September 13. “Interfaith for Impact: Uplifting Girls in East Africa“ Operation Bootstrap Africa (OBA), in partnership with Saint Andrew’s Lutheran Church, warmly invites you and your community to a special event that celebrates culture, connection, and the power of interfaith collaboration. “Interfaith for Impact: Uplifting Girls in East Africa” is an opportunity to come together, share stories, and learn how we can all support girls and women in East Africa—especially within the Maasai community—through education and empowerment. Complimentary Maasai brunch, meet the author, and raffle. September 13th, 2025, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM, Saint Andrew’s Lutheran Church: 2650 148th Ave SE, Bellevue, WA. Please RSVP at this link.

September 27. Creating Opportunity: An Evening of Giving. Reclaim, a shelter and service organization in North Bend, is bringing together supporters, partners, and friends to raise critical funds for their work in the Snoqualmie Valley – supporting housing stability, safety, and dignity for all. See the listing on the Reclaim events page.

September 28. Aldersgate United Methodist Church’s First Missions Fair! Aldersgate UMC (14230 SE Newport Way, Bellevue, WA), Sunday, September 28th.

• • Community organizations are providing informational displays and handouts to share their mission, how it supports either the local community or the wider world, how your congregation’s involvement has/can affect their work, and how people can get more involved. The Mission fair will be open to the community from 11:30 AM-1 PM.
  • If your organization would like to participate, please contact CJ Ingalls (They/Them), Office Manager, Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 14230 SE Newport Way, Bellevue 98006, (425) 746-9800.

October 9. The Detention Lottery. Join First Congregational Church, Bellevue, on Thursday, October 9 at 7 PM (doors open at 6:30 PM) for a 1 hour production of The Detention Lottery to bring awareness to the realities of migrant detention in our country, the hidden costs of detaining migrants to our democracy and communities, and the effect of our immigration enforcement system on millions of US citizens and permanent residents, including millions of children. Following the production there will be a 45-min talk back. Proceeds will benefit Northwest Immigrant Rights Project and Washington Immigration Solidarity Network.

Hopelink updates: 

• 30th Annual Reaching Out Celebration, Date: Thursday, October 16, 2025, Time: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM, Here’s the link to sign up.
• The Hopelink Food Program has recently seen a high number of client sign-ups for food services. Too many zucchini this year? Remember that the Hopelink marketplace takes donations of fresh produce early in the week.
• Hopelink Financial Assistance helps individuals and families with financial assistance based on a randomized drawing selection.

Bellevue Police, as part of a national effort called Faith & Blue, are offering to visit congregations to get better acquainted. Deacon Sam Basta of St. Louise and St. Madeline’s Catholic Churches (DeaconSam@StLouise.org), a member of the police advisory board for faith communities, offers to help make connections to this program.

Domestic violence survivor support. Susan Cozzens (scozzens@live.com) is looking for others to work with her to explore volunteer opportunities to support domestic violence victims. Many domestic violence incidents happen at night, when professional staff are not available. Volunteers might be able to provide emotional support at those times of greatest trauma. Contact Susan if you have a concern in this area and would be willing to explore the possibilities further.