Synod Gatherings

In 2023 we will NOT have a Synod Assembly.

Instead, we will host two Synod Gatherings on May 13 and 20.

These will be of a similar format from our gatherings in 2018: we will offer two Saturdays (in two different locations in the synod) to gather for learning, conversation, lunch and worship.

Stay tuned for more information soon!

Would YOU like to help with the planning?

We will be gathering soon for our first planning session.

Contact Susan (susan@lutheransnw.org) if you would like to help with planning or the day-of logistics!

Remote Tutors Needed!

Do you like working with kids?

Do you have 90 minutes or so to volunteer each week?

The Fe y Esperanza (Faith and Hope) Remote Tutoring Program sprang out of our former new mission start by the same name. They are looking for adults to assist with tutoring. No experience or Spanish is necessary.

We assist with tutoring or homework (via Zoom) to support students in elementary, and middle school who need extra help in the areas of math, reading and writing. The kids, we currently assist, come from families whose first language is Spanish. Due to limited education or English language barriers, parents often struggle to assist with homework. Commitment is 90 minutes a week via Zoom. Our current need is Monday afternoons.

For more information, please email Karen at curtkd1@gmail.com.

Thank you/gracias for considering supporting Latino kids and their learning in our community!

Thriving Leadership Cohorts Forming Now

Background: In 2018, California Lutheran University received a nearly $1 million, five-year grant from the Lilly Endowment to create Thriving Leadership Formation in partnership with its own Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and the 11 ELCA synods of Regions 1 and 2. Membership is open to rostered and non-rostered leaders in ELCA Regions 1 and 2.

Purpose: Thriving Leadership Formation seeks to foster relational, creative, Spirit-led, compassionate forms of ministry that are deeply responsive to local communities. Participants will work in small groups that encourage and equip leaders to live out their faith in ways that make a difference in the world. Session content will focus on spiritual resources, leadership skills, competencies and tools for thriving in the practice of ministry. Opportunities to walk with mentors and coaches enable participants to attend to their own spiritual lives, to the guidance of the Spirit, and to voices, gifts and needs within their communities. Cohorts meet virtually for 12 sessions using a curriculum of spiritual practices. 

Now is the time to join a cohort - SIGN UP THIS WEEK!

At Large Cohorts are begin formed around a particular group or theme:

• Youth Ministry Leaders
• BIPOC
• Partners of Rostered Ministers
• LGBTQIA+
• New Clergy/First Call
• Retired Rostered Ministers (led by former pastor in our synod, Rev. Joan Beck)
• Seminarians

Our Synod Cohort is being led by Rev. John Schraan (Our Saviour's, Arlington)

Find more information and how to sign up HERE.

ELCA Social Message on Climate Care

YOUR input desired!

Acting upon a request from several sources, in November 2021 the ELCA Church Council authorized the development of an ELCA social message on climate care. Social messages are ELCA teaching documents that address a focused social topic. Drawing from existing social teaching, they provide theological rationale and social analysis to foster discernment and engagement on a relatively narrow social issue.

This project was authorized in light of the grim contemporary situation affecting our global home and the need for fresh action on the part of this church. It draws its framing themes from several social statements, particularly Caring for Creation: Vision, Hope, and Justice.

In line with standard ELCA protocol, the project is being shepherded by the ELCA Director for Theological Ethics, working with a lead writer in collaboration with a group of reviewers.

The draft social message is now available for public feedback! 

Read the social message draft here. 

Then use this survey to share your input by Friday, Dec. 2!

The draft will be edited, guided by the feedback, and presented to the ELCA Church Council to be voted on this coming spring.

Faithfully Queer (and Allied) Speaker Series

at Burlington Lutheran Church

Join Burlington Lutheran for the final installment of their series of dynamic speakers sharing about their own faith journeys toward loving all people, especially LGBTQIA+. How can one have faith, hold to their faith tradition (including to the Bible), AND be queer or actively support queer folx? The Faithfully Queer (and Allied) speaker series seeks to address this question.

November 4, 6:30pm-8pm: Xade Grant!

Xade will put on a concert to close out this series. He is a singer, songwriter and pianist who has performed throughout the Pacific Northwest as well as parts of the UK and Europe. Xade plays anything from worship to familiar contemporary songs and songs he wrote himself. His style has been likened to Elton John, Billy Joel and Michael W. Smith. Filled with abundant passion as he performs, it is his heartfelt desire to bring encouragement, joy and happiness to all who come to hear him perform. He resides in the Skagit Valley of Washington with his lifelong partner. At Burlington Lutheran Church.