Weekly Update
January 18, 2021
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Announcements
OFFICE CLOSED TODAY
The Synod Office will be closed today, January 18.
As we remember the faithful witness of and call to action by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, take an opportunity to watch a reading presentation of his A Prophetic Call to the Church: The Letter from Birmingham by the ELCA African Descent Lutheran Association & the Metro DC Synod online today. Learn more and watch it here.
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CONNECT WITH SYNOD STAFF
While our office space is closed to the public during this time of COVID, the Synod Staff are working and ready to help - reach out by email or phone. Please know that we continue to hold you all in our prayers. May God's love and peace surround and sustain you in these days. Reminder: COVID UPDATES/RESOURCES here: COVID resource page.
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ANNUAL FORM TIME!
ONE FORM FOR ROSTERED MINISTERS to complete:
TWO FORMS FOR CONGREGATIONS to complete:
Parochial Reports - Form A/C is now open. This annual report is to be completed by each congregation online for our churchwide partners. Please do NOT print them out and mail to the synod! Your congregation office should have received a password from churchwide in Dec. If you need assistance, please contact Traci in our office.
NOTE: Guidance for reporting PPP loans from the ELCA. It would be very helpful if congregations note on the respective lines the amount of the PPP loan:
For congregations that received a PPP Loan that has NOT yet been forgiven:
- Record the amount of the loan that was received on Line 17e as a cash receipt
- Record the loan as debt on Line 19.
For congregations that received a PPP Loan that has been forgiven:
- Record the amount of the loan that was received on Line 17e as a cash receipt
It would be very helpful if congregations note on the respective lines the amount of the PPP loan.
Mission Intent Form – We give thanks for your generous financial partnership with the synod and churchwide organization. Your congregation’s Mission Support commitment helps the synod and churchwide organization plan more effectively. As your congregation makes financial plans for the coming year, please prayerfully consider your Mission Support portion of your regular offerings. Please use this form to communicate your commitment - complete and email to - Traci@lutheransnw.org.
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RIC SUNDAY MATERIALS
The last Sunday in January is designated as Reconciling in Christ (RIC) Sunday - a time to celebrate if you have made the commitment to be a RIC Congregation by including in your worship service one or more of the components included in the attached RIC Service document. Find materials HERE. For additional information go to the Reconciling Works website, www.reconcilingworks.org In addition, please consider supporting the ministry of Open Door Ministries.
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NEW SYNOD WEBSITE - has launched!
In case you missed it, the new site is up an running. While the address remains the same - www.lutheransnw.org, the layout is new! We hope you find it helpful & easy to navigate!
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PORTICO ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Getting started on your taxes early?
The Richard R. Hammar Clergy Tax Guide and the Federal Reporting Guide for Churches are both available on myPortico at no cost to you.
Live Well, one small step at a time:
The tiniest things can combine to make a significant difference. This year, Portico invites you to check out 2021 Live Well. We’ll guide you through activities that might seem simple, but can get you on the path to feeling stronger, balanced, and more resilient. Featured this month: 3 ingredients for a healthy breakfast, tracking how much you spend on food, and how to savor your meals mindfully.
Health is on the way:
ELCA-Primary health plan members can utilize Omada, a free innovative digital program designed to help create modest changes that promote weight loss and help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Omada’s specialized care programs offer eligible members individualized support to stay on track and maintain healthy habits. Learn more about Omada on myPortico.
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REGION ONE DISASTER PREPAREDNESS NEWSLETTER
January issue of the Hammer and Dance is out. If you could announce that sometime that would be great. You may read it online here.
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ELCA WORLD HUNGER MATERIALS FOR LENT
Connect your congregation to the church’s global work to end hunger and poverty during ELCA World Hunger’s 40 Days of Giving, which begins on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 17. To prepare, visit ELCA.org/40Days and download or order resources today. You’ll find free resources including: daily devotional, weekly study guide, reproducible stories, and more.
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LWR - LENT RESOURCES and PERSONAL CARE KIT PROJECTS
Lutheran World Relief needs your help to bring real, tangible hope to our poorest neighbors. This Lent, your congregation can help by gathering and assembling Personal Care Kits. LWR has also created an accompanying full suite of Lenten resources called “Sensing Hope,” including a 5-week sermon series and small group study guide – all of which can be used digitally or in-person to nurture hope and action in your congregation. Everything you need to get started can be found at lwr.org/lent.
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BISHOP'S LETTER for CONGREGATIONAL ANNUAL MEETINGS
Find a letter to include in your congregation's annual report here: PDF or Word.
ANNUAL MEETING REPORT COVERS AVAILABLE
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BISHOP EATON'S LIVING LUTHERAN ARTICLE
Freedom: In her Jan/Feb column for Living Lutheran, Presiding Bishop Eaton reflects on the past year and looks toward 2021. The pandemic has taught us a lot about our church and about ourselves. We are connected. We are generous. We are freed to serve. Read column in English at https://bit.ly/38FNErx and in Spanish at https://bit.ly/2N4Lcm9.
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THE MAGIC OF MUSIC - NEW Podcast from Pastor Dave Ellingson
Our local Paddling Pilgrim has a new podcast featuring a variety of musical styles including blues, jazz, classical, choral, folk, hip-hop, pop, world, and rock. The format is a conversation with artists about the influences and inspirations on their musical journey followed by a mini-concert with both live and pre-recorded performances.
The artists include Rachel Kurtz, Lost and Found, Marty Haugen, Celia Whitler, Agape/David Scherer, and more. Here's a link to the first episode featuring Jonathan Rundman - https://anchor.fm/david-ellingson
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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Open positions around our territory may be found here on our new website:
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EVENTS THIS WEEK:
WEEK of PRAYER for CHRISTIAN UNITY
JANUARY 18-25
Today begins the eight days of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in 2021. The materials were prepared by the Monastic Community of Grandchamp. The theme that was chosen, “Abide in my love and you shall bear much fruit”, is based on John 15:1-17 and expresses Grandchamp Community’s vocation to prayer, reconciliation and unity in the church and the human family. Learn more and download materials at www.oikoumene.org/resources/week-of-prayer-for-christian-unity
COMMUNITY ORGANIZING FOR TRANSFORMATIONAL MINISTRY
Training offered by Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminar
January 19-23 online
Co-led by a team of four - including Dr. Cynthia Moe-Lobeda, Dr. Ray Pickett, Deacon Kelly Marciales, Director of the ELCA Organizing for Mission Network, and Mary Lim-Lampe, Director of Genesis, a community organizing affiliate in Oakland - this training is an innovative model that incorporates theological and biblical reflection, and attention to beauty and art as well as training in more traditional arts of community organizing (power analysis, organizing cycle, self-interest, and of course more). The training is for graduate students as well as practitioners of community organizing and leaders of faith communities. See flyer which includes a registration link.
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FIFTY & BETTER (FAB) WINTER SESSION & LECTURES
FAB’s 6-week Winter Session begins on January 19, and registration is now open!
Courses include: History of Women Artists, America and the Cold War, American Life Through Broadway Musicals, Pioneer Women of the Movies, and more! Individuals 50+ are welcome, please share with your friends and family!
FAB will also be hosting lectures in early January - these lectures are open to all.
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BEING CHURCH - Weekly Online Gathering for ELCA Leaders
Wednesdays, 11am (Pacific)
ALL are invited to join this weekly online gathering designed to provide encouragement and support for ELCA leaders across the church. This week, January 20 - JOIN the Zoom HERE. Participants will hear topical presentations related to how we are called to be Church, as well as have an opportunity to be in small group discussions with an ELCA group coach facilitating the conversation.
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ELCA WORLD HUNGER LEADERSHIP GATHERING
Wednesday, January 20 - Saturday, January 23 online
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ADAPTING TO A NEW REALITY: Living into a Fresh Vision for God’s Church
Third Thursday monthly webinars (at 11am Pacific) featuring well known scholars and church leaders that focus on key areas. This month, January 21, the topic is: Encouragement Beyond Fatigue. Please go to www.IgniteTheChurch.net to learn more!
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DEANS MEETING
Thursday, January 21, 2pm via Zoom
Deans, check your inbox for the Zoom link.
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LOOKING AHEAD
ENRICHING SPIRITUALITY IN OLDER ADULTHOOD
Thursday, January 28, 9am Pacific
Roland Martinson, Emeritus Professor of Luther Seminary and author of Elder’s Rising: The Promise & Peril of Aging, will share multiple aspects of spirituality as it relates to older adults. Hear about some of the material developed for ALOA's Toolkit for Older Adult Ministry (Adult Lutherans Organized for Action) Learn more and register here. Check out previous webinars & resources at aloaserves.org.
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HOLY WEEK BRAINSTORM SESSION
Tuesday, Feb 2 at 1pm via Zoom
At our January 12th Lent Brainstorm Session, we ran out of time to share ideas for Holy Week... so, we are meeting again! All rostered ministers - and all leaders involved in worship planning are invited to join. Bring your ideas and/or questions! Find the Zoom link in your Rostered Minister email - or email Susan@lutheransnw.org to get the link!
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ELCA YOUTH MINISTRY NETWORK EXTRAVAGANZA
February 5-6, Online
The Extravaganza is the premier event for faith formation leaders in ELCA congregations. The event is hosted by the ELCA Youth Ministry Network. Extravaganza 2021 will explore God’s call to “Hold Loosely” and to trust in the one who comes to create, to redeem and to sustain. This is more important now than ever, as we live and do ministry in a time of pandemic, of racial injustice and unrest, of social division and political turmoil. Typically, this event is held in a different city each year. This year, due to COVID-19, the event is all online. The cost of Extravaganza is $25 for an individual and $60 for a group. These prices go up January 1. Invite your whole council, youth committee, church staff, and your volunteers who work with children and youth. More information and registration links are available at www.elcaymnet.org/Ext21Info. Note that this year membership in the Network is not required, but we hope if you’re not a member, you’ll consider becoming one when you register. If you have questions, please contact Taryn and Becky at cyflutheransnw@gmail.com.
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PI DAY w/ LUTHER'S TABLE
Sunday, March 14
PI DAY IS "PIE DAY!" Run or walk the 3.14 mile course on the Cedar River Trail or use any 3.14 mile course of your choice. All local participants will receive a personal pie at the end of the event. See more details and register HERE.
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Bishop's Spring Convocation
Living into Authentic Diversity: Sharing Our Stories
April 26-28, Online
Rostered ministers, mission developers, and interns of the synod are invited to gather online over these days to explore diversity in the Church from the perspective of listening deeply to the uniqueness of our diverse journeys of faith. How do our familial/cultural/ denominational/personal identities and histories shape our experience of being Church Together? Following an introductory session with the Strategic Team For Authentic Diversity (STAD), we will be joined by keynote speaker the Rev. Lenny Duncan. We will also invite four local church leaders to share their diverse stories. We will have time to reflect together on both the gifts and the challenges these stories bring to us.
Schedule: Monday, 1-4pm | Tuesday, 9:30am-3:30pm | Wednesday: 9am-12noon
Look for registration link soon!
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SYNOD ASSEMBLY
Saturday, May 15 9am-4pm ONLINE
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Northwest Washington Synod / ELCA
5519 Phinney Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98103
206-783-9292
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