February Spirit Publication

Read articles from the February issue of The Spirit (monthly publication of the NWWA Synod) from our Synod Bishop, Rev. Shelley Bryan Wee AND from our Synod Vice President, Kay Edgerton HERE.



Find past issues here: https://www.lutheransnw.org/news/the-spirit

UPCOMING INSTALLATIONS

(and there are more to be announced soon!)

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!

Rachel San Diego Ordination & Installation

Rachel (former intern at Immanuel, Seattle) has accepted the call to serve as one of the pastors at St. Matthew's in Renton. Rachel will begin serving this week. The ordination service will be held at St. Andrew's in San Mateo, CA; the installation will be held Sunday, March 17 at St. Matthew's. God bless this new ministry partnership!

Urban Servant Corps

A place to belong. A welcoming and affirming community. An opportunity to serve. If these values are important to you, consider joining the Urban Servant Corps (USC) community in Denver, CO.

At USC, we believe that service is transformational -- it creates the opportunity for shared humanity and to faithfully respond to one another's needs. We also believe that in community, we are able to live more faithful, simple lives that are in service to one another. Our full-time volunteers live in an intentional community house in downtown Denver with others who are committed to social justice, racial justice, and accompanying vulnerable populations. Food, housing, health insurance, a monthly stipend, student loan debt reduction (up to $7000) and an annual "growth and development" allotment are provided. Additionally, Spiritual Direction, alumni mentorship, and professional development opportunities are offered as part of this experience.

Are you a young adult dedicated to social justice and a simpler way of life? Are you someone who hopes to explore or deepen your faith? Are you seeking experience in the non-profit/social service field? Priority deadline for applications is March 1. 

See brochure HERE - OR head to their website: www.urbanservantcorps.org

TWO ANNOUNCEMENTS

Regarding the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering!

NEW PRIORITY PRICING OFFER!

Are you planning to attend the Gathering in New Orleans this summer? Are you trying to decide about registering for the Gathering? We have good news for you! The first five newly registering congregations to contact Becky Cole, our Synod Gathering Champion (email her at children@hslckirkland.org), will receive the priority pricing rate of $375 for anyone they register from their congregation by February 14!

The fine print: Only new registering congregations are eligible for this incentive. It does not apply to congregations who have already registered and are adding more participants. If you receive this incentive, you must register your congregation by February 14 at 11:59pm CST. Anyone who registers after that date/time will need to pay the current registration rate.

If you have questions or want more information, please reach out to Becky. She attended a 2-day training last week in New Orleans and is happy to answer any and all questions.

SERVANT COMPANIONS NEEDED!

Know anyone who would make a great servant companion this summer?

The Accompaniment team is still recruiting young adults for this role. The application is still live on the website https://www.elca.church/gathering/attend/volunteers), so please apply using these links.

If you have a recommendation or questions, please email Kristen Contos Krueger at accompaniment.elcayg@gmail.com.

Pews and other church items to share

With the closure of Holy Cross Lutheran Church of Bellevue, their Legacy Team is hoping to share some items with other ministries in the synod, including:

Pews (10 feet wide)

Altar cloths / paraments

Other pulpit supplies

Brass crosses

Brass candle holders and candles

Offering plates

Books

Large print pulpit Bible. 

Beautiful wood cross carving at the front of the church

If interested, please reach out to Jan at 425-221-8544.

An ELCA Survey for Rostered Ministers Regarding Educational Debt:

The burden of educational debt has had a profound impact on many rostered ministers in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. At its spring 2022 meeting, the Executive Committee of the ELCA Church Council approved the formation of a task force to study the issue and shape recommendations for providing relief to as many pastors and deacons as possible. One of the first steps in this work is to gain a more comprehensive understanding of how educational debt is impacting our leaders, their families, their call processes, and their ministry.

We’d like to hear from you. All rostered ministers, active and retired, are invited to participate in this survey. Even if you no longer carry or have never carried educational debt, we want to hear your experiences and perspective.

Take the 10-minute survey HERE by February 9th.

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 is open now!

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

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

Cannot locate your password? Contact Tabetha in the synod office!

Synod Assembly is coming up soon!

Saturday, May 18, 9am-4pm

at Grace Lutheran Church in Des Moines

Doors open for check in and hospitality time at 8am

Our theme is from Psalm 121:1-2 | I lift up my eyes to the hills - from where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

We will gather to worship, hear reports and synod updates, vote on the upcoming budget, and to elect members to synod council, committees and the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly.

Online registration will open March 15 and close April 15

Congregations/Rostered Ministers will receive information to help get their voting members registered in mid-February.

• Volunteers needed for our check-in tables (7:45am-11am) - contact Susan@lutheransnw.org
• Nominations for Synod Council, Committee on Discipline, Consultation Committee and Voting Members for the ELCA CHurchwide Assembly are open now through April 15.
• Resolutions to be considered are being received now through April 15.
• Find the details on our website here: https://www.lutheransnw.org/pages/synod-assembly

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.

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.

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

Registration deadline was January 29.

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 & Pastries with the Board & Executive Director,

11am - Annual Meeting

12:30pm - Soup Lunch

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

Reception follows

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 including a 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.

Stewardship Training Opportunities

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



Cultivating the Craft of Asking, a series of five bi-weekly webinars. You will be equipped to develop a donor base and large donations. Next cohort begins on February 13. Register today at:  http://www.myteministries.org/webinars. 

African Descent and African National Financial Empowerment in Our Contexts

Next online session is Feb. 17 at 7am

Webinar:  https://forms.gle/bLofos8MUqa9fZ3z6

One Day Seminar: Deepening Our Relationship with the Spirituality of Fundraising

March 7 (new date) 8am to 1pm

Designed to activate our courage and pastoral leadership for expanding partnerships, cultivating donors and funding your ministry, this day is packed with insightful exercises and engagement activities. Bring a team from your ministry setting! Seats are limited, so register promptly: Link to register

DEM Maristela Freiberg and the New Jersey Synod recently raised $34,000 in one day of this active seminar. In response to interest, this online version is open to all leaders and synods. For more info., contact Bonnie Marden at bonnie@myteministries.org or Tim Brown at Tim.Brown@elca.org

Financial Empowerment for Missional Leaders, a monthly webinar series covering church financial stewardship responsibilities, tailored-to you, and starting again later in 2024. The cost for 9 monthly sessions for one pastoral and one lay leader is only $200 total. Nominate participants today at https://forms.gle/SetAeLvw5sc5yZgx9

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.

Join the next LiVE Project online course!

Lent with Baldwin & Bonhoeffer

6-week Course via zoom

Thursdays in Lent, 7-8:30pm, starting February 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

An Evening Talk with John Philip Newell

In partnership with Seattle University, Saint Andrew's Lutheran Church in Bellevue is hosting John Philip Newell on Tuesday, February 20. He will give a lecture on his book Sacred Earth Sacred Soul. There will also be a time for Q&A, book signing, and a reception. Read more and register here:

An Evening Talk with John Philip Newell — Earth & Soul (earthandsoul.org)

Lutherans Restoring Creation and ELCA World Hunger are eager to share a resource faith communities can use to start discussions and inspire community-based-solutions to grow climate justice, as part of the One Home, One Future collaborative.



Regenerating Life: How to Cool the Planet, Feed the World, and Live Happily Ever After offers attainable solutions to the climate crisis through an ecological approach that unpacks the social and environmental crises confronting us.



Join us Tuesday Feb 27th at 5pm (Pacific) for film highlights & discussion with the filmmaker, John Feldman. You can view the trailer here.

Register HERE to gain free temporary access to this three-part documentary film, to watch at your convenience before we spend an hour meeting with the filmmaker and considering how best to share this multifaceted resource within our communities. You are also encouraged to start planning a screening for a larger group gathering in your own context to imagine together what your community’s next most faithful step can be. There is a curriculum in development to help us grow into answering the call from this remarkable collection of voices across the globe.

Once you register for this event, look for a follow-up email with your private link to stream the film. Please be sure to join the online discussion, even if you don’t get a chance to watch it in entirety before we meet. We will be watching a few minutes of highlights together for a shared experience before starting the conversation with the filmmaker.

SAVE THE DATE!

Join EDLARJ in Minneapolis for:

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

Learn more and get registered HERE.

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! 

Women's Retreat

March 1-3 at Rainbow Lodge in North Bend

Join Saint Andrew's (Bellevue) and Our Savior (Issaquah) for this retreat.

Find the fillable form here

Check out the flyer:

Bishop's Convocation

April 21-24 at Seabeck Conference Center

Mindful that we are in an election cycle fraught with discord and danger, Rostered Ministers, SALMs and Interns will share learning and discussion around the theme of Christian Nationalism - what it is, the real threats it presents to us both as citizens of a democracy and as Christian disciples, and what our role is as faith leaders in the public arena. We are delighted to welcome Dr. Seth Dowland and Rev. Dr. Rick Rouse to lead our sessions. Learn more and get registered here!

May Youth Weekend at Holden!

May 17-19 (Friday - Sunday)

Theme: All Creation Groans Together: Love, Lament, and Action in a Climate Emergency

How can we live faithful lives when we are overloaded with climate grief and anxiety? How can we find motivation for meaningful action when the future is uncertain? Together we'll dive deep into our love for God's beloved creation, and learn how to find our way through the ruins.

Registration now! Find all the details 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