Dispatches from the assembly: Here were a couple of workshops

A congregation is transformed in evangelism
In one of the many workshops at the assembly, the Rev. Dan Wilson and leaders of Hope Lutheran Church of Enumclaw told how they stared the uncomfortable subject of evangelism in the face and didn't blink.

The Hope congregation undertook the extensive "Unbinding Your Heart" program for renewed evangelism based on the books by the Rev. Martha Grace Reese, and emerged a transformed and energized congregation than ever before, Wilson said.

The months-long process began by members preparing themselves for evangelism by getting to know each other in new settings. Rather than the usual church cliques, new groups were set up, and members found themselves having dinner with others they may never have even spoken to. New prayer partners prayed unceasingly.

"The barriers had been dropped," Wilson said. "It takes you out of yourself."

At the end, 14 new members joined. But Wilson said the goal wasn't new members; it was transformation and the by-product was growth.

Wilson said to give this process a try. He'll help. Contact him at 360-825-4120 or hloffice@skynetbb.com.

Holden Village on cusp of major environmental remediation
Synod Council member and Holden Village development team member Monica Hurley encouraged workshop participants to come enjoy Holden Village, the Lutheran retreat in the hills above Lake Chelan.

It's a contemplative place, she said, were people come to gain "some deep understanding of where their future is going."

Holden pro bono attorney Jim Hushagen explained that the former copper-mining camp soon will enter a $100 million environmental remediation to stem toxic by-products from the mining from leaching into a nearby river.

The work will begin soon, be in full swing in 2013, and be completed by 2014, he said.
To learn more, visit www.holdenvillage.org.

Pictured: The Rev. Dan Wilson explains the transformation of his congregation and invites others to learn more.

Monica Hurley explains that Holden Village is a place where visitors get back to basics.

A silhouetted trio leads the workshop in worship. Left to right are Jim Hushagen, Elise Erickson and Monica Hurley.

Dispatches from the assembly: Gregoire/Hofstad conversation featured

Gov. Christine Gregoire's extraordinary conversation with Bishop Robert D. Hofstad was featured on the cover of the Saturday Columbian newspaper of Vancouver.

http://www.columbian.com/news/2012/may/18/gregoire-visits-vancouver-discusses-her-faith/

Rick Nelson of Stella Chapel recorded the conversation, and for those who want a copy, please let me know.

Rachel Pritchett, communicator

Dispatches from the assembly: 2013 budget approved

VANCOUVER, Wash. — In his last budget address after eight years of service, outgoing synod Treasurer Andreas Udbye announced the synod's budget now has slipped beneath the $1 million mark.

"This is sort of a steady drain here," he said.

Nonetheless, voting members approved a a $970,000 budget for next year, a $10,000 increase from the current budget.

Andreas blamed four years of decline on three factors — a slumping economy, demographics that show aging among church members, and the 2009 churchwide sexuality vote.

Benevolences from congregations to the synod and churchwide now are at 1989 levels.

Despite that, the synod has been able to maintain staffing, though furloughs are still in effect.
And the synod will raise its giving to churchwide from 39.5 percent to 40 percent next year.

In addition, the synod has been able to continue support for a prison ministry at Shelton, and back partnering ministries such as seminaries and Pacific Lutheran University.

Dispatches from the assembly: 'Occupation' only part of 'vocation'

VANCOUVER, Wash. — Continuing on the assembly's theme of "Sunday Faith Meets Monday Worship," Bishop Robert D. Hofstad said during a  Bible study that our occupations are only a portion of our vocations.

Drawing from the seventh chapter of Corinthians 1, the bishop said we are called to many offices simultaneously.

Besides employee, they may be wife, mother, daughter, cousin, neighbor, co-worker, and child of God.

True vocation, he said, is a "juggling act," and we are constantly honoring and dishonoring each other in our vocations as we fall short of expectations.

"We'll never really be able to honor our vocation in the best way we can," he said.

The bishop suggested listeners look at their own vocation and its multiple offices and prioritize.

"And ask the question, 'Am I really dealing with the need of the people around me?' "

"Does this free you up?"

Dispatches from the assembly: The Columbia at dawn

 

 

Readers,

Here are some images from along the Columbia River in downtown Vancouver, taken at 6:30 a.m. May 19.

Top to bottom:
The Interstate 5 bridge connecting Washington to Oregon

Early-morning anglers

A straightaway out to sea

The Vancouver Hilton, site of the assembly

— Rachel Pritchett

Dispatches from assembly: The opening

Bishop Robert D. Hofstad opens the 25th annual assembly of the Southwestern Washington Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America on May 18 in Vancouver, Wash. Some 225 people attended.

Dispatches from assembly: Swartlings featured in assembly

David and Barbara Swartling each brought their own message to the Southwestern Washington Synod assembly on May 18 and 19 in Vancouver. 

David Swartling as keynoter talked about finding God weekdays during his multifaceted career as a navy officer, lawyer and secretary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, his current position.

Barbara Swartling, a former banker, is the executive director of the Deaconess Community of the ELCA, and gave the gathering an update and invitation to come join the community. 

The former Bainbridge Island residents enjoyed a few moments in a park outside the Vancouver Hilton. A future story will have more.