Bishop’s Fall Convocation
October 13-15, 2925
The Northwest Intermountain Synod has a Companion Synod in Tanzania, The Ulanga Kilombero Diocese (UKD). The Companion Synod Team is striving to have guests from the UKD with us every other year and to organize a trip to Tanzania every other year. This fall, two guests from the UKD will be with us for 6 weeks, traveling throughout the synod. And in June 2026, there will be a trip to the UKD.
Tanzania and Eastern Africa have again suffered from flooding and rains that have damaged roads, bridges and agriculture. The crops of maize and rice that the schools depend on have been wiped out. Some parts of the diocese are not easily accessed and the government resources to repair infrastructure will take a while.
Any ELCA young adults are invited to join and gather at the Wild Goose Festival - a transformational community gathering that is grounded in faith-inspired social justice. It is a weekend event in which people gather from all around the country to learn and grow together: through art, music, courageous conversations, and sharing in an affirming community where ALL are welcome.
LeaderWise’s online boundaries training workshop is lively and interactive, full of reflection and conversation. Attendees have given us feedback that our boundaries training was a great experience, AND caused them to re-evaluate some of their own practices.
The Northwest Intermountain Synod and Luther Seminary's Faith+Lead are joining together to provide our entire synod with free access to theological resources and training designed to equip disciples and leaders for today's ministry challenges.
A reminder that Synod Executive Assistant Cathy Steiner is on sabbatical June and July 2025. Hooray for Cathy!
As you make final preparations for the festivals of Pentecost and/or Holy Trinity, I commend to you the Lutheran-Orthodox Joint Statement on the Filioque: A Study Guide from the ELCA. In addition to history, theology, and a Bible Study, the resource contains suggestions for hymns and language for liturgy.
George Floyd: We Rise. We Remember. We Resist. Five Years Later | Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton
It was evident that God’s Spirit was at work bringing the refreshing waters of life. It was good to be together for worship and prayer. It was good to hear reports about the work of the Synod and about where Synod is moving in the future. It was good to elect council and committee members; to approve the proposed budget; to amend the constitution and bylaws. And the NWIM Synod got a little be larger as we received Christ the King Lutheran Church, Milton-Freewater, OR into the Synod.
St. Mark's Spokane seeks to add a Faith Formation Minister, preferably a deacon, to our multi-pastor staff in order to equip the whole congregation to share how faith shapes us, and in turn our relationships, actions, and values.
The ELCA Churchwide Assembly, the primary decision-making body of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, is a process of communal spiritual discernment. When the ELCA Churchwide Assembly convenes, its voting members meet with confidence in God’s grace around word and water, wine and bread, to carry on their work on behalf of the entire church.
A 2-year program that focuses on (1) creating faithful, healthy & effective communities of faith, regardless of size, condition, or location (2) understanding & developing the congregation’s internal organizational life and leadership (3) the congregation’s relationship with the people and world outside of itself: potential visitors, the neighborhood, the broader world/culture (4) lay and clergy teams
As we commemorate the 1700th anniversary of Nicaea, and celebrated a common date for Easter this year, “The Common Statement on the Filioque” presents us with an opportunity to move toward healing age-old divisions within Christ’s church, in light of our common affirmation that the filioque is no longer church-dividing.
Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary has announced the search for Rector of the Seminary
You can still volunteer and register for outdoor ministries: Holden Village, Luther Heights, and Lutherhaven
A message from Liv Larson Andrews, Director for Evangelical Mission
Some “may rubrics” you might be familiar with are confession and forgiveness, or remembrance of baptism. These may happen, or they may not. Or the recitation of the creed. It can happen in worship — it may happen or it can be omitted.
But did you know that the offering is not a “may rubric?”
Stories and storytelling can be tools for so many facets of ministry. Stories can help people heal from wounds, even trauma. Stories can help with financial stewardship. Stories can help us teach lessons or learn. Stories can be incorporated into the proclamation of the gospel. Stories can help us build new relationships and strengthen old relationships. Stories can give us hope and help us in imparting hope. Stories invite us to be part of something bigger than ourselves.
The moment I discovered the profound impact of asking — or being asked — the right question was during my first experience with a clearness committee.
This in-person visit is for anyone who is interested in learning more about the PLTS MDiv, MA in Spirituality and Social Change, and Lutheran studies programs
For the past 9 months, the ELCA Research and Evaluation team has been hard at work to produce this important new study on The Future Need for Pastoral Leaders in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
As people of faith, we are called to give of our time, talent, and treasure for a Greater purpose. Bread for the World invites you to use your voice to help end hunger.
Gifts of non-cash assets and other tax-advantaged giving strategies can maximize your impact on the ELCA ministries you care about while offering significant financial benefits. Here are some options to discuss with your CPA or other allied professionals in the coming weeks:
As you watch the news and learn of detained folks in your local area, know that there is information available for our immigrant neighbors that would significantly help them to prepare for the worst case scenario.
Resources on Immigration for Faith Communities compiled from the Region 1 Webinar on 2/12/25.
Chelan, WA – Holden Village, the remote retreat center nestled in the Cascade Mountains, is delighted to announce the appointment of Bjørn and Elise Peterson as its new Co-Directors.