July 15, 2026

Church Admins:

If you haven't received a Zoom link for this month's meeting yet, there is still time to contact Stefanie (stefanie.dezarn@swwasynod.org) to get it!

We would love to have you join us!

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.

A Ministry of Presence: Join the New Migrant Solidarity Network 

Date/Time: Tuesday, August 18, 6:00 – 7:30 pm | Location: Zoom (1.5 Hours)

How is the Church called to show up in places defined by desolate isolation? 

In response to the escalation of immigration enforcement, the SWWA Synod invites you to an informational Zoom session about our newly launching Lutheran Migrant Solidarity Network.

Centered around the Northwest ICE Processing Center (NWIPC) in Tacoma, this pilot ministry is building a coalition of churches in the Synod to accompany our neighbors in detention. Whether your congregation is near Tacoma and called to face-to-face window visitation, or located further away and eager to join our synod-wide letter-writing ministry, there is a place for you in this work.

Join us for a 1.5-hour virtual gathering to learn how your church can step into this sacred act of presence, grounded in the belief that no one is forgotten by God.

Register today!

FROM OUR CONGREGATIONS AND MINISTRIES

Holy Trinity Lutheran in Port Angeles has begun a midweek "Summer Vespers" program. 

Organized by Pastor Ben Nicodemus and Deacon Don Corson, the Celtic style vespers is planned as a way to actively involve the congregation over the summer and as an invitation to the broader community for a time to savor summer's beauty as a gift of God's creation.

The outdoor setting is around a campfire at Camaraderie Cellars, owned by Don and his wife, Vicki.

Wednesdays in July (8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th) from 7pm to 7:30pm at Camaraderie Cellars, 332 Benson Rd., Port Angeles, WA

Questions? Call 360-417-3564.

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