The synod office is closed today
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Starting next week our Synod Administrator, Jemae McCanna will be out on medical leave for four weeks. Hannah Harrington will be providing part-time office coverage to answer emails and phone calls. We appreciate your graciousness as we navigate Jemae's absence, and we ask for prayers for Jemae for a successful surgery and recovery. In the meantime,
- If you are seeking to make an appointment with Bishop Laurie please email her directly.
- You can also email the Bishop or Treasurer Mark Dickman with questions about mission support or the budget.
- If you have mobility or transition questions or concerns, please reach out to your liaison. If you are not sure whose yours is, please contact Juan Carlos.
- If you have questions about our e-news or items you'd like to request be included, please connect with our Communications Specialist Sarah Strausbaugh.
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The Oregon Synod Hunger Team is excited to share that—while we can't publicize the recipients yet—four Oregon Synod applicants were awarded ELCA Domestic Hunger Grants!
The 2023 application timeline has not yet been announced, but if you know of a congregation, or group related to a Lutheran congregation, encourage them to look into these grants. More information can be found here.
In 2023, the Synod Hunger Team will be doing some team education and reflection while seeking to grow the team. If you or someone you know has a passion for ending hunger, please reach out to your nearest Hunger Team member for a chat, or email Barbara Stevenson.
Thank you for all your support of efforts to end hunger throughout 2022!
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Starting January 1, 2023, employers must start making payroll deductions from their employees in the amount of 0.6% of wages, up to a wage cap of $132,900. Employers with 25 or more employees are also required to contribute an additional 0.4%.
Curious about how this affects clergy housing allowances? Housing allowance dollars are not considered taxable income in regard to paid leave subject wages. But note that reduced contributions mean reduced benefits should you ever apply to receive Paid Leave Oregon funds.
Employers must display a Paid Leave Oregon poster at their workplace. The poster and additional information about the program can be found here.
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Gather with others from around the Oregon Synod as we "do theology" together. This on-line course will meet on seven Thursday evenings from 6:30-8 pm beginning January 5 and then on one Tuesday evening, February 21. Flyer. Course participants and/or their congregations are encouraged to donate, as they are able, on a sliding scale between $20-$160, but donations are not required to participate. Register here.
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Do you have any red ELW hymnals you're looking to give away? Holy Trinity, Portland would love to take them off your hands. Email Kim Crawford.
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Queer Grace gathering. January's storyteller is David Stevens who will share his perspectives on how being queer has affected his relationship with faith, the Bible, church, God and himself. He will then be joined by a panel of other queer conversation partners, followed by time for full group questions, comments and conversation. All are welcome whether you are queer or straight/cis. Refreshments will be provided. Sunday, January 15, 7:00-8:30 pm at Spirit of Grace, Beaverton. RSVPs to Pastor Robyn Hartwig are appreciated but not required.
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Attention MACG members! We encourage you to sign up for Wrestling With the Truth of Colonization, a five-part virtual training starting January 26. Developed and led by Indigenous leaders the training covers the history of colonialization, how we continue to be complicit in its legacy, and how we can act together with local Native tribes and organizations toward a more equitable future. Register here.
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Join Interfaith Power and Light on January 11 at 11 am PST to hear from a leader in electric vehicle consumer advocacy, Rosa Mitsumasu Scotti of Plug In America. Topics will include why EVs are better, charging infrastructure, battery technology, available financial incentives, and more. Register here to sign up for the webinar or to receive a recording after the event.
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Check out the Interim Ministry Networks upcoming webinars.
- January 10 - Nourishing attachment
- January 17 - Part-time pastorates
- February 2 - Awakening spiritual imagination
- February 16 - Utilizing organizational culture
- February 21 - Preaching and worship
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Oregon Interfaith Earth Summit: February 5, 1:00–5:30 pm. This event will be held at faith community host locations across Oregon. Host locations must register before the end of 2022. Email here with your questions. Registration for individuals will be available in January.
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The Deaconess Community of the ELCA invites you to The Freedom Church of the Poor and National Union of the Homeless' Winter Offensive every Sunday online Dec 4 - Jan 15 at 3 pm PST. The Freedom Church of the Poor is the part of the Kairos Center, which draws on the power of religions and human rights to raise up generations of religious and community leaders committed to the unity and organization of the poor as the leading social force in the building of a broad transformative movement to end poverty. Learn more here.
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NEW NAME! Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association (LFCNA), formerly the Evangelical Lutheran Parish Nurse Association (ELPNA) offers two new resources
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Applications for ELCA Disability grants are being accepted now until February 15. The first thirty will be considered (this may happen before February 15). Of those 30, five will be approved for up to $10,000 for projects. Email Email to learn more.
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Registration is open for the ELCA Rostered Ministers Gathering! All rostered ministers in the ELCA are invited to join colleagues under the theme of "Rekindle the Gift Within You."
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Check out current openings in the synod on our job board! Have an opening? Send us:
- a link to the job description
- a link to your church website
(We do not post job descriptions, just the links that point to the job description.)
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For the family of Pr. Jane Baker who died comfortably at home with her husband Barry by her side on December 26 after a battle with cancer, and for the two congregations where she served and that she was transitioning between when her cancer was discovered, Atonement in Newport and Faith in Roseburg. Memorial information to come. Cards of condolence for her husband and grown children may be sent to P.O. Box 974 Newport, Oregon 97365.
For the family of Pr. James Seiffert, (father of Pr. Sue Seiffert), who died December 26 at age 96. The memorial will be held at St. Mark's in Portland in late January (date to come). Letters of condolence may be sent to Pr. Sue Seiffert at 8040 SW Avery St. Apt. 230 Tualatin, Oregon 97062.
For Jemae McCanna, our synod administrator for her upcoming surgery.
For Kathy, Rev. Art Ellickson's wife, who suffered a serious hemorrhagic stroke in mid-October. She is making slow but steady progress.
For the family and friends of Pr. Gerald Jensen, who is in hospice with terminal cancer.
For all families, faith communities and peoples experiencing pain, grief or conflict.
For the people of Ukraine, and for all those who suffer during war.
For all the Ukrainian refugees and those sheltering them, including our sister synod The Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in Poland.
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