Upcoming events

 

Poulsbo lutefisk celebrates 100th anniversary
The Northwest's oldest and largest lutefisk celebration each October at First Lutheran Church of Poulsbo is always big new. But this year, the event that draws as many as 1,500 lovers of the specially prepared delicacy marks its 100th anniversary. 

The hard workers of the congregation who spend days preparing the cod, peeling potatoes, making meatballs, rolling lefse and finessing krumkake invite all lover of lutefisk to the giant celebration that routinely draws hungry eaters from as far away as the desert southwest. It takes place from 11:40 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct 20 at the Christian Center at the church, at 18920 Fourth Ave., Poulsbo. Seatings are every 20 minutes. For adults, the cost is $23, and for kids, it's $5. Proceeds benefit Martha & Mary, a local nursing home. 

Pictured are Margaret Smaaladen, left, who has organized the event for many years with Gorden Stenman, and friends. Continual entertainment, including Norwegian dancers, will be provided. As always, but especially this year in commemoration of hitting the century mark, it's all you can eat. Contact the church for reservation information at 360-779-7202 or at www.poulsbo-lutefisk.com.

Lutheran college fair coming
Representatives of many of the ELCA's 26 colleges and universities, along with some in Canada, will conduct a college fair from 2 to 4 p.m. Oct. 21 at Messiah Lutheran Church of Auburn, 410 H St. NE. A financial aid discussion will be included, along with a reception at the fair hosted by the colleges, which remain committed to providing affordable college in tough economic times. More information is at utherancolleges.org/college-fairs/.
Also, the Office of Congregation Relations at Pacific Lutheran University of Tacoma is asking congregations to lift up the university on Sunday, Feb. 24, by designating the days as PLU Sunday. To register, call 253-535-7424 or go to www.plu.edu/congregations.
 
Reformation Sunday hymn fest in offing
Again this year, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church of Tacoma is the site for the popular 22nd annual Reformation Sunday HymnFest, this year taking place on Oct. 28.
Soloists, choirs and instrumental musical artists all will be on hand for a celebrat that begins at 3 p.m. Attendees will have plenty of opportunity to sing along, as well. A reception will take place afterward in Goldenman Social Hall. A free-will offering will be taken to offset musician expenses. The church is at 3315 19th St., Tacoma.

Workshop set for Good Shepherd
The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd of Olympia will be the site of a Nov. 3 workshop exploring the issue of congregations and Christians with alternative sexual identities. The workshop takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The fee is $25. Registration, by Oct. 19, is at www.welcomingresources.org/communityorg.htm.

Westphal to host gathering to support missionaries
The Rev. Lanny Westphal of the ELCA Global Mission will host a gathering for ELCA missionary sponsors from 3 to 4 p.m. Nov. 4 at Redeemer Lutheran Church of Fircrest. Participants will see how ELCA missionaries are making a difference around the world, and learn of new developments in missionary sponsorship. The church is at 1001 Princeton Avenue. RSVP to Synod Office Manager Allison Ramsey at 253-535-8300 or swwsynod@plu.edu.
The gathering will precede the synod's annual global-mission event Nov. 10 at St. Mark’s by The Narrows Lutheran Church in Tacoma. Titled “Global Stories: From Trip to Pilgrimage,” the all-day event offers inspiration and education. Lunch is included. Registration, with a $10 suggested donation, starts at 8:30 a.m. An offering will go equally toward the ELCA initiative to fight malaria, and to the synod's companions in Namibia. St. Mark's is at 6730 North 17th St. Contact Beth Ann Johnson for more at bethannj@mtviewcc.org.

Pastoral discernment workshops scheduled
Pastors and professional church worker seeking deeper discernment into their ministries are invited to an upcoming Crossroads Vocational Discernment/Transition Seminar in Seattle. It takes place Nov. 15 to 17 at the Lutheran Campus Center at the University of Washington. Seminar participants will explore personal future directions, potential transitions and next chapters in life and work, according to the Rev. Phil Streufert of Consultation to Clergy, sponsor of the session. To learn more, contact Streufert in the Consultation to Clergy office in Seattle at 206-623-8193.