Synod eNews – Week of May 12, 2024

Week of May 12, 2024

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 15^th, 2024.

If you have questions, please contact Pastor Rebecca Shjerven at shjervrl@plu.edu or 253-961-2412.

FROM CHURCHWIDE

Daily Bread Matching Grants Update

These grants provide daily bread for neighbors experiencing hunger while also serving as a catalyst for garnering additional financial support. Funding from a Daily Bread Grant is meant to supplement existing food-based ministries. ELCA World Hunger Daily Bread Grants will be made available to congregations on a rolling basis. You may submit a request for a Daily Bread Grant beginning on May 1, 2024. In 2024, ministries feeding K-12 students over the summer or after school in the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas and Wyoming will be prioritized

as these states are not implementing all of the summer nutrition programs through the USDA. The fundraising platform from past years will not be utilized as a part of this grant cycle. Visit https://elca.org/domestichungergrantsfor a link to apply beginning May 1^st.  

The ELEA (Lutheran Schools + Learning Centers) board is recruiting for new members.

We are especially looking for applicants who are skilled in development/fundraising, finances, and communication. 

Here is the ELEA website link:

https://elcaschools.org/

Board Member Application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSddWSqc0B7KStWauj0heWoowBBGOerYLYV8O7dRkCjRJ-4WTg/viewform

From ELCA Advocacy and ELCA World Hunger

Children’s Summer Feeding programs

Nearly 30 million children participate in USDA’s school breakfast and lunch programs on any given school day. However, when schools are closed, kids lose access to healthy meals and are at higher risk of food and nutrition insecurity. Experiencing food insecurity as a child can have long term impacts on academic achievement as well as mental and physical health.

Despite our best efforts, only about 1 in 6 kids who eat free and reduced-price school lunch participate in the summer meals program. Now, with new authorities from Congress allowing for additional ways to combat summer hunger, FNS is working with states, territories, tribes, schools, and countless other dedicated partners to ensure children have the nourishment they need throughout the summer. This is an unprecedented opportunity to dramatically reduce child summer hunger. More resources at Summer Nutrition Programs | Food and Nutrition Service (usda.gov) (www.fsn.usda.gov/summer)

Domestic Hunger Grant Letter of Interest (LOI) process May 1st- June 15th. ELCA.org/domestichungergrants Domestic Hunger Grants – Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (elca.org)3 year grants for up to $10K per year.  Show your community partnerships and plans for your ministry.  

ELCA World Domestic Hunger Grants Webinar and FAQELCA World Hunger Domestic Hunger Grants Webinar & FAQ (cloud.microsoft

FROM OUR CONGREGATIONS

FROM OUR FRIENDS AND PARTNERS

A Synod of the

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

The Rev. Richard E. Jaech, Bishop

Synod Office Hours

9am – 4pm

Tuesday – Friday

Stay Connected

email swwsynod@plu.edu

phone (253) 535-8300

website www.swwasynod.org