EVENTS THIS WEEK:
READ THE KORAN IN FOUR WEEKS
Starts tonight! - Mondays in January – 4, 11, 18 and 25 online via Zoom
Check out this unique class taught by Pastor Marshall, First of West Seattle, four times a year since 2003. The class is on Zoom through First of West Seattle. The cost is $20 --- which includes mailing to you 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.”
TRANSITIONS MEETING
Tuesday, January 5, 1-3pm via Zoom
Transition ministers - check your inbox for the details and zoom link.
BEING CHURCH - Weekly Online Gathering for ELCA Leaders
Wednesdays, 11am (Pacific)
ALL are invited to join this weekly online gathering designed to provide encouragement and support for ELCA leaders across the church. THIS WEEK - As we turn the calendar to a new year, we can take time to reflect upon what did and did not happen, what we did and did not receive, what was present and what was sorely and painfully absent. In this session (5 of 7), Rev. Solveig Nilsen-Goodin will reflect on one of Francis Weller's five Gates of Grief: "What We Expected and Did Not Receive," and we will engage in a practice of seeing with eyes of love as a way of responding to this often unrecognized source of grief in our lives. JOIN the Zoom HERE.
(Participants will hear topical presentations related to how we are called to be Church, as well as have an opportunity to be in small group discussions with an ELCA group coach facilitating the conversation. Each week the main session and debrief time are recorded and you can find them here: www.elcacoaching.org/podcasts/media. You can also find a list of upcoming topics and presenters on the home page of our website: www.elcacoaching.org/.)
EPIPHANY SERVICE
Wednesday, January 6 - Day of Epiphany - live on Facebook
This pre-recorded Epiphany worship service will be led by 13 of the bishops of the ELCA (those elected in 2019 - including our own Bishop Shelley Bryan Wee). May this worship service bring God's Spirit of surprise, grace, and wonder to you. You will find the livestream of it on our synod Facebook page at 5pm on January 6.
LEGACY GIVING WEBINAR
January 7, 10am (Pacific) online
Presented by the ELCA Foundation - join this interactive conversation about how legacy giving can impact your future ministry plans. Hear from ministry leaders who have experienced real success in ministry funding by unlocking this unexpected source of support. Register HERE.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
Thursday, January 7 at 4pm
Team members, please se your inbox for details and zoom link.
ANNUAL SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE
Friday, January 8, 4pm
This annual service, honoring those who have died on the streets and/or as a result of being homeless, will be prerecorded and available to watch at 4pm on Friday, January 8. There will be a Zoom gathering for those who would like to participate after the viewing on the 8th. To get the link and info please email Pastor Kristy Daniels.
Saturday, January 9, 10am-11:30am online -
The New Year is coming and it’s true that we will still be in the thick of these complex times. Is it possible to adapt and find a sustainable way through?
Join us for this reflective and interactive workshop as we guide you through reflective, playful exploration enabling you to remember and recommit to the simple actions that bring you joy, focus, grounding, and fulfillment. (Note: not a passive webinar. Your presence and involvement is critical to receiving the benefit of the workshop - for you and others)
Who is it for? For those wanting to discover a way forward that is sustainable and works for them. For those who want to imagine what’s possible. For people ready to lean in and engage and find small things that can have the biggest impact.
Purpose of this workshop: to help people feeling overwhelmed and living moment to moment identify the small behaviors, attitudes, or ways of being as a foundation to help their lives be more manageable.
Desired Outcomes:
- A simple, yet potent intention or commitment to yourself that helps foster a more sustainable way of being. Intentionally prioritizing where to focus your attention while remaining responsible to yourself and others.
- Leave feeling connected with yourself and others and a fresh sense of agency.
Cost is $25/person ... or ... $100/four or more persons from same congregation
LOOKING AHEAD
HUNGER TEAM MEETING
Monday, January 11 at 6pm via Zoom
Consider joining the NW Washington Synod Hunger Team at their next meeting. Your inspiration and ideas are important in continuing to shape this team! During our meeting we will break into the following small groups:
· Promoting ELCA World Hunger resources and fund drives
· Connecting & supporting local hunger ministries
· Discussing the intersections of race & hunger
ORDINATION OF WILLIAM RIMA
Wednesday, January 13, 7pm via livestream
We hold Word and Sacrament Ministry Candidate, Will Rima, in our prayers as he prepares for his ordination. Will has accepted a call to serve as pastor to a multi-point parish in Montana: American Lutheran Church in Harlem, Turner, and Hogeland. The ordination will take place at Kent Lutheran Church - join the livestream via their YouTube channel HERE.
COMMUNITY ORGANIZING FOR TRANSFORMATIONAL MINISTRY
Training offered by Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminar
January 19-23 online
Co-led by a team of four - including Dr. Cynthia Moe-Lobeda, Dr. Ray Pickett, Deacon Kelly Marciales, Director of the ELCA Organizing for Mission Network, and Mary Lim-Lampe, Director of Genesis, a community organizing affiliate in Oakland - this training is an innovative model that incorporates theological and biblical reflection, and attention to beauty and art as well as training in more traditional arts of community organizing (power analysis, organizing cycle, self-interest, and of course more). The training is for graduate students as well as practitioners of community organizing and leaders of faith communities. See flyer which includes a registration link.
FIFTY & BETTER (FAB) WINTER SESSION & LECTURES
FAB’s 6-week Winter Session begins on January 19, and registration is now open!
Courses include: History of Women Artists, America and the Cold War, American Life Through Broadway Musicals, Pioneer Women of the Movies, and more! Individuals 50+ are welcome, please share with your friends and family!
FAB will also be hosting lectures in early January - these lectures are open to all.
ELCA WORLD HUNGER LEADERSHIP GATHERING
Wednesday, January 20 - Saturday, January 23 online
ADAPTING TO A NEW REALITY: Living into a Fresh Vision for God’s Church
Third Thursday monthly webinars featuring well known scholars and church leaders that focus on key areas:
January 21 – Encouragement Beyond Fatigue
February 18 – Justice and the Common Good
March 18 – Hybrid Community: Virtual & In-Person
April 15 – The Future is Now: Creative Expressions of Church
Please go to www.IgniteTheChurch.net to see the outstanding line up of speakers and panel leaders and get more information on how you can join this transformational movement. Pastors and congregational lay leaders can sign up for only a $25 donation to register for the entire series. All conference proceeds are donated to the ELCA Fund for Leaders. Last year's gift to future leaders totaled $6000. Don’t delay; register today!
ELCA YOUTH MINISTRY NETWORK EXTRAVAGANZA
February 5-6, Online
The Extravaganza is the premier event for faith formation leaders in ELCA congregations. The event is hosted by the ELCA Youth Ministry Network. Extravaganza 2021 will explore God’s call to “Hold Loosely” and to trust in the one who comes to create, to redeem and to sustain. This is more important now than ever, as we live and do ministry in a time of pandemic, of racial injustice and unrest, of social division and political turmoil. Typically, this event is held in a different city each year. This year, due to COVID-19, the event is all online. The cost of Extravaganza is $25 for an individual and $60 for a group. These prices go up January 1. Invite your whole council, youth committee, church staff, and your volunteers who work with children and youth. More information and registration links are available at www.elcaymnet.org/Ext21Info. Note that this year membership in the Network is not required, but we hope if you’re not a member, you’ll consider becoming one when you register. If you have questions, please contact Taryn and Becky at cyflutheransnw@gmail.com.
Synod Assembly
Saturday, May 15 9am-4pm ONLINE
