Synod welcomes new worshipping community

By the Rev. Melanie Wallschlaeger, director for evangelical mission

Congregations of the ELCA and Southwestern Washington Synod often navigate rough seas when facing a variety of issues.
In the past 18 months, several synod congregations have charted their place and course with the Synod and ELCA. The Synod’s most recently formed worshipping community is Peace Lutheran Fellowship (PLF) in Port Ludlow. PLF chose its name based on their desired Christian community. In the turbulent waters of congregational life, PLF was formed to be a community of peace--a community of worship, and a community of service and generosity (over 25 percent of offerings support ministries to God and neighbor). Different perspectives are not only welcomed in the fellowship, but valued.
Numerous worshippers, community members, pastors and synod staff have shared their prayers, leadership and resources to help anchor this community committed both to the shared ministry of the ELCA, and the Port Ludlow/Eastern Jefferson County area. PLF is now a Synod Authorized Worshipping Community (SAWC), which means PLF agrees to a governance structure and joins a missional fleet of the Synod, having received some funding from both the Churchwide Organization and the “1000 Friends” initiative. This funding, combined with its own resources, provides opportunity for PLF to a call a half-time pastor as a partner in moving where the Holy Spirit will direct the PLF sails. A call committee will soon begin interviews. Please remember PLF in your prayers as you are remembered in theirs.
Peace Lutheran Fellowship is another example of how a significant piece of mission is searching for where God’s Spirit blows. Learn more about the movement of God at PLF at www.peacelutheranfellowship.org