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)

New name. Same mission.

As Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service enters its 85th year, I am excited to share the beginning of an impactful new chapter in the history of our organization. On January 17, 2024, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) is becoming Global Refuge. 

Our decision to rebrand is rooted in the massive worldwide need for compassionate support of those seeking safety. With more than 100 million people displaced by war, famine, climate change, and persecution, our mission of providing the "long welcome" is more crucial than ever. Our Board knew we needed to build a bigger table of supporters.  

The Global Refuge brand fittingly conveys our mission of providing safety and support to refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants from across the world. As our new identity makes us more accessible to clients, partners, and supporters, it leaves unchanged our core vision: to foster a world of just and welcoming communities, informed by our Lutheran heritage and decades of experience. Our faith-based identity remains integral to our organization, reflecting the spirit of love that shapes our work of welcome and strengthens our relationships with Lutheran communities and congregations, as well as with ecumenical, nondenominational, and interfaith partners. 

We cannot overstate our gratitude for your continued support, partnership, and commitment to welcoming immigrants and refugees. As we redouble our commitment to advocating alongside, caring for, and empowering newcomers, we hope you will join us in celebrating this new chapter of transformational service.  

To learn more about Global Refuge, visit globalrefuge.org/identity.



In solidarity,  

Krish O'Mara Vignarajah

President & CEO, Global Refuge

Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Invitation to Participate!

From - Imagine - A Ministry of Northlake Lutheran Church (Kenmore)

Will be doing a production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's;

"Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" The Last two weekends of April. We'd love for you to be a part of our Cast or Crew.

If you're curious, click on this Link for more information.

Imagine presents Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Or contact Tom at buildingcommunity@northlakelutheran.org

Civic Life & Faith DRAFT Social Statement

How as Lutherans should we understand our relationship to civic life — including government — as individuals and as a church body? After studying the questions for the past three years, a social statement task force has posted a draft social statement on civic life and faith.

Social statements are important documents because they govern church teaching and policies, and support ministries. They also serve as discernment tools for ELCA members as they think about social issues such as civic life.

Between now and Sept. 30, 2024, YOU are invited to study and give feedback on the draft by filling out an online survey or attending a hearing in your synod, as available. To access the draft and the survey, and to find information on how to host a hearing in your synod, go to www.elca.org/civicsandfaith.

After the feedback period has closed, the task force will revise the draft with attention to the public input and submit a proposed version of the social statement to the ELCA Church Council, which will vote on sending it to the ELCA 2025 Churchwide Assembly for consideration. If adopted at the assembly by a two-thirds margin, the social statement will become official social teaching of this church.

May God's Spirit, which seeks the well-being of all in civic life, guide you in your reading, reflection, and response.

Lent Resources

from ELCA World Hunger

New resources are now available from ELCA World Hunger to enrich the life of your congregation during Lent. As congregations across the ELCA creatively find new ways to lean into the future, we are eager to equip leaders with ELCA World Hunger resources during the season of Lent.

The theme for our seasonal materials is "The glory of the Lord shall be revealed.” Where and how do you encounter God? Through the prophet Isaiah, God urges us to take comfort, trusting that “the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together” (Isaiah 40:5).

You can order or download free versions at ELCA.org/hunger/resources. 

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!

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... All ELCA congregations, SAWCs and new starts should now have received 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. The online system should be opening tomorrow, Jan 23.

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

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

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.

Voices of Faith in Climate Action: COP28 and Beyond

Wednesday, January 24, 12pm-1pm Pacific

Many of us are active in our congregations, communities and personal lives, doing what we can to care for God's good creation. Faith voices had impact at COP28 in what we know can have far-reaching impact. Join us to connect your local, state and federal actions and passions with developments on the global scene. Together, we are all living into the hope and promise that we can make a difference in this Kairos moment. Register Today

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 Wednesday, 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, a series of webinars beginning in February for 5-sessions 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.

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

Webinar with ELEA (Evangelical Lutheran Education Association)

You are invited to join this live webinar with Barna experts and ELEA panelists to explore how ELEA schools and congregations impact their communities and parents. You’ll hear the latest research and stories from practitioners on how they’ve seen these findings have an impact in their contexts. You’ll leave this webinar with practical insights for your own ministry contexts and access to a tools for ministry growth. 

Recommended attendance by: School and Congregation leaders of the ELEA; ELCA leaders and stakeholders considering schools and learning centers as a ministry; Congregations with schools and centers, also looking to reach congregations who are considering partnerships with schools (synod offices, larger ELCA network) Register Here.

Author Event: Go and Do Likewise: Following Jesus into our Common Humanity, with Pastor Terry Kyllo

Thursday, February 1, 6:30pm-8pm

at Burlington Lutheran Church, 134 E Victoria Ave, Burlington

Seven in ten Americans feel the nation is dangerously divided. We are living in bubbles, isolated from people of other perspectives, traditions, and cultures. We are also dangerously unequal. Many people do not have equal access to opportunities to care for their family and community. We know we are walking on a dangerous road, but what can we do? In conversation with leaders of many traditions, Pastor Terry Kyllo of Paths to Understanding realized we can all make a difference when we know, work with, and honor people of diverse traditions and cultures.

But many Christians are hesitant to relate to people of other traditions as many have been taught:

·      Christianity is the only way to God

·      Christianity is God’s only way to us

On his own journey as a follower of Jesus, Terry slowly realized that Jesus taught no such thing. He writes: “I was born into White Christian Supremacy. But I was not born for it. You weren’t either. The Creator has more beautiful ways for us to live and is restoring what was taken from us. Jesus invites his followers to take the long, painful, joyous, and healing journey of daily baptism to find our identity among all the Creator’s children, all made in God’s image.”

Join us for a conversation with the author at Burlington Lutheran Church.

Available wherever books are sold in print, eBook, and Audio book.

Contact Paths to Understanding at together@pathstounderstanding.org to schedule a conversation or presentation. https://pathstounderstanding.org/go-and-do-likewise/

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.

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

Songs of Light and Songs of Peace with Mark Sedio

Saturday, February 3, 2pm

at Faith Lutheran in Redmond

Nationally known organist Mark Sedio leads a hymn festival on the Martin Pasi Opus 2 organ. This unique program will feature a massed choir of singers, and the congregation, and will celebrate the Epiphany season with Songs of Light and Songs of Peace. Suggested donation of $10 person / $20 for a family of 2 or more.

Would you like to sing with this group on February 3rd?

Great! Just such an opportunity is open to the first 75 singers who sign up to attend a single rehearsal from 11:30am to 12:45pm the day of the Hymn Festival at Faith Lutheran Church, 9041 166th Ave NE in Redmond. Lunch will be provided at the conclusion of the rehearsal. To sing, you must sign up – take a minute to do it now – by responding with your name and voice part via e-mail to our Director of Music Ministries, Dr. William Bryant: bryantw@faithluth.org. Your song is a cherished gift!

UPCOMING INSTALLATIONS!

(and there are more to be announced soon!)

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!

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

Lutherwood Camp & Retreat Center

Annual Meeting - and Executive Director Installation

Saturday, February 10

at Camp 1185 Roy Road, Bellingham

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

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