Southwestern Washington Synod E-News

Week of October 8, 2023

News and Updates

Here are resources from the ELCA on Rostered Ministers Appreciation with helpful tips on how to plan a Rostered Ministers Appreciation event:

https://download.elca.org/ELCA%20Resource%20Repository/Rostered-Ministers-Appreciation-Booklet.pdf?_ga=2.46320615.1107309826.1695742221-1870145156.1654022968

Ready for Annual Enrollment?

Watch for an email from Portico when your Annual Enrollment window is open. This is your opportunity to make decisions about health coverage, pre-tax retirement contributions, vision care services, supplemental life insurance, beneficiaries, and more. Questions about coverage or have a change of call pending? The Portico Customer Care Center, 800.352.2876, is always here to help.

PWA Dollar Countdown

If you’ve received an email from Portico letting you know you have a Personal Wellness Account balance that needs to be spent by the end of the year, this is a great opportunity to stock your travel first aid kit, get new glasses, or donate feminine hygiene products to your local food shelf. Check your PWA balance on the Further site via myPortico, review the eligible expenses list, and be sure to use your PWA dollars before Dec. 31, 2023 and submit receipts for reimbursement by Apr. 15, 2024.

Free COVID-19 Rapid Tests Reminder

As of September 25, every U.S. household can again place an order to receive four free COVID-19 rapid tests, which are delivered directly to your home. COVID rapid tests can help you know if you have COVID-19 when you have symptoms, have been exposed, or are going to meet up with others.

New Being Here Podcast Episodes

Today’s churches might count up to 7 different generations in their membership – which brings both incredible opportunities for building bridges of understanding, and possible differences over communication styles, priorities, and expectations. What does this mean for the church and its future? Two new episodes of the Being Here podcast explore this fascinating topic with generational-studies experts. Listen here!

International Women Leaders Gathering

A new school year has begun, and International Women Leaders (IWL) scholarship recipients are studying at ELCA colleges and universities across the country. At this virtual gathering you will hear from a few of them and learn more about this life-changing program. We will also bless all the IWL students as they embark on a new academic year!

When: Wednesday, Oct. 11, 3 p.m. Central time

Where: Live on Zoom

No preregistration is required to participate. Just click the link below to attend!

ELEA Innovative Leadership Summit: Developing the Leader Within 2023

ELEA Innovative Leadership Summit on Friday Oct 27, 2023- Sunday Oct 29, 2023 is intense training for leaders of ELCA Schools and Learning Centers who are interested in building a network for themselves, developing new skills and innovative strategies, and re-inspiring passion for your mission. We encourage Pastors and Administrators to attend together and will offer ways to connect if that is not possible.  View our program guide (draft)

The Evangelical Lutheran Education Association (ELEA) serves 1,400 Schools & Learning Centers

with 15,000 children and youth.

Invitation for Partners of Rostered Ministers

Spouses & partners of ELCA

Pastors and Deacons are invited to join this free, 12-session, online sacred place to take a deep breath, slow down, and create space to notice God’s presence among us. Our goal is to foster community and be refreshed by God and

one another. Each week our cohort leader – and fellow pastor’s spouse – Susan Berg, will lead us through a curriculum of spiritual practices.

We will meet via Zoom twice-monthly on the second and fourth Mondays of the month, beginning November 13, 7pm-8:30pm. We will skip over a few of the busy weeks – Easter and Christmas for example – and conclude in June.

If your partner/spouse has questions – or is interested in participating – please have them reach out to Susan@lutheransnw.org – soon as space is limited to a maximum of twelve participants.

This is a FREE opportunity!

In 2018, California Lutheran University received a nearly $1 million, five-year grant from the Lilly

Endowment to create Thriving Leadership Formation (TLF) in partnership with its own Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and the 11 ELCA synods of Regions 1 and 2. This FREE spiritual practice cohort is one aspect of their larger grant goal of fostering spiritual and contemplative practices in order to enrich life and ministry, and help the church and its leaders thrive.

OTHER Cohorts

While this small group is specifically for those who are in the unique – and often challenging – role of being partnered with a deacon or pastor, there will be additional cohorts for rostered and lay leaders in our synod forming in the coming weeks – info will be posted here: https://thrivingleadershipformation.org/cohorts/

Byberg Preaching Workshop

January 22-24, 2024

Seaside, Oregon

Presenter: Dr. Shauna Hannan, Professor of Homiletics

Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary

Chaplain: Rev. Liv Larson Andrews, DEM, Northwest Intermountain Synod

Hosted at: Best Western Seaside

Calling on all preaching colleagues of the Pacific Northwest to join in the annual Byberg Preaching Workshop in beautiful Seaside, Oregon. We have invited Dr. Shauna Hannan back to lead us in conversations focused on preaching and communicating in our changed environment. We have also solicited the wonderful worship talents of Rev. Liv Larson Andrews to be our chaplain for the week. Cost for the event is $195 ($100/interns) and hotel rooms range from $87-$197.

Registration will be open from September 1 – December 15, 2023. Cancelation requests need to be made by December 15, 2023.

Please visit www.bybergpreachingworkshop.com for registration links and more information. This is a two-step registration process. One step is to register for the program and the second step is to register for housing with the hotel.

Registration now open for the ELCA Youth Gathering

Priority registration is now open for the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, the Multicultural Youth Leadership Event (MYLE), the tAble and the Young Adult Gathering! You can save money by registering the majority of your group by Nov. 1. Remember that the earlier you register your group, the better your chances are of having your preferences honored. Register today!

Job Opportunities

St. Paul Lutheran Church in Vancouver is looking for someone to serve in a lay ministry position. Duties are subject to discussion, but in the past have included sending greeting cards, visitation and home communion, some office duties, occasional preaching, and primarily working with St. Paul’s homeless men’s shelter. This is part-time work; in the past it has been 16 hours per week. Pay per Synod pay scale. Prefer some ministerial training: deacon, CLM, PSALM.

Contact Pastor Linda Marousek at pastor@stpaulvancouver.com or cell 425-466-4358.

Immanuel Lutheran Church is a community through whom God is transforming

lives by sharing our faith in God’s love and grace. We are seeking a part-time

musician beginning as soon as possible to provide musical accompaniment, and

contribute to an environment that is welcoming to all.

• Provide musical accompaniment (piano, organ, and/or keyboard) for Sunday

worship services and special services.

• Provide accompaniment for the Choir as well as soloists and ensembles at

Wednesday night practices and Sunday mornings.

Qualifications include:

• Proficient in playing the piano, keyboard, and organ. Organ experience is

not required but a willingness to be trained on the organ is essential.

• Knowledge of basic music theory. Ability to perform simple transpositions

or harmonizing a melody a plus.

• Understand, or display a willingness to learn Lutheran worship tradition and

other musical styles.

• Ability to work well with a variety of people.

Please submit resume with cover letter to

office@immanuelvancouver.org or call

360-694-3661 for more information

Zion Lutheran Church – nestled in Camas, WA, within the beautiful Pacific Northwest – with over 125 years of involvement in the community, is seeking a dynamic and passionate individual to join our team as the Youth Ministries Director.

Our church is committed to ministering to the upcoming generation of Lutherans, nurturing spiritual growth within our youth community. This position offers a unique opportunity to inspire, educate, and guide young individuals through God’s word as they cultivate a relationship with Jesus and each other. With the grace of God, this leader will assist youth and families in establishing a firm foundation in faith and motivate them to actively embody their beliefs in daily life.

Zion Lutheran Church is a welcoming, hard-working, and giving faith community dedicated to doing God’s work. We are a congregation of approximately 250 members serving our local community while providing outreach to the world through partnerships. We have ample space for youth and family gatherings and activities. An additional benefit of our location is the proximity of ocean beaches, old-growth forests, mountains, and pristine waterways.

If you have a strong desire to shape our youth through direction of youth ministries, communication, fellowship, and prayer, then this job is right for you!

Responsibilities:

1. In collaboration with the Senior Pastor and other church leaders, develop and implement engaging and relevant programs, activities, and events to meet the spiritual, social, and emotional needs of youth and families of all ages.
2. Lead Sunday School/Godly Play, youth group meetings, confirmation classes, youth retreats, community service projects, and Bible studies.
3. Build meaningful relationships with youth and families, providing guidance, support, and mentorship as they navigate challenges and life transitions.

Qualifications:

1. Four-year college degree either complete or in progress (preferred).
2. Previous experience working with youth in a ministry or educational setting (preferred).
3. A deep personal faith in Jesus Christ and a willingness to work within the Lutheran tradition.
4. Proficiency in using technology and social media platforms for ministry purposes.
5. A willingness to undergo a background check and adhere to the church’s child protection policies.

Compensation and Benefits:

·        $40,000 – $50,000 base salary per year based on qualifications and experience

·        Flexible hours and paid time off

·        Health insurance

·        Generous 10% contribution toward a defined contribution retirement plan

To Apply: Please submit a cover letter, resume, and professional references to Zion Lutheran Church at info@zionluthcamas.comcastbiz.net. In your cover letter, please include a statement describing your philosophy of youth ministry, including how you will nurture the spiritual growth of young individuals. Applications will be accepted until November 20th, 2023.