We are hiring!

The Synod is looking for a new partner - in a contract position - to serve as the Director of Property for the Northwest Washington Synod. They will be responsible for real estate asset management, property management, dispositions and acquisitions, and providing congregational support. 

Learn more HERE.



And please share with those qualified folks who might be interested!

November is Native American Heritage Month

A meaningful way to honor this month would be to attend one of the ELCA Truth & Healing Movement Online Events. The following four events are free and require no pre-registration. You can attend as an individual or organization an watch party with your family, friends, or congregation.

Learn more and find the links to join here: https://elca.org/truthandhealing

(NOTE: Times on graphic are Eastern Time. The times on the ELCA website are Central Time.)

Time to Get Off Our Pews

by Rev. Terry Kyllo, Executive Director of Paths to Understanding

This week I am writing primarily to my Christian siblings. It is also applicable to other traditions. But some responsibilities come with being the majority wisdom tradition.

Our Jewish and Muslim neighbors need us. They need us now. I have spoken at length about dehumanization and how it leads to violence. While we can hope that our Department of Justice and local law enforcement will do all they can to protect all of us, they cannot replace what neighbors – and neighbors in faith – can do: Show up in solidarity. Read more here.

Retirement Announcement

Beth Adams, Region 1 Gift Planner for the ELCA Foundation

We give thanks for this compassionate and wise partner!

THANK YOU, Beth, for your work among us!



Here is her note to Region One friends:

After a decade of working with you all in support of the mission and ministries of synods, congregations, organizations, and wonderfully generous people, I am announcing my retirement, effective November 30, 2023.

This is a decision not made lightly, as these 10 years have been so blessed:

• traveling across this broad and beautiful region;
• meeting awesome lay and rostered people whose call is to make this world a better place (in their context, of course!)
• enjoying hospitality that presented in a variety of ways—delectable vegetable, barley and moose-meat soup; tromping the Missouri River paths with excellent, local commentary; meeting the horses at the barn; worshipping in sanctuaries of grandeur, and profoundly moving services in gentle and humble churches; being in community over ever-present mugs of coffee, and breaking bread (or enjoying burritos) with committees as we worked together.

Thank you for allowing me the privilege to be a resource from the ELCA Foundation to you, your ministries, and your vision. May the endowments we together have established serve you well into the future, and may your understanding of the importance of Planned Giving be honed, and acted upon, to preserve the future of this church and its role in making this world a better place for all!

Your contact for future needs at this time is Josh Kerney, Interim Director of Gift Planning, ELCA Foundation - Josh.kerney@elca.org

Peace and blessings ~ Beth 

Future Church: Congregations Lead Initiative

Learn about the new, unique and innovative ministries of the Congregations Lead Initiative in this video (and more on their website: https://elca.org/CongregationsLead)

Ditty Bags for Mission to Seafarers

Every fall, Mission to Seafarers packs over 1,000 “ditty bag” gifts containing personal necessities to bring to international seafarers in the Port of Seattle. They are grateful for our many partners from local Lutheran, Episcopal, and Catholic parishes who make this program possible. They are finalizing their collection of hand-knit hats, homemade drawstring bags, and toiletries for this year’s ditty bag season.

As you are able, please contribute by November 8. See flyer for details - or check out their website here: https://www.mts-seattle.org/ditty-bags

Your synod council members will be helping with the packing day on November 18 - you could join them!

Advent Resources from ELCA World Hunger

New resources are now available from ELCA World Hunger to enrich the life of your congregation in Advent 2023 and Lent 2024. These study guides and calendars will guide your devotional practices with Scripture, prayer, and storytelling.

As congregations across the ELCA creatively find new ways to lean into the future, we are eager to equip leaders with ELCA World Hunger resources during the important church seasons of Advent and Lent.

Browse resources here.

Civil Rights Pilgrimage

All are welcome to participate in a transformative 10-day Civil Rights pilgrimage from Atlanta to Memphis - led by the Rev. Britt Olson, the Rev. Carla Robinson, and the Rev. Bryon Hansen September 30 – October 9, 2024. It is rooted in the movements for racial justice and the people of courage who have gone before us. We walk in their footsteps from Atlanta to Memphis as we strengthen our baptismal promise to “strive for justice and peace in all the earth.”

The trip is hosted by the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia, Circles of Color, and St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. Itinerary, cost, and registration information can be found on the pilgrimage website here:

https://circlesofcolor.org/crpilgrimage/. A non-refundable $200 payment is due by November 30, 2023 to secure your place on the Pilgrimage. 

Synod Events This Week:

Tues, Nov 7, 10am-12noon - Synod Staff Meeting

Tues, Nov 7, 1pm - North Seattle Cluster Wee Walk

Tues, Nov 7, 7pm-8pm - LiVE Abide Bible Study - see below

Wed, Nov 8, 10am - SeaTac Cluster Wee Walk

Wed, Nov 8, 2pm - East King Cluster Wee Walk

Wed, Nov 8, 6pm - Synod Holy Land Trip Zoom

Fri-Sun, Nov 10-12 - Youth Retreat at Camp Lutherwood

Sun, Nov 12, 3pm - John Helmon Memorial Service at Holy Spirit, Kirkland (spouse of Pr. Anja Helmon)