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

(a couple more) PRIDE Events Around the Synod

Seattle Parade – June 30 - to march, you must be signed up with your church as we are at our 200 person capacity! To see about being added to the waitlist, Email Jill OR - plan to cheer on our group and other marchers from the sidelines! Details about arrival time and location will be shared with the congregation leader who will then share with their group.

Bellingham Parade – July 7 (Contact Pr. Emma)

Upcoming Installations / Beginnings

we lift our prayers for these leaders & their congregations

Rev. Thomas Voelp has accepted the call to serve as pastor at Our Redeemer's, Seattle. He began on 3/4. Installation service rescheduled to 7/27 at 4pm. Rostered Ministers are invited to vest.

Rev. Mark Fischer has accepted the call to serve as the next pastor at Bethlehem, Marysville. He will begin July 12. Installation service will be on 8/4 @ 2pm.

Rev. Jenna Bergeson has accepted a call to serve in an ELCA Global Mission position as ELCA Regional Representative - in Southeast Asia. She will begin 7/21.

Region One Financial Services Office News

Region One of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America encompasses these six synods: Alaska, Northwest Washington, Southwestern Washington, Northwest Intermountain, Oregon, and Montana. Partnership and collaboration have been essential values for our work together. One key constant in this work has been the shared Financial Services Office (FSO).

We are so grateful for the two-person team that helps each of the Region One synods with their financial accounting and bookkeeping: Alyce Bakker – accountant, and Karen Dicken – bookkeeper.

Alyce has served as the FSO’s accountant since November of 1987. Each synod Treasurer, Synod Administrator, and Bishop will attest to the professionalism, wisdom, and careful stewardship that Alyce brings to this work. She is an essential and highly valued ministry partner! Alyce has announced her intention to retire on April 30, 2025. While we are thrilled for Alyce and her next adventures, we will deeply miss her and her many gifts!

The six synod bishops and the Region One Governing Board will begin a hiring process early this fall – with the intention of onboarding a new leader with guidance and coaching from Alyce in early 2025. Look for more information on this role, including position description and hiring timeline, soon. In the meantime, please join us as we give thanks to God for this faithful partner!

Dear friends of ELCA Disability Ministries,

Thank you for considering Disability Ministries to potentially help fund your request or initiative through a grant. Grant applicants must follow the guidelines below to be eligible to receive grant funding through Disability Ministries.

All applicants seeking funds from Disability Ministries must demonstrate how the request or initiative addresses at least one of the following goals:

• Raising up people with disabilities for leadership positions, encouraging the participation of those with disabilities in the wider church and preparing leaders for serving people with disabilities.
• Equipping our synods, congregations and members with relevant and practical information that enables them to welcome and support individuals with disabilities so that they might participate fully in the life of the congregation and that, together, all might experience being the body of Christ.
• Gathering and connecting people with disabilities and various groups in the church so that they might help us become an inclusive, supportive and whole community of faith.

Additionally, all applicants must show that they have or are actively building a relationship with people in their settings who live with disabilities.

This church wants to move beyond the attitude that “if we build it, they will come.” So, for example, don’t request funding for a ramp simply for the sake of installing one; instead, explain how your project would benefit disabled people in your setting and your ministry, and enrich your mutual relationship as disciples of Jesus Christ.

We will award grants in the range of $5,000-$10,000, for a total of $50,000. Previous applicants who were not funded may reapply.

The application window opened May 28 and will close July 31, or earlier if we have received 30 completed applications. Projects receiving grants will be announced before the end of October 2024.

To register with GrantMaker, please go to www.elca.org/grants/impact-church-ministry and follow the links and instructions. If you already have a profile with GrantMaker, log in to elca.fluxx.io/user_sessions/new to begin your application process.

Please email any questions to grants@elca.org or disability.ministry@elca.org.

God’s peace and blessings as you begin the application process!

— ELCA Disability Ministries

Lay Ministry Formation

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

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  

Special Pride Worship Service

Saturday, June 29, 5:00pm

at Central Lutheran Church (1710 11th Ave, Seattle)

Central Lutheran Church in Seattle is hosting a special Pride worship service following the PrideFest on Broadway. This year, we are excited to welcome the Seattle Trans and Nonbinary Choral Ensemble as our guest musicians. All are welcome to join this evening of music, Holy Communion, and Queer joy celebrating the expansive love of God!  (www.loveiscentral.org)

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.

·        

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

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

Archery Church! 

What is it? It is a way to explore your love of the outdoors while learning about God’s ever-expanding love for all!

How Old or Young? For ages 6 years to adult!

When? Each Sunday July 7 - August 25, 12noon - 2pm

At Fir-Conway Lutheran Church

18101 Fir Island Road in Mount Vernon

Cost? First Lesson is Free!

$2.00 per individual / $5.00 per family

Download the flyer here.

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 Church is located at 4306 132nd St SE in Mill Creek

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:

• 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! 

Lutheran Campout!

Christ the Servant Lutheran Church in Bellingham has reserved the entire campground at Lutherwood Camp - all NWWA Synod churches are welcome to join them!

Friday, August 2, 3pm - Sunday, August 4,11am

$80 per campsite (Hookups available at almost all sites)

Saturday, August 3 Day Use is free and open to ALL!

ALL DAY: Crafts, Hiking, Walking, Swimming

5:00 PM Bring your own picnic supper (BBQ Area)

6:30 PM Worship, Campfire and S'mores

REGISTER HERE | Questions? Email Nicole: Nicole@ctslutheran.org

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

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 available HERE!

~ 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. 

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