Announcements

The church office will be closed Monday, September 1st in observance of Labor Day.

 We have registered again as a congregation for the Live Project offerings for 2025 and 2026.  These are synod wide courses and bible study offerings open to anyone in our congregations.  Please look it over and join one of them via zoom as you are able.

Use our bundle code to access it. Registration Code: LiVE2025

Preview upcoming offerings on LiVE's website 

More From The LiVE Project: Click Here to Access the Online Learning Platform

As some of you may have heard on the news -one of our Lutheran congregations in the area called All Saints Lutheran in Auburn caught fire on July 4th weekend. They lost their full education and administrative wing and their Sanctuary suffered massive water and smoke damage. Your council approved our 2ndquarter benevolences to go to All Saints “out of the Ashes fund”. We received this beautiful thank you letter from them we wanted you to see.

Dear friends at Living Hope, It is with a grateful heart I write on behalf of the congregation at All Saints’ to thank you for your very generous donation to our “out of the ashes” fund. Hope has been our running theme throughout this ordeal, and you are living out the name of your church. Thank you- All Saints Lutheran Church Beth Lindell, Council President.

In addition, in March we received a check of $100 from Lord of Life Lutheran church who upon their 50thanniversary sent checks to local congregations out of gratitude for the gifts they had been given. Your council decided to pay it forward and so we sent that $100 along with our Quarter 1 benevolences to Vine Maple Place.

From the Bishop:

For the Life of the World was the theme of the  ELCA Churchwide Assembly, held July 28-August 2 in Phoenix, AZ. This  theme is rooted in the Nicene Creed (this year celebrating its 1,700th anniversary) and in Pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s reminder that, “The church is the church only when it exists for others.” The theme  felt especially timely in today’s environment where hateful words and  actions continue to demean neighbors, sow division, and target the most vulnerable. While it was not done perfectly, and while there is always more work to do, I left Phoenix trusting that we have a shared commitment to walk in the way of Jesus: speaking truth in love, protecting the  dignity of every person, and bearing public witness to God whose way is  marked by justice, mercy, and peace for all people. In short: to live and move and act for the life of the world.

Here are a few highlights of what occurred during the 2025  ELCA Churchwide Assembly. Please click on the links or go to www.elca.org if you would like more  information. (Note: several links below are preliminary copies and have  not been not copyedited or finalized. We will share them as they become  available.)

Actions

·       We elected Bishop Yehiel Curry as the new Presiding Bishop. (read more)

·       We elected Pastor CeCee Mills as the new ELCA Secretary. (read more)

·       We adopted our newest Social Statement: Faith and Civic Life. (read more)

·       We approved updates to the Human Sexuality Social Statement. (read more)

·       We heard the Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church’s final report along with the ELCA Church Council’s response to the report (read more)

·       We adopted the Churchwide Memorial Toward Ending the Occupation of Palestine.  (This memorial came about in part due to the Memorial we passed during the Northwest Washington Synod Assembly – read more)

·       We adopted a Memorial on Indian Boarding School Remembrance (read more)

·       We received the Common Statement on the Filioque (this is regarding the Nicene Creed – read more)

·       We made Constitution revisions that I encourage you all to read as they become available. I am especially grateful for the new revisions concerning on-leave-from-call for Rostered Ministers.

·       We thanked Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and Secretary Sue Rothmeyer for their ministry and service.

Worship, Education, and Social Opportunities

·       We worshiped every day in a variety of ways, we prayed before every significant vote, and we had a chaplain available. It is always a highlight to join in singing with over 1000 Lutherans!

·       We participated in a Powwow that was moving and educational. Bishop Eaton received a blanket representing thanksgiving for her advocacy with the indigenous peoples of this country.

·       AMMPARO held a Candlelight Prayer Vigil to pray and advocate for refugees and  immigrants. It was heartening to see elected officials and interfaith leaders present at this as well as ELCA voting members.

·       Our synod joined voting members and guests from the Southwestern Texas Synod (our domestic       companion synod) for a wonderful dinner and conversation.

·       Rev. Dr. Chad  Rimmer, Rector and Dean of Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary of Lenoir-Rhyne University, led a beautiful reflection on the Nicene Creed for today.

I am thankful for the nine voting members from the NWWA  Synod who attended and gave of their time and attention at the Churchwide  Assembly. Additionally, many others from our synod went as observers,       resource people, advisors, volunteers, and more.

In my reflection of this assembly, I continue to hear Martin Luther’s words (as quoted by Rev. Dr Chad Rimmer in his keynote). As Dr. Rimmer stated:

Luther knew justification as a process of becoming. … Luther writes, “This life, therefore, is not righteousness but growth in righteousness, not health but healing, not being but becoming…we are not  yet what we shall be, but we are growing toward it; the process is not yet finished, but it is going on; this is not the end, but it is the  road; all does not yet gleam with glory, but all is being purified.” Defense and Explanation of All the Articles

May it be so. For the Life of the World.

Bishop Shelley Bryan Wee | bishop@lutheransnw.org

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From the VEEP:

He thought he kept the universe alone;

For all the voice in answer he could wake

Was but the mocking echo of his own

From some tree-hidden cliff across the lake.

Some morning from the boulder-broken beach

He would cry out on life, that what it wants

Is not its own love back in copy speech,

But counter-love, original response.

- From Robert Frost’s “The Most of It.”

I first encountered this poem in a graduate level English course. We were given the first half of the poem and asked to consider how we thought it might end. Would the subject ever get an original  response, or would he only ever get echoes rebounding from the cliff? Was there anyone else out there or was he truly alone? It was an interesting exercise. (Spoiler alert: “Nothing ever came of what he cried,” at least nothing human and "someone additional to him.”)

After that introduction, I taught the poem several times  over the years but hadn’t thought about it for some time until I was preparing for Churchwide Assembly by watching the bible study videos and  I heard Deacon Claire Josef-Maier say that God invites creative response,  not just an echo. Suddenly, Frost’s words leapt into my brain. What if it is God, who did indeed, at least in the beginning, keep the universe  alone, who is crying out on life and seeking counter love?

Deacon Josef-Maier was leading the gender justice focused bible study when she spoke these words, and she was reflecting on Proverbs 8:22-31 and how Wisdom was created by God in the beginning. Wisdom is with God, as the first of God’s creations - co-creating and playing with God. She was there before the beginning of the earth, before  the mountains had been shaped, and before the heavens had been       established. It is as if in the very beginning God seeks companionship in  the universe as it is created. God does not want to keep creation to  God’s self - it is meant to be shared!

If I imagine God as the subject of the poem, I see a God  longing for connection and communication with creation. God is crying out that what life needs is true communion, not just copy speech. God doesn’t       want to cry out only to have that cry ricochet off our distant and rocky hearts - God seeks our original love and response. God wants us to talk back! Scripture is full of folks conversing with, arguing with, even       wrestling with God. What might that look like for us? How might we, created in God’s image, but each uniquely ourselves, answer that cry? It is easy to just parrot back what we hear in church or read in the       scriptures, but harder to listen more deeply and look more carefully and formulate an original response. When Jesus asks Peter three times, “Peter,  do you love me?” Peter has trouble understanding what his response should be besides the simple, “yes.” How can we demonstrate our counter love?

As I write this, I am just back from Churchwide Assembly.  This was a week where we worked hard to discern our original responses to  God’s call to us to be church for the life of the world. We pressed one  another to be creative and not to just echo those who have come before us. We were pushed outside our own comfort zones and asked to consider how we can truly show God’s love active in the world. I commend to you our newly adopted social statement on Faith and Civic Life as one example of guidance for discerning our unique responses to God’s call to justice and peace. God is crying out on life, that what it needs is counter-love, original response. Let’s commit ourselves to answering that call, to talking back, maybe even being a little sassy!

Here’s what I and/or the council have been up to this summer:

●      Synod Council met on July 19 for fellowship and to act on the sale of a synod owned property, as well as authorize the bishop to enter the synod into a lawsuit defending churches as safe spaces.

●      The bishop and I led a  group of nine voting members to Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix from July       27-August 2nd.

●      Synod Executive  Committee met on August 14. Among other items, we met with the nominees  for Synod Treasurer to make an appointment. The new treasurer will be  announced soon.

●      The Synod Policy Review  Team and Synod Equity Teams both met to review progress.

Kay Edgerton | Vice President of the NW Washington Synod | veep@lutheransnw.org

Northwest Washington Synod / ELCA

5519 Phinney Avenue North

Seattle, WA 98103

206-783-9292

w w w . l u t h e r a n s n w . o r g

All are welcome to be a part of the choir, no matter what your training or background - Danielle will teach you what you need to know!  We will have a choir retreat on Saturday, September 6th from 1-5 PM at the church This retreat is a great way to see if you'd like to join and includes food, fellowship and lots of singing!  No RSVP needed - just show up!  Hope to see you there!

The Together in Mission Team inviteseveryone to join hands and assemble Blessing Bags immediately after the service on September 7th.  This is an ELCA GOD'S WORK OUR HANDS DAY project in which congregations all over the nation participate.  Our LHLC event is supported by Thrivent Action Team funds.

CREATION CARE: Your saved Styrofoam will be collected on September 7 for delivery to Styrorecycle in Kent.  It is important to keep it out of the landfills and make it available for recycling projects. Remember---clean, dry, free of tape.

A couple Sundays ago the door to the courtyard was left propped open all day and all night (found open Monday morning). This is a good time to remind all of us of our responsibility to ensure the building is closed and locked up – especially when we are the last ones here. Please see the YELLOW laminated instructions posted in the narthex for how to do this and emergency contacts if you are unable to secure the building.

Another way to help Luther's Table is to apply for Actions Teams on the Thrivent website. Thrivent will supply a gift card of $250 to a non-profit project of your choosing. Thrivent Action Teams | Thrivent

Director Deacon Bobby Jo Cyr says she is happy to walk anyone through the process. Apparently, it's rather easy to do!  director@lutherstable.com

Luther’s Table invites us to their Community Potluck on Sunday September 14th from 1-3pm at Luther’s Table (419 52nd St. Renton).

At this month meeting, the Living Hope Council:

• Extends heartfelt thanks to Beth Asher, Cindy Hokanson, and Dave Cooke for the countless extra hours they have spent to ensure the church and preschool finances remain accurate and well managed especially throughout this year of merging systems.

• Discussed the sabbatical and were glad to see its goals were met.

•  Reviewed the fall draft schedule and approved committees to begin work on mission and vision, as well as long-range planning, in September.

• Looks forward to Pr. Heidi offering adult education on aging topics, and Pr. John teaching about Christian Nationalism in the fall.

If you are giving and offering, please put it in one of the yellow envelopes found in the attendance folders or on the table in the narthex. Checks can to be made to Living Hope Lutheran Church. This helps our financial secretary track giving and allows for your yearly giving statements. If you are interested in setting up online giving please go to Living Hope’s new website and press donate.  lhlc.org

AUGUST 2025

A Visit from Churchwide: Witnessing the Spirit at Work

Recently, Luther's Table was honored to welcome Rev. Anna-Kari Johnson, Program Manager for New Ministry Development and Evangelism at the ELCA Churchwide office in Chicago. Her visit came on a Thursday night—when this place is buzzing with connection, creativity, and care.

From the moment she arrived, Anna-Kari experienced the warmth of our community: neighbors gathering, volunteers preparing a meal, music rising from the stage, and conversations flowing from table to table. She met members of our board, staff, operations and hospitality teams—each one embodying the spirit of radical welcome. But more than what she saw or heard, it was what she felt that stayed with her.

Here’s what Anna-Kari had to say about her time at Luther’s Table:

As I entered the Renton, WA community, I saw many people. I was especially touched by seeing the large number of people experiencing houselessness outdoors on the blocks around Luther's Table. It was a very hot day in Washington, and there were many, many people having to stay outdoors.

As I walked up to Luther's Table, the aroma of delicious cooking filled the air. I hoped these inviting feelings about good food being prepared were coming from Luther's Table, and you were cooking up a storm of delicious hospitality together. Everyone on the block to know a dinner was being prepared.

As I was about to enter the front door, I met a young man waiting outside the door with his guitar. I invited him in with me, and he said he might come in later. It felt good to realize the community knows about Luther's Table is a home to come to, and that people are welcome.

As soon as I walked in the door, there you were with open arms, Bobbi, and members of your operations and hospitality teams, some board members, and some of your neighbors and community members kept pouring in!

You have organized the many branches of your ministry to be easy for newcomers to receive so many fruits of the Holy Spirit and connect. I entered to see community current events and history, a well-organized take what you need pantry for people and even their rescue animals. I was greeted by caring leaders, a meal, snacks, and resource people. I loved getting to know the board members who have so many years of community connections with deep roots of love for Luther's Table and so many more community organizations with youth, your local high school, the women's businesses chamber of commerce, more food pantries, churches, the synod, the City of Renton and many more. I loved hearing from their leaders about their deep commitments to Luther's Table and the Renton community. I loved meeting the volunteers who kept pouring in.

When the Open Mic started, I loved the loving way the host, Alex, began the liturgy of sharing to make everyone feel at home. I loved that so many of the songs people wrote and performed are prayers. I loved that so many people from so many professions and walks of life shared from their deepest hearts and ministered to each other with generous gifts from each participant to each other participant. I found myself longing for every church to have more sharing like this, instead of just one sermon, open space for each person to share and minister to each other. Thank you for praying and working so hard for the connections to happen to keep finding the ways for this ministry to develop and be sustained. The work you are doing is important and we are thankful to be part of your work together.

As soon as Luther's Table's official meeting time started, the young man with the guitar came right in the door. Although he had seemed shy, he knew was already loved by you all. He signed up for a time to go on stage, and he shared his heart through the open mic about losing his brother, and imagining his brother now in heaven, in conversation with God, and singing a refrain, "You don't have to cry no more." You all helped him sing his whole song, but by the end of the song, he was crying himself and walked outside. A whole team of beloved Luther's Table members followed him outside to hug him and surround him with love. More team members kept the stage open for more members to share too. The night kept unfolding, God's kin-dom on earth as it is in heaven.

Bobbi and Luther's Table, thank you for coordinating this beautiful place of God's kin-dom on earth as it is in heaven.

You and the whole team have our deepest thanks, prayers and love in Christ always.

Anna-Kari

OPEN MIC NIGHT

Every Thursday 7:00-10:00 pm

Thanks to your  generosity, we’ve officially passed the halfway mark in our Friends of the  Table campaign! We now have 23 monthly donors supporting the mission of  Luther’s Table—and we’re so grateful for each and every one.

Now we’re  launching toward our goal of 40 monthly supporters by the end of August.  Will you be one of the next 17?

Monthly giving  helps sustain the radical welcome, nourishment, and creativity that define  this space. Whether it’s $10, $20, or $50/month—your gift makes a  difference. It keeps the lights on, the doors open, and the table wide for  anyone to be included in community and participate.

Plus: GIVE in  August and you could WIN Luther's Table Swag!

When you sign up  as a monthly donor this month, you’ll be entered to win exclusive Luther’s  Table swag (a mug, tote, or hat!). Already a monthly donor? You’re  automatically entered into a second drawing just for current Friends of the  Table. 💚 Help us finish strong—and not only sustain this place as a third space in     the community, but also keep it growing and thriving.

Pull up a chair.  Be a part of what’s growing here. Commit to a Monthly Gift HERE.

Pull up a chair. Be a  Friend of the Table.

Become a Friend of the Table

In case you missed it: We Have Swag ;)

We’ve launched our very own merch line—because what better way to support the mission than by wearing it out loud? Whether you’re serving up meals, sharing music, or just spreading love in the world, our gear helps tell the story of radical hospitality.

Now featuring hats and aprons, alongside our classic tees and totes—there’s something for everyone.

Every purchase supports the work of Luther’s Table and helps sustain this space of nourishment, creativity, and connection.

Grab your gear and wear your values with pride HERE!

Already have some swag? Send us a photo of you supporting LT!

The Table: Free Community Meal Every Saturday

Every Saturday from 8:00–10:00am, Luther’s Table—together with Sustainable Renton and REACH Renton—offers a hot, nourishing meal for anyone who is hungry: for food, for community, or for both. All are welcome.

This meal is made possible by volunteers who prep, serve, and clean up each week. Want to get involved?

• Meal prep: Thursdays from 1:00–3:00pm

• Serve or clean up: Saturdays (come early—set-up starts  around 7:30am)

• Group opportunity: Want to serve with your church,  workplace, or organization? Sign up as a team—we’d love to have you!

Sign up here to volunteer, or reach out to learn more.

SAVE THE DATES:

Game   Day

Saturday, Aug 9 |   11:00AM-10:00PM

🧚‍♂️✨  Once Upon a Game Day! 🐉🎲

Step into a world of   magic, mischief, and make-believe at our next Game Day on Saturday, August 9   from 11am-10pm! Whether you're a casual card-slinger, a dice-rolling dragon   slayer, or a fairy-god-player just passing through—there's a seat at the   table for you.

August’s theme: Fairytales!

Think enchanted   forests, brave adventurers, mythical creatures, witches, quests, and   happily-ever-afters. Expect a delightful mix of tabletop games—from classic   board games and party games to epic RPGs and whimsical card games. Thanks to   our partners at Fun First Productions.

Free to attend | All   ages welcome | Donations appreciated

JustMove   Culture & Agape* Music. Movement. Mission

Wednesday, Aug 13 |   2:00-4:30PM

Through this   exciting and interactive workshop with nationally touring artist David   Scherer (AGAPE*) and JustMove Culture, participants will explore how   storytelling, spoken word, hip-hop, and movement can break down barriers and   build courageous community across differences.

Designed for youth,   youth leaders, and youth mentors, this afternoon event combines powerful   teaching with real-time engagement—and finishes with a Youth Ice Cream Social   (yes, there will be two scoops and all the toppings!).

Suggested donation:   $20

• More info on JustMove        Culture

• RSVP for the event

Adult   Mental Health First Aid Training

Saturday, August 16   | 10:30AM-5:30PM Register by: Deadline open till August 8

Luther’s Table is hosting a   FREE Adult Mental Health First Aid Training on Saturday, August 16 from   10:30am–5:30pm for anyone over 18 years old, provided by our friends at   Valley Cities!

Just like CPR helps in a   heart emergency, Mental Health First Aid equips you to support someone facing   a mental health or substance use challenge. You’ll learn how to recognize the   signs, respond with care, and connect people to support.

Free for residents of or   individuals who work in King County, WA

For more information: https://valleycities.org/mental-health-first-aid/

Register HERE before July 3

Co-Create   Night - EVENT FULL!

Wednesday, Aug 20|   7:00-8:30:00PM

This month’s   Co-Create Night is wildly popular—it filled up fast and registration is closed.

Huge thanks to local   glass artist and Renton Art Oasis founder Cathy Gonzales for leading this   sold-out workshop on fused glass sun catchers. We’re thrilled to host Cathy   on Wednesday, August 20 from 7:00–8:30 PM for an evening of color,   creativity, and light.

Even if you didn’t   snag a spot this time, keep an eye on future Co-Create Nights—they’re a   bright spot every month!

Empowering   Women

Thursday, Aug 21|   9:00-10:00am

Are you a woman   navigating the world of business, leadership, or entrepreneurship—and craving   connection with others on a similar path? Come on Wednesday, Aug 21 from   9:00–10:00 AM to Luther’s Table for a free gathering designed to spark   inspiration and build momentum.

This monthly   meet-up, hosted by leadership coach Ruth Easterling, blends real   conversation, practical tools, and shared wisdom in a supportive, small-group   setting. Together, participants will grow in clarity, confidence, and purpose   as we step into the next chapter of our leadership journeys.

This event is Free. Please   register at www.rutheasterling.org

Presence that Matters

Each week, we not only prepare food for our free community meal—we prepare space.

Space where someone can be seen.

Space where someone can offer their gifts—not because they were asked, but because they felt invited.

Space where love shows up not just in casseroles or donations, but in companionship.

In unhurried conversation.

In simply being with one another.

There’s a particular kind of hospitality that’s easy to miss in our fast-paced, productivity-driven world. It’s not about doing more—it’s about being present. It’s about sitting down, making eye contact, listening without rushing to fix. It’s the kind of hospitality that Abraham and Sarah practiced under the oaks of Mamre. The kind Mary practiced as she sat at Jesus’ feet. The kind we’re trying to cultivate every day at Luther’s Table.

In a culture where hospitality often means performance—cleaning, prepping, pleasing—what would it mean to rediscover reciprocal hospitality? A hospitality that receives as well as gives. A hospitality that says not just “you belong here,” but also, “I’m open to being changed by your presence, too.”

Recently, I had the joy of preaching at Lord of Life Lutheran in Renton on the story of Mary and Martha from Luke 10:38–42. Too often, we hear it as a critique of Martha and a praise of Mary. But what if it’s not about choosing between the two? What if it’s an invitation to dwell in the tension—to honor both the preparation and the presence, the meal and the moment?

That’s what we’re practicing here at Luther’s Table.

Hospitality that feeds both body and spirit.

Presence that welcomes without agenda.

And community that’s not just served—but shared.

But this isn’t just about our practice. It’s a call to all of us.

Because presence isn’t limited to a single place or time. It’s a posture we carry into the world—a willingness to pause, to pay attention, to make space for the sacred in the everyday. Mutual hospitality invites us to go beyond offering a seat at the table. It asks us to take a seat, too—to listen, to learn, to let ourselves be changed by the people we encounter.

It’s not always comfortable.

It’s rarely efficient.

But it’s where transformation begins.

So here’s what I’m wondering—and what I invite you to wonder with me:

Where in your life are you being invited to slow down, to listen deeply, and to receive as well as give? What would it look like to practice that kind of presence this week?

Not for productivity. Not for praise. But for love.

In Love and Presence,

Deacon Bobbi

Mutual Hospitality in Action

In Western culture, hospitality is often framed as something we give. But receiving—sharing our needs and allowing others to care for us—can feel awkward or even vulnerable. What shifts when we allow ourselves to receive? How might that stretch us? How might it deepen connection—inviting us into a space of mutual giving and receiving? Sometimes the most meaningful connections happen when we make space for others to share their gifts with us.

two weeks ago, I was moved to tears. One of the folks who regularly attends a recovery meeting at Luther’s Table arrived early. Their group leader hadn’t come yet, so I let them in and offered something to drink. As we chatted, they offered to help set up the room. While we moved a newly donated TV into place, I shared our vision for the space—to make it more accessible for meetings, classes, and hybrid gatherings—and mentioned we were hoping to purchase a conference camera. They asked a few thoughtful questions, including how much it would cost. A few minutes later, after the space was ready and folks had begun arriving, they returned and quietly handed me a folded $100 bill. “Luther’s Table is such a blessing to me and to the community,” they said. “I want to give back.” It wasn’t expected. It wasn’t asked for. But in the space of mutual presence—of listening, sharing, and preparing together—something was opened. Their generosity flowed from their experience of being welcomed… and their desire to extend that same welcome to others.

Friends, this is the beauty of reciprocal hospitality.

Since then, we’ve received two additional gifts toward the camera. We’re now just $200 away from being able to fully equip this space with the technology we need to host accessible, inclusive gatherings for all.

Would you help us close the gap?

Every act of   generosity helps create and sustain a space where people can gather, grow,   and belong. Where ideas are shared. Where stories are heard. Where   transformation happens—because people show up.

One-time Gift to Luther's Table

Thank you for   helping create a space where love shows up—and stays.

Sustaining the Table: Looking Toward the Future

Most of what we offer at Luther’s Table is free—shared meals, creative gatherings, community events, and moments of connection that nourish the whole person. We do this because we believe everyone deserves a place to be fed, seen, and loved—regardless of ability to pay.

To keep this mission going strong, we’re actively seeking new sources of sustainable funding. This includes exploring grant opportunities, partnerships with foundations, and inviting those who are able to consider legacy giving or endowment connections that align with our values.

If you know of a foundation, endowment, or family trust that might resonate with Luther’s Table’s mission—or if you’d like to talk more about planned giving—we’d love to connect.

Together, we can ensure that Luther’s Table continues to be a place of radical hospitality, creativity, and shared nourishment for years to come.

Thank you for believing in this mission. Together, we are creating A Table for Everyone.

Luther’s Table is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. EIN: 33-3020138

 

This is a friendly reminder to be sure to sign the attendance folders every Sunday. They are in the little red folders on the end of the pew. Please pass them down the row so everyone in your pew can register their attendance. 

If you have an announcement for the bulletin or weekly e-mails, please get that into the church office by Wednesdays at 3pm. They can be sent to livinghopelc.office@gmail.com