Update on flooding at Spirit of Life of Olalla

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Spirit of Life Lutheran Church of Port Orchard has been deeply touched by the outpouring of support it has received since its building experienced significant water damage after a pipe broke under the church’s kitchen sink.

We give thanks to God that our preschool and daycare are again open and we are on the road to recovery. As we are putting things back together, we are planning a painting party to paint our narthex, sanctuary, kitchen and upstairs bathrooms.
We would be grateful for any help. The painting party will held, Saturday, Oct. 8, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Snacks and lunch will be provided.
Spirit of Life is located at 3901 SE Mullenix Road. Please call the church office at (360) 876-5094 for more information or if members of your congregation may be available to help.

Thank you,

Pastor Sarah Roemer

What can the 2010 U.S. Census tell you about your neighborhood?

By Rachel Pritchett, communicator

What can you learn from the 2010 U.S. Census about the people who live in your midst? Plenty, and what you discover may blow your assumptions of who your neighbors are sky-high.

The Census can tell you about population trends over 10, 20, 30 years, in some cases right down to the street level. It can tell you how about race, age, family configuration, renters v. homeowners, sexual orientation, habits, income levels, and so much more. Much of the 2010 Census is out now.

In my day job as reporter for a mid-sized metro daily, I've been lucky enough to get extensive training to navigate my way around the Census. It's pretty easy now. I am available to do a profile for your congregation, or to guide you through the process. Think of the ramifications to ministry if you knew who really lived next door.

I'll be doing a more thorough explanation and invitation next month. But for those who can't wait to discover the secrets hidden in the Census, contact me anytime at rachelpritchett@msn.com or (206) 498-0920.

P.S. To kind of give you an idea of what I'm talking about, here's a Census-based story I did for the paper. I went in figuring I'd do a story about how much the Hispanic population had grown in the big city of Bremerton. Wrong. It had grown far faster in affluent Poulsbo, Little Norway.

http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2011/sep/03/hispanic-population-booming-north-kitsap-census-sa/

Come hear the stories from far away

TACOMA — The time is coming once again this year for the much-anticipated "Global Stories" gathering, where mission abroad is lifted high, bringing renewed inspiration and expanded knowledge to all who attend.
The event, presented by the Southwestern Washington Synod, takes place from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at St. Mark's by The Narrows Lutheran Church.
The day will feature stories from many people throughout the synod who've gone on missions; nuts-and-bolts instruction on how to do a mission trip; and much more.
The keynoter for this year's event is Puget Sound-based author Anne Bayse. She will speak on how living simply here can help ease poverty and crisis there. She will be encouraging listeners to live life in a pared-down way to avoid unintended consequences abroad.
Barbara Robertson, this synod's missionary in Tanzania for the past 12 years, is back home on a rare visit to many congregations. She'll tell listeners all about her work as a AIDS/HIV program officer with the Morogoro Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Persons interested in long-term mission work will get a feel for what it' really like in conversations with the ELCA missionary.
Among the workshop presenters will be a husband-and-wife team of pastors who have begun two new Chinese/Lutheran worshipping communities in the 32-mile stretch between Seattle and Tacoma where there was none before. Mike Wang leads Grace Chinese Lutheran Church of South King County, which meets in Renton. Wife Rowena leads Federal Way Chinese Fellowship. Their work straddles two synods, and their worshippers, who've had only house churches until now, are grateful for all the Wangs have done. Come hear the stories of these impressive toilers of God's mission.
Two-dozen youth from Silverdale Lutheran Church will share with the gathering their experiences from a mission trip to Nanchang, China, in July. While there, the two-dozen young cleaned a sports facility, painted a home for retired nurses and sold newspapers, the proceeds helping to send Nanchang students to college. They were led by the Revs. Steve Ray, executive director of the nonprofit group ChinaConnect and Jonathan Sansgaard of Silverdale Lutheran. Even now, the Washington youth are Facebooking with their new friends from No. 2 Upper Middle School. To learn more about ChinaConnect, visit http://chinaconnectonline.org/.
A Lacey family that sailed around the world, spreading and receiving the Word, will tell their story, as well.
Diane Armbrust, chairwoman of the synod's Global Mission Committee, explained that "Global Stories" is for sharing the past year's global-mission experiences with others, creating inspiration and bringing new knowledge.
"It came about because we realized there was a lot going on in our synod around global mission — stories we wanted to hear, but that there wasn't really a forum for making that happen," she said.
Proceeds from an offering will be split between the synod companion relationship with its counterpart in Namibia, and to the ELCA Malaria Initiative.
The suggested donation is $10, and includes lunch. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. and the event begins at 9 a.m. Optional preregistration can be done by emailing globalstoriesmissions@gmail.com.
St. Mark's is at 6730 North 17th St. For more information, contact Beth Ann Johnson of the Global Mission committee at bajohnsonfreelance@gmail.com.

Pictured: A conversation in Nanchang, China between Silverdale Lutheran Church youth and a new friend.

Fifty years, and the old roof at Grace had had it

The roof at Grace Lutheran Church of Port Townsend withstood 50 years of Northwest weather. Members who'd figured that was enough replaced in this summer, and while they were at it, gave the church a painting.

Pictured: Men at work, photo Jim Hladecek

Do you have a call to represent the voiceless, the hungry?

By Rick Nelson of the Synod Hunger Committee

Is there someone in your congregation who is interested in what the ELCA is doing to combat hunger at home and abroad?

If so, the Southwestern Washington Synod Hunger Committee would like to meet that person, or persons, if one thinks optimistically. A resolution passed at the 2011 Synod Assembly asks congregations to increase awareness of, and participation in, the hunger programs of the synod and churchwide ELCA. The hunger committee is looking for at least one person in each congregation in the synod to serve as an advocate between the committee and the congregation.

The job can be as simple or as involved as the person desires. As the enclosed job description states, "Congregational Hunger Advocates are 'champions for hunger and poverty issues' within individual congregations throughout the Southwestern Washington Synod ELCA." Their “call” is to speak out for people who often have no voice — people who are poor and hungry — and helping to create educational opportunities for members of your congregation about the issues surrounding hunger in the world, and in your own community. What the hunger advocate will do depends on the available time, creativity, energy and opportunities of the advocate.

A congregation may already have an advocate. If so they're encouraged to renew their contact with the hunger committee. If not, the committee hopes that congregation leaders will put out the word so that someone will come forward.

For further information, contact Diane Armbrust by phone at (360) 456-8519 or online at dparmbrust@hotmail.com.

Priory Spirituality Center presents 'Appreciative Living'

Oct. 1 is the date for an event titled "Appreciative Living," presented by the Priory Spirituality Center of Lacey. Participants will learn to live with a positive, hopeful and joyful outlook.
The leader is consultant Sue Schneider. The day goes from 9:15 a.m. to 3 p.m. The cost is $40. Bring a lunch. The center is at 500 College St. NE. To register, call (360) 438-2595 or email spiritualityctr@gmail.com.

Take a tour through the Bible

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church and Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd of Olympia will present “A Walk Through the Bible” led by the Rev. Dr. Lowell Stime of Trinity Lutheran College. The learning session is from 9 to 4 p.m. Oct. 22 at Gloria Dei and is appropriate for children and adults. Families pay $35; individuals $15. Gloria Dei is at 1515 Harison Ave. NW.: (360) 357-3386.

Anti-racism workshop focuses on 'Tomorrow's Reality'

The Southwestern Washington Synodical Women’s Organization hosts an anti-racism workshop titled “Today’s Dream: Tomorrow’s Reality” from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 8 at The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Olympia. The day will feature Bible study, a video and interactive activities. Lunch is provided. The cost for the day is $10. Call the church at (360) 357-3554 to reserve spots.

Summit of Advocating Congregations slated

The second annual Summit of Advocating Congregations presented by the newly formed Faith Action Network takes place at 4:30 p.m. Oct. 9 at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church of Bellevue. Faith Action Network was formed recently by the merger of Lutheran Public Policy Office of Washington and the Washington Association of Churches. The church is at 2650 148th Ave. SE. To learn more, contract the Rev. Paul Benz at pbenz@lcsnw.org.

Poulsbo landmark church holds bilingual service

First Lutheran Church of Poulsbo will hold a bi-lingual Norwegian service at 11 a.m. Oct. 16 as its commemoration of its 125th anniversary continues. The service is written in English and spoken in Norwegian, and all are invited. A not-so-Norwegian barbecue is planned for afterward, provided by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. The church is at 8920 Fourth Ave. NE. The phone is (360) 779-2622.

Herre! Vi er komme in dett e hellig hus for at hore hvad du, Gud Fader, vor Skaper, du Herre Jesus, vor Frelser, du vaerdige Helligaand, vor Troster, i liv og dod, vil tale til os. Lord, we come into your holy house to hear what you, God our Fathe, our Maker, and Jesus Christ, our Savior, and you Holy Spirit, our Comforter, will say to us.

Pictured: First Lutheran Church of Poulsbo 125 years ago.

Sing out at Reformation Sunday HymnFest

It's the synod's most glorious celebration of Reformation Sunday where musicians and singers bring on their best. The 2011 Reformation Sunday HymnFest takes place at 3 p.m. Oct. 31 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church of Tacoma, and listeners themselves should come ready to sing. Choirs, brass, gospel music, soloists, and African and Native American ethnic performers will be on hand.

The event is free and a reception follows. An offering will help performers with expenses. Everyone is invited. The church is located at 3315 South 19th St. across from Allenmore Medical Center.

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.

PLU announces Christmas concert dates

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.

Pictured: PLU's University Symphony Orchestra, John Froschauer photo

Interested in joining the Namibia Task Force?

The synod's Namibia Task Force is convening shortly and invites anyone with an interest in taking part in the synod's companion relationship with its counterpart in Namibia to join. The task force hosts visiting pastors from Namibia, visits Namibia and earmarks funds for project there. Contact the Rev. D. Randall Faro at kingtut13@qwestoffice.net. Faro is the outgoing leader of the group.

Pictured: The bringing in of a new bishop in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia

Women's magazine changes name, still Lutheran under the hood

With the September issue, Lutheran Women today became Gather. The magazine of the Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America remains Lutheran under the hood. Take a look at http://www.elca.org/Growing-In-Faith/Ministry/Women-of-the-ELCA/Lutheran-Woman-Today.aspx.

Upcoming events

Contact the synod office for more information ...

Through Oct. 4: Conference of bishops meets, Chicago

Oct. 2: Associated Ministries Hunger Walk, Lakewood

Oct. 8: Women's anti-racism workshop, Good Shepherd, Olympia

Oct. 9: Summit of advocating congregations, Bellevue

Oct. 9 to 10: Lutheran colleges expo, Washington and Oregon

Oct. 16: Norwegian bilingual service, First of Poulsbo

Oct. 19 to 23: Women of the ELCA executive board meets, Chicago

Oct. 20 and 21: Seattle Pacific University theological conference

Oct. 21 and 22: Region 1 global-mission event, Kent

Oct. 22: "Walk Through the Bible," Gloria Dei, Olympia

Oct. 28 to 29: Synod Council retreat, Dumas Bay, Federal Way

Oct. 31: Reformation Sunday HymnFest, Tacoma

Nov. 11 to 14: ELCA Church Council, Chicago

Nov. 12: Synod global mission event, St. Mark’s, Tacoma, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Nov. 12: Mount Rainier Lutheran High School’s fourth annual dinner auction. For more information, contact Sandi Gamble at (253) 537-6377 or at sammisam13@comcast.net.

Nov. 30: PLU Christmas concert, 7:30 p.m. Portland

Dec. 3: Faith Action Network annual dinner, detail to come

Dec. 3: PLU Christmas concert, 8 p.m., PLU

Dec. 5: PLU Christmas concert, 7:30 p.m., Seattle

Dec. 4: PLU Christmas concert, 3 p.m., PLU

Dec. 9: PLU Christmas concert, 8 p.m., PLU

Dec. 25: Christmas Day

Jan. 21, 2012: Synod council conference call

March 31: Synod council meets, St. Mark, Lacey

May 18 and 19: Southwestern Washington Synod Assembly, Vancouver, Wash

Teaching about planned giving in all corners of the synod

This is the first of two columns about a two-year synodwide planned-giving initiative led by the Rev. James Leistikow. The second column will appear here in November. Pastor Leistikow can be reached at jim.leistikow@gmail.org. — editor

By the Rev. James Leistikow, ELCA planned-giving specialist

"Congregational Planned Giving Leadership - Growing Ministry in the 21st Century,” the grant from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, is providing an opportunity for every congregation in the Southwestern Washington Synod to expand its financial resources for current and future ministries. For the two years of this grant, the synod will be able to offer a valuable resource without cost to congregations. By participating, rostered leaders, church staffs, endowment committees, stewardship teams and church councils will all help shape how this resource is used in their own congregations.

The “Congregational Planned Giving Leadership” grant has been designed to help congregations create and strengthen their own leadership in this important area by providing teaching resources, coaching, and hands-on support in order that estate gifting directed towards the Lord’s work becomes the norm for the people of the Southwestern Washington Synod.

While teaching and training of congregational teams is the main focus, the overall strategy also recognizes the importance of “Allied Professionals” including attorneys, tax and financial advisors, as well as other trusted confidants necessary for faithful and responsible planning.
I was retained by the synod to direct this grant and have already begun the process. Early this year, introductory workshops were held in seven locations throughout our synod and included topics such as "Visioning of Future Ministries," "Planned Giving Resources Available," "Present Day Game Changers," "Planned Giving Roadblocks," and "Estate Giving as a Resource for God’s Work rather than Fund Raising."

Workshop Two was offered in the same seven locations in May and included more hands on topics such as: Planned Giving 101 featuring three most popular areas for estate gifting for ministries, "Establishing Trust and Confidentiality with Congregational Planned Giving Leaders,” “Watering the Bamboo," and "How to Invite, Encourage, and Ask Persons to Connect their Faith Journey with a Consistent Stewardship Witness."

The third workshop was offered at the synod’s “Stewardshops” this August and provided several tools for congregational use including a DVD, three Bible-study resources, a “Planned Giving Made Simple” PowerPoint designed for congregational use, and 18 best practices for congregations in the ministry of planned giving.

The fourth workshop is in January, the dates and times of which will be published here next month. The topic, “Seven P’s Minus One,” will be helpful for introducing the conversation of “Planned Giving” within households and families. Additionally, participants will begin to strategize and set a process for identifying and recruiting allied professionals in their planning process.

The gift of this grant is not only timely given the current economic climate, but more importantly, it serves as an opportunity to highlight healthy stewardship which extends beyond mere concerns for fundraising to gifting motivated by an understanding of grace and rooted in a faith that all comes from God and belongs to God.

Renewing Congregations workshop in Silverdale postponed

The "Renewing Congregations" free workshop at Silverdale Lutheran Church on Saturday, Oct. 1, has been postponed until February. The February date will be announced next week.

However, the other dates are still happening:

Saturday, November 12th at St. Andrew, Vancouver

Saturday, January 14th at Gloria Dei, Olympia

Blessings and thanks for understanding!

Allison Ramsey

Seeking a Cantonese interpreter ...

... for Saturday morning, Nov. 12, in Tacoma, for a global-mission event. Contact me, Rachel, at rachelpritchett@msn.com or (206) 498-0920. Thank you.

Sense of hope replaces sense of helplessness

By Rachel Pritchett, synod communicator

LAKEWOOD — Struggling St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church plans to embrace Lakewood's military community and befriend a Korean congregation in a renewal process now gaining steam.

A year ago, with few worshippers and angry creditors calling daily, the church was teetering on closing. Instead, its members placed it under "synodical administration." That's where three caretakers appointed by a synod's bishop take over the operation of the church, freeing members to find a new path.

"This is a great group of people; they just needed some help," Ron Coen, one of the caretakers, told the Council of the Southwestern Washington Synod meeting at the church Sept. 17.

Under the direction of the Rev. Joe Smith, St. John's members began building friendships with a Korean congregation that began worshipping there, Tacoma New Life Church. Plans are in the works for a joint Bible study, and also for St. John's members to help their new friends learn English.

"People are willing to get involved and give it a try," Coen said.

Members of St. John's visited with those at nearby Christ Lutheran Church. Both are in the shadow of Joint Base Lewis-McChord. They began learning how to connect with the military.

And, they visited with another of the synod's struggling congregations undergoing transformation, Spirit of Life Lutheran Church of Olalla.

"That was a bit of a game-changer," Coen said.

St. John's now is competing for a $10,000 grant from the Southwestern Washington Synod's Outreach Board that would further fuel its effort.

Since St. John's is the first congregation in the synod to go under synodical administration, it's been a learning experience all around.

Coen said the caretakers have discovered the importance of listening to the members and learning the history of the congregation. They've learned to take enough time to get people fully onboard.

"This can't be done quickly," Coen said.

Bishop Robert D. Hofstad plans to use St. John's walk back from the edge as a template in other congregations.

"This congregation is going to take leadership on how congregations take on transformation," he said.

That has begun.

Said Coen, "There was a sense of helplessness and now there's a sense of hope."

Pictured: St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church of Lakewood

Gathering Day at Mountain View

Above are some images from Gathering Day at Mountain View Lutheran Church of Edgewood, which took place Sept. 11. Here's the link to the congregation.

http://www.mtviewlutheran.org/

'Global Stories' to be shared Nov. 12 in Tacoma

Barbara Robertson, our ELCA missionary to Tanzania for the past 12 years, is among the many featured speakers in the upcoming annual "Global Stories" event Saturday, Nov. 12, at St. Mark's by The Narrows Lutheran Church in Tacoma.

Robertson is home on a rare visit, and will speak on her work as an AIDS/HIV program officer with the Morogoro Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania. Other featured speakers include writer Anne Basye on living simply.

A host of workshops will include one with mission developers the Revs. Mike and Rowena Wang, who've started two Chinese Lutheran congregations between Tacoma and Seattle where none existed before.

This is the main event of the year that people with any passion for global mission should attend. Opportunities to learn and become involved abound. The cost is almost nothing. Register when you get there. The stories start getting told at 9 a.m. The church is at 6730 N. 17th St., Tacoma, by the bridge.

Pictured:
Robertson with her Land Rover
With colleague Tabitha Kilatu at the diocese office
With nurse Deograsia Siguru
Translating a service
Teaching inhaler use

Lutheran across nation launch malaria initiative

By Lutheran World Relief

BALTIMORE —The Lutheran Malaria Initiative (LMI) will launch publically Sept. 18 to20 with several Lutheran congregations and schools hosting special offerings, awareness events and other activities.

LMI is an unprecedented campaign to mobilize U.S. Lutherans in the global effort to eliminate malaria deaths in Africa by 2015. LMI goals are to increase awareness of malaria and raise $45 million to help fight the disease. LMI is made possible through support from the United Nations Foundation.

Lutheran congregations, schools and individuals have already contributed nearly $2 million for LMI to help the people of Africa whose everyday lives are affected by malaria.

The following churches and schools will hold LMI events during the public launch:

• Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Cameron, Mo.
• St. John’s Lutheran Church, Wheaton, Ill.
• Ascension Lutheran Church, Cincinnati, Ohio
• St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, York, Pa.
• Faith Lutheran Church, Lacey, Wash.
• Salem Lutheran Church, Tomball, Tx.

All told, some 650 congregations and 200 schools across the country expect to hold LMI events before the end of the year.

Churches, schools and individuals interested in showing their support of LMI during the public launch might choose to pray a special LMI prayer or read the children's book about malaria, “Little Things Make Big Differences,” by LWR president and CEO John Nunes and his wife Monique Nunes.

Churches, schools and individuals can also show their support by joining LMI to receive an “LMI Starter Kit” that gives a step-by-step guide on how to organize and complete a local campaign in congregations, schools, offices, neighborhoods and communities.

“I want to thank everyone who is participating in this LMI public launch and am likewise grateful for all those who plan to join in the future,” said LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison. “We have our Lutheran partners at the last mile who are able to help those affected by the ravages of malaria. This initiative will vastly increase the capacity of our partner churches to deliver care, education, and prevention of malaria where they live.”

“Between 40 percent and 60 percent of health care in the developing world countries is provided by faith-based organizations, like our Lutheran partners,” UN Foundation CEO Kathy Calvin added. “It is inspiring to see how the Lutheran community in the U.S. can help the UN reach families in rural villages on the other side of the world.”

“We are thrilled and excited about this Lutheran Malaria Initiative, this global partnership to end needless deaths due to a preventable disease,” said Rev. John Nunes, LWR president and CEO. “Malaria is a devastating disease, and through LMI, there is something that each and every one of us can do to make a difference.”

About the Lutheran Malaria Initiative
The Lutheran Malaria Initiative, a partnership of Lutheran World Relief (LWR) and The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) and made possible through support from the United Nations Foundation, aims to mobilize Lutherans in the United States to help end malaria deaths in Africa by 2015. Both LWR and the LCMS have a long history of working to alleviate suffering and reduce poverty in rural communities around the world. Through the Lutheran Malaria Initiative, the LCMS and LWR can leverage the reach and power of the Lutheran network to make a significant impact through education, prevention and treatment of this devastating disease. For more information, visit www.lutheranmalaria.org.

About Lutheran World Relief
Lutheran World Relief, an international nonprofit organization, works to end poverty and injustice by empowering some of the world's most impoverished communities to help themselves. With partners in 35 countries, LWR seeks to promote sustainable development with justice and dignity by helping communities bring about change for healthy, safe and secure lives; engage in Fair Trade; promote peace and reconciliation; and respond to emergencies. LWR is headquartered in Baltimore, Md. and has worked in international development and relief since 1945.

Lutheran World Relief is a ministry of U.S. Lutherans, serving communities living in poverty overseas.

Warming up to a website redesign?

Look here ...

http://www.faithandweb.com/2011/09/13/redesign-your-congregations-website/

Leistikow to be featured in upcoming newsletters

The Rev. James Leistikow will discuss the two-year synod stewardship effort he is spearheading in the October and November issues of the synod newsletter Moments for Mission.

In October, he'll describe the widespread initiative titled “Congregational Planning Giving Leadership: Growing Leadership in the 21st Century.”

In November, he'll examine ways you and I can become more effective givers.

Deadlines coming

The deadline for the December synod supplement to The Lutheran is Sept. 30. The deadline for the October Moments for Mission is Sept. 23. Rachel Pritchett, rachelpritchett@msn.com.

Coming together, 10 years after

By Rachel Pritchett, synod communicator

TACOMA — Ten years after September 11, a lot has changed.

No more was that evident than at St. Mark's by The Narrows Lutheran Church on Sunday night, September 11, 2011.

Some 100 Muslims, Jews and Christians came together to put out the word that 10 years ago wasn't about religion, it was about terrorism.

"Violence has been perpetrated in the name of all religions and we stand against that," said the Rev. Jan Ruud. Ten years ago, he had just arrived to St. Mark's. In the minutes, hours and days after the bombings, he sought out and worshiped with Tacoma's Muslim leaders.

On hand Sunday night were Eldar Alishan and Suayip Nas, Muslims originally from Turkey now living south of Seattle and leaders of the Acacia Foundation. The nonprofit group, formed in 2002, has a mission to build the dialog of peace. To learn more, visit acaciafoundation.org.

The evening consisted of small-group studies and worship.

One member of St. Mark's said, "I think that's our call in life — to do what we can, we can't do it all, but we can do something."

Pictured above: Images from St. Mark's by The Narrows on Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011. The two men in the close-up are Eldar Alishan, left, a Muslim formerly of Russia when it was part of the former Soviet Union and now of Kent, and Vincent Crocco, member of St. Mark's. Alishan represents the Acacia Foundation, acaciafoundation.org, a nonprofit founded in 2002 south of Seattle for the purpose of increasing understanding between Muslims and Christians.

'I can guarantee you they pity us'

By Rachel Pritchett, synod communicator

BREMERTON — She'd been riffed as an Olympia music instructor, so thought the time might be right to become an ELCA missionary.

First stop for Barbara Robertson was as an English teacher in Haydon, Tanzania, a village "35 miles off the edge of the earth. Holy cow, what have I gotten into?" she remembered thinking.

Twelve years later, the 55-year-old native Washingtonian is briefly back home, making stops at supporting congregations including Our Saviour's Lutheran Church of Bremerton on Sept. 10, where she spoke about rural women in the east African country.

"A woman's life in Tanzania is very, very hard. It is a life of work," she told a gathering of about 35 women. Village women can expect to have about six children. Many likely will die in their 40s, thanks to AIDS/HIV. They birth at home, for the most part.

Health care is difficult to access. If villages are lucky enough to have rural health clinics, women "will be slipping around the back door looking for birth control," Robertson said. Some husbands may beat them if they find out.

Village women walk long distances to market twice a month for provisions and to socialize. Men go too, to congregate and drink. Men don't carry water long distances, but women and children do. Girls fetching water alone can be assaulted or raped, she said. They can be raped by a neighbor, who then makes recompense by giving the father a couple of goats.

Not all males are "rascally sorts" in this unleashed patriarchal culture. Some husbands are kind, and give their wives leeway to start small businesses, like selling chickens, milk or beaded things they've made. But the role of women in villages has been to work, to bear children and to give sexual pleasure to their husbands on demand.

There is a flip side.

Tanzanian women have a strong sense of sisterhood. If a woman's sick, her home soon is crowded with every female in the village bringing gifts of food.

"Our sisters know about carrying one another's burdens," Robertson said.

She has seen vast improvements in prospects for women. The government has built more primary and secondary schools and now is encouraging girls to complete their schooling and even go to college. Fathers now can be arrested for discontinuing their daughters' schooling at the seventh grade in order to marry them off.

"The government has put its foot down about girls in secondary school," Robertson said.

These days, Robertson lives in Morogoro, where she is an AIDS/HIV program officer with the Morogoro Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania.

She said it is easy to pity women in Tanzania. But because they have a sisterhood that's so strong and we don't, "I can guarantee you they pity us."

Tanzania missionary Robertson makes Western Washington sweep

ELCA Tanzania missionary Barbara Robertson is midway in a rare visit to congregations in Washington state, where she was raised and where many here remember her and pray for her work in AIDS prevention.

I caught up with her Saturday afternoon at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Bremerton, where she talked to the women of the congregation about dismal but improving prospects for women in Tanzania. Robertson's been in Tanzania 12 years now, and is contemplating relocating back to the United States, sometime. That probably would not be back to Washington, because she's had it with the rain. There was nothing but sunshine after the presentation, when a few of us took Robertson for a walk on the redeveloped Bremerton waterfront. I took a ton of photos, but I had a camera meltdown. I lost every single photo from the entire day except for this one.

Look for my story here soon and in Moments for Mission, the synod newsletter.

Thank you the Rev. Paul and Lorie Meeker for your kind hospitality. Thank you women of Our Saviour's for the beautiful tea, and especially the flowers. Thank you Marilyn Moen of Our Saviour's for sharing. Thank you dear friends Gary and Lis Lusk for making it possible for me to spend some time with Ms. Robertson in your loving home.

Robertson's home congregation is The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd of Olympia.

Rachel Pritchett, synod communicator
Pictured: Barbara Robertson, left, and Rachel Pritchett

ELCA pastors, lay leaders invited to SPU conference

Seattle Pacific University's Center for Biblical and Theological Education hosts an upcoming two-day conference titled "Scripture as Formation."
Taking place Oct. 20 and 21, the conference will feature speakers and professors from throughout the Northwest reflecting on the importance of Scripture and the ways in which God uses His Word to form individual believers as well as the church as a whole.
Organizers are sending a special invitation to ELCA pastors and lay leaders.
Featured presenters include the Rev. Eugene Peterson, professor emeritus of spiritual theology at Regent College of Vancouver, B.C., and author of 30 books; and Dr. Frank Spina, SPU professor of the Old Testament.
Those registering by Sept. 23 pay $35 to attend. The price goes to $50 afterward. Information on registering and further detail is at www.spu.edu/saf.
Pictured: Peterson

Roofed up and ready for fall

As of Aug. 23, Agnus Dei Lutheran Church of Gig Harbor has a new roof over one of its older building. Member Tim Wilson and his crew did the job, matching color and style with the remainder of the church. Agnus Dei's Harlan Damron and Don Krump did the tear-off. Pictured is the work crew way up high.

Send your September 11 remembrances

This is Rachel Pritchett, the synod communicator. The 10th anniversary of September 11 is next Sunday, and I think it would be appropriate to gather together the many commemorations our congregations are doing that day so that we can share with each other here and also in the upcoming Moments for Mission synod newsletter.

I'm inviting you to send portions of services planned that day, including sermons, petitions and responses from litanies, descriptions of special happenings, anything you're doing, plus photos. If there is anyone with an extraordinary story, please call directly.

Newsletter writers, as always, don't hesitate to repurpose into your own newsletters and onto your sites, too.

Send what you're planning at the below address either before next Sunday or shortly afterward, so we can make it timely. I'll put together a piece reflecting all of our remembrances. As far as I know, St. Mark's by The Narrows Lutheran Church of Tacoma is the only congregation hosting an interfaith prayer service. A light dinner and video on forgiveness is at 5:30 p.m. and the service is at 7 p.m. I will be attending, and from that get an anchor for this piece.

Hoping for a strong response,

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

Peninsula Lutheran Church of Gig Harbor seeks youth director

Director of youth and education ministries: Peninsula Lutheran Church of Gig Harbor seeks a full-time director of youth and education ministries to lead and renew youth and family-education programs. The position includes an occasion weekend and evening. Benefits are included; housing is possible. For more information, contact the church office at (253) 851-3511 or info@plcplace.com.

Young musicians from synod attend Summer Music Academy

The 30th annual Lutheran Summer Music Academy taking place this summer at Luther College of Decorah, Iowa, included some young local musicians.

Attending were Elizabeth Chamberlain of Calvary Lutheran Church of Federal Way; Colin and Erika Tobin and Mikayla Whitten of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church of Olympia; Danielle Tobin of Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd of Olympia; Kasey Shultz of Mount Cross Lutheran Church of University Place; Hannah Johnsrud and Courtney Lee of Mountain View Lutheran Church of Edgewood; and Kayleigh Shaffer of St. Mark Lutheran Church of Lacey.

They were among 151 students accepted into the program, one of the nation’s premier music training programs for young people. The program’s mission is to transform lives and connect people through faith and music. Lutheran Summer Music fosters musical excellence and spiritual growth in a caring community for high school band, orchestra, choir, piano, and pipe organ students from all faith backgrounds.

Jim Hushagen, vice president of the Southwestern Washington Synod and chair of the Lutheran Summer Music board, said, "Lutheran Summer Music is truly a life-changing experience for our students. Worship every morning and evening, combined with excellent instruction by university-level music professors, provide our students with an unparalleled foundation in Christian faith and music. Not surprisingly, many students decide to become clergy or church musicians because of their LSM experience."

Pictured: Lutheran Summer Music students receive an introduction to the pipe organ from instructor Catherine Rodland.

From the synod office: Taking the mystery out of the call process

By the Rev. Ron Hoyum, assistant to the bishop

Over the past several years, I have had the privilege of working with nearly all of the congregations in our synod in the call process. Recently, one of our congregations asked that I write an article for their newsletter outlining the call process and sharing some helpful information. Here are some frequently asked questions that have been asked of me by congregations and call committees and the answers that I have given.

What documents govern the call process?
Two documents can be found on the ELCA website (elca.org) – the Ministry Site Profile and the Rostered Leader Profile. The first is filled out by the transition team and describes the congregation and its leadership needs. The second is the “resume” of the pastor that describes the gifts and skills of the pastor as well as his or her vision and style of pastoral ministry. Two other documents can be found on the synod website (lutheranssw.org) – the Call Manual and the Clergy Compensation guidelines. The manual is not a rule book to be slavishly followed but a handbook for an effective call process. It includes both forms and advice for call committees.

What are the responsibilities of a call committee?
The call committee interviews pastoral candidates on behalf of the congregation. Their work is confidential until the committee is ready to recommend a name to the congregation. Confidentiality is a courtesy to those pastors who are being interviewed. It also gives the call committee the needed freedom and flexibility to do their work.

Where does the synod office get candidates for the call committee?
The first place is through the congregational nomination process. The call committee will give members an opportunity to nominate pastors that they believe would be could candidates for call. The second place we look is to the pastors in our synod who are open for call. We have many fine pastors who serve faithfully and well. When they are ready to move we help them find a new call. Finally, we consult with our colleagues in the synod offices closest to us in Region I. We also look at pastors from around the country who have expressed an interest in serving in the Southwestern Washington synod.

How does the synod office select names for the call committee?
We first of all compare your ministry site profile with the rostered leader profiles of the pastoral candidates. We are looking to see how your leadership needs match up with their leadership skills. We also talk with the bishop in the synod where the pastor currently services. We ask him or her for an assessment of the particular pastor’s gifts and strengths for ministry.
Normally, a call committee will receive between three and five names of pastors to evaluate and interview.

How long will the call process take?
The process will normally take about six months, from the time when the committee receives names to interview to the time when the new pastor begins his or her new call. The call process is an exciting time in the life of a congregation and I am always amazed and gratified to see how God’s hand is at work leading and guiding the process. May God continue to bless those congregations in our synod as they anticipate new pastoral leadership in the coming months.

Images from Nanchang

Above are images taken during a July mission trip to Nanchang, China, by youth from Silverdale Lutheran Church.
The young people cleaned a sports facility, painted a home for retired nurses and sold newspapers to fund college educations for local students in need.
The group was led by the Revs. Jonathan Sansgaard of Silverdale Lutheran Church and Steve Ray of Elim Lutheran Church of Port Orchard, also executive director of the nonprofit China mission group ChinaConnect.
Students in Silverdale and China continue to Facebook with each other today. Nanchang is in southeast China.