Mission Developer / Executive Director
Bobbi Jo Cyr
Luther’s Table is excited to welcome Bobbi Jo Cyr as the new Mission Developer, leading the organization into its next chapter. Bobbi brings over 20 years of ministry experience, including ten years as an ELCA missionary in Japan, over a decade in Youth Ministry, and a recent Master’s in Leadership and Innovation from Luther Seminary. Her passion for community-building, leadership development, and creating spaces where people feel seen, known, and loved makes her an excellent fit for this role.
From faith formation and leadership development to fostering spaces of radical hospitality, Bobbi is committed to connecting with the community, creating meaningful opportunities for engagement, and encouraging growth. As she steps into this new chapter, she invites the community to stay connected and journey alongside her.
Our Story: Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future
The Legacy of Renton Lutheran Church (1941-2006)
Renton Lutheran Church was founded in 1941, at a time when the world was at war and Renton was transforming into an industrial and military hub. The United States had just entered World War II, and Renton became home to Boeing and Pacific Car and Foundry, both of which played a vital role in the war effort. Boeing produced aircraft for the military, while Pacific Car and Foundry manufactured over 900 Sherman tanks. As workers and their families moved to Renton to support the war, the city rapidly expanded, creating a deep need for housing, community, and faith-based support.
Against this backdrop, Renton Lutheran Church opened its doors on December 25, 1942, offering a place of worship, refuge, and community for those navigating an uncertain time. The church’s commitment to service and hospitality was evident from its earliest days. It provided affordable housing, with small apartments above the church that were rented out to those in need. When Renton High School was built without a cafeteria, students gathered in the church’s fellowship hall for meals, making the church a natural gathering place in the city.
Throughout its history, Renton Lutheran was deeply engaged in feeding those in need. One longtime member recalled how, despite not being a wealthy congregation, the people of the church were deeply committed to the local food bank, ensuring that those struggling to put food on the table received the support they needed. The church also hosted community meals, including a beloved annual Norwegian dinner, and cultivated a strong tradition of Sunday education, faith formation, and outreach.
As the decades passed and the needs of the community evolved, Renton Lutheran faced the reality of declining membership. But rather than closing its doors and letting its legacy fade, the congregation made a bold and faithful decision: to invest its resources into a new expression of ministry that would continue to serve the people of Renton. In 2006, Renton Lutheran gifted its property to the Northwest Washington Synod, which facilitated the redevelopment of the land into Compass Veterans Center and Luther’s Table.
The decision to dedicate the property to affordable housing for veterans was deeply connected to Renton Lutheran’s history; the same city that had once mobilized for war was now a place where those who had served their country could find a home and community. The legacy of Renton Lutheran Church—housing people, feeding people, and fostering connection—did not end with the closing of its sanctuary. Instead, it found new life in the creation of Luther’s Table.
The Birth of Luther’s Table (2010-2020)
The Legacy of Renton Lutheran Church (1941-2006)
Luther’s Table was founded with a bold and unconventional vision: to re-imagine church beyond traditional walls and meet people where they already gathered. Inspired by Martin Luther’s practice of engaging students and visitors in deep theological discussions around the dinner table, the leaders of this new ministry saw an opportunity to bring people together in a way that felt natural, inviting, and open to all.
At its core, Luther’s Table was created for those who might not set foot inside a traditional church but were still seeking connection, meaning, and spiritual nourishment. By day, it served as a coffee shop catering to local businesses, students, and residents. By night, it became a pub and music venue, hosting live performances, open mic nights, and deep conversations about life, faith, and community.
However, Luther’s Table was not just about food and drink—it was about radical hospitality and reclaiming sacred space in the everyday. The mission was simple:
- To create a space where a meal is more than food, music is more than notes, and conversations are more than small talk.
- To welcome those who felt disconnected from traditional church spaces and offer them a place of belonging.
- To reclaim the table as a place of generosity, shared story, and connection.
This vision resonated deeply with the South King County cluster of ELCA congregations, who joined together to support this unique outreach ministry. The space was staffed by a mix of church leaders, hospitality professionals, and volunteers, all of whom were trained to serve generously and create a welcoming environment. Clergy from local churches even volunteered as bartenders, embodying the idea that faith and community could thrive outside of a sanctuary.
For over a decade, Luther’s Table became a beloved gathering space for musicians, artists, seekers, and neighbors. It was a place where faith was woven into the everyday, where grace was extended over a cup of coffee or a pint of beer, and where people could show up exactly as they were.
However, in 2020, as the world faced the COVID-19 pandemic, Luther’s Table was forced to pause its operations. The doors closed, but the spirit of the ministry never disappeared. Instead, the past few years have been a time of discernment, deep listening, and preparation for what comes next.