An Interfaith Exploration of Women in Ministry
An Interfaith Exploration of Women in Ministry
Hosted by the Women’s Commission of St. John the Baptist
Tuesday, May 6 | 7:00 pm
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church
25810 156th Ave SE, Covington, WA 98042
Join us for an evening of conversation, curiosity, and connection as we welcome four women who serve as ordained leaders in their faith communities.
Across religious traditions, women are called to ministry—to teach, to lead, to walk with others in faith. This moderated panel will explore how that call is lived out in different spiritual contexts. Our panelists will share their journeys of vocation and service, offering insight into the joys and challenges of ministry, and the ways their leadership continues to shape the communities they serve.
Panelists include:
Pastor Rachel Swenson, Grace Lutheran Church in Des Moines
Pastor Cheryl Olsen, Crossway Church in Auburn
The Rev. Canon Elise Johnstone, Rector of St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church in West Seattle
Rabbi Yohanna Kinberg, Congregation Kol Ami in Kirkland
This evening is more than a conversation about what they do—it’s an opportunity to reflect on why they do it. Through storytelling, dialogue, and questions from the audience, we’ll honor the deep call to serve that each of these women has answered.
Following the discussion, we invite you to stay for fellowship over coffee, tea, and light refreshments.
Whether you’re curious about how women lead in different faith traditions, or simply wish to celebrate those who minister with compassion and conviction, all are welcome. No RSVP is needed—just bring a friend, bring your curiosity, and come ready to listen and learn.
We look forward to seeing you on May 6!
Support the Yard Sale—Donate and Volunteer!
Looking for a fun way to give back, stay active, and connect with people? Be part of the team that makes the St. John the Baptist Yard Sale happen!
This isn’t just any old yard sale. It’s the largest pop-up thrift store in South King County! And it brings our parish and local community together like nothing else. You’ll be surprised how many folks show up for the deals, but they also come for the good vibes and the friendly faces (that’s you!).
The Largest Pop-Up Thrift Store in South King County!
*we’re pretty sure that’s true
Donate to the St. John the Baptist Yard Sale
Declutter for a cause!
The St. John the Baptist Yard Sale is possible thanks to all the generous donations from parishioners and friends. Your donated treasures help support parish ministries and bless the wider community with access to affordable, repurposed goods.
If your closets, garage, or attic could use a clean-out, we’re ready for your stuff!
Donation Drop-off Dates
May 17 – June 15, after all weekend Masses
(Please, no unattended drop-offs—we can only accept items during designated collection times!)
What to Donate
We ask that all items be clean and in usable condition:
- Sports equipment
- Holiday decorations
- Linens & bedding
- Books
- Electronics (tested and working, please!)
- Housewares & kitchen items
- Home décor
- Baby gear (excluding car seats or cribs)
- Toys & games
- Clothing (all ages and sizes)
- Purses & bags
- Shoes (in good condition)
What Not to Donate
To keep things safe and manageable, we cannot accept:
- Large furniture (desks, dining tables, sofas, hutches, etc.)
- Mattresses
- Batteries (any kind)
- Oil/Fuel/Paint
- Items containing fuel or oil (like lawn mowers or camping stoves)
- Medications
- Medical equipment that can’t be sanitized
- Electronics with missing cords or components
- Large appliances
Furniture donations—new guideline for 2025:
We can only accept small furnishings that one person can carry alone (think small chairs, side tables, compact shelves).
Your thoughtful donations make this event possible – and meaningful. Let’s work together to make this year’s St. John the Baptist Yard Sale our best one yet!
Have a question about whether something’s okay to donate? Reach out to us before you load it up. We’re happy to help!
Be Part of Something Special!
This isn’t just a yard sale. It’s a ministry.
What started as a little fundraiser has turned into something much bigger. Now, it supports all kinds of parish ministries and gives people in our community a fun and affordable way to shop. And we keep tons of stuff out of landfills while we’re at it. Win-win-win!
Why You’ll Love It
Meet great people (and maybe catch up with folks you haven’t seen in a while!) Get your steps in (who needs the gym?) Sneak a peek at all the treasures before anyone else Be part of something that makes a real difference Bring a spouse, friend, or neighbor along to volunteer with you! Enjoy snacks during setup and lunch on yard sale weekend Celebrate with the team at our wrap-up party later in the summer!
A lot of our volunteers come back year after year—not just because it’s meaningful but because it’s fun! We work hard, but there’s plenty of laughter along the way. Everything’s more fun when you bring a buddy, so grab your spouse or a friend and join the team!
We Need All Kinds of Help!
Whether you’re flying solo or teaming up with your favorite sidekick, there’s a job for you!
Receiver (May 17 – June 15)
Be one of the first to see the treasures people donate! Greet donors, accept their items, and help us keep things organized in the McMullen Center.
Count me in!
Presorter (Through June 8)
Sort clothes, move stuff to the right areas, toss the broken things, and set aside those hidden gems. I’m on it!
Room Organizer (June 9 – 19)
This is the big push before the sale. Help us set up rooms, make things look nice, and price stuff. Think thrift store but with better teamwork. Sounds fun!
Sale Day Helper (June 19 – 22)
Be on the front lines during the sale! Help keep the rooms tidy, answer shopper questions, and watch for any funny business (it happens!). I’ll help out!
Clean-up Crew (June 22 & 23)
After the sale, help us pack it all up! Tasks include bagging clothes, loading trucks, and clearing out the building. We need people with trucks to help haul everything away! I’m ready to roll up my sleeves!
Oscar Says: Volunteers Make It Happen!
The St. John the Baptist Yard Sale is a highlight of the year, and we can’t do it without our volunteers. Whether you can give a few hours or a few days, we’d love to have you on the team. And did we mention the snacks? And lunch? And the wrap-up party? Yeah, we’ve got you covered.
And hey—did we mention, everything’s more fun with a friend! Bring someone along and make memories together.
April 5-6, 2025
A Note of Thanks from Fr. Carlos – An Update on Our Rectory
Fr. Carlos is deeply grateful for the kindness, generosity, and support the St. John the Baptist community shows as the new rectory project has taken shape. From the very beginning, providing a welcoming and functional home for the priests and future seminarians of Parish Family 30 has been a priority—one grounded in both pastoral care and long-term vision.
Thanks to the thoughtful collaboration between St. John the Baptist and Holy Spirit parishes, that vision is becoming a reality. In the message below, Fr. Carlos shares the journey so far, where we are now, and how the community can continue to be part of this important milestone.