HEY 12's - while you are cheering on our team - let’s help tackle hunger!



From now until the final whistle, Team Northwest Washington Synod and Team New England Synod will seek to out donate one another for the sake of our neighbors. The fans that donate the most to ELCA World Hunger through their team page by Feb 8 at 10pm will help their synod take home the title of ELCA World Hunger Champion — regardless of the outcome on the field. (As of 12noon today, we are ahead in the giving by over $1000 - let's keep it up!)

Support Team NW Washington here: https://give.elca.org/page/93479/donate/1

(or support Team New England here: https://give.elca.org/page/93480/donate/1)

REMINDER to those congregations who have received a Pulse Survey - please complete by Feb 6!

On January 14, an email invitation was sent to one-quarter of ELCA congregations and worshiping communities. As of January 26, 172 congregations have responded.

The survey is scheduled to close on Friday, February 6. You should have received a reminder email on January 28. (You can check here to see which of our congregations are invited this time - and if you have completed the survey - here.)

In the event your congregations or worshiping community did not receive the launch or reminder emails, you can use this link: https://survey.elca.org/jfe/form/SV_5oI3OZQkbdEgrBk. Many thanks for your partnership in this ministry!

Annual Ministry Reports

Each January congregations and rostered ministers/SALMs are to complete annual reports. Please take time to complete these forms - SOON!

Rostered Minister / SALM reports go to the Synod Bishop - find and select the correct form here

Congregation Annual Reports are completed online for our Churchwide partner - go here to complete your form

Make sure you are giving credit where credit is due

Augsburg Fortress has a helpful document on their website to help you determine if you are keeping legal. Find it here or here.

AND - Pastor Nancy Winder has been the synod’s copyright person for decades, from back in the time when you had to call each publisher separately to get permissions! It’s certainly much easier these days, but she’s available for anyone who might need help with this process. You can contact her at nancylarry@comcast.net or 206.383.5670.

THANK YOU for taking care to make sure that every worship bulletin, slide, video, and streamed service in the Northwest Washington Synod has proper permissions and is legal!

Learn more and register here: https://www.seattleu.edu/center-for-ecumenical-and-interreligious-engagement/upcoming-events/

Rapid Response, Know Your Rights Training

Friday, February 6 at 6pm on Zoom

Register here

Learn how to become part of our statewide network of volunteers.

As a member of a WAISN Rapid Response Team, you will:

- Hold immigration and law enforcement agencies accountable for their actions, especially when they violate the constitutional rights and civil liberties of all Washingtonians regardless of immigration status;

- Aid in building immigrant power and resilience by sharing information about our rights;

- Support and walk alongside affected families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives;

- Unite our voices to strengthen and build community leadership, working together for our collective liberation.

Get Registered for our next LiVE Project Retreat - this Saturday!

Retreat 3: Practicing Faith in an Age of Radicalization   

Saturday, February 7, 9am to 3pm at Holy Spirit, Kirkland

Join The LiVE Project for a timely retreat examining how radicalization and Christian Nationalism are shaping our common life - featuring author and pastor, Rev. Angela Denker. Together, we’ll explore how Scripture is used to advance ideology, why certain communities are especially targeted, and how people of faith might respond together with wisdom and hope.

Rev. Angela Denker is an award-winning author, ELCA pastor, a veteran journalist and speaker whose work examines the intersection of Christian faith, politics, and culture. She is widely known for her writing on Christian Nationalism, rural ministry, and the public witness of the church, and brings a grounded, pastoral voice to some of today’s most urgent questions.  You can read more about her HERE  

Registration Info

• Cost is $50/person. FREE if your congregation has purchased a bundle this year - ask your congregation office for the code - enter it when registering.
• Register here: https://nwwasynod.regfox.com/retreat-3-practicing-faith-in-an-age-of-radicalization

View an invitation from our presenter, Rev. Angela Denker here:

Informal Discussion on American Values: What Are They at 250 years?

Braver Angels (invitation from a synod member to participate in this cross-partisan, depolarization event)



Saturday, February 7, 2pm-4pm at the Seattle Public Library in Northgate

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/informal-discussion-american-values-what-are-they-at-250-years-registration-1979683461525?aff=oddtdtcreator&discount=BRAVER

Interfaith Prayer Vigil for Healing & Hope

Saturday, February 7, 5pm at Kent Lutheran Church

Join us to connect with our neighbors from all traditions for an evening of reflection and healing through readings, music, and bridge building.

Faith Action Network's

Annual Interfaith Advocacy Day

& Workshops

Thursday, February 12, 9 AM - 3 PM in Olympia

Learn more about the day, the preceding zoom workshops - and get registered here: https://fanwa.org/interfaith-advocacy-day/

Learn more about the event - and get registered here: https://globalrefuge-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/HKU2B1ecRSmpYYtOtZ28pw#/registration

LiVE Project Lenten Course

Mystics and Mysticism: Practicing Faith in the Wilderness

Thursdays 7-8:30pm - Feb. 19, 26, March 5, 12, 19, 26 - Online via Zoom

This 6-part Lenten course journeys 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, participants will engage the wilderness as a sacred space for transformation and deeper trust in God. This journey invites leaders to discover how mystical wisdom can shape faithful living in uncertain times.

Registration

• Register here - you will receive the Zoom link: https://nwwasynod.regfox.com/practicing-faith-in-the-wilderness-mystics-and-mysticism-a-live-lenten-online-course
• Cost is $50/person or FREE for members of congregations who purchased a bundle - contact your church office to get the code before you register!

Comedy Rock Band Off Their Rockers to Perform Live

at Kent Lutheran Church

Kent Lutheran Church is set to transform into a hub of laughter, rhythm, and nostalgia on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 7:00 PM, when the comedy rock band Off Their Rockers takes the stage for a one‑night‑only performance. Admission is free! Kent Lutheran is located at 336 2nd Ave S. in Kent

Known for their energetic blend of classic rock from the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, and beyond, Off Their Rockers brings a unique twist to beloved hits by pairing them with clever parody lyrics that audiences “adore or abhor” — often both at once. The band’s signature style spans multiple “flavors,” offering something for every listener — from rock enthusiasts to comedy lovers. Their performances are crafted to be interactive, upbeat, and joyfully unpredictable, ensuring a memorable evening for attendees of all ages

Learn more about this event and register here: https://www.plts.edu/events/6512/

Re-Imagining Evangelism

The word "Evangelism" reminds some of us of always being ready to share our testimony or defend our faith. But, what if there are more creative ways to share the story of our faith with our neighbors through word and action? How might we re-imagine what innovative evangelism could look like in our lives and congregation? 

Please join us for this second FREE gathering for lay and rostered leaders to engage this conversation together facilitated by our synod's Evangelism & Cultivate Teams.

FEBRUARY 28, 2026

·   9am-12noon

·   Our Savior's Lutheran Church - 215 W Mukilteo Blvd in Everett

·   coffee and treats at 8:30am

·   Register HERE  

There is no cost - but we ask that you register and plan to bring a non-perishable food item for a food pantry or donate to the NWWA Synod’s New, Emerging & Strategic Ministry Fund (https://www.lutheransnw.org/give - click give online now, select Emerging and Strategic Ministries from the drop down. THANK YOU!)

Telling Our Story, Listening for God

March 6-8 at Rainbow Lodge in North Bend

This Women’s Retreat, featuring Rev. Deanna Wildermuth as our speaker, is being organized by Our Savior Lutheran (Issaquah) and Saint Andrew’s Lutheran (Bellevue).

Learn more and find register here - Download Flyer

Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) Discernment Weekend

Are you wondering if seminary might be right for you? Consider joining PLTS visit and discernment weekend, Signs Along the Way, March 13 - 15 in Berkeley, California. This weekend is a great opportunity to connect with others in discernment, get to know PLTS faculty, and explore what it’s like to be an online student in the MDiv, MA in Spirituality and Social Change, or Lutheran Year programs. As PLTS transitions to solely offering online study with in-person intensives, this weekend is designed for folks interested in online seminary education. PLTS covers lodging and meals during the event and can offer travel assistance for those who need it.

Visit plts.edu/signs to learn more and sign up.

Want an item included?

Email Susan Berg, Dir. Communications & Events

All items due the prior Thursday by 12:00 noon

Northwest Washington Synod / ELCA

5519 Phinney Avenue North

Seattle, WA 98103

206-783-9292