I want to share an encouraging update about recent developments in our discussions with Sound Transit about the plans to bring Light Rail through Lynnwood. As many of you know, the original route preferred by Sound Transit had major implications for our property, including taking some or all of our Auditorium and potentially our entire property, requiring our displacement. Sound Transit sought the feedback of the community for this route, and well over a thousand people connected to Alderwood made their voices heard about the importance of our church in our community and the need for us to stay where we are. Our leadership has been in regular communication with Sound Transit as they took that feedback into consideration and have been considering alternate routes. I’m grateful to say they have been listening and have been willing partners with us.

Just recently, Sound Transit made public a new preferred alternative path that they have developed in partnership with WSDOT. This new route would move the light rail away from Alderwood’s property and into the publicly owned right of way adjacent to I-5. This is great news for our church but is far from the end of the story. There are multiple phases left before a final route is chosen, and the Sound Transit board has yet to vote on a route. We all need to continue to stay present and engaged in this process by praying, making our voices heard when Sound Transit asks for public comments again on this updated route, and continuing to stay positive—remembering that the way we represent Jesus publicly matters far more than any building or piece of land. Thanks for continuing to join us in this journey, and let’s keep following Jesus together.