SW WA Synod eNews – December 10, 2025

December 10, 2025

Synod Office Holiday Schedule

Please note that the Synod Office will be closed

December 22nd through January 2nd – regular office hours resume on Tuesday, January 6th.

Mission Support: What does my offering do?

Every week, Lutherans across the country gather to worship. Many of us give to our congregation as part of this experience. ELCA members give about $1.6 billion annually as regular offerings to ELCA congregations and worshiping communities. When you give your offering, most of it stays with your congregation to fund its vital work. A portion — about 5%, on average — becomes Mission Support, given by your congregation to your synod.

Because of Mission Support, our hands can do God’s work in more places than any one person or congregation could alone. Together we experience the way of Jesus; discover community, justice and love; and help more people experience the difference God’s grace and love in Christ make for all people and creation.

Students grades 6-12 and adult leaders are invited to attend the SWWA SynodYouth Retreat this February.

This is the 1st one since 2020 and is a great event whether your congregation has 1, 3, 6 or 20 youth. It is time to come back together as synod youth and Ignite our Faith.

Click here for more information, registration materials and answers to questions you might have.

Registration closes February 1, 2026–and there is a discount for congregations who register by December 15. 

FROM CHURCHWIDE

Join Us

All ELCA deacons, pastors and bishops (under call, on leave or disability, or retired) and candidates approved for call are invited to a time of intentional connection when we can renew our strength, enjoy camaraderie with colleagues and reflect on the Holy Spirit’s work among us.

About

We will gather under the theme “Woven Together” and center ourselves each day on a thread of that theme:

“Woven Together With God.” 

“Woven Together for Creation.” 

“Woven Together as Community.” 

“Rostered Ministers Woven Together.”

We’ll provide more information soon about daily Bible studies, keynote speakers and workshop sessions, as well as the event schedule and logistical details.

FROM OUR CONGREGATIONS

From Christ Lutheran Church in Lakewood

Have you heard? Narnia is coming to Christ Lutheran Church and we would love to have you join us! It will be on Sunday, December 14^th and you can arrive between 2-5pm for an amazing adventure of Christmas in Narnia. Please use the link below to sign up for your arrival time and let us know how many will be attending in your group. Hurry…spots are filling up fast!

Https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F054EA9A92AABFA7-60643973-christmas

FROM OUR FRIENDS AND PARTNERS

Greetings from Holden Village Bed & Breakfast!

Did you know you can stay at the B&B as its own destination and not only as a stopping point on your way to the Village? It’s a great space for you, your family, your congregation or ministry group to get away or get together. Come as individual guests or rent the entire house. 

The B&B is a perfect setting for personal rest & relaxation, a family getaway, council, staff or small group retreats. The house has 6 bedrooms with sleeping space for 13. There are 3 bathrooms, a large kitchen and dining area, living room and an additional seating area downstairs. Wi-Fi is available, but no cell service. Winter rate (Nov-May) is $50 per person or $400 per night to rent the entire house. Summer rate (June-Labor Day) is $110 per person. Shoulder season rate for May, after Labor Day through October is $80 per person or $450 for the entire house.

Is it time for a mini sabbatical, a reading or crafting retreat, a reunion, to explore Chelan or adventure into the North Cascades? The Holden B&B could be just what you’ve been looking for.  

You can make an individual reservation at Holden B&B Reservations or call to rent the house.  Please contact Roberta at (509) 687-9695 or email BandB@HoldenVillage.org for more information. 

Hope to see you soon!

A Synod of the

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

The Rev. Keith Marshall, Bishop

Synod Office Hours

9am – 4pm

Tuesday – Friday

Stay Connected

stefanie.dezarn@swwasynod.org

(253) 999-1190

www.swwasynod.org