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What is LiVE?
- LiVE (rhymes with "give") is a lay ministry of the NW WA synod- ELCA, forming Christian leaders able to make sense of our place in God’s world.
- LiVE is Theologically Thoughtful, Culturally Responsive, and Communally Engaged.
- LiVE offers a flexible, hybrid-style of learning with various levels of engagement, including multi-week zoom courses, one-day in-person retreats, interactive cohorts, and the Lay Ministry 2-year formation program.
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Meet the Guest Facilitators:
We’re grateful to be joined by thoughtful leaders who will guide us through these conversations:
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Rev. Dr. Tim Seals
Session 2 - Mysticism as Resistance: The Book of Daniel and Mysticism
Thursday February 26
Born and raised in Los Angeles, CA, Timothy Seals has been a pastor in the Lutheran Ministerium for 41 years after his ordination in 1984. He has served three congregations: Hope Memorial Lutheran Church, Los Angeles; University Lutheran Chapel at UCLA; and St. Luke Lutheran Church, where he presently pastors. He completed a master's degree in New Testament at Claremont School of Theology in 2008. He completed a Ph.D. in Hebrew Bible at the same school in 2019. His research interests aremysticism, postcolonial thought, and apocalypticism.
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Pastor Tia Norman
Session 3 - Mysticism of the Desert: Jesus, Solitude, and the Formation
of the Self
Thursday March 5
Pastor Tia Norman is a spiritual leader and contemplative guide helping people pursue spiritual depth by exploring the intersections of spirituality, psychology and social change. She serves as Pastor of Awakenings, Inc., where she leads a contemplative Christian community through weekly worship and communal formation.
Beyond her pastoral work, Tia is a spiritual teacher who designs immersive retreats and learning experiences rooted in embodied spirituality and contemplative practice. She also curates and hosts the annual Black Contemplative Prayer Virtual Summit, a gathering that is open to all.
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Juliet Mousseau, RSCJ
Session 4 - Medieval Mystics and the Human Relationship with God
Thursday March 12
Juliet Mousseau, RSCJ, currently serves as the Vice President for Academic Affairs at the Franciscan School of Theology. She completed her doctorate in historical theology at Saint Louis University in 2006. After teaching at Saint Louis University and the University of Dallas School of Ministry, she entered the Society of the Sacred Heart in 2009. She served as a professor of church history at the Aquinas Institute of Theology from 2012 to 2021. She has published on the twelfth-century Abbey of Saint Victor as well as contemporary issues in religious life. Her most recent book is a biography entitled St. Madeleine Sophie Barat: Leadership in a Divided World (Paulist, 2025).
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Dr. Carl Hughes
Session 5 - The Enchanted Martin Luther: How Mysticism Formed Luther and His Theology
Thursday March 19
Carl S. Hughes is a historical and constructive theologian. His interests range from mystical theologies, to Luther and the Lutheran tradition, to the history and contemporary possibilities of biblical interpretation, to interfaith studies. He has particular expertise in the work of the Danish Lutheran theologian/philosopher Søren Kierkegaard. Carl is the author of two academic books: Clouds of the Cross in Luther and Kierkegaard: Revelation as Unknowing (Lexington Books, 2024)and Kierkegaard and the Staging of Desire: Rhetoric and Performance in a Theology of Eros (Fordham University Press, 2014). He is also the author of a children's book, Where God Lives (Open Hearted Books, 2024).
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Join us as we journey with a variety of Christian mystics who encountered God in the depths of solitude, silence, and struggle. Through Scripture, contemplative practices, and the voices of mystics across time, we will engage the wilderness as a sacred space for transformation and deeper trust in God. This journey invites you to discover how mystical wisdom can shape faithful living in uncertain times.
Here's a look at the journey ahead:
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🛠️ Build Your Own
Learning Path
LiVE is a learning community for everyday discipleship — grounded in scripture, responsive to culture, and rooted in community. Whether you're growing in faith, leadership, or connection, our courses, retreats, and meetups meet you where you are. LiVE is for EVERYONE. Join Us!
🔍 Did You Know?
Your congregation can still purchase a LiVE Project Bundle that gives unlimited access to courses and retreats for all members — with no added cost to participants! It's our way of making formation accessible, relational, and grounded in community.
Need help getting your church on board? We’re happy to talk with your leadership or communications team.
Just reach out anytime to live@lutheransnw.org
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🌱 Join Us on Mighty Networks
The LiVE Project’s online home is more than just a platform — it’s our learning hub and community gathering space.
Whether you’re joining a course, attending a retreat, or simply staying connected between events, Mighty Networks is where it all happens.
On our platform, you’ll find:
- All course materials and info (our full Learning Management System)
- Event links, resources, and recordings
- Reflection prompts and summer gatherings
- A space to share insights, ask questions, and connect across the Synod
👉 Join the Community on Mighty Networks
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Want to learn more or stay connected?
Reach out anytime with questions, ideas, or to explore how your congregation can get involved.
The LiVE Project team can be reached at live@lutheransnw.org
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The LiVE Project of the Northwest Washington ELCA Synod |
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