Workshop: Exploring mission new new ways

Despite the election of a bishop, this year's assembly had time for a handful of workshops.
Among them was one led by the Rev. Sarah Roemer of Spirit of Life Lutheran Church of Olalla and the Rev. Dr. Melanie Wallschlaeger, the synod's director for evangelical outreach.
Pastor Roemer is a mission interpreter charged with collecting and sharing mission stories throughout the synod. Some of the stories shared at the workshop:
n Gloria Dei Lutheran Church of Tacoma is using a variety of means to expand hospitality to young adults 18 to 30. That group is the least represented in the congregation.
n The Rev. Nels Flesher now is serving both the Evangelical Lutheran CHurch of Chinook and Naselle Lutheran Church. The two churches were seeking pastors and with the synod's help, decided to combine.


— Spirit of Life Lutheran Church today is a model for transformation, having renewed itself after falling on hard times. Accompanied by synod and ELCA staff during the transformational process, prayer,Bible study and worship are central, and attendance has grown from 40 to 72 in three years.

— Federal Way Chinese Fellowships continues to spiritually support and teach visiting Chinese students attending Green River and Highline community colleges. 

— St. John's Lutheran Church of Lakewood, under synodical administration, continues to reach out to the Lakewood community, especially those in the military, in a variety of ways.

— Peace Community Center of Tacoma continues its Hilltop Scholars program, that offers after-school tutoring for high-school students who then go on to college or trade school. Often Hilltop Scholars are the first in their families to go to college.