On the second Sunday of each month, our Peace congregation is visited (physically or virtually) by a local church or community based ministry that was chosen by the congregation to be the recipient of a special offering. After hearing an update on the work of that agency, we “pass the hat” (physically and virtually since the COVID lockdown) to receive an offering for support of the ministry/agency’s work.

How May We Donate to a “Pass The Hat” partner organization?

a. Via Tithe.ly

Visit our secure Tithe.ly Giving Page designating the name of the partner group in the “Note/Memo” box on the form.

b. Via check

Checks may be made out to Peace Lutheran Church, designating the name of the partner group in the memo line on the check.

c. Directly to the Partner Org

Donations may be made directly to the partner organization. (If a donation is made directly to the organization due to its being a Pass The Hat partner, please report these donations to the Peace office, whether via the form on the Contact Us page  (using the “Office Administrator Kathleen Keyes” option in the drop-down menu), via the office email address, or via snail mail at the address in the footer of this page.)

d. Via an employer’s Matching Gift program.

Some employers may match donation gifts. (Some who do may require that the donation be made directly to the partner organization. See (c) above.)

Recent “Pass the Hat” Ministries

April, 2024 Holden Village
“Growing from the love of Christ, Holden Village is a courageous community that welcomes all people into the wilderness to form and renew their relationships with God, the earth, and each other.” The unique setting and ministry of Holden Village is dear to many of us who have traveled there on a regular basis. Over the course of 50 years, Holden has been transformed from a copper mining town to a vibrant place of education, programming, and worship. It has been a rich journey of faith. Holden welcomes all who seek contemplation and community in the remote wilderness of the beautiful Cascade Mountains. We invite people of all ages to come and experience our rhythms, which inspire and equip travelers to continue a sustainable life of faith outside the Village. And we continue to listen to and reflect on our story and history as we seek to discover our place in God’s creative mission in our world.”
 

March, 2024 Lutheran World Relief School Kits
The March 2024 Pass the Hat was chosen by the youth of Peace Lutheran Church. They decided they would like to focus on education, so have chosen Lutheran World Relief School Kits as their recipient and as a project. Their plan is to use the money that comes in from Pass the Hat to buy the supplies needed for the school kits in bulk, and then pack the kits to be sent to Lutheran World Relief who will distribute them to kids all over the world who need school supplies.
February, 2024 Duwamish River Community Coalition
Their mission is “An empowered Duwamish Valley community thriving in a healthy and just environment.” Beyond monitoring the cleanup of Seattle’s Duwamish River, they are guided by the voice of our community which is negatively affected by the environmental, social, and economic impacts of pollution and climate change.” Their work centers on creating a healthy environment for Duwamish Valley communities. They approach the environment as a holistic category that includes the places where people live, work, worship, and play. As they have fought to cleanup the river, the realities of climate change have become more extreme in our neighborhoods. It is imperative that Duwamish River cleanup efforts work for those who already call this place home. Robin Schwartz from DRCC will be with us on 2/18 to give us an update on their work.
January, 2024 Reconciling Works (LGBTQIA+)
Since 1974, “ReconcilingWorks: Lutherans for Full Participation” has advocated for the full welcome, inclusion,
and equity of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual/aromantic (LGBTQIA+)
Lutherans in all aspects of the life of their Church, congregations, and community.
December, 2023 Lutheran Disaster Response – Mideast Crisis
Lutheran Disaster Response has a long time relationship with partners in the Holy Land, including:

• Augusta Victoria Hospital. The hospital procures medical supplies and provides accommodations for
  patients and staff unable to return to their homes in Gaza.
• The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. The church provides emergency education
  support for families who have lost income due to the war and are unable to pay school fees.
• ACT Alliance. Through implementing partners Lutheran World Federation and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, ACT Alliance responds to immediate needs for psychosocial support, shelter, household items, public health centers and direct cash assistance, focusing on the Palestinian communities in Gaza, East Jerusalem and the West Bank. Checks can be payable to Peace with the notation: Middle East Crisis.

November, 2023 Operation Nightwatch
“Operation Nightwatch reduces the impact of poverty and homelessness, in keeping with Jesus’ teaching to love our neighbors. Imagine no tents No litter No people alone under a bridge No seniors without homes Because there are friends, housing, health care, treatment for all. At Nightwatch, we believe all this is possible, Not simply because we imagine it, But because God loves us all.” Rev. Paul Benz, Jr. will be at Peace on 11/12/2023 to tell us about this important ministry.
October, 2023 Maji Development Coalition Guest Carolyn Kurtz, Executive Director.
Carolyn writes: “Thank you for the support you have given to the people of Maji, in remote Ethiopia. MDC had a great year, full of successes, as supply chains and other hurdles got sorted out. We distributed 500 more solar lanterns to children in the poorest homes. They will have light to do their homework, but their whole families will also benefit from having light in the home at night. And our huge, ambitious project–bringing safe water to
2000 people in several rural communities–is operational as of September. This will save people from debilitating waterborne diseases, especially children and the elderly. The new gravity-fed system will also save the backs of women, who have had to hike steep trails to bring water back for family use. As Ato Markos, our program director said, “MDC is like a miracle to us!” In the coming year we will focus on the women’s co-ops, and join with the local church to develop for a Women’s Empowerment Center in Maji town.
September, 2023 New Futures
As featured recently in the Seattle Times, New Futures provides students with after-school and summer programming four times each week with children ages 5-19. During the school year, the program runs after school from 3pm-7pm and full week programming for 6 weeks during the summer. This provides ample time for youth in the program to develop trusting, healthy relationships with staff and peers, and have time dedicated to work on academics as well as participate in enrichment activities such as college and career readiness, field trips, STEM activities, and youth-led projects. Participants are also able to access a wide range of services offered through SWYFS including child, youth and family counseling; youth case management and behavioral modification classes; high school re-entry and young parent GED programs; family advocates; and parenting classes. Dennis Omondi, Senior Development Manager at SW Youth and Family Services, the parent organization to New Futures, will be with us to provide an update.

August, 2023  Refugees Northwest
Refugees Northwest believes that every person forced to flee war, persecution and terror can heal, thrive, and enrich our community with their unique gifts and strengths. We work with thousands of refugees and asylum-seekers each year to build upon the strength and courage that got them here, and to support their hopes and dreams. Our programs include trauma-focused mental health support, torture treatment, unaccompanied minor foster care, asylum assistance, complex medical case management, and a variety of community programs that help develop new skills, gain citizenship, and build fulfilling connections. The majority of Refugees Northwest staff came to the United States as refugees or seeking asylum. Speaking more than 17 languages, our dedicated and experienced staff have walked in the shoes of those we serve, giving us unique insight.

July, 2023 Duwamish River Coalition
Their mission is “An empowered Duwamish Valley community thriving in a healthy and just environment.” Beyond monitoring the cleanup of Seattle’s Duwamish River, they are guided by the voice of our community which is negatively affected by the environmental, social, and economic impacts of pollution and climate change. Their work centers on creating a healthy environment for Duwamish Valley communities. They approach the environment as a holistic category that includes the places where people live, work, worship, and play. As they have fought to cleanup the river, the realities of climate change have become more extreme in our neighborhoods. It is imperative that Duwamish River cleanup efforts work for those who already call this place home.

June, 2023 Earth Ministry
“Earth Ministry transforms faith into action for the well-being of communities and the environment. We organize people of faith to advocate for strong environmental policies and provide strategic guidance to religious communities working toward environmental justice. Our Greening Congregations program was the first in the country to help houses of worship implement sustainable practices, and our Faithful Advocacy program is on the cutting edge of empowering clergy and lay leaders to speak out on public policy issues. Earth Ministry’s Washington Interfaith Power & Light (WAIPL) project organizes an interfaith religious response to climate change and is part of a national Interfaith Power & Light network that is 40 states strong and growing. ”

May, 2023 Camp Lutherwood
Camp Lutherwood is nestled in the evergreen trees along the north shore of Lake Samish about 10 miles South of Bellingham, Washington. Since its beginning in 1946, Lutherwood has been running programs for campers of all ages on our 103 acres of beautiful waterfront and forest land. Lutherwood is the perfect place for summer camp opportunities, family camping, retreats all year round, family reunions, assemblies and various other gatherings.

April, 2023 Lutheran Campus Ministry at the University of Washington
UW Lutherans are a progressive, inclusive, welcoming, grace-filled, justice-oriented community of faith for the University of Washington community. Whether you are a UW undergrad or doctoral student, an alum or faculty member, staff or a Husky fan, we are here for you. Welcome Statement Written by Students of UW Lutherans (May 2022) We believe that Jesus preached a message of radical inclusion and love of God and neighbor; God’s love is for all creation. We strive to create a community of love, grace, and acceptance. We welcome people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions; all levels of physical, mental, or emotional ability; people of all races, ethnicities, nationalities, and immigration statuses. We recognize the reality of exclusion faced by marginalized groups in our society. We reject this status quo to instead work towards racial equity and social justice by engaging and serving our community

March, 2023 International Justice Mission
March 19 is also Pass The Hat Sunday, and in keeping with the commitment we made at our annual meeting it is a Youth Choice Sunday. The ministry our Youth have chosen to highlight is International Justice Mission, a ministry focused on eliminating human trafficking in the United States and throughout the world.

February, 2023 FAN WA (Faith Action Network of Washington)

“Faith Action Network is an interfaith statewide partnership striving for a just, compassionate, and sustainable world through community building, education, and courageous public action. It is a multi-faith, non-profit organization though which thousands of people and over 160 faith communities across Washington State partner for the common good. Together, we are powerful voices of faith and conscience advocating for a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world.”

January, 2023 ReconcilingWorks
“Since 1974, ReconcilingWorks: Lutherans for Full Participation has advocated for the full welcome, inclusion, and equity of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual/aromantic (LGBTQIA+) Lutherans in all aspects of the life of their Church, congregations, and community. In relationships built through outreach and education, ReconcilingWorks shares Christ’s message, the Gospel, which is for everyone equally. We advocate for systemic change in policy and practice in church and society, working to alleviate not only the painful symptoms of oppression but also to eliminate its root causes. Reconciliation is a fundamental value; it is what the Apostle Paul says we are all called to do. Through our Reconciling in Christ Program, ministries, resources, events and alliances, ReconcilingWorks builds community for worship, education and support; fosters welcome and acceptance in all Lutheran settings; and advocates for the ecclesial changes necessary to ensure full participation in all sacraments, inclusive liturgical resources, and ministries of the Church, inviting all people into Gospel lives of authenticity, integrity, and wholeness. An independent, Lutheran, membership-supported organization, ReconcilingWorks is committed to strengthen all of God’s beloved for authentic, visible, faithful lives and to work for systemic change within the church and society. We believe reconciling works, for the sake of the world.”

December, 2022 White Center Food Bank
Each year December’s Pass The Hat recipient is kept open for designation so that we can respond to particular needs that arise within the local or larger community. This year, the Council has designated December’s Pass The Hat for longtime Peace partner – the White Center Food Bank.

“Our Mission is to Minimize Hunger…While nourishing community, nurturing self-reliance and embracing our rich cultural diversity.” The White Center Food Bank began unofficially in the mid-1970’s as a ministry of St. James Lutheran Church and other partners in response to assist struggling families and individuals in the greater White Center and Highline areas during a major economic downturn. “Much like today, many in the community were faced with difficult economic conditions that left them in need of food resources. We are supported by gifts from private donors and businesses that make sure our children and our seniors live in dignity and are well nourished. Our main priority is making sure all members of our community have access to fresh, healthy food. Your gifts truly make a difference. We couldn’t do what we do without you. Thank you! Your financial donations allow us to buy fresh, healthy foods to supplement what is donated. Without these gifts, we could not provide milk, eggs, poultry, and culturally appropriate foods such as tortillas, rice, beans, halal meat, and more. ”

November, 2022 Lutheran Counseling Network

Lutheran Counseling Network is a nonprofit organization of dedicated professional psychotherapists providing services since 1981. All LCN counselors have a masters or doctoral degree. The professional staff observes a strict ethical code of professional conduct. LCN is an extension of the church’s ministry to the community. They provide therapy for individuals, couples and families, addressing such areas as depression, anxiety, recovery from trauma, behavioral problems, parenting, sexuality and spirituality. By providing psychotherapy to people in need and education for congregations and pastors, Lutheran Counseling Network is an instrument of God’s grace which strengthens and brings healing to individuals, couples and families so that they might in turn be instruments of God’s grace.

October, 2022 LCSNW (Lutheran Community Services Northwest)
Lutheran Community Services Northwest partners with individuals, families and communities for health, justice and hope. They offer services without regard to race, ethnicity, national origin, religious belief, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, ability, military or veteran status, source of income or political affiliation. The origin of Lutheran Community Services Northwest predates the Great Depression to 1921 with the founding of the Lutheran Compass Mission in Tacoma. The mission served “down-and-out” individuals and families in the community. As human suffering escalated during the 1930s, Northwest Lutherans increased their efforts to provide clothing, bedding, food and shelter to the homeless. In the 1940s, they resettled refugees from Eastern Europe and started offering adoption services. The Spokane office opened in 1956 and the Tri-Cities office opened in 1964 as the work focused on mental health and marriage and family counseling. In the 1970s and 80s, they expanded services for refugees and unaccompanied minors, senior services grew in Tacoma, and the Rape Crisis Center opened in Spokane.

September, 2022 UW Campus Ministries (Lutheran Campus Ministry at the University of Washington)
UW Lutherans are a progressive, inclusive, welcoming, grace-filled, justice-oriented community of faith for the University of Washington community. Whether you are a UW undergrad or doctoral student, an alum or faculty member, staff or a Husky fan, we are here for you.

Welcome Statement Written by Students of UW Lutherans (May 2022)

We believe that Jesus preached a message of radical inclusion and love of God and neighbor; God’s love is for all creation. We strive to create a community of love, grace, and acceptance. We welcome people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions; all levels of physical, mental, or emotional ability; people of all races, ethnicities, nationalities, and immigration statuses. We recognize the reality of exclusion faced by marginalized groups in our society. We reject this status quo to instead work towards racial equity and social justice by engaging and serving our community.

August, 2022 Camp Lutherwood

July, 2022 Columbia Lutheran Home

June, 2022 Earth Ministry

May, 2022 NW Washington Synod Assembly

April, 2022  KIT Ministry –  Klub of the Togliatti Initiative

March, 2022  The West Seattle Food Bank

February, 2022 Duwamish River Community Coalition

January, 2022 Holden Village

December, 2021 ELCA Disaster Response to Flooding in NW Washington

November, 2021 Operation Nightwatch

October, 2021 Maji Development Coalition

More Peace partner organizations are listed in our Links page.