|
Today is World Food Day
a message from our partners at ELCA World Hunger:
Today is World Food Day — a time to be reminded of our millions of neighbors around the globe who struggle with food insecurity, and to act, together, to make a difference. One troubling trend is that the spike in hunger we have seen in recent years has not eased. Hunger is still “far above pre-pandemic levels” (Food and Agriculture Association, 2023). In 2022 up to 783 million people went hungry. For 50 years we have joined together as Lutherans to address root causes of hunger and poverty around the world through ELCA World Hunger. Part of our church’s long tradition of meeting human needs, ELCA World Hunger embodies our commitment to God’s promise of a time when we will hunger and thirst no more. We have made great strides, but work remains as we once again face a startling increase in hunger. As we reflect on our last 50 years of ministry together, we know that God calls us to respond to the needs of the world now more than ever. Donate to ELCA World Hunger HERE.
| |
|
ELCA Presiding Bishop Eaton's Statement on Israel-Hamas: Read her statement HERE
Things you can do:
-
Find updated resources and statements from the ELCA here.
-
Join our partner Churches for Middle East Peace for prayer every Wednesday from 12:30 to 1 p.m. Eastern time. Register here.
-
Call your lawmakers today through the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121 and urge them to take action to deescalate the conflict and uphold unrestricted humanitarian aid to Gaza. Find your member of Congress at govtrak.
-
Support Lutheran Disaster Response here.
| |
|
REMINDER:
purchase your LiVE Congregational Bundle by Oct 30!
A Bundle allows an unlimited number of church members to attend an unlimited number of courses and retreats at NO COST to them!
A GREAT value for $500!
Once you register for a Congregational Bundle, your church office will be given a promo code to pass on to your members so they can register for any LiVE offering for FREE! Purchase your bundle here
| |
|
October is Clergy Appreciation Month!
There are many ways to show your appreciation for and care of your deacons and pastors - invite a flurry of thank you/gratitude notes, give a gift card for a dinner out, or a gift certificate for a special outing or a weekend away, a create a special treat basket, or host a celebration coffee hour or party, or order from consecrate.cratejoy.com.
| |
|
St. Mark's Episcopal Compline Choir Pilgrimage
You are invited to join this Pilgrimage as a companion pilgrim to three of England’s most storied and historic cathedrals: Saint Alban’s, Saint Paul’s in London, and Canterbury - August 1-9, 2024. Registration/deposit due Nov. 6.
Learn more here: https://complinechoir.org/england-pilgrimage/companion/
| |
|
Synod Events This Week:
Oct. 15-22 - Food Week of Action - see FAN announcements below
Mon, Oct 16, 4:30pm - Synod Finance Committee
Tues, Oct 17, 10am-12noon - Synod Staff Meeting
Tues, Oct 17, 2pm - First Call Meet Up (Zoom Link)
Tues, Oct 17, 7pm-8pm - LiVE Abide Bible Study - see below
Tues, Oct 17, 7pm - Nominating Committee
Wed, Oct 18, 6:30pm-8pm - Sovereignty Spirituality class - see below
Thurs, Oct 19, 12noon - Time for You - CYF Ministry Leaders (Zoom Link)
Thurs, Oct. 19, 2pm - Deans' Meeting (Zoom Link)
Fri-Sun, Oct. 20-22 - Camp Lutherwood Work Days - see below
Sat, Oct 21 - Synod Women's Organization event - see below
| |
|
Faith Action Network News & Events
Food Week of Action!
Each year, with the support of Presbyterian Hunger Program and ELCA Advocacy, we sponsor Food Week of Action awareness and activities, this year taking place October 15-22.
While we work on hunger and its root causes year-round, a week of focus allows us to highlight some of the ways faith communities and individuals can engage in multiple solutions to end hunger, poverty, and their intersections with so many other issues we work on.
This year’s theme is People and the Planet First, and Tomo Duke, ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellow, has put together this resource you can use. Consider distributing it as a document with your newsletters and bulletins during the month of October. Include a sermon or educational forum during your weekly gatherings. Choose to highlight one action you and your community might take together.
We especially hope you’ll plan to attend our webinar on Wednesday, October 18, 6-7pm (register here), which will provide an overview of state and federal legislation addressing hunger and poverty in the year ahead.
Thank you for all you do to end hunger in our communities, through direct service and lifting your voices and stories in advocacy! Please contact Tomo Duke for more information at duke@fanwa.org.Faith Action Network (FAN) staff are working with faith communities in our network to find dates this Fall for geographical cluster gatherings across our state. These meetings provide a way to get to know your neighbors and talk about local concerns and responses to needs in your community, and perhaps create new collaborations.
+++++
| |
CLUSTER GATHERINGS:
EAST KING COUNTY: Wednesday October 25, 6:30-8pm
Hosted by Newport Presbyterian Church, Bellevue – Register here.
EDMONDS/LYNNWOOD: Sunday October 29, 2:00-3:30 pm.
Hosted by Edmonds United Methodist Church, Edmonds – Register here.
BELLINGHAM AREA: Sunday November 5, 4-5:30 pm
Hosted by First Congregational & Christ the Servant Lutheran. Register here.
+++++
| |
AND... register now for the ...
FAN Annual Dinner
on Sunday, November 19
REGISTER HERE: https://fanwa.org/annual-dinner/
+++++
| |
|
Welcome Tomo Duke to the FAN team!
Tomo's role involves being in collaboration with the local congregations and sharing resources and opportunities for statewide and nationwide advocacy to tackle the root causes of hunger and socio-economic inequality in our communities. From Tomo: "I very much look forward to opportunities together to express and live out our faith in God who “executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry” (Psalm 146:7) through advocacy for the common good. While I make my way to visit various ELCA communities, if you are interested in collaboration or conversations, please feel free to reach out to me anytime! I would also be happy to present resources, engagement opportunities, and/or share the Word."
Read more about Tomo - and how to connect with her here: https://fanwa.org/about-us/staff/
| |
|
Planning Your Legacy
Presented by the ELCA Foundation and The Stelter Company
Tuesday, October 17, 5pm Pacific time on Zoom - Register HERE
A one-hour, complimentary webinar to gain insights into estate planning and charitable giving strategies in today’s evolving economic landscape. We will highlight a few key details of the current economic climate, give you an overview of what you need for a solid estate plan, and teach you how you can leave a legacy to support the ministries of ELCA — while also saving on taxes. This can be your first step toward leaving a legacy that endures for generations to come.
| |
Abide in the Word Bible Study - continues!
Tuesdays, 7-8pm via Zoom
This is a year-long, Synod-wide weekly Bible Study that takes participants on a deeper dive into the coming Sunday's Lectionary text. Participants will have the chance to experience diverse perspectives and voices from various guest facilitators from across the synod.
This is a FREE LiVE offering! No registration needed!
YES, you may join in any week at this link: HERE.
| |
|
Sovereignty Spirituality
We continue on Wednesdays
Oct.18, Nov.1, 15, 6:30pm-8pm on Zoom
(missed the first 2 weeks? they are recorded so you can catch up!)
Dr. Beverly Wallace & Dr. Kelly Sherman-Conroy will lead this 5-session course. A robust understanding of spirituality embraces the whole and authentic person and their lived experience. Many in our world have been marginalized and not given room to live fully into their own self understanding of spirituality because of domination and colonizing systems of oppression. This course explores spirituality from a place of reclaiming one’s Christian identity in light of one’s ethnic identity (Indigenous and Womanist/black women), and how those particular identities, in fact, might help us to image life anew as Christians in todays’ complex world.
Learn more and register via this link.
Cost for an individual registration is $50 unless your congregation has already purchased the Congregational Bundle. Ask your church office for the bundle code to receive FREE registration for this 5-week course. (Zoom link emailed upon registration)
(Church leaders, PURCHASE CONGREGATION BUNDLE HERE)
| |
|
Camp Lutherwood Work Days!
If you are interested in volunteering, we will be having work parties on October 20-22. Can you join us? There will be a variety of different projects to suit many volunteer skills.
Not into heavy lifting? Not a worry! If you can clean, shine, paint, pound, lift, move, nail, sort or cheer - we have a spot for you!
We are offering free accommodation to anyone who needs it and lunch will be provided on Saturday the 21st. Other meals may also be provided depending on the numbers. We will be providing lunch on the 21st and other meals may be available depending on interest. REGISTER HERE!
| |
|
Synod Women's Organization News
The September ECHO Newsletter is available!
READ IT HERE!
AND in the newsletter is more info and how to register for the upcoming Saturday, October 21, 9am-3:30m NWWA SWO Convention - Theme for the day is Got Faith? - with guest presenter, Beth Lewis!
| |
|
Hold Me Tight® Couples Workshop:
Build Connection in Your Relationship
Join Marcia Erickson Bates of Lutheran Counseling Network and her colleague Kristin Nielsen for a transformative couples workshop! Identify negative patterns that get in the way of your relationship, and learn new ways to communicate and build connection.
October 21 & 22 overlooking Puget Sound in beautiful Mukilteo.
For more information, see the attached flyer.
| |
|
Bridge Disabilities Conference
Tuesday, October 24, 9am-1pm
at Holy Spirit, Kirkland
Come join us to learn, discuss, and actively support your church leadership in disability ministry to those who want very much to be a part of your church community!
Get registered here:
https://bridgemin.org/events/bcc-conference/
| |
|
Fall Bazaar
Saturday, October 28, 10am-2pm
at Fir-Conway Lutheran Church in Mount Vernon
We will be raffling gift baskets, selling arts and crafts, baked goods, fall produce and Lefsa! There will also be a Baked potato lunch with all the fixings! Join us!
| |
|
Treasurer Training
Thursday, October 26, 4pm-5pm - FREE!
Thank you to the Southeastern Synod for extending an invite for ALL to attend this training for congregational Treasurers and Financial Chairs led by ELCA Treasurer Lori Fedyk. She will be going over best practices, what to do and not to do, and important and healthy habits.
Register here: https://se-reg.brtapp.com/TendingTheTreasure
| |
|
Upcoming Installations/Ordinations
Rev. Tormod Svensson has begun serving as the new pastor at Kent Lutheran Church. Installation service will be Saturday, October 28 at 4pm.
Ministry Candidate Lori Cavender has accepted the call to serve as the new pastor at Salem Lutheran Church in Mount Vernon. Her ordination & installation service will be Saturday, Nov. 4 at 4pm.
Rev. Andrew Flatt-Kuntze has begun serving as the new pastor at University Lutheran in Seattle. Installation service will be Sunday, November 5 at 3:30pm.
We welcome each of you to the synod and may God bless these new ministry partnerships!
| |
|
Gratitude & Sending Open House
Our Director for Evangelical Mission, Deacon Dianne Johnson, is retiring at the end of October. While we will greatly miss her enthusiasm, wisdom, creativity, and compassion, we want to send her off to her next adventure in style.
Please plan to join us for a gratitude and sending Open House Celebration!
Sunday, October 29, 2pm-4:30pm (join us any time, presentation time at 3pm)
at First Lutheran Church in Bothell (10207 NE 183rd St, Bothell)
If you are unable to attend, you are invited to mail a card of gratitude: Deacon Dianne Johnson; c/o Northwest Washington Synod; 5519 Phinney Avenue North; Seattle, WA 98103
| |
|
Lutheran World Relief Ingathering
Friday and Saturday, November 3-4
at Our Redeemers' Lutheran Church
at 2400 NW 85th St, Seattle
You can deliver your boxes of quilts or kits on:
Friday from 8am-2pm
Saturday from 8am - 11:30am
We need a few more volunteers to direct traffic and help load boxes into the containers. If you can help for 1 or 2 hours, please contact Rich Mathes at 206-384-1183 or lwrmathes@aol.com. Boxes are generally 30 pounds or less. Traffic directors do not need to lift boxes - just direct cars and trucks.
THANK YOU!
| |
|
NO BISHOP'S Convocation this Fall *
Instead, all rostered ministers (and lay leaders!) are encouraged to attend this Anti-Racism Training
LiVing Our Values: How to deal with difference
Saturday, November 4, 10am-3pm
Trinity Episcopal Church in Everett
This experiential and educational event will focus on anti-racism and inclusion. Open to all rostered ministers, professional staff, and lay people, participants will use the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) to assess and set their own goals in this work. There will be time for group learning, individual reflection, and affinity group breakouts. Lunch included.
Cost is $100/person - scholarships available!
Learn more and get registered here!
+ + + + +
* Save the date for our Spring Bishop's Convocation at Seabeck Conference Center on Hood Canal April 21-24, 2024.
| |
|
Created to Be: ME
Fall Youth Retreat at Camp Lutherwood
Who: 6th-12th grade students and leaders
When: Fri, November 10 - Sun, November 12
Arrive at Lutherwood by 7pm on Fri | Depart after lunch on Sun
Registration deadline: October 1, 2023
Questions? Please contact Bobbi or Doug:
Bobbi - bobbi@stmatthewsrenton.org
Doug - doug@salc.church
| |
|
Grateful: Finding Joy in Transition Women’s Retreat
Join women from Our Savior (Issaquah) and Saint Andrew’s Lutheran Church (Bellevue) for their annual Women’s Retreat at North Bend’s Rainbow Lodge November 10-12.
Donna Oiland, a Christian humorist, will share ways to be grateful instead of worried and joyful instead of sad.
For more information contact Sherry Grindeland, Fellowship Coordinator at Saint Andrew’s at 425-746-2529 or sherry@salc.church.
| |
|
Our next LiVE Project Retreat:
Waiting for God Retreat: Reimagining Church Vitality
Sat, Nov 18, 9am-3pm
at Saint Andrews' Lutheran Church in Bellevue
As a pre-Advent retreat, we’ll explore how the practice of waiting offers space for vitality and renewal. At our September retreat with Dr. Michael Chan we heard that faith communities today struggle to practice curiosity in the midst of anxiety. In an age of anxiety around declining church resources, how do we reimagine what it means to be Church created in God's image?
Guided by the four Sunday Scriptures of Advent, we will intentionally explore a more expansive understanding of how Jesus accompanies us in our anxieties and fears about the future of the church, giving us renewed energy, purpose and focus. Learn more and register here.
| |
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
| | | | |
