Electronics trove available at Spanaway Lutheran

Spanaway Lutheran Church has sound and light components free for the taking to any congregation in need.  If you are interested, contact the Rev. John Schier-Hanson at (253) 531-7000.

The items and quantities are as follows:

MR7 7 channel-mixing board (1)
Tapco seventy-two 12 sound board (1)
NEI Model 2712 1/3 octave graphic equalizer (1)
Fostex Patchbay model 3010 (1)
McGowan mModel 103 10-watt amplifier (1)
Radio Shack PA amplifier MPA - 40 (20 watt) (1)
Audio Technica ATW R10 Diversity wireless receivers (2)
ETA 1710 model 1251 dimmer packs with 1,000 watts per channel (2)
Audioarts Engineering model 1500 Tuneable notch filter - feedback processor (1)

Harvey banks her birthday

GRAYLAND —Her son suggested she mark her 90th birthday by skydiving in Florida, and Elaine Harvey, longtime member of Twin Harbors Lutheran Church, gave that some serious thought. But in the end, she settled on a celebration less terrifying and more meaningful to this Grays Harbor County community, where unemployment remains at 11.4 percent, among the very highest in the state.

Harvey instead threw a big party for herself at the local grange hall, inviting church and community members and asking them to bring donations of nonperishable food items or money for the South Beach Food Bank in nearby Westport.

The response was overwhelming. Donations from more than 100 willing guests resulted in $1,200 in cash and checks and a pickup truck load of food for the hungry and unemployed in this Pacific coastal town. 

Skydiving? Maybe next year.

— From Merri Erickson, president, Twin Harbors Lutheran church

A Christmas message from Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson

This year the Christmas story is inseparable from our deep sorrow for the children of Newtown, all who died and all who mourn. We can make no sense of such violence, so we cry out for mercy. And God hears our pleas.

God responds with words of promise saying, "I am with you. I am with you in Jesus, the child lying in a manger. I am with you in Jesus who has borne your grief. I am with you in Jesus on the cross and risen from the dead."

God's promise is that nothing in all creation will separate you from God's love in Jesus. So amid the unspeakable, we can join the angel choir singing, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace." Because our hope is in Christ, we can rejoice in the wonder of Jesus' birth.

I wish you a blessed Christmas.


Mark S. Hanson
Presiding Bishop
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Coming up in the January Moments for Mission

Readers,

Last Sunday, I worshiped with the Rev. Andy Willis and the people of St. Christopher's Community Church of Steamboat Island near Olympia. Pictured is Willis, wife Grete and son Trygve Benjamin Willis, who at 6 months already has two teeth.

In January, the synod newsletter Moments for Mission continues its series featuring its eight new worshiping groups. I'll look at the two federated Lutheran/Episcopal church starts, St. Christopher's being one and Faith Community Church of Kingston being the other.

We'll also have the first of three pieces about the upcoming bishop-election process. I met with the Rev. Nina Body of Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Tacoma on Sunday, as well. She laid out for me the first steps of the process, which she is leading.

Lastly, we'll look at The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd's 20th anniversary of its after-school tutoring program.

Contact me if you want to receive the newsletter but are not.

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

Finally, a long-awaited wedding takes place in Namibia

Readers,

Ezron Kapolo, minister of finance for the Western Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Namibia (ELCIN), was married on Saturday. Several formal receptions lasting two days followed the wedding. That means they should be finishing up celebrating around now.

In 2010 when I accompanied Bishop Robert D. Hofstad on a visit to ELCIN, our companion synod, Kapolo told me that he had wanted to marry this beautiful young woman for a long time. Only now it has it come true for him. I'm not exactly sure why he had to wait so many years, but I'm guessing it was so that he could get enough money together to support a wife and family.

Kapolo and I communicate regularly, and I received a wedding invitation. I couldn't really justify going half way around the world for a wedding, although I certainly wanted to. I made him promise to send me more photos, and I'll post them here when I get them, so we can all see what a wedding in Namibia looks like.

Rachel Pritchett, communicator

Realizing 'what is really precious' this Advent

Dear Friends,

I know most of you don't hear from us too often, so we wanted to just connect with you during this holy season to share a few photos from our recent "Sankta Lucia "Child of Light" Festival" at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church on Dec. 13.  Our girls Megan and Alyson along with about 17 of their friends joined with them to observe this special festival of carol singing, story telling, pagentry, candles, children and luciabullar (special saffron buns eaten on Lucia Day).  There is a special glow about these children and that night that I wanted to share with you in hopes to brighten your holiday.  In light of the recent shootings, we are all counting our own blessings and realizing what is really precious to us in this world.
Please go to this link to look at the album:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151299982307937.493101.374559357936&type=1&l=0032e7339d

God Jul,

Ron and Carol McClung
Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church
360-620-2365
PO Box 1324, Stevenson, WA 98648
www.shepherdofthehills.info

Communitywide Christmas concert tomorrow

 

Poulsbo First Lutheran Church hosts a special communitywide music festival from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9, at the church's Christian Center. It's free, but bring food for Fishline and toys, too, for Fishline.

This will be a drop-in concert for most, so from start to finish, here's the lineup.

Cantata by First's Cathedral Choir
Splash Singers
Bethany Brass
Splash Singers
Poulso Elementary School Chorus
North Kitsap High School Northern Lights
Peace Lutheran School (Bremerton) Bell Choir and Chorus
Liberty Bells
North Kitsap High School Jazz Choir

This is all part of First's strengthened outreach to the community, begun by a very successful block party late last summer.

— RP

Wishing you a Blessed Advent and Christmas

 

Your synod staff wish you and yours

A Blessed Advent and Christmas

           Don Fossum, Bishop Rob Hofstad, Ron Hoyum, Allison Ramsey,

Valinda Morse, Melanie Wallschlaeger and Rachel Pritchett

Leaders eye new direction as after-school program turns 20

 

By Rachel Pritchett, communicator

OLYMPIA — All agree: The After-School Tutoring Program at The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd has changed many of the lives of the middle-school students it serves, as well as the volunteers who help run it.

So when the program turned 20, dozens from the large, suburban church turned out on Dec. 2 to celebrate, including Devin Hustoft, who needed and received tutoring when he was a sixth, seventh and eighth grader. Today, when he isn't acing advanced-placement classes in high school, he's helping the younger students who gather twice a week at Good Shepherd to do their homework.

"I'm trying to give back by becoming a tutor myself," Hustoft said.

Director Jennifer Meyer said she found unexpected fulfillment on the job. 

"This program has been such a blessing in my life," she said.

Longtime ASTP volunteer Dotty Fehring said, "Being with you people keeps me young. It is encouraging to be able to channel their energy in positive directions, and see them gain confidence in the ability to succeed in school and life."

Many were touched during the celebration when a video message from the program's first director, Barbara Robertson, was aired. Robertson is a missionary in Tanzania.

"Middle school is a funny time of your life when you're struggling as an adult, but not really," she said. "For myself, it brought me into a community of faith."

The initiative was begun two decades ago by Bishop Robert D. Hofstad, then a pastor at Good Shepherd and others after asking the community about needs of young people that weren't being met. ASTP quickly grew, with congregation members, parents and teachers volunteering not just with tutoring, but also as van drivers, activity helpers and snack-preparers.

The program currently serves about 18 young people.

Meyer and Bishop Hofstad hinted ASTP may be close to having run its course. Meyer said leaders are looking at  switching the focus to high-schoolers. 

Hofstad challenged the group to again look to the community, just as it did 20 years ago, "and ask what else is needed." 

Pictured top and below: 

Bishop robert D. Hofstad, left, joins leaders of the After-School Tutoring Program at The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd of Olympia during a 20th-anniversary celebration Dec. 2. ASTP Director Jennifer Meyer is at center with white collar.

Meyer and Devin Hustoft, once an attendee and now a tutor

Clampdown cutting ranks of worshipers at prison congregation

To help spread the word about the synod’s eight new mission starts, Moments for Mission in the coming months will feature articles about each of them. This issue looks at Living Stones Prison Congregation. A look at the synod’s two new federated Lutheran/Episcopal groups comes in January. Contributions through 1,000 Mission Friends help support the new starts. Contact the synod office to help. — Editor

By Rachel Pritchett, communicator
 

SHELTON — It’s been less than a year since Byron Scherf strangled officer Jamye Biendl in the chapel in the Washington State Reformatory in Monroe.

 In that short time, daily life for every prisoner in the state Department of Corrections has changed inexorably. Moving around inside is tougher than ever.

                                             

 Getting to worship at Living Stones Prison Congregation at Shelton has become extraordinarily difficult. The Rev. Eric Wangen-Hoch used to have a hundred inmates for Saturday-evening services since he began six years ago.

                                             

 It’s down to 20.

                                              

The men now must sign up far in advance if they want to go somewhere in the prison. If they end up not going, they get penalized. They might lose “good points,” or not be allowed out of their cell, or even put in “the hole,” solitary confinement.

“The guys don’t want to put themselves into position to get more infractions,” Wangen-Hoch said. “The prison is trying to mitigate every last opportunity of risk.”

Meanwhile, Wangen-Hoch’s full-time position has been cut to three-quarters time, due to shrunken synod finances.

The clampdown won’t last forever, Wangen-Hoch predicted, and Living Stones, one of a dozen Lutheran prison ministries across the country, will survive. 

Synod congregational teams continue to support men exiting from the prison system. A new effort to collect street clothes for the men soon will take place. 

Lutheran Church of Christ the King of Sumner, First Lutheran Community Church of Port Orchard and Family of God Lutheran Church of Bremerton are among many active supporters.

Wangen-Hoch and others are putting together a program where the men build connection with their children by regularly reading to them.

Wangen-Hoch recently looked back on the men’s stories. There’ve been the defeats, when men return to lives of drugs and violence after exiting. There’ve been victories, when the gospel they heard at Living Stones acted on them later on the outside.

“I’ve actually been able to sit back amazed and see that the gospel really changes people. It’s not just something you learn in seminary,” he said.

Pictured: Rev. Eric Wangen-Hoch

All Saints’ at 50: Remembrance, rejoicing and rededication

 

 

By Ed Englund of All Saints’ Lutheran Church 

AUBURN — The year 1962 will be remembered in our nation’s history for some major events. Most notably perhaps was the Cuban Missile Crisis, bringing us to the brink of war. For Washington state folks, no one will forget the Seattle World’s Fair and the Space Needle, which for 50 years has served as the emblem of the Seattle skyline. And then there was the devastating Columbus Day Storm that struck the Pacific Northwest with 170 mph winds resulting in 46 deaths and major damage.

But 1962 was also the year that a handful of dedicated Lutherans and an inspired young pastor fulfilled their dreams for a new place of worship. All Saints’ Lutheran Church was born. In the past five decades, the church has emerged from its humble beginnings to become a major institution, standing majestically at its prominent location off Interstate 5 at the Exit 147 off-ramp. 

It originally was in a community grange hall. Old-timers nostalgically remember the old hall, which has long since been removed and replaced with a Walgreens. In 1966, the church home moved to a new-but-modest sanctuary built on the present site. Since that time there have been major additions, culminating in its present contemporary sanctuary, dedicated in 1993. 

Three major ceremonies are marking this 50-year milestone. First, was a “remembrance” on Oct. 6. It was an emotionally filled reunion of past and present members with nearly all former pastors on hand for a special program and luncheon. Retired Rev. Elvin Bjork, All Saints’ founding pastor, was among those present. A young minister in 1962, Pastor Bjork spoke of his door-to-door campaign seeking interested Christians to come join this exciting new adventure. During the remembrance event, all pastors told of fond memories from their respective eras. Some charter members were also were on hand, including several who are still active in the church.

The second event was a “rejoicing,” which took place on Reformation Sunday, Oct. 28. Bishop Robert D. Hofstad was the honored guest and delivered an uplifting sermon. Afterward, a German potluck was provided in honor of Martin Luther.

Finally, on Dec. 2, the church celebrated a “rededication.” In addition to being the first Sunday of Advent, is was exactly on that day 50 years ago that All Saints’ was officially commissioned under a charter of the Lutheran Church of America. The Rev. Jan Otto led, followed by a social gathering with refreshments.

Pictured top to bottom: The original grange, and the present inside and outside of All Saints' Lutheran Church of Auburn, turning 50

Upcoming events

 

St. Paul nearing 110 years: St. Paul Lutheran Church of Vancouver celebrates 110 years of existence this month. Lots of events are planned, but the main ones take place at 1 p.m. Dec. 15 at the Red Lion Hotel at the Quay in Vancouver, and at worship services Dec. 16. Worship times are 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.  To learn more, contact the church at 360-693-3531. 

Byberg Preaching Workshop mid-January in Oregon: The Rev. Dr. Terence Fretheim of Luther Seminary will be the presenter at the 2013 Byberg Preaching Workshop, to take place Jan. 14 to 16 at Cannon Beach, Ore. Fretheim will address “Preaching and the God of the Old Testament.” Joining him will be the Rev. Rick Jaech of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church of Vancouver, Wash., who will talk on “Preaching in a Context of Conflict.” For more information, visit www.bybergpreaching.org.

Bishop to share wisdom from 40 years of ministry: In his final Bishop’s Convocation, Robert D. Hofstad will share what he has learned in 40 years of ordained ministry. His pastor-to-pastor remarks will focus on theology, practical information and pastoral care at the event taking place Jan. 22 to 23 at the Seabeck Conference Center. A prayer retreat preceeds the convocation on Jan. 20 to 22 at the same location. To learn more or to register, begin by going to the synod website at www.lutheranssw.org.

Mark your calendars for 2013 synod assembly: The 2013 Synod Assembly in which a new bishop will be elected takes place June 7 and 8 at the Hotel Murano and Bicentennial Pavilion in Tacoma. The theme will be “Always being made new.” Registration begins Jan. 15, and can be done through the synod’s website at www.lutheranssw.org. Details of the assembly will be listed there, as well, along with various deadlines leading up to the assembly. Upcoming Moments for Mission will explain in detail the process of electing a new bishop.

Bulletin board

Trinity Lutheran College seeks scholarship nominations: Do you know someone who would make an exceptional leader in youth or children’s ministry, community social services, camping leadership or pastoral ministry? Trinity Lutheran College’s Children, Youth and Family Studies program is recruiting students through recommendations from church leaders. Referrals to the program serve as nominations for several scholarships worth as much as $56,000. For more, visit www.tlc.edu/next or contact Mark Jackson at 425-249-4721. 

Grinstad to lead walk through Martin Luther territory: The Rev. Dick Grinstad of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church of Port Angeles will lead a group to sites in Germany where Martin Luther lived, studied and preached. The journey takes place July 2013. For more, send an inquiry to info@fullscoretravel.com or call 360-457-9306.

Calendar of events

Look to the latest synod newsletter for details of events listed, at www.lutheranssw.org

Dec. 8: Faith Action Network annual awards dinner, Seattle

Dec. 8: Hunger-advocate training, Messiah of Vancouver

Dec. 28: Christmas

Jan. 1: New Year's Day

Jan. 14 to 16: Byberg preaching workshop

Jan. 20 to 22: Prayer Retreat preceding Bishop’s Convocation, Seabeck

Jan. 22 to 23: Bishop’s Convocation, Seabeck

March 16: Southwestern Washington Women of the ELCA Olympic Cluster spring celebration, Silverdale Lutheran, carolfossum@comcast.net

March 31: Easter

April 19 to 21: Southwestern Washington Women of the ELCA spiritual retreat, "Fully Rely on God" with the Rev. Mary Sanders, Dumas Bay Centre, Federal Way, carolfossum@comcast.net

June 7 to 8: Assembly of the Southwestern Washington Synod, Hotel Murano Tacoma

June 21 to 23: Region 1 gathering including Southwestern Washington Women of the ELCA, featuring author Jane Kirkpatrick and Bishop Kay Ward, Heathman Lodge, Vancouver, Wash., carolfossum@comcast.net

July 24 to 27: Triennial Gathering of Women of the ELCA, Charlotte, N.C.