|
Synod Snaps is a weekly electronic source of news from your Synod staff. If you'd like to receive this weekly email, click here to subscribe.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| CURRENT NEWS and Upcoming Events
|
|
|
Verge '08 with Leonard Sweet
Friday, August 15, 2008 (14 reads)
North Puget Sound Presbytery is hosting a one-day event with Leonard Sweet on Sept. 13, 2008, from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Do not miss this opportunity to schedule a team from your church to encounter Leonard Sweet, identified by Christianity Today magazine as one of the 50 most influential Christians in the U.S. He is the author of several books including "Post Modern Pilgrims" (2000), "Soul Tsunami" (2001), "The Gospel According to Starbucks" (2007), and most recently "The Church of the Perfect Storm" (2008). Verge '08 will be held at the United Presbyterian Church of Seattle in Edmonds, Washington.
 VERGE invites cutting-edge leaders to address these questions:
What is happening in the world around us?
What is God on the verge of in the midst of it?
How can we be part of it?
VERGE connects you with hope for the future, God-sized challenges, and a sense that it’s all possible.
Encounter VERGE as a team with others from your church, family, neighborhood, or workplace.
Read More |
|
Flood Relief Needed in Lewis County
Friday, August 15, 2008 (15 reads)
Volunteers are needed for a special emphasis on property clean-up on September 27 in west Lewis County, Washington, including Centralia and Chehalis. Volunteers will pick up flood debris still remaining on flood affected properties. If you or a group from your congregation can help, call the Lewis County Long-Term Recovery Organization (LTRO) at 360-740-8323.
CLICK HERE to download the Press Release!
The LTRO is also desperately seeking volunteers to work one-on-one with folks. These volunteers would talk to the families and help them find resources. Sometimes, just a compassionate ear is all that is needed, or it may involve making phone calls or arranging projects. Training is provided. To volunteer, or get more information call the Long Term Recovery Center at 360-740-8323. Their office is located in the Old Providence Hospital building in Chehalis at 500 SE Washington Ave.
Read More |
|
Iowa Needs Volunteers
Friday, August 15, 2008 (0 reads)
Your help is needed in Iowa! Rev. Erv Roorda of North Puget Sound Presbytery is organizing a team in response to requests for volunteer work teams to help with clean-up and recovery efforts related to flooding.
Everyone is welcome! Email Rev. Roorda to join the team or ask questions. |
|
Washington Area Powwows
Monday, August 11, 2008 (31 reads)
 A Powwow is a Native American gathering that was originated to bring many tribal members together in peace and harmony, and to this day this tradition has continued. The tribal members congregate to show support for one another as well as display traditional wares and dance. Also, Native American foods are available for you to sample.
For many years, Powwows were closed off to the public for various reasons, but now the American Indians welcome anyone who has a true interest in the culture and fellowship. Powwows are a great source of learning about Native American culture, and most tribes encourage the public to come.
For a list of Powwows in the Washington area, CLICK HERE!
Read More |
|
GA News – Special Offerings
Thursday, August 07, 2008 (31 reads)
The 218th General Assembly chose not to add another Special Offering this year. Here is a list of the current special offerings and actions taken at the 2008 General Assembly:
Approve the following pattern for churchwide special offerings for 2010-2013: (Please note that the lodgment of all programs given is prescribed relative to the structure as it now stands.)
1. Christmas Joy Offering: interpreted and received during the Advent season in gratitude for God’s gift of Jesus Christ. Causes:
(a) Assistance programs to meet identified and emerging needs for professional church workers and spouses through the Board of Pensions, 50 percent;
(b) Racial ethnic education through Racial Ethnic and Women’s Ministries, 50 percent.
 2. One Great Hour of Sharing, interpreted and received during Lent and on Easter Sunday in response to Christ’s call to us to feed the hungry, house the homeless, minister to the suffering, and empower the poor and oppressed. Causes administered through the Compassion, Peace, and Justice Ministry. Causes:
(a) Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, 32 percent;
(b) Presbyterian Hunger Program, 36 percent;
(c) Self-Development of People, 32 percent.
Read More |
|
Worship Renewal Grants
Thursday, August 07, 2008 (34 reads)
 The Calvin Institute of Christian Worship has a Worship Renewal Grants Program which fosters well-grounded worship renewal in congregations and worshiping communities throughout North America. Made possible through the generous support of Lilly Endowment Inc., these grants serve to stimulate thoughtful and energetic work for worship that exhibits renewed creativity, theological integrity, and relevance.
Many ministries in our area have received such grants including Urban Hymnal in Seattle. Their mission is to partner with three Seattle congregations in exploring how new, creative, relevant music, text, and art can help people pray more honestly, engage more deeply with one another and address the needs of the community. Bellevue Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), in Bellevue, Wash. received a Worship Renewal grant which went to sponsor a composer-in-residence to compose ten “call and response” invocations (prayers) that will be integrated into all aspects of the church's worship life as a community. Seattle Pacific University, Whitworth University, and the Common Ministry at Washington State have also received several grants from the Calvin Institute.
To find out more about this grant program and to learn what worship renewal means, CLICK HERE!
Read More |
|
Resources for GA Discussions
Thursday, August 07, 2008 (35 reads)
 Now that General Assembly is over, have you thought about leading a discussion with your congregation on the issues and actions that took place at GA? The Thoughtful Christian website has materials to assist you in doing just that: a one-session handout for group and leader called "What Happened at the 2008 Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) General Assembly?" Click Here to view a summary and pricing information.
The Thoughtful Christian is a Web-based resource for church leaders and Christian Educators interested in leading discussions and classes on a wide variety of topics. Their material is designed to attract and keep participants' attention, and they have materials designed for children, youth, and adults. Perfect for Sunday school classes, Bible study groups, or individual reflection, the studies encourage class members to share their thoughts and beliefs while wrestling with questions that inform the way we live out our faith in everyday life.
Read More |
|
MDC Announces New Small Loan Program
Friday, June 20, 2008 (143 reads)
 The Synod Mission Development Certificate Program has launched a new small loan program for churches in the Synod of Alaska-Northwest.
"I am excited that the program is now offering a small loan program designed specifically to help churches with those small building repairs or improvements," said Dean Mielke, Executive Director of the MDC program.
Churches may borrow up to $50,000 at a low fixed interest rate. The loan can be repaid in 5 years. There are no loan fees or penalties to repay the loan early. This is an ideal option for any church that needs to make repairs such as replacing a roof, repairing the heating systems, or making kitchen improvements.
Read More |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|