Announcements
The Synod Office will be closed today Monday, February 20
The office will be closed for Presidents Day.
DEM Administrator Position Filled
We are grateful for the interest of so many qualified applicants for this part-time position working with our synod's Director for Evangelical Mission. We are delighted to announce that
Deacon Dianne Johnson will be serving in this role. We are also very thankful for the funding of this role through a grant from the Domestic Mission Unit of the ELCA Churchwide office. God bless this new ministry partnership!
Camp Lutherwood is Hiring Summer Staff!
Working at camp is AWESOME! They are hiring for all staff positions: counselors, kitchen staff, nurse, cook, leadership staff. Find the staff application here:
http://goo.gl/KhgWD7
Collegial Mentoring Groups Forming
Interested in a group with other rostered ministers where the primary focus is your own spiritual growth and care? Pastor Paul Hoffman, called by our synod council as a writer and teacher, is beginning a new series of mentor groups for leaders in our synod. He hopes to launch a northerly group, perhaps in the Mount Vernon area, and one in greater Seattle. The group meets one day (9am-3pm) a month for a period of six months. Schedule, topics, and format are decided at the group's first meeting. Tuition for all six sessions is $300, with the recommendation that $150 is paid by the congregation or calling organization and $150 by the rostered minister. Some scholarship funds are available. E-mail Paul with interest or questions:
[email protected]
Free "Luther and the West" online course
This new Northwestern University Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) is now available for free on online. It offers an educational resource for this year's commemoration
of the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. The course is taught by
Christine Helmer
, who is an internationally known Luther scholar, and Professor of Religious Studies and German at Northwestern University in Evanston, USA.
This course is about the impact that Martin Luther, the Protestant reformer, had on major ideas in the history of the west. You will encounter ideas such as freedom and slavery, biblical interpretation and anti-Judaism, politics and economics. In addition to Luther, you will meet important thinkers, such as Baruch Spinoza, Immanuel Kant, and Martin Luther King Jr.
The course includes 36 video lectures by Professor Helmer, in addition to many texts by Luther and others that you can download for free. You can connect with other learners in discussing the course material.
The promotional video provides information about the course. The link is
https://vimeo.com/183541655
Time for Rostered Ministers to complete the Report to the Synod Bishop Form
Each year every rostered minister (active, retired, and on leave from call) completes a report to the synod bishop. These important forms are an additional way to connect with the Bishop and staff. Thank you for tending to this in a timely fashion!
Get them here.
(These reports are received by your SYNOD bishop - NOT sent to churchwide - send them to the synod office as described in the directions.)
Do You Have ELCA-Primary Health Coverage?
Learn How to Earn Wellness Dollars!
If you have ELCA-Primary health coverage you may earn up to $400 wellness dollars by completing Portico's Live Well Challenge. Get started at
PorticoBenefits.org/livewell
Registration for May Youth Weekends at Holden Village is OPEN!
Be sure to check out the listing of job openings around the synod - there are some terrific new positions for you to review and share with others who might be interested ... Click here for details:
www.lutheransnw.org/employment-opportunities
|
Upcoming & New Events
Events coming up in the next few weeks AND events recently added to the synod calendar.
Portico Webinar: Retirement Planning Made Simpler
Tuesday, February 21, Online
Portico is making retirement planning simpler by introducing a new Retirement Planning Tool and an in-house Financial Planning Line, both at no cost to ELCA plan members.
Go to myPortico to register for a short webinar Feb. 21 to learn more about why Portico has developed these new resources, and how to make the most of them.
Mideast Focus Film Series: Who Counts?
Wednesday, February 22, 7pm at
St Mark's Episcopal Cathedral, Seattle
In this time of doubt about who does count, we consider: who counts when it comes to the news? Who counts in a refugee camp? Who counts in West Bank settlements? Who counts among marginalized groups? Who counts in America? Can we live in a world where
everyone counts? Join the viewing of the final film in the series:
Feb 22 -
Two Blue Lines; Admission is free, donations welcome to defray cost.
Questions? contact:
[email protected]
Pre-retirement Webinars: Info-packed & Portable
Thursday, February 23, 12noon-1pm, Online
Our pre-retirement webinars make it easy to learn about retirement planning anytime, anywhere. This free series is led by a team of experienced retirement specialists from Portico and Ernst & Young. When you register and join us for a live webinar, you'll be able to participate in a live Q&A session. Each webinar will be archived and available for viewing online anytime - the final webinar in the series is Feb. 23 - Income in Retirement; Free to ELCA benefits plan members. MORE INFO HERE.
Mardi Gras Brunch BINGO
Saturday, February 25 at 11am-2pm at St. Mark's Cathedral, Seattle
God's creation needs Earth Ministry, and we need your financial support to do the good work of educating and mobilizing communities for environmental justice. Come learn more about Earth Ministry, get to know like-spirited people, and have FUN while you're at it! Your ticket includes a tasty brunch, mimosas, and five rounds of BINGO - all to benefit Earth Ministry's mission of faith-based stewardship. Wear festive Mardi Gras attire or costume and get your tickets here: www.brunchbingo.brownpapertickets.com Have questions, comments, or interest in hosting a table? Contact [email protected] or call our office at (206) 632-2426. (This is a 21+ event, please have a valid ID available. All tickets must be reserved in advance. Tickets will not be sold at the door.)
Immigration & Refugee Services Events
This event is hosted by Christ the Servant Lutheran Church and sponsored by Whatcom County Refugee Support Network. John
Forseth, Program Director of Refugee Resettlement, with Lutheran Community Services, will give an update on the current status of refugee resettlement activities nationally and in the Seattle area. This will be followed by a discussion on ways to support and possibly resettling refugees in Whatcom County.
Celebrating Martin Luther: a Concert for Everyone!
This concert is part of our year-long commemoration
of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. There will be hymns and songs and anthems with the Phinney choirs and the congregation, and the Midrash Players will take us right into the Diet of Worms, where Martin Luther took his famous stand against the powers of his day. Mark your calendars now and invite your friends and neighbors.
GO! Night
StewardCast 2017
Saturday, March 4,
12:30pm-2pm (Pacific time)
Online
Where are the "bright spots" for stewardship ministry in your congregation? Recognizing the bright spots reminds us where God's abundance is present. Across the ELCA there are many bright spots, and we want to share some of them with you through stewardCast 2017. You are invited to join us for this special online event featuring these presentations: Stewards of God's Varied Grace, Live and Give Generously, If Stewardship is Boring, Somethings Missing, Growing Giving Online, and Nurturing Generosity in the Home.
Our hope is to thank, inform, teach, inspire and connect current and new steward leaders with fresh perspectives, practices and skills that address the challenges and issues faced in growing stewards in our households, congregations and communities. This is for rostered and lay leaders in congregations, current and future seminary students, Finance, Generosity, Resource and Stewardship Committees/Teams, and Synod Mission Support & Stewardship Tables. This collection of short presentations by speakers actively engaged in ministry across the ELCA. Participants will be encouraged to engage in conversation on the topics in their local context after the event.
This event will be recorded and posted soon afterward. Participation in this event requires no registration. On the morning of March 4, simply go to
http:www.elca.org/stewardship
and click on the box titled stewardCast2017. You will be connected immediately. Each participant will be given an opportunity to submit questions on these or other topics and receive related resources after the event.
Engaging the Spiritual Practices of Lent and the Three Days
Sunday, March 5, 3pm - 5:30pm at Our Savior, Issaquah
In this workshop, participants will consider a newer (but actually much older) understanding of Lent and how Luther's Small Catechism offers a model for engaging spiritual practices that lead to the renewal of Christian life at Easter. This is a practical workshop that will give participants a number of practices to consider as we move into the season of Lent that culminates in the Three Days. You can expect a well-organized, engaging, and thoughtful time to reflect on what matters in Christian life -- all touched with a wry sense of humor. Dr. Samuel Torvend holds the University Chair in Lutheran Studies at PLU where he has been teaching for 18 years. At the same time, he also serves as the associate for Adult Christian Formation at Christ Church in Tacoma. One of his most recent books touches on this workshop: Flowing Water, Uncommon Birth: Christian Baptism in a post-Christian Culture (Augsburg Fortress, 2011). The cost is f
ree, but please RSVP so we can make enough copies for those in attendance. RSVP to:
[email protected]
Sandglass Theater's D-Generation: An Exaltation of Larks
Performance & Facilitated Discussion - March 5 at 3pm at University Prep Theater
Developed using a collective story-making method called TimeSlips, Sandglass Theater's award winning D-Generation: An Exaltation of Larks explores the rich creative potential and ability to communicate that exists in people with late-stage dementia. Their words, their images and their creative imaginations yield work that is poetic, humorous and quite mysterious. From these gathered stories, Sandglass Theater forms scenes of the inner lives of the characters and creates a piece that reflects the stigma, acceptance, despair and joy that is equally present and possible in both the person with dementia and in their caregivers, family members and broader community.
The work is performed by three puppeteers (the caregivers) and five puppets (the residents of a care community). Set to a compelling original score and striking animated video segments, D-Generation takes us into a world that is all too much a part of our lives. TimeSlips was developed by Dr. Anne Basting, who received the 2016 MacArthur Genius Grant for her work. TimeSlips opens storytelling to everyone by replacing the pressure to remember with the freedom to imagine. The hour-long performance will be followed by a facilitated discussion and sharing of community resources and support.
Free Workshops and Discussions March 6 - 9
The performance will be followed by four days of workshops and discussions March 6-9. The workshops will introduce TimeSlips which aims to improve the well-being of elders by infusing creativity into care relationships and systems. The workshops are tailored for specific audiences. There is no cost to attend the workshops. Since they are limited to 30 participants, you should register as soon as possible. Tickets at brownpapertickets:
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/profile/977629
International Women's Day
March 8
On this day, we will celebrate and honor the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. An
International Women's Day booklet
has been created to help people consider the ways congregations and communities can celebrate, gather together and support the International Women Leaders initiative. Find it HERE.
Composer David Haas Events - Concert & Retreat
In Concert on
Friday, March 10, 7:30pm
at
St. Patrick Catholic Church (2702 Broadway E, Seattle)
David Haas is highly regarded as one of the most prolific composers in liturgical music today. His songs, including "You Are Mine," "Blest Are They," and "We Are Called," appear in the hymnals of many Christian Denominations. Suggested Donation $15 Per Person, $30 Per Family. For more information and tickets, contact Sara Hanson, at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, [email protected] ; 206.523.6776
Retreat with David Haas on
Saturday, March 11, 9am-3pm
at Our Lady of the Lake Church (8900 35th Ave NE, Seattle)
"That You Might Have Life: Spiritual Practices for the Call to Holiness."
Reserve in advance $30, At Door $40 (includes Lunch ) FOr more information and tickets, contact
Elementary Retreat at Lutherwood
March 10-11 OR March 17-18
Two weekends to choose from! Grades 1st - 6th will join new and returning campers for camp favorites with old and new friends! $57/camper $40/chaperone. More info & registration here:
Kids & Race: Changing the Narrative Workshop
Saturday, March 11, 9:15am at Epiphany Parish (Episcopal), Seattle
Race still matters in America today. How can we raise children who go beyond the superficial notion of colorblindness to see and challenge the ways that privilege still shapes our lives? How can parents prepare to seize the teachable moments that arise when we least expect them? Join us for this 3-hour workshop especially suited for preschool through elementary age children, their parents and their educators. Children and adults have separate programs to engage them. Snacks will be provided for the children. This workshop will focus on identity development and cultural norms. Presenters will discuss how narratives and counter-narratives shape our children's personal and racial identity development. This workshop series is a co-sponsored project of The Well (Methodist) and Columbia City Church of Hope (ELCA). More info & register at:
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2825812
Evangelical Lutheran Education Association
Teacher, Director & Pastor Conference
Join others in Early Childhood Ministry for two days of networking, renewal and fun. Dinner and entertainment is included on Friday evening. Keynote speaker, Jeannie Williamson will inspire us and stretch our imagination to see new ways to reach families in our community. Questions: Please call Debbie Cooper, conference hostess and director of Our Savior's Lutheran Church & Preschool at 425-252-0413, ext 113 or email
[email protected].
See the flyer HERE.
Compass Housing Alliance's 11th Annual "Charting Futures" Gala & Auction
Saturday, March 18, 6pm-10pm at
Motif Seattle (1415 Fifth Avenue, Seattle)
This year's theme, "Charting Futures" reflects our work helping low-income and homeless individuals and families navigate their way to stability.
Join 400+ supporters and influencers for an evening out in support of homeless men, women, and children in our community. Mix and mingle, dine and (dessert) dash, bid on fabulous auction items, and celebrate the powerful changes every day at Compass Housing Alliance.
Proceeds from the Auction & Gala benefit Compass Housing Alliance's housing and support programs for men, women, families, Veterans and seniors in need. Check out all of the details and get registered today HERE.
Lutheran Staff Association Conference
This is a conference designed for lay leaders in the church. For over 50 years, lay staff members (non-clergy staff like Office Managers, Secretaries, Youth/Family, Musicians, volunteers, etc.) of congregations, churches and specialized agencies have gathered for a few days in the Northwest to learn and laugh, sing and pray, grow in faith and connect with others working in similar ministries. working in similar ministries. This year the theme is "Reformation and the Re-Formation of the Church." The keynote speaker will be the Rev. Shelley Bryan Wee, Lutheran Campus Ministry at Eastern Washington University.
The price of $250 will cover three nights and all meals. More information regarding workshops and theme will be coming very soon (keep up to date here: http://lutheranstaffnw.org) Questions? Email us at [email protected].
Liturgy and Music for Lutherans
March 22 - June 7 Online
Music is integral to the liturgy of the Church, and not simply a decoration. If this is true, then a church musician ought to understand the foundational history and theology of Christian worship. This ten-week course will provide a beginning to that exploration, focusing on how music is at the heart of what happens when Christians gather for worship. Although this course is designed especially for Lutheran church musicians, musicians from other traditions, clergy and interested lay people are welcome to participate. Scott Weidler, will be the instructor - registration open now: http://lpm-online.org/distancelearning/
NWWA Spring Rostered Ministers Conference / Bishop's Convocation
Sunday - Tuesday, April 23-25 at Semiahmoo Resort,
Blaine
Rostered ministers of the NW Washington Synod are invited to gather around the theme of: "We are Lutheran: What does this mean?"
Cost, schedule, details, & online registration link
available online HERE
. Register by March 9!
Catechumenate Training and Immersion Event
April 28-30 at
Grace Lutheran Church in Wenatchee
The weekend will start early afternoon Friday the 28th tapping into the liturgical seasons starting with the season of Advent, and participants will experience the full catechumenal cycle, finishing with Pentecost on Sunday afternoon the 30th. The conference will be facilitated by Paul Hoffman, author of Faith Forming Faith, and Faith Forming Ministry. For more information, go to:
www.faithformingfaith.weebly.com There you'll also find a printable PDF for registration. There's a discount for three or more from a congregation.
The Sanctuary/Campus Ministry at UW Event
Saturday, April 29, 11am-12:30pm at The Covenant House, UW
Please join us for the Brunch Fundraiser & Introduction to The Sanctuary, Lutheran Campus Ministries' vision for how God is directing our work in the University District.
Coach Training
May 4-5 in Seattle
CoachNW, a ministry of NW Washington Synod will host a Coach Training event. Limited to 15 people. Questions? Contact: Gary Rothenberger [email protected].
Read more about CoachNW here: www.lutheransnw.org/coachnw
2017 Synod Assembly
Saturday, May 20 at Salem Lutheran Church, Mount Vernon
We will gather for a ONE-day meeting to attend to synod business: reports, elections, resolutions, constitution amendments, budget approval, etc. Online registration will be open April 1-28.
Resolutions and nominations must be received by April 28 in the synod office - but better to get them in as early as possible!
Do you need to know how many voting members your congregation should elect? The answer (and more info about nominations, resolutions, display tables, volunteering, etc.!) can be found on the synod assembly web page: www.lutheransnw.org/2017-Synod-Assembly
BOLD Gathering - Lutheran Men in Mission
July 21-23 in Minneapolis
This is a weekend for men to come together to learn, to worship, to network, and be equipped to BOLDY live out their faith! Great speakers and activities! Visit our website and learn more about our speakers and events - and get registered: boldgathering.com.
Rostered Ministers Gathering
August 7-10 in Atlanta, GA
The first ever gathering of rostered ministers from around the ELCA!
Read all about it, prepare to get registered on March 1 ... and find how to apply for limited scholarships that are available. The deadline for scholarship applications is March 8th. Check it all out at:
www.elca.org/RMG
|
|
STAY CONNECTED
|
|
|
|
|
