September 3, 2025

Please note that Stefanie will be on vacation August 30th through September 15th. We will skip the next two eNewsletters and you will hear from us again Wednesday, September 17th with the next eNewsletter edition.

Changes are underway!

As of August 1st, the Synod Staff will be reached under new email addresses. Please make sure to change it in your contacts accordingly! The existing PLU email addresses will remain active for only a short while longer and then get deactivated/deleted.

Please use the following email addresses:

Bishop – Rev. Keith Marshall

keith.marshall@swwasynod.org

Bishop’s Associate – Rev. Michelle de Beauchamp

michelle.debeauchamp@swwasynod.org

DEM – Joey Ager

joey.ager@swwasynod.org

Associate DEM – Rev. Melissa Anderson Trust

melissa.andersontrust@swwasynod.org

Synod Administrator – Stefanie DeZarn

stefanie.dezarn@swwasynod.org

Please note that swwsynod@plu.edu will no longer be monitored after 30 days and all general inquiries/emails should be sent to the Synod Administrator.

What Does My Offering Do?

Of the $1.6 billion given to ELCA congregations and worshiping communities as regular offerings, most stays with the congregation to fund its vital ministry. A portion — about 5% on average — becomes Mission Support, given by congregations to our synods. Mission Support ensures that synods can find and equip leaders of all ages and deploy an array of ministries, including those of synod companions and those for youth and young adults. Our synods, in turn, give a portion of that Mission Support to our churchwide organization to fund our shared work across the country and around the world. Mission Support is possible only because of your congregational offering.

Make sure you RSVP to the Synod Office if you are planning on attending Bishop Keith’s installation!

Nominations are open NOW for the SWWA Synod WELCA Board. Here is the nomination form to download:

For what’s going on and to connect with others serving with the 1st Third of Life in our Synod please join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19pC4fRk7g/ If you don’t have a Facebook page, please email Deacon Ingelaurie Lisher at ingelaurie@smlutheran.org to be added to our email list. 

Mark your calendars/save the date: SWWA Synod Youth Retreat for Students grades 6-12th Feb. 20-22nd at Camp Arnold in Eatonville. Cost and registration materials will be available later this fall. 

Continuing Education Opportunity: ELCA youth ministry network Extravaganza Jan 30-Feb. 2 in St. Louis, MO. Click here for more info:  Extravaganza 2026

FROM CHURCHWIDE

Presiding Bishop-elect Curry interviewed on Chicago Tonight

Presiding Bishop-elect Yehiel Curry joined WTTW’s Chicago Tonight to discuss his journey into ministry and his vision for the ELCA’s future.

FROM OUR FRIENDS AND PARTNERS

The Grunewald Guild is now open for Your Group Retreats!

The Guild welcomes church councils, church staff, confirmation classes, men’s groups, your local quilting group, your extended family, your marriage workshops, and more. Come breathe the pine air, walk in the woods, eat good food, engage in real discussions and have time to be renewed – together.  https://www.grunewaldguild.com/group-retreats We are located near Lake Wenatchee, WA. The Guild continues to welcome individuals for personal retreats. https://www.grunewaldguild.com/private-retreats Reserve space early and please contact us with any questions. Welcome!

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) 535-8300

www.swwasynod.org

Southwestern Washington Synod | 420 121st Street South | Tacoma, WA 98444-5218 US