Church of Mary Magdalene
A Christian Ministry with Homeless Women in Seattle
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Our Mission
The Church of Mary
Magdalene is a diverse Christian community of homeless and formerly
homeless women, providing a safe environment to build relationships,
experience hope and love, explore faith and develop strength
The Church of Mary Magdalene It is for women who are struggling to be free from multiple difficulties including homelessness, poverty and abusive treatment. It is for women who have been robbed and raped emotionally, spiritually and physically. The Church of Mary Magdalene is ecumenical and non-denominational. All women, with or without Christian faith, are welcome. Our Story The Church of Mary Magdalene was founded in 1991 by Presbyterian Clergywoman Jean Kim, with the sponsorship of Church Women United. Having served for years as an outreach social worker on the streets, Jean was aware of homeless women's needs for a safe and nurturing spiritual home. She gathered a multi-racial group of women for weekly worship services, preaching the Christian Gospel of acceptance, forgiveness and hope. A dedicated group of volunteers , board members and donors joined in to help the ministry grow. Rev. Kim retired at the end of 1997, leaving behind a vital congregation. Rev. Patricia Simpson, a United Methodist clergywoman, served our Church for over 8 years, providing pastoral care and leadership to expand our program to six days a week. In 1999 we added the weekday program Mary's Place, expanding our ministry to women and children who need a place to go during the day. Material assistance has also been part of our ministry from the start: nourishing food, help with housing and emergency aid. Gifts of new lingerie have been a special touch, affirming women's dignity. Our ministry continues with support from churches of many denominations, reaching out to homeless and impoverished women in the name of Jesus Christ. In 2011 we made the decision to form two separate organizations.
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