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Across the Diocese: July 23, 2026

View as Webpage    Youth Pilgrimage NewsOn July 28, 13 youth from across the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia will travel to Hawai’i for the Province VIII Talk Story Youth Pilgrimage. They will join youth from other Province VIII dioceses, including; Hawai’i, Taiwan, Utah, Navajoland, Arizona, Oregon, California, and Nevada. There will be 125 youth and 33 adults who will be part of this pilgrimage together. This pilgrimage was born out of the desire to provide youth with an alternative to the Episcopal Youth Event (EYE–a gathering that happens every three years but was canceled for 2026). Diocesan youth leaders from Province […]

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Response to Mass Shooting at Seattle Center from BishopLaBelle

   “How long, O Lord? … How long shall I have perplexity in my mind, and grief in my heart, day after day? … But I put my trust in your mercy.” Psalm 13:1,2,5Mon, Jul 27, 10:58 AMYesterday at least four people were injured, including a toddler, and three people were killed by gun violence at Seattle Center, the site of the Bite of Seattle food festival. This event is centered on enjoying tasty food, spending time with loved ones, and experiencing the delight of summers in Seattle. National news agencies picked up this story, although the mass shooting here wasn’t […]

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All Together in One Place: A Message from the ELCA Presiding Bishop

Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry issues his third in a series of monthly messages that continue through the end of this year, titled “All Together in One Place.”  Each message will share a pastoral word, rooted in Scripture, that witnesses to God’s presence today, our rich theological tradition and the social teaching that connects us.Choosing Reconciliation Over Division in a Multifaith AmericaDear church,From its earliest days, the United States has been shaped by religious diversity. Indigenous peoples sustained diverse spiritual and religious traditions long before the nation’s founding, and successive waves of settlers, including Protestants, Catholics, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists and others, […]

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Across the Diocese: July 16, 2026

View as Webpage    This Saturday: Ordinations to the PriesthoodJuly 18, 10:30 am | Saint Mark’s Cathedral, SeattlePlease join us for this year’s priestly ordinations on July 18, at 10:30 am, at Saint Mark’s Cathedral. All are invited to worship with us and celebrate the ordinations of five new priests: Vincent Booth, Tina Francis, Elizabeth Holland, Alison Leary, and Gabriel Oakes.Clergy: Please vest if you plan to participate in the laying on of hands. The festive color is red.Wild Church in RoslynSunday July 26 at 9AMWe’re going on a Wild Church field trip to Roslyn, WA! Join members from our […]

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SW WA Synod eNews – July 22, 2026

 July 22, 2026  Synod ResourcesAdministration, Compensation Guidelines, Constitutions, Financial, Personnel Policies, Pulpit Supply, Immigration, TransitionBoundary Training Opportunities for Rostered MinistersRound Ordination Anniversaries(source: ELCA Office of the Secretary Rostered Leader Anniversary Report)July 2026Rev. Erik Niemi25 Years – Minister of Word and Sacrament – July 15, 2001Rev. Ronald Gadde60 Years – Minister of Word and Sacrament – July 10, 1966Thank you for your faithful service to the people of God! Upcoming Eventslinks to event info embedded if applicableAugust 2100th Anniversary – 10am @ Emanuel Lutheran Church, YelmAugust 8Sacred Soil Garden Prayer – 10am @ Shepherd’s Field, SumnerAugust 18Admin Support Zoom – 1pmAugust 18Migrant Solidarity […]

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Across the Diocese: July 2, 2026

View as Webpage    2026 NominationsDue September 21Following the Biblical task to “equip the Saints for the work of ministry” (Eph 4:12) takes a vibrant common life as a Diocese to support our common work of the Gospel making disciples. Accomplishing this mission requires people gifted by God to serve in various ways, one of which might be you reading this right now!Convention 2026 is coming up and we’re looking to fill the following roles:Diocesan Council – Be Attitudes (Clergy), Sno-Isle (Lay), Peninsula (Lay), At Large (1 Clergy and 1 Lay)Standing Committee – 1 Clergy & 1 LayCommission on Ministry […]

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SW WA Synod eNews – June 24, 2026

 June 24, 2026  Synod ResourcesAdministration, Compensation Guidelines, Constitutions, Financial, Personnel Policies, Pulpit Supply, Immigration, TransitionBoundary Training Opportunities for Rostered MinistersRound Ordination Anniversaries(source: ELCA Office of the Secretary Rostered Leader Anniversary Report)June 2026Rev. Louise Buckles5 Years – Minister of Word and Sacrament – June 6, 2021Rev. D. Scott Postlewait35 Years – Minister of Word and Sacrament – June 23, 1991Rev. Stephen J. Olson40 Years – Minister of Word and Sacrament – June 8, 1986Rev. Brian Stoffregen50 Years – Minister of Word and Sacrament – June 20, 1976Rev. David Steen65 Years – Minister of Word and Sacrament – June 11, 1961Rev. Donald Little65 […]

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Across the Diocese: June 18, 2026

View as Webpage    June 18, 2026I spent nearly three weeks in East Africa with five other delegates from our diocese as we represented all of us who make up the Episcopal Church in Western Washington. We went with two priorities: establish relationships with dioceses and congregations in both South Sudan and Kenya, and to deliver 100 birth kits to Mangalla Camp for internally displaced persons outside the capital city of Juba.After passing through five security blockades en route—we had our own security detail to assist with this—we were joyously greeted by midwives, congregants, and leaders at Mangalla. With nearly […]

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SW WA Synod eNews – June 3, 2026

  June 3, 2026  Synod ResourcesAdministration, Compensation Guidelines, Constitutions, Financial, Personnel Policies, Pulpit Supply, Immigration, TransitionBoundary Training Opportunities for Rostered MinistersRound Ordination Anniversaries(source: ELCA Office of the Secretary Rostered Leader Anniversary Report)June 2026Rev. Louise Buckles5 Years – Minister of Word and Sacrament – June 6, 2021Rev. D. Scott Postlewait35 Years – Minister of Word and Sacrament – June 23, 1991Rev. Stephen J. Olson40 Years – Minister of Word and Sacrament – June 8, 1986Rev. Brian Stoffregen50 Years – Minister of Word and Sacrament – June 20, 1976Rev. David Steen65 Years – Minister of Word and Sacrament – June 11, 1961Rev. Donald Little65 […]

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Pastoral Letter for Trinity Sunday, May 31, 2026 from Bishop LaBelle

This letter was read by Fr. James during our 8am and 10:30am worship on Trinity Sunday, May 31, 2026 according to the instructions of our Episcopal Bishop, The Rt. Rev. Phil LaBelle. It is reprinted here for your convenience. It can also be found at the Diocesan website -https://ecww.org/letter-to-all-congregations-trinity-sunday/Greetings to you in the name of the holy and undivided Trinity, one God.On this day we gather to reflect on that which makes us distinctly Christian in our theology and practice: the belief that God exists in community. That God is in relationship within God’s self. Additionally, we believe that the […]

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Across the Diocese: May 21, 2026

View as Webpage    May 21, 2026Our delegation in Africa is traveling home today! They have spent two and a half weeks traveling in South Sudan and Kenya. Our partners there have been deeply grateful for the aide brought and relationships built. There will be more opportunities in the future to hear about their work and explore ways to get involved in this ongoing work. Thank you to the diocese for your prayers and generous giving towards the birth kits and medical kits and medicine delivered. Your gifts have made a significant impact for our partners in need. Please extend your […]

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SW WA Synod eNews – May 20, 2026

 May 20, 2026  Synod ResourcesAdministration, Compensation Guidelines, Constitutions, Financial, Personnel Policies, Pulpit Supply, Immigration, TransitionBoundary Training Opportunities for Rostered MinistersRound Ordination Anniversaries(source: ELCA Office of the Secretary Rostered Leader Anniversary Report)May 2026Rev. Pamela Hunter40 Years – Minister of Word and Sacrament – May 30, 1986Rev. Richard V. Sipe Jr50 Years – Minister of Word and Sacrament – May 9, 1976Thank you for your faithful service to the people of God!Administration This and That2026 IRS Mileage Rate is 72.5 cents Upcoming Eventslinks to event info embedded if applicableMay 30Synod Ed Gathering – Messiah, Vancouver – 10am-3pmJune 5-7SAM Retreat @ Dumas Bay, Federal WayJune […]

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Synod Educational Gatherings and Critical Incident Response Training

Good afternoon -Deadlines for our Critical Incident Response Training and Synod Educational Gatherings are approaching fast. Register today! We’d love to see you there!Blessings,StefanieThis is an excellent opportunity for members of the Southwestern Washington Synod! Registration deadline is Tuesday, May 12th, so sign up for this great hands-on training event!Register for TACOMA hereRegister for LONGVIEW hereSpread the word and don’t miss out! This year’s Educational Gatherings are all about Stewardship! Great workshops are available at both locations and we would love to see you there! Register today!!! Register for VANCOUVER hereVancouver deadline: May 22Register for LAKEWOOD hereLakewood deadline:June 5Southwestern Washington Synod […]

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The Beacon Newsletter 04/30/2026

The Beacon Newsletter 04/30/2026St. Christopher’s Community Church <office@stchristopherolympia.org>Thu, Apr 30, 2026 at 11:05 PMReply-To: “St. Christopher’s Community Church” <office@stchristopherolympia.org>To: James Thibodeaux <james.thibodeaux@gmail.com>    THE BEACON WEEKLYView this newsletter in your browser.   Articles this issue…..  SW WA Synod eNews – April 29, 2026The Beacon Newsletter 04/24/2026 This Week at St. Christopher’s…Week of April 27thMonday (04/27/2026)   Mitford Reading Group Series – 1:30 pm                      Tuesday (04/28/2026)    Faithful Living – 6:00 am   Centering Prayer (Online) – 8:00 pmWednesday (04/29/2026) – Catherine of Siena, Teacher; died 1380  Fellowship Breakfast – 9:00 am  Worship Band – 11:00 am  Widows/Widowers Support Group – 1:30 pm   Thursday (04/30/2026)  AA Meeting – 6:00 pm      Friday (05/01/2026 – St. […]

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SW WA Synod eNews – April 29, 2026

Southwestern WA Synod <stefanie.dezarn@swwasynod.org> Unsubscribe Wed, Apr 29, 4:30 PM (1 day ago)     to me       April 29, 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 centsMarketplaceLooking for a good home:Acer X1261P digital projectorYamaha BT600 portable PA system with Bluetooth connectivity. […]

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The Beacon Newsletter 04/24/2026

THE BEACON WEEKLYView this newsletter in your browser.   Articles this issue…..  SW WA Synod eNews – April 22, 2026 This Week at St. Christopher’s…Week of April 20thMonday (04/20/2026)   Mitford Reading Group Series – 1:30 pm  Brotherhood of St. Andrews Meeting – 6:30 pm      Tuesday (04/21/2026) – Anselm, Archbishop of Canterbury, Teacher; died 1109  Faithful Living – 6:15 am  Centering Prayer – 8:00 pm      Wednesday (04/22/2026)   Worship Band – 11:00 am  Widows/Widowers Support Group – 1:30 pm  Hot Meals Outreach – 4:00 pm                                Thursday (04/23/2026) – Toyohiko Kagawa, Renewer of Society; died 1960  AA Meeting – 6:00 pm       […]

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SW WA Synod eNews – April 22, 2026

 April 22, 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 cents Upcoming Eventslinks to event info embedded if applicableApril 24-25PSALM Retreat @ Sacred Waters, Union WAMay 3-6Bishop’s Convocation @ SeabeckMay 9Sacred Soil Garden Prayer – 10am @ […]

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