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Synod Events this week:
Mon, May 12, 1pm - Rostered Synod Staff Meeting
Mon, May 12, 4:30pm - Synod Finance Committee
Tues, May 13, 10am-2pm - Full Synod Staff Meeting & Lunch
Tues, May 13, 3pm - Strategic Team for Authentic Diversity Meeting
Thurs, May 15 - Assembly Set Up in Everett begins at 10am - SYNOD OFFICE CLOSED
Thurs, May 15, 6pm - Synod Council Meeting & Dinner at Trinity, Everett
Fri, May 16, 1pm-8pm - Synod Assembly - see info below
Sat, May 17, 9am-4pm - Synod Assembly
Mon, May 19 - SYNOD OFFICE CLOSED
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Assembly News
Each registrant is being sent weekly "get ready" emails on Wednesday afternoons. If you are not getting these emails, please reach out to Susan@lutheransnw.org ASAP!
NOTE: Registration is closed. No on-site registration will be allowed. According to our standing rules: Alternates for previously registered voting members may be registered by their congregation by phoning the synod office until 12:00pm TODAY, Monday, May 12, 2025. Alternates needed after May 12, 2025 shall register onsite with certification of their selection from either the congregation’s pastor or congregation council president.
Please hold our planners, presenters, nominees, voting members, other attendees, and volunteers in your prayers as we make final preparations - and join together - Woven Into God's Story...
Learn more about the assembly here. (Including link to the livestream!)
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NW Washington Synod has PRIDE!
Seattle PRIDE Parade
We are registered and will be marching as a synod group of Loving Lutherans in the Seattle PRIDE parade again on Sunday, June 29.
To register to walk in the Seattle Parade, email Jill with the 1) name of your congregation, 2) your main contact/leader, 3) their email and cell phone, AND 4) the number of committed walkers by June 16. (Register ASAP as space is limited to 200 walkers - first come first served, we will keep a waitlist if we get full)
Details about arrival time and location will be shared with the congregation leader the week prior to the parade. We are looking for a person or two to serve as the check in folks at the parade this year – Interested/able?? Email Pastor Gina Herman ASAP to discuss!
NEW Synod Bandanas for Sale
We are offering a new bandana style this season featuring the colors of Progress Pride Flag (original rainbow colors AND added colors representing people of color, as well as people who are transgender, intersex, or non-binary.) Cost is $5 per bandana. Place an order for you/your congregation by May 14 to pick up AT the assembly here: https://forms.gle/69jx3RfUixcpGVUX6 (Did not get an order in on time? Bandanas will be avaialble for purchase at the assembly, too!)
Additional PRIDE Events Around the Synod
There are many different PRIDE events happening throughout this summer across our Synod. Like last year, our hope is to show up to as many events as possible! We hope to add Lutheran Point People for these events – if you / your church is planning to attend an event and you are willing to be the person others could reach out to – please email Susan Berg to discuss! Find the list of events on our Pride page of the synod website: https://www.lutheransnw.org/pages/pride
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A letter from ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton following the election of Pope Leo XIV
Dear church,
We of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America join with people around the world in praying for the ministry of Pope Leo XIV. We rejoice with the people of the Roman Catholic Church, especially those in our communities, as they joyfully receive their new shepherd.
Today we witnessed the historic election of the first Augustinian and the first U.S.-born pope — only the second to come from the Americas. Thus we share with him both context and theological roots (Martin Luther was also an Augustinian). We pray that this will provide us, as Catholics and as Lutherans, with an opportunity to strengthen our visible unity in Christ through dialogue and cooperation for the life of the world.
In his first appearance on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, the new pope extended the blessing of Pope Francis, saying: “God loves us, all of us, evil will not prevail. We are all in the hands of God. Without fear, united, hand in hand with God and among ourselves, we will go forward. We are disciples of Christ, Christ goes before us, and the world needs His light. Humanity needs Him like a bridge to reach God and His love. You help us to build bridges with dialogue and encounter so we can all be one people always in peace.”
We pray that the Holy Spirit will sustain Pope Leo XIV for the ministry to which he has been called, and will strengthen us all in our vocations as bridge-builders and as witnesses to God’s love for all people and creation.
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Upcoming Events Associated with ELCA Coaching
ALL of these opportunities are offered at no financial cost:
Monday, May 12 - Coaching Practice in Dyads / Triads (advance registration required)
Tuesday, May 13 - Taking Action in the ELCA for MMIW (hosted by ELCA's Indigenous Ministries and Tribal Relations)
Wednesday, May 14 - Creating Beloved Community: ELCA Truth & Healing Movement Reading Circle
Thursday, May 15 - Coach Connect (in collaboration with Faith+Lead Coaching)
Wednesday, May 21 - Creating Beloved Community: Nobody Journeys Alone
Wednesday, May 21 - Moving Toward Right Relations training, Module 1 (advance registration required)
Thursday, May 22 - Creating Cultures of Coaching (advance registration required)
Thursday, May 22 - A Conversation with the family of Aubrey Dameron (MMIW) (hosted by ELCA's Indigenous Ministries and Tribal Relations)
Sunday, May 25 - 5th Angelversary of George Floyd - Gospel Concert and Candlelight Vigil - Minneapolis, MN (in collaboration with ELCA Racial Justice Ministries and ELCA African Descent Ministries)
Wednesday, May 28 - Creating Beloved Community: Living a Life of Faith
Thursday, May 29 - Care for Coaches (advance registration required)
Saturday, May 31 - Moving Toward Right Relations training, Module 2 (advance registration required)
We encourage you to check our events page often for additions and changes: https://www.elcacoaching.org/events
These additional trainings starting in May and early June:
Wednesday, June 4 - Team Coaching Training, Level 2
Starting Thursday, June 5 - ELCA Segment 2 Coaching Skills Training
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Sing! Love and Justice Concert
Those attending synod assembly will be able to enjoy the concert after our business concludes that day!
Interested in singing?
Read THIS Singers Letter to learn more!
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Church Council Greater Seattle
Drag Fundraiser: "Clerics, Abbots, & Heretics: Oh My!"
Join us on May 18 from 6:00-8:00 PM at the Seattle Labor Temple
(5030 1st Ave S) for a spectacular show!
At a time when attacks against migrant communities, LGBTQ+ communities, and so many others are on the rise, part of how we organize for transformational change toward liberation and justice is through celebration.
This event allows us to showcase our talents, spotlight our fabulosity, and sustain the work of the Church Council in the years to come! Bring your dollars and your hollers - You won't want to miss it!
Register here: https://thechurchcouncil.ourpowerbase.net/civicrm/event/info?id=17&reset=1
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ELCA Evangelical Outreach Network
MONTHLY Zooms at 12:00 Noon
All are welcome to attend.
This is the Zoom link for each gathering - begins at 12:00noon, Pacific time
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89614417505?pwd=OGRHUDdtM1VVVGtxc0QxbllndnQzZz09
May 19: “Communicating the Good News in Everyday Language” led by Rev. Erika Uthe, pastor of Seeds of Faith Lutheran Church, Lisbon, IA.
June 23: “Healthy and Helpful Engagement with Members of Diverse Communities (LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and Refugee/Immigrant Neighbors” led by Rev. Carla Christopher, Assistant to the Bishop for Justice Ministries for Lower Susquehanna and Delaware-Maryland Synods, Vital Congregations Training Coordinator, Region 8 Coordinator for Racial Justice and LGBTQIA+ Cultural Competency Trainings, Justice Ministry Training with Kindling Faith at United Lutheran Seminary, Commission for A Renewed Lutheran Church Co-Chair, speaker, consultant, poet.
July 28: “Creative Connections and Supportive Spaces for Neurodiverse Youth and Adults” led by Rev. Carla Christopher, Assistant to the Bishop for Justice Ministries for Lower Susquehanna and Delaware-Maryland Synods, Vital Congregations Training Coordinator, Region 8 Coordinator for Racial Justice and LGBTQIA+ Cultural Competency Trainings, Justice Ministry Training with Kindling Faith at United Lutheran Seminary, Commission for A Renewed Lutheran Church Co-Chair, speaker, consultant, poet.
August 25: “Trauma-informed Outreach and Ministry; Pathways to Healing Engagement for the Hurt, Burnt-Out, or Checked-Out” led by Rev. Carla Christopher, Assistant to the Bishop for Justice Ministries for Lower Susquehanna and Delaware-Maryland Synods, Vital Congregations Training Coordinator, Region 8 Coordinator for Racial Justice and LGBTQIA+ Cultural Competency Trainings, Justice Ministry Training with Kindling Faith at United Lutheran Seminary, Commission for A Renewed Lutheran Church Co-Chair, speaker, consultant, poet.
September 22: “Strengthening Evangelism with Discipleship” led by Deacon Jason Fisher, Director for Evangelical Mission in the Central Southern Illinois Synod.
October 27: “Oh, the Places You Will Go! Implications of the Great Commission” led by Rev. Jake Jacobson, Director for Evangelical Mission Northwestern Pennsylvania Synod and author of “Rockin’ the Front Porch: Sharing the Faith in the New Normal.”
November 17 early: “The Invitational Christian: A Second Lens” led by Rev. Dave Daubert, DMin, PhD, Director of Day 8 Strategies and author of “The Invitational Christian.”
(December 22 no meeting online-share Jesus in your context at Christmastime!)
January 26, 2026: “Ethics for Evangelism” led by Rev. Miguel Gomez Acosta, Senior Director of ELCA New Ministry and Evangelism Team, and Rev. Anna-Kari Johnson, ELCA Evangelism Initiatives Program Manager.
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Grant writing webinar
How to Tell Your Ministry's Story to Funders
Tuesday, May 20th 6:30-8:00pm on Zoom
Sponsored by the Southwestern Washington Synod Hunger Team...
Telling your ministry's story in a memorable way to funders is the most important first step in gaining funding for your program - whether you're writing a grant, speaking to local funders or to your own council, local or state government, speaking to your community, or even your own team members.
Beth Ann Johnson, a local professional grant writer for non-profits, will help you learn how to focus on the impact your project will have, how to use vivid details and real people to humanize the problem and your solution. She'll also help you to clearly outline the problem, your solution, and how your project will address it, while also demonstrating how your organization is capable of completing the project.
Beth Ann will also help you learn about the ELCA World Hunger Domestic Grant application process which runs from April 23 - July 2nd.
Registration Link: How to Tell Your Ministry's Story to Funders https://forms.gle/sVSGKnxhzis7CCy26)
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Global Refuge - Fireside Chat with Rev. Dr. Rick Rouse
Tuesday, May 20, 4pm Pacific - online
You are invited to join us for a virtual conversation between Rev. Eric Shafer, Global Refuge pastor in residence, and Rev. Dr. Richard Rouse, author of the newly published book ‘A Journey Called Hope.’ During this time to learn more about the stories of resiliency of new Americans featured in the book, you will also have the chance to ask questions of the speakers. ‘A Journey Called Hope’ is a great resource for anyone interested in learning more about the lives of refugees and other immigrants, and can be a great resource for your congregation, book club, or small group.
Register for the virtual conversation here - (https://globalrefuge-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_gU0dD8XGTHqeB5PckP-ZGQ?_ics=1744658639611&irclickid=#/registration)
Thanks to the generosity of Chalice Press, use promo code Global25 at www.ChalicePress.com/AJourneyCalledHope for a 33% discount on Rick Rouse’s book through June 30.
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Lutherwood Fundraising Gala 2025:
Rooted in Christ, Growing into the Future
June 1, 4-7pm
at Camp Lutherwood, Bellingham
Lutherwood Camp and Retreat Center warmly invites you to our first-ever fundraising gala, a special evening to celebrate the impact of camp ministry and look ahead to what God is growing for the future.
The evening will include a beautifully catered dinner by Crave Catering, time for connection and storytelling, and a keynote message from Chuck Hunt, a nationally recognized leader in youth ministry. Chuck will share why Christian camps like Lutherwood are more important than ever in nurturing the faith of the next generation. This event will bring together supporters, alumni, and friends of Lutherwood to celebrate the roots we’ve built and plant seeds for the future of camp.
Date: Sunday, June 1, 2025
Time: Appetizers and Music start at 4:00 PM | Dinner served at 5:00 PM
Location: Lutherwood Camp and Retreat Center, 1185 Roy Rd, Bellingham, WA, 98229
Tickets: $75 per person, $275 for a half-table of 4, or $500 for a table of 8
We hope you will join us for this meaningful evening of celebration, gratitude, and vision.
Learn more and reserve your seat at: camplutherwood.org/gala
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🚨 Youth Leaders—This One’s for You! 🚨
Faith Beyond Youth Group:
A Hands-On Workshop for Youth Leaders
🗓 Monday, June 2 | 10am–5pm
📍 Camp Lutherwood – 1185 Roy Rd, Bellingham, WA
💵 Just $25 (includes lunch!)
🎙 Led by Chuck Hunt from the Fuller Youth Institute
“What teenagers need is a relationship with Jesus that changes not just 90 minutes of their week, but 100% of their lives.” — Faith Beyond Youth Group
This interactive workshop is based on FYI’s newest research and packed with real tools to help your students grow lasting faith. Expect discussion, reflection, action planning, and a little inspiration from the trees. This practical, research-based workshop will equip you to lead students toward a lifelong faith—beyond youth group hours. You’ll leave with tools and ideas you can use immediately to:
- Cultivate trust and transformation
- Model faith that grows with students
- Practice faith in community
- Tackle real challenges facing youth today
Overnight options available at Lutherwood!
Stay Saturday night (before), Sunday night (after), or both. Perfect if you’re traveling or want to enjoy a mini-retreat with fellow leaders. (email us for details.)
✅ Registration link: camplutherwood.org/youthleaders2025
❓Questions? Email Kevin at kevin.beebe@camplutherwood.org
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RETIRED ROSTERED MINISTER LUNCH
All retired deacons and pastors (and their partners!) are invited to our Retired Rostered Minister Luncheon on Wednesday, June 4, 11:30am - 1:30pm at Advent Lutheran Church in Mill Creek.
All retired rostered ministers and their partners are invited to attend. Please join the synod staff for a delicious lunch, joyful conversations, and synod and churchwide news from the Bishop.
RSVP by May 28 here: https://forms.gle/JA81jzFFEwj3HjTr5
Advent Lutheran is located at 4306 132nd St SE in Mill Creek.
We look forward to seeing you in June!
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LMF: Lay Ministry Formation Info Sessions &
Introduction to the LiVE Project
Feeling a nudge to go deeper in your faith or leadership? Wondering how God might be calling you to serve?
Lay Ministry Formation (LMF) is a 2-year, cohort-based program designed for lay leaders who want to explore where God is already at work in their lives and communities — and to grow in confidence and clarity to join in that work.
Whether you're engaged in youth ministry, caregiving, social justice, music, or simply asking “what’s next,” this program offers spiritual formation, theological grounding, and practical tools for leadership in everyday life.
Join an upcoming info session: June 9 | July 7 | August 4 (Zoom, 7–8pm)
Register here: https://nwwasynod.regfox.com/lmf-summer-info-meeting-general-intro-to-live
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Summer Reflection & Saturday Morning Meetups
9am-10am Saturday mornings:
June 14 and 28; July 12 and 26; August 9 & 23
Each month this summer, The LiVE Project invites you into a gentle rhythm of reflection and connection. We’ll offer a spacious, soul-stirring reflection prompt — a question or idea to journey with at your own pace. You might reflect through journaling, prayer, art-making, or quiet thought. However you engage, the invitation is simple: make room for what stirs.
Alongside each prompt, we’ll host two Saturday morning Zoom gatherings (9–10am) to explore what’s rising. These are gentle, lightly facilitated spaces to share stories, listen deeply, and find companionship in the questions — not to reach answers, but to grow together in the unfolding.
Whether you’re looking to reconnect spiritually, stay rooted in community, or explore new dimensions of your faith, we hope this rhythm creates meaningful space for you. Please consider joining us for these FREE online gatherings.
Register Here: https://nwwasynod.regfox.com/live-saturday-summer-morning-meet-ups
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Want an item included?
Email Susan Berg, Dir. Communications & Events
All items due by 2pm on the prior Thursday
Northwest Washington Synod / ELCA
5519 Phinney Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98103
206-783-9292
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