The Bishop's Report

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.

The greatest joy for the bishop who is retiring is 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 created under the direction of the Rev. Eric Wangen-Hoch.

Other new mission started included 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, to the Rev. Don Fossum for "commitment to detail" and "faithfulness," to the Rev. Ron Hoyum for his "pastoral heart," and for his ability to help troubled congregation, to Rachel Pritchett for her professionalism, to the Rev. Valinda Morse for getting out into congregations and for her "truth-telling," to the Rev. Dr. Melanie Wallschlaeger for her "creative energy," and to Allison Ramsey.

He also thanked his family, including wife Linda, who he just celebrated 43 years of marriage.