Written in 2010

La Iglesia de la Resurrección provides sacramental and pastoral ministry to the Hispanic community of the Skagit Valley.  Intrinsic to its pastoral ministry are its social and justice and advocacy work.  Its worship services are in Spanish.

Resurrección began as a ministry in migrant farm worker camps in 1998.  The next stage was opening a storefront ministry in Mount Vernon next to the Food Bank and in an area with low-income and farm worker housing.  The first Eucharist was celebrated at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Mount Vernon at Pentecost 2003, with the church office moving to St. Paul’s in 2004.  That year, Francisco Lopez was hired as pastoral assistant.  Lopez speaks Mixteco and helps to reach out to the indigenous Mexican population.  The congregation does not have its own church building but worships at St. Paul’s, Mount Vernon and has been part of the Komo Kulshan Cluster.  It was designated as a Bishop’s Mission Station by the Rt. Rev. Gregory H. Rickel, Bishop of Olympia. 

Resurrección works closely with Roman Catholics, Lutherans, Unitarians and others in providing services to and advocacy for Hispanic immigrants.  The congregation has become a significant voice for comprehensive immigration reform.  Two of Resurrección’s most important programs are its driver’s license classes and its scholarship program for first generation college students.

“While some may see our service to and on behalf of the poor, the marginalized and victims of oppression and discrimination to be a specialized ministry, we see it to be a seamless extension of our life as a community of faith, sent out from the table to love and serve our God and our neighbors… All are welcome and loved in our community.”

Clergy

2003-2012       Josefina Beecher

2004-               Francisco Lopez, pastoral assistant

2013-2018       Helen McPeak

2018-               Joan Anthony, priest-in-charge