September 24, 2025

Make sure you RSVP to the Synod Office if you are planning on attending Bishop Keith's installation!

For what's going on and to connect with others serving with the 1st Third of Life in our Synod please join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19pC4fRk7g/ If you don't have a Facebook page, please email Deacon Ingelaurie Lisher at ingelaurie@smlutheran.org to be added to our email list. 

Mark your calendars/save the date: SWWA Synod Youth Retreat for Students grades 6-12th Feb. 20-22nd at Camp Arnold in Eatonville. Cost and registration materials will be available later this fall. 

Continuing Education Opportunity: ELCA youth ministry network Extravaganza Jan 30-Feb. 2 in St. Louis, MO. Click here for more info:  Extravaganza 2026

FROM OUR CONGREGATIONS

FROM CHURCHWIDE

Prayers arise for ELCA Presiding Bishop-elect Yehiel Curry, as he will be installed on October 4th at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis.

Learn more about Presiding Bishop-elect Curry in an interview with Living Lutheran.

Federal Grants Updates

Is your congregation is planning on submitting applications for any federal grants?

The ELCA has a very helpful resource document to help guide congregations through the process. Feel free to access the document below.

FROM OUR FRIENDS AND PARTNERS

Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) Discernment Weekend

Are you wondering if seminary might be right for you? Consider joining Signs Along the Way at PLTS in Berkeley, California to connect with others in discernment, get to know PLTS faculty, and explore what it’s like to be an online student in the MDiv, MA in Spirituality and Social Change, or Lutheran Year programs. PLTS is transitioning to only offer online study with in-person intensives, so this weekend is designed for those interested in online learning. PLTS covers lodging and meals during the event and can offer travel assistance for those who need it. Visit plts.edu/signs to learn more and sign up.

Youth Musicians Invited to Lutheran Summer Music 2026



Enrollment is now open for Lutheran Summer Music (LSM) 2026 at St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN! LSM is a faith-based residential music academy for high school students who come together to immerse themselves in musical excellence and build a supportive and fun community. Musical experiences include large ensembles (band, choir, orchestra), chamber music, private lessons, and electives like handbells, jazz, musical theatre, composition, conducting, church music, and more.

Priority enrollment deadline: December 1

Standard enrollment deadline: March 1

Learn more at LSMacademy.org/program 

The Wild Hope Center for Vocation

Fall 2025 Schedule of Events

On the Vocation of Preaching Thursday, September 18, 4 PM on Zoom

The Rev Dr Gordon Lathrop, former PLU University Pastor, Professor of Liturgy at the Lutheran Theological Seminary Philadelphia, author of Lectionary Mosaics (2023), Proclaiming the Living Word: A Handbook for Preachers (2018), The Pastor: A Spirituality (2006) – Register here: https://liturgyandmission.org/2025/07/09/webinar-with-rev-gordon-lathrop-on-the-vocation-of-preaching/

Resisting Christian Nationalism

Thursday, September 25, at 4 PM (Pacific) on Zoom

Join Dr. Seth Dowland, PLU scholar of American religions, as he discusses the dangers of growing Christian nationalism and the ways in which this oppressive force can be resisted. Register here: https://www.plu.edu/alumni-student-connections/vocationalvistas/

On the Vocation of Hiking with Dag Hammarskjöld

Thursday, October 23, at 4 PM (Pacific) on Zoom

Professor Don Johnson offers illuminating insights on the spiritual calling to hike as embodied in the life of Dag Hammarskjöld, Swedish diplomat, Lutheran layperson, and General Secretary of the United Nations. Register here: https://www.plu.edu/alumni-student-connections/vocationalvistas/

The Calling to Travel

Thursday, November 6, at 4 PM (Pacific) on Zoom

The beauty of Namibia serves as the context in which PLU professor of sociology, Dr. Kate Luther, discusses the value and calling to travel. Register here: https://www.plu.edu/alumni-student-connections/vocationalvistas/

Preparing for Matthew

Thursday, November 6, at 10 AM (Pacific) on Zoom

Join Dr Agnes Choi, PLU New Testament scholar, for an engaging overview of the Gospel of Matthew prior to the beginning of Year A in the lectionary cycle.

Register here: https://www.plu.edu/alumni-student-connections/vocationalvistas/

Promoting Diversity in a Challenging Time

Tuesday, December 2, at 4 PM (Pacific) on Zoom

In a time when universities are targeted for welcoming diversity, Dr Angie Hambrick, PLU Associate VP for Diversity, Justice, and Sustainability, discusses the challenges of supporting an open door for students from diverse backgrounds. Register here: https://www.plu.edu/alumni-student-connections/vocationalvistas   

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) 535-8300

www.swwasynod.org