April 19, 2021
Weekly Update
announcements & events
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Two HUNGER GRANT Opportunities |
ELCA DAILY BREAD MATCHING GRANTS
A new round of Daily Bread Matching Grants launches soon! ELCA congregations interested in raising funds for their feeding ministry through ELCA World Hunger’s online platform, matched with a $500 grant, can register and apply in ELCA GrantMaker starting Monday, April 26th. Registration will be open through May 1, 2021 and the application will close May 7, 2021. Congregations approved to participate will raise funds for their ministry online from June 5 – June 20, 2021 and will be eligible for a special opportunity to explore goals for their ministry with an ELCA Coach.
For details on the grants and eligibility requirements, visit elca.org/dailybread. There are a limited number of grants available on a first-come, first-served basis, so interested congregations should apply as soon as they are able. Congregations that have previously received a Daily Bread Matching Grant are not eligible to re-apply at this time.
ELCA Domestic Hunger Grants
Registration for Domestic Hunger Grants is underway. Ministries can apply starting April 19, 2021 until May 21, 2021. ELCA World Hunger Domestic Hunger Grants accompany congregations and their partners throughout the United States and Caribbean as they draw on the strengths of communities to address local issues such as food security, clean water, housing, job readiness, human rights, policy change, leadership development and more. Together, these ministries are part of a comprehensive approach to breaking the cycle of poverty and hunger — for good. Grants are available for up to $10,000 a year for up to three years. More information about the grants and how to apply is available at ELCA.org/domestichungergrants.
... and be sure to check out our new Synod Hunger Team Webpage
great resources to help you with your feeding ministries!
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NWWA Synod Grace Grants
Accepting Applications until May 1st!
Ideally, your grant proposal will show support of one or more of these four areas:
- Equity and Justice for Marginalized Communities
- Post-COVID Ministry Innovation
- Community and Inclusion
- Youth & Young Adult
Recipients will be announced at the Synod Assembly
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Synod Assembly Voting Members:
We are now less than 4 weeks to our online assembly! Voting members, you should now be receiving weekly emails on Fridays. IF YOU ARE NOT, please contact susan@Lutheransnw.org ASAP!
REMINDER: Each voting member needs to log in with their OWN DEVICE.
Learn more about the assembly here:
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Open Doors Grant
A New Grant for Congregations
from our ELCA Churchwide Partners
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, you have served your communities with compassion and creativity, even as physical distancing changed the way we worship and meet. With vaccinations becoming available to more of the population, we look forward to gathering with our congregations in physical spaces again soon. What might the Spirit have in store? How can we meet new people, especially as we crave community following a time of unprecedented isolation? How might we stay connected with people who have not visited our church buildings but joined us online? As we adjust to post-pandemic life, how can we create new ideas to meet the changing needs of our communities?
Beginning April 21 your congregation is invited to apply for an Open Doors Grant (ELCA.org/OpenDoors) to support your ministries as we resume in-person worship and gatherings.
Any ELCA congregation can apply for grant funding with a specific and actionable idea for how its ministry might enable members to meet new people while regathering in community as COVID-19 considerations allow.
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Open Door Ministries Update
Read updates from the board, learn more about their year of discernment, and find a special thank you to Rev. Rick Pribbernow as he concludes his service, and more in their Spring Newsletter HERE.
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Pacific Lutheran University
Continuing Education Survey
Pacific Lutheran University is exploring offering Continuing Education courses in congregational formation, chaplaincy, or pastoral development.
We are seeking input from chaplains, ordained ministers, lay leaders, current and past students of Religion at PLU, and those pursuing chaplaincy or congregational leadership roles.
Please take this 5-10 minute survey by May 6. We welcome your feedback to help us design a program that meets the professional development needs of our community. Please share this survey with your friends and networks who might be interested in learning more about chaplaincy, congregational formation, or lay leadership. We value your opinion and thank you for your time! |
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Mentoring Program for LGBTQ+ Young Adults
Murray Fellows, a new mentoring program for LGBTQ+ young adults (ages 18-30) in discernment for Christian ministry. This is a Chicago-based program; however, there are limited funds available to reimburse for travel expenses to attend two retreats: August 26-28, 2021 and May 6, 2022). Applications are open until June 1, and there is no application fee. For more information and answers to other FAQs, I found the Murray Website to be very helpful: https://www.murrayfellows.org
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From Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton:
“Envisioning a world that is just, sustainable and resilient, we, as Lutherans, heed God’s call and take concrete steps to repair inequities and wealth divides locally, nationally and globally. A framework built on hope and connecting climate to economic and racial justice is essential to our reimagining of communities as resilient and inclusive, void of poverty and leaving no one behind.”
Find her full Earth Day Statement HERE.
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A statement addressing racial justice
Read Bishop Eaton's April 16 statement from Bishop Eaton addressing racial justice HERE.
"But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream" (Amos 5:24).
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Creatureliness—Jesus and ours:
In her April column for Living Lutheran, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton writes about Easter and Earth Day, reminding us that we are redeemed, reconciled and reunited in the beauty of the Creator’s loving handiwork. Read her column in English at https://bit.ly/3uR9fFu and in Spanish at https://bit.ly/3wXV9UA.
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Region One Disaster Preparedness and Response Newsletter
United for Ministry in the Days of COVID-19:
Lutheran Social Service Agencies, Synods, and ELCA Church Members...
Find their April newsletter HERE.
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Go on a Lutheran World Relief World Tour with a Virtual Adult Forum
Lutheran World Relief invites your congregation to go on a world tour with a virtual adult forum. Through videos and stories, the team at Lutheran World Relief is ready to take your congregation around the world and show you how your love is at work through rooftop farming in India, quilt and kit distributions in Lebanon, keeping our neighbors safe from COVID-19 in Africa, and much more. Staff are available to visit via live Zoom or prerecorded video. Click here to let LWR know your congregation is interested.
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Synod Meetings this week:
Team members, check your inbox for info & zoom links.
Meet Up for Rostered Ministers in their First Call
Tuesday, April 20, 2pm
Cindy Myatt Ordination
Thursday, April 22, 2pm (see info below!)
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Earth Ministry Book Reflection & Discussion
Monday, April 19 at 6pm
Join the Earth Ministry community for their Earth Day gathering this year - spending time with the book Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. Kimmerer brings her identity as an indigenous woman and also her knowledge as a botanist to her writing about what we can learn from the fauna we live alongside. Her book offers a lovely perspective on how to enter in to more of a reciprocal relationship with the rest of the living world. Braiding Sweetgrass was selected for our community read after being suggested by multiple members of the Earth Ministry community – thank you! We believe it is important that we take time to sit with indigenous wisdom regarding relations to Earth.
Please read the book on your own and then join us online for reflection and discussion on Monday, April 19 at 6pm Pacific. Now is the time to get the book and start reading! We encourage you to support your local bookstore or purchase Braiding Sweetgrass through Bookshop.
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Pacific Lutheran University – Knutson Lecture:
World Balance vs. Personal Salvation:
An American Indian Postcolonial Perspective
Tuesday, April 20, 7pm via Zoom Webinar
Rev. Dr. George “Tink” Tinker is Professor of American Indian Cultures and Religious Traditions at the Iliff School of Theology in Denver, Colorado. Dr. Tinker will address the differences between the genuine equality of American Indian peoples and the hierarchical worldview of the eurochristian West. Given the eco-devastation threatening life today, and the historical trauma experienced by American Indian nations, the survival of American Indian cultures and values may make the difference for the survival of the Earth.
You are also invited to join PLU Chapel on Wednesday, April 21 at 10:30 a.m. via Zoom to hear Dr. Tinker deliver the message. For more information and to register for either opportunity, please visit plu.edu/religion/2021-knutson-lecture.
Learn about more excellent offerings from PLU here:
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Joyfully Aging Is NOT an Oxymoron!
April 22 at 9am
Dr. Rich Bimler shares his positive outlook for the second half of life. In a culture that sees aging as a disease, Joyfully Aging means changing the way we perceive older people, ourselves and others. Let’s discuss how we can joyfully age together.
Find out more and check out our previous webinars & resources at aloaserves.org
Each webinar features an expert in a subject pertaining to older adult ministry land providing information on available resources. All webinars are free and last approximately 60 minutes. If you can't be available for the live webinar, sign up anyway and we'll email you a link to the recording and associated resources.
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Ordination of Cindy Myatt
on Earth Day - Thursday, April 22 at 2pm
We are delighted to share that Cindy Myatt has been called to serve as a pastor/developer in our new mission start:
North Cascades Wild Church. God bless this new ministry partnership!
Live camera begins 15 minutes early.
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Let Us Be A Sign to You
Contributions of Lutheran Members of Arab & Middle Eastern Heritage to the ELCA
Thursday April 22, 4-5pm Pacific Time
As part of the National Arab American Heritage Month, join this educational zoom presentation.
Here is the agenda for the session: Introduction; Devotion based on Ezekiel 24:27 “You shall speak and no longer be silent. / In this way you shall be a sign to them; / and they shall know that I am the Lord;” Identity as a Christian in Arab/Middle East Communities; Presentation on Hospitality, Welcome and Support of Arab & Middle Eastern Members; On-the-ground working relationships with Muslim and Jewish communities; Q&A; Closing Reflection & Prayer
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Grünewald Guild in the City:
Seattle’s Olympic Sculpture Park
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April 24th, 11am – 1pm
Olympic Sculpture Park
2901 Western Avenue, Seattle
Join the Grünewald Guild’s NEW director, Brian Johnson, for this event. He will lead this art outing and conversation focusing on poems and sacred texts paired with the park sculptures. Bring a bagged lunch or make plans for lunch in the area. Register here. Cost is $10 general / $ 2 students |
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Bishop's Spring Convocation
Living into Authentic Diversity: Sharing Our Stories
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Monday-Wednesday, April 26-28, Online
Monday, 1-4pm | Tuesday, 9:30am-3:30pm | Wednesday: 9am-12noon
Rostered ministers, mission developers, and interns of the synod are invited to gather online over these days to explore diversity in the Church from the perspective of listening deeply to the uniqueness of our diverse journeys of faith. How do our familial/cultural/ denominational/personal identities and histories shape our experience of being Church Together? Following an introductory session with the Strategic Team For Authentic Diversity (STAD), we will be joined by keynote speaker the Rev. Lenny Duncan.
We will also hear stories of four local leaders. We will have time to reflect together on both the gifts and the challenges these stories bring to us.
Registration is closed.
All registrants will receive the zoom link by email this Thursday!
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Co-Creating the Post-COVID World
The world is different - leaders and congregations need to adapt and discern what the Spirit is doing. Collaboration is crucial. Developing life-iving patterns of ministry and ways of engaging our communities.
Join ONE of thes conversations about the role of the church in the transformation of our communities, facilitated by Rev. Dr. Ray Pickett, Rector at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and Desta Goehner, Director of Congregational Relations at Cal Lutheran.
Tuesday, April 27, 10 – 11:30am
Zoom ID: 967 1041 7452
OR
Wednesday, April 28, 6:30 – 9 pm,
(Spanish Interpretation available/ Interpretación al español disponible)
Zoom ID: 979 4607 9412
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The Practice of Authentic Allyship |
April 27, May 4, and May 11
6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
When human rights are at risk, people need to stand together. But how do we stand with each other in a way that truly puts people who are vulnerable first? How do we make the vulnerable the “center of the universe” without compromising our own?
Today many are confronting the reality of how our caste system impacts people of color, LGBTQ+, and our society as a whole.
Being an authentic ally is more than wearing a flag pin. It is not something we claim for ourselves, but rather a recognition by groups that we are consistently and effectively supporting in their work for human and civil rights.
IN THIS COURSE, YOU WILL LEARN:
- learn what authentic allyship is, what it is not, and key skills, strategies and awarenesses to stand with others
- gain a better understanding of the caste system in the US and how it impacts all of us
- practice sharing your own story of why you want to stand as an ally
- learn some guidelines for conversation with your family and your groups
Standing with and for each other is not an addition to our lives. It doesn’t take-a-way from us individually. It is a key part of what it means to be human and provides hope for a more just and equitable world for all of us. As Ellie Wiesel said, “Wherever men and women are persecuted because of their race, religion, or political views, that place must — at that moment — become the center of the universe.”
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Lutheran World Relief (LWR) Update & Seattle Spring Ingathering |
April 29 - May 1 at First Lutheran Church in Bothell
The Spring Ingathering will be a modified Covid19 Ingathering process. Churches/quilting groups need to reserve a delivery spot by calling/emailing Rich Mathes at 206-384-1183, or email lwrmathes@aol.com. The incoming cars and trucks will be staggered; drivers and passengers must wear masks and are to remain in their vehicles as much as possible. The church building is not open for use by drivers or passengers.
HELP US KEEP YOU IN THE LOOP: If your quilting group, or church, or kit-assembly group has not received your instructions, loading form, or newsletter, please notify Rich at either contact above.
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The Truth About Addiction
Thursday, April 29, 9am-10am PST
Dr. Kate Gaudet’s presentation will explore some of the most common stories about addiction, providing tools for understanding on a narrative and structural level. From this foundation, we will explore whether the familiarity of some stories might create barriers to recognizing different experiences of addiction or approaches to recovery, and think about where we might find more diverse accounts to inform our understanding of and response to addiction.
Dr. Kate Gaudet is on the faculty in Humanities at the U of New Hampshire.
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Lutheran Campus Ministry Sunday!
Sunday, May 2
First to Worship Planners: a pre-recorded video worship service will be made available - five Lutheran Campus Ministries, their pastors and students will be leading this service, as well as music contributed from 5 congregations from around the state.
Second - On Sunday, May 2 at 11:30am - join Pastor Chelsea Globe of UW Lutherans for a region-wide education time to discuss campus ministry, young adult ministry, and how your congregation can get involved!
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Read the Koran in Four Weeks
Mondays in May (3, 10, 17, 24), 7pm-9pm via Zoom
Check out this unique class taught by Pastor Marshall, First of West Seattle, four times a year since 2003. The cost is $20 --- which covers sending you in the mail your own copy of an approved English translation of the Koran.
Call or email to register or ask questions. Pastor Marshall at (206) 935-6530 or deogloria@foxinternet.com. For more information on the class (including a half hour video interview) and some student recommendations, see flcws.org, “Reading the Koran with Pastor Marshall.”
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Trivia Night with Earth Ministry!
Tuesday, May 11 7pm-8:30pm via Zoom
Join the fun and support our Earth Ministry friends with this Zoom event!
Tickets are $20/person - join a team, or sign up with your own!
Learn more about Earth Ministry HERE.
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Synod Women's Organization
Spring Retreat (virtual!)
CHOOSE JOY
with keynote speaker: Stacy Kitahata,
Co-Executive Director of Holden Village
Saturday, May 22, 9am-12noon
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Faith Action Network Spring Summits!
Choose from Sunday, May 23 and
Sunday, June 6, 2pm-4pm Online
At the Summit you can gather virtually with advocates in your region and in your issue area of interest and begin to consider what steps we might take together in the year ahead. This event is open to advocates across the state, and the content and breakouts will be the same each Sunday. See the flyer here and register for one of the dates below:
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Lifeguard Class!
June 11-13 at Camp Lutherwood
For ages 15 years and up.
Commute or stay on site...
Pricing depends on what you need.
More information at:
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Want an item included?
All items due by 2pm on the prior Thursday
Northwest Washington Synod / ELCA
5519 Phinney Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98103
206-783-9292
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