Updates from synod workers

For adults who work with youth: The “Practice Discipleship” fall trainings take place Nov. 19th and repeat Nov. 20 in two locations. Presenters are Ingelaurie Lisher and Justin Snider, both associates in ministry. The Nov. 19 training is from 10 a.m. to noon at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church of Olympia. The second identical training is from 2 to 4 p.m. at First Lutheran Church of Poulsbo. RSVP to Lisher by Nov. 11 at ingelaurie@smlutheran.org.

Ten apply for funds to fight hunger: Ten programs in the synod have applied for the grants to help fund their activities. Committee members will visit program sites and learn what they’re planning. They’ll convene to discuss the applications and prioritize the list for a recommendation to the ELCA Domestic Hunger group, which will settle the awards next year. The applications are from: Council for the Homeless, Winter Hospitality Overflow, Vancouver; FISH Food Banks of Pierce County, Basic Food Assistance, Tacoma; Legacy Community Outreach Food Bank, South Bend; Lewis River Mobile Food Bank, Lewis River Mobile Food Bank, LaCenter; Mountain View Community Center, Seeds of Change, Edgewood; North Mason Coalition of Churches and Community, Food for Kids Program, Belfair; Peace Community Center, Hilltop Scholars, Tacoma; Communities of Faith, Food Backpacks 4 Kids, Wauna; Resurrection Lutheran Church, Garden of Peace Community Garden, Tacoma; and United Lutheran Church, Our Father's Kitchen, Tacoma. 
— Rick Nelson, Hunger committee

Namibia Task Force resumes: The synod’s Namibia Task Force is back in gear to foster future steps in the companion relationship the Southwestern Washington Synod has with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia. Task-force members have decided on two priorities for future work. The first will be backing community development projects, including a large emerging garden in north Namibia where produce for hungry AIDS orphans will be grown. The second is multifaceted support of Oshigambo High School. To join in this work, contact the Rev. Randy Faro at kingtut13@qwestoffice.net.