Bishop's Report at assembly: Sadness, but great joy as well

TACOMA — Looking back on 12 years as bishop, Robert D. Hofstad said he's experienced great sadness, but also great joy.

The sadness came from "the dividing of our beloved church," within congregations, the synod and the ELCA. Seven congregations have left the synod, now with 88 congregations and worshiping groups.

The greatest joy for the bishop was the creation of new mission starts in this synod. It had been 15 years since the synod had started one until 2007, when the Living Stones prison congregation at the Washington Corrections Center at Shelton was formed under the Rev. Eric Wangen-Hoch.

Other new mission starts include Light of Grace Korean ministry of Federal Way, the north campus of Messiah Lutheran Church of Vancouver, Peace Lutheran Fellowship of Port Ludlow, Federal Way Chinese Fellowship, St. Christopher's Community Church of Steamboat Island, Faith Community Church of Kingston, and Refuge and Strength of Tacoma.

"It has been a wonderful and beautiful thing," he said.

Bishop Hofstad gave thanks to his predecessor, Bishop David Wold, and for the current Synod Council. 

He gave thanks for his staff in order of longevity. Staff members included the Rev. Don Fossum for "commitment to detail" and "faithfulness," the Rev. Ron Hoyum for his "pastoral heart," and for his ability to help troubled congregation, communicator Rachel Pritchett, the Rev. Valinda Morse for getting out into congregations and for her "truth-telling, the Rev. Dr. Melanie Wallschlaeger for her "creative energy," and Allison Ramsey, office manager.

He also thanked his family, including his wife of 43 years, Linda.