January 31, 2022
Weekly Update
announcements & events
|
|
|
Now is the Time: A Study Guide for ELCA Declaration to People of African Descent
Congregations are invited to wrestle with the meaning of the declaration, adopted at the 2019 Churchwide Assembly, and its accompanying explanation.
In the declaration, the ELCA “apologizes to people of African descent for its historical complicity in slavery and its enduring legacy of racism in the United States and globally. We lament the white church’s failure to work for the abolition of slavery and the perpetuation of racism in this church.”
“Now Is the Time” stresses realism, self-examination and accountability as the church acknowledges and apologizes for the history and impact of slavery and systemic racism in the United States and globally. The study guide focuses on deepening our understanding of this history as participants engage in often-difficult conversation and reflection to move the church toward racial healing and justice.
The five-part study resource, with a guide and participant materials, is available at elca.org/Resources/Racial-Justice Perhaps your congregation will use this resource this winter or Lent?
|
|
Tamales for Sale!
Our Mission Start, El Camino de Emaús Lutheran Church in Burlington is making FRESH TAMALES FOR SALE! Congregations are invited purchase batches of these delicious tamales - all proceeds will support their trip to Holden Village for Abriendo Caminos this August.
The tamales will be made fresh on Saturday, February 12 at Salem Lutheran Church in Mount Vernon. They will be making two kinds: chicken and vegetarian (veg has cheese and bell pepper). Orders will be ready for pick up later that afternoon. They will sold by the dozen - $30 per dozen. (They would gratefully accept any additional gift towardtheir trip as well!)
CONGREGATIONS / SMALL GROUPS are invited to collaborate and place orders.
Ordering in groups will help expedite the puchase and pick up process - thank you!!
Once your group knows what if would like to order, please email your group's order directly to Pastor Josh Stromberg-Wojcik here: el.camino.d.emaus@gmail.com by Saturday, February 5, so they have time to purchase the ingredients.
Please include:
· Name of congregation
· How many dozen of the chicken tamales
· How many dozen vegetarian tamales
· Name & contact info of person who will pick them up your congregation's order at Salem Lutheran on Saturday, February 12
Thank you in advance for your support!
|
|
|
|
Lenten Women’s Retreat
Invitation to join the women of Pointe of Grace Lutheran Church
During the season of Lent - come away to a quiet place with God for a slow, at home, Lenten retreat. We will explore, at your own pace, spiritual practices (such as intercessory prayer, creating sacred space at home, meditation, art, and psalm writing) that bring our whole selves to God. This retreat is self paced, flexible, and meant to work with and around your regular schedule.
The retreat costs $25.
Registration closes on Feb. 23.
Curious? Check out the flyer here.
|
|
Resources for Lent from ELCA World Hunger
For nearly two years, as the world has reeled from the effects of a deadly pandemic, we have seen the number of hungry people around the world rise, watched as food pantries and soup kitchens expanded to serve an ever-growing number of guests, and longed for the time when we “will hunger no more, and thirst no more … and God will wipe away every tear from [our] eyes” (Rev.7:16)
Thank you for all you are doing in your congregation and community to continue God’s work and to share the grace and love of Christ. We invite you to continue your work by connecting your congregation to the church’s global work to end hunger and poverty during ELCA World Hunger’s 40 Days of Giving, which begins on Ash Wednesday, March 2.
|
|
Books Books Books (and music!) - Available!
Pastor Tim Whiteman (Central, Bellingham) is preparing to retire after 40 years as parish pastor (well done, faithful servant!) He has a nice collection of worship, philosophy, Luther, and history books avialable ... AND a lot of worship music to give away as well!
Interns and seminarians have first option to claim. Everyone is welcome after Feb 15th. Everything left over goes to Good Will on February 28th. Call Pr. TIm at 360.319.9001 to set up a time to peruse!
|
|
Portico and At-Home Over-The-Counter COVID-19 Tests
ELCA Primary Members:
|
|
Celebrate Archbishop Tutu’s life and legacy with
Mission: JOY
Our friends at The Episcopal Church invite ELCA members and congregations to host screenings of Mission: JOY, a new documentary on the historic five-day meeting between two of the world’s most consequential spiritual leaders — His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu. You can watch the documentary free of charge anytime between now and Saturday, Feb. 28, by registering here. We thank our colleagues at The Episcopal Church and Roco Films for this opportunity!
|
|
May Youth Weekend at Holden Village
May 20-22
We are headed back to Holden Village!
There is only one weekend being offered this year - and limited space.
Find the details about this gathering for high school aged youth in our region, forms needed, and how to register HERE
Registration opens tomorrow, Tuesday, February 1 at 9am!
|
|
Synod Events this week:
Mon, Jan 31, 2pm - Assembly Elections Team Meeting
Tues, Feb 1, 10am-12noon - Synod Staff Meeting
Tues, Feb 1, 1pm - Transition Ministers Meeting
Tues, Feb 1, 3pm - Bishop's Convocation Planning Team
Tues, Feb 1, 6:30 - Evangelical Outreach Team Meeting
Wed, Feb 2, 6:30 - LiVE Course Week 3
|
|
ELCA Coaching Network - Weekly Sessions
Wednesdays at 11am (Pacific)
ELCA Coaching will continue with the theme of COURAGEOUS LEADERSHIP. We have invited various ministries to host these gatherings each week. There will usually be time for small groups in breakout rooms so that leaders across the church can continue to learn from each other and leave each gathering with at least one action step.
Upcoming Sessions include:
February 2 - Coaching - Choose Your Own Adventure (Topic)
February 9 - DEM Danielle Denise - Grief / Transition / Loss / Closing Congregations
February 16 - TBA ... February 23 - TBA
March 2 - Coaching - Choose Your Own Adventure (Topic)
March 9 - Daniel Kirschbaum - Engaging Young Adults
Join Zoom Meetings here:
Meeting ID: 180 439 412 / Passcode: 648160
|
|
College Readiness Webinar Series
ELCA colleges and universities are dedicated to providing students with the best education possible, and we are kicking off 2022 with the College Readiness Webinar Series, free webinars to answer any questions families may have about applying to or preparing for college.
The series is composed of five different webinars, each focusing on a topic that will move you forward in your college search:
- Get the Most Out of a College Visit: February 8 at 4pm
- Admissions Directors’ Advice: February 10 at 3pm
- How to Pay for College: February 15 at 6pm
- Starting Your Search: February 17 at 5pm
- Overview of Your College Search (in Spanish): February 22 at 5pm
|
|
Upcoming Installation Services:
Pastor Scott Peterson Installation
Sunday, January 30, 10am at Anacortes Lutheran
We give thanks to God as Pr. Peterson is installed as the new pastor at Anacortes Lutheran Church! God bless this new ministry partnership!
Pastor Chelsea Globe Installation
Sunday, March 13 at 3:30pm at University Lutheran Church in Seattle
We give thanks to God as Pr. Globe is installed as Pastor at Lutheran Campus Ministry at the University of Washington! God bless this ministry partnership!
Pastor John Schraan Installation
Sunday, JUNE 5, 2pm at Our Saviour's Lutheran in Arlington
We give thanks to God as Pr. Schraan is installed as the new pastor at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church! God bless this new ministry partnership!
|
|
Afghan Refugee Resettlement Webinar
Tuesday, February 8 at 4pm (Pacific)
Join Lutheran Disaster Response, ELCA Ammparo and ELCA Advocacy for this webinar to help congregations and individuals answer the call to engage in co-sponsorship, financial support and advocacy meaningfully and effectively as we rise to show welcome in the days and years ahead.
|
|
2022 Ignite the Church Conference
Seismic Shifts:
Where do we go from here?
February 8-10 in Orlando and Online
Since February 2020 and before, the Church has been enduring unprecedented seismic shifts. In response, a new hybrid version of the conference will gather this February (in-person in Orlando AND online) yo reflect on the theme: SEISMIC SHIFTS: Where Do We Go From Here?
Four large group sessions will focus on the following shifts:
- Public Church with Robin Steinke and Winston Persaud
- Hybrid Church with Joe and Jess Liles
- Adaptive Church with Tod Bolsinger
- Thriving Church with Stephanie Spellers
Ten 90-minute workshops will dig deeper into these shifts to offer encouragement, inspiration, and challenge for church leaders. To register and learn more about the presenters, workshop options, and other details go to www.IgniteTheChurch.net. The Online option will provide live and recorded access to each large group session.
The Online option is FREE with a suggested donation of $30 to the ELCA Fund for Leaders.
All proceeds continue to benefit the ELCA Fund for Leaders.
|
|
Fresh Expressions: New Ways of Being Church
Half Day LiVE Retreat - open to all!
Saturday, February 12, 9am to 1pm
at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lynnwood
Who is welcome? Any and all congregational leaders looking to expand your imagination and practice of new forms of church!
After two years of pandemic living, many are asking questions about how to connect in a time of covid. We have not stopped being church, in the Spirit, we are being guided into new forms of church. For a few years now, new innovative and experimental forms of church gatherings have been bubbling up, and we’d like to invite a mutual conversation around these new forms of practicing church. From practitioners in our synod, we’ll be curious about new forms of church models like Dinner Church and Wild Church. Our time will involve “how to” experiential practice, as much as thoughtful reflection. for what it means to be church in complex times.
NO COST for those already part of the 2021-2022 Cohort
Thank you to our Facilitators:
Josh Smith, a member of our synod who has begun developing a Dinner Church
Rev. Erik Samuelson who brings unique insight and experiential wisdom to new forms of being church
|
|
safeTALK Training - Suicide Alertness Training
John and Shirley Swanson are certified LivingWorks facilitators for safeTALK (a 3.5 hour Suicide Alertness training) and ASIST, a two day suicide intervention training. They are holding a safeTALK training on Saturday, February 19 from 9am-12:30pm at the Camano Center (606 Arrowhead Drive) .
- The 3.5 hour training is open to anyone ages 15 and older
- Participants are asked to provide a $10 donation to cover the cost of training materials
- You can pre-register and receive additional information by emailing ASIST.Lifeguard@yahoo.com
- For more information about safeTALK or ASIST you can visit www.livingworks.net.
|
|
Contemplative Action Community
with Thriving Leadership Formation (TLF)
Tuesday, February 22, 10am-11:30am
Sunday, March 27, 4pm-5:30pm (Spanish translation will be provided during this session. En esta sesión se proporcionará la traducción al español.)
All are welcome to join TLF staff, church leaders, and lay people for a time of spiritual renewal and contemplative practice via Zoom at one or both of the two upcoming virtual sessions to find community and restoration in the New Year. Upon registering, the Zoom link will be sent to you before each session.
|
|
Elementary Retreat at Camp Lutherwood!
UPDATES:
Only offered one weekend: March 11-12
NEW option of day-only attendance!
Open to K-6th graders
Campers must come with chaperones, parents of their church
|
|
Want an item included?
All items due by 2pm on the prior Thursday
Northwest Washington Synod / ELCA
5519 Phinney Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98103
206-783-9292
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
