Current News
Two of our three volunteer opportunities are now open — and this is your invitation to step into something meaningful. To serve. To lead. To help create a space where thousands of young people will encounter God, community and a faith that lasts.
From July 15 to September, order 10 or more Bibles and receive free shipping!
We’ve all heard the phrase, “inclusion”, but what does it actually mean to make an organization or even our personal lives more inclusive? How can we get beyond grouping and labeling of other humans according to the color of their skin, the religion they practice, their political views, or the country in which they were born? Can we really build a just and inclusive world, especially in this time of such division?
Sometimes it is easier to talk about a difficult subject by talking about what is happening somewhere else in the world or by talking about what happened during a different time period. For those of you who want to talk about reproductive healthcare, I recommend this book: The Cure for Women.
As noted in the April edition of the NWIM Synod Newsletter, our synod has pledged to provide 100% of the funding for a new SOLAR ELECTRIC COOKING SYSTEM at the Tumaini Lutheran Seminary, a secondary school in Malinyi, Tanzania, overseen by the Ulanga-Kilombero Diocese. Over 250 students and staff are fed from this kitchen three times daily when school is in session.
Recently, the Supreme Court issued a decision that will allow this administration to proceed with terminating Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for more than 330,000 people from Haiti and 3,800 from Syria, many of whom have lived in this country for decades. They are not strangers. They are part of the fabric of our whole society. The termination of TPS threatens to separate families, destabilize local economies and force people to return to countries where they may face severe humanitarian crises, violence and threats to their very lives.
Published on May 25, Magnifica Humanitas, Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical, addresses the ethical challenges of artificial intelligence and calls for the safeguarding of human dignity in a rapidly changing technological world. It teaches that though technology and AI can be powerful tools for good, they are never neutral and must be guided by moral responsibility, the common good and respect for the human person.
A new ELCA Worship blog post provides background and practical implications for an addition to the church year calendar.
AMMPARO is the ELCA's strategy for Accompanying Migrants with Protection, Advocacy, Representation and Opportunities. It comes from Psalm 46:1 ‘God is our refuge and strength.’ In Spanish, ‘Dios es nuestro amparo y fortaleza.’
Sharing God’s Hope and Healing
SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES THROUGH THE CYCLE OF DISASTER
This training connects organizers, lay leaders, deacons, pastors, and community members to learn the core practices of organizing. We start with what’s right in front of us. Neighborhoods. Relationships. Stories. Then we build toward action
Celebrating th expansion of youth mental health services in the Tri-Cities at our LCSNW Open House.
This webinar will provide tips and strategies on expanding the reach of your congregation’s music ministry, utilizing the resources on hand, encouraging people to share their gifts.
I have recently been saying around lunch tables and in sermons that my answer to just about everything in this moment is, remember your baptism. As you participate in the life of your congregation, remember your baptism. As we celebrate our country’s 250th birthday, remember your baptism. As you read the news, remember your baptism.
The Bishop’s Fall Convocation is for all rostered leaders. It will be held in Lewiston, ID on October 12-14. This year’s theme is “Baptized in Muddy Water.” Our presenter will be Rev. Leila Ortiz.
The task force has released a new study to foster conversation across this church and to generate feedback that will guide its work. The study, “Conscience and Conversation: A Study During the Reconsideration of the Social Statement Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust,” invites reflection on agreement and disagreement in a church called to pursue justice and peace together through “the unity of the Spirit” (Ephesians 4:3).
We know we are in for a long wildfire season. In consultation with Ray Shjerven, our Washington State VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) liaison, we as a synod staff are lifting up the organizations, who could receive your donations.
Registration is open for our three half-day events this summer and fall.
12:30-4:30pm each day
Please register ASAP to help our planners and facilitators.
Good Shepherd – Pocatello August 8
Worship, Conversations, Engaging Scripture, Prayer. We are centered on edifying leaders who will share the abundant hospitality and merciful love of the Risen Christ.
November 6-8 in Burley, Idaho at the Convention Center
Register Here
The task force leading the ELCA in reconsideration of the social statement Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust is happy to share a new study: Conscience and Conversation.
We are excited to share that the 2026 ELCA Domestic Hunger Grant applications are open through July 7! Please share this opportunity with your local Lutheran congregations and hunger partners.
As I continue to make sure I get to every church on a Sunday morning, I also want to start being more intentional about joining your church council meetings in person or online.
Please have y our church Pastor or President reach out to me.
This self-paced course equips spiritual and religious leaders, to navigate the thresholds of ministry today.
Use this self-assessment tool from the Mission Investment Fund to reflect on how your facility is serving your current ministry. Identify areas of strength and potential improvement for capital planning. And sign up for webinar about MIF loans for church and ministry building projects, land purchases and refinancing.