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Synod Events This Week:
Mon, June 10, 1:30-3pm - Rostered Synod Staff Meeting
Mon, June 10, 4:30pm - Synod Finance Committee
Tues, June 11, 10am-12noon - Full Synod Staff Meeting
Wed, June 12, 4:30pm - Executive Committee Meeting
Thurs, June 13 - STAD Retreat
Thurs, June 13, 6:30pm - Online Farm Bill Discussion - see below
Weekly Update Submissions DUE THURSDAY at 2pm to susan@lutheransnw.org
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WISH TO SHARE THIS EMAIL WITH OTHERS?
The best way is to send them to our News Page - https://www.lutheransnw.org/news
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ELCA Truth & Healing Movement
The ELCA’s Truth and Healing Movement continues in 2024!
In the coming weeks and months, there will be opportunities to learn about the true history and current realities of Indigenous people — beginning with a “Powwow 101” class the evening of Tuesday, June 11.
Visit ELCA.org/TruthAndHealing to learn more about all upcoming events.
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Calling all nurses, medics, MDs, and everything in between!
Lutherwood Camp and Retreat Center is looking for volunteers to serve as our weekly camp medics!
Volunteer camp medics join us from 1pm on Sunday to 1pm on Friday, staying in our "Med Shed." Our medics are here to review health info, receive prescription medications, dispense medication to campers, and provide first aid for minor injuries.
Each volunteer medic gets to hang on Lake Samish for the week, enjoy meals with camp, participate in the life of camp, and create a safe environment for all. ADDED BONUS: we are offering a FREE week of camp for a child/grandchild/niece/nephew/family friend to each volunteer.
Interested? Contact Pastor Kevin at kevin.beebe@camplutherwood.org
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Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton's
Message on the war in Gaza
Dear church,
For eight horrific months war has raged in Gaza. Thousands of people have died, and thousands more are suffering. In recent days we have seen unspeakable images of violence in Rafah and escalating violence in the West Bank. Like the prophet Isaiah, we lament, "How long, O Lord?" (Isaiah 6:11).
At times a just peace for Palestinians and Israelis doesn't seem possible, yet as Christians we believe that it is. The psalmist assures us that God "makes wars cease to the end of the earth" (Psalm 46:9). At times it seems that there is nothing we can do, yet through baptism God calls us to be peacemakers. We live out this calling in many ways, including through prayer, advocacy and accompaniment.
As a church, we continue to:
- Pray for all people who are suffering and grieving, and for this war to end diplomatically in a lasting peace, rooted in justice and human rights for Palestinians and Israelis.
- Advocate for an immediate, bilateral cease-fire and a halt in U.S. arms transfers to Israel, to prevent further loss of life; the release of all hostages and uncharged prisoners; and unimpeded humanitarian aid for all in need. We will continue to advocate for these priorities with the Biden administration and the U.S. Congress.
- Walk with all who long for a just peace, including especially our Palestinian siblings in the ELCA, as well as Christian, Muslim and Jewish partners here in the U.S. and in the Holy Land. As Christ taught, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God" (Matthew 5:9). Let us continue to hope and to live our faith.
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(For more information and resources see: For Peace in God’s World, ELCA social statement; Resources for the Crisis in the Holy Land (elca.org); and ELCA Sumud, which issues timely advocacy-action alerts)
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PRIDE Events Around the Synod
We are proud to be a Reconciling in Christ synod - with many opportunities for you and your church family to join in and celebrate PRIDE this season!
Seattle PRIDE Parade
We will be marching in the Seattle PRIDE Parade on Sunday, June 30th. We have space for 200 walkers this year.
To register, email Jill with the name of your congregation leader, their contact info AND the number of committed walkers by June 17. Details about arrival time and location will be shared with the congregation leader when available.
Additional PRIDE Events Around the Synod
There are many different PRIDE events happening throughout June and July across our Synod. We will be adding "Lutheran Point People" to some of these events in the coming days – look for those updates on our synod website. Plan to reach out to that leader if you are interested in participating in the event with your Loving Lutheran Siblings. (OR perhaps YOU would like to be that point person? Email Susan@lutheransnw.org in the synod office to discuss!)
SYNOD PRIDE BANDANAS - SOLD OUT!
THANK YOU to all who purchased bandanas! IF you have not yet picked yours up - please contact Susan@lutheransnw.org to set up a time to retrieve them!
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Donations Needed from NWWA Synod for Disaster Relief Kits - to be created at the ELCA Youth Gathering
In the aftermath of a storm, hurricane, or tornado, New Orleans residents regularly find themselves without electricity. This quickly becomes a health crisis as people try to manage life in the hot, humid Gulf Coast summers. City leaders and community organizers identified the eight most-requested items to help residents as they wait for the power grid to be restored.
One of the goals of the Gathering is to create 3,000 disaster relief kits filled with these items to help New Orleanians get through the days immediately following a natural disaster.
It takes about $100 to create an entire disaster relief kit. Each region is asked to bring a different item to build our kits and Regions One and Two have been asked to bring small personal fans (AA battery powered). Another region is assigned the batteries, so we just need to provide the fans!
Here is where we need your help….. It's a COMPETITION... which region will be able to bring the most items to #ELCAYG2024 to donate to our neighbors in New Orleans in preparation for the next disaster?
I’m thinking Region 1 can win, but we are going to need your help to do it!
Not going to the gathering? Your participants won’t have extra space in your suitcase? Shop through our Amazon and Target wish lists and have your items sent directly to our partners in the Big Easy.
More information (and the link to the wish lists) is online at https://www.elca.church/gathering/about/offering.
Shipping address:
Christ the King Lutheran — Accompaniment
1001 W Esplanade Ave, Kenner, LA 70065
Questions? Contact the Gathering Synod Champion Becky Cole at children@hslckirkland.org.
THANK YOU! for helping us bring a little relief to our neighbors!
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Worship Album Available: Creation, It Rings
Created by Brian Schroeder (Director of Emerging Worship at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Maple Grove, MN and fellow Luther Seminary grad of some of our synod's seminarians) the songs on this album communicate an expansive view of God, use inclusive language, and are congregation-tested to be sung in worship. Great for use during this PRIDE month!
Take a listen on Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube! Worship leaders can download free basic chord charts for each song on Brian's website. Check out the Worship Leader Bundle that has everything churches need to start playing these songs at their church: lead sheets, harmony recordings, chord charts with band direction, bulletin inserts, CCLI info, and lyric slides (it also includes a full download of this album).
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Immanuel Community Services
Opportunities to offer your support!
THANK YOU for supporting the mission of these ministry partners:
Our mission is to alleviate the effects of poverty, hunger, homelessness and addiction by providing community-based social services to those in need.
Tutta Bella Fundraiser
June 9-13
Tutta Bella is partnering with us for a (delicious) fundraiser! (see attachment)
Code is valid Sunday, June 9th – Thursday, June 13th
• Dine-in or order delivery, takeout, or curbside from tuttabella.com
• Use the coupon code EasyAsPieICS at checkout
• 20% of sales will be donated to Immanuel Community Services
7th Annual Putt Putt Tournament
Saturday, June 15 at the Interbay Golf Center in Seattle
People can start a peer-to-peer fundraising campaign and join us on the greens!
We also have a virtual option this year! You can find all the info here!
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Farm Bill Session
Thursday, June 13, 6pm-7:30pm ONLINE
Register at bit.ly/WhyFarmBill
Join the hunger ministry teams of the six ELCA Synods in Region 1 with Faith Action Network to learn about our nation’s most important and largest food system legislation—the Farm Bill. Find out its impact on you and your neighbors. Help us advocate to pass a new Farm Bill this year!
Event highlights:
- Presentation by ELCA Advocacy Staff
- Special guest speakers from across Region 1
- Prayerful reflection with ELCA Bishops
- Breakout groups to meet and discuss with ELCA and community members from across the region
- Take action by writing letters to Congress
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Take Action This Election Season
Are you looking for ways to encourage voting and civic engagement in your faith community this election year? Are you also looking for community-led support? If your answers are yes, FAN invites you to join a Network of 100% Voting Faith Communities!
Many faith traditions highlight the importance of voting in preserving community well-being and the common good in democracy. The Network of 100% Voting Faith Communities is a community space to share ideas, tools, and peer support as we collectively build civically engaged multi-faith communities. Whether you are a leader authorized to take action on behalf of your faith community or an individual willing to organize your faith community to participate, you are invited!
lease read more information on this document and fill out the form to join the network. You can also access our newly launched Voting & Civic Engagement page.
We will offer monthly zoom meetings through the summer to stay engaged as a network. We welcome individuals and communities interested and committed to getting out the vote in their faith community and beyond.
The following online meetings have been scheduled:
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Tues. June 18th 12-1pm (coming up! Register Here)
- Tues. July 23rd 12-1pm
- Tues. August 20th 1-2pm
The focus of the meetings will be on supporting organizing, voter registration, and mobilization in your community. We are committed to voicing the values from multi-faith traditions in the electoral process and we hope you will be part of this movement!
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On June 20 you are invited for a chance to say farewell to Executive Director Elise DeGooyer after 10 years of service to FAN, and connect with others in FAN's network for the work ahead!
RSVP to fan@fanwa.org
THANK YOU, Elise for your excellent work among us - and on behalf of us!
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Save the date!
Love & Justice Pride Service
In partnership with Saint Andrew’s Lutheran Church as host site, St Luke’s Lutheran Church and our Love & Justice Project is leading the Eastside Love & Justice Pride Service on Saturday, June 22, at 1:30pm. Special speakers & music as we celebrate God’s Diversity & Inclusivity!
LGBTQIA+ /Queer Community & Allies welcomed!
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LMF Informational Meeting
Tuesday, June 25th 7pm - via zoom link HERE
Do you have a desire to discern where God is already at work within your life context/ ministry and to join God there?
Are you hearing a call to grow deeper in ministry that you would like to explore in a tangible way?
Is your church in transition with a need for lay people to be empowered and equipped for leadership roles?
If you find yourself answering yes to any of these questions, the LMF program could be a great opportunity for you! LMF is a 2-year cohort-based certification program of the NW Washington synod designed for lay leaders who want to deepen your sense of God's call within your own individual context (whether that's as a leader in your church or your vocation). JOIN US at our informational meeting!
Learn more here: https://www.lutheransnw.org/ministries/lay-ministry-formation
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Church Property & Land Affinity Group
Wednesday, June 26, 1pm on Zoom
At the recent Bishop's Convocation, a group a rostered ministers met briefly to start a conversation about current questions, issues, resources, and experiences related to faithful use of church building and property. This is evolving into an open group for church leaders, who want to continue to gather monthly to share insights, experiences, and resources as they walk the road of property development and management.
Join the Zoom here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87483379717?pwd=f9GOt5pH4jgFwxUUoxoUMO1hEuDsrK.1
(Meeting ID: 874 8337 9717 Passcode: 147311)
For questions, please contact Pastor Pam Miles at pastorpam@pointeofgracechurch.org
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Mariner's Game Fun(draiser!)
Our Saviour’s Preschool and Childcare in Arlington is having a Mariner’s Fundraiser to raise some funds for their center - join us!
Fundraiser Opportunity - The Seattle Mariners are extending a discount ticket offer to the students, families, staff, and community of our school! Enjoy a special outing with your friends and family members! The game is June 30 and the Mariners will take on the Twins.
Kids 14 and under have a chance to run the bases after the game.
Email Jennifer Ess at preschool@arlingtonwachurch.org for more information or to order tickets!
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Coming Soon — Online Discernment Groups
Do you ever get a sense that God might be tapping you on the shoulder? Are you wondering what God is calling you to do with your life? Considering learning more about church leadership and pondering whether it might be for you? Have you ever thought about enrolling in seminary or even wondered what seminary study is like today? Starting July 1, you can join an online group with others across the ELCA who share your curiosity. Sign up by visiting elcaseminaries.org and filling out the contact form, or by emailing recruitment@elca.org.
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Are you a rostered minister interested in leading such a group?
Email Rick.Summy@elca.org to learn more.
ADDITIONAL CONVERSATION PARTNERS:
Deacon Liz Colver and Rev. Erik Samuelson are the Co-Chairs of the NW Washington Synod Candidacy Committee - they would welcome conversation with you ... reach out to them at:
colver.liz@gmail.com or eriksamuleson@gmail.com
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An Evening with Lifelong Climate Activist Bill McKibben
July 2, 7pm
First United Methodist Church, in Seattle
Download Flyer HERE
Learn more and register HERE
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Retired Rostered Minister Luncheon
Tuesday, July 23, 11:30am - 1:30pm
at Advent Lutheran Church in Mill Creek
All retired rostered ministers and their partners are invited to attend!
Join your colleagues and the synod staff for lunch, joyful conversations, synod and churchwide news from the Bishop AND some surprises! THANK YOU to Kim Unti & Pam Kluth who will be hosting our delicious lunch.
Please RSVP by July 16 here: https://forms.gle/ugT4Zc3q4EMZ8ht3A
Advent Lutheran is located at 4306 132nd St SE in Mill Creek
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Join LSM 2024 In Person or Online!
Lutheran Summer Music announces its 42nd season, offering over 30 free and open-to-the-public concerts and recitals. All events take place this July at Valparaiso University, and MOST will be livestreamed. Performances and services are shared by over 250 students, faculty, fellows, worship staff, and guest artists who come together to create a vibrant community of music-makers.
The LSM 2024 season will culminate during Festival Week (July 21-28), featuring the LSM Festival Band, Choir, and Orchestra, a Festival of Hymns, and closing each day with sung Evening Prayer. Of special note, the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians (ALCM) will join this year’s LSM community and offer an intergenerational performance of J.S. Bach’s St. John Passion.
Visit LSMacademy.org/2024 for a complete listing of events and to access the livestream.
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Godly Play Core Training
September 13-15 in Bellingham
Godly Play Core Training is the recommended training for those leading Godly Play sessions, program administrators, parents/caregivers and clergy. Over the course of three days, participants experience all aspects of the Godly Play method and begin to become fluent in the Godly Play core stories and fundamental practices. Our training will follow an action/reflection model of learning with a mixture of trainer-led presentations and participant storytelling presentations. There is food and childcare included.
Learn more and get registered for this training in Bellingham
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~ Save The Date ~
NW WA Synodical Women’s Fall Retreat
September 20-21
Huston Camp & Conference Center
(14725 Ley Rd, Gold Bar)
This retreat will focus on caring for our mental, physical and emotional health with Food, Fellowship, Prayer & Guest Speaker - More information coming soon ~ watch your email!
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~ Save The Date ~
NW WA Synod Middle School & High School Retreat
Join us November 8-10 for our 2nd annual fall retreat.
More details will be available at the end of August.
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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
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