This week I'll be at the SWWA Synod Bishop's Convocation in Seabeck, WA. The Bishop's Convocation is an annual event in which our synodical bishop, currently Bp. Rick Jaech, calls all of our deacons and pastors together to "build a greater sense of community and be deepened in our theological, spiritual and educational formation." I will be my privilege to be there as your pastor (and so letting everybody know that Messiah Lutheran cares!) and as a part of the greater body which in our church here in the SW corner of the state.
This year's Gathering focuses on:
"Intersections Between Native American Religious Traditions and Christian Traditions"
Keynote Speakers:
Suzanne Crawford O'Brien, PhD- PLU Professor of Religion and Culture; Director of Native American and Indigenous Studies; and
Cynthia A Savini, M.Ed, of the Makah, Jamestown S'Klallam and Quileute tribes, is the Director of the Marion Forsman-Boushie Early Learning Center for the Suquamish Tribe.
If you are interested in this topic or our speakers there is more online.
While I'm a few hours away I am still available to you all by phone and email if I can be of service. Jessica Potts will also be out of the office this week, but Pr. Tom and the rest of the staff are all in harness and around as usual. Thank you to Tori Beavin who will be taking my Confirmation Class this Wednesday the 18th, and to Megan Dilitto who will be leading Chapel for our Preschools. Staff is also putting the finishing touches on our Annual Report for our February 5 Annual Meeting and that will be available for everyone this Sunday, January 22.
Thank you,
Bp. Dave Brauer-Rieke
