An Open and Affirming Congregation in Bellevue

Newport Presbyterian Church sits at 4010 120th Avenue SE in Bellevue, Washington, a single-story building with a parking lot large enough to host both Sunday visitors and a Safe Parking program for women and families living in their vehicles. The congregation belongs to the Presbyterian Church (USA) and describes itself as an inclusive, open and affirming Christian community. The church's welcome reads, "Whoever you are, wherever you've been, whatever questions you're holding on to, we'd love to have you join us."

The church is led by Rev. Kelly Spencer (they/them), a graduate of Furman University and Princeton Theological Seminary with additional certifications in Clinical Pastoral Education, Transitional Ministry, Trauma-Informed Care, and Women, Gender, and Theology. Pastor Kelly came to Newport after years of serving churches and brings particular passions for pastoral care, preaching, and the pursuit of justice. The Director of Music is Kristen Orien Wortmann (she/they), a Brigham Young University graduate who also serves as a collaborative pianist at Northwest Girl Choir.

Sunday Mornings at 10:00 a.m.

Sunday worship begins at 10:00 a.m. and typically runs about an hour, with enough time to engage with scripture, stories, and song without taking over the whole day. There are no assigned seats, so newcomers are free to sit wherever is comfortable. The church uses a screen behind the pulpit in place of printed bulletins, and everything needed during the service appears there. Hymnals, Bibles, and colorful printed sheets about upcoming events are tucked into the pockets on the back of the pews, and ushers can provide a printed copy of the slides on request.

A coffee and fellowship hour follows the service at 11:00 a.m., and at 11:30 a.m. the Lifelong Learning class gathers in the chapel and on Zoom for an adult education hour.

The service is also offered live on Zoom and recorded afterward on the church's YouTube channel. Online worshipers can leave their cameras on or off, wear pajamas, or listen from the car on the way to join in person a little late. The same spirit of welcome applies online.

A Building Designed for Access

Accessibility shaped the design of Newport's building. The parking lot has plenty of room, with designated accessible spots, ramp access, and a drop-off zone at the entrance. There are no stairs coming into or once inside, and double doors accommodate extra-wide mobility aids. Worshipers who use mobility devices can remain in them throughout the service.

Inside, gender-neutral and family-friendly bathrooms serve the congregation. Large-print versions of the worship slides are available in place of bulletins, and hearing assistance devices are connected to the sound system. For neurodivergent visitors or anyone who needs a quieter moment, a large atrium with cozy chairs in conversation nooks offers a place to step away.

What Newport Believes

Newport calls itself a "proud LGBTQ+ affirming community" and embraces a progressive theology. The welcome is explicit: "Among many others, we warmly welcome our siblings who identify on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum and invite everyone to full participation in our congregation." Newport is connected with the Presbyterian Church (USA) and with More Light Presbyterians, the network of LGBTQIA+ affirming congregations and individuals within the denomination.

The statement of beliefs emphasizes that all people are children of God and that abundant living follows from following Christ, who calls the congregation to love God with all their being and to love neighbors as themselves. It also notes that faith is strengthened by questions. The church points out that Jesus asked over 300 questions in the gospels and answered fewer than 30 of the roughly 200 he received, and treats questions, doubts, and uncertainties as fertile ground for spiritual growth. The Bible is taken seriously but not literally: Newport wrestles with the reality that scripture is "inspired by God but written by human hands," and interpretation happens in community under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Social justice is woven into the life of faith. The church works for the flourishing of all people, advocates for immigrants, people of color, and the LGBTQIA+ community, and affirms the PCUSA's social witness stance on poverty, violence, climate change, and justice.

Bible Study and Lifelong Learning

A weekly Bible study meets on Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. on Zoom (Meeting ID: 254 781 1912, password: Newport). Pastor Kelly or another leader hosts a time of conversation and study, and all are welcome regardless of background.

The Lifelong Learning hour on Sunday mornings at 11:30 a.m. is the congregation's adult education forum. Recent and upcoming topics include navigating disagreements, exploring truth and reconciliation, repairing historic harms to Black and Indigenous Christians, identity and interfaith relationships, evangelism versus evangelicalism, Ignatian spiritual exercises, and end-of-life planning. The class also takes on civic matters, partnering with First Congregational Church of Bellevue for a "rotate-a-pastor" event around state ballot initiatives.

Music That Spans Genres and Eras

Music is a significant part of Newport's life together. Kristen Wortmann programs the weekly service music and aims to span genres and eras in both congregational singing and background music. The choir is open to all voices, with no previous experience required. Rehearsals take place on Thursdays from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. and on Sundays from 9:15 to 9:45 a.m. during the program year (Labor Day through Pentecost). Each Sunday the choir performs an anthem, and Kristen regularly invites suggestions from singers about what to program.

Guest musicians are welcome at any time, and the church has hosted a wide range of instruments and song selections. Newcomers interested in sharing a piece can reach Kristen at music@newportpres.org.

Kids and Youth

Children are welcomed and celebrated in worship. Each Sunday, kids are invited to come to the front for a "Time for Young Disciples" children's message and to help pass the peace. There is a children's area in the back of the sanctuary with crafts and activities for kids who would like to color or read. An as-needed nursery is available for children up to five years old. On the first Sunday of each month, elementary-age students start the service in Sunday School and return for communion near the end. On the second Sunday, elementary students head out to Sunday School after the children's message.

Youth in grades 6 through 12 gather once a month for game nights, service projects, and time spent exploring who God is in Scripture and in their own lives. The group also meets with area youth groups at another church on the first Sunday of each month. Throughout the year, the program includes summer trips, winter retreats, and local service opportunities. The passage that anchors the program is Matthew 11:28-30: "Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest."

Safe Parking. Safe Nights. Fresh Hope.

Newport's Safe Parking Program uses the church's well-lit parking lot to host women and families living in their vehicles. The program offers 24-hour parking, restroom access (porta-potties), running water, and internet access. It is LGBTQIA+ friendly and open to women from all faith backgrounds. Nightly security patrols, well-lit spaces, background checks for all guests, and a zero-tolerance policy on drugs, alcohol, and violence are part of the program. Callers reach (206) 659-9614 or email SafeParking@newportpres.org.

The program is supported through donations of gas cards, hygiene kits, snacks, and financial contributions, and through volunteers who do daily check-ins and offer support.

Mission Partners and Outreach

Outreach at Newport is grounded in relationships. The church keeps an active list of mission partners and walks alongside them through financial support, supply drives, and service events. Partners include AIDNW (Advocates For Immigrants in Detention Northwest), Faith Action Network, Porchlight, Treehouse, Bridge Ministries, Hopelink, Renewal Food Bank, Underground Ministries (One Parish One Prisoner), the Eastside Interfaith Social Concerns Council, More Light Presbyterians, and The Sophia Way.

Three hands-on programs anchor the work. Plot Against Hunger is a garden ministry that grows vegetables and herbs to support Renewal Food Bank's Crossroads-area mission; volunteers plant, tend, water, harvest, and deliver produce weekly during the growing season. One Parish One Prisoner connects Newport with a person reentering the community from prison, building a long-term friendship and engaging in deeper conversations about systemic advocacy. An annual dinner with Bridge Ministries supports the organization's work with people with disabilities.

Fun Connections Beyond Sunday

Life together extends well beyond the sanctuary. The Fun Connections program hosts:

• The All Church Biking Group, which meets on Monday mornings at 10:00 a.m. at that day's trailhead, rain or shine, year-round. Rides explore paved trails and quiet roads around the Puget Sound region, usually covering 15 to 20 miles with a coffee or lunch stop.
• The Green Trail Rangers Hiking Group, which gathers on Thursday mornings, usually at 9:00 a.m. at the Newcastle Safeway parking lot, for hikes of 4 to 8 miles in the Cascades and around Puget Sound.
• The Saturday Artisans Group, which meets on the first and third Saturdays of the month from 10:00 a.m. to noon on Zoom for knitting and other needle crafts.
• Women's Circles, including Deborah Circle (third Tuesdays at noon), Grace Circle (fourth Mondays at 10:00 a.m., September through May), and the Hope Book Group (last Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m.).

All are welcome in these groups, whether or not they are connected to Newport.

Supporting Newport

An offering plate is passed during worship for members who wish to give, but visitors are guests and are not expected to contribute. Online giving is available through the church's secure portal, and a pledge form can be filled out online. Newport also accepts Qualified Charitable Distributions from IRAs for those age 70½ and older.

The church office is open Tuesdays and Thursdays, and Newport shares updates and highlights through a weekly email newsletter. The main number is (425) 746-6111, and the office email is office@newportpres.org.