Items from around the synod, for keeping up

Out of the theater: Faith Community Church, a new synodically authorized worshipping community, no longer is meeting at the FireHouse Theater in Kingston and its leaders are reviewing sites for a new home, including a nearby Methodist church. Lack of lighting inside and lack of parking outside forced the decision of the federated Lutheran/Episcopal congregation that must move from its previous location — a Veterans of Foreign Wars hall — because the hall is being shut down. In a similar move, Messiah of Vancouver is looking for new space for its north-county campus. Lease cost was an issue.

Empowering life: Joan Nelson of Empowering Life, a ministry for helping women exiting prison and their families, has announced that a fall rummage sale in Gig Harbor netted $2,500.

Moves to two services: Moving from three Sunday-morning services to two over the summer proved to be a successful experiment, so Messiah of Vancouver this fall is making the change permanent. Worship times are at 8:30 and 9:45.

A Sunday-afternoon service: St. Paul of Vancouver on Oct. 28 will begin a 4 p.m. afternoon service, more informal and conversational than in the morning.

Blessed pets: Numerous congregations around the synod will bless the dogs, cats, amphibians and reptiles during the first week of October as they remember St. Francis of Assisi and his love for animals, as well as the role animals play in our lives.

110 and counting: St. Paul of Vancouver will celebrate is 110th anniversary in December. Besides a special meal celebration, St. Paul members will share with others what worship and fellowship at St. Paul has meant to them.

75th anniversary: First Lutheran Community Church of Port Orchard celebrated its 75th anniversary Sept. 29 with a celebration dinner, followed by a visit by Bishop Robert D. Hofstad the following Sunday morning. The church began in 1937 at the corner of Cline Avenue and Dekalb Street, then moved to its present location at 2483 Mitchell Road in 1989.

New winter coat: Grace of Port Townsend is putting a new coat of exterior paint before winter sets in, thanks to the work of many volunteers.