Incoming bishop brings breadth of experience

 

By Rachel Pritchett, synod communicator

VANCOUVER — Incoming Southwestern Washington Synod Bishop Rick Jaech
brings a breadth of experience in ecumenism and conflict resolution to the office.

A recent period of his 26-year ministry at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in
Vancouver was devoted to facilitating dialog between Christians, Jews and Muslims, an effort that left a lasting imprint of sensitivity on members of his flock.

“It was a great time of learning about each other’s faith traditions,” he said in a conversation in his office at the church, a quiet oasis located in an otherwise busy web of thoroughfares in East Vancouver. Jaech, pronounced Jake, is a member of the Greater Vancouver Interfaith Association.

Beyond that, the tall 63-year-old has served for the past four years as the bishop’s representative to the ELCA’s Lutheran Ecumenical Relations Network, a group devoted to Christian unity and inter-religious awareness. As bishop, he hopes to continue ecumenical work in the synod and at the churchwide level.

“I am thankful that the ELCA is very active in ecumenical and interfaith dialog,” he said.
 
His work earning a master’s degree in conflict mediation led to his writing the book “Transforming Church Conflict.” Many know Jaech best through his workshops on turning seemingly insurmountable conflicts into valued growth opportunities, another skill set he will be able to call on in the next six years.
 
Jaech said he is looking forward to getting to know the pastors and members of the synod’s 88 congregations and worshiping communities.

He plans to continue starting and supporting new mission starts.
“That will be a priority of mine,” he said.

And he hopes to work with congregations to discover ways they can collaborate on efforts instead of working alone, or “to help all congregations work cooperatively to build their ministries.”

Jaech grew up in West Seattle, the son of a Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod parish pastor, Emil Jaech, who himself served as the widely admired president, or bishop, of the Northwest District of the LC-MS between 1968 and 1980. The elder Jaech helped develop close working ties with other Lutherans and was a founder of Consultation to Clergy, the group that offers personal and professional support to pastors and other church leaders.

A graduate of West Seattle High School, the younger Jaech was among dissident students and faculty at Concordia Seminary of St. Louis, Mo., who walked out over a theological rift in the 1970s to form Concordia Seminary in Exile (Seminex). He actually received his master of divinity degree from Seminex at The Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. More about that historic walkout from the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod seminary is at wikipedia.org/wiki/Seminex. Jaech was ordained as an LC-MS pastor in 1975, but a year later joined the Association of Evangelical Lutheran Churches, which helped to form the ELCA.

His first call was to the Mission District of San Francisco, where he established a Spanish-speaking congregation of immigrants and imperiled refugees at St. Mary and St. Martha Lutheran Church. He had learned the language by immersing himself in study in Mexico. He served that congregation from 1975 to 1986, and during that time also worked to improve their living conditions as director of Lutheran Latino Ministries.

“Seeing the faith of the Latin American people really trusting in God even though their lives were turned upside down was very inspiring to me,” he remembered.
 
There is little doubt that Jaech will look wistfully over his shoulder at Beautiful Savior as he makes his way to Tacoma. He called members there “a wonderful gathering of people.” They help the homeless through Winter Hospitality Overflow and the local Y.W.C.A. They assist refugees through Lutheran Community Services Northwest, advocate with Faith Action Network in Olympia, and consider themselves acelebrating church in which all are welcome to Christ’s table.

The incoming bishop and wife Satya Lamparter Jaech, a psychotherapist and meditation instructor have one son. Nicholas, 20, is a political-science student at the University of Washington.The family has a long history of service at Holden Village.

As for his new calling, Jaech said, “I’m confident God has many blessing in store for us, and I very much welcome people’s prayers as we begins this ministry together.” All are invited to his installationat 3 p.m. Sept. 14 at Trinity Lutheran Church of Parkland. Jaech can be reached at rick@rickjaech.com.

Young Adults in Global Mission: Planting Seeds

By the Rev. Sigi Helgeson, Family of God Lutheran Church of Bremerton

“Let go of the plans for your life that you may be clinging to, and allow God to work in your life and show you His plans for you.”

After traveling for 12 hours flying over the Pacific ocean and having a stop over in Hong Kong, my sister Kathy and I departed for Malaysia. As the plane landed in Kota Kinabalu, in the province of Sabah Malaysia, my heart raced to get through customs to see my son, Patrick, who had been living there for the past nine months. I could not wait to see the country that he had come to love, the colors, the smells, the landscape and mostly the people of this beautiful place on the island of Borneo in the South China Sea.   

It was indeed a magnificent sight to behold. All that my son had told me about this place came to life much as I had imagined. Although I was surprised by how modern and civilized the city was and our hotel was quite elegant overlooking the harbor in KK. There was much traffic and hustle and bustle in the city but as we drove out into the countryside one could truly savor the beauty of the rolling hills the green jungle like terrain and tropical flowers. 

After arriving, we traveled to the newly built school at Grace Center on the outskirts of town.  We met the teachers, all young adults who welcomed us in their small office they shared and offered us tea and treats from their own meager supply. Then we moved into “David Hall” named after a young man, (whom I will say more about later) where the kids were assembled cross-legged on the floor to receive their awards for academic excellence. It was the last day of school before a two week vacation.    

It was hot that day, 90 degrees-plus with humidity, but inside was even hotter as the electricity had gone out and there was no air conditioning or fans. We sat inside a sweltering room for almost two hours watching the kids delight at their awards and enthusiastically sing songs and perform dances despite the heat. We had brought some little gifts, stickers and bracelets, for the kids that we gave out after the assembly and found that we had many instant friends. These nearly 200 children are given an education that they would not normally receive as they are immigrant children primarily from the Philippines and Indonesia who are not recognized by the  Malaysian government.

Patrick went to teach English and many of the children amazingly spoke to us practicing their English and spoke quite well! The other amazing thing to me was how close they were to their teachers. Hugs were given out freely and some of the children were crying that school was out and they would not be seeing some of their teachers who were leaving to go back home. Clearly they loved their school and teachers. I could see why my son fell in love with this place and teaching here.  

Later that night we returned for a barbecue and got to meet the director of Grace Center, Pastor Barnabas, a Korean pastor who saw the need for a Christian school in this primarily Muslim country to reach out to those children who would not be able to go to school due to their lack of citizenship. Barnabas shared his vision with us that all of these children receive an education and learn about Jesus. He started with one school and about eighty children.  Now they have two schools in two locations and over 200 children! I asked him about funding and how he raised the money to keep things going. He answered simply and without hesitation. He prayed. Through prayer God answered with the resources they needed. Truly we were standing on holy ground in the new school that God had provided for.    

Then Barnabas gave us a tour and showed us a memorial to the young man “David” who was part of the group of Korean Christians who began this ministry. Unfortunately he died in a drowning accident and it impacted the whole community. Barnabas pointed to a verse on the memorial. “Unless a seed is planted and dies in the ground there is no growth.” He attributed much of the amazing growth of this ministry to this young man’s untimely death. 

As I pondered what he said I thought about the many young adults who were there teaching in the school because they felt the tug of the Holy Spirit, the call of God upon their lives to “die” a little to their selves, to give up a year or two from what they would otherwise be doing, or in Patrick’s case take a “gap year” and volunteer with Young Adults in Global Mission. I wondered what seeds were being planted and what harvest would come from it?  Already the relationships built with these children have impacted both them and their teachers. These relationships forged in their young lives will be remembered for a lifetime.   

Who knows what God may do through these Young Adults in Global Mission who serve not only in Malaysia but all over the world in places as remote as Madagascar. I can only imagine what God has been doing through each of the 70-some YAGMS. What an impact they are having globally that will also play out in each local setting. 

    

As I sent my son off for a year of global mission with a mixture of both anxiety and anticipation, I never imagined what growth would occur in him. I have watched him grow in his ability to manage difficult and somewhat overwhelming situations: living in a foreign country, learning the language and adapting to his surroundings, making friends with many of the people there, not only Christian but having many Muslim friends as well, the love he has for teaching and for his students. I am grateful for the many people who have cared for him during his time there. His country coordinator Peter, Pastor Barnabas and his family and especially his teacher friends, Aril and Nelson who took Patrick to their Kampung ( village)  and housed and fed him over the Christmas break where he lived with their family. What an awesome experience! Being able to see it for myself was a sacred moment an opportunity I will forever be grateful for.  

 

The Young Adults in Global Mission is one of the best kept secrets in the ELCA and I think we need to change that! It is a great opportunity to learn, to serve, to plant seeds and to grow! Who knows perhaps God may be calling you? Could you be the next Young Adult in Global Mission? Or as I wondered could God use even an “older adult” like me? What seeds will you plant?   

“Selemat Pagar”-  Blessings,  Pastor Sigi

Pictured: Top, Patrick Cudahy, rear, and the students of Grace Center, along with his mother, the Rev. Sigi Helgeson, in blue. Second, Helgeson and the students.

Upcoming

Summer Arts Day Camp almost upon us

St.. Mark’s by The Narrows Lutheran Church of Tacoma again this summer hosts its Summer Arts Day Camp for youth, this time focusing on Asia. The camp will be at the church from 1 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, Aug. 12 to 16. Youth entering sixth through 12th grades are eligible. Tuition is $85; scholarships are available. The registration deadline is July 28. To get a form, contact Danielle Lemieux, youth music director, at danielle@smlutheran.org or go to www.smlutheran.org/worship-music/youth-choirs/summer-artscamp-for-youth.

Mark your calendars for gift-planning retreat

A gift-planning retreat will be offered at the Alderbrook Resort on Sept. 27 and 28. The retreat is for congregations that have existing endowments or may want to consider starting one. Participating congregations will be expected to send a team of three to five people. For more details, contact Director for Evangelical Mission, the Rev. Dr. Melanie Wallschlaeger.

Come learn about African mission

The synod’s Global Mission Committee invites all to a fall gathering of ELCA congregations with mission connections in Africa. The African Mission Summit takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 5 at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church 2650 148th Ave. SE, Bellevue. The special guest is the Rev. Anna Eva Makyao, a Lutheran pastor from Tanzania. Participants will have opportunities to share what they are doing with others. Worship and learning will take place, too. Registration including lunch is $10 at www.lutheransnw.org/africansummit.

Deaconess J term scheduled

The Deaconess community of the ELCA plans a J term course for those discerning that path toward service. Titled “Diaconal Ministry: History, Formation and Spirituality,” it takes place Jan. 13 to 17 at the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary of Columbia, S.C. On-campus housing is available for $25 a night. Also, an online version of the three-credit course takes place from Jan. 6 to 13. Early registration is advised. Contact Sr. Krista Anderson at Krista.Anderson@elca.org or 615-208-7713.

Worship this Sunday at Little White Church

Readers,

My idea of a good summer's Sunday is to worship at the Little White Church at Elbe and hop on the nearby Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad, which goes a short distance to Mineral, where there's a new locomotive museum. Read more at www.thenewstribune.com/2013/07/19/2686319/mount-rainier-train-now-goes-to.html. Throw in a hike and a picnic and another memory is made.

The Rev. Mary Sanders of United Lutheran Church of Tacoma leads worship tomorrow, July 21, which starts at 2:30 p.m.

Did you know the 18-by-24-foot church is in "Ripley's Believe it or Not" for being the smallest church around? 

Go to www.elbehistoricchurch.com for directions. And don't forget to buy a brick to pay for the new steeple tower now in place. You can contact me for a form at rachelpritchett@msn.com.

The Rev. Mark Woldseth preaches on Aug. 18. Worship services also are slated for Sept. 15 and Oct. 20. Of course, the Little White Church is part of the Southwestern Washington Synod.

— Rachel Pritchett, communicator

On a cure for callosity

By the Rev. Kim Latterell, Creator Lutheran Church of Bonney Lake, creatorpastor@comcast.net

A good Doctor warned me that I was at risk of coming down with a horrible case 
of callosity. 

It sounded so awful I ran to look up its symptoms and outcome. Just 
as I feared, the good Doctor was right. I was at risk. You could be at risk too. I discovered that callosity is the condition of being hardened, calloused, unfeeling. 
After listening to the news, reading article after article exposing our inhumanity towards one another, including family, friends and strangers, the stories can overwhelm my heart and crush sensitivity, so much so, that the heart risks losing awareness of its own hardness. With so much hurt in the world, it becomes tempting to withdraw into a shell for the sake of self-preservation, for the ability simply to fall asleep without succumbing to night-terrors. The better response seems to be to shut out all such news or to armor, medicate and distract oneself because active caring and actual engagement for the sake of others can bring such suffering too close for comfort and comprehension.

Somewhere in the background of this world’s existence there must be a terrible rift that cracks at the very foundation of our life together; a brokenness so deep creation itself groans and weeps in dismay; unless it too has succumbed to callosity.   

And the cure? Wool over the eyes or a shield around the heart is no lasting cure. Human effort and energy can seek to address the symptoms of callosity by attempts to alleviate pain and suffering, lessen loss and sorrow, or end vengeance and strife. But the necessary medicines for human suffering cannot be laid as bandages upon the outside of the heart. 

Such attempts at reform begin at the wrong place, putting cart before horse. The cure, at its root, comes first from a heart changed from the inside, and from the gift of new eyes that refuse to see suffering, hopelessness and despair as the final outcome. Hope that constant, compassion that is continuous ultimately become the only lasting antidote for callosity. What is needed and promised is a Christ-like, Christ-given love and commitment to serve all in need. A key verse that has shaped my ministry throughout comes from a letter to the young Christians of Thessalonica (2:8): So deeply do we care for you that we are determined to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you have become very dear to us.  

At last, the best medicine of all for what ails us!

Special concert July 27 for North Kitsap organist

Readers, 

Here's the obituary for MaryBeth Myrvang, longtime organist for Poulsbo First Lutheran Church. A special organ concert will take place at 3 p.m. July 27 at First in her memory. MaryBeth had a lilting quality to her playing, and was always willing to show the kids at First how the organ worked. She loved music. — Rachel Pritchett

MaryBeth Myrvang passed away June 20, 2013. She was born in Bremerton to Edward and Ruth (Johnson) Sterneman on Nov. 11, 1929. She grew up in Silverdale and graduated from Central Kitsap High School in 1947. She attended Whitman College majoring in music.

She married Loyd on March 21, 1950. They moved to Kahlotus, Wash. and lived in the one room school where Loyd taught for two years. They moved back to Poulsbo and lived in the same home over 57 years.

She was an active member of First Lutheran Church and served as the organist for many years. She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Loyd. Survivors include children: Constance (Denis) Stenwick, Michael (Lynn) Myrvang, Cheryl (Mike) Tague all of Poulsbo, Penny (Dave) Barta of Goldendale; sisters-in-law, Lenore (Bob) Ley of Poulsbo and Lila (Gary) Morris of Hansville; 21 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
A special thank you to Country Manor caregivers.

A memorial organ concert will be held at First Lutheran Church July 27 at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the organ fund at First Lutheran Church of Poulsbo or charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to Stone Chapel of Poulsbo.

Youth groups roll up their sleeves to serve communities

Youth groups from congregations throughout the 
synod put service above self in a variety of 
expressions during the 2013 Synod Day of Service 
in May. The efforts were supported by the Synod Youth 
Committee, www.swwayouthministry.org. Here’s a 
short list of some of the projects:

More than 40 young people from five churches 
hacked down blackberries at the Wilderness Park in 
Pousblo, and used tarps to haul the unwanted 
brambles into trucks. They also removed downed 
trees and trash, pictured at top. The park had become a hang-out spot where people 
were getting into trouble. “While we were working, several joggers and walkers stopped 
and thanked us for making the park safer for them and their 
families,” said Paul Davis, youth director at Poulsbo First Lutheran
 Church.

More than 50 young people under the direction of Ingelaurie 
Lisher, associate in ministry at St. Mark’s by The Narrows 
Lutheran Church of Tacoma, helped feed the hungry in Vancouver,
Wash. The large group representing seven Lutheran churches
spent many long hours repacking thousands of pounds of food
at the Clark County Food Bank, pictured. 
Group-building games, devotions, dinner and worship at Messiah Lutheran Church were part of the life-giving event, according to Lisher.

Deadline for synod newsletter next weekend

Hi everyone,

The deadline for the August edition of Moments for Mission, the synod newsletter, is this coming Saturday, July 20. You can reach me at 206-498-0920 or rachelpritchett@msn.com. The newsletter features results from a conversation with incoming Bishop Rick Jaech.

Rachel Pritchett, communicator

Correction

An incorrect first name of a person elected to the synod Discipline Committee by the just-completed synod assembly was published in the June/July Moments for Mission. The correct name is Sarah Briehl.

Save the date for installation of Bishop-elect Jaech

Bishop-Elect Rick Jaech will officially begin his call as Bishop of the Southwestern Washington Synod on August 1, 2013.  

We are looking forward to the installation service for Bishop Jaech, which will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, Tacoma (Parkland) at 3 p.m. on Saturday, September 14th.  He will be installed by the Presiding Bishop of the ELCA.

You are invited to attend the installation service and following reception.  More information and a formal invitation will be coming out soon.

Many blessings,

 

Allison

What would you like to ask the incoming bishop?

Hi everyone,

In a week and a half, I'll be conducting a question-and-answer interview with incoming bishop Rick Jaech on his home turf at Beautiful Savior, Vancouver.

I'll place it in the August Moments for Mission.

What would you like me to ask? Give me your ideas. 

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

Jaech election receives media coverage

Good morning, readers,

Here's the link to The Columbian of Vancouver's piece introducing incoming bishop Rick Jaech to the greater community. This was typical of the coverage it received in news outlets throughout our synod.

— RP


https://blu162.mail.live.com/default.aspx?id=64855&rru=inbox#!/mail/ViewOfficePreview.aspx?messageid=581796e6-da10-11e2-a0fa-002264c17d58&folderid=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000001&attindex=0&cp=-1&attdepth=0&n=91739114

Women invite other women to Region 1 gathering in Vancouver

June 21 to 23 are the days and the Heathman Lodge in Vancouver, Wash., is the location of the Region 1 gathering of the Women of the ELCA including those from the Southwestern Washington Synod. The theme is “Gathered Together.” Topping the agenda are two special speakers certain to encourage, teach and entertain. They include Moravian Bishop Kay Ward, author of the Gather magazine Bible study, and celebrated author Jane Kirkpatrick. The cost to register is $195. For more information, contact Nancy Lynch at 360-740-9543. Heathman Lodge is at 7801 NE Greenwood Drive, www.heathmanlodge.com.

Come say good-bye to Bishop Hofstad, staff on Sunday

All are invited to an open house to wish Bishop Hofstad and his staff farewell from 2 to 4 p.m. June 23, at The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 1601 North St., Olympia.

Mark your calendars for gift-planning retreat

A gift-planning retreat will be offered at the Alderbrook Resort on Sept. 27 and 28. The retreat is for congregations that have existing endowments or may want to consider starting one. Participating congregations will be expected to send a team of three to five people. For more details, contact the synod's director for evangelical mission, the Rev. Dr. Melanie Wallschlaeger.

These items available for the taking from Calvary, Federal Way

 

Calvary Lutheran Church of Federal Way has the following items available, free for the taking.  If interested, contact Office Coordinator Liz Caley at liz.calvaryelca@comcast.net.

- 268 copies of the pew edition of the green "Lutheran Book of Worship," and a set of braille editions

- 129 copies of the blue "With One Voice" worship books- A set of braille LBW worship books

- Some older but still nice paraments

Workshop: Exploring mission new new ways

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


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

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

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

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

2014 synod budget approved

Assembly voting members approved a $970,000 budget for 2014, unchanged from 2013 but down from 2008, when the budget level was $1.1 million.

Former Treasurer Andreas Udbye, temporarily standing in for Diane Stoehr, explained that the budget has shrunk in recent years due to the still-slow economy, congregations that left the synod due to the 2009 ELCA sexuality decision, and aging membership.

Forty percent of the 2014 budget will be forwarded to the ELCA. About $500,000 has been set aside for synod staff and expenses, leaving 5 percent for support of boards or agencies. 

A voting member of the assembly objected to the amount set aside for staff. Udbye said the amount reflects what currently is spent on staff, but that the incoming bishop can change that.

Deaconess J term scheduled

The Deaconess community of the ELCA plans a J term course for those discerning that path toward service. Titled "Diaconal Ministry: History, Formation and Spirituality," it takes place Jan. 13 to 17 at the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary of Columbia, S.C. On-campus housing is available for $25 a night. 

Also, an online version of the three-credit course takes place from Jan. 6 to 13. Early registration is advised. Contact Sr. Krista Anderson at Krista.Anderson@elca.org or 615-208-7713.

Hunger Committee puts on the pressure

Toward the end of the assembly when everyone was tired and some had gone home, members of the synod's Hunger Committwe held an offering of letters event advocating for the poor.

According to Diane Armbrust, co-chair of the committee, more than 100 letters were written to the two U.S. senators from Washington urging them to resist cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

"I was personally moved to watch voting members willingly sitting there at the end of two days of meetings taking the time to write letters," Armbrust said.

Within two days, the letters were on the desks of Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell.

Bishop's Report at assembly: Sadness, but great joy as well

TACOMA — Looking back on 12 years as bishop, Robert D. Hofstad said he's experienced great sadness, but also great joy.

The sadness came from "the dividing of our beloved church," within congregations, the synod and the ELCA. Seven congregations have left the synod, now with 88 congregations and worshiping groups.

The greatest joy for the bishop was the creation of new mission starts in this synod. It had been 15 years since the synod had started one until 2007, when the Living Stones prison congregation at the Washington Corrections Center at Shelton was formed under the Rev. Eric Wangen-Hoch.

Other new mission starts include Light of Grace Korean ministry of Federal Way, the north campus of Messiah Lutheran Church of Vancouver, Peace Lutheran Fellowship of Port Ludlow, Federal Way Chinese Fellowship, St. Christopher's Community Church of Steamboat Island, Faith Community Church of Kingston, and Refuge and Strength of Tacoma.

"It has been a wonderful and beautiful thing," he said.

Bishop Hofstad gave thanks to his predecessor, Bishop David Wold, and for the current Synod Council. 

He gave thanks for his staff in order of longevity. Staff members included the Rev. Don Fossum for "commitment to detail" and "faithfulness," the Rev. Ron Hoyum for his "pastoral heart," and for his ability to help troubled congregation, communicator Rachel Pritchett, the Rev. Valinda Morse for getting out into congregations and for her "truth-telling, the Rev. Dr. Melanie Wallschlaeger for her "creative energy," and Allison Ramsey, office manager.

He also thanked his family, including his wife of 43 years, Linda.

Luther scholar Fretheim receives Bishop's Award

By Rachel Pritchett, communicator

TACOMA — The. Rev. Dr. Terence Fretheim received the Bishop’s Award  at this weekend's assembly for his work over many years benefitting the Southwestern Washington Synod.

Twenty-five years ago, Fretheim, an Old Testament professor at Luther Seminary, was assigned by the fledgling ELCA to help the synod with its theological needs. In spite of the many miles, Fretheim signed on to the synod’s roster, and routinely made many trips between St. Paul and here.

During visits, Fretheim helped lead assemblies and convocations.

As a member of the Region 1 Candidacy Committee, he was required to make more trips west, and even more later as a member of the Candidacy Committee of the Northwest Washington Synod. All that was on top of his rigorous academic responsibilities in St. Paul.

Fretheim expanded the way theologians look at the Old Testament. Before, educators focused on “salvation history.” He instead viewed the Old Testament through a “creation lens.” 

At Luther, Fretheim always has been at the center of turbulent social shifts. He was a young professor during Vietnam. He was on an American Lutheran Church panel tasked to decide on ordination of women. His work led to the 1970 decision to allow women clergy. Today, 47 percent of the Luther Seminary student body is female and 37 of the teaching staff is female.

More recently, Terry was a member of an ELCA task force on sexuality.

Fretheim now retires from Luther Seminary as the school sets itself on a steady financial course. By next year, the current financial crisis will result in a 25 percent reduction in faculty.

News release

June 9, 2013

N E W S   R E L E A S E

Rick Jaech elected bishop of ELCA's Southwestern Washington Synod

TACOMA — The Rev. Rick Jaech, pastor of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church of Vancouver, Wash., was elected bishop of the Southwestern Washington Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America on Saturday, June 8, in Tacoma.

Jaech, 63, will serve a six-year term in the post that oversees close to 90 congregations and worshiping groups from south of Seattle to the Oregon border, and from the Cascades to the Pacific beaches. The synod is one of 65 in the ELCA.

The decision was reached after six voting rounds over two days that narrowed the field from 46 to 3 and then to Jaech. The two other finalists were the Rev. Kim Latterell of Creator Lutheran Church of Bonney Lake, and the Rev. Dr. Melanie Wallschlaeger, who works out of the synod office in Tacoma starting new congregations. The three finalists all led at various points, but Jaech pulled ahead during late question-and-answer sessions.

Jaech replaces Bishop Robert D. Hofstad of Lakewood, who served as bishop for 12 years and now is retiring.

In remarks during the synod assembly at which the selection took place, Jaech said that as bishop he will bring ecumenical groups together for common work. In Vancouver, he organized and led a two-year dialogue among Christian, Muslim and Jewish congregations.

"That is how God gathers us together for ministry," Jaech told the assembly of about 300 people.

Jaech has led Beautiful Savior since 1987 and previously served a Latino congregation in San Francisco.

He holds a master's degree in conflict facilitation and recently published a book on transforming conflict within congregations titled, "Transforming Church Conflict: A Guide for Pastors and Leaders." He received his pastoral training from The Lutheran School of Theology.

He is married to Satya and they have one son attending the University of Washington.


For further information:

The Rev. Rick Jaech, 360-254-9243 or rick@rickjaech.com

Bishop Robert D. Hofstad, 253-535-8300 or hofstard@plu.edu

Rachel Pritchett, communicator, Southwestern Washington Synod, (206) 498-0920

The moment following the vote

Hi everyone, 

Here are a couple of images of the Rev. Rick Jaech and wife Satya reacting to the final vote that made him bishop of the Southwestern Washington Synod, and also of him in a reception line with the Rev. Dick and Elaine Rodning. I'll get more photos and information up here, but first I have to inform the media and The Lutheran. I have dozens of photos, probably of you. If you want one for yourself, your bulletins and newsletters, contact me at 206-498-0920 or rachelpritchett@msn.com. Yes, he prefers Rick to Richard.

— Rachel Pritchett, communicator

Richard Jaech is the new bishop

Readers,

The fifth vote:

Jaech: 134
Wallschlaeger: 89
Latterell: 63

That was not enough to qualify for the simple majority. A sixth and final vote:

Jaech: 174 votes (142 needed for simple majority)
Wallschlaeger: 109

Now as Jaech and wife Satya mingle here before lunch, I will close this blog. More will be coming in the combined June/July synod newsletter coming out in a week and a half. If you want that publication, please email me at rachelpritchett@msn.com

In addition, I will post more here from the assembly, starting Sunday.

Also, the August synod supplement to The Lutheran will have a full report.

My posting from the assembly is completed.

— Rachel Pritchett

A tie in the fourth vote

Here is the result of the fourth vote:

Rick Jaech, 104 votes

Melanie Wallschlaeger, 92 votes

Kim Latterell, 92 votes

Now another question, winner must get 60 percent.

— RP

Here are the results of the third round of voting:

Kim Latterell, 67 votes
Melanie Wallschlaeger, 54
Rick Jaech, 48
Valinda Morse, 36
John Rosenberg, 35
Jim Stender, 27
Ron Hoyum, 20

Now soon will come a question-and-answer period.

— Rachel Pritchett

Speeches under way now

Each of the seven now are giving short speeches about their priorities.

Good Saturday morning

We are in worship, with the voting to commence shortly.

Rachel

Here are the results of the second round of voting

Melanie Wallschlaeger, 60 votes
Valinda Morse, 46 votes
Kim Latterell, 41 votes
Ron Hoyum, 36
John Rosenberg, 29
Rick Jaech, 27
Jim Stender, 21

Voting is done for the day. It picks up at 8:15 a.m. Saturday.

Pictured: The Rev. Dr. Melanie and husband the Rev. Joe Smith watch at the assembly.
— RP

The second ballot has taken place

I will post when I receive results.

— RP

Fretheim says creation is evolving and we have a part

The Rev. Dr. Terry Fretheim, longtime profession of the Old Testament and author on the creation, led the second Bible study of the assembly.  Fretheim said "creation is ongoing" and that it doesn't look the same that it did the seventh day of creation.

"The Cascades simply weren't there," he said.

He told his listeners that they have a role as creation evolves. He called for them to have the freedom to imagine, and the explore the edges of their faith.

"God will always hold you close and never let you go," he said.

Scenes from the assembly: Day 1

Top to bottom: The Rev. Dr. Melanie Wallschlaeger and the Rev. Ron Hoyum of the synod office share an intimate moment.

The Rev. Sigi Helgeson distributes awards to pastors for milestones reached in years of service.

Volunteers man the office.

The Revs. Franklin Chu and Daniel Perch, among the longest-serving pastor, were celebrated.

After lunch and we are down to 14 people

All but 14 persons nominated in the first round have withdrawn their names. Remaining are:

Valinda Morse, with 33 votes
Kim Latterell with 32 votes
Richard Jaech with 23 votes
Ron Hoyum with 23 votes
John Rosenberg with 21 votes
James Stender with 17 votes
Melanie Wallschlaeger with 17 motes
Chris Boerger with 5 votes
David Monsen with 3 votes
Mark Brocker with 2 votes
Susan Briehl with 1 note
Paul Hermanson with 1 vote
Jeffrey Milsten with 1 vote
Carol Plummer with 1 vote

— Rachel Prichett

Dr. Thomas Krise speaks

Dr. Thomas Krise, for one year president of Pacific Lutheran University, spoke on the synod and the university combining on Namibia efforts. The Namibia Task Force of the synod is working on this.

Results of first round of voting

Forty-six names of persons were nominated, with the Revs. Valinda Morse, Ron Hoyum, Rick Jaech, Kim Latterell and Jim Stender among the top vote-getters, along with the Rev. Dr. Melanie Wallschlaeger. Over lunch, it is expected that some who have been nominated will withdraw their names.

The Bishop's Report

Looking back on 12 years as bishop, Robert D. Hofstad said he's experienced great sadness, but also great joy.

The sadness came from "the dividing of our beloved church," within congregations, the synod and the ELCA. Seven congregations have left the synod.

The greatest joy for the bishop who is retiring is the creation of new mission starts in this synod. It had been 15 years since the synod had started one until 2007, when the Living Stones prison congregation at the Washington Corrections Center at Shelton was created under the direction of the Rev. Eric Wangen-Hoch.

Other new mission started included Light of Grace Korean ministry of Federal Way, the north campus of Messiah Lutheran Church of Vancouver, Peace Lutheran Fellowship of Port Ludlow, Federal Way Chinese Fellowship, St. Christopher's Community Church of Steamboat Island, Faith Community Church of Kingston, and Refuge and Strength of Tacoma.'

"It has been a wonderful and beautiful thing," he said.

Bishop Hofstad gave thanks to his predecessor, Bishop David Wold, and for the current Synod Council. 

He gave thanks for his staff in order of longevity, to the Rev. Don Fossum for "commitment to detail" and "faithfulness," to the Rev. Ron Hoyum for his "pastoral heart," and for his ability to help troubled congregation, to Rachel Pritchett for her professionalism, to the Rev. Valinda Morse for getting out into congregations and for her "truth-telling," to the Rev. Dr. Melanie Wallschlaeger for her "creative energy," and to Allison Ramsey.

He also thanked his family, including wife Linda, who he just celebrated 43 years of marriage.

The voting begins

Readers,

Darcy Huffman now is reading the voting rules, with the first round of voting about to take place. Successive rounds of voting is expected to continue through today, with more rounds taking place tomorrow, Saturday.

Rachel Pritchett

McCoid leads first Bible study

The Rev. Donald McCoid, churchwide representative and executive for the ELCA's Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations Committee, lead the first Bible study of the morning, gave advice for bishops, saying it is a public post. 

"It would be nice to have a monastic way of life," he said, but the position requires one to "teach publicly house to house."

"Keep your eyes focused on your call," he said. 

And for voting members who soon will select a bishop, he said everyone has a right to their beliefs and they should express those. "But always speak the truth in love."

Let Christ the Good Shepherd be the model of love, he said.

Assembly begins

Good morning, Readers,

The Assembly has begun here at 9 a.m. Saturday morning, with a long list of procedural matters under way. I will post periodically here.

Rachel

Look here for assembly updates

Readers,

Decisions made in the 25th assembly of the Southwestern Washington Synod can be read here first. The assembly starts this coming Friday and continues through Saturday.

That includes highlights from the selection process leading to a new bishop, and other happenings. 

I will be posting here throughout both days and perhaps live-blogging at times. If you have special requests, don't hesitate to contact me at 206-498-0920 or rachelpritchett@msn.com, or by commenting here.

Thank you,

Rachel Pritchett, synod communicator

Little White Church at Elbe featured

The Little White Church at Elbe is featured in today's News Tribune of Tacoma. The pint-sized church is one of our's.

http://www.thenewstribune.com/2013/06/03/2622680/fondness-for-elbes-little-white.html

Lynn Hofstad completes doctorate

Lynn Maren Hofstad, daughter of Bishop and Linda Hofstad received her PhD in systematic theology at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary on May 9. The title of her doctoral dissertation is "Reconsidering the Atonement: A Reexamination of the Nature of Atonement Symbols." 

Pictured from left to right: Bishop Robert D. and Linda Hofstad; Lynn Hofstad and husband Bryce Godfrey; and Sara Hofstad Womack and husband Marcus Womack.

Volunteer breakfast for Little White Church is Saturday

A volunteer breakfast for the Little White Church at Elbe will take place at 9:30 a.m. May 18 at Peace Lutheran Church of Puyallup. Historian Andy Anderson will discuss the church in pioneer Puyallup. Persons who are interested in helping can RSVP to Kathy Mettler at 360-832-4922 or Doris Gadley at 253-847-2743. During the spring, summer and fall, services at the doll-sized house of worship are held 2:30 p.m. on the third Sunday of each month. Visit www.elbehistoricchurch.com.

Reception to thank Rev. Eric Wangen-Hoch

Members and friends of the Southwestern Washington Synod are invited to a reception for the Rev. Eric Wangen-Hoch from 4 to 7 p.m. May 30 at The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd of Olympia. 

Wangen-Hoch, for seven years pastor of the Living Stones Prison Congregation at the Washington Corrections Center at Shelton, has accepted a new call to Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Sedro-Wooley, along with his wife, the Rev. Rachel Wangen-Hoch.

In his service at the prison, Wangen-Hoch built up an unusual and rare worship opportunity, drawing close to 100 men to each service. In recent months, attendance had fallen, due to a security clampdown following the slaying of a correctional officer by an inmate at the Monroe Correctional Complex. Inmates had difficulty getting to worship. 

Wangen-Hoch believes the number of worshipers will rise in time. He urged congregations to continue supporting Living Stones as it moves into the future.

“It has been a magnificent call,” he said.

Hunger-grant application period opens

The ELCA Domestic Hunger Grant application process for 2014 has opened. The deadline for congregations and others to submit applications for efforts related to solving hunger is July 17. More information is at: http://www.elca.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Justice/Poverty-Ministries/Domestic-Hunger-Grants/Apply-for-a-Grant.aspx

Commentary: How my thinking has changed over the years

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

Our understandings change as time and increased knowledge progresses. For example, President James Garfield never would have died from the bullet fired by Charles Guiteau if modern medical practices had been known and followed. The physicians attending him totally derided the existence of germs and the need for antiseptic practices, hence, the president died of infection. Given this truism, in 40 years of ministry my theological thinking has changed most significantly with respect to the atonement.

Bear with me as I offer a historical note and a couple of twenty-five-dollar-sounding words. 

For a long time I had been bothered by what was for me the problem of an angry God and Jesus’ death. The understanding with which I cut my theological teeth, both in childhood and at seminary, was developed by Anselm, an 11th century Archbishop of Canterbury. In a nutshell Anselm proposed that because when the law is broken there must be punishment (God’s justice), Christ paid the price by taking our place on the cross, thereby satisfying a wrathful God. It is known as penal substitutionary atonement theology. Put simply, we need to be rescued from the deserved wrath and punishment of God, and this rescue was affected by God sending his Son as a sacrifice to die a tortuous execution. Anselm assimilated Jesus’ death to that of the pagan sacrificial principle where Jesus’ atoning work on the Cross is no longer seen as an act of grace by a merciful God, but is morphed into the most violent image one can imagine: child sacrifice.

While it is a much too complex study to thoroughly address here, suffice it to say that with Anselm authentic Christian thinking about the meaning of Jesus’ death went straight out the window. Penal substitutionary atonement theology is foreign to the apostolic writers, contradicting their emphases and language. Nowhere in the Gospels does Jesus say that God’s wrath must be appeased before God can accept sinners back into the fold. In Jesus’ Parable of the Prodigal Son, for instance, the father requires nothing – no payback, no ransom, no punishment, no sacrifice – when his son returns. In fact, he’s been watching every day for that familiar figure to appear. And when he does, Dad runs to greet his son as “one who was lost but now is found.”

For a decade and a half I have been studying the works of René Girard and theologians who have expounded on and expanded his writings. This was the primary focus of my 2011 sabbatical study during which I met with thinkers from this perspective across the continent. Those who participated in my 8-session Sunday Adult Study, The Jesus Driven Life, this past Fall-Winter got an abbreviated presentation of the alternative (and, for my money, much more Scripturally accurate) to Anselm’s erroneous conclusions.

Phrases such as Christ died for our sins (1 Corinthians 15:3) and died for us (Romans 5:8) are found in the New Testament, but never within the context of it being a punishment for sin. Jesus sacrificial death was not to fit into the from-human-beginnings system of an economy of exchange with God. In an economy of exchange one seeks something not within one’s power by making a gift (sacrifice) before making a request. From time immemorial human society has operated by this principle: if you gift me, I owe you (and vice-versa). So with the “gods.” Religion is doing something in order to get something from God. The question in the ancient world was not which god do you believe in, but to which god do you sacrifice? This principle – encapsulated by the Latin phrase du ut des, I give in order to receive – has so infused our very existence that we have assumed all along that God operates on the same basis. And this assumed basis is 180 degrees opposed to grace. Jesus came not to fit into this fallacious way of thinking about placating an angry God with sacrifice, but to reveal and do away with that satanic notion once and for all.

The atonement makes a lot more biblical sense when we think of it as at-one-ment. Jesus’ death and resurrection reveal clearly that we ARE one with God ... always have been ... like the father in Jesus’ story who never dreamed of disowning or demanding payback from his wayward son. Of course we mess up in a thousand and one various ways. But, to repeat myself, Christ’s life, teachings, death, and resurrection shout to the heavens that we have always been loved by God, are loved by God, and will always be loved by God. No sacrifice needed. None. Period. We are at-one with God, better news of which you can’t find on the planet!

Humanity has spent history not recognizing this, hence the message we couldn’t miss: Jesus! And Jesus was not paying off God (appeasing God’s anger or buying God’s pleasure) with his sacrificial act. It is patently incontestable from Scripture that God does not work that way. S. Mark Heim put it clearly in his important work, Saved From Sacrifice: “We are not reconciled with God and each other by a sacrifice of innocent suffering offered to God. We are reconciled with God because God at the cost of suffering rescued us from bondage to a practice of violent sacrifice that otherwise would keep us estranged, making us enemies of the God who stand with victims.”

A corollary point has to do with the oft-heard proposition that the Bible says one need accept and love Jesus or that one is going to experience eternity as a crispy critter. One of the theologians I met with in 2011, Michael Hardin, puts it this way. Imagine the most handsome, intelligent, witty, outgoing fellow who every gal wishes they could have as their husband, comes to you and says, “I love you so much, so deeply that it astonishes me. I cannot even describe the depth of my love for you. I want to be with you forever; you light up my life; you are the reason I exist. Will you marry me?” Imagine spending your life with such a person who was absolutely devoted to you, who loved you with an undying love, who cared for you in ways beyond your wildest dreams.

But before you respond with a “yes” suppose the suitor went on to say, “But you also need to know that if you will not love me in return I will make your life a living nightmare, a hell on earth. I will spread rumors and lies about you and make it my life’s goal to punish you in every way possible if you won’t accept my love for you.”

Any high school student in the country would say that is a perverted, haywire concept of love . . . in fact, not love at all. And yet this is exactly the picture of God which has predominated in the church over the ages. “Love Jesus or you’re going down!” Example: the church reader board I passed in Phoenix some years back during a heat wave that read – “You Think It’s Hot Here?” Message: accept Christ, love Him with all your heart, and do an “acceptable” job of walking in His steps or you’re going to Hell. Sakes alive, what a wonderful gospel message to proclaim! A fellow once said to me, “If there’s no hell, what’s the point?” To which I replied, “You’ve missed the point!”

It is clear to me from Scripture that God loves each and every human being, be it the model on the cover of Family Circle or on the cover of Hustler. And there is absolutely no way to lose that love. Again, Jesus’ death and resurrection writes that joyful message in hundred-foot-high letters. Along with the joy of ministering among and with the people of God who already know it, the reason I have been doing what I’ve been doing for forty years is simply the fact that there are so many who do not know this Good News. And my message has essentially been, “Have I got a deal for you!”

In closing, I add the following based on decades of serious study of the Bible. It is a wonderfully liberating feeling to be able to let go of an image of a God who demands a bloody sacrifice of an innocent victim before I can be forgiven. It is an equally wonderfully liberating feeling to be able to let go of an image of a God who consigns all who do not acknowledge Christ to an eternal hell. It was Jesus Himself who said from the cross, “Father, forgive them because they don’t know what they’re doing.” Our life in Christ is meant to be one of living and proclaiming this really good news . . . and letting God take care of the rest.