Week of May 26, 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

Last chance to file your Congregational Report Form A 2023!!!

The ELCA churchwide organization will close the online system for filing Form A on Friday, May 31. These forms must be submitted electronically before 5:00pm Central time on that date to be included in the 2023 ELCA statistics and synod reports.

To access the list of congregations and worshiping communities that have filed and those that have not, visit ELCA Community. 

FROM OUR CONGREGATIONS

Free Choir Robes

St. Mark in Lacey has approximately 50 purple and one red adult sized choir robes they would love to give to another congregation or community group! Please call the church office at 360-491-2052 or email office@stmarklacey.org if you are interested.  

FROM OUR FRIENDS AND PARTNERS

Applications Open for Certificate in Climate Justice and Faith

The Center for Climate Justice and Faith at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary is accepting applications to their Certificate in Climate Justice and Faith program. This program is designed for lay leaders and clergy members from around the world who want to be effective advocates for climate justice. Students will grow their faith, practice skills, gain knowledge, and build community to allow them to address the climate crisis in ways that also address racial, gender, and economic injustices.

This two-semester program will begin August 2024 and end May 2025. A 100% online curriculum allows students from around the world to build relationships through bi-monthly small group meetings on Zoom. Since launching in 2021, students from 29 countries and five continents have participated. The full cost of the program is $600. Scholarships of up to $550 are available if needed, please do not let finances prevent you from applying.

Applications are due June 17, 2024 and can be found here:   https://bit.ly/24_25CCJFApp

More information about the Certificate can be found here: https://centerforclimatejusticeandfaith.org/programs/certificate-in-climate-justice-and-faith/

Brotherhood Mutual has developed a new training course for sexual harassment prevention. The course fulfills mandatory training requirements for California and New York, but it can be used by ministries in any state. 

This new training replaces the one previously available in the online training library. There are two courses available: a one-hour course for all employees and a two-hour course for all supervisors. Each participant will be able to save and print a certificate of completion at the conclusion of the course.

Any ministry can access this free training course, developed with a ministry focus. 

The course is found on the Brotherhood Mutual online training page at www.brotherhoodmutual.com/resources/online-training. Click on the orange button that says Sexual Harassment Prevention Training.

Paid Leave Rulemaking

Notice of adopted rules for Paid Family and Medical Leave

On May 14, 2024, the department filed a CR-103 and adopted rules for Paid Family and Medical Leave to amend the definition of placement and clarify under which circumstances family leave can be taken to bond with a child. The adopted rules also clarify under which circumstances decisions appealed to the Commissioner’s Review Office will be made available to the public.

The rules will be effective June 14, 2024. The adopted rules and supporting documentation can be found on the program’s rulemaking page.

Appeal procedures are found in RCW 34.05.330. This communication constitutes the post-adoption notice required by RCW 34.05.362. For more information, contact us at rules@esd.wa.gov.

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