South Sound's first federated congregation comes online

By Rachel Pritchett, synod communicator

OLYMPIA — Two bishops, one Lutheran and the other Episcopalian, were on hand March 15 to install the Rev. Andy Willis as pastor of St. Christopher's Community Church.
It took two of the because this unique congregation is "federated," half Lutheran and half Episcopalian.
"This is the first federated Lutheran/Episcopal congregation in the South Sound," said Robert D. Hofstad, bishop of the Southwestern Washington Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Just-ordained Willis will be the full-time pastor, something this congregation hasn't had for a long time. The agreement between the ELCA and the Episcopal Church in the United States of America stipulates that future pastors will alternate as Lutherans or Episcopalians. Before Willis, the Rev. Sandra Kreis, a Lutheran pastor, served here. Kreis now is retired.
"The fact that St. Christopher's was formally served by Pastor Kreis in many ways paved the way for this relationship as her service gifts and leadership were warmly welcomed and received in the congregation," said the Rev. Melanie Walschlaeger, the synod's director for evangelical mission who helped lead the journey toward federation.
St. Christopher's is the only church on this remote peninsula, and over the years has drawn worshippers from many faiths. Conversations that started in 2009 between Lutheran and Episcopal leaders began to focus on setting up an officially shared congregation with stronger combined resources.
"We began to believe that we could do more in that particular area of Olympia than either denomination could do alone," Walschlaeger said.
Some 50 members and friends were at the installation, along with more than a dozen pastors and priests. Joyful singing, a procession and Communion marked the service.
In his sermon, Episcopal Bishop of Olympia Greg Rickel told Pastor Willis he would have his hands full.
"It's not the load that you are carrying that will bring you down; it's how you carry it," he said.
Willis was presented with many gifts in his installation, including a Bible, stole, prayer book and keys.
The federated church counts as a new mission start for the Southwestern Washington Synod. Pastor Willis can be reached at pastorwillis3@gmail.com or (360) 628-6828. The church is at 7902 Steamboat Island Road NE, and the church phone is (360) 866-2111.
The congregation worships at 10:30 a.m. each Sunday and all are welcome.