News
SW WA Synod eNews – April 8, 2026
April 8, 2026 Synod ResourcesAdministration, Compensation Guidelines, Constitutions, Financial, Personnel Policies, Pulpit Supply, Immigration, TransitionBoundary Training Opportunities for Rostered MinistersOrdination Anniversaries(source: ELCA Office of the Secretary Rostered Leader Anniversary Report)April 2026Rev. Rachel Eskesen10 Years – Minister of Word and Sacrament – April 23, 2016Rev. Sheryl Biegert40 Years – Minister of Word and Sacrament – April 26, 1986Thank you for your faithful service to the people of God!Administration This and That2026 IRS Mileage Rate is 72.5 centsMarket PlacePulpit to give away. For pictures and more info, please contact Geri Skreen at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Castle Rock; 360-274-6604, or glgskreen@gmail.comUpcoming Eventslinks […]
Across the Diocese: April 2, 2026
View as Webpage April 2, 2026Trinity NYC Features St. Luke’s Church, Seattle’s RedevelopmentOver the past several decades, Seattle’s transformation into a major tech hub has grown its workforce while driving up housing costs and displacing many long-term residents. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, longtime anchor in the Ballard neighborhood, witnessed this strain amidst the demands of ancient buildings and chose to redevelop completely.Learn more about the St. Luke’s Apartments and RSVP for their Grand Opening on April 9 at the link below!READ MORENew Clergy Calls in the Episcopal Diocese of OlympiaThe Rev. Kelly Moody has been called to serve as […]
Expanding Our Welcome – March 2026
March 2026 EditionThe Synod’s RIC Work Team seeks to cultivate a culture of hospitality toward LGBTQIA2+ people and remove barriers to full participation in the life and ministry of the Southwestern Washington Synod.A Newsletter from the Reconciling in Christ Work Team of the Southwestern Washington Synod Careful how you come to Scripture – is it for love, or for love of power?March finds some of us under feet of snow and others welcoming blankets of wildflowers. Spring also brings Women’s History Month and the complicated past and reality surrounding 50% of the world’s population. For the most part, women continue to […]
A pastoral word to The Episcopal Church from the March 2026 gathering of the House of Bishops
View this email in your browserForward this email to a friendNote: the following information is presented in English and SpanishAviso: La siguiente información se presenta en inglés y en español A pastoral word to The Episcopal Church from the March 2026 gathering of the House of BishopsJesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.”John 11:44bDear people of God: Grace and peace to you in Jesus Christ our Lord. IntroductionThe bishops of The Episcopal Church gathered from March 17-24 at Camp Allen Conference Center in Navasota, Texas. Our gathering included 122 bishops and bishops-elect, representing 89 dioceses and special ministries across 17 […]
Synod eNews – March 18, 2026
March 18, 2026 Synod ResourcesAdministration, Compensation Guidelines, Constitutions, Financial, Personnel Policies, Pulpit Supply, Immigration, TransitionBoundary Training Opportunities for Rostered Ministers Ordination AnniversariesMarch 2026Rev. D. Randall Faro50 Years – Minister of Word and Sacrament – March, 14, 1976Thank you for your faithful service to the people of God! Administration This and That2026 IRS Mileage Rate is 72.5 centsUpcoming Eventslinks to event info embedded if applicableMarch 21Ordination & Installation of Hannah Staisrud @ St. Mark’s/Narrows, Tacoma – 10amApril 11Sacred Soil Garden Prayer – 10am @ Shepherd’s Field, SumnerApril 21Admin Support Zoom “With Each Other … For Each Other” – 1pmApril 24-25PSALM Retreat @ Sacred Waters, […]
Across the Diocese: March 19, 2026
View as Webpage March 19, 2026Bridging HurtsWritten by Linnea Wacker-Sprague, Youth at Church of the Ascension SeattleThe Episcopal Church of the Ascension in Seattle recently conducted a project to identify property deeds containing racially restrictive covenants, map the neighborhood areas where deeds contained these harmful prohibitions, and offer deed-holders an opportunity to amend their documents to nullify the covenants while acknowledging the historical wrongdoing of the practice. This project grew out of the parish’s mission to heal broken relationships that separate people and the land.Learn more about the ways that Ascension is working with their community to address wrongs […]
Online Palm Sunday Vigil w/ Episcopal Presiding Bishop
View this email in your browser Join ‘Lift Up Your Hearts: A Palm Sunday Vigil’ March 29, 2026 5 p.m. Pacific time (8pm EST) REGISTER Join Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe for an online vigil the evening of Palm Sunday to pray for the continued conversion of our hearts and for God’s blessing on our witness during Holy Week. The service will include a reflection from Bishop Rowe, special music, and readings by Episcopalians from all nine provinces of the church. “I believe that as we Episcopalians turn, as we fast and pray for the conversion of our hearts, we can […]
SW WA Synod eNews – March 11, 2026
March 11, 2026 Synod ResourcesAdministration, Compensation Guidelines, Constitutions, Financial, Personnel Policies, Pulpit Supply, Immigration, Transition Ordination AnniversariesMarch 2026Rev. D. Randall Faro50 Years – Minister of Word and Sacrament – March, 14, 1976Thank you for your faithful service to the people of God! Administration This and That2026 IRS Mileage Rate is 72.5 centsUpcoming Eventslinks to event info embedded if applicableMarch 14Sacred Soil Garden Prayer – 10am @ Shepherd’s Field, SumnerMarch 17Admin Support Zoom “With Each Other … For Each Other” – 1pmMarch 21Ordination & Installation of Hannah Staisrud @ St. Mark’s/Narrows, Tacoma – 10amApril 11Sacred Soil Garden Prayer – 10am @ Shepherd’s Field, SumnerApril […]
Across the Diocese: March 5, 2026
View as Webpage March 5, 2026St. Peter’s Church, Seattle, Adds Its Voice to Protests Against Mass Detention on Day of RemembranceAs befits a church whose doors closed for three years when its Japanese American congregation was forcibly incarcerated during WWII, members of St. Peter’s Episcopal Parish in Seattle last week helped raise awareness that injustice is again in our midst.Read more at the link below.READ MORENew Clergy Calls in the Episcopal Diocese of OlympiaThe Rev. Nat Johnson has been called to serve as pastor of Church of the Apostles (COTA), Seattle. Nat will begin that call on March 25, […]
Webinar: What is Full Communion?
View this email in your browserWebinar:‘What is Full Communion? Your ELCA and UMC Questions Answered’March 12, 3 p.m. ET REGISTERJoin this webinar to learn what full communion is, why it matters, how clergy exchange works between churches, and more. Hosted by The Episcopal Church’s Office of Ecumenical and Interreligious Relations, the webinar will explore the church’s full communion relationship with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, including the recent inclusion of deacons in clergy exchange guidelines, as well as the church’s full communion proposal with the United Methodist Church. Speakers include: The Rev. Kirsten Guidero, ecumenical and interreligious officer, The Episcopal Church The Rev. William O. Gafkjen, interim executive, ecumenical and interreligious […]
Expanding Our Welcome – February 2026
February 2026 EditionThe Synod’s RIC Work Team seeks to cultivate a culture of hospitality toward LGBTQIA2+ people and remove barriers to full participation in the life and ministry of the Southwestern Washington Synod.A Newsletter from the Reconciling in Christ Work Team of the Southwestern Washington Synod Stories Are Reality, even if they are not always the truthAs we enter into February, then March and beyond, we use the calendar to help remind us of past events to celebrate or learn more about, including President’s Day, Black History Month, Women’s History Month, and more. People are born story-tellers and story-makers. Stories shape […]
Synod eNews – February 25, 2026
February 25, 2026 Synod ResourcesAdministration, Compensation Guidelines, Constitutions, Financial, Personnel Policies, Pulpit Supply, Immigration, TransitionLatest Letters and Press Releases from the Synod and ChurchwideOrdination AnniversariesFebruary 2026Rev. Andrew Willis15 Years – Minister of Word and Sacrament – February 13, 2011Thank you for your faithful service to the people of God! Administration This and That2026 IRS Mileage Rate is 72.5 centsMid January the ELCA portal will open for the 2025 Annual Congregation Report – please expect an email from ELCA Churchwide soon!MarketplaceMessiah Lutheran in Auburn has an extra altar (75x33x39.5, wooden with dark stain) they would love to gift to another worshipping community. Contact […]
Lent: A Message from Bishop LaBelle (2026)
View as Webpage February 18, 2026″I often wonder why it is that we don’t fast as much together as Christians, and so this year I’m especially calling us to do that fast. Not because it’s an opportunity for us to say how great we are, but rather to engage in this practice that was seen throughout holy scripture, especially at times of political turmoil, for needing to make lament and for prayer. Jesus himself reminds us again and again that we are to fast, especially during those times that are difficult.”Bishop LaBelle shares his reflections for Lent this year […]
Moments 4 Mission February 2026
A Monthly Newsletter of the Southwestern Washington Synod – ELCAFebruary 2026 Synod StaffFind Synod Staff Contact Information HERESynod EventsFind Upcoming Events HERETransitionsFind Congregations in Transition HEREOn The Road With the Staff ArchiveFind out what our staff has been doing throughout the year HERE In This Month’s Edition:A Word from Bishop Keith MarshallOn the Road with the StaffMinistry Voices “In the Spotlight” – Ministers in Specialized Settings (MISS), Rev. Dr. Dianna CoxMinistry Voices “A Word from Vinland Lutheran Church” – Rev. Paula BurchillELCA Churchwide – A letter from Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry to the U.S. Congress A Word from the BishopOne of the great […]
2026 Congregational Leadership Conference (Dio Olympia)
The Communications Office of the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia Unsubscribe 2:01 PM (6 hours ago) to me View as Webpage February 17, 20262026 Congregational Leadership ConferenceJoin other clergy and congregational leaders for the Congregation Leadership Conference – a combination of plenary sessions and breakout workshops. A schedule and the list of workshops will be posted soon.This day-long workshop is open to wardens, treasurers, and clergy in charge of congregations; other vestry/bishop’s committee members would be welcome as well. It will be facilitated by members of diocesan staff and leadership and will provide an opportunity to network and identify affinity groups to continue to […]
The Beacon Newsletter – 2/05/2026
THE BEACON WEEKLY The View from Our Roof! (Click here: Roofing Maintenance & Repairs Photos)Articles this issue….. SW WA Synod eNews – February 4, 2026Across the Diocese: February 5, 2026 This Week at St. Christopher’s…Week of February 2ndMonday (02/02/2026) – The Presentation of Our Lord Mitford Reading Group Series – 1:30 pm Brotherhood of St. Andrew Meeting – 6:30 pm Tuesday (02/03/2026) – Ansgar, Archbishop of Hamburg, Missionary to Denmark and Sweden; died 865 Faithful Living – 6:15 am Centering Prayer (Online) – 8:00 pmWednesday (02/04/2026) – Cornelius the Centurion Fellowship Breakfast – 9:00 am Worship Band – 11:00 am Widows/Widowers Support Group – 1:30 pm […]
SW WA Synod eNews – February 4, 2026
February 4, 2026 Synod ResourcesAdministration, Compensation Guidelines, Constitutions, Financial, Personnel Policies, Pulpit Supply, Immigration, TransitionLatest Letters and Press Releases from the Synod and ChurchwideOrdination AnniversariesFebruary 2026Rev. Andrew Willis15 Years – Minister of Word and Sacrament – February 13, 2011Thank you for your faithful service to the people of God! Administration This and That2026 IRS Mileage Rate is 72.5 centsMid January the ELCA portal will open for the 2025 Annual Congregation Report – please expect an email from ELCA Churchwide soon!MarketplaceAgnus Dei Lutheran in Gig Harbor has a collection of banners they would like to pass on to other congregations. If you are […]
Across the Diocese: February 5, 2026
View as Webpage February 5, 2026Dear Beloved Friends in Christ,No matter how you slice it, things in our country are pretty dire. News headlines focus on the revelations of men in power who were connected with a known pedophile, on American citizens being killed on the streets by federal agents, on the continued rise of costs for basic necessities, on the arrests of people with brown skin—citizens, immigrants, or refugees—by agents wearing masks and refusing to identify themselves. It’s a lot. But it’s not the first time in history when similar events have taken place. Sadly, we humans have […]
Support emergency migration ministry – From Episcopal Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe
View this email in your browserForward this email to a friendNote: The following information is presented in English and Spanish.Aviso: La siguiente información se presenta en inglés y en español.Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe: Support emergencymigration ministryFeast of John ChrysostomJan. 27, 2026 Dear people of God in The Episcopal Church: As the situation in the United States grows more fraught, The Episcopal Church is working to find new ways to care for God’s people in our immigrant communities. Many of you have asked how you can help. Please join me in making a generous donation that will allow us to provide emergency funding for ministry with migrants. […]