“Let’s open the service in prayer.”

REVEREND PAT SIMPSON HAS A PROBLEM OF WHICH FEW PASTORS WOULD COMPLAIN – HER CONGREGATION IS GROWING. IT’S A CONCERN BECAUSE REVEREND PAT’S CHURCH SERVES WOMEN WHO ARE HOMELESS.

“We re-image Jesus Christ as a forgiving and healing mother, father, sister, brother, friend and savior, who himself was homeless, abused and killed on a cross.”

THE CHURCH OF MARY MAGDALENE SITS IN SEATTLE’S CENTRAL CORE, IN THE BASEMENT OF THE FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH.

THIS CHURCH HAS NO PEWS, BUT DONATED COUCHES. THE COLLECTION PLATE DOESN’T HOLD MONEY, BUT BURNED UP BURDENS – SCRATCHED ON SCRAPS OF PAPER – FINALLY READY TO BE RELEASED.

THIS CONGREGATION “IS” DIFFERENT, BUT REVEREND PAT SAYS, ONLY BY DEGREE.

“Mental illness, addiction, homelessness, family problems, death and grief; all those things happen in regular congregations. There are just more per capita here, each woman carrying several of those burdens.”

ARNETTE ADAMS WAS HOMELESS FOR NINE YEARS. SHE HAS A PLACE TO LIVE NOW, BUT COMES HERE TO WORSHIP.

“Belonging, I feel there is a need here and I feel the Lord has blessed me to be here.”

“That you love each one of us so much, and that you walk beside us each day.”

IT IS A SAFE PLACE, WHERE THESE WOMEN FIND HEALING, HOPE AND SISTERHOOD – IN A FAMILY CREATED BY CIRCUMSTANCE, NOURISHED BY FAITH.