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Prayer of the Day
Almighty God, your sovereign purpose brings salvation to birth. Give us faith to be steadfast amid the tumults of this world, trusting that your kingdom comes and your will is done through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
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ELCA World Hunger resources for Advent 2024 and Lent 2025 are now available. This year’s theme is “Humming With the Word”. Free versions are available at ELCA.org/hunger/resources.
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Upcoming Events
links to event info embedded if applicable
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The 2025 Synod Compensation Guidelines are now available. You can view and download the document HERE:
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SHEPHERD OF THE HILLS CELEBRATES
30 YEARS OF
NATIVE AMERICAN CELEBRATION SERVICES
Our journey began in 1994 when Marilynn Weaver and I thought it would be cool to share some of our own Native heritage, she a descendant of the Cherokee people and I, a member of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians of Oregon. We also looked forward to having other speakers share their religious and cultural stories from various Native tribes. We enjoyed words of wisdom and life lessons from members of the following indigenous Tribes/Nations: Haida, Delaware, Yakama, Umatilla, Ojibaway, Blackfeet Pukini, Tulalip among others.
On September 22, 2024, our congregation held its 30th service. During these 3 decades, we added an outreach mission, Good Spirit in the Gorge, to meet and assist Native sisters and brothers who live in the dozen fishing villages along the Columbia River. This mission began with a $10,000 grant from the Southwest Washington Synod Outreach Board in 2008.
We made monetary gifts to families who lost fishermen on the Columbia River, to families who lost everything in a fire in White Swan on the Yakama Nation Reservation. We spent part of 2 summers helping to remodel the Lyle Longhouse in partnership with Creator Lutheran of Bonney Lake, WA. We routinely provide food or fuel cards, utility assistance and other necessary items to the “often forgotten” residents of these very “rough” living fishing villages.
I think I can say that this 30-year journey has led to a near fulfillment of its intended purpose: to get to know and appreciate our Native neighbors, to learn more of their various traditions and concerns and to walk this, sometimes difficult road of life that we share, together. None of this would have been possible without the outstanding support from all of our pastors, and most importantly, our most amazing family of God, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church.
If your congregation is thinking of hosting a Native American Celebration Service, the synod’s Native American Work Team has resources available on the synod website: https://swwasynod.org/home/ministries/native-american-resources/
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SynodYouthDay
Following the momentum of the ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans, the synod’s First Third of Life Team is putting on the first Synod Youth Day, and all youth in 7th-12th grade are invited!
The Synod Youth Day will be held at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Olympia, WA on November 23 from 10 am – 2 pm. There is no cost for this event, and you can register (either by youth or as a whole church) at this link.
The Synod Youth Day is designed to promote fun, fellowship, and lasting relationships between the youth of the Southwestern Washington Synod. Its primary intention is to give youth from across the region the experience of abundance in a church setting, where the space is set for them and they will experience a critical mass of their peers who are curious about the role the church can play in their lives. There will be Games, Lunch, Small Groups led by the Synod Hunger Team, and a PNW-Style worship led by other youth.
Send any questions you have to Pastor Bergen Eickhoff at bergen@gsolympia.org. We hope you will join the youth of the synod for a fantastic first Synod Youth Day!
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There is a new Remittance Form available for your Congregation’s Mission Support. You can view and download the form HERE!
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Please note that the Synod Hunger event “rethink your hunger ministry” on Saturday, November 16th is CANCELLED due to low enrollment.
The Hunger Team offers one-on-one sessions to learn about the individual hunger ministries and to provide information on how to make your hunger-related ministries sustainable.
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For Worship Resources for the Anniversary of the Ongoing War in the Middle East, click HERE!
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For Worship Resources for a National Election, click HERE!
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FROM OUR FRIENDS AND PARTNERS
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This event is for all Pastors, Deacons, SALMS and Lay Preachers. Join us in beautiful Seaside, Oregon. Dr. Powery will help us engage with the Word in our particular cultural change.
Click the above button and register!
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Listening with the Spirit (LWS) 2025-2027 at The Priory Spirituality Center
Applications interviews are being received for a two-year certificate program in formation of spiritual directors; interviews start in January through April 2025.
The online LWS program runs from October 2025 through April of 2027.
Read Overview, fill out Application form, then call Sr. Lucy Wynkoop at 360-438-1771 OR email at lucywynkoop@gmail.com to schedule interview with Sister Monika Ellis, Dr. Mary Pandiani, and Sister Lucy Wynkoop.
For further information see the link: https://stplacid.org/long-term-programs/
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A Synod of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
The Rev. Richard E. Jaech, Bishop
Synod Office Hours
9am – 4pm
Tuesday – Friday
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