Some upcoming events in the synod ...

Event aimed at helping incarcerated women

An Empowering Life benefit to help incarcerated women prepare to exit into the world takes place fro 7 to 9 p.m. Feb. 11 at St. Mark’s by The Narrows Lutheran Church, 6730 N 17th St., Tacoma. Dinner, dessert, a silent auction and entertainment is planned. Women who have been incarcerated will talk about how Empowering Life helped them and their families succeed afterward. The suggested donation is $15. To make reservations, contact Joan Nelson at joan2nelson@comcast.net or (253) 208-3307, or send a check to Nelson at P.O. Box 1803, Gig Harbor, WA 98335.

Help for couples offered

The Rev. Greg Kaurin of Messiah Lutheran Church of Auburn and wife Dr. Pauline Kaurin will present a series of courses at the church to help couples keep their relationships strong. They take place from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday evenings between Feb. 12 and March 15. For more information, contact Darrel Dietz at dietz1948@yahoo.com.

Augustana Symphonic Band performs at PLU

The Augustana Symphonic Band of Augustana College in Rock Island, Ill., will perform at 8 p.m. Feb. 25 at Lagerquist Hall at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma as part of a West Coast tour. Playing since 1874, the band will present traditional and eclectic selection. No reservations are required and the concert is free. A free-will offering will be taken.

Women conduct spring retreat at Dumas Bay

The Rev. Jan Otto of All Saints Lutheran of Auburn is the headliner for the Spring Retreat of the Southwestern Washington Women of the ELCA, to take place April 20 to 22 at Dumas Bay Centre of Federal Way. Workshops on keeping homes free from too many chemicals and other topics will be offered. The cost is $165 and includes everything. More more information, contact Carol Fossum at (360) 620-5368 or carolfossum@comcast.net.