November 22, 2021
Weekly Update
announcements & events
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New ELCA Study Guide:
“Faith, Sexism, and Justice: A Call to Action”
A study guide is now available for the ELCA’s newest social statement, Faith, Sexism, and Justice: A Call to Action. The guide features six flexible sessions that can be customized for in-person gatherings or virtual meetings.
Each session incorporates prayers, videos, engaging activities, Scripture study and invitations to live out the call to gender justice in the world. As Lutherans, we are called to serve the neighbor and affirm the diversity of God’s creation. Grounded in faith and love, we work for a gender justice that flows from the heart of Lutheran theology and cultivates abundant life for all people. Download the study guide.
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A pastoral message on the Rittenhouse acquittal
Dear Church,
In the book of Leviticus we read: “You shall not render an unjust judgment; you shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great: with justice you shall judge your neighbor” (19:15).
Our social message on Community Violence urges us to become more involved in countering the reality and fear of violence in our communities and our neighbors’ communities, pursuing justice and seeking peace no matter how long the journey or complex the challenge. When a child is allowed to become a vigilante in our society without recourse, we are forced to confront the idols of our society: guns, violence and white supremacy. To be sure, this is not about one person, but indeed about all of us, together.
Today's acquittal is an injustice. It points to the disorder in which we all live. As we seek to restore justice, so also will we restore God to God’s rightful place at the center of our life together.
In Christ,
The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
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Resource for Youth:
Called to Lead: A Galactic-themed Journey of Discovery
While watching galactic science fiction films, we might feel the urge to grab a laser sword and join the universal battle, fighting evil and standing for all that is good. These stories resonate strongly because they tap into our desire to rise above what we know and challenge us to become more than we think we can be. For young people who love science fiction and pop culture but struggle to talk about God and the Bible, the new, interactive “Called to Lead” guide offers young people a starting place for discussion of their inner selves, their vocation and their call to lead.
The “Called to Lead” spiritual gifts interactive activity was first offered at the 2018 ELCA Youth Gathering in Houston, Texas. Participants traveled to a distant galaxy where they identified their specific leadership gifts and abilities. Then they were sent to planets that offered them specialized training — so they could become the best protectors of the universe they could be!
Now “Called to Lead” has been adapted into a set of downloadable resources that can be used in person or online. The materials include a five-part Bible study guide as well as instructions and supplies for leading the spiritual gifts interactive activity in a variety of contexts. These resources were designed for middle school and high school youth, but they can be adapted for use with young adults. Our church needs leaders of all kinds as we look toward the future. The “Called to Lead” guide will give youth and young adults a new way to explore their baptism, spiritual gifts and call to lead.
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Student Seeking Housing for month of January
A second year, male student of music (organ) and math/physics at Saint Olaf College plans to spend his January term in Seattle, observing and participating in the music ministries at Saint Mark’s. He needs housing near Saint Mark’s Cathedral, or near public transportation lines that afford a short ride to north Capitol Hill. Might you know of a spare bed/bathroom with kitchen access, or someone who would like a house sitter for the month of January? Please contact Michael Kleinschmidt, Canon for Cathedral Music, Saint Mark’s Cathedral: mkleinschmidt@saintmarks.org; 206-323-0300, ext. 220.
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Do you collect used postage stamps?
We have a local congregation member today seeking a place that collects cancelled postage stamps. If your ministry / organization that collects them or if you know of one that does, please reach out to Susan at the Synod Office (206-783-9292). Thanks in advance!
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Synod Events this Week
Tues, Nov. 22, 1pm - Living Well Webinar - all are welcome - see info below!
Wed, Nov 23 - Please note: the synod office will be closed for the Thanksgiving Holiday weekend beginning Wednesday, November 24.
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Ministry Leadership Wellness Webinars
Tomorrow, Tuesday, November 23, 1pm
(4th Tues. of the month through March 22)
These monthly webinars are open to ALL rostered and lay leaders in our synod for free - as part of a Synod Grant with Living Well! The interactive webinars will be designed to implement specific holistic wellness strategies within the ministry setting as a way to assist with stress management, maximize engagement, self-care, and self-compassion.
TOMORROW our topic is Deep Heath
Deep health is when all dimensions of health are in sync. Our thoughts, feelings, and environment affect the integrated workings of our brain, hormones, and immune system, along with the rest of our body. Join us as we explore how making small adjustments to one area can positively impact and affect other areas of your life and health. Join the webinar here.
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Church Property Discernment:
Selling or Leasing
Tuesday, November 30, 6:30pm
Is your congregation considering selling or leasing part of your property? We invite lay and rostered congregation leaders to a conversation with a panel of individuals who have recently been on this journey. Join this Zoom meeting here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84844094562
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Pacific Lutheran University Concerts
Join one of the most beloved holiday traditions in the Northwest, as the PLU Choir of the West, University Chorale, and University Symphony Orchestra present our annual Christmas concert, Hope. Works by Howard Darke, Brian Galante, Richard Nance, and others mix with traditional carols and seasonal favorites as we celebrate hope and renewal in this joyful season.
2021 Christmas Concert dates:
Saturday, December 4, 8:00 pm – Lagerquist Concert Hall, PLU
Sunday, December 5, 2:00 pm – Lagerquist Concert Hall PLU
Monday, December 6, 7:30 pm – Benaroya Concert Hall, Seattle
Saturday, December 11, 8:00 pm – Lagerquist Concert Hall, PLU
Sunday, December 12, 2:00 pm – Lagerquist Concert Hall, PLU
Group sales of 10 or more tickets will ONLY available for the Benaroya concert.
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Upcoming Installation Services
Pastor Craig Beeker Installation
Sunday, December 5 at 2pm
Join this celebration as Pastor Beeker is installed as the new pastor at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Snohomish. God bless this new ministry partnership!
Pastor Scott Peterson Installation
Sunday, January 30 at 10am
Join this celebration as Pastor Peterson is installed as the new pastor at Anacortes Lutheran Church. God bless this new ministry partnership!
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Climate Justice, Health and Wellbeing
a PLTS Mohrenweiser Lecture with Dr. Manoj Kurian
Friday, December 10, 9am online
The lecture will discuss how Climate Change is threatening human health and well-being, and the ethical and moral imperative for action. The lecture will also delve into preparedness and prevention; mitigation and adaptation; and recovery from the loss and damage already sustained. The discussions will encourage reflections on how we can be accountable and take responsibility- as individuals, as congregations, as communities, and as nations.
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The National Lutheran Choir: Christmas Festival
Christmas Festival: The Earth Adorned Livestream
Friday, Dec. 10th - 6pm
Free to all | Visit NLCA.com to watch
Join the NLC this holiday season online for their 36th annual Christmas Festival, The Earth Adorned. A livestream of the concert will be available for free to all on the NLCA.com website at 6pm (Pacific) on Dec. 10th.
During The Earth Adorned, we will view the birth of Christ alongside the beauty of this world through works for choir and instruments including Aaron David Miller’s Chanticleer, Paul John Rudoi’s Orbit Carol, and the Creation Suite by Dr. Larry Fleming. The Earth Adorned will include singing of carols, recitations of poetry, and more from the Basilica of Saint Mary in Minneapolis, MN.
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2022 Ignite the Church Conference
Seismic Shifts:
Where do we go from here?
February 8-10 in Orlando and Virtual
Since February 2020 and before, the Church has been enduring unprecedented seismic shifts. In response, a new hybrid version of the conference will gather this February (in-person in Orlando AND online) yo reflect on the theme: SEISMIC SHIFTS: Where Do We Go From Here?
Four large group sessions will focus on the following shifts:
- Public Church with Robin Steinke and Winston Persaud
- Hybrid Church with Joe and Jess Liles
- Adaptive Church with Tod Bolsinger
- Thriving Church with Stephanie Spellers
Ten 90-minute workshops will dig deeper into these shifts to offer encouragement, inspiration, and challenge for church leaders. To register and learn more about the presenters, workshop options, and other details go to www.IgniteTheChurch.net. Register to attend by November 30 to access the lowest $99 In-Person rate.
The Online option will provide live and recorded access to each large group session.
The Online option is FREE with a suggested donation of $30 to the ELCA Fund for Leaders.
All proceeds continue to benefit the ELCA Fund for Leaders.
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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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