Peace Lutheran Church » Pass the Hat

Pass the Hat

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

June, 2025 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, 2025 Synod Outreach
” Thank you in advance for being generous with your gifts. The offering gathered at assembly worship services will be divided equally among these ministries:
• Lutheran Disaster Response
• Bishop’s Caring Fund – supports health and well-being of rostered leaders and candidates
• The Synod’s LiVE Project – lay ministry formation”

April, 2025 Teen Feed
“The Teen Feed organization works with the community to offer support to meet basic needs, build strong relationships, and ally with homeless youth as they meet their future off the streets. Through three integrated programs, Teen Feed addresses the basic needs of homeless and at-risk youth without stable family support. Homelessness is not a reflection of the merits of one’s character. We are all people of equal value; any of us could be in the same situation as the people we serve. We work to foster a sense of mutual respect with our clients. We recognize the autonomy of the youth we serve and respect their values and judgments. The young people we serve have the right to meaningful voice and feedback about Teen Feed services. We build and nurture relationships through consistency, trust, and mutual accountability.”

March, 2025 Compass Housing Alliance
“Everyone Deserves A Home. Compass Housing Alliance develops and provides essential services, shelter, and affordable housing so that everyone in our community has a safe place to call home. Our work is grounded in love, humility, and the basic human connection we all share. Our organization welcomes all people equally and with love. We honor the people we serve and walk alongside them on their journey. We are strong allies and advocates for those whose voices often remain unheard and unheeded. Our organization collaborates with and influences community members, other organizations, funders, and policymakers to create long-term solutions to poverty and homelessness. We educate and encourage the people we serve, our employees, board members, and those in our community to be advocates.” Rev. Kristy Daniels will be our guest preacher on 3/9, our Pass the Hat Sunday, and Christopher Ross, President of Compass Housing Alliance, will tell us more about their mission, challenges, and opportunities for engagement.”

February, 2025 FAN WA (Faith Action Network of Washington)
“Faith Action Network is a statewide, multifaith partnership striving for just, compassionate, and sustainable communities through courageous advocacy and public action; a network of advocating faith communities that believe justice work is part of our religious calling, communicates with elected officials about critical social issues, and advocates for a more just and sustainable world. Dr. Joyce del Rosario, Executive Director, will be with us on Sunday, February 9, to tell us about current priorities during the current Washington legislative session.”

January, 2025 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. “We believe that God values and embraces each person as a beloved child, that the Spirit gives a diversity of gifts for the common good, and that Jesus Christ calls us to work for justice.” ELCA Deacon Liz Colver, who Chairs the Reconciling Works Board of Directors, will be our speaker as well as preacher on Sunday, January 19.”

December, 2024 Paths to Understanding
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.
“Paths to Understanding is a 501(C)3 non-profit organization based in Washington State. The organization, led by ELCA Pastor Terry Kyllo, is bringing together people from diverse faith traditions to create community across lines that often divide – Christian, Muslim, Jew, Indigenous… Pastor Terry is already slated to be a guest at the adult forum on December 15th and to serve as guest preacher that day. He will also be telling us more about this organization. Their mission is to bridge bias and build unity through multi-faith peacemaking. ‘Each wisdom tradition provides us with strength, peace, and a sense of being connected with others. Connecting with other wisdom traditions, strengthens our commitment to our own beliefs and offers gifts that help us come together for the future of our communities and our planet. Today, Paths to Understanding partners with many local, regional and national multi-faith organizations, and with anti-racist and interfaith community groups. Inspired by our shared values and shared humanity, we work with people across religious, cultural, and ethnic lines toward a shared vision of a just and equitable society. We are just getting
started!’ ”

November, 2024 UW Campus Ministries (Lutheran Campus Ministry at the University of Washington)
“Pastor Chelsea Globe will be with us November 17 to give us an update and to preach. 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.

October, 2024 LCSNW (Lutheran Community Services Northwest)
Lutheran Community Services Northwest partners with individuals, families and communities for health, justice and hope.

Sept, 2024 Camp Lutherwood
“Nestled in the evergreen trees along the north shore of Lake Samish about 10 miles South of Bellingham, Lutherwood has since 1946 been running programs for campers of all ages on their 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.”

August, 2024 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.”

July, 2024 Columbia Lutheran Home
“On the same city block for the past century, Columbia Lutheran Home has practiced innovative, compassionate care guided by our Founder’s holistic approach and mission to provide care for the whole person ~ body, mind, and spirit. Our Home remains one of the longest standalone Not-for-Profit nursing homes in the Pacific NW. We invite you to learn more about Columbia and how we became one of Seattle’s most admired 5-star skilled nursing facilities for short term Transitional Care, Rehabilitation, and Long Term Elder Care. We strive to remain one of the best teaching facilities in the nation as well as a successful nonprofit. Delivering the highest standards of care with dignity and respect is an essential part of our mission. We welcome everyone regardless of religion, orientation or ability to pay. We believe everyone deserves excellent care in a cheerful and peaceful environment.”

June, 2024 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, 2024 Synod Outreach
“This year the offering for the NW Washington Synod Assembly will be given to three different places: Lutheran Community Services Northwest (thirty percent), Lutheran Disaster Response (thirty percent), and the Bishop’s Caring Fund (forty percent). Lutheran Community Services Northwest provides Behavioral Health Services, Family and Community Support, Refugee and Immigrant Services, Child Welfare Programs, Aging and Independent Living Services, and Crime Victim Services. “Lutheran Disaster Response shares God’s hope, healing and renewal with people whose lives have been disrupted by disasters in the United States and around the world. When the dust settles and the headlines change, we stay to provide ongoing assistance to those in need.” The Bishop’s Caring Fund helps pastors, deacons, and their families receive counseling, respite care, scholarships for various educational opportunities, and more. This fund is an essential tool for Rostered Ministers with their spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical health.”

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

February, 2024 Duwamish River Community Coalition

January, 2024 Reconciling Works (LGBTQIA+)

December, 2023 Lutheran Disaster Response – Mideast Crisis

November, 2023 Operation Nightwatch

October, 2023 Maji Development Coalition Guest Carolyn Kurtz, Executive Director.

September, 2023 New Futures

August, 2023 Refugees Northwest

July, 2023 Duwamish River Coalition

June, 2023 Earth Ministry

May, 2023 Camp Lutherwood

April, 2023 Lutheran Campus Ministry at the University of Washington