History of the Bible explored

Silverdale Lutheran Church's Lay School of Theology explores the History of the Bible in a two-day series on March 12 and 13 at the church. The session will be led by the Rev. Ron Hoyum, assistant to the bishop. Saturday's session is from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. with a break for dinner. Sunday's session is from 9:40 to 10:40 a.m. There is no charge and child care is provided. Register by calling (360) 692-9263. The church is at 11701 Ridgepoint drive NW.

Gospel in cyberspace is upcoming topic

The Rev. Eric H.F. Law is the featured presenter at "Grace in Cyberspace: Sharing the Gospel in a Post-Digital Age," to take place April 8 and 9 at Trinity Lutheran College in Everett. Combining hands-on experience and ethical reflection on the impact of computer technologies, this series of lectures and workshops will provide insight for living in a diverse and digitally expanded world. The presentation is part of the college's 2011 Lavik Series, and is free. For more information or to register online, visit www.tlc.edu/lavik, or call Tracy Weber at (425) 249-4765. The college is at 2802 Wetmore Ave.

All invited to national Book of Faith jubilee

April 29 to May 1 is the time for the Book of Faith Jubilee — Inspiring Everyday People to Engage the Bible event at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minn. The celebration is appropriate for clergy and lay alike. Visit www.luthersem.edu/jubilee for more information, or call the Luther Seminary Lifelong Learning office at (651) 641-3416.

Installation marks synod's first federated congregation

The March 15 installation of the Rev. Andy Willis at St. Christopher's Community Church near Olympia marks the synod's first federated Lutheran and Episcopal congregation. Bishop Robert D. Hofstad and Episcopal Bishop Greg Rickel of the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia will lead the celebration. It takes place at 7 p.m. at the church, at 7902 Steamboat Island Rd NW, Olympia, WA. All are invited.

Tanzania missionary available for visits

Barbara Robertson, ELCA missionary serving in Tanzania, will be back at home in the Pacific Northwest from August through October, and is available to visit with congregations and other groups then. She can be reached at bubia2@hotmail.com.

Lutherans needed to teach English in China

Chinaconnect is seeking volunteers to teach English as a second language in Nanchang, in the Jiangxi Province of China. Chinaconnect continues to build relationships with the Nanchang Nursing School and the Nanchang Education Department, who are asking for the teachers.
The dates are July 3 to Aug. 1. The goal is to provide intensive oral English training for Chinese teachers of English in the forgotten rural countryside.
The cost to go is $1,300 excluding airfare and visa. Upon completion of teaching, visitors will go to Xi'an, home of the terra cotta warriors, and Lhasa, Tibet, according to the Rev. Steve Ray, executive director and pastor in the Southwestern Washington Synod.
Visit www.chinaconnectonline.org to learn more, or contact Ray at sray@chinaconnectonline or (253) 851-7643.

Proposed genetics statement now available

The ELCA Task Force on Genetics has released the proposed social statement, titled Genetics, Faith and Responsibility. It can be read at:

http://www.elca.org/What-We-Believe/Social-Issues/Social-Statements-in-Process/Genetics.aspx

Contemporary worship leader sought

Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church of Bremerton seeks a worship leader to finalize and implement a new contemporary service. Interested applicants can view the job description at www.oslcbremerton.org and can submit a resume and letter of interest to Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, 1015 Veneta, Bremerton, WA 98337 by March 31.

Books help prepare for Desmond Tutu visit

The Rev. Gary Peterson of Redeemer Lutheran Church of Fircrest suggests these titles to prepare for the speaking event by the Rev. Desmond Tutu on May 13 at the Tacoma Dome.

God has a Dream: A Vision of Hope for Our Time, (2005)

Made for Goodness: And Why This Makes all the Difference, (2010)

The Rainbow People of God: The Making of a Peaceful Revolution, (1994)

Tutu in Tacoma Friday, May 13

Tickets went on sale today to hear the Rev. Desmond Tutu in his last U.S. speaking engagement Friday, May 13, 7:30 p.m. at the Tacoma Dome.

http://www.plu.edu/development/Emails/2011/tutu/home.php

Synod Hunger Committee plans outreach

By Rick Nelson, member of the Synod Hunger Committee

The Southwestern Washington Synod Hunger Committee has started initiatives to increase awareness of ELCA hunger programs throughout the synod.
At its January meeting, committee members agreed to present a program for effective writing of ELCA Domestic Hunger Grants, to establish or re-establish contacts with members of congregations hunger programs, and to seek an ELCA grant to support those initiatives.
In 2010, the committee evaluated 13 hunger grant applications from churches in the synod. Based on the committee’s recommendations, the ELCA awarded $22,500 in funding for 12 of the churches.
Committee members agreed that a workshop on preparing hunger grant applications would help more congregations access the grant funds, and the members agreed to present that workshop at the May, 2011, synod assembly.
Committee members also agreed that they wanted to renew communication with the contacts it has previously established in congregations and to establish contacts with congregations without contacts to help promote awareness of and participation in hunger programs in the synod and through the ELCA.
The committee plans to present a hunger issues training to develop teams that can visit congregations and promote participation in hunger programs, local or worldwide.
The committee will present a resolution on hunger awareness at the synod assembly asking congregations to renew and revitalize their attention to hunger issues in the world and in their own communities through education, discussion, increased awareness of gifts to ELCA World Hunger, and through appointing one person in each congregation within the synod to serve as the congregational contact for synod hunger awareness information and resources.
Participation on the synod hunger committee is open to anyone. Its next meeting will be March 17, 6:30 p.m., at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Olympia.

Palace of pipe organs also place for Peace

By Rachel Pritchett, synod communcator
PORT LUDLOW, WASH. — Tucked alongside the cattle pastures and towering evergreens of Western Washington's Beaver Valley is a pipe-organ palace like no other.
Retired veterinarian Dr. Robert Schladetzky climbs onto the bench of a massive 1913 Kimball organ with more than 2,000 pipes in a huge chamber behind. Rich, luscious strains of "Almighty Fortress" rumble through Schladetzky's Beaver Springs Lodge, which he built years ago to house his incredible collection of the king of instruments.
Red and black Northwest Native American art pieces — masks, totems and traditional spirits painted on rustic wooden beams — are the only audience now as the familiar strains roll through the lodge.
But each Sunday morning, there is another group in front of this magnificent organ. It is Peace Lutheran Fellowship, a new ELCA worshiping community born from a nearby congregation, Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, that split over the churchwide decision on sexuality. The church left the ELCA, leaving the rest who wished to remain with the ELCA with no home.
Until Schladetzky agreed to let them use his eclectic palace of organs, that is.
With more than 30 members, the Peace community is grateful it has a place now to continue its mission of supporting ELCA mission here and abroad. At first relying on visiting pastors, the fledgling worshiping community is calling a pastor through the Southwestern Washington Synod. It is focused on growing in this most unchurched corner of the country. Already, several new families attend.
"This is just one more example of how we must be more creative in our focus on new mission starts in the synod," said Bishop Robert D. Hofstad.
Peace worshipers delight in their eclectic surroundings, and readily admit they're probably the only ELCA group that worships next to a full-service bar, and where a bright commercial kitchen opens up just feet from the altar.
And what other sanctuary has a shining gold-and-red 1928 Barton "circus-wagon" theater organ, complete with snare drum, cow bell, boat whistle, celeste and bird tweets?
Or how about a player piano with 200 rolls, a wall of autographed photos of movie greats like the sultry Mae West?
Dr. Schlade, as the locals call him, is full of interesting historical tidbits. The Kimball's original console is lost somewhere in history. The enormous oak 1935 console that sits here now came from First Presbyterian Church of Indiana, Penn., where actor Jimmy Stewart worshiped.
"He would have seen this," Schlade said.
He said his love for fine pipe organs began as a boy in Seattle. He grew up in the Pentecostal church where music ruled. He recalls pulling a red velvet curtain behind his church organ one day, and feeling his jaw drop when he discovered those beautiful sounds came from a complex myriad of pipes and moving pieces.
"I'm absolutely convinced that's where I got hit by the virus," admitted Schlade, now 67.
Years running a couple of big-animal vet practices went by. But he found enough time to become part of a network of people like himself poised to snatch pipe organs from old churches and theaters before the wrecking ball hit. The Kimball once stood in a big church in Walla Walla, Wash. The theater organ came from a long-gone silent movie theater Royal Oak, Mich.
Who knows how long Peace Lutheran Fellowship will call this its home. Schlade's has the place for sale for several years. He's had a lifetime of Northwest rain and yearns to grow grapes in the dry Palouse of Eastern Washington.
No buyers yet, though.
"Somebody that buys this place has to be into pipe organs. Let's face it," he said, acknowledging sadly that his pipe organs most likely will stay here in this special place.

Help group for women exiting prison holds fundraiser

TACOMA — Some 150 supporters of Empowering Life, a faith-based nonprofit that offers programs for women exiting prison, turned out Feb. 12 at St. Mark's Lutheran Church by the Narrows to hear testimonials and give generously.
The women who told their stories had been at Washington Corrections Center for Women in Purdy or at Mission Creek Corrections Center for Woman in Belfair. All were grateful for the programs that helped them adjust to the outside, and that helped their families, as well.
"It has done a great deal for me," said one woman, out of prison now for five years. "We're not bad people; we just made bad choices."
"Lots of girls are scared to come out," said another.
A silent auction, a Valentine's dessert and barbershop music by Golden Opportunity added fun to the evening.
The group, headed by Joan Nelson and others, is two years old. To find out more, contact Nelson at joan2nelson@comcast.net.

First of Poulsbo, oldest Lutheran church on peninsulas, turns 125

First Lutheran Church of Poulsbo will begin celebrating its 125th anniversary in February. It was built by Norwegians for $1,200 and today has 400 baptized members. For 96 years, the church has marked its roots with a Lutefisk dinner. First Lutheran was the first Lutheran church on the peninsulas, birthing other congregations over the years.
To read more, go to
http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2011/jan/25/church-goes-from-21-145souls-to-400-members-in/.

Know someone who 'loves to tell the story'?

Congregations, do you have a good storyteller in your midst?
How about one who has a story or two about real people doing ministry in Christ’s name?
If so, the Rev. Sarah Roemer would love to hear from you. Pastor Roemer serves at Spirit of Life Lutheran Church of Olalla and has just been named the mission interpretation coordinator for the Southwestern Washington Synod.
In her synod role, Roemer, with the help of synod Communicator Rachel Pritchett, will be sharing your stories with others for celebration, inspiration and encouragement as we all grow in our relationship with Jesus Christ and in our giving of time, talents and resources.
“We are soliciting your personal stories to inspire and see the difference God is making in our churches and the world,” Roemer said.
Her long-term goal is to identify a person in each congregation to be a “mission interpreter” to help tell the stories. Training and resources are available from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Keith Mundy, ELCA director for area ministry stewardship staff, said, “Since becoming a mission interpreter more than 10 years ago, I have heard many wonderful stories of how God is touching the lives of people through our giving. These stories are a joy to share and an inspiration for nurturing generosity.”
So storytellers, contact Pastor Roemer at pastorsollm@msn.com. She’s waiting to listen.

Notes from the synod office

By the Rev. Ron Hoyum, assistant to the bishop

This past week I received a phone call from a pastor who was concerned about terminating an employee at his church. He was worried that they treat the employee fairly but also avoid any legal issues that might arise subsequent to the termination.
While we were on the phone together I directed him to the general counsel’s webpage on the church wide website (elca.org) And there it was:
A section entitled “Questions about Employees and Volunteers.” It covered everything you needed to consider in the employment process.

Incarcerated women to share their stories

Come to a St. Valentine's Celebration on Saturday, Feb. 12, in Tacoma to hear stories from incarcerated women and the Lutheran mentors who help them.

The event includes a silent auction, elegant desserts and music by The Harmony Shoppe barbershop quartet.

It will be from 7 to 9 p.m. at St Mark's Lutheran Church by the Narrows.
The Empowering Life event is titled "Witnessing to God’s Grace by Working with Incarcerated Women and their Families."

A $15 donation is suggested. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans has helped to put this on. For reservations, contact Joan Nelson at joan2nelson@comcast.net or (253) 208-3307.

Those unable to attend but wish to help can send checks to Empowering Life, P.O. Box 1803, Gig Harbor, WA 98335.

Peace of Tacoma staffer enters seminary

Malcolm Carroll, youth and family ministry outreach coordinator at Peace Lutheran Church of Tacoma, begins on-line classes through Wartburg Seminary this week.

He will study theological education for emerging ministries as he works toward a master of divinity degree.

Carroll, 38, is a lifelong Lutheran originally from Philadelphia, Penn. He has been in his current position at Peace for more than two years.

Peace steeple redo completed

Members of Peace Lutheran Church of Puyallup have completed cloaking the church steeple with copper and adding a cross on top, the third such makeover in 118 years. Here's what it looks like.

Updated calendar of events

Feb. 13: PLU Sunday
Feb. 18 and 19: Catechumenal training, Vancouver
March 4 to 6, 2011: Synod combined junior/senior high school gathering, Black Lake Bible Camp, www.swwayouthministry.org
March 12: Southwestern Washington Synodical Women’s Organization South Sound Cluster, St. John's of Chehalis, (360) 458-4341
March 17: InterFaith Advocacy Day, Olympia
March 19: Southwestern Washington Synodical Women’s Organization Olympic Cluster Spring Celebration, Christ of Belfair, (360) 598-4882
March 26, 2011: Synod Council meets, Raymond
March 26: Southwestern Washington Synodical Women’s Organization Narrows Cluster Potluch Luncheon, United of Tacoma, (253) 549-6782
May 13 to 14, 2011: Southwestern Washington Synod Assembly, Grand Mound
May 18 and 19, 2012: Southwestern Washington Synod Assembly, Vancouver, Wash.
May 22, 2011: Washington Public Policy Office fundraiser and awards dinner, 4:30 to 7 p.m., St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 7916 1st Avenue NW, Seattle
June 11, 2011: Synod Council conference call, 10 a.m. to noon
June 18: Southwestern Washington Synodical Women’s Organization Triennial Gathering, St. John's of Chehalis.
Nov. 4 to 5, 2011: Synod Council retreat