July 1, 2026

The Southwestern Washington Synod seeks to form and support trustworthy, inclusive lay leaders who are grounded in Christian faith and in a Lutheran expression of faith. The Path for Strengthening Active Lay Ministry (PSALM) is designed for congregation members who have discerned a call to more intentional and public lay leadership in their congregation and community.

PSALM is a two-year small group program that takes place over four terms. Each term is approximately 6 months long and begins with an overnight retreat. The coursework for the term is introduced at the retreat by a variety of presenters who bring expertise to the topics. In addition to course assignments each term, students will work on practical ministry projects in their congregation or ministry setting. They will have an opportunity to share these projects with each other as part of the retreats.

Questions? Please email Pastor Michelle de Beauchamp, Bishop’s Associate, Southwestern Washington Synod or call the office at 253-999-1190.

Registration for the 2026 Fall Cohort is now open.

Support documents for the 2026 Fall PSALM Cohort can be found here:

PSALM Information Trifold

PSALM Candidate Application

PSALM Congregational Support Covenant

PSALM Pastoral Recommendation



Deadline to submit paperwork for the Fall Cohort is August 1, 2026.

FROM OUR CONGREGATIONS AND MINISTRIES

From the Synod's Native American Work Team:

The United Churches of Olympia are screening the movie Fish War on Thursday, July 9, followed by Q&A with Hanford McCloud from the Nisqually Tribe.

You are invited to attend and learn more about the history of Tribal relations in our region and some of the ongoing challenges our Indigenous neighbors face.

Doors open at 6:30, or you can attend online via Zoom. See attached flyer for more info.

We are seeking elders (people 55+) and youth (ages 16-20) in the South Tacoma/ Bethel School District area to participate in a conversation that shares life experiences, wisdom, and practical knowledge for an intergenerational learning initiative in partnership with Blue Zones and Bethel School District. This facilitated conversation will take place next month on Monday, July 27 from 5 - 6:30 pm at Spanaway Lutheran, 16001 A St. S, Spanaway. This event will be facilitated by Darius Alexander, Community Connections Director at Bethel Schools.

We are looking for elders (age 55+) and high school youth willing to speak on a panel and/or be part of a table discussion.

If you are an elder who is interested in participating in the panel of speakers, please fill out the form linked here: Roots & Real Talk: Life Skills + Life Lessons Inquiry Form

If you are a youth interested in sharing your experience, please fill out the form linked here:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/roots-real-talk-life-skills-lessons-bzp-ps-tickets-1991246356455.  

If you have any questions, please reach out to the Spanaway Lutheran church office at 253-531-7000 or office@spanawaylutheran.org.  

 Thank you for considering being part of this pilot event. Completing this form does not commit you to anything—it simply helps us learn more about your interests and identify opportunities for meaningful connection with local youth. We believe your stories can inspire and guide the next generation and build a brighter future for all.

FROM OUR FRIENDS AND PARTNERS

Racial Justice Ministries invites you to "Freedom of a Christian: Reclaiming the Gospel for Justice" webinar 2 of Equipping the Church to Dismantle White Supremacy, a five-part webinar series. This series will provide a foundation for understanding white supremacy, its historical roots, and its ongoing impact within our society and the church. Participants will be equipped with tools and theological grounding to engage in faithful, justice-centered transformation. Webinar 2 focuses on the Freedom of a Christian study guide.

Spanish interpretation will be provided for all webinars. Para apuntarse en español a los seminarios web que le interesen, haga clic aquí: bit.ly/capacitandoseminarios.

For more info, visit: https://www.elca.org/event/051226-equipping-the-church-to-dismantle-white-supremacy 

Do you live in a rural or small-town community in Washington State?

We'd love to hear from you! Help us improve walking and biking in rural communities by completing a quick 1-minute eligibility survey

https://tinyurl.com/AT-Survey-Link

Eligible participants who complete the full survey will receive a $25 gift card

Refer a friend, family member, or neighbor who completes the survey and earn an additional $5 referral incentive.

Thank you for helping make rural Washington safer and more accessible for everyone!

FROM ELCA CHURCHWIDE

A Synod of the

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

The Rev. Keith Marshall, Bishop

Synod Office Hours

9am - 4pm

Tuesday - Friday

Stay Connected

stefanie.dezarn@swwasynod.org

(253) 999-1190

www.swwasynod.org