale report. Other recent notable urban firestorms include the 2025 Southern California wildfires and the 2023 Maui wildfires in Hawai‘i. Like Spokane, the Southern California and Maui wildfires occurred in densely populated areas.

    Wildfires are also burning nationwide, including in Washington’s neighboring states, Oregon and Idaho.

    Response to the wildfires

    “There are ways we can contribute in the short run – to the Red Cross, to other relief agencies – but ERD will be here in the long run,” Rehberg said.

    The Diocese of Spokane is also accepting monetary donations through its disaster relief fund.

    Response from western US dioceses

    Several dioceses in the western half of the United States have reached out to Rehberg asking how they can help. She noted in the video that she was wearing a Hawaiian shirt that youth and young adult Episcopalians recently gave her after returning from a Province VIII youth event in Honolulu, Hawai‘i. The reason, she said, was to remind Episcopalians of the 2023 Maui and 2025 Southern California wildfires. The Diocese of Spokane sent funds to the dioceses of Hawai‘i and Los Angeles to help with their recovery efforts.

    “We care for one another, not just in our own small towns, not just in our own congregations. But we reach out, and we care for and we love one another and we help one another when we are in need,” Rehberg said in the reel. “That’s what we are called to do in this time of need – not just for ourselves, to Episcopalians, but to our town, our cities, our communities that are hurting.”

    In an August 3 diocesan email, Hawai‘i Bishop Robert L. Fitzpatrick encouraged Episcopalians to donate to the Diocese of Spokane’s disaster relief fund.

    “God’s people and congregations in the Diocese of Hawai‘i are urged to pray for the Diocese of Spokane and for those affected by these devastating fires,” he said.

    Be “loving and compassionate”

    In addition to disaster relief donations and prayers, Rehberg also called on Episcopalians to be “loving and compassionate” as wildfire suppression continues, and Spokane communities prepare to begin recovery efforts.

    “As we deal with the devastation of the fires – as we deal with the fear and the anxiety and relief, and the concern about smoke and the concern about loss – let us be like Jesus,” Rehberg said. “Let us offer one another love. Let us offer one another assistance. Let us offer one another peace. And let us remember that we will get through this, and Christ is with us in this time.”


    -Shireen Korkzan is a reporter and assistant editor for Episcopal News Service. She can be reached at skorkzan@episcopalchurch.org.

    Church of the Redeemer logo

    Church of the Redeemer

    Welcome to Church of the Redeemer: Worshiping God, living in community, and reaching out to the world. We are an Episcopal Church serving north King County and south Snohomish County, Washington. As you travel your road, go with friends walking the way of Jesus at Redeemer.

    Church of the Redeemer is at 6220 Northeast 181st Street in Kenmore, Washington. We are a short distance north of Bothell Way, near the Burke-Gilman Trail. The entrance looks like a gravel driveway. The campus is larger on the inside than it is on the outside. And we managed to hide a large building on the side of a hill that is not easily seen from the street.

    The Episcopal Church welcomes you.

  • A quiet welcome to the Seattle area

    A quiet welcome to the Seattle area

    Seattle is a beautiful place to land—whether you’re here for a weekend, a work trip, a family visit, or simply exploring the Pacific Northwest. We want you to know there’s a space waiting with a quiet welcome for you a short distance north of Seattle.

    Episcopal Church of the Redeemer is an inclusive congregation where travelers often find a peaceful hour to breathe.

    Some people at Church of the Redeemer

    A gentle invitation

    If you’re away from home, navigating airports, hotels, and new streets, sometimes you need a moment of stillness. A place where no one expects anything from you. A place where you can simply arrive.

    On Sundays at 8:00 am (spoken service) and 10:30 am (service with music), we gather for a simple, beautiful service rooted in love, hospitality, and the life of Jesus. Join us—whether you’re here for one Sunday or many.

    Early morning mist in the Memorial Garden at Church of the Redeemer

    Why visitors love our area

    Our neighborhood offers a quieter side of the city—close to everything, but not crowded.

    • Lake Washington and Log Boom Park. Waterfront paths, mountain views, and calm morning air.
    • Woodinville Wine Country. Over 130 wineries just 20 minutes away.

    If you’re exploring the Seattle area, we’re an easy stop along the way.

    If you’re looking for something real

    Many visitors tell us they’re looking for more than attractions—they’re looking for connection, meaning, or a moment of grounding. And a quiet welcome.

    Redeemer is:

    • LGBTQ+‑affirming
    • Family‑friendly
    • Casual and welcoming
    • Rooted in ancient Christian practice while open to modern life
    • A place where you can sit quietly or join fully—both are welcome

    Whether faith is part of your life or simply something you’re curious about, you’re invited.

    Organ pipes

    Plan your visit

    Sunday Service: 10:30 am with music and hymns

    • Even quieter spoken-only service at 8:00 am

    Location: 6210 Northeast 181st Street, Kenmore

    Parking: Free, on‑site, shared with the Ethiopian Orthodox church that meets in our Education Building.

    Accessibility: Step‑free entrance, accessible seating

    Transit: Easy access from Seattle, Shoreline, Bothell, and Lake Forest Park

    A sanctuary for travelers

    Whether you’re here for a few days or a few weeks, we hope your time in the Seattle area is full of beauty, rest, and discovery. If you’re looking for a peaceful hour on a Sunday morning, we’d be honored to welcome you.

    Visitors are always welcome. You already belong.

    Church of the Redeemer logo

    Church of the Redeemer

    Welcome to Church of the Redeemer: Worshiping God, living in community, and reaching out to the world. We are an Episcopal Church serving north King County and south Snohomish County, Washington. As you travel your road, go with friends walking the way of Jesus at Redeemer.

    Church of the Redeemer is at 6220 Northeast 181st Street in Kenmore, Washington. We are a short distance north of Bothell Way, near the Burke-Gilman Trail. The entrance looks like a gravel driveway. The campus is larger on the inside than it is on the outside. And we managed to hide a large building on the side of a hill that is not easily seen from the street.

    The Episcopal Church welcomes you.

  • 2026 Pride update

    2026 Pride update

    Every year when June comes around at some point, as I prepare for Pride Booths for the Church, someone asks “why.” Why do Churches need to be at Pride? Why is this a community we need to reach out to particularly? 

    This year at the Diocesan Booth I got the best story answer I’ve gotten in a very long time. A gentleman with quite the entourage and recording set up walked up to our Diocesan Booth. He and started by asking, “Are you here to save souls or affirm people?” I responded by asking why exactly he thought that was a contradictory statement. 

    What continued is not really worth sharing here. But the confidence with which he asked that question is why, for many of us, Pride is a good thing for the church to be at. So many people have been told so often that God doesn’t love us as They created us. Taking the time to share that God loves everyone, and that there is a church that is teaching about God’s unconditional love, is life-affirming to so many. 

    Joy at Pride events

    That was the joy of both Pride events: witnessing people begin healing from so much pain caused by past negative interactions with churches. Every year the Diocese uses a sign that says, “For the hurt the church has caused, we are sorry. With love, the Episcopal Church.” And every year we get so many “thank yous” for bringing it out. This year was no different. 

    Holy water blessings

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    We also share glitter holy water blessings. This year we also had it in glitter free after many requests from last year. The Holy Water for Kenmore Pride and the Diocesan Pride Event was blessed at Redeemer’s service on June 21.

    In Kenmore, we offered free cold-water bottles and cookies out of our booth. Both of which was very well received by the local Kenmore community. 

    Results of attending Pride events

    Only time will tell if the seeds we planted leads to God bringing us new congregants. I, of course, pray that it does. But sometimes, in times like this, I am reminded of the importance of being the faithful remnant and showing people God loves them, that we know that, and that there are absolutely no exceptions. 

    Thanks

    On a final personal note, I want to thank you all at Redeemer. I’m truly grateful as I went through this month to have such an accepting and beautiful faith community to worship with. I look forward to getting to know all of you better, but I’m already so impressed with all of you as a congregation.

    —Vic Johnson, vjohnson@redeemer-kenmore.org

    The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer: Worshiping God, living in community, reaching out to the world.

    Church of the Redeemer

    Church of the Redeemer: Worshiping God, living in community, and reaching out to the world around us. We are an Episcopal Church serving north King County and south Snohomish County, Washington. As you travel your road, go with friends walking the way of Jesus at Redeemer.

    Church of the Redeemer is at 6220 Northeast 181st Street in Kenmore, Washington. The campus is a short distance north of Bothell Way, near the Burke-Gilman Trail. The entrance looks like a gravel driveway. The campus is larger on the inside than it is on the outside. And we managed to hide a large building on the side of a hill that is not easily seen from the street.

    The Episcopal Church welcomes you.

  • Welcome, Bienvenidos, Bienvenue, 欢迎

    Welcome, Bienvenidos, Bienvenue, 欢迎

    Welcome to Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Kenmore, a welcoming, progressive, family‑friendly church in a short distance north of Seattle.

    If you’re visiting the Seattle area—for the World Cup, for vacation, or to see family—you’re invited to a peaceful, inclusive Episcopal church where travelers are always welcome. Redeemer offers a quiet, grounding Sunday service just minutes from Seattle, Shoreline, Bothell, and Everett.

    Seattle will be full of energy this summer. We know that travel can be both exciting and overwhelming. If you’re looking for a peaceful Sunday service and a place to pray away from the noise, we’d love to welcome you.

    Redeemer is a community that embraces curiosity, honors questions, and practices hospitality without pressure. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a month, we invite you to join us just as you are.

    The people at Church of the Redeemer

    There are several qualities you will find of the people at Episcopal Church of the Redeemer.

    Inclusive

    We believe God’s love embraces everyone. Redeemer is fully LGBTQ+‑affirming. All people are welcome to participate fully in worship, leadership, and community life.

    Progressive and thoughtful

    We value justice, compassion, and honest questions. Our worship blends ancient liturgy with a grounded, modern spirituality that speaks to real life.

    Family‑friendly

    We welcome children in every part of our worship service. It is a relaxed environment where families can breathe, move, and be themselves without worry.

    Sunday worship welcome

    You are welcome to participate as much or as little as you feel comfortable.

    • Come as you are. Casual clothing is common.
    • Communion is open to all baptized people.
    • Kids stay with you to experience and learn from worship.
    • Coffee and conversation follow the service.
    • No pressure, no expectations. Just a gentle space to be present.

    8:00 am, spoken Holy Eucharist

    A simple, reverent, and spoken Episcopal service of communion with a sermon. The service takes under an hour. [Exception. June 14 will be ante-communion only.]

    10:00 am, Holy Eucharist with music

    A warm, reverent, and relaxed Episcopal service with music, prayer, and communion. [Exception. June 14 will be ante-communion only.]

    Directions

    Episcopal Church of the Redeemer
    6220 NE 182nd Street, Kenmore, Washington

    We’re located in a quiet neighborhood just north of Seattle. Easy access from Shoreline, Bothell, Everett, and the Light Rail corridor. Our entrance looks like a gravel driveway.

    • Free on‑site parking
    • Accessible entrance
    • A short drive from major hotels and transit routes

    Committed to inclusion

    At Redeemer, all means all.

    • All races.
    • All religions.
    • All countries of origin.
    • All sexual orientations, including LGBTQ+.
    • All genders.

    You are welcome to participate fully in worship, leadership, and community life.

    We strive to be a community where every person is seen, honored, and loved.

    Life at Redeemer

    A glimpse of our community:

    • A warm, intergenerational congregation
    • A sanctuary filled with natural light
    • Children laughing and exploring
    • People gathering for conversation after worship
    • Pride‑affirming ministry and visible welcome
    • A peaceful outdoor space surrounded by trees

    Plan Your Visit

    If you’d like to let us know you’re coming — or if you have questions — we’d be glad to welcome you personally.

    Optional visitor form:

    • Name
    • Email
    • Date you plan to visit
    • Any questions

    We won’t spam you. This information helps us greet you. None of this is required. You can decide to show up at the last minute and we’ll still be happy to have you join us.

    The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer: Worshiping God, living in community, reaching out to the world.

    Church of the Redeemer

    Church of the Redeemer: Worshiping God, living in community, and reaching out to the world around us. We are an Episcopal Church serving north King County and south Snohomish County, Washington. As you travel your road, go with friends walking the way of Jesus at Redeemer.

    Church of the Redeemer is at 6220 Northeast 181st Street in Kenmore, Washington. The campus is a short distance north of Bothell Way, near the Burke-Gilman Trail. The entrance looks like a gravel driveway. The campus is larger on the inside than it is on the outside. And we managed to hide a large building on the side of a hill that is not easily seen from the street.

    The Episcopal Church welcomes you.

  • Kenmore Pride 2026

    Kenmore Pride 2026

    Episcopal Church of the Redeemer is getting things together to have a Pride booth at Kenmore Pride on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The celebration is at Kenmore Town Center.

    Kenmore Pride is an extension of the Kenmore Farmers Market. We’re still working on getting clear direction from the city of Kenmore on what this will look like.

    We’ll have holy water blessings available on request in both glitter and glitter free options. The current plan to bless the water during our 10:30 am service on June 21.

    We also look forward to offering prayers and healing oil for those the Church has hurt. 

    Pride booths

    Pride booths like this can be a great outreach of reconciliation to meet hurting people. We also can give them the Good News that, if they have a desire in their soul for a spiritual community, Church of the Redeemer exists here. We are ready to receive and love people as God created them. 

    If you have a heart for the LGBTQ+ community and are interested in getting involved please let these people know:

    Mayor Nigel Herbig raising Progress Pride Flag on June 1, 2026, at Kenmore City Hall. Hank Heron is cheering Mayor Herbig on.
    Mayor Nigel Herbig raising Progress Pride Flag on June 1, 2026, at Kenmore City Hall. Hank Heron is cheering Mayor Herbig on.

    City of Kenmore Pride Proclamation for 2026

    WHEREAS, the City and the Kenmore Council acknowledge and celebrate our diverse
    population, understanding that the unique tapestry woven by our varied cultures,
    traditions, beliefs, and experiences is one of our most significant strengths. This
    diversity and intersectionality of our people enrich our community, fostering an
    environment of understanding, growth, and unity; and

    WHEREAS, we assert and uphold the principle that every individual, regardless of their identity or background, deserves to live in an atmosphere of dignity, respect, and justice. We categorically condemn and will not tolerate any form of discrimination, violence, or hate, holding these acts as affronts to the values we cherish as a community; and

    WHEREAS, we acknowledge and appreciate the significant strides made by the
    LGBTQIA+ community in advocating for their rights and freedoms. The legalization of marriage equality, the affirmation of identity, and the freedom to love without restriction represent landmark victories not just for the LGBTQIA+ community, but for the broader cause of human rights; and

    WHEREAS, we recognize with deep concern that the LGBTQIA+ community continues
    to face challenges such as harassment, intimidation, discrimination, and violence. We stand in solidarity with them and vow to fight these injustices, especially in these uncertain and trying times; and

    WHEREAS, we continue to commit to creating and maintaining an environment that is safe, inclusive, and welcoming for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristics. We pledge to continuously strive towards enhancing the inclusivity and acceptance within our City; and

    WHEREAS, Pride Month is a celebration of the progress, achievements, and resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community. This is a time to highlight and appreciate the numerous contributions made by this community, and to unequivocally assert that LGBTQIA+ rights are human rights.

    NOW THEREFORE, I, Nigel Herbig, Mayor of the City of Kenmore, on behalf of the City
    Council, do hereby proclaim JUNE 2026 as PRIDE MONTH throughout the City of
    Kenmore.

    Inviting Hank Heron to the Kenmore Pride Celebration.
    Inviting Hank Heron to the Kenmore Pride Celebration.

    Celebrate Pride in Kenmore

    You’re invited to the Pride Celebration on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Hangar in Kenmore Town Square. This community event includes performances, activities, crafts, educational materials, giveaways, and more. This event is free and open to all. We hope to see you there to celebrate this important and significant event.

    • Date: Wednesday June 24 for Pride Celebration
    • Time: 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
    • Location: Town Square and The Hangar
    The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer: Worshiping God, living in community, reaching out to the world.

    Church of the Redeemer

    Church of the Redeemer: Worshiping God, living in community, and reaching out to the world around us. We are an Episcopal Church serving north King County and south Snohomish County, Washington. As you travel your road, go with friends walking the way of Jesus at Redeemer.

    Church of the Redeemer is at 6220 Northeast 181st Street in Kenmore, Washington. The campus is a short distance north of Bothell Way, near the Burke-Gilman Trail. The entrance looks like a gravel driveway. The campus is larger on the inside than it is on the outside. And we managed to hide a large building on the side of a hill that is not easily seen from the street.

    The Episcopal Church welcomes you.

  • Vestry update: Redeemer Planning, June 7, 2026

    Vestry update: Redeemer Planning, June 7, 2026

    At the recent listening sessions, our Vestry shared some information about thoughts on the future of Redeemer. This is a recap of information presented at the sessions.

    Relèven Projects

    We have a two-pronged approach to Relèven projects:

    1. We are endeavoring to rent out Redeemer space more heavily, creating a “Community Hub.” The goal is to serve our neighborhood by providing needed space while also earning needed income for Redeemer. We would love to have a parish volunteer who is detailed-oriented to help us keep track of space and income. Please see Rev. Theresa Newell if you are interested.
    2. We are investigating developing Redeemer’s land. Two developers have submitted proposals, and our committee will be meeting with each the first week of June. Once we pick a developer who we feel will make a good partner, we will then meet to determine goals and a plan. We will update you as this unfolds.
      • One is a for-profit developer interested in building housing for middle-income earners.
      • The other is a non-profit developer interested in investigating supportive or affordable housing with us.

    St. David Emmanuel

    We are in the very early stages of exploration on any possible partnership with St. David Emmanuel Church in Shoreline. We have only had one meeting with their Bishop’s Committee thus far. So, we do not have any results or plans to present yet.

    We will have a meeting between their wardens, our wardens, and a diocesan representative early next week (week of June 7). Rev. Theresa will be worshiping with them on June 14 to meet the parishioners.

    If and when we have any specific ideas, we will update you.

    The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer: Worshiping God, living in community, reaching out to the world.

    Church of the Redeemer

    Church of the Redeemer: Worshiping God, living in community, and reaching out to the world around us. We are an Episcopal Church serving north King County and south Snohomish County, Washington. As you travel your road, go with friends walking the way of Jesus at Redeemer.

    Church of the Redeemer is at 6220 Northeast 181st Street in Kenmore, Washington. The campus is a short distance north of Bothell Way, near the Burke-Gilman Trail. The entrance looks like a gravel driveway. The campus is larger on the inside than it is on the outside. And we managed to hide a large building on the side of a hill that is not easily seen from the street.

    The Episcopal Church welcomes you.

  • Appreciation for a wonderful choir season

    Appreciation for a wonderful choir season

    When people express thanks to me, Bob Chapman, for taking up directing the choir, I appreciate it. You’re welcome for your thanks. However, I always remind people that a choir is a group effort.

    To emphasize that it is a group effort, I wanted something to drive the point home. Something like, “There is no “I” in team.” Then I remembered that there is an “I” in “choir.”

    So much for that idea. However, the thought still stands. A choir is a group effort. Thank the choir members when you see them.

    Keep it simple, singers

    When restarting the choir in September 2025, I promised a limited repertoire because I knew numbers were going to be limited. Then I was challenged by the choir at Christmas to do something more significant. “O Holy Night” was the successful result.

    Through the rest of the season, I still relied on the KISS principle: Keep it simple, singers. That said, we moved things up a notch.

    Here is the introit from the first choir Sunday in the fall of 2025.

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    The future of the choir

    Plan on the choir returning this fall. This KISS principle will still apply, more or less. However, we will probably start dipping more into Redeemer’s music library.

    In a standard choir of 16 to 20 people, one or two people missing any given Sunday because of illness or a trip does not cause everything to break down. When you have three to seven people any given Sunday, this can mean the difference between harmony and unison.

    We need more stability to move the choir further. (Did I just mix metaphors?) Not everyone will be there every Sunday. This limits planning for Sundays. The name “Remington Drive Irregulars” became the “name” of the choir.

    If you think you would be interested in singing, we will have a couple of pickup choir Sundays this summer. You can try us on for size. Maybe we’ll fit you?

    This is the last introit the choir for this season, sung May 31, 2026.

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    The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer: Worshiping God, living in community, reaching out to the world.

    Church of the Redeemer

    Church of the Redeemer: Worshiping God, living in community, and reaching out to the world around us. We are an Episcopal Church serving north King County and south Snohomish County, Washington. As you travel your road, go with friends walking the way of Jesus at Redeemer.

    Church of the Redeemer is at 6220 Northeast 181st Street in Kenmore, Washington. The campus is a short distance north of Bothell Way, near the Burke-Gilman Trail. The entrance looks like a gravel driveway. The campus is larger on the inside than it is on the outside. And we managed to hide a large building on the side of a hill that is not easily seen from the street.

    The Episcopal Church welcomes you.

  • Pastoral Letter for Trinity Sunday

    Pastoral Letter for Trinity Sunday

    Greetings to you in the name of the holy and undivided Trinity, one God.

    On this day we gather to reflect on that which makes us distinctly Christian in our theology and practice: the belief that God exists in community. That God is in relationship within God’s self. Additionally, we believe that the relationship within the Triune God existed before taking any action which brought about the cosmos. God chose to engage in creation so that God could breathe forth new relationships with the whole of creation—from the furthest galaxies of deep space to the microorganisms on the ocean floor. Even more, God formed humanity in God’s own image.

    I believe that image centers on our being connected too. As those who bear the imago dei— the image of God—we are called to be in relationship with God, one another, and the natural world. Relationships define both our humanity and the God whom we worship and serve. Jesus—the living Word made flesh—showed us this directly in how he lived among us, constantly deepening connections with others through his ministry, actions, and prayer.

    The predominant culture of western industrialized countries, and especially our own, focuses on the individual above the collective whole. It is easy to succumb to the siren call that our individual needs and desires always take precedence over the needs and desires of others. That as long as we and ours are taken care of, what happens to others is of little or no concern.

    This is antithetical to the way of Jesus. It is anti-Christ.

    This past weekend, our current political administration announced a new policy that all those seeking green cards must leave the U.S. and apply from their home countries to do so. As reported, this policy—and many others that have preceded it in relation to immigrants, asylum seekers, and resident aliens—will separate families: spouses from each other, parents from children. With no regard for relationships or familial bonds, this administration seeks to further contempt for the other—that is, those who are not a part of the dominant culture or who are minorities of any kind—which has become one of the defining aspects of this administration. 

    This new policy, like the others before it, will greatly impact people within our Diocese. Amongst our clergy and lay members are those who have come to the United States desiring a better life and those who fled atrocities in their home countries, who are in the process of receiving permanent residency and citizenship. If this policy is enacted as described—a significant departure from previous immigration policies—it will rip congregations, communities, and families apart. We are reminded by St. Paul in Scripture that we are all the Body of Christ and that we need each member in order to function. We are in relationship with one another in order to be Christ’s presence in the world. 

    I entreat you in the name of the holy and undivided Trinity to respond. First, through prayer and contemplation. It is only in stillness and time connected with the Almighty that we ourselves can be changed and strengthened and then, as a result, take responsible action. The practice of contemplative prayer grounds our faith in relationship with the God who created us, and, as we’ve seen again and again, it has the power to change both us and our world.

    Second, stay connected with others, especially those who are impacted by these decisions. Many of these are fearful, filled with uncertainty, and feeling alone. We must not fall prey to the belief that as long as we individually are fine, it really doesn’t matter. We are called to be our siblings’ keepers, to attend to their needs, and to stay in relationship with them. There are a myriad of ways to do this, and I encourage you to intentionally make space in your lives and worship communities to do so.

    Finally, we must always respect the dignity of every human being. Whether we agree with a person’s positions or not, we must never degrade others, because all of us bear the image of God. All of us have been created to be in relationship with each other. Jesus commanded his followers to love those they perceived to be their enemies and to pray for them. I would encourage us to be in relationship and conversation with all our neighbors, breaking down those walls that divide us. We will be known as Christ’s followers through our love and care for all people.

    Beloved, stay in relationship with God, each other, and this amazing world of ours; this is the reason God created us. No matter what happens in our nation or our world, as disciples of Jesus, our call is to faithfully remain connected through love and hope and peace.

    May the Holy eternal Majesty, the Holy incarnate Word, and the Holy abiding Spirit, bless you now and in the days ahead.

    The Rt. Rev. Phil LaBelle
    Bishop Diocesan

    The Right Reverend Phillip LaBelle

    Bishop Philip LaBelle

    The Rt. Rev. Philip N. LaBelle is the Ninth Bishop in the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia. The Diocese elected Bishop LaBelle on May 18, 2024. His Consecration and Ordination as bishop was on September 14, 2024.

    Bishop LaBelle previously served as rector of St. Mark’s Church in Southborough, Massachusetts. During his time in the Diocese of Massachusetts, Bishop LaBelle did the following:

    • Co-led the Mission Strategy Committee.
    • Served on Executive Committee and Diocesan Council
    • Directed the Fresh Start program.

    He co-founded Southborough Neighbors for Peace with Dr. Safdar Medina in their small town. The organization did the following:

    • Hosted peace vigils.
    • Began a community-wide Iftar dinner during Ramadan.
    • Established an interfaith Thanksgiving service.
    • Sponsored other bridge-building events.

    Additionally, Bishop LaBelle served on the core team of Central Mass. Connections in Faith, an organization centered on fostering relationships and learning about other religious faiths through quarterly gatherings.

    The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer: Worshiping God, living in community, reaching out to the world.

    Church of the Redeemer

    Church of the Redeemer: Worshiping God, living in community, and reaching out to the world around us. We are an Episcopal Church serving north King County and south Snohomish County, Washington. As you travel your road, go with friends walking the way of Jesus at Redeemer.

    Church of the Redeemer is at 6220 Northeast 181st Street in Kenmore, Washington. The campus is a short distance north of Bothell Way, near the Burke-Gilman Trail. The entrance looks like a gravel driveway. The campus is larger on the inside than it is on the outside. And we managed to hide a large building on the side of a hill that is not easily seen from the street.

    The Episcopal Church welcomes you.

  • Summer outreach programs

    Summer outreach programs

    There will be ongoing outreach programs at Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Summer 2026.

    Because the Northshore School District already has a summer food program, Redeemer is not providing food directly to families as we did during school breaks. Rather, we invite you to do two things:

    • Support the children of NSD by donating for their summer food program
    • Relieving the lunch debt incurred during the school year.

    Please continue to support the Little Free Food Pantry and the Kenmore Senior Women’s shelter over the summer.

    The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer: Worshiping God, living in community, reaching out to the world.

    Church of the Redeemer

    Welcome to Church of the Redeemer: Worshiping God, living in community, and reaching out to the world. We are an Episcopal Church serving north King County and south Snohomish County, Washington. As you travel your road, go with friends walking the way of Jesus at Redeemer.

    Church of the Redeemer is at 6220 Northeast 181st Street in Kenmore, Washington. The campus is a short distance north of Bothell Way, near the Burke-Gilman Trail. The entrance looks like a gravel driveway. The campus is larger on the inside than it is on the outside. And we managed to hide a large building on the side of a hill that is not easily seen from the street.

    The Episcopal Church welcomes you.

The 13th Sunday after Pentecost, August 23, 2026. Services at 8:00 am (no music) and 10:30 (music).

Episcopal Church of the Redeemer
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