May 13, 2026

This is THE last opportunity to register! Registration platform will close tomorrow, May 14th at noon!

This is a great in-person training opportunity for rostered leaders, church staff and congregation volunteers. Please contact Ray Shjerven (rshjerven@comcast.net) or Stefanie DeZarn (stefanie.dezarn@swwasynod.org) if you have any questions.

Registration for the two Synod Ed Gatherings are OPEN!

All Members of the SWWA Synod are welcome!

FROM OUR CONGREGATIONS, COMMITTEES AND MINISTRIES

Ordination of Alex Winfield Linn

You are invited to share in The Vigil of Pentecost with Rite of Ordination, Alex Winfield Linn by the grace of God and the gift of the Holy Spirit, Alex has received a call through the Southwest Washington Synod of the ELCA to serve as the pastor for Family of Christ Lutheran Church in Vancouver, Washington.

Ministers are invited to vest and process, the color of the day is red.

Saturday, May 23rd, 3:00PM Central/1:00PM Pacific.

Immanuel Lutheran Church, Chicago, IL

1500 W Elmdale Ave, Chicago, IL

Immanuel Lutheran Chicago can be easily found by using the CTA Red Line, off Thorndale, or the 22 Clark Buss. Parking is on the street and there are no zone prohibitions on Saturday. If you are more mobile we request that you would park a few blocks away so that there is more space closer to the church for those who need a shorter distance to travel. Live Stream Link:

https://www.youtube.com/live/BpLcPcmyxss?si=hBq3kmFUKv4zI_fo

FROM OUR FRIENDS AND PARTNERS

FROM CHURCHWIDE/REGION 1

Evangelism Resource Newsletter -

a newsletter from your ELCA New Ministry Development and Evangelism Resource Team

New Region 1 ELCA Foundation Regional Gift Planner

The ELCA Foundation is pleased to welcome the newest member of our gift planning team, the Rev. Kyle Merkle, who will be serving the donors, congregations and ELCA-related ministries throughout Region 1.

Kyle has served as a pastor in three ELCA congregations and brings experience and leadership in developing and stewarding planned gifts. He cares deeply about helping individuals and congregations align their generosity with their faith and values. 

Please reach out to Kyle to learn more about how he can assist you or your ministry with planned giving resources at kyle.merkle@elca.org. 

States: Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington

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