Southwestern Washington Synod

08/30/2026

This morning I (Bishop Keith) gathered with the saints at United Lutheran Church in Tacoma. They are faithfully served by Interim Pastor Rebecca Shjerven and Deacon Ann K. Hamilton Shultz.

It was a joy to preach and preside at this important moment in the life of the congregation. In today’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us that following him means being willing to trust, and to step into a future we may not yet fully see.

That feels especially fitting for a congregation in a season of transition. United Lutheran is discerning what God is calling them toward, continuing to faithfully serve their neighbors in Tacoma, and working toward calling their next pastor.

Following Jesus does not always mean knowing exactly where the road will lead. It means trusting that Christ is already there, calling us forward. I am grateful for the faithful people of United Lutheran and excited to see where God leads them next!

08/29/2026

Last night Bishop Keith, Pastor Melissa Anderson Trust, and Pastor Michelle de Beauchamp had the pleasure to gather and celebrate Diane Powers, a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Tacoma and a student in our synod’s PSALM program, as she received the Harold G. Moss Decades Award at the Tacoma Branch NAACP banquet.

Diane has spent decades working for equity, justice, and opportunity in Tacoma and Pierce County, particularly alongside youth, families, and neighbors too often pushed to the margins. Her commitment to building bridges, strengthening community, and serving others is a beautiful witness to what it looks like when faith moves us into the world for the sake of our neighbors.

Congratulations, Diane! We give thanks to God for you and your faithful witness!

08/26/2026

https://conta.cc/4xux2Ms

Email from Southwestern Washington Synod This week in the Southwestern Washington Synod. August 26, 2026 Synod Resources Administration, Compensation Guidelines, Constitutions, Financial, Personnel Po

08/26/2026

Today Bishop Keith gathered with retired pastors and deacons from across the Southwestern Washington Synod for a luncheon.

Those gathered represented an incredible 1,465 years of ministry! Within those years are countless baptisms, weddings, funerals, hospital visits, sermons preached, communion shared, confirmation classes taught, and people accompanied through some of life’s most joyful and difficult moments.

Retirement does not diminish the call or the wisdom, relationships, and witness these leaders continue to offer the church. We give thanks to God for their faithful service, for the lives they have touched, and for the many ways they continue to be a gift to the church and to our synod.

08/20/2026

Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry has issued his fourth in a series of monthly messages that continue through the end of this year, titled “All Together in One Place."

Each message will share a pastoral word, rooted in Scripture, that witnesses to God's presence today, our rich theological tradition and the social teaching that connects us.

Read his latest message, "A Call to be Trusted Messengers in this Election Season America," here: elca.org/news/a-call-to-be-trusted-messengers-in-this-election-season

08/20/2026

08/19/2026

This Week in the Southwestern Washington Synod -

Email from Southwestern Washington Synod This week in the Southwestern Washington Synod. August 19, 2026 Synod Resources Administration, Compensation Guidelines, Constitutions, Financial, Personnel Po