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