The Live Project

09/02/2026

What do you think of when you think about "Faith Formation"? Do you think of Children's Sunday School? VBS? A Small Group? Would Sunday Worship be considered Faith Formation?

The truth is that faith formation can happen in ALL of those places, as well as in so many other ways. Be it a bonfire, a lunch with an old friend, or an online study group. Faith Formation happens anytime we are given room to ask honest questions, listen to one another, explore Scripture, and pay attention to how God is shaping us through the lives we are actually living.

Across our synod, we come from all kinds of congregations and all kinds of faith journeys. Some of us have been Lutheran our entire lives. Some are newer to the tradition. Some of us love familiar liturgy and hymns, while others are exploring new ways to worship and gather. Some have deconstructed and reconstructed their faith, or are still somewhere in the middle of that process. However, wherever we are coming from, today, many of us are carrying similar questions.

How do we live faithfully in a world that feels increasingly divided and exhausting? How do we show up in public life without being swallowed by the divide? What is competing for our attention and allegiance? How do we remain grounded, compassionate, resilient, and open to the world around us?

These aren’t just topics for theologians to discuss.

The Live Project is a Ministry of the NW WA Synod, ELCA that aims to supplement and nourish your faith alongside your Churches and Pastors. It is an additional guided resource for Adult Learning and deeper exploration of our faith; with speakers, facilitators, and thought leaders of our time, in a group setting, alongside our Synod Siblings in Christ.

Whether you’re a lay leader, volunteer, council member, lifelong Lutheran, someone rebuilding your relationship with faith, or simply curious and wanting to go deeper, there is room for you in this conversation.

Swipe through to learn more about the LiVE Project’s 2026–2027 program year and how you, AND your whole congregation, can join us!

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09/02/2026

Is it “live”? Is it “liv”? It's "L -eh- ve" not "L-iiiiiii-ve"😄. Honestly, we’ve heard it all and we laugh about it.

But at the heart of the LiVE Project is something we take seriously: creating spaces where people across our synod can bring their real questions, wonderings, hopes, and uncertainties about faith, church, and the future God may be leading us toward.

Because these questions can feel lonely when we carry them by ourselves. LiVE brings us into conversation: with thoughtful facilitators, fresh perspectives, and, most importantly, one another!!

You don’t need to have the right words or all the answers. Just bring your curiosity and come alongside others who are wondering, discerning, and growing too.

However you say the name, there is a place for you here, and you are invited. Join us for the year ahead.

Reach out to our team if you have any questions, comments, suggestions, or ideas: "[email protected]"

09/01/2026

Aching for some additional spiritual nourishment outside of Sunday Service or your Church Walls? Your NW Synod is bringing you a variety of online courses and in-person workshops this season to help dive deeper and supplement your faith journey.

There will be TWO 7-week long courses during Fall and Lent, as well as 4 in-person “retreats”/ workshops to help you stay communally engaged with your fellow Siblings in Christ / Synod Siblings.

Your Church can purchase a “BUNDLE” to help support this ministry, which will register your entire congregation and grant everyone access to each and every course and workshop for free. Alternatively, you can register and purchase whichever individual course or workshop calls your name.

DM or Comment Below if you are interested in the registration link or 📧 email us at: [email protected]

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05/01/2026

Join Dr. Jon Kershner alongside Mandy Neill on Saturday May 2, for our 4th Retreat of the Course Year: Mystics and Mysticism.

Dr. Jon Kershner has a Ph.D. in Quaker historical theology from the University of Birmingham, England, and has taught courses at Pacific Lutheran University since 2016, where he explores the impact of religious traditions in society. He is the author of numerous articles and books exploring the intersections of theology, spirituality, and historical Christian thought, including the edited volume Quakers and Mysticism: Comparative and Syncretic Approaches to Spirituality published by Palgrave Press. Jon's teaching and writing are shaped by a commitment to making the riches of contemplative wisdom accessible for personal transformation and faithful communal life through.

For More Information and to Register:

Get tickets online for Retreat 4: Mystics and Mysticism here.

05/01/2026

Have You Registered?
Join us this Saturday for Mystics and Mysticism, a Retreat
Saturday May 2nd | 9am - 3pm
Edmonds Lutheran Church, Edmonds, WA
Guest Facilitators: Dr. Jon Kershner and Mandy Neill

For More Information and to Register: https://nwwasynod.regfox.com/retreat-4-mystics-and-mysticism

04/30/2026

Join Mandy Neill alongside Dr. Jon Kershner, for our 4th Retreat of the Course Year: Mystics and Mysticism.

Mandy is a trained spiritual director whose personal faith and work are shaped by contemplative and spiritual practices. She finds joy in accompanying others along their spiritual journeys and looking for God together in even the most mundane moments of life. Mandy is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity at Luther Seminary and also leads contemplative retreats and a monthly intergenerational embodied faith ministry at Our Redeemer's Lutheran in Seattle.

For More Information and to Register: https://nwwasynod.regfox.com/retreat-4-mystics-and-mysticism

04/11/2026

Join Us online or in-person for our 4th Saturday Retreat of the 2025-26 Course Year

Mystics and Mysticism
Saturday May 2nd | 9am - 3pm
Edmonds Lutheran Church, Edmonds, WA
Guest Facilitators: Dr. Jon Kershner and Mandy Neill

For More Information and to Register: https://nwwasynod.regfox.com/retreat-4-mystics-and-mysticism