Southwestern Washington Synod E-News

Week of October 1, 2023

News and Updates

Here are resources from the ELCA on Rostered Ministers Appreciation with helpful tips on how to plan a Rostered Ministers Appreciation event:

https://download.elca.org/ELCA%20Resource%20Repository/Rostered-Ministers-Appreciation-Booklet.pdf?_ga=2.46320615.1107309826.1695742221-1870145156.1654022968

2024 Compensation Guidelines

The 2024 Compensation Guidelines for Rostered Ministers are scheduled to be released in the first week of October.

The Newsletter of Southwestern Washington Synodical Women’s Organization – Region 1 “Special 2023 Convention Edition” is here.

October 5 – 7, 2023

Airport Hilton – Bloomington, Minnesota

3800 American Blvd. East, Bloomington, MN 55425

For more information, visit www.addictionandfaithconference.com.

Register Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/682263176527

The 13th Annual Lutheran Studies Conference

Anxiety in an Age of Overwhelm: Gaining Understanding and Resilience

Wednesday, October 4, 2023

All events take place in the Scandinavian Cultural Center in Anderson University Center at PLU- Register here

The Thirteenth Annual Lutheran Studies Conference will take place from 12:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., and will flow into the 18th Annual David and Marilyn Knutson Lecture in the evening at 7 p.m. This conference focuses on a pressing issue in our time: A newly-named “pandemic” of Anxiety that is present on individual, relational, spiritual and societal levels.

The conference features an incredible line up of leading experts from social and natural science approaches as well as counselors, educators, and student advocates for mental health and wellness. At the start of each session, these speakers will lead the conference participants through a brief strategy or tool to manage anxiety.

Our speakers include:

Dr. Eddie Moore, Jr., the Founder and Program Director for the White Privilege Conference (WPC); and,

Dr. Jacqueline Bussie, an award-winning author, professor, theologian, public speaker, and student. Her most recent book “Love Without Limits” (2018).

*An adult book forum discussion for congregations will be offered on Sunday, October 1 prior to the conference. Please note, this congregation discussion will be held via Zoom.

Thriving Leadership Formation

October 2023 – May 2024

A great opportunity for all rostered and non-rostered leaders in the SWWA Synod of the ELCA.

Thriving Leadership Formation is a formation process developed by California Lutheran University and Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary to equip ELCA leaders for a changing world. This formation process is funded by a Lily Grant. Cohorts come together with the intent of creating nurturing and empowering times, spaces, and relationships. They are intended to foster spiritual and contemplative practices in order to enrich life and ministry, and help the church and its leaders thrive. Cohorts meet virtually for 12 sessions using a curriculum of spiritual practices.

Here is a link to a YouTube video to learn more about Thriving Leadership Formation: https://youtu.be/L8xpcFq0K_A

Here is the website to also learn more: www.thrivingleadershipformation.org

Projected start date for this new cohort will most likely be in October 2023, with Zoom meetings either Monday or Thursday evenings.

If you are interested, please contact Pastor Eric Bostrom, Mt. View Lutheran Church, at ebostrom@mtviewlutheran.org

ELEA Innovative Leadership Summit: Developing the Leader Within 2023

ELEA Innovative Leadership Summit on Friday Oct 27, 2023- Sunday Oct 29, 2023 is intense training for leaders of ELCA Schools and Learning Centers who are interested in building a network for themselves, developing new skills and innovative strategies, and re-inspiring passion for your mission. We encourage Pastors and Administrators to attend together and will offer ways to connect if that is not possible.  View our program guide (draft)

The Evangelical Lutheran Education Association (ELEA) serves 1,400 Schools & Learning Centers

with 15,000 children and youth.

Byberg Preaching Workshop

January 22-24, 2024

Seaside, Oregon

Presenter: Dr. Shauna Hannan, Professor of Homiletics

Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary

Chaplain: Rev. Liv Larson Andrews, DEM, Northwest Intermountain Synod

Hosted at: Best Western Seaside

Calling on all preaching colleagues of the Pacific Northwest to join in the annual Byberg Preaching Workshop in beautiful Seaside, Oregon. We have invited Dr. Shauna Hannan back to lead us in conversations focused on preaching and communicating in our changed environment. We have also solicited the wonderful worship talents of Rev. Liv Larson Andrews to be our chaplain for the week. Cost for the event is $195 ($100/interns) and hotel rooms range from $87-$197.

Registration will be open from September 1 – December 15, 2023. Cancelation requests need to be made by December 15, 2023.

Please visit www.bybergpreachingworkshop.com for registration links and more information. This is a two-step registration process. One step is to register for the program and the second step is to register for housing with the hotel.

Registration now open for the ELCA Youth Gathering

Priority registration is now open for the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, the Multicultural Youth Leadership Event (MYLE), the tAble and the Young Adult Gathering! You can save money by registering the majority of your group by Nov. 1. Remember that the earlier you register your group, the better your chances are of having your preferences honored. Register today!

Job Opportunities

St. Paul Lutheran Church in Vancouver is looking for someone to serve in a lay ministry position. Duties are subject to discussion, but in the past have included sending greeting cards, visitation and home communion, some office duties, occasional preaching, and primarily working with St. Paul’s homeless men’s shelter. This is part-time work; in the past it has been 16 hours per week. Pay per Synod pay scale. Prefer some ministerial training: deacon, CLM, PSALM.

Contact Pastor Linda Marousek at pastor@stpaulvancouver.com or cell 425-466-4358.

Immanuel Lutheran Church is a community through whom God is transforming

lives by sharing our faith in God’s love and grace. We are seeking a part-time

musician beginning as soon as possible to provide musical accompaniment, and

contribute to an environment that is welcoming to all.

• Provide musical accompaniment (piano, organ, and/or keyboard) for Sunday

worship services and special services.

• Provide accompaniment for the Choir as well as soloists and ensembles at

Wednesday night practices and Sunday mornings.

Qualifications include:

• Proficient in playing the piano, keyboard, and organ. Organ experience is

not required but a willingness to be trained on the organ is essential.

• Knowledge of basic music theory. Ability to perform simple transpositions

or harmonizing a melody a plus.

• Understand, or display a willingness to learn Lutheran worship tradition and

other musical styles.

• Ability to work well with a variety of people.

Please submit resume with cover letter to

office@immanuelvancouver.org or call

360-694-3661 for more information

Zion Lutheran Church – nestled in Camas, WA, within the beautiful Pacific Northwest – with over 125 years of involvement in the community, is seeking a dynamic and passionate individual to join our team as the Youth Ministries Director.

Our church is committed to ministering to the upcoming generation of Lutherans, nurturing spiritual growth within our youth community. This position offers a unique opportunity to inspire, educate, and guide young individuals through God’s word as they cultivate a relationship with Jesus and each other. With the grace of God, this leader will assist youth and families in establishing a firm foundation in faith and motivate them to actively embody their beliefs in daily life.

Zion Lutheran Church is a welcoming, hard-working, and giving faith community dedicated to doing God’s work. We are a congregation of approximately 250 members serving our local community while providing outreach to the world through partnerships. We have ample space for youth and family gatherings and activities. An additional benefit of our location is the proximity of ocean beaches, old-growth forests, mountains, and pristine waterways.

If you have a strong desire to shape our youth through direction of youth ministries, communication, fellowship, and prayer, then this job is right for you!

Responsibilities:

1. In collaboration with the Senior Pastor and other church leaders, develop and implement engaging and relevant programs, activities, and events to meet the spiritual, social, and emotional needs of youth and families of all ages.
2. Lead Sunday School/Godly Play, youth group meetings, confirmation classes, youth retreats, community service projects, and Bible studies.
3. Build meaningful relationships with youth and families, providing guidance, support, and mentorship as they navigate challenges and life transitions.

Qualifications:

1. Four-year college degree either complete or in progress (preferred).
2. Previous experience working with youth in a ministry or educational setting (preferred).
3. A deep personal faith in Jesus Christ and a willingness to work within the Lutheran tradition.
4. Proficiency in using technology and social media platforms for ministry purposes.
5. A willingness to undergo a background check and adhere to the church’s child protection policies.

Compensation and Benefits:

·        $40,000 – $50,000 base salary per year based on qualifications and experience

·        Flexible hours and paid time off

·        Health insurance

·        Generous 10% contribution toward a defined contribution retirement plan

To Apply: Please submit a cover letter, resume, and professional references to Zion Lutheran Church at info@zionluthcamas.comcastbiz.net. In your cover letter, please include a statement describing your philosophy of youth ministry, including how you will nurture the spiritual growth of young individuals. Applications will be accepted until November 20th, 2023.