Southwestern Washington Synod featured in The Lutheran

Readers,

We have the cover article in the July issue of The Lutheran, on poverty, so don't miss it. I was pleased to write it, and Lutheran Editor Elizabeth Hunter really was supportive, as was the churchwide staff. It was great to become aware of the 12 poverty scenarios across the nation. I was really touched. I got to interview Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson.

Featured from the Southwestern Washington Synod is the Winter Hospitality Overflow program at St. Paul and St. Andrew Lutheran churches of Vancouver. This is among the biggest homeless initiatives in the Northwest, and the Revs. Chris Nolte and Jim Stender, and Sandi Nolte, all were so helpful as I prepared their portion of the story. 

Also featured is the Rev. Paul Benz of Faith Action Network and his faithful work in Olympia. Did you know he got his start as a intern for U.S. Sen. Hubert Humphrey, D-Minn.? I didn't. Paul stepped up to the plate right on deadline, when The Lutheran wanted an advocacy voice. He was really busy, too. Thanks, Paul.

Also, you'll find a photo and story of Bishop Robert D. Hofstad and Gov. Chris Gregoire as the recent synod assembly. It's not every day a governor comes to a synod assembly. 

Enjoy. To subscribe to The Lutheran, go to www.thelutheran.org.

— Rachel Pritchett