All lay and rostered people are encouraged to attend! Bring a group from your community!

We will gather to celebrate, learn and connect around the theme of generosity. This is generosity rooted in God's abundant love for God's creation. Generosity of time, space, talents, money - and generosity of our hearts.

We will be gathering at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lynnwood AND the new Lynnwood Neighborhood Center. We will center our time in worship at 9am with song, communion, preaching by Bishop Shelley, and gratitude and blessing for our Synod VP Kay Edgerton who will be concluding her term this summer.

We will welcome our keynote presenter, Rev. Tim Brown, ELCA director for congregational stewardship. Following lunch, there will be 2 afternoon workshop times - with a total of 22 options from local leaders! As we prepare to close the day, we will re-gather for a sending service - including time to install our newly elected synod council officers and members.

Click the button to learn more and get registered!

The NW Washington Synod’s 

Draft 2027 Budget is available for review

Now is your opportunity to review the document and submit any proposed changes or amendments. The deadline for submitting proposed changes is March 31, 2026. This will allow time for reviews by the Synod Finance Committee and Synod Council.

After the Synod Finance Committee and Synod Council have completed their reviews, any changes will be incorporated into a Preliminary 2027 Budget, which will be released on April 15, and reviewed in an online budget presentation on April 30. Adoption of a final 2027 Budget will take place at our Special Meeting of the Assembly on May 16.

Find the (updated) draft budget and how to share your comments & proposed changes here: https://www.lutheransnw.org/news/draft-of-2027-synod-budget-available-for-review

Building Resilient Communities Grant Awarded to the NWWA Synod!

With gratitude we are happy to share that the Northwest Washington Synod recently requested and has received a special $15,000 grant from Building Resilient Communities (BRC), a partnership between Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR), ELCA World Hunger, and AMMPARO. We hope that spreading these funds around our synod will help to strengthen direct service ministries, fill critical gaps for vulnerable neighbors, and support our congregations as they respond to rising community needs.

Your congregation or ministry may request funds (up to $500) to serve your community in the following areas: food access, emergency aid, mental health support/training, legal assistance, temporary housing support. 

Learn more about the grant and how to apply for funds here.

Make plans to attend the Lutherwood Gala!

Lutherwood Camp and Retreat Cetner announces their 2nd annual Rooted in Christ, Growing into the Future Gala

May 31, 4pm at Lutherwood in Bellingham

For 79 years, Lutherwood has provided space for people of all ages to "Experience Grace in Creation." This special evening celebrates the life-changing ministry of camp and the community that makes it possible—the community that includes you! Last year, Lutherwood raised over $35,000 to support the work of God at camp, and this year we're aiming even higher. 

We are excited to welcome Rev. Dr. Jake Sorenson, founder of Sacred Playgrounds, as our guest speaker. Jake is an expert on the power of camp, blending his gifts of data research with stories and experiences. Together we’ll celebrate the impact of Lutherwood and invest in the future of camp ministry.

Learn more and purchase tickets here: camplutherwood.org/gala

Global Refuge Introduces Faith Alliance

This Lent, Global Refuge is releasing a new training resource called Faith Alliance. Over nearly two years, we’ve gathered the voices and inputs of experts and immigrants from across the country in order to create a substantive training that deepens and informs the “welcome” we extend in our respective communities. No matter how long or how recently you’ve engaged in this work, Faith Alliance is designed to “meet you where you are,” and build up from what you already do. We invite you to join us in this effort.

The training is broken into four modules, and a retreat.

Learn more at: https://www.globalrefuge.org/faith-alliance/

Kindness Walk - an invitation from a neighbor

Jim (Quaker) and his friend Bob (Catholic) are planning a Kindness Walk in mid-August and would like to connect with local faith communities and others who might resonate with what they are doing. Learn more about them and this journey here - bekinddogoodwalk.com.

Perhaps you or some from your community would like to walk for a few miles or a day – or cheer them on along their path. Perhaps you or your community would like to join them for the last day’s celebration at the state capitol in Olympia. Their hope? To offer an opportunity for folks to feel connected and meaningful in a world that often seems so topsy-turvy.

From our Advocacy Partners at

Faith Action Network:

Connect with FAN at one of these No Kings III events below and let us know if you are hosting/organizing a group in another location so we can highlight it! Reach out to particular staff if you have questions.

·       

• Tacoma with Kristin Ang@fanwa.org
• Seattle with Blake Alford@fanwa.org
• Wenatchee with Jess Ingman@fanwa.org
• Spokane with Brianna Dilts@fanwa.org
• Search for other locations here 

Several FAN staff attended Interfaith Alliance’s recent training to learn how we can more fully bring multi-faith language and practices into pro-democracy work. If you’d like to take a deeper dive into their resources, you can find more here:

• Interfaith Alliance’s No Kings III Training
• Interfaith Alliance resource page for No Kings III
• ICE OUT, SING IN Resistance Song Book

ELCA Evangelism Network Gatherings

YOU are invited to participate in these upcoming online gatherings – for inspiration, encouragement, time for connecting and prayer

TODAY, March 23 at 12noon – Weaving Stories: Your Story and God’s Story – with Rev. Derek Hoven, Director for Evangelical Mission, Florida Bahamas Synod - Join us at this Zoom link.

MORE Evangelism Events coming up – on the 4^th Monday of the month at 12noon (same zoom link):

April 27 – With Rev. Dr. Troy Troftgruben, author of “Bearing Witness in Acts and Today”

May 25 – Young Adults & Sharing Jesus’ Good News with Deacon Daniel Kirschbaum, Senior Director, Young Adult Communities.

June 22 – Sharing Jesus’ Good News in Mult-Ethnic Contexts with Mult-Ethnic Leadership - coordinated by Rev. Dr. Moses Barrios, Program Manager for Multiethnic and Intersectional Ministries and Senior Pastor of Calvary by the Sea Lutheran Church Honolulu, Hawai’i and Rev. Dr. Surekha Nelavala, Pastor, Multicultural Mission and Ministries, DE-MD Synod, ELCA. Adjunct Faculty, PLTS.

Leadership Lab Information Zoom

TODAY, Monday, March 23 | 6:30pm

Are you wanting to know more about what Leadership Lab is and how your youth and / or adult leaders can join us? Leadership Lab is designed for high school youth, young adults, and adults to acquire skills that will be useful in congregations, local communities, and the world; while experiencing Christ's love in community. Each level of Lab is structured to help participants progress in their ability to be responsible ministry leaders and help them grow in their awareness of God, self and others. More information about Leadership Lab can be found at https://leadershiplab.net/

Becky Cole (Holy Spirit, Kirkland) and Chimene Lautenslager (St. Mathews, Renton) are planning to take a group of youth from our synod to Augustana College June 21 – 27 to experience this wonderful week of learning, relationship building, and fun. Join us for a zoom call on Monday, March 23 at 6:30pm to learn more and ask your questions. If you are unable to attend this call and want the information, please email Becky at children@hslckirkland.org.

The zoom link is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85404851524?pwd=OjYwlnsqRYbCGxa3tvMtONnd2rtvsc.1

Church Property Resource Hub:

Stewarding Property

You are invited to learn more about the Church Property Resource Hub, a new project of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), at one of three upcoming town halls. These webinars are an introduction to the project for congregations and all people connected to the management of church property. Join to explore support available to congregation leaders as they seek to steward property in faithful and practical ways.

One more event on Tuesday, March 24, 11am - Register today.



Developed in response to requests from synod and congregational leaders, the Church Property Resource Hub offers support in navigating the opportunities and challenges that buildings and land represent for congregational vitality and the wider mission of the church.  

AND

Check out this article about our own Columbia City Church of Hope recently posted on the Property Hub Resource Page: https://www.elca.org/publications/by-the-grace-of-god-and-human-perseverance-columbia-city-church-of-hopes

International Women's Month Evening of Stories and Gender Justice Vision

Zoom Link

Support Holden Village - Jubilee Auction!

One of the best ways you can support Holden’s recovery right now is by taking part in the Jubilee Auction, which starts Wednesday, March 25, at 8am and runs through March 29. All proceeds support Holden Village, so enjoy bidding on fun items and experiences for yourself or as gifts, all while sustaining Holden’s road to recovery. 

Take a sneak peek at a few of the auction items and special funds you can support. Register to bid NOW so you’re ready to go when the auction starts. More items will be added, so keep checking the auction site for new postings. You can also support Holden Village by sharing the auction with your friends, family, or congregation. Forward this email to your friends and print these QR codes and share them in your community to help spread the news.

Contributions to this year's auction will help us prepare to welcome you back to the Village. Thank you for supporting Holden’s road to recovery!

Finding God in the Basement

March 25, 2026 at 10am-11am online

Hosted by the Center of Addiction & Faith

This online webinar, led by Jennifer Carlier, author of Finding God in the Basement, invites churches to learn from recovery communities that often gather in their basements. She offers a sharp critique of theological models of sin and salvation that reinforce shame and render the church an inhospitable, even harmful place for those suffering from addiction.  She constructs a vision that affirms human dignity in brokenness and a hope for recovery and wholeness.  Drawing from her experiences, she offers a critique of how Christian doctrines of sin and salvation fail to engage the lived realities of addiction and recovery. It is a compelling vision of what Christian communities might become when they center grace, authenticity and vulnerability.

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Li1aMiXhTwqUkls6qX-tsQ?mc_cid=4bbe55d56a&mc_eid=900fec6975#/registration

Faith-Filled Explorations:

Welcoming and Including Children with Disabilities and their Families

March 26 at 11am Pacific

Register here

As we anticipate threats to migrant communities and federal overreach, we are grounded in the hope that through our collective efforts we can practice deep solidarity with our migrant neighbors.

We know from our partners in other states the vital role people of faith have played to resist the federal government’s overreach and support our migrant neighbors. On Thursday, March 26 from 6:30-8:30, faith leaders who attended the solidarity actions in Minneapolis will share their experience in Minnesota, and we will draw connections to the way faith communities can support migrant community members now, and how to get plugged in if / when there is federal escalation.

Bring your community, and please make sure each person registers. 

Only those registered will be able to attend. Learn more and register here: https://thechurchcouncil.ourpowerbase.net/civicrm/event/info?id=38&reset=1

LiVE Project Lenten Course -

Mystics and Mysticism: Practicing Faith in the Wilderness

Continues on Thursdays 7-8:30pm - Final night - March 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!

Chrism Mass: Holy Eucharist with Renewal of Ordination Vows and Blessing of Chrism

A joint liturgy of the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia and the Northwest Washington Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Tuesday, March 31, 11:00am worship; light lunch to follow

At First Lutheran Church of West Seattle - 4105 California Ave SW

Presiding: Rev. Shelley Bryan Wee, Bishop of the NW Washington Synod, ELCA

Preaching: The Rt. Rev. Philip LaBelle, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia

Drag Church: REBIRTH

Saturday, April 4, 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM

Emmaus Table @ 7400 Woodlawn

7400 Woodlawn Avenue Northeast, Seattle

This event is rooted in the belief that new beginnings require release. Release of old stories, structures, and ways of being that no longer serve us. Through electrifying drag performances, a guided meditation, and intentional communal participation, REBIRTH invites us to envision something brand new and nurture the seeds of liberation and co-create the world we wish existed.

Hosted by Emmaus Table in partnership with Yassify Jesus and Haus of Sutra, this spiritually inclusive, family-friendly gathering also features a fundraiser supporting Lambert House, supporting LGBTQ+ youth in our region. All faiths, no faith, and all identities are welcome.

Tickets are available here: https://ticketbud.com/events/7672416e-00b5-11f1-bf6a-42010a717003

Lutherwood Spring Work Days - https://www.camplutherwood.org/volunteer

Save the Date:

Holden Village Evacuation & Recovery Update

Saturday, April 11 | 5–7 PM | Our Redeemer’s

Join us for an informative and reflective evening with Bjorn Peterson, Co-Director of Holden Village, as he shares the story of Holden’s evacuation and recovery following the December 2025 floods and landslides. Learn about the events leading up to the evacuation, the challenges faced by staff and caretakers, and plans for repairs to the road, intake pipe, and diversion dam.

The evening begins at 5:00 pm with a bread and soup dinner, followed by the presentation and slideshow at 6:00 pm, and will conclude with Holden Evening Prayer. This is a Synod-wide event, with Our Redeemer’s serving as host. While there will be an opportunity for an offering for Holden Village, the focus is on coming together as a community to hear, reflect, and support one another through this story of resilience and hope.

Mark your calendar and come hear firsthand how this community continues to rebuild, and discover the courage, compassion, and faith that guide Holden Village forward. 

MORE on the road events Holden events listed here: https://www.holdenvillage.org/calendar/

People of the Resistance:

Following Jesus in Times Such As This

New Hybrid Course at Our Savior’s Lutheran in Everett

UPDATED DATES:

Sundays at 11:15 am on April 19, 26 and May 3, 10

What happens when our core values are under attack? Rev. Dr. Rick Rouse and Guest Rev. Dr. Michael Trice (Seattle University) will help participants explore how this “Bonhoeffer moment” calls people of faith to resist an unjust State and stand with the oppressed. 

Find the UPDATED syllabus here.

For more information contact Rick at rwrouse@comcast.net

ELCA Schools Lunch & Learn Events

We want to invite you to Leadership Lunch & Learn designed for ELCA school and center leadership teams. Our hope for these gatherings is to bring together congregational and school leaders to explore the vital connection between church and school ministry. We’d love to have anybody who has a school, is considering to open a school, or is a supporter of schools! Pastors, council chairs, school board members, directors, and principals are all encouraged to attend. Join us for meaningful conversation, practical ideas, and inspiration for strengthening your educational ministry. As our guest, you’ll enjoy: networking with fellow leaders in Lutheran education; actionable ideas for strengthening church-school collaboration; a tour of the hosting school; fun door prizes, including membership discounts, AND complimentary lunch

Lunch & Learn #1 - North Puget Sound - Register here

Thursday, April 16, 11am-2pm at Trinity Lutheran Church and Schools in Lynnwood

Lunch & Learn #2 - South Puget Sound - Register here

Friday, April 17, 11am-2pm at St. Mark's Lutheran Church by the Narrows and St. Mark's Preschool in Tacoma

Concert Series

at First Lutheran Church of West Seattle

Soli Deo Gloria, a four-part organ concert series from April 2026 to February 2027

This series is in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Gallery Noack Organ at First Lutheran. The Noack Organ takes its inspiration from the great 17th and 18th century organs from Germany and France. This series also honors the memory of Andrew King, cantor at First Lutheran for 50 years.

The concert launching this series will take place April 19th at 7:00 p.m. and will feature Nathan Laube, Professor at the Eastman School of Music and an international performer. Nathan is regarded as one of the world's finest organists. 

Download the poster here.

From Attending to Belonging: Nurturing Participation in Your Congregation

Tuesday, April 21, 10am (Pacific) Online

The ELCA is offering this learning opportunity in partnership with ACS Technologies (ACST) to help congregations strengthen connection and participation in the life of the church. Many people attend worship, but deeper engagement grows when individuals experience relationships, purpose, and belonging. This webinar will explore practical ways churches can nurture connection, invite involvement, and support generosity as a natural response to community. Learn more and register here

What You’ll Learn

• Ways to invite people beyond attendance into participation
• Practical ideas for building connection and community
• Approaches to encourage serving and involvement
• How generosity grows from belonging
• How ministry patterns can support pastoral awareness

If We Aren’t Church Now, We Have No Business Being the Church - w/ the Bishop

In collaboration with Alumni & Student Connections and the Wild Hope Center for Vocation, we invite you to our upcoming Vocational Vistas presentations — held virtually so you can attend from anywhere. These presentations focus on PLU’s mission to integrate learning with care for communities and the Earth. As a lifelong learning institution, we eagerly anticipate engaging in thoughtful discussions with our alumni and friends on pressing issues.

If We Aren’t Church Now, We Have No Business Being the Church

Thursday, April 23 at 4pm (Pacific Time)

The Rev. Shelley Bryan Wee ’88, bishop of the Northwest Washington Synod of the ELCA, will discuss what it means to be a leader in the church today. This presentation will be recorded.

Learn more and register here:

https://www.plu.edu/alumni-student-connections/vocationalvistas/

The Traveler & the Bishop on American Democracy and Christian Nationalism

Sunday, April 26, 6:00pm at Saint Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral, Seattle (1245 10th Ave. E., Seattle)

Free but registration required: HERE

Join Rick Steves for a European take on Trump and the state of American democracy (basically his “No Kings” rally speech, updated and with an indoor voice). Then, Lutheran Bishop Shelley Bryan Wee (ELCA) will share a hard look (inspired by scripture) at the perversion of Christianity called “Christian Nationalism.” Rick’s talk will share how history is speaking to us — and how, if we listen, we can better understand and meet the challenges facing democracy in the USA. And, whether you consider yourself a person of faith or not, Bishop Shelley’s message will bring a new dimension to your thinking about the place of religion in the political discourse of our country.

Church Property Resource Hub Webinar – Insurance

Wednesday, April 29, 12noon Pacific – On Zoom

Join us for a conversation about today’s insurance landscape and learn about the support and options available to help congregations navigate these challenges. 

Learn more abotut this event and register here.

Learn more about the Church Property Resource Hub here.

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