Loving Legacy

The congregation at Central Lutheran Church in Bellingham held their Holy Closure service this last Sunday, November 26 in the afternoon. We remember with joy and thanksgiving the 133 years of sharing God's love and care in their community. The people impacted by Central's ministry is immeasurable!

We pray for the members of the congregation as they discover where the Spirit will led them next and trust God will continue to use their gifts in a new faith community.

We give thanks for their legacy - as we look forward to the next chapter of this campus as Lutheran Community Services Northwest begins their ministry at this site.

Lutherwood Camp & Retreat Center Announces New Executive Director

The Board of Directors of Lutherwood Camp and Retreat Center in Bellingham, WA as well as the Executive Director Search Committee, are thrilled to announce that Rev. Kevin Beebe has accepted the position of Executive Director. We look forward to welcoming Pastor Kevin and his family to the synod!

We give thanks to God for all who have provided leadership during this time of transition - and ask the Spirit to continue to inspire and guide the leadership of this important ministry! (Read more here!)

NW Washington Synod Women's Organization News

Read updates and information about upcoming events offered by the Synod Women's Organization in their newsletter, The Echo!

Find the November edition of The Echo HERE!

Advent Devotional from Church of Steadfast Love

As Christmas approaches the craziness of our lives traditionally increases as gift buying and parties are added to our daily routines, but not everyone has the comforts that many of us enjoy without giving them a second thought. It is for this reason that we call our devotional, “Silver and Gold Have We None.” Those whom we serve have not the material possessions that our society prizes, but they have the wonderful gifts of hope and promise. And we, those who find ourselves on the streets this holiday season, in the shelters, and securely housed, would like to share of ourselves with you this season.

May you find this devotional useful for increasing and deepening faith as you reflect on the Living Word, and on our humble insights.

Holiday Shopping with ELCA Good Gifts

Wondering how to make a positive impact in the world right now? With ELCA Good Gifts, you can choose from more than 50 charitable gifts to give in honor of friends and loved ones. Each of these gifts makes a real impact in the world — one goat, water filter or school uniform at a time. Start your holiday shopping now and order free, customized cards for each gift. Give by Dec. 9 to ensure that your cards arrive in time for Christmas. Print-at-home and online cards are also instantly available at any time. Browse gift now!.

Celebrate the 300th Anniversary of the Johann Sebastian Bach St. John Passion

You are invited to participate by singing or playing an instrument in the creation of the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians Virtual St. John Passion Chorale. Learn more here!

Learn to Construct a Narrative Budget for Your Community: Step by Step!

Monday, November 27, 4:30-5:30pm (Pacific Time)

You’ve heard about narrative budgets. You’ve probably even seen some examples or a

demonstration explaining what they are, how they’re assembled and why they work to convey your

community’s impact. Rev. Tim Brown, director of congregational stewardship, will lead a webinar

going step by step through how to create a narrative budget. Bring your current (2023) budget and

pieces of your projected (2024) budget, and get ready to do some work in real time to start the

narrative budget process. Over the course of 45 minutes (with plenty of time for questions), this

webinar will prepare you to present a narrative budget for your next annual meeting. Pastors, council

members, stewardship teams and all other interested parties are welcome to attend.

Join the Zoom here! (Meeting ID: 813 1042 0337 Passcode: 327160)

ELCA Good Gifts on Giving Tuesday

On November 28, people all around the world are coming together to tap into the power of human connection, strengthen communities and change our world.

On Giving Tuesday the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America will lift up ELCA Good Gifts as a way for members across the church to show their support for the ministries we share. We have more than 50 charitable gifts to choose from, and each makes a real impact in the world, sharing the love of Christ one goat, water filter or school uniform at a time. Here's how you can help:

1.  Give. On Nov. 28 go to ELCA.org/goodgifts to make your donation.

2. Spread the word. Share what gift(s) you gave and what our churchwide ministries mean to you — then invite your friends, family and congregation members to join you! Check your inbox and social media feeds on the morning of Nov. 28 for ELCA content you can share that day.

If you would like to donate to a specific synod ministry, head to our Giving Page HERE.

God is calling us into the world — together. And with generous, loving hands we can make a difference. Thank you for your leadership and support.

Lutherans Restoring Creation Connections Call

Reflections and Reverberations from the ELCA's Young Adult Climate Action Summit

Tuesday, November 28, 5pm on Zoom

We are lucky to hear from some of the attendees of this October’s gathering where young adults learned about the ELCA’s social teachings on care for creation and considered their most faithful next steps fueled by our theologies and the contexts of their communities. Come help imagine and hear how we might continue to build momentum in support of climate action within our denomination. Break-out room time offered, but not required! Join the Zoom here.

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.

Movie/book conversation around "Killers of the Flower Moon"

Thursday, Nov. 30, 6:30-8pm

Hosted at Trinity, Lynnwood (and on Zoom)

Join Kay Knott (Upper Skagit Tribe) and Pastor Jenna Bergeson (TLC, Lynnwood) for this conversation - using a study guide that was written/provided by the ELCA. 

More info AND RSVP for in person attendance here: https://www.trinitylutheranchurch.com/event-details/book-movie-discussion-killers-of-the-flower-moon

Join by Zoom here:

Meeting: 872 0699 7988 Passcode: 170503

Pacific Lutheran University Christmas Concerts

Join us for a beloved Northwest tradition as the PLU Choir of the West, University Chorale, and University Symphony Orchestra present our annual Christmas concert. Works by Dan Forrest, John Rutter, Caroline Shaw, Rosephanye Powell, and Mack Wilberg highlight our traditional carols and seasonal favorites. Tickets for this special Christmas celebration are on sale now. General admission tickets are $40. Discounts are available for senior citizens, military, children, and PLU alumni/students/faculty/staff. For more information, call 253-535-7602 or go to plu.edu/christmas.

Lagerquist Concert Hall, PLU

Saturday, December 2 at 7:30 pm

Sunday, December 3 at 2:00 pm 

Saturday, December 9 at 7:30 pm

Sunday, December 10 at 2:00 pm

Benaroya Concert Hall, Seattle

Monday, December 4 at 7:30 pm 

Journeying Together -- Spiritual Practices in Community 

Thursday, December 7, 9am-12noon - Online

Seeking a space for centering and grounding in your faith at the beginning of Advent? As spiritual leaders, you know first-hand the joys and challenges of ministering in our rapidly changing, troubled and beautiful world. You are invited to rest in a variety of grounding, experiential practices to connect to God and to each other.

This FREE event, led by Spiritual Director, Ravi Verma, is intended for those in ministry—pastors, deacons and lay leaders who want to explore, together, in a brave space. As you head into the busy holiday and advent season, this will be a time to gather to rejuvenate and rest in a variety of grounding practices to connect with God and each other.



Registration is NOW OPEN. Once you register, the Zoom link will be sent closer to the event.

Calling all lefse lovers!

Lefse Making Classes

at Kent Lutheran Church

Learn how to make Lefse and take home a sampling of your work. You can join this hands-on class whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro! Contact the Church office 253-852-2057 or jhelgeson43@gmail.com to reserve your spot as space is limited! Classes offered at these times:

Friday, December 8 @ 2:30 pm

Saturday, December 9 @ 10:00 am

Stewardship Webinar: “The Spiritual Side of Capital Campaigns”

Monday, December 11, 4pm-5pm (Pacific)

Many people view a capital campaign as a “necessary evil” (or even an unnecessary one!). But what if there’s a deeper spiritual calling inside capital campaigns that gets drowned out in the anxiety over the bottom line? Could God be inviting people to “dream dreams” in these often-ambitious endeavors? In partnership with the Lake Institute on Faith & Giving, the ELCA will host a webinar in which the Rev. Meredith McNabb and the Rev. Tim Brown will explore the spiritual side of capital campaigns and invite you to think differently about the opportunity that awaits you. Join us on Zoom HERE.

Synod Advent Gathering

Tuesday, December 12, 10am-2pm

at the Synod Office - in St. John United Lutheran Church

5519 Phinney Ave North, Seattle

Open House style gathering - join us as your schedule allows.

We will have warm drinks, sweet treats AND carol singing at 1:30pm!

Upcoming Installation:

Sunday, December 17, 2pm 

Rev. Joseph "JP" Paxton has accepted a call to serve as pastor at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church at Swan's Trail in Snohomish. (5511 64th Street SE, Snohomish)

All are welcome to attend his installation service.

God bless this new ministry partnership!

Bells of the Sound Christmas Concert 

Sunday, December 17, 4pm 

FREE to all at Saint Andrew's Lutheran Church

2650 148th Avenue SE, Bellevue

Come enjoy an hour of beautiful handbell music by one of the nations top handbell choirs (Bells of the Sound) playing Christmas favorites.