July 2, 2025

Congratulations, Bishop-Elect, the Rev. Keith Marshall!

Voting members of the Southwestern Washington Synod elected a new Bishop last Friday and Saturday, June 13 and 14, with the fifth ballot.

We give thanks to all the nominees who made themselves available in the Bishop election process. Thank you for your openness to the stirring of the Holy Spirit.

The Rev. Keith Marshall, of Enumclaw, WA, is the Bishop-Elect and will begin his call as Bishop of the Southwestern Washington Synod on August 1st. He is currently serving at Hope Lutheran Church in Enumclaw. Details about his installation will be forthcoming.

Bishop Rick Jaech is retiring and will conclude his call on July 31. Bishop Jaech has his Farewell Vespers scheduled, which will present a few more worship opportunities. Please see the schedule below.

Assembly Lost and Found

A small straw bag with US flag was left behind at the Synod Assembly. If you think this is your bag, contact Stefanie in the Synod Office swwsynod@plu.edu or 253-535-8300 to arrange pickup. Thank you.

FROM CHURCHWIDE

Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) 25th Anniversary Regional Gathering at Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church in Seattle.

We’ll be hosted by Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church and would love to invite YAGM alumni, supporters, prospective volunteers, and others interested in global church connections to join us in celebrating this milestone.

Saturday, July 12

6:00–9:00 p.m. – Evening of fellowship, storytelling, and reconnecting (light refreshments provided)

This event is intended for YAGM alumni only.

Sunday, July 13

10:30 a.m. – YAGM-themed worship service with the congregation of Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church

All are welcome to join us for worship.

If you're able, we would be so grateful if you could share this opportunity with folks in your synods—especially among congregations with past YAGM participants, young adults exploring service, or anyone with a heart for global mission.

Here’s the registration link:

https://community.elca.org/yagm-25th-anniversary-seattle-regional-gathering

FROM OUR FRIENDS AND PARTNERS

This and That

I am clearing a house for an estate, and have found a few bins full of acrylic yarns that would be excellent for making items that need to be regularly washed. If you have a group of people at your church engaged in creating blankets for the homeless or lap blankets for nursing homes, contact me at 360 640 0764. I can mail them to you starting the first week in August. Pam Hunter

ELCA Coaching

As of today, here are all the FREE opportunities in July:

Wednesday, July 2 - Creating Beloved Community: Healing Together (focus: Coddiwomple, and Alchemy, and Kintsugi, oh my!)

Wednesday, July 9 - Creating Beloved Community: ELCA Truth & Healing Movement Reading Circle (chapter 7)

Wednesday, July 16 - Creating Beloved Community: Nobody Journeys Alone

Saturday, July 19 - Moving Toward Right Relations training, Module 1 (advance registration required)

Wednesday, July 23 - Creating Beloved Community: Living a Life of Faith

Friday, July 25 - Decolonizing Worship (advance registration required)

Wednesday, July 30 - Creating Beloved Community: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Wednesday, July 30 - Moving Toward Right Relations training, Module 2 (advance registration required)

ALL of the above opportunities are subsidized by the ELCA (and our partner organizations) and offered at no financial cost to participants!

We encourage you to check our events page often for additions and changes: https://www.elcacoaching.org/events

We also have our next introduction to coaching skills starting at the beginning of next month:

Starting Monday, August 4 - Coaching for Everyday Life training

With care,

Your ELCA Coaching support team

ELCA Coaching

Mission: Cultivating Your Calling

Vision: Nobody Journeys Alone

https://www.elcacoaching.org

Experience Live from LSM this July!



Join Lutheran Summer Music for our 43rd season at Valparaiso University, June 22–July 20! Can’t attend in person? Experience over 30 inspiring concerts, recitals, and worship services online through Live from LSM.

Highlights include the beloved Bach Cantata Eucharist, the Festival of Hymns, the debut Faculty Organ Recital, and Festival Week performances by the Festival Band, Orchestra, and Choir.

Explore the full schedule and tune in at LSMacademy.org/2025. All events are free and available to stream live or on demand. Don’t miss this transformative celebration of music, faith, and community!

A Synod of the

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

The Rev. Richard E. Jaech, Bishop

Synod Office Hours

9am - 4pm

Tuesday - Friday

Stay Connected

email swwsynod@plu.edu

phone (253) 535-8300

website www.swwasynod.org