Stories of Shalom--Connection Street Theatre
“For the kids that come to be in a show or do the camp, this is their church. We need to get past the idea that only a worship service or a bible study are legitimate connections.”
–Pastor Doug Peterson, Faith Lutheran Church, Shelton
The following is an article written by a Southwestern Washington Synod (ELCA) pastor and storyteller, Rev. Chavaleh Forgey in September 2024.
Connection Street Theater
“For the kids that come to be in a show or do the camp, this is their church. We need to get past the idea that only a worship service or a bible study are legitimate connections.”
–Pastor Doug Peterson, Faith Lutheran Church, Shelton.
Connection Street Theater began to serve the Shelton community in 2011. It was the brainchild of the pastors there at the time, Steve Olson and Brian Weinberger, and their wives Jill and Bekkah. Between all of them, they had skills in theater, music, and tech and thought that a community theater out of the church would be a great way to serve a small town that didn’t have many performing arts opportunities and allow people to make connections with the congregation.
When those pastors’ ministry had concluded, the Faith community decided that the theater ministry should continue. Michelle Whittaker got on board as a general director with Laury Thorson active as an actor and music director.
“Not only is it a great benefit to have arts in a community,” says Michelle, “but it is a way to bring younger people and energy to an aging congregation.”
Connection Street is a way for people to experience Christ’s love without being “churchy,” and has been successful in bringing people rejected by other churches back into a faith community. Not only to the theater projects, but even to worship and other events, and often these are people who had never imagined, in their words, setting foot into a church again.
Every Christmas there is a show that encourages whole families to participate together. When they did “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” the story in the play about unruly and unchurched neighborhood kids taking over the show and learning the real meaning of Christmas happened in real time and in real life alongside the play. Now those kids are the backbone of Faith’s youth group.
Participants in Connection Street productions experience love and acceptance and are grateful for the family they’ve found. It is real evangelism, with the love of Christ demonstrated and lived instead of talked about. Kids who participate grow in confidence that follows them into other aspects of their lives, and adults come to try something new or regain something they loved. There are wonderful interactions between seniors and younger people that are becoming increasingly difficult to find in other places, and these intergenerational ties benefit all.
According to Pastor Doug, an unforeseen and exciting benefit is that people in the theater have brought their connections to community organizations and through them Faith has developed ministry partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Not only has Connection Street brought beauty and joy to Shelton through the arts, now there is a web of interconnected organizations that work together on housing, food insecurity, literacy – it is a surprising and rich aspect and outgrowth of this work.
Anyone is welcome to contact Faith Shelton to learn more or for advice about creating their own connective ministries, and Pastor Doug has this piece of encouragement: “Do it because it’s beautiful and good,” he says. “Not a means to another end but the thing itself. Release the idea of results and recognize that these ministries are spiritual encounters in and of themselves.”
~ by Synod Storyteller Chavaleh Forgey
A Century of Service
by Dan Partridge
This year (2024) PLU graduates Todd and Tyger Penson mark milestones in their lifetime of service to the Lord.
Todd has been an ordained minister for 60 years, Tyger for 40 years. At the time Tyger was ordained in 1984, only 2½ percent of the ministers in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America were women. Todd has served in 22 ministries, Tyger has served in 14, including several new missions starts.
In their 64 years of marriage Todd and Tyger have managed to serve in separate churches in the same location in six states, Canada and Liberia, Africa. Together they’ve shared varied experiences in and out of the ministry. For instance, Todd served 25 village churches in Kolila Parish, Liberia in 1987-89, taught Ethics at the Phoebe School of Nursing, and was a part-time professor at the Gbarnga School of Theology in Liberia. Tyger served as Pastor for four parishes, was a professor at Gbarnga School of Theology, and was superintendent of the K-12 Lutheran School at the Phoebe Compound in Suakoko, Liberia.
They escaped the turmoil of the First Liberian Civil War by catching a flight on the second to last airplane out of the country in 1990. “They were shooting around us and finally we couldn’t stay any longer and left most of our stuff behind,” Tyger said. For 16 years after they left Liberia, they donated thousands of dollars to help pay for the education of 200 children who lost parents to the fighting in the civil war.
Both raised in Christian homes, Todd and Tyger met at Pacific Lutheran University in Parkland, Wash. He was majoring in physics; she was pursuing a teaching degree. She jokes that she left PLU with a “MRS” degree when they married in 1960 and didn’t complete her teaching degree from PLU until 1971.
Todd says the golf course at PLU was the venue where he received his call. “I’d go out there walking in the middle of the night hoping to get a word from God on if I should become a pastor,” he said. God answered in the affirmative. Tyger’s calling didn’t come for years later when on a car trip to a synod assembly in Spokane, WA. Todd suggested she consider going to seminary.
Todd received his training at the Augustana Seminary in Rock Island, IL. Tyger received her training first from the Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary in Fresno, Calif., and finished her training at the Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkley, CA. Her first assignment was as the pastor of a church in Ault, CO., 13 miles from where Todd was serving as a pastor at a church in Greeley, Colorado.
Family and children have always been a big focus of Todd and Tyger’s life together. They raised four children: Dave, Kathy, Julie, and Doug. They have seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Their son Dave and his wife Marcia had twin girls in October 2009 and Todd and Tyger became “day parents” for the girls for five years.
Todd and Tyger also reached out to help children in need. In Rock Island while Todd was at seminary, they were house parents for emotionally disturbed and juvenile delinquents at Bethany Home. They had ten boys, ages 6 to 16, for six days a week, 24 hours a day.
In Alberta, Todd and Tyger did foster care for hard-to-place children. In New Westminster, B.C., they opened their home to runaway youth which resulted in their eventurally opening a group home for wayward teenage girls. “They came to our house instead of going to prison”, Tyger recalled.
From seminary, Todd’s first assignments from 1964-68 were in Canada, in Wainwright, Czar and Hughenden, Alberta. This was followed by numerous calls in both Canada and the United States.
As a “mission developer” for the Lutheran Church, Tyger started new churches in Oregon, Arkansas, Georgia, and Arizona. Two of those were a joint effort with Todd.
In 1991 Wilsonville, OR, south of Portland, Tyger went door to door in neighborhoods asking people about their interest in having a church in their town. She became the pastor of the new Community of Hope Lutheran church which met in the Frog Pond Grange Hall until they outgrew it and moved into a school. One highlight was having Christmas Eve services in the barn on Todd and Tyger’s land. By the end of Tyger’s 7-year tenure as pastor this congregation had grown to more than 300. Tyger also started the Community of Joy Church in Hot Springs Village, Ark., by going door to door. “Evangelism is in our hearts”, Tyger said.
Since “officially retiring” in 2002, Tood and Tyger have published two books. His is “Saving Jesus from Identity Theft” and hers, “Route 66 Reflections: A Journey through the Bible.”
They remain active in the ministry. At Faith Lutheran Church in Shelton, WA, they are co-leaders of Adult Studies, such as the “Searching for the Historical Jesus” study. Their son Doug Peterson is lead pastor at Faith Lutheran and his wife Brenda Satrum is Formation pastor at the church.
“God has a plan for all of us,” Tyger said of how she and Todd have accomplished so much in their lives. “If God wants you to do something God will get you through it.” Todd added his assurance: “You and God will work it out.”
April Newsletter (2024)
CLICK HERE for the latest news from Faith Lutheran, including:
75th Anniversary Celebration
New Staff
New Grief Ministry
Youth and Family Ministries
Birthdays and Anniversaries
Blessing Bags
For Valentine’s Day, The Youth Connection is putting together Blessing Bags for our vulnerable population. FAITH has been asked to help provide lots of items and volunteers. Some items needed include body/ shower wipes, deodorant, matches, hot hands, hats, socks, snacks,nail clippers,wash cloths, dry shampoo, feminine hygiene products, combs…
Blessing Bags for Valentine’s Day!♥️
The Youth Connection in Shelton provides services to the homeless and at-risk youth ages 12-24 through personalized support, housing solutions, and comprehensive resources. Their primary objective is to furnish a secure space for youth and young adults to access vital services and discover their potential.
For Valentine’s Day, The Youth Connection is putting together Blessing Bags for our vulnerable population. FAITH has been asked to help provide lots of items and volunteers. Some items needed include body/ shower wipes, deodorant, matches, hot hands, hats, socks, snacks,nail clippers,wash cloths, dry shampoo, feminine hygiene products, combs…
Please check out the list in the Narthex. Pick an item or two that you wish to purchase and write in your name and phone number. All donations are due February 11th. Or you can donate cash today! Volunteers are also needed for the work party of filling the bags after church February 11th.
CLICK HERE for the list of needs…
Hiring: Full time Ministry and Outreach Coordinator
Faith Lutheran Church in Shelton, Washington is looking for a creative, energetic, and positive person who can demonstrate hospitality, communicate vision, coordinate campus resources, engage with the community, and provide technical and office support.
Faith+ Ministry and Outreach Coordinator
Description: Faith Lutheran Church in Shelton, Washington is looking for a creative, energetic, and positive person who can demonstrate hospitality, communicate vision, coordinate campus resources, engage with the community, and provide technical and office support.
Compensation: Total compensation up to $51,000 annually (includes benefits).
Location: Faith Lutheran Church (ELCA)
1212 Connection Street
Shelton, WA 98584
Reports to: Senior Pastor, Rev. Dr. Douglas Peterson
General Overview:
1. Work in the Church Office to provide office, communication, data entry, and technical support for church staff and volunteers.
2. Help Faith and its partner agencies work together to provide positive social services in Shelton and Mason County, especially with Spanish-speaking, immigrant, and Indigenous populations.
3. Coordinate and schedule campus usage, making sure rooms and spaces are properly equipped and maintained.
4. Proactively engage the greater community through social media, monthly luncheons, resources fairs, etc.
5. Build relationships in the congregation and with the agencies and non-ELCA congregations that use the campus.
Requirements:
● Demonstrates excellent communication and organizational skills.
● Passionate about hospitality, welcoming others, and serving the community.
● Physical ability to move and stack tables and chairs, perform basic housekeeping and office chores.
● Computer and social media savvy; willing to learn new things.
● Proficient in Spanish/bi-lingual
● Maintains healthy boundaries and confidentiality.
Send cover letter and resume via email to doug@faithshelton.org by 12:00pm on Thursday, February 15, 2024.
Energized by God’s amazing love, Faith is a welcoming community: growing closer to and more like Jesus; making Christ known; joyfully serving each other, our neighbors, and all God’s creation.
Annual Meeting of the Congregation
The Annual Meeting of the Congregation is slated for Sunday, January 28, 2024, at 11:30am, in the sanctuary.
Faith Lutheran Constitution Updates for 2024
FLC Constitution Review Task Force
May 3, 2023
Attending: Joan Detrick, Jan Ray, Andrea Miller, Bob Miller
Purpose of Meeting: Review 2020 Constitution for possible future amendments
Background: The FLC Constitution was completely rewritten (following the guidance of the ELCA Model Constitution adopted in 2019), and approved during the Annual Meeting of the FLC Congregation in January 2020. Since its ratification, questions related to Council/Executive Committee term limits and the structure of Committee governance have come to the attention of the Council. Joan Detrick and Jan Ray were appointed to review the questions with the assistance of members of the 2020 Constitution committee as resources.
CLICK HERE for a link to a PDF of the 2020 Faith Lutheran Church Constitution
Action Recommendations:
1. The 2022 ELCA Churchwide Assembly approved several amendments to the Model Constitution for Congregations. The task force reviewed the changes and recommends that the Council move them in a package to be approved by the Congregation during its January 2024 Annual Meeting. CLICK HERE to view these changes. (If wording is adopted exactly as presented on the proposal from ELCA, these provisions require a majority vote of those voting members present and voting at any legally called meeting of the congregation, provided that they have been presented to the congregation at least 30 days prior to the meeting. If the Council proposes to alter any of the wording in “non-required” sections, ratification becomes a two-step voting process, that culminates in a required 2/3 majority of voting members at a Congregation meeting.)
2. FLC Constitution task force recommends that the Council not propose any other amendments to the Constitution at this time. Rationale: The Constitution is only three years old and it’s too early to fully understand if changes are needed for smoother operation of the Congregation and its elected Council.
The recommendation is to continue to work within the structure of the 2020 Constitution (incorporating the changes from the 2022 ELCA vote) and reconsider possible amendments in 2026, when the ELCA Model Constitution will be updated (as determined by the Churchwide Assembly action every three years).
3. The task force did not develop a recommendation on how to manage FLC’s Continuing Resolutions, which describe the authority and activities of various church-approved committees. These resolutions are approved by Council action. Currently, there is not a formal structure for ‘managing’ them. This topic needs further consideration.
2023 Cottage Meetings: Holy Hospitality
During these meetings, the groups read the familiar parable of The Good Samaritan (Luke 10) and reflected on God’s calling for us to extend Welcome and Hospitality to our neighbors. The groups shared personal stories of welcome including times when they felt accepted and included, and times when they felt excluded, rejected or left out. These personal stories allowed the group to reflect on God’s presence in our daily lives.
Over the past few weeks, members of the BIC committee have led 11 small group meetings, which included more than 75 members, continuing to explore the concept of “Holy Hospitality”.
During these meetings, the groups read the familiar parable of The Good Samaritan (Luke 10) and reflected on God’s calling for us to extend Welcome and Hospitality to our neighbors. The groups shared personal stories of welcome including times when they felt accepted and included, and times when they felt excluded, rejected or left out. These personal stories allowed the group to reflect on God’s presence in our daily lives. After sharing scripture and personal stories, the groups discussed three questions: How is Faith being called to be a Welcoming congregation? Who are Faith’s neighbors? How is God calling us to serve our neighbors?
The BIC committee would like to thank everyone who was able to participate in the Cottage meetings. The committee will report to the Council on Wednesday, December 14, with recommendations for specific ways Faith can extend and communicate our commitment to being a truly welcoming community.
If you were not able to attend a Cottage Meeting, there is a handout and form both online (CLICK HERE) and in the church office that you can use to provide written comments. Pastors Doug and Brenda are also available for individual conversations.
The BIC committee continues to pray for God’s guidance and presence as are we reflect on the suggestions, ideas, and concerns shared in the cottage meeting conversations. The BIC Team will meet on Monday, December 11, to finalize its recommendations.
God’s Blessings, Kathie Olson
Annual Holiday Bazaar
Saturday, November 4, 2023, 9am-2pm
Join the people of Faith for a celebration of our Scandinavian heritage, and take home some homemade lefse, baked goods, and holiday crafts, all to raise money to support local ministries and community partners.
Children and Family Ministries 2023-24
Dear Faith Families,
Happy Fall! With school starting up and the Seahawks back in action, it is time to ramp up our children and youth ministries at Faith Lutheran. Here is a brief overview of some of what Faith is offering to help you raise your kids and teach them about Jesus in a safe environment and loving community. Here are THREE important dates in the month of September:
1. Sunday, September 10, 2023. This is the first Sunday of Children’s Church (10:15-11a) and Confirmation Class (11:30-12:30).
2. Sunday, September 17. Blessing of Backpacks during worship (10am). Youth and Family Campfire at the Miller Farm, 4:00-8:00pm, with special guest, Mike Barnes.
3. Wednesday, September 27. Youth Group, 6:00-7:30pm in the church gym. Youth and families can have supper, meet the Frosts and Walkers, and begin weekly* youth programming.
Faith Lutheran Church Youth and Family Programs, 2023-24
· Sunday Nursery Care (ages 0-4). The newly remodeled Nursery, now known as “Linda’s Corner,” offers quiet space for parents with small children during worship. Faith is open to staffing child-care during worship, if requested.
· Children’s Church (ages 4-11). Connie Payne has agreed to lead and coordinate a short, weekly faith lesson for young people during worship, from about 10:15a to 11:00a. Children are dismissed after the Children’s Message and return for Communion. The Family Room/Chapel and/or Linda’s Corner.
· Confirmation (ages 12-17). Confirmation is a year-long class taught by the pastors designed to equip teenagers with basic tools and concepts of the Lutheran Christian tradition, culminating in the Rite of Confirmation in the Spring. Sundays, 11:30a-12:30p, in Room 1.
· Bible: History and Places (ages 18-up). Sundays, 11:30a-12:30p, in the 3 Door Room. A year-long study of the Bible, its art, history, and application for life today. Taught by Tyger and Todd Penson.
· Wednesday Night Youth Group (ages 10-18) and Adult Faith Formation. Food, games, and faith lessons for kids ages 10-18 (or so). Meet in the Gym on the 1st, 2nd, and 4th Wednesdays of the month from 6:00-7:30p. Led by Chris and Shay Frost, and Marissa and Chris Walker. (*The 3rd Wednesday each month is set aside for Leadership/Planning). Parents and adults can gather with the Pastors across the hall to explore a variety of topics: spirituality, relationships, parenting, and faith formation.
· Thursday Night Young Adult Conversations “YAC” (ages 19-35). Food, fun, friendship, and occasional deep spiritual exploration. Usually meets at the Peterson/Satrum home on Thursdays, 6:15-8:30pm.
Time and Talents, Spring 2023
CLICK HERE for the Time and Talents insert I talked about in my April 23, 2023 podcast.
Holy Week
MAUNDY THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 6:00PM
Faith joins the people of Agua Viva Internacional for a unique, collaborative, and multilingual Maundy Thursday worship experience. Since the beginning of 2023, Agua Viva Internacional has been worshiping on Sunday and Thursday evenings. So this week, we will gather in the sanctuary at 6:00pm, and worship (in Spanish), led by Pastor Eric Gomez and the Agua Viva Worship Team. The pastors of the two congregations will wash the feet of the other, symbolizing our shared mission to serve others in Chirst’s name. Then we will share the Lord’s Supper, Faith-style, symbolizing the unity we share in Christ: dos congregaciones, un Dios, two congregations, one God.
GOOD FRIDAY, APRIL 7, 12:00 NOON
The people of Faith then gather at noon on Good Friday to remember and recall the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Worship will be led by the Faith Choir. Rev. Brenda Satrum will share a Good Friday message.
EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 9, 8:00AM AND 10:00AM
Sunrise Easter Worship at 8:00am. Christ is Risen, He is Risen Indeed! Come for this earlier than usual worship time, following in the footsteps of the women discovering the empty tomb on that first Easter morning.
Easter Breakfast, 9am-9:45am. Featuring Bert’s famous breakfast casserole and homemade pastries. A free-will offering goes to the Faith Family Crisis Fund.
Easter Festival Worship at 10:00am, with music from the Faith Choir and the Ascension Worship Team.
Ash Wednesday and Lent
Lent and Holy Week
ASH WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2023
11:00am, The Gospel of Matthew w/ Pastor Doug. A weekly Bible Study via Zoom. Contact Pastor Doug for the link.
4:15pm, Ash Wednesday Worship and Imposition of Ashes
5:00pm, Soup Supper. A simple meal served in the Fellowship Hall. Free will offering.
6:00pm, Ash Wednesday Worship and Imposition of Ashes
WEDNESDAY WORSHIP, MARCH 1-29
11:00am, The Gospel of Matthew w/ Pastor Doug. A weekly Bible Study via Zoom. Contact Pastor Doug for the link.
4:15pm, Lenten Worship
5:00pm, Soup Supper. A simple meal served in the Fellowship Hall. Free will offering.
6:00pm, Lenten Worship
MAUNDY THURSDAY, APRIL 6, TBD
GOOD FRIDAY, APRIL 7, TBD
EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 9
Sunrise Easter Worship at 8:15am
Easter Breakfast, 9am-10am
Easter Festival Worship at 10:00am
Auditions: Pirates of Penzance
Connection Street Theatre
Did you know that Faith has a community theatre ministry? Connection Street Theatre (formerly known as “Faith Acts”) is an outreach program of this congregation that promotes both community and the arts.
We are excited to announce our spring musical: The Pirates of Penzance. We’ll be having open auditions (ages 14 and up) on Sunday, Jan. 22nd, 2:00 pm.
Consider getting involved in our program. We can use your help. If you would be willing to help sew costumes or create props, please email us. ConnectionstTheatre@gmail.com.
For more information on upcoming shows, audition schedules, and more, click here for the most up to date information.
Michelle Whittaker, Director
Building Community One Production at a Time
A Christmas Carol musical
Connection Street Theatre is pleased to present A Christmas Carol musical!
See the write up in the Shelton Mason County Herald
Shows are December 2-4 and 9-11. Friday and Saturday shows are at 7:00pm. Sunday shows are at 2:00pm.
Tickets are available now online (CLICK HERE) or at the door.
Connection Street Theatre is a ministry of Faith Lutheran Church, Shelton.
All performances are located at Faith Lutheran, 1212 Connection Street, Shelton, WA 98584
To learn more about Connection Street Theatre, CLICK HERE.
Annual Faith Holiday Bazaar
Saturday, November 5, 9am-2pm
Fresh and pre-packaged homemade lefse
Scandinavian Bakery
Christmas Shoppe
Grannie’s Attic
Homemade soup luncheon
All proceeds support the ministries of Faith, plus both local and global mission projects.
Holy Week 2022 Schedule
Palm Sunday, April 10
Worship at 9am and 11am; all ages palm crosses art project at 10am
Good Friday, April 15
Worship at noon and 7pm
Easter Sunday, April 17
Traditional worship at 9am, contemporary worship at 11am; Easter breakfast/fundraiser in the Fellowship Hall at 10am. Freewill offering. All proceeds will support Beth and Mike’s medical costs.