"I refuse to feel hopeless. When I volunteer, I make a difference and get to know people in the process. What could be better?"
— Sarah
Social Justice
God calls us to seek justice—social, environmental, and economic. We listen, learn, and act for justice—showing up for our neighbors and working together for a more compassionate world.
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Our congregation has joined with churches across the country to assist Palestinians who are illegally detained in Israeli military prisons.
We support a young Palestinian man through prayer and communication with his family in Palestine.
We also advocate for human rights of all Palestinians in Israeli prisons and educate our faith community about the needs of Palestinian detainees.
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WFCIS faith communities donate and distribute food, diapers, essential household goods, and money to assist families (from infants to grandparents) who have been negatively affected by detainments and deportations.
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Our OPOP team accompanies an incarcerated person before, during, and after their release from prison.
We are committed to a multi-year relationship with this person which includes release planning and holistic reentry support.
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The team educates, equips, and inspires church members and attendees to live out our call to “do justice.”
We work together toward social, environmental, and economic justice, and to support peacemaking and reconciliation efforts—locally, nationally, and in our world.
Serving Globally
The Deep Waters team works in partnership with Honduran communities. We offer installation and training in the maintenance of free water filtration systems. In doing so, we deepen our faith, expand our horizons, and build bridges of understanding.
Serving Locally
Loving our neighbors starts right here. Through meals, support, and everyday acts of care, we help meet local needs and build relationships.
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Twice a month, a church team repackages food into family-sized portions. In addition, we provide regular financial support.
The Bellingham Food Bank provides free food to households in Whatcom County.
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We prepare and deliver cooked meals twice a month and restock the community’s pantry twice a year.
Gardenview Village is a 35-bed tiny home community that primarily serves people experiencing homelessness who are 55+ and/or medically fragile.
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We collect and donate coats for Interfaith’s Winter Coat Drive and provide gifts for struggling families via the Holiday Joy program.
Interfaith is a coalition of faith communities in Whatcom County.
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We make and pack quarterly gifts for isolated seniors in our community via LCSNW’s Santa for Seniors program. In addition, our congregation provides regular financial support for the organization.
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We participate in work parties to maintain the facilities and grounds. In addition, we provide regular financial support for Lutherwood.
Serving our Congregation
Caring for one another is what we do: locally, globally, and within our congregation. Check out the ways to serve each other, with love, laughter, and purpose. There’s room for everyone to participate.
Training is available if you’re new to a role or want a refresher.
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We welcome people to serve in a variety of roles.
Assistant Minister/Reader, Communion Server, Communion Care (set-up & clean-up), Welcome Team Member, Live Stream Operator, Prayer Partner, Reminder Caller, Sound Board Operator, Usher, Altar Linens Launderer
Are you a musician? See opportunities to serve.
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Every Sunday we serve refreshments after service. You can help by providing home-baked or store-bought goodies, fruit, and other snacks; setting up the coffee pot and serving tables; or cleaning-up afterward.
Alternatively see the Sign Up Genius link in the Weekly Note.
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Join us at our semi-annual work parties, held in the fall and spring! Activities include weeding and cleaning up landscaping around the property as well as some indoor maintenance projects. Donuts and coffee always provided.
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Join us to create connections and companionship for our homebound seniors.
Team Senior to Senior: Matches a mobile senior to make visits to a senior who is homebound.
Team Family and Youth to Senior: Matches families and youth to make visits to a senior who is homebound.
Serving on a Committee
Interested in being part of an ongoing team that guides an area of ministry? Jump in, share your voice, and help move our mission forward.
Standing Committees
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Develops and supports learning opportunities for adults to grow in faith. Programs include Sunday Adult Forum; house groups; weekly and Sunday Bible studies, book studies, and other groups; the library; leadership training; and annual retreats for adults.
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Provides care and support for members of the congregation, including visits with shut-ins and those facing health or life-challenges; care baskets, cards, and food; prayer shawl ministry; prayer requests; prayer station during worship; blood pressure checks, among others.
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Supports and works with the Children, Youth & Family Minister to develop and provide Christian education programs, activities, and service opportunities. We serve children and youth, from birth through high school, as well as families.
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Encourages and supports congregation involvement in programs that move our faith into action as God’s hand within our community. Our advocacy includes an annual winter coat drive; Christmas toys and gift cards for low-income families; twice-monthly hot meals prepared in the church kitchen and delivered to a tiny home village for low-income seniors; and much more.
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Offers opportunities for members to make connections, grow relationships, and share their lives through church-wide gatherings, including our CTS Cafe on Sundays; Breaking Bread dinner groups; Lenten soup suppers; summer BBQ; and Advent party.
We also provide goodie bags and flowers for folks unable to come to church; help with special celebration receptions; and assist others hosting events such as funerals and musical performances.
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Develops and oversees financial policies and procedures. Ensures that offerings are counted, income is recorded, and salaries and expenditures are properly disbursed within budget guidelines.
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Engages the congregation in global ministry, educating and leading our congregation in ways to partner with other communities around the world. We participate in Deep Waters Global Missions — partnering with communities in Honduras to install water filtration systems.
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Facilitates discussions, educates, equips, and inspires the congregation to participate in social, environmental, and economic justice, and to support peacemaking and reconciliation efforts – locally, nationally, and in our world.
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Oversees the cleaning, painting, and maintenance of buildings, grounds, and equipment. Organizes opportunities for the congregation to care for our church and grounds during work parties throughout the year.
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Identifies members’ gifts and the utilization of those gifts in worship and congregation life; interprets and supports the larger mission of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; educates and motivates Christian sharing of the gifts of money, time, and talents; celebrates and supports people’s weekday ministries; and cares for creation.
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Works with pastor(s) and musicians to plan and implement vital and diverse worship services. This includes a variety of liturgies, music, and visual art. Involves and encourages adults, youth, and children to take part in various roles during worship.
Administrative Committees
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Performs annual reviews of the financial practices and books of the congregation.
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Recommends new council members and committee chairs.
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Scans the life and health of the congregation; strengthens the ministry and mission of the congregation as well as the pastor and other staff; provides confidential support and feedback to the pastor, council, and other leaders; and provides resources and support when there is conflict among staff or between staff and members of the congregation.
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Conducts annual reviews of all staff and maintains personnel records; compiles and maintains a Personnel Handbook detailing personnel policies; convenes and oversees search committees during the hiring process for new employees; works with the Finance Committee on salary and benefit packages for pastor(s) and employees; conducts and maintains records of background checks for staff and volunteers; ensures appropriate orientation and training for all staff; works with the Executive Committee and/or Mutual Ministry Committee to resolve employee concerns.
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Advises, oversees, and implements the use of technology hardware, software, and systems to enhance ministry, increase access, improve operational efficiency, and safeguard church records. Uses funds as provided by the Council or approved in the church’s annual budget. Collaborates with staff and ministerial committees to assess needs and provide solution options, takes the lead on technical implementation as needed.