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Prayer of the Day
O God, from you come all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works. Give to us, your servants, that peace which the world cannot give, that our hearts may be set to obey your commandments; and also that we, being defended from the fear of our enemies, may live in peace and quietness, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
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is here!
This is a monthly newsletter created by the SWWA Synod’s Reconciling in Christ Work Team and ready for download below…
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Upcoming Events
links to event info embedded if applicable
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Storytelling – a new segment in our weekly eNewsletter
Every month we will feature a story from and/or about one of our worshiping communities with the desire to inspire, inform and build community! Each story will remain published for the duration of the month and will then find a home on our website at https://swwasynod.org/home/news/stories-of-shalom/.
Do you have a story to tell? Contact us at swwsynod@plu.edu.
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Co-Laborers in Compassion – “12 Days” at Peninsula Lutheran Church
Twenty percent of the Peninsula School District in Gig Harbor’s student body depend on the National School Lunch Program for their daily nutritional needs which are provided for at school with breakfast and lunch.
Peninsula Lutheran members Bob and Susan Shamblin wondered, what did these families eat during the 12 day winter break? The answer quickly became apparent – God was calling them and PLC to say “what we provide them.”
They now work with school counselors each year to discover twenty families who are the “neediest of the needy” and on a real margin of hunger. Fund raising within the congregation and securing discounts and bulk orders in partnership with Fred Meyer, they use a model learned at Imanuel Presbyterian in Tacoma to provide twelve days of kid friendly meals to these families.
Pastor Chuck Slocum says, “When Bob and Susan first talked to me about the Twelve Days ministry, I wasn’t sure quite what to expect. But, once they led our congregational effort it was a thing of beauty, 60 church volunteers packing and delivering nutritious and plentiful meals to families in need. Bob and Susan organized, raised funds, and purchased food in advance of the pre-Christmas event. It has become a huge annual service event for us.”
That “packing day” has a party atmosphere, and the enthusiasm is amazing. Friends are invited to help. Community is strengthened. There is a lot of energy and excitement that seeps out into the rest of the life of the church.
After everything is packed and sorted, the meals are delivered to families. Congregation members say that this delivery is an “awesome experience.” Not only is there food for twelve days, but PLC has worked with the school counselors to show extravagant love in the form of brand-name cereals, peanut butter that is the family preference of crunchy or creamy, and an unforgettable special treat that is a family favorite. Cake? It’s going to be a huge cake with beautiful decoration. Donuts? There will be fancy kinds, and lots of sprinkles.
“I thought I knew what it was like to be in poverty, but I didn’t.” For PLC’s people, this ministry is a tangible way to grow in discipleship through service. Those who participate find that they want to do more and bring their children and their friends, hoping that they’ll have the same transformative experience.
“It’s a gift to do this,” say the Shamblins. “It’s a true outreach with no other agenda.”
The experiences of the 12 Days ministry are “heartwarming” and heartbreaking” – the epitome of Lutheran both/and – and are turning the attention of individuals and the congregation as a whole toward Christ as he described himself in Matthew 25 – when you cared for the least of these, you cared for me.
~ by Synod Storyteller Chavaleh Forgey
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Application Process Open!
Rooted in Lutheran theological tradition and in the context of the Pacific Northwest, PSALM is a community of learners and leaders engaged in a process of conversation, reading, prayer and practice with the intention of growing in faith, clarity of mission, and skills for ministry.
PSALM cohorts meet for four terms over two years. Each term begins with an overnight retreat at Seabeck Conference Center in Seabeck, WA. We worship together, share meals and hear from presenters on a variety of subjects. Students receive their books and syllabus for the upcoming term. Retreats take place the first Fri./Sat. in October and March. The fee for each term is $400, which covers the cost of retreats, books and presenters. Generous donors have made it possible to offer scholarships for PSALM, so fees ought not be a barrier for anyone.
To apply for the cohort that will begin in September 2024, please complete application materials (application, Pastor’s recommendation, Council covenant and Learning Community agreement). They can be found at www.swwasynod.org. Click on Leadership/Growing Leaders/PSALM. Application materials are due August 15th, 2024.
If you have questions, please contact Pastor Rebecca Shjerven at shjervrl@plu.edu or 253-961-2412.
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MIF’s 2023 Annual Report and 2024 Offering Circular are now available.
Throughout the past year, MIF’s commitment to all of our valued partners was steadfast, and objective measures of our strength and stability remained impressive.
Please take a few minutes to read our latest Annual Report, review the financial details, and be inspired by real-life stories of how your partnership with MIF is helping build a stronger, more vibrant church.
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An invitation from Resurrection Lutheran Church, Tacoma
Sunday, August 4 at 3 p.m
Resurrection Lutheran Church
4301 Browns Point Blvd.
Tacoma, WA 98422
Four 2024 PLU graduates in Religion will share their Capstone Projects with us. The quality of thought and work is outstanding. Topics include eschatology and global warming, a look at oppression from a South American religious perspective, a look at the Protestant/Catholic conflict in Ireland, and a critique and affirmation of Lutheran perspective on the theology of the cross.
Fellowship with coffee and cookies to follow.
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FROM OUR FRIENDS AND PARTNERS
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Good-byes, Hellos, Job Postings and much more….
Read the latest from Faith Action Network below.
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Understanding Pastors’ Payroll
Wednesday, July 24, 11am
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Can’t attend live? RSVP to receive recordings and slides that may be provided after the event.
About this event
One of the most confusing parts of running any business is handling payroll. For a house of worship, the confusion is magnified when pastors are involved. Suddenly, in addition to your standard employees, you’re dealing with “dual status” employees and housing allowances.
Perhaps you’ve been wondering
- What does “dual status” mean?
- Who can be considered a pastor?
- Should I report pastor compensation on a W2 or a 1099?
- How do we determine a housing allowance?
- Can our church withhold taxes for our pastor?
Join House of Worship accounting and QuickBooks experts Barbara L. Starley, CPA, and Gregg S. Bossen, CPA, in this high-demand webinar.
In this webinar we are going to cover
- Similarities and differences between pastors and standard employees
- The definition and qualifications of a “dual status” employee
- How to report pastor compensation to the IRS
- Best practices for determining, paying, and reporting housing allowances
- Typical concerns and misconceptions about withholding taxes
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Join LSM 2024 In Person or Online!
Lutheran Summer Music announces its 42nd season, offering over 30 free and open-to-the-public concerts and recitals. All events take place this July at Valparaiso University, and most will be livestreamed. Performances and services are shared by over 250 students, faculty, fellows, worship staff, and guest artists who come together to create a vibrant community of music-makers. The LSM 2024 season will culminate during Festival Week (July 21-28), featuring the LSM Festival Band, Choir, and Orchestra, a Festival of Hymns, and closing each day with sung Evening Prayer. Of special note, the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians (ALCM) will join this year’s LSM community and offer an intergenerational performance of J.S. Bach’s St. John Passion. Visit LSMacademy.org/2024 for a complete listing of events and to access the livestream.
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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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