Moments for Mission. Newsletter of the Southwestern Washington Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Transcription

1 Moments for Mission Newsletter of the Southwestern Washington Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America The mission of the Southwestern Washington Synod is to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ by empowering congregations and church leaders to grow in worship, education, outreach, stewardship and other ministries. September 2007 Address Reflections on the 2007 Churchwide Assembly: By the Rev. Ron Hoyum, assistant to the bishop Moments for Mission is published monthly. It can be read on-screen in this Word document or printed out at 9 pages. It also is available in hard copy. The deadline is the 10 th of the month EDITOR Rachel Pritchett Adjunct staff, one-fifth time SYNOD STAFF Bishop Robert D. Hofstad Rev. Ronald A. Hoyum assistant to the bishop Rev. Valinda I. Morse assistant to the bishop Rev. Donald G. Fossum adjunct staff, two-fifths time Allison Ramsey office manager PHONE (253) swwsynod@plu.edu ADDRESS ST St. S. Tacoma, WA WEB SITE Saturday evening following the recent ELCA Churchwide Assembly, Bishop Robert D. Hofstad and I found ourselves stranded in the Minneapolis airport. An electrical storm had delayed our flight for quite some time. As we sat waiting for the storm to let up I had an opportunity to reflect on all that had happened over the past week. The re-election of Bishop Hanson It was no surprise to me that Bishop Hanson was elected to serve a second six-year term as presiding bishop. He was re-elected on the second ballot having fallen only two votes short of being re-elected on the first ballot. Bishop Hanson is a remarkable leader who seems to possess charisma and vision in equal measure. And he exhibited both grace and humor at the assembly, clearly moved by the level of support he received from the 1,000 plus voting members during the week. David Swartling David Swartling, an attorney from Bainbridge See Page 4 Island and longtime lay leader in the Northwest for story on the Washington synod, was elected to a six-year term election of David Swartling as ELCA as ELCA secretary. Although he was not a secretary. front-runner going into the election, his openness and honesty won over the voting members. He talked about his faith and his sense of call to serve the church. He also explained how he would bring to the secretary position two skills from his work as an attorney that of counselor and advocate. Continues

2 Churchwide Assembly: Continued He told the assembly that he would give his best counsel to Bishop Hanson, giving him frank and honest advice. But once a decision has been made he assured the assembly that he would be a strong advocate for the policies and initiatives of the churchwide office. The Book of Faith initiative The assembly approved Book of Faith: Lutherans Read the Bible, an initiative to promote the study of the Bible. A companion recommendation of the assembly gave specific suggestions for ways to invite and encourage all members, expressions, institutions and partners of this church to commit themselves regularly and increasingly to hearing, reading, studying, sharing and being formed by God s Word. Hopefully, this initiative will help increase biblical literacy and solidify Scripture as the foundation for all future decisions we make as a church. Human sexuality votes Part of each day was devoted to the memorials on human sexuality received from several synods. The Memorials Committee recommendation was to refer all synod memorials to the Human Sexuality Task Force, which is developing a social statement for consideration in During the Saturday-morning business session, however, a substitute resolution was approved that asked synods and bishops to refrain from or demonstrate restraint in disciplining people and congregations that call otherwise-qualified candidates in mutual, chaste and faithful committed same-gender relationships, and it called for restraint in disciplining rostered leaders in committed same-gender relationships. The substitute resolution was, far and away, the most controversial decision made by the voting members at the 2007 churchwide assembly. Some see this as a necessary move to preserve the unity of the church. It gives bishops an opportunity to deal in a pastoral way with this issue until 2009 when a social statement will be approved. Others, however, fear that this resolution will further divide the church along synodical lines with some synods choosing to strictly enforce the existing standards for ordained ministry and others not. Only time will tell what the end result will be. Concluding thoughts There is much more that I could tell you. Many more decisions were made great and small that will affect our church for years to come. But the four I have mentioned will have the greatest impact as we look to the future. May God bless our leaders with wisdom and guide our efforts to be a church faithful to gospel of Jesus Christ. If congregations would like to have more information I would be happy to visit your church council or adult forum. Posting Organist: First Lutheran Church of Poulsbo seeks a church organist to play for two traditional Sunday services, weddings and funerals. The congregation is seeking an applicant who also can accompany its adult Cathedral Choir at Wednesday-night rehearsals and at one Sunday service September through June. Interested applicants can send letter and resume to Debbie Collier, music director; First Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 825, Poulsbo, WA

3 3 Congregations in transition Mobility IN CALL PROCESS POSITION STATUS PASTORAL CARE Bethany, Spanaway R TR Jan Otto Chinook, Chinook P TR Pulpit Supply Christ, Lakewood P C Larry Schoenberg Comm. Christian Center, Federal Way P TR Rick Swenson Emmanuel, Tacoma AP I Jon Sorum First, S. Bend/Our Saviour s, Raymond P I Neil Thompson Holy Trinity, Port Angeles P I Julie Kanarr Immanuel, Centralia P TR Bill Coffman Luth. Ch., Good Shepherd, Olympia P I Linda Nou/Dennis Hartsook Mountain View, Edgewood AP I John Vaswig Pilgrim, Puyallup AP I Gary Jepsen Trinity, Longview P TR Janell Bethke MOBILITY POSITION KEY: AIM Associate in Ministry, AP Associate Pastor; DM Diaconal Minister, P Pastor MOBILITY STATUS KEY: C Calling; I Interviewing; NV New Vacancy; TR Transition Coming Up Economics of Jesus presentation on Sept. 29 in Olympia hosts national, local talent The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd of Olympia is the location of a Sept. 29 presentation by Habitat for Humanity founder Millard Fuller. The all-day seminar is highlighted by his first presentation at 9 a.m., A Movement is Born, and his second at 1 p.m. on The Economics of Jesus. The event will include lunch, workshops on ministry and breakout sessions. Other workshop presenters will feature the Revs. Eric Wangen-Hoch, John Vaswig, Arlyn Saathoff, Philip Reitz and John Stroeh; and Jerry and Cindy Schultz, Bill Hanawalt, Missy Tade, Shirley Lysen and David Swartling. The cost for the day, which goes from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., is $20 per person with the fourth person in a group free. Fuller s visit is sponsored by the Southwestern Washington Synod, Region 1 and the ELCA. To register online, go to the synod Web site at For more information, call the synod office at (253)

4 4 News Swartling tapped as ELCA secretary By Rachel Pritchett, editor In just weeks, Southwestern Washington Synod friend David D. Swartling takes over as secretary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, one of the church body s highest position. His selection was made Aug. 11 in Chicago at its assembly of the nation s largest group of Lutherans that has about 4.8 million members and 10,549 congregations. Swartling, who has assisted members of this synod in planned giving and at assemblies, now will work alongside Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson, as well as with the council that oversees the church. He is the first non-pastor to fill the post, and replaces retiring Rev. Lowell Almen. In the long run, to honor the polity of the ELCA... it was important to have a lay person, he said from his office in Seattle, where he is wrapping up a long career as a trial lawyer and partner at Mills Meyers Swartling. I m really excited about the opportunity to serve the church in this capacity. Besides participating in top-level leadership decisions of the church, Swartling will maintain its records, archives and clergy roster. He will be charged with interpreting the church's constitution and bylaws, as well. One of the changes he hopes to implement is expanding the role of vice presidents, who serve on equal footing with the presiding bishop and also with the bishops of the ELCA s 65 synods. One of the great untapped resources is pool of vice presidents, he said. I think these are competent, compassionate, caring people who can provide valuable leadership and guidance as the church moves forward. One of the great untapped resources is pool of vice presidents. David Swartling, incoming ELCA secretary In recent years, Swartling had reduced his time at his law firm to fulfill duties as director of the Lutheran Planned Giving Consortium of Western Washington, supported by the Southwestern Washington Synod and others. He also has been the parliamentarian for assemblies of the Southwestern Washington Synod. Swartling, 60, begins Nov. 1 and his term last six years. Swartling and banker wife Barbara will relocate to Chicago. He admits to some deep discernment issues during the assembly, and conversation with many, including Bishop Robert D. Hofstad, helped him make the decision to seek the post, he said. His competition included synod bishops and a seminary president. His home congregation is part of the Northwest Washington Synod, and over the years, Swartling has held a number of leadership positions with that group. In addition, he has been chair of the board of the ELCA Foundation and a trustee on the ELCA Board of Pensions.

5 News Hofstads become grandparents Bishop Robert D. Hofstad and wife Linda have become first-time grandparents with the Aug. 6 birth of Maia Lin Womack, born to daughter Sara and husband Marcus Womack. Christophersons celebrate 60 th Family and friends of the Rev. Dr. Ken Christopherson and wife Polly are invited to a celebration of their 60 th wedding anniversary from 2 to 4 p.m. Sept. 16 in the Fireside Room at Trinity Lutheran Church of Parkland. The couple met as freshmen at Augustana College in Illinois and were married just one year into his seminary training in South Dakota. He retired from the faculty of Pacific Lutheran University in 1991, but the couple continues to live in the Tacoma area. They just returned from a trip to Norway. Even though both are 81, they continuing to enjoy skiing at Crystal Mountain. Worshiper turns 100 just in time for congregation s centennial SOUTH BEND Alice Tobiason of South Bend turned 100 July 8, just days before her congregation, First Lutheran Church of South Bend, arrived at the same milestone. Tobiason came from her family home in Hatton, N.D., to South Bend in 1947 on the prospect of finding a teaching job, according to Sylvia Halldorson, who took down her story. She taught at the old Broadway School and for years took care of a crippled sister, Emma. Tobiason has been honored by Pacific Lutheran University as a contributor to the chemistry department, and also is a member of the PLU Lifetime Giving Society. She still lives on her own, and attends most of the congregation s functions. She played the piano and organ at the church for many years. First Lutheran Church, meanwhile, was to celebrate its centennial on July 28 and 29. An article by Ann Mergens about the event was featured in the July 19 edition of the Pacific County Press newspaper. It stated the church was constructed on Kendrick Street in 1907 for $290 in labor, including two coats of paint. Services were in Norwegian. In 1920, the church then known as the Norwegian Lutheran Church was relocated to its present site at Water and Adams streets. In 1951, it merged with the nearby Swedish Lutheran Church. Some 22 pastors have shepherded the church at Willapa Bay on Washington s coast, and some of them were expected to attend the church centennial. The Rev. Gary Hagen and wife Gerry of Puyallup served nearly a dozen years there and at Our Savior s Lutheran Church of Raymond. He retired last year, and the Rev. Neil Thompson is the interim pastor there. 5 Become part of Moments for Mission : Persons with announcements or story ideas for Moments for Mission are invited to contact the synod office Editor Rachel Pritchett directly at rachelpritchett@msn.com or (206) The deadline is the 10 th of the month.

6 6 News Guatemala mission trip makes the Trib Jeffrey P. Mayor, adventure editor for the News Tribune of Tacoma, devoted a recent column on a trip he took with others from the Southwestern Washington Synod to Guatemala to build a Habitat for Humanity house. Mayer, a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church of Fircrest and avid fisherman, said talk about big bass fishing in Guatemala s Lake Atitlan was reason enough to sign up. But once there, he got so caught up in building a small house for a couple and their two small children, his fishing gear never left his luggage. The Rev. Valinda Morse, assistant to the bishop, and husband Lyle Morse also were on the trip. To read Mayor's column, go to Click on Adventure at the top, then on Columnists. Living Stones congregation now Habitat supporter The Southwestern Washington Synod s newest congregation, Living Stones Prison Congregation at the Washington Corrections Center at Shelton, now is a supporter of a home being built by Habitat for Humanity of Mason County. Offerings collected at the Saturday-night prison services have been dedicated toward helping to build a home for a family in need in the Shorecrest neighborhood. Helping in the effort are other area congregations that include Faith Lutheran Church of Shelton and Christ Lutheran Church of Belfair, all in partnership with Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. The prison congregation is led by the Rev. Eric Wangen-Hoch. Enrichment Workshop focuses on inclusive community In our fast-changing and diverse world, what skills do leaders need to practice in order to create a more inclusive environment in which people of diverse backgrounds and experiences are welcome and no one is disadvantaged? To find out, the Rev. John Stroeh of Peace Lutheran Church of Tacoma invites everyone to an all-day workshop led by Eric Law, nationally known trainer and founder of the Kaleidoscope Institute. It takes place Nov. 6 at Peace Community Center, 2106 S. Cushman Ave., Tacoma. Stroeh can take further questions at (253) Holden Theological Conference this month Sept. 24 through 27 are the dates for the Holden Theological Conference. This year s theme is Can You Hear Me Now? Communicating the Gospel in the Post-Modern World. The event at Holden Village on Lake Chelan will feature ELCA Worship Director Michael Burk and Maria Erling. Go to

7 7 Bulletin board Celebration, benefit for China Service Ventures Emmanuel Lutheran Church is the venue for a China Service Ventures celebration and benefit dinner, at 6 p.m. Sept. 28 in the Sand Memorial Center. The Rev. Lin Qiu, outreach pastor or China Service Ventures, will speak on the theme The Door is Open. Emmanuel pastor the Rev. Steve Ray is executive director of the group that reaches out to China's poorest and most remote inhabitants. He has organized numerous trips involving members of the Southwestern Washington Synod. For more information about the event, call Cathy Mattson at (253) Athletic passes available The Office of Congregational Relations of Pacific Lutheran University wants to let readers of Moments for Mission to know that passes to watch PLU athletic events now are available. Contact Jeannie at (253) or at crel@plu.edu. Gift will change Camp Lutherwood direction Lutherwood Camp and Retreat Center near Bellingham, which serves some 600 youthful summer campers each year, has received a $150,000 anonymous donation its leaders say will forever change its direction. Instead of struggling to pay bills, we will be raising the money we will need to market the camp effectively and carry us through the first, lean months of 2008, said the Rev. Heidi Fish, executive director. The camp has struggled over the years, and the gift allows it to retire old debt, as well. The camp is supported by congregations from the Southwestern and Northwest Washington synods. Region 1 Resource Center moves The Region 1 Resource Center has moved to Trinity Lutheran College in Issaquah, effective Sept. 1. For updates, visit or call (425) State advocate encourages participation As fall approaches, the Rev. Paul Benz, director of the state Lutheran Public Policy Office, invites readers to consider renewed participation in political advocacy based on Lutheran principals. Subjects to consider include: Initiative 960 that would limit taxes; Proposals to change the state Constitution so that school levies could pass with a simple majority; Immigration; Health care; Global warming; Affordable housing; Poverty; and criminal justice. Benz and his staff can be reached at pbenz@lcsnw.org or (206)

8 8 Our congregations From newsletters across the synod, for inspiration and keeping up Replaced: A 25-foot-cross, for 50 years rising from the front of Hope of Tacoma, has been replaced. A half-century took its toll in rot. A new cross has gone up in its place. Food-bank vision: A $25,000 grant has been received to help build a bigger Mountain View Lutheran Community Center and Food Bank. Church representatives say the vision is to do away with limitations imposed by a facility that s old, too small and difficult to access. The dream also includes a new community center in the same facility so the congregation can responded to community needs in the areas of health, wellness, education and employment. Miss Washington finalist: Kelly Backous, a member of Messiah of Vancouver, was a finalist in the Miss Washington competition in July. Her awards in scholarships and cash totaled $3,170. In addition, she won the Miss American Organization Scholastic Achievement Scholarship, and the Miss Miracle Maker Award, given to those attracting the most donations to help the Children's Miracle Network. She is the daughter of Rick and Sheri Backous. All under same roof: Freedom Christian Center, which had been operating out of a storefront on Pacific Avenue in Tacoma, has reached agreement with Bethlehem of Tacoma to meet for worship there on a trial basis. That congregation lost its lease. Moved: After loads of anticipation by teachers and students alike, Luther Center for Learning has moved into the completely remodeled lower level of Spirit of Life of Olalla. They'll share the space with Little Doves Children s Learning Center. Theme Fridays: Hope of Tacoma hosts Free Family Fridays in which children of all ages arrive in costume, then take part in a costume contest before settling down for snacks and a couple of movies. Pirates came in June, King Arthur s court came in July, and George of the Jungle sufficed for August. Lattes: Members of Gloria Dei of Olympia are in barista training in order to operate their newly serviced espresso machine. Coffee-committee members will use their expertise to sell the coffee with a kick to benefit church ministries. Centennial: Come April 2008, Saron of Hoquiam celebrates its 100th anniversary, and plans are beginning to firm up now. Bishop Robert D. Hofstad will be on hand, and members will enjoy a catered dinner. T-Shirts, commemorative pins and an anniversary books are planned, too. College scholarships: Some 16 college students each received $213 scholarships from members of Christ of Lakewood. To Holy Land: Pastors Allen Cudahy and Orv Jacobson of First of Port Orchard have finalized plans to take 24 believers to the Holy Land in early November. Travelers will film the entire journey to share later with those staying behind. Also, First celebrates its 70th anniversary with the theme Remembering the Legacy. Continuing in Tacoma: First of Tacoma continues its year-long celebration of events to commemorate its 125th year with these two September events: a report on the recent 2007 churchwide assembly by Jim Hushagen, vice president of the Southwestern Washington Synod, at 9:15 a.m. Sept. 16; and a presentation on Martin Luther by Dan Peterson, PLU religion professor, at 9:15 a.m. on Sundays starting in September and going through October. For more information, call the church at (253) Continues

9 9 Our congregations: Continued First newsletter, then book: The Stella Lutheran Chapel council has approved requests to make a cookbook based on recipes from congregants printed in Stella's monthly newsletter, The Stella Star. Saturday night live: A new contemporary Saturday evening service comes to Mountain View of Edgewood, starting Sept. 8. Call the church at (253) for more. Helping Maasai girls: Givers at Christ of Belfair have donated generously toward educational scholarships for girls from the Maasai tribe of Tanzania to attend the Maasai Girls Lutheran Secondary School. Maasai girls have traditionally been barred from receiving an education. Baby-bottle project: Parishioners at Prince of Peace in Forks have filled numerous baby bottles full of leftover change and greenbacks to purchase $330 worth of car seats and other need items for area infants through The Caring Place of West Clallam County. Eagle Scout: Shawn Stern was presented as an Eagle Scout June 26 at Christ Lutheran Church of Federal Way at an Eagle Court of Honor. He is the son of Colleen Stern. Smorgasbord memory: Back in the day, Saron of Hoquiam hosted an annual smorgasbord dinner ever year. Come Sept. 22, church members will revive the long-held tradition with a onetime smorgasbord featuring meatballs, pork roast, beet salad, pickled herring, breads and Scandinavian pastries and cookies. For more information, saronlutheran@techline.com. Calendar Sept. 16: Christopherson s 60 th, see Page 5 Sept. 24 to 27: Holden Theological Conference, Chelan, see Page 6 Sept. 28: Celebration for China Service Ventures, Emmanuel Lutheran, Tacoma, see Page 7 Sept. 29: Economics of Jesus presentation, Olympia, see Page 3 Sept. 29: Crop Walk for hunger, 10 a.m., meet at Evergreen Park in Bremerton. Oct. 6: Southwestern Washington Women of the ELCA Evergreen Cluster Event, Hope of Enumclaw. Oct. 7: Pierce County Hunger Walk, 1 p.m., Jefferson Park, Tacoma. More at (253) Oct. 7: Southwestern Washington Synodical Women s Organization Evergreen Cluster Event, Enumclaw Oct. 12 to 14: Southwestern Washington Women of the ELCA Convention, St. John's Lutheran, Chehalis. Oct. 14: Lutheran Community Services Annual Banquet, Beth Ann at (800) or bjohnson@lcsnw.org. Nov. 6: Inclusiveness workshop, see Page 6 Jan. 27 to 29: Prayer Retreat, Seabeck Christian Conference Center Jan. 29 to 30: Bishop s Convocation, Seabeck Christian Conference Center April 4 to 6, 2008: Women of the ELCA Retreat, Falls Creek, Raymond May 30 to 31, 2008: Southwestern Washington Synod Assembly, Red Lion, Olympia July 8 to 13, 2008: Seventh Triennial Convention and Gathering of Woman of the ELCA, Salt Lake City May 15 to 16, 2009: Southwestern Washington Synod Assembly, Murano Tacoma Hotel May 14 to 15, 2010: Southwestern Washington Synod Assembly, Hilton Vancouver Hotel End of newsletter