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

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
“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.
Serving Our Neighbors
 
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.”
 

 
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
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

July, 2023 Duwamish River Coalition

June, 2023 Earth Ministry

May, 2023 Camp Lutherwood

April, 2023 Lutheran Campus Ministry at the University of Washington

March, 2023 International Justice Mission

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

January, 2023 ReconcilingWorks

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.

November, 2022 Lutheran Counseling Network

October, 2022 LCSNW (Lutheran Community Services Northwest)

September, 2022 UW Campus Ministries (Lutheran Campus Ministry at the University of Washington)

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.