Here's what a police chaplain's uniform looks like

Readers,

I asked Arleta Meeker, daughter of the Rev. Paul Meeker of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church of Bremerton, to shoot me a photo of her dad that I could use with my story, below, that I'm repurposing to a number of locations. Here's her photo. Arleta is a recent college graduate who majored in broadcasting. Good job, Arleta, and thanks. You're hired, as far as I'm concerned.

Rachel Pritchett

Double your ELCA Hunger Gift between now and Dec. 31

By the Rev. Daniel Rift, director, ELCA World Hunger

You can make a difference in their lives with a gift to ELCA World Hunger. And between now and Dec. 31, all gifts to ELCA World Hunger will be matched entirely -- 100 percent -- thanks to a group of generous ELCA members.

Will you join these ELCA members in making one last gift this year? When you give to ELCA World Hunger, you provide families with food, water, education and heath care to help them escape poverty for good. Your gifts are put to work in almost 60 countries around the world, including the United States. And when you give today, you help our church double its impact in this work.

The need is more urgent than ever. As you know, it’s not just millions of Americans who don’t have enough to eat. About a billion people around the world are hungry.

Share the joy you’ve felt this Christmas and give hope to your neighbors in need. There are three ways to give and double your gift today:

• Donate online by visiting www.elca.org/hungerdonate anytime before the 12:00 a.m. CST deadline on Dec. 31.
• Donate over the phone by calling 800-638-3522 now through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. CST.
• Donate through the mail by sending a check to ELCA World Hunger, P.O. Box 71764, Chicago, IL 60694-1764. Checks must be postmarked by Dec. 31 in order to be matched and tax deductible for 2011. Please write “Matching Challenge” in the memo line of your check.

God is calling us into the world -- together. Thank you for responding to that call with your generous gifts.

In Christ’s service,

"The Shack" author coming to Stevenson

Paul Young, author of "The Shack," will lead a presentation at 9 a.m. Jan. 29 at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church of Stevenson. The novel is about a man who returns to a shack where he believes his young daughter was murdered and, while there, encounters God. For more information, contact the Rev. Ron McClung at shepherdofthehills@gorge.net.

By Joy Lingerfelt, associate in ministry and music leader, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Port Angeles

This past fall I was one of 16 church musicians and pastors in the ELCA who traveled to Germany to seen where Martin Luther lived.

The trip was a whilrwind tour of Leipzig, Halle, Lutherstadt Wittenberg, Berlin and Graefenhinichen, and was filled with worship services, devotionals, walking tours and museums. In our jet-lagged voices, we joined together as friends we'd not met before, and sang "Wake, Awake, for Night is Flying."

In this day when Christianity is maybe 18 percent of the world population, and Lutheranism is a small percentage of that, our trip was an opportunity to learn more about Luther and his surrounds, as well as the the people that partnered with Luther in creating the Reformation.

It is all in a part of Germany that we knew as East Germany, and most of the Lutheran population has not had much opportunity to visit it in a way the Romans have had pilgrimage to Rome. But now the government of Germany as well as the Church there recognize that the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther is soon upon us, and, unlike the celebration at 400 years where only Germans were welcomed, they are inviting the world to come, see, and develop a greater understanding of this heritage.

Wittenberg, where Martin Luther and Katie lived, preached, made beer, and held the famous Table Talks, is under much construction, the result of large grants by the German government to restore, rebuild, and make available to all the many sights related to the Reformation. Our Sunday worship at the Castle Church (where the 95 theses were hung) included a full service with communion. While our calendar called it Christ the King Sunday, in Germany it is the All Saint's Sunday. Many people in the village were there to worship, and remember the saints that have died in the past year, much like we do. While the service was in German, the sermon had been translated in advance for us. But the hymns, prayers, and creed were not translated, and we all knew "where we were." We had a tour of the new Luther Garden, just outside the Castle's archeological dig, under the direction of Hans Kasch- Global Missions, ECLA.

Our walking tour included the famous Luther House which is notably the finest museum of Reformation history. There we saw the first German Bible (translated not from the Roman's Latin but from the Greek and other original languages), and one of the early song-books. Our tour took us also to the City Church (St. Mary's), where Luther preached, where the congregation was invited to sing a hymn for the first time, and where the Mass was first spoken in the language of the people. Our tour included many other sights, taking us back to the Castle Church, where we all sang A Mighty Fortress around Luther's grave. We walked the city streets where people cried out in large crowds to have confirmation classes.

But our tour included far more contemporary sights, as well ... such as St Nicholas church in Leipzig, where the cry for peace ultimately grew so loud, in 1989, that the wall came down in Berlin. At that time, inside the church was the only place where one could safely speak openly of the discord and oppression of the government. A church Reforming even then.

We learned of the secular confirmation that had been imposed on young people - any person that participated in the church's confirmation classes was banned from future employment or college attendance. Instead, a very unrelated series of events were held for all of the young people to attend. Had the socialist government been able to continue even just another 10 years, all memory of the Gospel might have been completely wiped away from the population.

And we saw something of life in the 1700s as well. Just a few blocks away from the St. Nicholas Church is the famed St. Thomas Church, which had been bombed significantly in world war II, and still it was rebuilt to afford the opportunity to hear the musical works of J.S. Bach as he had iknown them.

Perhaps it is time for some of us as a parish to visit these sights and become more keenly aware of our heritage. Certainly it is an appropriate time to consider our identity as Lutherans, maybe now more than ever, as to know where we are from is an important part in knowing who we are. Yes, these are hard economic times, but coming to stand on the ground in these places would do much to enrich us all.

To better portray what we all saw, I will present a slide show of the photos that I took, along with some commentary, within a few weeks. For the time being, let us continue our preparations to face the Christ Child being born into our midst! Wake, awake! The night is flying!

Pax,

Joy

Pictured: Joy Lingerfelt at THE door.

Mountain View carolers visit Tacoma Lutheran Home

In the days leading up to Christmas, a crowd of carolers from Mountain View Lutheran Church of Edgewood sang with friends at Tacoma Lutheran Home.

All pastor, but part cop, too

Police Chaplain Paul Meeker delivers God's Word when it's needed most.

By Rachel Pritchett, communicator

BREMERTON — Tall and imposing and with a smile as strong as steel, the Rev. Paul Meeker strides past desks at the Bremerton Police Department.

"Make my way through, just check on people, let them know they're appreciated. Anyone needs care, hey, we're here."

For 20 years, the pastor at nearby Our Saviour's Lutheran Church has been a trusted and much-loved chaplain here.

A records clerk asks Meeker to pray for her family.

"Because my son's getting a license," she said.

"Absolutely," he says before moving on.

Two decades have thrust Chaplain Meeker into the hottest fires of human experience. But taking care of officers' emotional and spiritual needs is what he does most.

One officer's relationship with his wife has gone cold. Another's daughter is taking drugs and causing pain to his family and himself, which he brings to work.

Meeker makes a special stop at yet another officer's desk. Her son killed himself a few years back. Since that awful time, Meeker's made sure he's front and center for her.

"A lot of times I call it a ministry of listening, just a ministry of presence," he said.

Meeker never thought about being a police chaplain until asked by Dick Dexter, a funeral-director member of his congregation. Our Saviour's is located in the bulls eye of the poorest and most crime-ridden section of Bremerton. The congregation had a long history of boldly reaching out to those in darkest corners. Meeker as a police chaplain would be a extension of that, Dexter suggested to him.

"It was a blend of apprehension and curiosity," Meeker remembered. "Gave it a try."

Dressed in a regular officer's uniform with bullet-proof vest, but with a clerical collar and prominent cross on his sleeve, he rides along regularly with the officers, usually at night when the action is at its peak.

They get a call-out. Officers in another county are in hot pursuit of a driver fleeing at breakneck speeds. They're headed their way, and Meeker and the officer are ordered to pick up the chase at the county line.

Adrenaline rushes through Meeker as they chase after the driver, who now is weaving through crowded city streets where men, women and children are walking.

Meeker prays for their safety.

The driver crashes his car smack in front of Meeker's church. He jumps out and flees on foot, but the chase is over. Meeker shudders and takes a breath.

Daughter Arleta thinks her dad's other job is very cool. Wife Loretta, less enthusiastic.

Meeker, 51, hesitates. "She has concerns when I do ride-alongs."

The years have left their mark.

A parent backs out of his driveway and runs over his toddler, crushing the child to death. Meeker and an officer are immediately called to stand alongside the mortified parent and family.

"It affected me personally. Why does God allow children to die, to suffer unnecessarily? I will take that question to the grave and to heaven," he said.

Then again, Meeker already has the answer.

"The Lord is faithful in every life situation," he said.

Cops, Meeker said, are a surprisingly religious group of people, and some over the years have worshiped at Our Saviour's.

Meeker continues his walk-through at the police station, greeting, joking and laughing in his booming voice, and asking if he can help.

"You never know when your witness might plant a seed for faith."

Photo by Rachel Pritchett
The Rev. Paul Meeker leads Our Saviour's Lutheran Church of Bremerton but also is a longtime and beloved chaplain at the Bremerton Police Department.

Pastors to gather for Bishop's Convocation in January

SEABECK — Once again this year, the historic Seabeck Christian conference Center will be the scene of the annual Bishop's Prayer Retreat and Convocation. Pastors from throughout the Southwestern Washington Synod will gather between Jan. 22 and Jan. 24 to hear remarks by special guest the Rev. Dr. Terence Freitheim.

Freitheim is a professor of the Old Testament at Luther Seminary in Minnesota. Bishop Robert D. Hofstad will have a report to the pastors, as well. Look here and in Moments for Mission, the synod newsletter, for a report from the convocation.

Pictured: The Seabeck Christian Conference Center overlooks Hood Canal and now is undergoing renovations that include new buildings.

Poulsbo church community bids Jukams farewell

On staff at First Lutheran Church since 1997, the Rev. Don Jukam will retire at the end of the year. All are invited to Pastor Jukam's final sermon at 10 a.m. at the historic hillside church at 10 a.m. Christmas Day. Wife Elaine has been active in many capacities throughout his tenure at First.

Don Jukam previously served as a Navy chaplain before coming to First.

The church now is lead by the Revs. Kent and Alison Shane and Youth and Family Coordinator Paul Davis. On Dec. 3, the congregation hosted a banquet in honor of the Jukam's contributions in First's Christian Center. About $20,000 in donations marking the retirement went to ELCA Good Gifts and other efforts of the congregation.

The church, also currently celebrating its 125th anniversary, is at 18920 Fourth Ave. NE, Poulsbo.

Pictured:
The congregation of First Lutheran Church of Poulsbo hosted a banquet honoring the Rev. Don and Elaine Jukam in First's Christian Center on Dec. 3.

Elaine and the Rev. Don Jukam.

First Lutheran Church of Poulsbo, situated on a hillside overlooking Liberty Bay in historic downtown Poulsbo, has been a beacon for many over the past 125 years.

— Rachel Pritchett

Stories of faith in action now available

By the Rev. Lanny Westphal, program director, ELCA Global Mission

Stories of Faith in Action is a free resource full of dynamic stories of how God is changing lives around the world through the mission and ministry of the ELCA. You’ll also find information on Mission Support (the financial contributions given by synods and congregations to fund churchwide ministries), including budget numbers, and more. This is a very useful resource for the Epiphany season and for congregational meetings. To order your free copy of Stories of Faith in Action, call (800) 638-3522 or order online at www.elca.org/resources. Ask for ELCAMA1008. The resource is free; you only pay for shipping.

The January Moments for Mission deadline

is Friday, Dec. 23.

- Rachel Pritchett, (206) 498-0920, rachelpritchett@msn.com

Presiding bishop delivers Christmas message

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all. — Titus 2:11

In this world where God creates with deep beauty and profound mystery.
In this world where so many yearn for God's healing and peace.
In this world where some have thought God has forsaken us:

Here, in this world, the grace of God has appeared.

Not just in this world but for you.

For you, weary from trying to meet the expectations of others.
For you, worrying about an uncertain future.
For you, wondering if you are worthy.

For you, the face of God has appeared, bringing salvation.

Not just for you but for all.

For all, salvation has come in the wonder of God in mercy bending low to meet us in our humanity.
In the mystery of Christ's death and resurrection.
In the power and promise of the gospel's proclamation.
God's goodness and living-kindness has appeared in the Savior Jesus.

So with angelic messengers and witnessing shepherds. We raise our voices: "Glory to God in the highest heaven and on earth peace among those whom he favors."

Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop

Revamped ELCA.org unveiled today

... I like it very much, with the welcome at the top and the rotating window. Here's an explainer from Scott Hendrickson, ELCA marketing chief. Rachel Pritchett

Dear colleague in ministry,

Today we will be launching the new homepage of ELCA.org! Our story-based homepage offers ELCA members, and those looking to get to know us better, a way to learn about what God is up to in the world through this church.

The new homepage also places this church's welcoming invitation front and center, particularly with Find a Congregation — our most popular feature.

The new look is not a site-wide makeover; you'll still find information about this church's ministries, resources and giving opportunities, as well as learn how ELCA members are putting their faith into action.

We've added a new Explore now feature that highlights stories about how together we are helping to restore and reconcile communities around the world.

You'll be able to read news and event updates, discuss with other members about what it means to "live Lutheran," learn about the ways your financial gifts support ELCA ministries, and find resources that help us do God's work together.

We've made some adjustments to the footer as well. These changes reflect our new organizational design and include site tools for easy navigation. A direct link to finding a churchwide ministry is also available, so start there if you're looking for a specific ministry.

We're committed to providing our 10,000 daily visitors with stories and resources that inspire and inform. In 2012, we will continue to redevelop ELCA.org with improvements throughout the site and will let you know as those updates happen. Thanks for your ministry and support.

Advent blessings,

Scott J. Hendrickson
Director, Marketing Communications
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
www.ELCA.org
www.LivingLutheran.com

Two furnaces click off as Christmas approaches at Mountain View

Readers,

This today from Troy Kehm-Goins, Mountain View Lutheran Church of Edgewood:

Disciples, members, and friends of Mountain View Lutheran Church:

I am writing to you from the frigid wasteland that the Fellowship Hall and church office have become. Okay, it's not quite that bad, but we are currently operating without the two rooftop furnaces, which means no heat in the the aforementioned spaces.

In other words, I suggest that (as all good residents of the Pacific Northwest are accustomed) you wear layers of clothing when you attend the Advent midweek soup and bread dinner and Advent midweek worship tomorrow evening. And, even though the temperature in the Fellowship Hall is likely to be in the lower to mid 60s tomorrow night*, Pastor John says, "The Sanctuary is heated, so no excuses!" In other other words, you still need to be here to hear the message of how "Hope Leans Toward a New Future."

Thank you to Dave Cherpeske and other members of the Property Ministry Group as they organize the replacement of the rooftop furnaces, one of which is completely done and the other which is limping toward its demise. The work will likely take place two or three weeks from now, as the replacement units are being built as you read this.

Thank you also to the various members who have brought space heaters up to the church. We are putting them to good use!

*Who knew that I would be forecasting weather for locations on the church campus at some point?

Troy Kehm-Goins
Administrative Assistant
Mountain View Lutheran Church
(253) 863-5171
tkehm-goins@mtviewlutheran.org

Posting

Lay youth minister: St. John's Lutheran Church of Chehalis seeks a part-time lay youth minister to work with middle- and high-school students. The applicant should be creative in planning and executing fellowship and service activities, as well as qualified to lead in spiritual formation. The position is 12 hours a week. St. John's has a congregation of about 400 worshipers including 40 youth. Contact the Rev. D. Randall Faro at (360) 748-4741.

Homeless-services funding discussed Tuesday in Olympia

Faith Action Network sends an alert that the Senate Bill 5952, increasing and extending the document-recording surcharge that counties collect for homelessness, undergoes a public hearing before the state House Financial, Housing and Insurance Committee at 1:30 p.m. Dec. 13.

FAN asks those who agree with this to contact members and voice support. Members include: Hobbs, Steve (D) Chair, Prentice, Margarita (D) Vice Chair, Benton, Don (R), Fain, Joe (R), Haugen, Mary Margaret (D), Keiser, Karen (D), Litzow, Steve (R)

An Advent and Christmas devotion on faith, but not certainty

By the Rev. D. Randall Faro, St. John's Lutheran Church, Chehalis

“And the Word became flesh, and lived among us.” John 1:14

The author Anne Lamott has written that the opposite of faith is not doubt, but certainty. She’s on to something here.

I’m certain that two plus two equals four. I’m certain that the earth revolves around the sun. I am also absolutely certain that I will never summit Mount Everest. We’re talking here about empirically observable, scientifically demonstrable facts. Philosophers can quibble about reality and our perceptions of such, but I’ll bet you that if you give any one of them two apples and I give that same one two apples, said philosopher will say she has four apples. For certain.

What really happened some two thousand years ago in a pipsqueak town called Bethlehem in region of our planet today called Israel/Palestine? We’re not certain. And when the baby born that superstar night grew to be a man who was eventually executed, just exactly who was He and what does His life have to do with mine? Again, we’re not certain. By that I mean not four-apples certain. Rather, what this Christmas business has to do with our lives is a matter of faith.

The writer to the Hebrews put it this way: “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” We don’t hope that two plus two equals four, and the Copernican revolution came to pass because of things seen with our own eyes. Faith, on the contrary, is always burdened by some amount of uncertainty. Were it not, it would be a scientific law that one would be a fool to not accept.

A modicum of uncertainly in no way takes away from our faith. In fact, it affirms faith for what it is. And we justifiably base our lives on our faith in Jesus Christ.

An analogy that I hope helps. For over fifty years of my life a foundational basis for it all has been my love for my wife Betsy, and a belief in and acceptance of her love for me. One surely can’t put love under a microscope, and there has always been the chance that either one of us would call it quits. Nevertheless we have “believed” in each other, and continue to affirm and depend on that ethereal and fragile thing called love. We are invited to do the same with God.

Justice and peace for all of humankind laid as a newborn in an animal feed trough . . . only faith can embrace that. A person can claim that one believes such with certainty (I surely do), but let’s call a spade a spade, namely that what we are talking about is faith. If we try to claim a scientific, empirical certainty for such, then anyone who might have a contrary view must be deemed loco. Which is exactly what Jesus did not do.

As a matter of New Testament fact, Jesus reached out to and commended (often for a faith they didn’t even know they had) oodles of Gentiles, i.e., not members of the Hebrew faith community. Jesus never demanded certainty. He just said: “Follow Me. I’ll show you things you never imagined, and you won’t be sorry. And by the way, we’re going to save the world.” Only one thing in the world would cause a person to drop their present lives and follow Him, and it certainly wasn’t certainty. It was faith.

So this Christmas Eve we’ll sing Silent Night, O Come All Ye Faithful, and O Little Town of Bethlehem again . . . in faith. Please don’t try to prove any of it to me. Not only because it can’t be done, but because we are called to put our trust in something far deeper and more important than that which is revealed by mathematical equations or microscopes. And when the Christmas Gospel ends with the shepherds praising God for “all they had heard and seen,” please remember that at the time they didn’t have a clue how to make sense of it all either. Yet they were gripped with new meaning and new joy in their lives, which was based one hundred percent on faith.

And so with us. A blessed Christmas to all as we once more gather to wonder together at the glorious mystery of God-in-the-flesh.

Consider becoming one of 1,000 Mission Friends

Just $100 a year makes you one of the Southwestern Washington Synod’s 1,000 Mission Friends.

As such, you help support not only new mission starts, but also those in need of renewal.

One recipient of 1,000 Mission Friends is the Living Stones Prison Congregation at the Washington Corrections Center for Men in Shelton. Each week, 100 incarcerated men meet in worship. The Rev. Eric Wangen-Hoch leads them, and a team from one of the synod’s congregations joins in.

If helping 1,000 Mission Friends would put you in the Christmas spirit, please send a check to the Southwestern Washington Synod, Att’n: 1,000 Mission Friends, 420 121st St. South, Tacoma, WA 98444-5218. Make the check out to the synod, and write “1,000 Mission Friends” in the memo line.

Thank you.

Posting

Church administator: Mountain View Lutheran Church of Edgewood seeks a church administrator. Duties include managing church finances and operations, and linking to the Mountain View Community Center. Necessary skills include knowledge of financial and accounting software. A degree in business is preferred. To apply, visit www.mtviewlutheran.org and follow the prompts. For more information, contact Julie Williams at (253) 232-3559 or jules.williams@yahoo.com.

AP weighs in on Christmastime writing style

Church writers — I received this at work today from The Associated Press on style relating to the holidays. I use AP style in my writings, so I can have one standard. Here it is, Rachel

Advent
The four Sundays preceding Christmas.

"Auld Lang Syne"
Sung to greet the New Year, poem by Robert Burns set to Scottish music.

BETHLEHEM, West Bank (AP) -
Dateline for AP stories from the biblical site of Jesus' birth.

Bible
Capitalize in reference to the Scriptures; lowercase biblical in all uses.

Boxing Day
Post-Christmas holiday Dec. 26 in British Commonwealth countries.

Champagne
Capitalize sparkling wine from the French region uncorked to celebrate New Year's.

Christmas Eve, Christmas Day
Capitalize Dec. 24 and Dec. 25 Christian feast marking the birth of Jesus.

Christmastime
One word.

Christmas tree
Lowercase tree and other seasonal terms with Christmas: card, wreath, carol, etc. Exception: National Christmas Tree.

dreidel
Toy spinning top for Jewish celebrations.

hallelujah
Lowercase the biblical praise to God, but capitalize in composition titles: Handel's "Hallelujah" chorus.

Hanukkah
Eight-day Jewish Festival of Lights starting Dec. 20 this year.

Jesus, Jesus Christ
Pronouns referring to him are lowercase, as is savior.

happy holidays, merry Christmas, season's greetings
Such phrases are generally spelled lowercase, though Christmas is always capitalized.

Holy Land
Capitalize the biblical region.

Kriss Kringle
Not Kris. Variation of Santa Claus. Derived from the German word Christkindl, or baby Jesus, for gift sharing.

Kwanzaa
African-American and Pan-African celebration of family, community and culture, Dec. 26-Jan. 1.

Magi
Three wise men who brought gifts to the infant Jesus at Epiphany, celebrated Jan. 6.

menorah
Candelabrum with nine branches used for Hanukkah.

Messiah
Capitalized in references to Jesus or to the promised deliverer in Judaism.

Nativity scene
Only the first word is capitalized.

New Year's Eve, New Year's Day
Capitalized for Dec. 31 and Jan. 1.

North Pole
Mythical home of Santa Claus.

poinsettia
Decorative plant for Christmas; note the "ia."

regifting
Passing along an unwanted present to someone else.

Santa Claus
Brings toys to children in a sleigh pulled by reindeer on Christmas Eve.

"A Visit From St. Nicholas"
Beloved poem by Clement Clarke Moore that begins, "'Twas the night before Christmas..."

"The Twelve Days of Christmas"
Spell the numeral in the Christmas carol.

yule
Old English name for Christmas season; yuletide is also lowercase.

Xmas
Don't use this abbreviation for Christmas.

PLU temporily shuts down campus news site

http://www.thenewstribune.com/2011/12/02/1930229/plu-temporarily-shuts-down-papers.html

Coming here soon; Early discussions on a new place of worship

Readers,

I attended a meeting of Lutheran and Episcopal pastors and administrators Thursday in Poulsbo on the possibility of starting a federated synodically authorized worshiping community in Kingston, which is on the north tip of the Kitsap Peninsula. Perhaps in a theater; perhaps starting on Palm Sunday. This group has been meeting for two years on this subject. Thursday's meeting was hosted by the Rev. Kent Shane at First Lutheran Church of Poulsbo, and I'll share it here in a story I plan to do soon. Pictured: the group meets Thursday in Poulsbo.

Rachel Pritchett, communicator

Soul Café strives for shared sacred space, online

By the Rev. Melanie Wallschlaeger, director for evangelical mission

Soul Café, at www.soulcafe.org, a new Region 1 online community, provides sacred space for pastors and lay leaders to share resources and conversation about ministry and mission in the Pacific Northwest. The idea for a community commons grew out of a series of listening events in the Oregon Synod. As congregational leaders shared their need to learn from colleagues and congregations facing similar challenges, the idea for Soul Café emerged. Soul Café currently is in the beta phase of development, which means it is now ready to serve all the congregations and lay leaders of Region 1 who will benefit from this transformational resource tool. While Soul Café currently serves Region 1, the community commons has the capacity to expand for use by the larger church body of the ELCA should it become a useful and valuable tool.

Soul Café is not an “online church.” It is not designed to replace communities or face-to-face ministry. Much in the same way that Facebook is “me-focused,” a community commons is “us-focused” in that it is a tool to bring people together who share similar interests, values and passions, such as the ELCA congregations in the Pacific Northwest. Soul Café is a new collaboration tool designed to lift up our passions, help us coordinate efforts, shape best practices and mutually empower ministry.

Soul Café enables geographically separated Lutheran congregations, church-affiliated organizations, and individuals to meet, interact and get to know each other through idea-sharing and communication for solutions to the shared problems, issues and challenges facing the church today.

Edwin Rourk serves as community director of Soul Café. As a PK (pastor’s kid), Edwin has been shaped by faith and life in the church. Through his day-to-day vocation, Edwin has worked with large companies that have been strengthened by relationships and ideas that were brought together through online communities used in a corporate context. Edwin’s hope for the online community commons is that the church will be strengthened as congregational leaders share similar concerns and solutions about living out the mission as disciples in a changing context.

How can you experience Soul Café yourself or invite others in your congregation to get involved?


- Sign on to Soul Café and fill out a profile.

- Join at least one group and maybe even start one.

- Share Soul Café with others outside of your congregation or church organization.

- Help a friend sign up with Soul Café.

Thank you for your support and prayers as we seek to build community for the sake of God’s mission in our Church and the world.

Synod office closed some days in December and January

Readers,

The synod office staff met this morning and hammered out the schedule for Christmas and New Year's.

Christmas falls on a Sunday, Dec. 25, this year. New Year's Day is the following Sunday.

The synod office will be closed on Friday, Dec, 23; Monday, Dec. 26; and Monday, Jan. 2.

Bishop Robert D. Hofstad will be working from home during the week between Christmas and New Year's, as will Office Manager Allison Ramsey. The Revs. Ron Hoyum and Valinda Morse, assistants to the bishop, will be off beginning Dec. 14. The Rev. Melanie Wallschlaeger, director for evangelical mission, will be off then, as well.

I have the week of Dec. 19 off from my day job in Bremerton, and am using some of it to do some synod stories that take a little more time. I'll be in Tacoma a couple of days and in Poulsbo, so far. This is a good week to invite me to your congregation.

Here's a photo of the gang I took in early November during a staff retreat at Rob's.

Rachel Pritchett, communicator (206) 498-0920 rachelpritchett@msn.com

What do they do in LaCenter? They make quilts.

Lutheran World Relief reports that this fall it received 725 quilts just from congregations in the southernmost part of the Southwestern Washington Synod. Producing the most was Highland Lutheran Church of LaCenter, with 155 quilts. St. Paul of Winlock was second, with 84 quilts. Reports from other areas of the synod were not immediately available.

Catechumenate training slated

“Go, Baptize, Make Disciples” is the theme of the annual catechumenate training taking place next summer in Spokane. Sponsored by the North American Association for the Catechumenate, the learning event centers on ways to equip believers to live lives of discipleship. Pastors, worship leaders and educators from congregations are invited to bring teams to the session taking place Aug. 3 at the Immaculate Heart Retreat Center. For further information, contact the Rev. Rick Rouse at rwrouse@comcast.net or (612) 710-7959. More information also is at www.catechumenate.org.

Rick Steves to headline FAN inaugural dinner

Travel expert, Edmonds resident and Lutheran Rick Steves is the keynoter for the inaugural Faith Action Network awards dinner, taking place Dec. 3 in Seattle. "Uniting for the Common Good" is the theme of the advocacy group's program that follows. The evening begins at 4: 30 p.m. in the Bloedel Hall of Saint Mark's Episcopal Church, 1245 10th Ave. E. Tickets at $70 apiece or $500 for a table may still be available by calling the FAN office at (206) 625-9790.

Courtesy photo: St. Mark's on Capitol Hill in Seattle

Tickets for PLU Christmas concerts still available

Pacific Lutheran University’s anticipated Christmas concerts return to Tacoma, Portland and Seattle this winter and again will feature the Choir of the West, the university’s chorale and members of its symphony orchestra. Three performances are slated for Tacoma at PLU’s Lagerquist Concert Hall. They take place at 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3; 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4; and at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9.

In Portland, a concert will be at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30, at Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. In Seattle, it will be at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5, at Benaroya Hall. For tickets, visit www.plu.edu/christmas or call (253) 535-7787.

Look here for Black Friday unbeatable bargains ...

... Gifts of Hope is an alternative gifting program for Christmas available to churches in the Southwestern Washington Synod. Approximately 10 churches will participate this year. A catalog is available with 33 gifts that can be purchased. You receive a card that you send to the person you are gifting that explains the gift. There are gifts for food, clean water, shoes for children, a horse for a missionary, baby chicks for education of orphans in Ethiopia and many others. One-hundred percent of the money that purchases the gifts goes to the agencies, as all the work is done by volunteers. For more information call me at (253) 862-1050.

— Ann Miller

For the Romas, one house at a time

By Rachel Pritchett, synod communicator

TACOMA — Tom Geary of Fox Island recently returned from his fourth trip to Romania, where he has been building homes to replace substandard, crumbling ones thrown up during the Communist era.

"It was excruciatingly painful. We had to do all that from scratch," Geary said. His Habitat for Humanity team arrived in August to find no more than bare farmland at the building sites.

While the Northwest team had come at the invitation of the national Habitat Romania, there was no local affiliate to prepare the sites. No building materials or local labor were waiting for Geary's team. They had to search out every scrap of material and recruit helpers from a church in the village of Baltesti.

But in the end, the member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church by The Narrows and his team built 10 houses, many of them for the disadvantaged Roma population, for generations at the fringes of Romanian society.

Geary first saw the cramped and drab living quarters made of concrete in the early days of the post-Communist era, when he was stationed in Bucharest as a U.S. Air Force colonel. He learned the complex Romanian language as part of his work assisting the U.S. ambassador to Romania. On retiring years later, he felt called by God to return and use his special skills to help provide better housing.

"I feel like it's a calling. This is an opportunity for me to do something to help," Geary said.

It's been a roller-coaster of emotions for everyone during each of the four trips back.

During the first, in 2005, Geary saw the rows of substandard housing, much more deteriorated than when he was stationed here. Geary was able to easily communicate with the locals, but Roma occupants were skeptical when he told his Habitat team was there to build them new houses. Their government had let them down.

"I think they felt like this was just going to be another disappointment," Geary said. When they gained trust and saw the new homes that would replace the squalid surrounding they had endured, they cried with Geary.

At 63, the longtime local leader with the Tacoma-Pierce County Habitat for Humanity hopes he can return to Romania for a fifth time, even though the Habitat duty is double-tough there.

And overwhelming, too.

"One person might not be able to declare victory, but at least you're making an effort," he said.

Pictured top to bottom:

Tom Geary of St. Mark's Lutheran Church by The Narrows pauses with Emil Constantinescu, president of Romania from 1995 to 2000 and now board member of Habitat for Humanity International.

Geary hauls block in Baltesti, Romania, this past trip. He lost 22 pounds and "feels great."

Tom Geary relaxing on his return.

Pastor, family and friends reclaim site of suicide

BREMERTON — The Rev. Sigi Helgeson of Family of God Lutheran Church on Sunday, Nov. 20, joined with family and friends to reclaim a parking space outside the church in which a young man killed himself overnight on Oct. 2.

Melva Hill of Bremerton presented the congregation with an autumn gold ginkgo tree planted at the site, which also has a plaque remembering her son, Anthony J. Klocke, 28. Klocke mixed common household cleaning chemicals to produce toxic fumes, which he then breathed while parked at the church. Helgeson discovered him the next morning.

On Sunday, she said, "We remember him."

The ceremony was followed by a communitywide forum at the church on coping with suicide.

Pictured: An autumn gold ginkgo tree, flowers, plaque and Christ candle were at the site Sunday.

Synod Council takes up bishop election, more

By Rick Nelson, Synod Council member

DUMAS BAY CENTRE, FEDERAL WAY — Members of the Southwestern Washington Synod Council are proposing amendments to the synod constitution and changes in the process used to elect bishops.

The council acted on these and other issues when it met Oct. 28 and 29 in its annual retreat. Major items of interest follow:

— The council approved a recommendation for amendments to the constitution and bylaws to eliminate boards and committees that are mandated but aren't functioning; the proposals will be on the agenda of the May 2012 synod assembly. Some boards and committees required by the synod constitution haven't functioned for some time, and the council has concluded they aren't currently needed. The changes would give the synod council the authority to form committees as needed, and the council plans to re-form quickly those committees that are functioning well.

— The council brought a formal conclusion to its congregational visitation program; fewer than 10 congregations were not visited and efforts will continue to visit them. The council sent the reports to an analyst at ELCA churchwide to summarize the findings. The council would like to distribute the report to congregations next year. The council hopes the report will identify programs and processes which some congregations have found successful and can be shared with others.

— Our existing synodical focus is on new mission starts; Bishop Rob Hofstad is planning to add a focus on the renewal of struggling congregations. He proposed that synod council members take more active roles in synod affairs, including taking part in the support programs for congregational renewal, mentoring the new start congregations, and having active roles in the synod assemblies.

— The council voted to augment the way the synod elects a bishop. The synod has used a strict ecclesiastical ballot at synod assemblies. On the first ballot, any voting member can nominate any eligible candidate, and it often takes many ballots to determine the election. Moreover, few of the voting members were acquainted with the backgrounds of the nominees. Synod council members felt that everyone should have a list of potential candidates and summaries of their backgrounds before the start of a synod assembly.

The council will ask the Synod Nominating Committee to take on the task of developing a nominating process so that a "voters' guide" can be sent to congregations before the assembly. The process would start with a call for nominations from congregations and conferences. Those nominees would be contacted to see if they're interested, then their profiles would go into the guide. At the assembly, the first round would be a nominating round, and anyone could be nominated, but voting members would already know willing candidates because of the voters' guide. The election would follow the traditional ecclesiastical election process from that point; no constitutional amendment is required.

Bishop Hostad's current term expires in 2013, and the synod will again elect a bishop at the 2013 synod assembly.

Rick Nelson is publisher of the Wahkiakum County Eagle in Cathlamet, Wash.

Holden Village gifted with historic letter

By Mark Jackson, chair,
Family, Youth and Family Studies, Trinity Lutheran College, Everett

Trinity Lutheran College presented Holden Village with an historic letter during Holden’s 50th anniversary celebration, held Nov. 12 at Normanna Lodge in Everett. The letter, dated June 23, 1960, transferred Holden Village from Howe Sound Company, a mining company, to the Lutheran Bible Institute of Seattle (now Trinity). LBI began offering programs the following summer, in 1961, and later created a separate corporation to grow Holden’s mission as a center for work, study, and church renewal.

Photo courtesy Holden Village

Event to better understand suicide is Sunday

Family of God Lutheran Church of Bremerton, along with another local church, will host a workshop Sunday, Nov. 20, about responding to depression and the suicide of a loved one. Family of God Pastor the Rev. Sigi Helgeson discovered a man who had committed suicide in his pickup truck at the church in early October. He had used common household chemicals to create the deadly fumes.

The man's mother will present a tree in his memory prior to the event, which takes place between 2 and 4 p.m. Social worker Donald Moriarty of Kitsap Mental Health Services will lead the free workshop. More information is at (360) 692-7729. Family of God is at 7625 Central Valley Road

Deadlines comng

The deadline for the December Moments for Mission, the synod newsletter, is Nov. 25.

The deadline for the February synod insert in The Lutheran is Nov. 26.

I am at (206) 498-0920 and rachelpritchett@msn.com.

Rachel Pritchett, communicator

Send announcement of Christmas events, concerts by Nov. 22

If you'd like your congregation's Advent and Christmas event included in the December Moments for Mission, the synod newsletter and here, send them to me by around Nov. 22. Thanks, Rachel Pritchett, communicator, rachelpritchett@msn.com.

Tacoma Symphony Orchestra, Chorus in 'Messiah'

The Tacoma Symphony Orchestra and Chorus present "The Messiah" at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16 at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 7112 South 12th St., Tacoma. Geoffrey Boers, member of Mountain View Lutheran Church of Edgewood, is conductor.

Featured soloists include soprano Denise Lees, mezzo-soprano Melissa Plagemann, tenor James Brown, and baritone Benjamin Harris.

Others Messiah participants from the Southwestern Washington Synod include accompanist Amy Boers and altos Sara Hoffman and Diane Tyler from Mountain View; baritone Rich Nance of Mount Cross Lutheran Church of University Place; soprano Karen Irwin of St. Mark's Lutheran Church by The Narrows; alto Kerstin Shaffer of St. Mark Lutheran Church of Lacey; and soprano Jill Westwood of Pilgrim and Celebration Lutheran churches of Puyallup.

The concert is sponsored by Franciscan Health System. For tickets, $25, call (253) 272-7264 or visit www.tacomasymphony.org.

Paul Stumme-Diers joins Board of Pensions

This from the Board of Pensions today, about the Rev. Herman Diers' son.

The Rev. Paul W. Stumme-Diers of Bainbridge Island has joined the board of trustees of the Board of Pensions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Stumme-Diers began his term of service immediately following election by the ELCA Church Council at its November 2011 meeting. As a trustee, Stumme-Diers will help guide the Board of Pensions in its mission to provide retirement, health, disability and survivor benefits and related services for 50,000 active and retired ELCA pastors, rostered laypersons, lay employees and their families. He will serve on the board’s Corporate Social Responsibility, Finance and Products & Services Committees.

Quilt blessed, knowledge shared at global gathering

TACOMA — Some 70 persons took part in the synod's annual global-mission event, "Global Stories — Transforming Lives," on Nov. 12 at St. Mark's Lutheran Church by The Narrows. Among the highlights was the blessing of a colorful and inspiring new quilt that holds the signatures of missionaries with ties to the Southwestern Washington Synod. Diane Armbrust, co-chair of the synod's Global Mission Committee, gathered the signatures, which those who had given service wrote on plain muslim. Each signature then was framed with fabric representing the country where they visited. Carol Fossum sewed everything together.

Speakers
Pack light when you go on mission trips, advised Dianne Johnson of the Northwest Washington Synod. That was only one piece of advice the seasoned sojourner gave to pull off successful visitations. Next, get out of the mindset that the trip is about a "project" to "fix" something, and rather seek relationship with the people you meet. "It's all about relationship," she said, adding that extreme poverty isn't something visitors can fix, since the problems are much bigger and sometimes global in nature.

Other tips:
— Know a little of the language. Just "hello" and "thank you" speak volumes to hosts.
— Research how hosts worship so you can fully take part.
— Bond as a mission-trip team by doing a few things beforehand, even activities that could create a little stress, like living in rustic cabins for a day or two. Work out conflict-resolution strategies.
— Share the work during a trip, with one person doing finances, another rooming arrangements, and on.
— Be polite with the cameras, and consider having one designated person per day. Hosts recoil when a dozen people pull out their cameras at once. Keep flashes and beeps off.
— Try to avoid depression when returning home brought on by the disparities you see. Take a safari or some other activity that is fun and decompressing.

Northwest author and former ELCA global-missions leader Anne Bayse introduced talked about going "glocal," which encourages us to think more globally about local issues, like water and food. "Our choices do connect us to the world," she said.

Workshops
— The Revs. Mike and Rowena Wang, among workshop presenters, shared how as mission developers they began two Lutheran worshiping communities in South King County where none existed before. "God's opened the door," the Rev. Rowena Wang said. She is pastor of the Federal Way Chinese Fellowship, and he leads the Chinese Lutheran Church of South King County in Renton. The couple have been doing quite of bit of outreach into the fast-growing Chinese American community in South King County, and consider their worshiping communities to be in the perfect place, near both Green River Community College and also Highline Community College, home to many Chinese visitors studying English as a second language. The couple routinely take their young worshipers to visit the Microsoft campus in Redmond, and also to destinations in Seattle and to Green Lake for fun.

Photo cutlines follow, top to bottom

Diane Armbrust, left, co-chair of the Global Mission Committee of the Southwestern Washington Synod, and Carol Fossum stand at a just-completed quilt that holds the names of missionaries with ties to the synod. The signatures of the global travelers are inscribed on simple muslin, and then framed with fabric that represents where they were.

Dianne Johnson of the Northwest Washington Synod gives advice on pulling off a successful mission trip.

Left to right, the Rev. Rowena Wang, synod Communicator Rachel Pritchett and friend Alex Pincus, and the Rev. Mike Wang after a workshop presented by the Wangs.

Global sailboaters the Martin family of Lacey presented a workshop about how they spread the Word across oceans. Left to right, Benjamin Martin, 11; Carrie Martin; and Lisha Martin, 9.

Bishop Wold and Elisabeth relocate to West Seattle

PARKLAND — After more than 24 years residing in Parkland, Bishop David C. Wold and wife Elisabeth are moving to West Seattle.

Wold, who served as bishop of the Southwestern Washington Synod from 1987 to 2001, said the move will allow himself and Elisabeth to live close to two of their four daughters. The retirement community is secure and the Wolds only have to cross the street to get to shopping.

"And someone else takes care of yard and garden," Bishop Wold observed.

The congregation and friends of Trinity Lutheran Church of Parkland wished him well and gave him thanks during a special celebration Nov. 6.

"We have contemplated this type of move for some time, so when the opportunity presented itself we decided to move when it was our decision and not an emergency. All four daughters are ecstatic with this decision and three of them have been in the apartment and helped us with the move. Without their support and encouragement we might have stalled beyond the point of being able to make the choice for ourselves," Bishop Wold said.

The Wold's new mailing address is 2615 SW Barton St., 1-207, Seattle, WA 98126. Their hone phone is (206) 466-1671, and the email remains dandewold@comcast.net.

Concluded Wold, "We feel honored, blessed and humbled to have had the privilege to serve and walk with all of you for nearly a decade and a half. We pray for your continued faithfulness to God's call and leading into an exciting and challenging future."

Photo, Ann Miller

Please join us at 'Global Stories — Transforming Lives'

‘Global Stories — Transforming Lives’
A special synod global-mission event
on Saturday, Nov. 12, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.,
St. Mark's Lutheran Church by The Narrows,
6730 N 17th St., Tacoma
$10 donation, lunch included,
registration at 8:30 a.m. or at globalstoriesmissions@gmail.com

All are invited to “Global Stories — Transforming Lives,” the synod's annual event where mission abroad is lifted high, bringing renewed inspiration and expanded knowledge. The day will feature stories and opportunities in global mission, including how to carry off a meaningful mission trip of your own. Keynoter Anne Bayse, pictured, will speak on living simply. Tanzania missionary Barbara Robertson will share, as will the Revs. Mike and Rowena Wang, Chinese mission developers in South King County growing the church in new directions. Young people from Silverdale Lutheran will recount their experiences in Nanchang, China, and a Lacey family that sailed around the world spreading the Word will be on hand. Come join in a special day.

Satterlee to lead Byberg Preaching Workshop

The Rev. Craig Satterlee, homiletics professor at Lutheran School of Theology of Chicago, is the featured speaker at the Byberg Preaching Workshop from Jan. 30 to Feb. 1 in Issaquah. Details and registration are at www.bybergpreaching.org for the event at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 745 Front St. The Rev. Susan Briehl is the workshop's chaplain. Satterlee, who is legally blind, was the keynoter at the 2011 Southwestern Washington Synod Assembly.

A letter from the Rev. Orv Jacobson on Living Stones Prison Congregation

November 4, 2011

Dear Friends of Living Stones Prison Congregation,

Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ! I am Pastor Orv Jacobson and I serve on the Outside Church Council of Living Stones Prison Congregation. On behalf of the Outside Church Council, I want to talk to you about our synod's churches' support of the ongoing ministry of Living Stones and suggest how you can support Living Stones Prison Congregation.

Our synod's prison congregation worships 50 to 70 guys on a Saturday night with 5 to 10 volunteers from the churches of our synod joining them in worship. Many of the people in our congregations have been just as renewed and strengthened as the men of Living Stones through their participation in the ministry of Living Stones. Living Stones would not be able to do ministry at the Washington Corrections Center without your support in prayers, participation and financial gifts.

We on the board have the calling to keep Living Stones as visible in the synod as possible. In order to do so we write to ask you to designate the 3rd Sunday in November as Living Stones Sunday. This year that Sunday is November 20. Here are a few ideas on how you can honor "Living Stones Sunday."

— Have someone from your church who has been to Living Stones give a testimony about their visit.

— Show the Living Stones video highlighted on the video "Go and Make Disciples" provided to your congregation at the 2011 Synod Assembly.

— Remember Living Stones in the prayers of the church.

— Invite an Outside Board member to speak to you congregation or preach by contacting Gerry Preus at gdpreus@msn.com.

— Take a special offering to support Living Stones.

We give thanks for all the ways you already participate, support and remember Living Stones. We look forward to the ways we will partner in the future.

In Christ,

Pastor Orv Jacobson

Coming Sunday at Trinity of Parkland

Friends of former Southwestern Washington Synod Bishop David Wold will gather at Trinity Lutheran Church of Parkland on Sunday around noon after worship to say good-bye to him as he and Elisabeth relocate to West Seattle.

All are invited.

In the November issue of The Lutheran ...

... is a brief about the Legacy Community Outreach food bank in part operated by First Lutheran Church of South Bend. It started out as a story, but had a lot of competing copy this month. — Rachel Pritchett

Providence’ a successful starting point in giving

Second of two columns on a synodwide planned-giving initiative, by the Rev. James Leistikow, ELCA giving specialist

Art and Grace have always tried to be good Lutherans and disciples of Jesus Christ. They have enjoyed the friendship and support of their pastors and other church members. They have served in leadership positions in their congregation, have been active participants in many projects, and have been faithful stewards of the financial resources God has provided
 them.

Their ministry and support also extends to their 
community, its agencies and institutions. Art and Grace have
 lived their lives aligned with biblical stewardship, recognizing
 that all we have comes from God, that generosity reflects 
God’s goodness, and that all of us can make a difference for 
God’s work to continue.

They had wondered about planning how their assets might be distributed and shared at the end of life so that they might continue to make a difference for God’s kingdom. They wanted to share a substantial portion of their blessings with their children. But they knew they were called to more than that. Assisted by an attorney and other planning professionals, they established a plan to distribute their assets in a tax-wise way through directives in their will. As they shared their plan, they were affirmed by family members and close friends and ultimately relieved that something which seemed illusive and complex ultimately was experienced as joy and relief.

Because their congregation had been so important in their lives, a portion of their assets was designated for the congregation in an ongoing way. A larger percentage of the remainder was designated for the trusted and well-managed endowment fund in their congregation. A smaller percentage was directed to establish a current fund to be matched by additional contributions and directed towards a new outreach ministry. Other percentages were directed to ministry institutions and agencies they had supported during their lives.

What might happen if the scenario described above would become the normative for legacy gifting and stewardship practice in all our congregations? How might our stories continue in a significant way beyond our lifetimes as they connect to what “God smiles upon?” How many new resources might become available throughout our synod for God’s work among us?
It was this driving vision behind the “Planned Giving Leadership” grant the synod has received from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Trained, supported and coached, “Planned Giving Leaders” throughout the synod can make a difference in our life together!

This February all of our congregations will be invited to attend the fourth in a series of six workshops offered in seven locations throughout our synod. Workshop No. 4 will feature the “Seven P’s Minus One.” Those are providence, prayer, people, property, plan, professionals and the minus, procrastination.

Workshop No. 4 will introduce some creative and new planning tools on the Internet and a process for identifying essential professionals, especially attorneys, for planning in every congregation. All are welcome. Those who have attended earlier workshops will receive invitations via e-mail. There will also be a link to access registration on the Synod’s website.

Times and locations to come.

Updates from synod workers

For adults who work with youth: The “Practice Discipleship” fall trainings take place Nov. 19th and repeat Nov. 20 in two locations. Presenters are Ingelaurie Lisher and Justin Snider, both associates in ministry. The Nov. 19 training is from 10 a.m. to noon at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church of Olympia. The second identical training is from 2 to 4 p.m. at First Lutheran Church of Poulsbo. RSVP to Lisher by Nov. 11 at ingelaurie@smlutheran.org.

Ten apply for funds to fight hunger: Ten programs in the synod have applied for the grants to help fund their activities. Committee members will visit program sites and learn what they’re planning. They’ll convene to discuss the applications and prioritize the list for a recommendation to the ELCA Domestic Hunger group, which will settle the awards next year. The applications are from: Council for the Homeless, Winter Hospitality Overflow, Vancouver; FISH Food Banks of Pierce County, Basic Food Assistance, Tacoma; Legacy Community Outreach Food Bank, South Bend; Lewis River Mobile Food Bank, Lewis River Mobile Food Bank, LaCenter; Mountain View Community Center, Seeds of Change, Edgewood; North Mason Coalition of Churches and Community, Food for Kids Program, Belfair; Peace Community Center, Hilltop Scholars, Tacoma; Communities of Faith, Food Backpacks 4 Kids, Wauna; Resurrection Lutheran Church, Garden of Peace Community Garden, Tacoma; and United Lutheran Church, Our Father's Kitchen, Tacoma. 
— Rick Nelson, Hunger committee

Namibia Task Force resumes: The synod’s Namibia Task Force is back in gear to foster future steps in the companion relationship the Southwestern Washington Synod has with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia. Task-force members have decided on two priorities for future work. The first will be backing community development projects, including a large emerging garden in north Namibia where produce for hungry AIDS orphans will be grown. The second is multifaceted support of Oshigambo High School. To join in this work, contact the Rev. Randy Faro at kingtut13@qwestoffice.net.

Mount Rainier High School auction coming

Nov. 12 is the date of the fourth annual dinner auction for Mount Rainier Lutheran High School in Tacoma. Last year’s auction raised $33,000. The dinner begins at 5:15 p.m. and helps provide scholarship help for students. For more information, contact Sandi Gamble at (253) 537-6377 or at sammisam13@comcast.net. The school is located at 7306 Waller Road East, Tacoma, and the church phone is (253) 284-4433.

Christmas is coming ....

.... and just the right gifts can be found in the synod “Gifts of Hope” catalog, which offers gifts that fund a variety of local and global church efforts. Examples of gifts are the Greater Chehalis Food Bank, Peace Community Center in Tacoma, or the Tanzania-Safi Foundation in Africa. To learn more or to receive catalogs, contact Ann Miller at (253) 862-1050. In the six years of the catalog, more than $76,000 has been raised for good causes.

The musical-minded are reminded to get their tickets now for Pacific Lutheran University’s anticipated Christmas concerts. They return to Tacoma, Portland and Seattle this winter and again will feature the Choir of the West, the university’s chorale and members of its symphony orchestra. Three performances are slated for Tacoma at PLU’s Lagerquist Concert Hall. They take place at 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3; 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4; and at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9. In Portland, a concert will be at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30, at Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. In Seattle, it will be at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5, at Benaroya Hall. For tickets, visit www.plu.edu/christmas or call (253) 535-7787.