Christmas Message from Presiding Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton
This is our second pandemic Christmas. We thought this would be over so long ago. And still, we wear masks; we're physically distant; we can't be with friends and family as we used to do. And also, there's so much that's broken in this world, so much that tells us, "Why have hope? Just give up."
But we have a hope that's stronger than any of this, stronger even than death. The hope of God comes in the form of a tiny baby, a helpless child; nevertheless, who grew to a man and in his fragile strength was willing to die on the cross and was raised again.
I don't know what next Christmas will bring. I don't know what New Year's will bring. But I do know we have hope.
St. Paul put it this way:"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."Merry Christmas, dear church.
The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton
Presiding Bishop, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
BSA Bankruptcy
Congregations may have received information from the Boy Scouts of America (the “BSA”) including a “Plan Solicitation” package concerning voting on its proposed chapter 11 plan of reorganization (the “Plan”) and/or whether that congregation wishes to opt out of the treatment provided in the Plan for “Chartered Organizations.”
ELCA Churchwide Attorneys have prepared this information overview to help member congregations. It is not legal advice and should not be considered as such. Please retain and consult with an attorney if your congregation needs or wants legal advice concerning the BSA and its Plan. Under the polity and structure of the ELCA, each Chartered Organization (such as each individual congregation) must make its own independent decision, and the ELCA cannot give legal advice or dictate what a congregation should do.
Lutheran Disaster Response
Lutheran Disaster Response is collaborating with the Indiana-Kentucky Synod and other partners in the area to assess the damage and develop an immediate and a long-term response plan. Your gifts to support these response efforts will empower our partners to meet survivors’ immediate and long-term needs. Given the extent of the damage, recovery will take years as thousands of homes will need to be rebuilt or repaired. With your support, Lutheran Disaster Response can accompany survivors on the long road to recovery.
E-News December 12, 2021
FEATURED NEWS
2022 Vital Congregations
Re-BOOT Camp
Launches January 13
The ELCA Congregational Vitality Team is excited to share an opportunity for congregations in seasons of transformation or renewal to discover fresh ways to scatter seeds!
Pastors and congregations are encouraged to come as teams of 3 – 5 people for a time of inspiration, learning, planning, sharing, experimenting, visioning, and implementing.
2022 Vital Congregations Re-BOOT Camp launches January 13th
FOUR ONLINE SESSIONS:
January 13
January 27
February 3
February 17
TWO TIMES PER DAY TO JOIN LIVE!
1:30pm – 3:00pm Eastern
7:30PM – 9:00PM Eastern
You may choose the best time each day that works for you. All sessions will be recorded and available to all registered participants.
The registration cost is free. Instead of paying to register, congregations and individuals are encouraged to be generous by sending an extra gift of Mission Support to your synod.
For more information contact:
Mary Morrow
Director for Evangelical Mission, Northwest Intermountain Synod
(208) 446-5207
Spring Regional Gathering Update
Dear folks of the Northwest Intermountain Synod,
Blessed Advent to you all. Work is continuing to be done in preparation for our three 2022 Regional Gatherings. We look forward to welcoming Linda Staats as our facilitator for each gathering. Linda’s specialty is cross-generational ministry and interactive workshops. You can learn more about Linda here. Our time together will be framed by Acts 16:6-15. In this passage, we join Paul and his companions as they strive to listen to where the Holy Spirit might be leading them, act with courage to follow, and share the gospel of Jesus Christ with others. Ministry now, like then, requires similar practices and courage.
Ministry sites from across the Northwest Intermountain Synod are encouraged to bring as many people as possible to these gatherings. The cost will be $300/congregation, plus $10 for each individual. Those serving in specialized ministry should register with the congregation of which they are a member for a cost of $10. Lunch is included with registration. It is suggested you send a group including “golden age” participants in their retirement, wage earning participants in mid-life, young adults just starting out, and youth of any age. The workshop is very interactive, so even the youngest participant’s attention will be held. Working together you learn from and about each other. We are also working with Luther Heights Bible Camp and Camp Lutherhaven to provide some programming for school-aged youth. We plan to have child-care available for those with younger kids.
There are many details still in the works, including exact locations, covid precautions, and catchy theme 😊. What we do know, though, is that the 2022 Regional Gatherings will take place on the following dates. Each gathering will run from 10am-4pm, with doors opening at 9am.
April 30, 2022 — Pullman, WA
May 14, 2022 — Twin Falls, ID
May 21, 2022 — Moses Lake, WA
God’s peace be yours and we look forward seeing you this spring,
Pastor Phil Misner
Assistant to the Bishop
2022 Legislative Conference
We invite you to join us for the 2022 Virtual Eastern Washington Legislative Conference. (Below is a bulletin inserts/promotional flier
The event will be held on Zoom from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 22. Co-sponsored by The Fig Tree, Catholic Charities of Eastern Washington, the Faith Action Network (FAN), Earth Ministries and the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia, the conference informs people of faith on issues coming in the upcoming session of the Washington State Legislature and ways to be involved.
Keynote speaker Fr. Pat Conroy SJ, is chaplain at Gonzaga University and for 10 years served as chaplain for the House of Representatives. He will share insights on the theme "Mobilizing for Our Future."
Four interfaith panelists, moderated by Anastasia Wendlinder, professor of Religious Studies at Gonzaga University, are Melissa Opel of the Spokane Buddhist Temple; Jeremy Press Taylor of the Spokane Jewish community; Naghmana Sherazi of the Islamic Community, and Benjamin Watson, pastor of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church. They will discuss how their faith communities mobilize for action, what issues are priorities and where they need solidarity.
Participants may attend two workshops, also on Zoom and recorded. The sessions are on issues related to Climate Change, Housing and Homelessness, Food Security, Refugees and Border Issues, Human Trafficking, Education and Equity, and Securing Our Democracy.
A “Legislative Briefing” on the status of 2022 legislation proposals will be led by Kristin Ang of FAN, Donna Christensen of the Washington State Catholic Conference, and Jessica Zimmerle of Earth Ministry/Interfaith Power and Light.
Participants need to REGISTER IN ADVANCE to receive the link.
Those interested in registering may send a donation of $20, or $15 each for group of 5+, or rsvp for scholarship
Send a check and your email (for the link) to
The Fig Tree, 1323 S. Perry St., Spokane, WA 99202.
OR
For information, call 535-1813, email: event@thefigtree.org.
WAYS I CAN GIVE
Avenues for Hope
HOUSING CHALLENGE
This year's campaign for TNH will help with landscaping around the houses, helping us preserve foundations for years to come.
ELCA GOOD GIFT CATALOGUE
HARVESTING THE PLENTY
Our Siblings in Tanzania Need Us Now More Than Ever
LEARN MORE AND DONATE
Write Tumaini School in memo
AROUND the ELCA
Thriving Leadership Formation seeks Coaches and Spiritual Directors to provide coaching and spiritual direction to church leaders. California Lutheran University received a $1 million, five-year grant from the Lilly Endowment to create the program in partnership with its own Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and the 11 ELCA synods of Regions 1 and 2. Cohorts of church leaders began meeting in 2020 to provide support, connection, and engage in spiritual practices. This coming year, Cohort Leaders and participants will be eligible for coaching and spiritual direction sessions as part of the grant. We are seeking a pool of coaches and spiritual directors for that purpose. Interested applicants should complete an online application (below). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Thank you for your interest! Please contact thriving@callutheran.edu with questions.
THE CROSS IS THE TRUE GIFT OF CHRISTMAS
Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton
I remember this jarring image: It was the Christmas Eve candlelight service at my home congregation. A banner depicting Mary and Jesus in the manger had been hung from the ceiling at the front of the nave completely obscuring the large suspended cross. I had seen that banner on Sunday mornings, but on this Christmas Eve in the semidarkness something else appeared. A spotlight that illumined the cross now shown on the banner with the effect of making the outline of the cross appear as the background of the Christmas scene.
The cross on Christmas? I didn’t want the crucified Christ casting a shadow on the Christ child. Christmas is about angels and shepherds and the babe, lying in a manger, not betrayal and death. I didn’t like it.
"The hope of Christmas is fulfilled on Good Friday."
Young Adults in Global Mission
Applications for the 2022-2023 YAGM service year will be open from Nov. 1, 2021 through Feb. 1, 2022. Priority will be given to those who apply before Jan. 15.
We are a church that believes God is calling us into the world – together. Come, imagine yourself in the world!
What Are ELCA Good Gifts?
ELCA Good Gifts are a creative, meaningful way to support the ministries of the ELCA that mean the most to you and your loved ones. These gifts are real examples from projects currently supported through ELCA churchwide ministries:
The ELCA Fund for Leaders,
ELCA Global Church Sponsorship,
ELCA New Congregations,
ELCA Vision for Mission,
ELCA World Hunger, Disability Ministries
Lutheran Disaster Response.
Each of these programs is a long-term, partnership-based ministry that focus on the needs identified by local congregations and global companion churches and their communities.
Holden Village Bed and Breakfast
Greetings from Holden Village Bed & Breakfast!
As leaders in our Synod, we want you to know about this facility as a resource and for personal enjoyment. You are invited to consider the B&B as a destination for you, your family, and your congregation or ministry. Come as individual guests or rent the entire house.
The B&B is a perfect setting for personal rest & relaxation, a family getaway, council, staff or small group retreats. The house has 6 bedrooms with sleeping space for 13. There are 3 bathrooms, a large kitchen and dining area, living room and additional seating areas. There is WiFi available, but no cell service. Winter rates are $40 per person or $350 per night to rent the entire house.
Is it time for a mini sabbatical, a reading retreat, a family reunion, to explore Chelan or adventure into the North Cascades? The Holden B&B could be just what you've been looking for.
Please contact Roberta at (509) 687-9695 or email BandB@HoldenVillage.org for more information and to book your stay.
"Climate Justice, Health and Wellbeing"
2021 MOHRENWEISER LECTURE SERIES
co-sponsored by PLTS Center for Climate Justice & Faith
Friday, December 10, 2021
9:00am - 12:00pm PST
Free to Join, Registration Required
This lecture will discuss how climate change is threatening human health and well-being, and the ethical and moral imperative for action. The lecture will also delve into preparedness and prevention; mitigation and adaptation; and recovery from the loss and damage already sustained. The discussions will encourage reflections on how we can be accountable and take responsibility- as individuals, as congregations, as communities, and as nations.