Welcome our Dew Director of Properties!

We are delighted to announce that Jay Edgerton has accepted the position of Synod Director of Properties. Learn more about this position and Jay's extensive experience HERE. God bless this new ministry partnership!

As the last name may indicate, Jay is married to our Synod Vice President, Kay Edgerton. Please know that Kay did not take place in the hiring process and the executive committee will be mindful of any potential conflicts of interest in future council discussions and decisions.

Equity & Reparation Fund Distribution

The NWWA Synod Racial Equity and Reparation Fund will make another round of distributions in February. All BIPOC rostered leaders, SALMs, interns or candidates for ministry are invited to receive a distribution by emailing the Fund Team at: nwwasynodreparations@gmail.com to indicate interest.



Others are invited to give to the fund through the Synod's Website HERE.

(Select give online now - look for Synod Racial Equity and Reparation in the drop down)

Worship Items to Share

Following their recent holy closure, the members of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Lake Stevens are seeking new homes for the following items:

• Oak pulpit
• Wood processional cross
• 3 large old Bibles
• Metal cross, 12" tall
• Hanging eternal candle and bracket, plus 3 extra candles
• Box of Worship and Praise songbooks and Bibles

If you are interested or would like more information, contact Brenda at brendamannharrison@gmail.com. 

THANK YOU to HCLC for sharing!

Report to the Bishop

Every year we ask that each rostered minister and synodically authorized minister (SALM) in our synod complete a report to the bishop. It is that time again! This process allows you to share information with the bishop AND helps the synod administrative staff keep our records up to date. Please complete by January 18!

This year we have adapted the ELCA Churchwide's form to include more specified information that will better help the bishop and synod staff to journey with you as leaders. We have two forms to choose from: a SALM form for our synodically authorized ministers AND a rostered minister form for ALL rostered ministers (active, retired, etc.).

To complete your form:

• Download THIS ROSTERED MINISTER FORM - OR - THIS SALM FORM
• Save it with your name in the file name (example: SBergReport)
• Fill out all applicable sections
• Save it again
• Email it to: office@lutheransnw.org

If you have any questions, please reach out to the synod office!

Annual Congregation Report

Each year, every congregation, synod-authorized worshiping community (SAWC) and new start is asked by our partners at ELCA Churchwide to provide information about its people, finances, and resources through the Annual Congregation Report.

This provides the churchwide organization and synods with a record of the congregations and worshiping communities that make up the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO TAKE TIME TO COMPLETE THIS FORM.

Now is a great time to gather the info needed - as many of our congregations are preparing for annual meetings and reports... In mid-January 2024, all ELCA congregations, SAWCs and new starts will receive the 2023 Annual Congregation Report packet through the mail. If your congregation or worshiping community would like to begin compiling information for the report before receiving the packet, electronic versions of Form A and several supporting documents are available below. A set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) will help you navigate the process.

Learn more and complete your congregation’s form online here: 

https://www.elca.org/About/Congregations/Annual-Congregation-Report

RIC Sunday 2024!

ReconcilingWorks wants to celebrate with your faith community and is excited to offer these resources. Many RIC communities celebrate RIC Sunday on the last Sunday in January. This year, that lands on January 28, 2024. ReconcilingWorks encourages you to celebrate on a date that is meaningful for your community. Be sure to use this day as a time to recommit to your partnership as a RIC faith community, discern ways to live into your RIC partner commitments, and set new milestones for the year to come.

Learn more and find resources HERE

From Our Partners at Portico:



Retirement Readiness Webinars

Resolved to feel more financially prepared for the future? Check out Portico’s Retirement Readiness Series from Fidelity starting at the end of January. Register for live webinars covering topics like turning your savings into retirement income, understanding Social Security, and estate planning basics. Recorded versions of these topics – and many more – are available on demand on myPortico.

Learn to Live 2024 Webinars – January

Take 30 minutes to boost your mental well-being by joining a live webinar led by the Learn to Live Clinical Team. January topics include making effective habit change, mindful eating, and creating a positive mindset by avoiding negative thinking traps. View the webinar schedule, as well as their library of previous topics, and use the access PORTICO to register.

Stewardship Training Opportunities

You are invited to register for a great courses to grow stewardship and cultivate large gifts with your local church. Here are the three opportunities:



1. Financial Empowerment for Missional Leaders, a monthly webinar, tailored-to you, starting again January 24, 2024. The cost for 8 monthly sessions for one pastoral and one lay leader is only $200 total. Register today at https://forms.gle/SetAeLvw5sc5yZgx9
2. Cultivating the Craft of Asking, are series of webinars for 5-session over 10 weeks. You will be equipped to develop a donor base and large donations. Register today at: http://www.myteministries.org/webinars More series will be offered in the near future.
3. African Descent and African National Financial Empowerment in Our Contexts -Feb. 17 10am Eastern Time (9 am Central) On-Line https://forms.gle/bLofos8MUqa9fZ3z6

The courses are directed by Bonnie Ives Marden, Bonnie@myteministries.org author of “Church Finances for Missional Leaders: Best Practices for Faithful Stewardship” in partnership with the ELCA New Ministry Development and Evangelism Team.

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.

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2024

The theme for the 2024 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity will be “You Shall Love the Lord Your God ... and Your Neighbor As Yourself” (Luke 10:27).

Resources for the week, January 18-25, 2024 or whenever you choose, have been jointly prepared and published by the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity and the World Council of Churches’ Commission on Faith and Order, and they can be downloaded HERE.

Becoming an Anti-Racist Church Cohort

begins this Thursday, January 18, 7-8:30pm via Zoom

This cohort is a partnership between the LiVE Project & the STAD Team (Strategic Team for Authentic Diversity). This is for anyone wishing to work through the IDI ( Intercultural Development Inventory), a widely used assessment for building cultural competence. This first meeting will consist of reflection on the results of your personal IDI (which many took at the Nov 4th STAD-sponsored training) and work on action plans based on those results.



If you have yet to take the IDI- contact Rev Chelsea Globe to do so (cost for inventory is $23).

Hosted by Rev Tim Oleson ... Join us on Zoom HERE.

The Anti-Racist Church Cohort will continue to meet on the 3rd Thursday of each month.

There will also be Asynchronous online Discussion along with updated information via our online learning platform (Mighty Networks). Please join the network (and there is also an easy to navigate free Mighty Networks app available)

Cultivate Confidence: Lead Powerfully as A Woman in Ministry

Feel like you've got way too much going on but you're not doing enough?  

Tired of second guessing yourself with every decision?

Join this free five-day series of learning and group coaching to cultivate the confidence to lead meaningfully.

You'll walk away in a better place to discern where you’re going next. And unlock your power as a woman in ministry. Click here to register now.

Addiction & Practical Solutions for Faith Communities

Join us for this free one-hour webinar on Zoom hosted by the Center of Addiction & Faith on Wednesday, Jan. 31, from 10am-11am (Pacific). All attending will be on zoom and questions can be asked through chat during the webinar.  We will have author Keaton Douglas (author and founder of the iTHIRST Initiative), joining host George A. Wood for a discussion of Keaton’s latest book, The Road to Hope: Responding to the Crisis of Addiction. Those struggling with addiction, and their loved ones, should be able to visit any faith community and find someone to offer spiritual consolation and recovery resources. We as a church can’t ignore the crisis of addiction. Solutions for faith communities in addressing the scourge of addiction in their pews and beyond will be shared & discussed. The webinar is for everyone, clergy and lay.

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Rs_162WZSL6TPIGYxsO6_w#/registration

Hunger Action Day

February 1, 2024 - Registration is live!

Join anti-hunger advocates from across the state by registering (bit.ly/HAD2024) for Hunger Action Day in Olympia! 

Each year more than 150 advocates come together in our Capitol for a morning of discussions about issues facing lawmakers, information about our anti-hunger priorities, and advocacy training so you and your fellow advocates are prepared to meet with legislators in the afternoon.

Once you register, we (Faith Action Network) will do our best to schedule appointments for you with your three legislators. The sooner you register, the easier it is to get an appointment! Once you’ve registered, you will receive information about the Anti-Hunger & Nutrition Coalition's 2024 legislative agenda, info about training opportunities before our lobby day, links to policy papers, advocacy tips to use throughout legislative session, and logistics for Hunger Action Day itself.

If you’re new to advocacy, or just want a refresher on how to prepare for Hunger Action Day, we are offering advocates a one-hour training for those who want to join on Wednesday, Jan. 10 @ 9am. 

Bring your colleagues, clients, board members, volunteers, and neighbors - register for Hunger Action Day and make your voices heard! 

National Fund for Sacred Places

Information session



Join us for an information session webinar on Thursday, February 1st at 9am (Pacific) to learn more about the National Fund for Sacred Places and whether your sacred place (or the sacred places in your community) may qualify.

The National Fund for Sacred Places is a grant-making program that provides capital grants ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 as well as wrap-around support services to congregations undertaking once-in-a-generation preservation projects.

To register for the info session, GO HERE. / To learn more,visit: fundforsacredplaces.org.

Next LiVE Project Retreat!

Rest & Renewal Retreat:

Ministering in an Age of Mental Health



Saturday, February 3rd, 9am-3pm

at Our Saviors Lutheran, Everett

Many in our congregations and broader communities are experiencing higher rates of anxiety, depression and stress these days. Rooted in our Christian faith, how is the Spirit calling us to wholistic healing for the body, mind & spirit, as well as becoming better companions to those longing for a more flourishing life? 

The retreat will provide space for learning, reflection, and embodied healing practices to accompany all of us who are working toward health and wellness in ourselves, our communities of faith, and the world.  

Hear from various leaders and practitioners in this field, including: Certified Mental Health Therapists, Pastor Kacey Hahn (breath and body work), Pastor Shannyn Fuerst (well-being, nutrition and exercise). 



Registration: FREE for those whose church purchased the Congregational Bundle; $50 otherwise.

For More Info & to Register

UPCOMING INSTALLATIONS!

Rev. Esau Benitez-Cuevas Installation

Sunday, February 4, 2pm

at Immanuel Lutheran Church - 5782 Lawrence Road in Everson

Pastor Esau has accepted the call to serve as pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Everson. All are welcome to attend. Reception to follow in parish hall. Rostered ministers are asked to vest – meet in parish hall at church at 1:40 pm. They will process into sanctuary together at 2 pm. God bless this new ministry partnership!

Rev. Kevin Beebe Installation

Saturday, February 10 at 3pm

at Lutherwood Camp & Retreat Center at 1185 Roy Road in Bellingham

Pastor Kevin has accepted the position of Executive Director at Lutherwood. All are welcome to attend this installation service and reception to follow. God bless this new ministry partnership! (The Annual Meeting will be held in the morning - see the full day of activities below!)

Rev. Kristin-Luana Bauman & Rev. Olaf Baumann Installation

Saturday, February 24, 11am

at Our Savior Lutheran Church - 745 Front Street South, Issaquah

Pastors Kristin-Luana & Olaf have accepted the call to serve at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Issaquah. All are welcome to attend the service, with light lunch to follow. Rostered Ministers are invited to vest - please arrive by 10:40am. God bless this new ministry partnership!

Lutherwood Camp & Retreat Center

Annual Meeting - and Executive Director Installation

Saturday, February 10

A full day of activities:

10am Coffee & Pasties with the Board & Executive Director,

11am - Annual Meeting

12:30pm - Soup Lunch

3pm - Installation Service for Rev. Kevin Beebe, new Executive Director

Reception follows

Faith Action Network’s Interfaith Advocacy Day

...brings the voices of compassion and justice to our elected leaders. Meeting with your legislators and their staff on this day is putting your faith into action! On Interfaith Advocacy Day, you will be able to:

• Join plenaries and workshops that will explore the issues on FAN’s 2024 Legislative Agenda.
• Meet with advocates from your legislative district to prepare for your legislative visits.
• Meet with your legislator or their legislative assistant! If you register by January 29, FAN will set up an appointment for you and others from your district.
• Lunch will be provided.

Registration deadline is January 29.

This year we are limited to 200 participants due to regulations at The United Churches of Olympia. We encourage you to sign up early so that we can guarantee you a spot.

Due to the generosity of our donors, there is no cost this year to participate in FAN’s Interfaith Advocacy Day. You are welcome to donate anytime to keep our advocacy moving forward in 2024.

After you register, you will receive more information via e-mail as February 8 approaches, including details on the agenda, workshop topics, and times of your legislative appointments.

We’re excited to have you be FAN in the halls of power on this great day!

Learn more and register here: Interfaith Advocacy Day’s Events

Join the next LiVE Project online course!

Lent with Baldwin & Bonhoeffer

6-week Course via zoom

Thursdays in Lent, 7-8:30pm, starting Feb 15

What might Dietrich Bonhoeffer (a Lutheran German theologian) and James Baldwin (a Black, 20th century author and novelist) together have to prophetically speak to our current time? Through a combination of presentations, and brief selected readings, this co-facilitated course will invite a conversation for how these particular perspectives inform our lives as persons and communities of faith. Come join the conversation!

This 6-week course will meet via zoom Thursday nights during Lent (Feb 15th-March 21st), facilitated by Dr. Edward Donalson III and Dr. Dan Peterson. Registration: FREE for those whose church purchased the Congregational Bundle; $50 otherwise.

More info & to Register

Rest & Renewal Weekend Retreat

Friday evening-Sunday, February 16-18 | North Bend 

This retreat is open to all genders and is led by leaders from St. Matthew’s (Renton), Faith (Seattle) and Our Redeemer's (Seattle) - Join them!

In these times of such stress in our lives and the world in crisis, it’s more important than ever that we learn to take care of ourselves. You’re invited to an adult rest retreat at Rainbow Lodge, a cozy cedar lodge at the base of Mt. Si in North Bend. Explore what Sabbath means, connect with God, participate in new spiritual practices, have fun, and most importantly…REST!

The retreat cost for the weekend and all meals is $290 ($60 more to have a solo room).

Register here: https://rb.gy/tgmb3i. Come all who are weary! 

Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Marysville is thrilled to announce the

celebration of its 125th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in the rich history of this beloved community institution. Since 1899, Bethlehem has been a beacon of faith, love, and service, impacting the lives of generations and contributing to the spiritual growth of Marysville and beyond.

To commemorate this historic occasion, Bethlehem has planned a series of special events and activities, inviting both current members and the wider community to join in the celebration. The anniversary festivities will include:

1. Special Worship Service: Join us for special anniversary worship service that honors the traditions of the past while embracing the hope of the future on February 11 at 9:30 AM.

2. Anniversary Celebration: The celebration will culminate in a grand anniversary event, bringing together current and former members, community leaders, and friends for a day of joy, reminiscence, and anticipation for the future on February 11 at 11:30 AM

3.Continued Community Outreach: As a testament to our commitment to service, Bethlehem will continue various outreach programs and initiatives that support the larger community such as Bethlehem Christian School (1975), Lutheran Counseling Network (2002), Boy Scouts, Community Gardens, Marysville Food Bank, and be the site of the Cold Weather Shelter, to give back to the community that has supported us throughout the years. And working together to strengthen the Marysville/Tulalip Community in the decades to come.

SAVE THE DATE!

Join EDLARJ in Minneapolis for:

• community building
• racial justice education
• shaping the future of EDLARJ

Learn more and get registered HERE.

Want an item included?

Email Susan Berg, Communications Administrator

All items due by 2pm on the prior Thursday

Northwest Washington Synod / ELCA

5519 Phinney Avenue North

Seattle, WA 98103

206-783-9292