I'm New

Welcome! Here is a quick snapshot of who we are as a church body. You should get a a basic sense of who we are, but we welcome your any additional questions you might have!

What to Expect

We are the sort of church that really enjoys being together. Sunday morning is the primary time that happens, though regular fellowship opportunities at camp, smaller group gatherings, and other events outside of worship deepen our connections to one another. About half of us grew up Mennonite and the other half have found our way to Mennonites and/or this congregation for a variety of reasons. We are committed to being rooted in our surrounding community, and are particularly devoted to responding to the crisis of homelessness by companioning those living on the streets and organizing in the neighborhood and across the city. We are an LGBTQ+ affirming congregation that seeks to embody the absolute welcome of Jesus and celebrate the beauty of God’s image manifest in our wide diversities. Come sing, worship, play, serve, and organize with us!

Recent Sermons

Movement & Trouble

Jan 12, 2020 | Megan Ramer, Sermons

We are just starting our journey with Jesus through Mark's gospel, and already there's a pattern to his movement: margins --> centers of power --> get into / cause trouble --> retreat to margins for prayer and rest (then around & around again...). This...

The Call to Discipleship

Jan 5, 2020 | Melanie Neufeld, Sermons

Using poetry from Lifting Hearts off the Ground: Declaring Indigenous Rights in Poetry, by Lyla June Johnston & Joy De Vito, Pastor Melanie reflects on the beginning of Jesus' ministry and on what Jesus' followers are called to - both in scripture and today. ...

Reflections on South Africa and the U.S.

Dec 30, 2019 | Guest Speaker, Sermons

After a brief introduction by Dan, Kathryn Smith Derksen shares reflections on 4 years of life in (complicated and diverse, awe-inspiring and pain-filled) South Africa. And then she beautifully brings the message home with gracious truth-telling about colonialism in...

Megan Ramer

Lead Pastor megan@seattlemennonite.org

Amy Epp

Pastor for Discipleship and Children, Youth, and Their Families amy@seattlemennonite.org

Jonathan Neufeld

Pastor for Community Ministry and Just Peace jonathan@seattlemennonite.org

Melanie Neufeld

Pastor for Community Ministry and Stewardship melanie@seattlemennonite.org

Our Beliefs

Seattle Mennonite Church is an Anabaptist Christian community. As disciples of Jesus, we believe faith and action are inseparable elements in each person’s pilgrimage. In our journey together as a community of believers, we have named several areas of giftedness and calling. This includes being a welcoming and hospitable community. We emphasize prayerful discernment in all areas of corporate and personal life. We respond to God’s grace and love through worship together. We embrace a tradition of active peacemaking and advocacy for people who are marginalized.

Congregational Life

We enjoy many opportunities for fellowship throughout the year, both formal and informal. We share coffee and snacks after worship, and we also enjoy periodic potlucks throughout the year. Some key times of fellowship take place in the Cascade Mountains at Camp CAMREC, which belongs to the churches of Washington Mennonite Fellowship (WMF). We also host an Annual Peace Lecture, participate in the Pride Parade, and the Annual Mennonite Country Auction.

Community Ministry

The development of Community Ministry at Seattle Mennonite Church is an outgrowth of SMC’s vision for peace and justice as followers of Jesus Christ. SMC understands that a neighborhood’s response to people experiencing the trauma of homelessness, is exactly that, a corporate, collaborative response. To that end SMC seeks to partner with local residents, businesses, and agencies in generating a grassroots, person-centered effort to companion people who are experiencing homelessness. There are also many opportunities to get involved with a variety of small groups.

Frequently Asked Questions

You might have questions. That is great! Here is a list of questions peple often ask before visiting. If you have other, just let us know!

Is there a dress code or certain dress expectations?

Yes, please wear clothes! But other than that, come as you are.

How long is the service?

Our worship service typically lasts one hour, 15 minutes (from 9:30-10:45 a.m.), followed by a coffee break!

What is the music like?

Our music is diverse as the the gifts of our team of amazing volunteer musicians! From four-part a cappella hymns … to a folk group … to the more classical sorts of accompaniment provided by piano and strings … to choral offerings by our choir. We do love music.

How big is the church?

Well this is tough to answer. It depends on when and who you count! Typical Sunday morning attendance can range anywhere from 75-150, and the circles of our SMC community extend far beyond those who show up on any given Sunday morning.

What do you offer for babies and toddlers?

Kids of all ages are welcome in our community! We have set up a “pray-ground” at the front of the sanctuary – with soft toys and coloring supplies – so that our youngest ones have a place to be in worship that is welcoming and centered and specifically for them. We also have a staffed nursery for babies and toddlers should you prefer to leave them in good, caring hands.

Where is guest parking?

We have a parking lot behind the church – enter through the alley just east of our building. Look for the Seattle Mennonite Church signs. There’s also typically plenty of street parking within a block or two.

Can a visitor take communion?

Yes! At SMC, we believe and proclaim that everyone is welcome to Jesus’ table.

How do I join the church?

All who wish are invited to fully participate in the worship and life of our congregation – whether it’s your first or thousandth time with us. We gather for a celebratory service of covenanting each year on Pentecost (typically May or June) when we speak our congregational covenant aloud and offer our “yes” to this church community. If you are new to the Mennonite church, please be in touch with a pastor to learn about our congregational covenant and/or more opportunities to explore (ana)baptism in community.

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