Synod eNews - June 17, 2026

June 17, 2026

Synod Resources

Administration, Compensation Guidelines, Constitutions, Financial, Personnel Policies, Pulpit Supply, Immigration, Transition

Boundary Training Opportunities for Rostered Ministers

Round Ordination Anniversaries

(source: ELCA Office of the Secretary Rostered Leader Anniversary Report)

June 2026

Rev. Louise Buckles

5 Years - Minister of Word and Sacrament - June 6, 2021

Rev. D. Scott Postlewait

35 Years - Minister of Word and Sacrament - June 23, 1991

Rev. Stephen J. Olson

40 Years - Minister of Word and Sacrament - June 8, 1986

Rev. Brian Stoffregen

50 Years - Minister of Word and Sacrament - June 20, 1976

Rev. David Steen

65 Years - Minister of Word and Sacrament - June 11, 1961

Rev. Donald Little

65 Years - Minister of Word and Sacrament - June 18, 1961

Thank you for your faithful service to the people of God!

Upcoming Events

links to event info embedded if applicable

July 11

Sacred Soil Garden Prayer - 10am @ Shepherd's Field, Sumner

July 21

Admin Support Zoom - 1pm

August 8

Sacred Soil Garden Prayer - 10am @ Shepherd's Field, Sumner

August 18

Admin Support Zoom - 1pm

Marketplace

May items to give away: Paraments, worship supplies, church office supplies, books for all ages, and more...

Please contact Maggie in the office at Faith Lutheran Church in Elma (360-482-2060) or Pastor Duane Anderson (duander65@gmail.com or 505-499-6225).

Administration This and That

2026 IRS Mileage Rate is 72.5 cents

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.