SW WA Synod eNews – January 7, 2026

January 7, 2026

You are invited in presence and prayers to joyfully celebrate

the Ordination Service of

Anna Czarnik-Neimeyer

on January 31, 2026

at 11:00am

In the Sanctuary of

Trinity Lutheran Church

12115 Park Ave S

Tacoma, WA 98444

Clergy are invited to vest and process. The color of the day is RED. If you plan on being part of the procession, please arrive between 10:30am and 10:40am in the Trinity Library (enter from 121st St office entrance).

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, COMMITTEES AND MINISTRIES

A LONG TALK about the UNCOMFORTABLE TRUTH

Ever find yourself in a conversation where someone says something you identify as racist? You’d like to say something, but you don’t want to pick a fight or make things worse? Would you like a one-session Zoom course on how to respond in truly helpful ways?

“A Long Talk about the Uncomfortable Truth” is being offered for free on Saturday, January 31 from 10:00 – 12:00 a.m. on Zoom. 

You sign up by listening to an exceptional 90-minute “History of Racism in America” talk that’s guaranteed to give you a much deeper perspective. At the end of the talk, we think you’ll be fired up to make a difference. You can register right there for the Zoom session. The Zoom link will be emailed to you.

Here’s a link to the History of Racism: https://www.videoask.com/f5sq9uf8q 

FROM OUR FRIENDS AND PARTNERS

New 2026 Portico Health ID Card

If you’ve got ELCA-Primary Health benefits, you should have received a new health ID card. This year’s card now includes a Group ID number for easier reference. Note: if you received two sets of cards in the mail, be sure to use the second set and destroy the first. Not sure which is which? Double check that the coverage level and deductible amounts match what you have elected. Questions? Quantum Health Care Coordinators are here to help: 877.851.5656, 7:30am-9pm (Central) Monday-Friday. You can also download the Quantum Health mobile app to access and use your card digitally.

EAP Update for ELCA-Primary Members

Starting Jan. 1, 2026, Spring Health, a partner of 98point6 by Transcarent, will provide mental health support and other Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services. Therapy is available for members and dependents age 6+, and coaching is available for those 13+. The clinical network includes thousands of licensed providers with option to connect in-person, by phone, vireo, or text. Connect via your 98point6 app or learn more on myPortico.

January is Financial Wellness Month

Check out Fidelity’s tips for setting smart, achievable financial resolutions to feel more confident about your financial life. Better yet, check in with a credentialed Portico Financial Planner at no out-of-pocket cost to you … they understand the unique attributes of church benefit plans and have detailed knowledge of ELCA benefits. Book an appointment online or call 800.922.4896.

PLTS has a wonderful set of 6-week online asynchronous courses scheduled for 2026 on topics related to Racial Justice and Faith. 

These classes are designed for anyone – clergy or lay, any age, any identity, any level of church involvement. No undergraduate degree is required. The cost is only $250 per course (with group and PLTS alumni discounts), and upon completion of four courses, one will receive a Certificate in Racial Justice and Faith from PLTS.  

The first class, exploring Womanism and Social Justice, begins on February 9. More information is available here. Please enroll by Jan 25. For questions, please contact Sheryl Johnson, Faculty Lecturer, Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary at sjohnson@ses.gtu.edu.

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