5-4-25

Hello Englewood Community! 

I hope that you are all enjoying this beautiful Sunday afternoon! I just finished co-leading the Interfaith prayer gathering at Millennium Plaza. We had about 40 people join us to hold space for those being impacted by changes in immigration policies and practices in our country. We sought to center our grief, hope, faith, and love for our neighbors. 

We had a great weekly worship service today at Englewood, followed by an AMAZING potluck with lots of great food! Thank you to all who brought yummy food to share. :) If you were not able to join us in person today, you can watch this morning's service back either on our Facebook page or our YouTube channel.

Here are the announcements that we shared in service today:

1. I gave an update on Ronnie Grey, who is improving at Haborview Medical Center, and wanted everyone to know how much he loves and appreciates your cards and care! 

2. I shared a difficult update on Kathy Helseth's health in the form of a note that they asked me to read. The note said: 

 "Dear Englewood Family:

Kathy and I want to thank all of you for your kind words, cards, and prayers of support this past month.  A special thanks to those who brought food for the two weeks right after surgery; it was greatly appreciated.

This past Thursday, our radiology oncologist here in Yakima said that after consultation with an oncologist in Tacoma, they have concluded that Kathy does have Glioblastoma brain cancer, possibly grade 4 (aggressive).  We are about 10 days into radiation and chemotherapy.  The six weeks of treatment will conclude around June 4 and another MRI will be taken at that time.

The accumulative effects of the chemo and radiation are beginning to show up.  Immunity is lowering her ability to fight off colds, flu, Covid, etc., so we will be limiting our outings and visits during this time.  Don’t worry about food; with Kathy’s nausea problems right now, we don’t know from meal to meal what will be of interest to her.

We can feel the care and support of Englewood every day and it is what is carrying us on.  Our family are more engaged in their presence and support.  We are surrounded by love. 

Thank you.

Kathy and David


I know that this was a difficult update for us all to hear. We continue to cover David and Kathy in our thoughts, prayers, and love during this time.

3. I shared that both Kathy and David participated in our Englewood's Got Talent event that we held Friday night as a fundraiser for our new Englewood Cares Fund. You can learn more about this fund on our website by clicking here. Friday night's fundraiser brought in just over $1400 in donations, which allowed us to already meet a few community needs:

* We purchased 120 pairs of socks and 72 pairs of men's underwear for the Union Gospel Mission after learning they were critically low.

* We made a donation to the YWCA to help them honor the women there on Mother's Day next weekend.

Donations can be made to this fund at any time, year-round. Learn more about how to give by clicking here.

4. I had the pleasure of introducing our newest staff member, Karissa Fischer, to everyone today. Karissa will be serving as our Youth and Young Families Program Director! You can learn more about Karissa or connect with her via email on our website by clicking here.

5. We also had a chance to congratulate Rev. Jeff Davis on his recent full standing as a clergy member through the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) as of yesterday! We are excited to see what the future holds for Jeff and his family!

6. Finally, we shared that next Saturday (5-10), VolunTeens will be working at the Wesley United Methodist Recycling Center from 10 AM-Noon. If you are interested in helping, connect with me or Karissa.

Joys and Concerns that were shared today:

It was wonderful to have Curtis Young back with us today after his medical event last week. Curtis asked that I share his appreciation: "Thank you for your thoughts and prayers this last week. I feel really good and the pacemaker is clicking along fabulously."

Continue to pray for Becky Buell after her medical situation last week as well.

Also, be praying for the aunt of one of our Englewood kids' friend, whose aunt has recently been diagnosed with cancer.

Upcoming Events this week:

Here is our calendar of upcoming events in our building and opportunities to connect at Englewood this week:

As always, if you need anything or if I can do anything to support you this week, please reach out!

- Christie