Southwestern Washington Synod E-News Week of December 11, 2022
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Merry Christmas, dear church.
The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton
Presiding Bishop, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
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ELCA World Hunger and Lutheran Disaster Response Free Resources
ELCA World Hunger and Lutheran Disaster Response have always been intricately connected, but in recent months global events have reminded us again just how vital the work of God through these shared ministries is for communities around the world.
As the world looks to incredibly complex challenges in the days ahead, the newest issue of “LifeLines” lifts up stories of hope, of new opportunity and of God at work even amid tragedy and instability. Thanks to all who partner with us and advocate for ELCA World Hunger to make this work possible. We hope these stories can equip you to continue sharing the good news of our collective impact in the work to end hunger and poverty around the world. Click to READ LIFELINES
Advent is here! Can you believe it? There’s still time to place your order for ELCA World Hunger’s [free!] study guide, calendar and action guide to accompany you and your congregation during Advent. Preview and order resources here. Lent 2023 resources are also available, as are many other great educational FREE resources!
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CONFRONTING RACISMThe Southwestern Washington Synod is inviting congregations in Tacoma & Pierce county to join together to confront racism by– learning what racism is and isn’t– exploring our personal, family, congregational and community histories Re racism,– hearing life stories of Black people living in our community & connecting with their lives and challenges,– finding ways to make a difference for people of color in our community.A team of at least 4 individuals from each participating congregation will meet monthly starting January 5th for training and leadership development.If you might be interested in participating in this work, please contact Joan Nelson, member of our Synod’s Anti-Racism Team, at Joan2nelson@comcast.net or 253-208-3307 right away.
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ELCA Disability Ministry Grant Applications open tomorrow
The first 30 grant applications that the ELCA Disability Ministry receives through GrantMaker between December 12, 2022 and February 15, 2023 will be accepted. They anticipate granting up to five grants of up to $10,000 for projects.
To be eligible for a grant, your project and proposal must reflect at least two of the three commitments of ELCA Disability Ministry:
- Preparing leaders for serving people with disabilities, raising up people with disabilities for leadership positions, and encouraging the participation of those with disabilities in the wider church.
- Equipping our synods, congregations and members with relevant and practical information that enables them to welcome and support individuals with disabilities so that they might participate fully in the life of the congregation and that, together, all might experience being the body of Christ.
- Gathering and connecting those with disabilities and various groups within the church so that they might help us become an inclusive, supportive and whole community of faith.
You will also need to provide supporting documents, including budget.
The ELCA Grants Management Team has made a tool to help grantees with the registration process on GrantMaker. You can find it here. The team has also included a document to help you navigate the tool: Managing the Grantee Tool.
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2023 Bishop’s Convocation for Rostered Ministers-AND- Gathering for Rostered Leaders Under 45
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January 17-18, 2023
In-person at Seabeck Conference Center
The purpose of the Bishop’s Convocation is to build a greater sense of community among rostered ministers and be deepened in our theological and spiritual formation.
Bishop’s Convocation (Tues and Wed only)
(Tuesday, Jan. 17th 11am- Wednesday, Jan. 18th 3pm)
“Intersections Between Native American Religious Traditions and Christian Traditions”
Keynote Speakers:
- Suzanne Crawford O’Brien, PhD- PLU Professor of Religious Diversity in North America; Chair of Native American and Indigenous Studies at PLU. Dr. Crawford O’Brien is the author of 5 books on Native American religion and culture.
- Cynthia Savini, member of Makah, Jamestown S’Klallam and Quileute, and born and raised in the ELCA. Ms. Savini is the Director of the Marion Forsman-Boushie Early Learning Center for the Suquamish tribe in Poulsbo, WA.
Under-45 Ministers’ Gathering (Sun-Tues only)
(Sunday Jan. 15th 5pm- Tuesday, Jan. 18th 10am)
“Faithfully Facing What’s Changed”
Conversations about how culture, church and our own hearts are reforming
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Synod Assembly May 5th-6th
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2023 Synod Assembly registration will be available in January. Get your voting members elected soon. We’re doing things a little different this year and having workshops only on Friday evening, May 5 (open to all church members) and all day business meeting (with worship, lunch and a little fund, too for voting members only) on Saturday, May 6th at Messiah Lutheran in Auburn. All rostered ministers serving a congregation and at least 2 voting members from each congregation are allowed. Retired and OLFC rostered ministers’ pre-notification requirements will be emailed to you soon.
Registration (Online registration will be available in January 2023.)
Synod Constitution Amendments:
Resolutions:
Nominations and Elections (coming in January 2023)
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Byberg Preaching Workshop 2023
Last week to register for Byberg Preaching Workshop 2023! There is still space available. Sign up before December 15. (No late or onsite registration.) Scholarships are available, first come first served. January 23-25 in Seaside, Oregon. Learn more and register.
This year will feature Rev. Traci Blackmon as the main speaker. Rev. Blackmon is a powerful preacher who was recently featured at the Festival of Homiletics. She is the associate general minister of justice & local church ministries for the United Church of Christ and senior pastor of Christ the King United Church of Christ in Florissant, MO. The event will also feature Br. Stefan Andre Waligur as the chaplain and musician. His music for congregational singing uses American rhythms, Celtic melodies and the call and response style of Indian Kirtan.
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Music that Makes Community is open to all music leaders, educators and those who love to sing.
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Current Job Openings
Click on job title for job description and application information.
Updated 12/02/2022
Administrative/Communications/IT
Education/Child Care/Preschool
Finance/Bookkeeper/Treasurer
– Treasurer (PT), Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, TacomaMusic/Musicians
Youth and Family Program Ministers
(no positions currently open in this area)
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Upcoming Synod Dates:
Under 45 Rostered Retreat- January15-17, 2023 at Seabeck Conf Center
Bishop’s Convocation– January 17-18, 2023 at Seabeck Conf Center
PSALM Program Retreat– March 3-4, 2023 at Seabeck Conference Center
Synod Assembly– May 5-6, 2023 at Messiah Lutheran, Auburn (will be 1 or 1-1/2 days only)
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A Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
The Rev. Richard E. Jaech, Bishop
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STAY CONNECTED
through Links
to the Synod’s Social Media
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