Menu

Beacon News Article

Across the Diocese: October 22, 2026

View as Webpage    Convention Begins Tomorrow!We are looking forward to seeing many of you at Diocesan Convention this Friday and Saturday! Read the latest convention newsletter for all the important details and information.We are also maintaining a Google Drive of documents for Convention. In the case of a website outage – access the Convention Drive here.Please hold all our convention participants in your prayers over this coming weekend!Pre-Election Interfaith Vigil for Unity & PeaceWednesday Oct. 28th at 7:00pm at Saint Mark’s CathedralAhead of the midterm elections, local religious leaders and members of Seattle’s faith community are gathering for an […]

More

Creator Lutheran’s Blackberry Problem and Community Solution

October, 2026Creator Lutheran’s Blackberry Patch Becomes A Living Classroom For Community And Care For years, the back corner of Creator Lutheran Church’s property in Bonney Lake was a mystery. Thick blackberry brambles walled off a full third of the land. People joked that no one really knew what was back there. It was overgrown, hard to maintain, and at times unsafe.“We had no idea what was behind these blackberries or how far the corner of the property went,” recalls Pastor Amanda Olson de Castillo. “It was just fallow land, and honestly, an eyesore.”Creator sits in a wooded area of unincorporated Pierce […]

More

SW WA Synod News, Updates & Events – Oct. 6, 2026

 October 6, 2026From Bishop Keith MarshallAs another national election approaches, I am mindful of the many emotions that this season can bring. For some, there is hope and excitement. For others, there is uncertainty, anxiety, or weariness. And for many of us, it may be a mixture of all of these things.Elections matter. The decisions we make together as a nation have real consequences for our communities, our neighbors, and especially those who are most vulnerable. As people of faith, we are called to engage thoughtfully and faithfully in the life of our communities and our nation. Members of Peace Lutheran […]

More

Across the Diocese: October 8, 2026

View as Webpage    AI Task Force Initial Meeting & Video ConversationOctober 15, 10:30AM, 10am-4pm, Epiphany ParishYou are invited to join the Diocese of Olympia AI Task Force for our initial meeting on Thursday October 15 from 10am-4pm (lunch provided) at Epiphany Parish Seattle. If you are interested in the intersection of faith and AI, the conversation on how the church is engaging with the ever-increasing prevalence of this technology, if you use it regularly or choose to abstain, you are invited to join us in our initial meeting and conversation about AI and The Church. At this meeting we […]

More

Good Training on Avoiding Scams/Phishing

A congregant’s daughter, who works in technology and data management, wrote the following. It’s a great resource for learning more. Knowledge is your first and best tool in avoiding scams and phishing. She says…”Each year I have to complete updated cyber security training for Big Bend, which got me thinking about finding some legitimate training I could share with you. Googling “cybersecurity training” is a great way to end up on dangerous sites, so here are some vetted options. Please feel free to share with other active tech users who are retired and don’t get assigned training regularly. Digital Learn courses, developed and provided by the […]

More

A pastoral word to The Episcopal Church from the September 2026 gathering of the House of Bishops / Un mensaje pastoral a la Iglesia Episcopal

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 españolA pastoral word to The Episcopal Church from the September 2026 gathering of the House of Bishops “We look for the resurrection of the deadand the life of the world to come.”— The Nicene Creed “See, I am making all things new.”— Revelation 21:5 Dear People of God:  Grace and peace to you in Jesus Christ our Lord.  Introduction The bishops of The Episcopal Church gathered from Sept. 22-28, 2026, at Camp Allen Conference Center in Navasota, […]

More

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

Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry issues his fifth 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. Celebrating Our Diversity Dear beloved children of God,  As a church, we collectively continue to celebrate the diversity with which God has created the world. Scripture tells us that, from the very beginning, we were made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27). In the book of Acts, many […]

More

Beacon Newsletter of 9/18/2026

THE BEACON WEEKLYView this newsletter in your browser.    Articles this issue…..   The Beacon Newsletter 09/11/2026From Bishop Marshall: “Storytelling, Connection, And Engagement”Across the Diocese: September 17, 2026 This Week at St. Christopher’s…Week of September 14thMonday (09/14/2026) – Holy Cross Day  Mitford Reading Group Series – 1:30 pm  Bishop’s Council – 7:00 pm    Tuesday (09/15/2026)   Faithful Living – 6:00 am   Centering Prayer (Online) – 8:00 pmWednesday (09/16/2026) – Cyprian, Bishop and Martyr at Carthage – 258; Ninian, Bishop, Missionary to Scotland – ca. 430  Fellowship Breakfast – 9:00 am  Worship Band – 11:00 am  Widows/Widowers Support Group – 1:30 pm  Hot Meals Outreach – 4:00 pm       Thursday (09/17/2026) – Hildegard, Abbess of Bingen, Renewer of the Church […]

More

Across the Diocese: September 24, 2026

View as Webpage    Annual Health Insurance Enrollment for 2027Annual health insurance enrollment will take place from October 14-November 6. A letter to all plan participants with plan details, rates, and changes can be found here. Please share this with your clergy and any staff who are eligible to participate.Information on plan comparisons; general eligibility requirements; the diocesan health care policy; fact sheets for health care savings accounts and Medicare Small Payor Exceptions; vision benefits; waiver forms; and required disclosures can be found here. This year, CPG will not send hard copies of annual enrollment materials. Instead, all materials will be […]

More

The Beacon Newsletter 09/11/2026

THE BEACON WEEKLYView this newsletter in your browser.    Articles this issue…..   The Beacon Newsletter 09/03/2026Across the Diocese: September 10, 2026 This Week at St. Christopher’s…Week of September 7thMonday (09/07/2026)   Office Closed for Labor Day  Mitford Reading Group Series – On Summer Break  Brotherhood of St. Andrew Meeting – 6:30 pm       Tuesday (09/08/2026) – The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary  Faithful Living – 6:15 am  Centering Prayer – 8:00 pm      Wednesday (09/09/2026) – Peter Claver, Priest, Missionary toColombia – 1654; Constance, Nun, and Her Companions – 1878  Worship Band – 11:00 am  Widows/Widowers Support Group – 1:30 pm                                    […]

More

From Bishop Marshall: “Storytelling, Connection, And Engagement”

Storytelling, Connection, And Engagement Dear Beloved Members of the Southwestern Washington Synod, Over the coming months, you will begin to notice some changes in the way our Synod Office communicates and engages with you.Some of those changes will be visual. You will see our new synod logo and branding used more consistently across our website, e-news, social media, and other communications. But this work is about much more than a new logo, colors, or graphics. At its heart, this is about storytelling, connection, and engagement.Every week across our synod, incredible ministry is happening. Congregations are serving their neighbors, leaders are trying new […]

More

Across the Diocese: September 17, 2026

 View as Webpage    Online Anti-Racism TrainingSeptember 26, 10AM – 3PMJoin Cn. Carla Robinson for our online offering of anti-racism training. All lay church leaders are highly encouraged to complete this program. This one-day training experience is based on “Seeing the Face of God in Each Other: The Antiracism Training Manual of the Episcopal Church.” You can register for thezoom session here.Save the Date – October OrdinationsOctober 3, 10:30AM, Saint Mark’s CathedralPlease join us in October for ordinations at Saint Mark’s Cathedral. All are invited to worship with us and celebrate the ordinations of new clergy. The Rt. Rev. Philip N. […]

More

The Beacon Newsletter 09/03/2026

THE BEACON WEEKLYView this newsletter in your browser.  Blueberry Bash 2026 Photo Album Articles this issue…..    SW WA Synod e-News | September 2, 2026The Beacon Newsletter 08/27/2026Across the Diocese: September 3, 2026 This Week at St. Christopher’s…Week of August 31stMonday (08/31/2026) – John Bunyan, Teacher – 1688  Mitford Reading Group Series – On Summer Break    Tuesday (09/01/2026) – David Pendleton Oakerhater, Deacon and Missionary; – 1931   Faithful Living – 6:00 am   Centering Prayer (Online) – 8:00 pmWednesday (09/02/2026) – Nikolai Frederik Severin Grundtvig, Bishop and Renewer of the Church; – 1872; The Martyrs of Papua New Guinea – 1942  Fellowship Breakfast – 9:00 am  Worship Band – 11:00 am  Widows/Widowers Support Group – 1:30 pm       Thursday (09/03/2026)    Olympia Commons Meeting – […]

More

SW WA Synod e-News | September 2, 2026

September 2, 2026Synod ResourcesAdministration, Compensation Guidelines, Constitutions, Financial, Personnel Policies, Pulpit Supply, Immigration, TransitionBoundary Training Opportunities for Rostered MinistersRound Ordination AnniversariesFrom the ELCA Office of the Secretary Rostered Leader Anniversary ReportSeptember 2026Rev. Michael Hanson45 Years – Minister of Word and Sacrament – September 27, 1981Thank you for your faithfulservice to the people of God! Looking Ahead!Save the Date!2027 Bishop’s ConvocationApril 25-28, 2027 | SeabeckSave the Date!2027 Synod AssemblyJune 4 & 5, 2027 | Centralia CollegeUpcoming EventsELCA Racial Justice Ministries WebinarSeptember 8 | 7pm | REGISTER HEREPLU Opening Convocation @ PLU TacomaSeptember 8 | 9:30am | LEARN MOREPeer Ministry Training @ Silverdale […]

More

The Beacon Newsletter 08/27/2026

THE BEACON WEEKLYView this newsletter in your browser.  Blueberry Bash 2026 Photo Album Articles this issue…..    Across the Diocese: August 27, 2026A Memorial Service for Betty Kutter – 08-22-2026The Beacon Newsletter 08/13/2026 This Week at St. Christopher’s…Week of August 24thMonday (08/24/2026) –  St. Bartholomew, Apostle  Mitford Reading Group Series – On Summer Break          Tuesday (08/25/2026) – Louis, King of France; died 1270  Faithful Living – 6:15 am  Centering Prayer – 8:00 pm      Wednesday (08/26/2026)   Worship Band – 11:00 am  Widows/Widowers Support Group – 1:30 pm  Hot Meals Outreach – 4:00 pm                                   Thursday (08/27/2026) – Monica, Mother of […]

More

Across the Diocese: September 3, 2026

View as Webpage    RSVP Now! – D-House BlessingSeptember 9, 2026 from 3PM – 7PMJoin us for our Open House, celebrating the completion of the recent renovations of Diocesan House, which occupies the historic Leary Mansion in Capitol Hill. The evening’s festivities will include: House Blessing at 5pmHeavy hors d’oeuvres, offering an assortment of Mediterranean delicacies (vegan and gluten free options available)Outdoor activities including lawn games and face painting (from 4-6:30pm)Guided tours offered throughout the evening (4:15, 5:45, and 6:15) We look forward to welcoming you! Please RSVP here.Exploring Discernment RetreatSeptember 12, St. Mary’s, LakewoodDo you have a big question in life […]

More

Across the Diocese: August 27, 2026

View as Webpage    Reflections from the Youth Pilgrimage to Hawaii About a month ago (July 28-31), 11 youth from our Diocese and two chaperones left SeaTac airport to join 146 youth and chaperones for the Provincial VIII Youth Pilgrimage in Honolulu, HI. Pilgrims were traveling from 12 different dioceses across Province VIII, including: Arizona, California, Idaho, San Diego, Western Oregon, Spokane, Taiwan, Guam, Navajoland, Utah and Nevada. The theme of the pilgrimage was “Talk Story” which is a Hawaiian tradition of sharing stories, listening and building connections and community through lived experiences. “One of my favorite parts of the Hawaii Pilgrimage was […]

More

The Beacon Newsletter 08/13/2026

THE BEACON WEEKLYView this newsletter in your browser.  Save the date!Blueberry Bash 2026August 16th, Noon – 4 pmThe Auction Site goes live Sunday, August 9th @ noonAUCTION LINKArticles this issue…..    SW WA Synod eNews – August 12, 2026Across the Diocese – August 13, 2026The Beacon Newsletter 08/06/2026 This Week at St. Christopher’s…Week of August 10thMonday (08/10/2026) –  Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr at Rome; died 258  Mitford Reading Group Series – On Summer Break  Bishop’s Council Meeting – 7:00 pm        Tuesday (08/11/2026) – Clare, Abbess at Assisi; died 1253  Faithful Living – 6:15 am  Centering Prayer – 8:00 pm      Wednesday (08/12/2026) –  Worship Band – 11:00 am  Widows/Widowers Support Group – 1:30 pm         […]

More

Load More