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Spotlight
 Together in Mission Event for All in Synod Mark Saturday, January 9 on your calendars when synod congregations are invited to Together in Mission, planned by the synod's Division for Congregational Life. In addition to invigorating workshops, the Rev. Carol Howard Merritt will bring a keynote on the day's theme, "Break Down the Barriers." An introductory flyer is available online.  EXTRAS
2010 Companion Synod Sunday to Highlight Namibia
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| Synod Happenings
Reps Sought for Synod's Youth Leadership Team
Applications for the synod's Youth Leadership Team from senior high youth (9th-11th graders) are being accepted through January 1. New members will be welcomed at the Team's day-long retreat planned for Monday, February 15 (President's Day). The Youth Leadership Team is still a work-in-progress, but the current vision includes representation of one youth from each of our synod's six conferences, plus four additional at-large youth. We hope to have a diverse team that includes multicultural and differently-abled youth. This team will participate in planning for synod youth events and other leadership opportunities as they develop. Find forms on the synod Web site, and follow the instructions to mail to Barbara Harner. Questions can be sent to bharner@comcast.net. EXTRAS
Young Adult Happy Hour Kicks-off 2010 Focus
 2010 will be "The Year of the Young Adult" in the Metro D.C. Synod, a year in which the synod will focus on young adults and how congregations can do ministry with and for them. What better way to kick off the year than to gather young adults on the eve of the Epiphany for some food and drink, the way the holiday has traditionally been celebrated? Spread the word among the young adults you know and encourage them to invite their friends! The 12th Night Young Adult Happy Hour will be held on Tuesday, January 5 from 7-9:00 p.m. at Mackey's in NW D.C. (1823 L St., NW - attendees must be 21 or over at this venue). Learn more on the Facebook fan page or the young adult Web site.
EDITOR'S NOTE: You'll be hearing more about this question, "It's Sunday morning - do you know where your young-adult children are?" (see graphic above) from the Young Adult Working Group (YAWG) in the year ahead. Read YAWG's action plan from the synod Web site.
Lutheran Lay Fellowship Luncheon Speakers
Lutherans and their friends are invited to luncheon meetings of Lutheran Lay Fellowship on the first Thursday of each month from noon-2:00 p.m. at St. Luke Lutheran in Silver Spring. On Jan. 7, the Rev. Wolfgang Herz-Lane will discuss "Being Church in a Post-Christian World." On Feb. 4, the Rev. Jessica Duckworth, ELCA pastor at Wesley Theological Seminary, will speak. Reserve a $9 lunch by contacting Vicki Porter by no later than 5 p.m. on the Tuesday prior to the luncheon at Vicki.porter@longandfoster.com or 301-229-9884.
Additional Lutherans to Lead Noon Worship at National Cathedral
Six ELCA pastors will preside and preach at Washington National Cathedral's noon services during the first quarter of 2010. They are: Jan. 9 - the Rev. Anne Dwiggins, St. Stephen, Silver Spring; Jan. 22 - the Rev. Kendall Summers, Our Saviour's, Temple Hills; Jan. 25 - the Rev. Anna Anderson, Advent, Arlington; Feb. 13 - the Rev. Thomas Frizzell, Upstate New York Synod; Feb. 23 - the Rev. Anna Anderson; Feb. 26 - the Rev. Kendall Summers; Mar. 13 - the Rev. Douglas Jones, Holy Cross, Herndon; Mar. 25 - the Rev. Anna Anderson; and Mar. 26 - the Rev. Kendall Summers. The Rev. Roy Jn. Enquist presides at the Saturday services. All are cordially welcomed to these noon Eucharists. (submitted by Pr. Enquist)
Synod Conference Call for Congregation Treasurers/Finance Reps
A conference call for congregation treasurers or financial representatives in the Metro D.C. Synod is scheduled for Saturday, January 16 at 10:00 a.m. Those participating will explore methods, tools and challenges, and share experiences and concerns related to church finances. If your congregation is interested in having a representative participate, please email Jim Brookshire at brookshire1@fedcir.bar.org by January 6. Include the name of the congregation and representative's name, church position and email address.
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Service
Bishop Graham will participate in a "Worship Service for World Prayer for Christian Unity" on Monday, January 25 from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Thomas Moore in Arlington. Observance of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity gives Christians an annual opportunity to continue their quest for the unity they already share in Christ. It is also a time to gather in praise of the Triune God and to deepen the understanding of the ecumenical movement. The theme for the annual celebration in 2010 is "You Are Witnesses of These Things," taken from Luke 24:48, as announced by the Commission on Faith and Order of the World Council of Churches and the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity.
United Lutheran Appeal Highlighted in February
Did you know that 13 organizations participate in the synod's United Lutheran Appeal (ULA) scheduled for February 2010? For many, the ULA is the only access to your congregations for these educational institutions, outdoor ministries and social service organizations. Each congregation is asked to designate one Sunday to highlight the ULA and make materials available to parishioners. Contact the ULA in February, or select any other alternative date. Brochures, contribution envelopes and other resources will be distributed in December and January. Contact Denise Wasemann, coordinator, at denisewasemann@verizon.net to arrange for a speaker, display board or children's sermon props. ULA thanks you for your support.
ELCA Reporting Due by February 15
February 15 is the deadline for annual reporting by congregations and rostered leaders of the ELCA. A link to the required forms for reporting is now found on the synod's Web site from the "For Congregations" tab. Forms A & C are Annual Congregation Reports submitting each congregation's statistics. Form B shares contact info for those serving in congregational leadership positions. The Rostered Leader's Report shares news of the year from clergy, AIMs, Diaconal Ministers and Deaconesses with the synod's bishop.
Lutheran Church History Contest for Youth
Winners of the Lutheran Church History Contest of the Lutheran Historical Society of the Mid-Atlantic (LHSMA) will be chosen from the Middle and High School Youth categories. DVD/PowerPoint presentations of 15-20 minutes with an accompanying script can be submitted with the title of "My Congregation's Story" or "My Congregation's Youth Ministry Story." Submissions must be postmarked by March 1. First place brings a $125 award and the opportunity to present the project at the LHSMA Spring Program on April 20; second place - $75; third place - $50. See http://www.lhsmidatlantic.org for contest rules and application forms, and publicize with the flyer available from the synod Web site. Contact the Rev. Stephen Herr with questions at pastor@christgettysburg.org. EXTRAS
Lost and Found Concert at Mar-Lu-Ridge
'Lost and Found' in Concert will come to Mar-Lu-Ridge Chapel in Jefferson, Md., on Thu. March 4. Tickets are $10; space is limited. Sarah Lefler, Director of Operations, Mar-Lu-Ridge, writes, "We encourage youth groups to hold a fundraiser prior to the concert - our goal is to raise enough money to purchase at least one new furnace (approximately $2,500)." To purchase tickets or ask a question, contact Sarah or Andrew at 800-238-9974 or sarah@mar-lu-ridge.org.
Summer Camp Registration Opens at Caroline Furnace
Caroline Furnace in Fort Valley, Virginia, will begin accepting registrations for their 2010 Summer Camp program on January 12. A brochure is available form the synod Web site, highlighting Explorer Camps, Performing Arts Camps, and a Family Camp on July 11-16. Learn more at http://www.carolinefurance.org or call 540-933-6266. EXTRAS
Regional Gathering for ELCA Youth
Region 7 is stretching its borders and inviting Metro D.C. Synod youth to their exciting ELCA Northeast Region Youth Gathering 2010 - "Listen to Jesus." Registration opens Feb. 1 for the event scheduled for July 22-25 at West Chester University in West Chester, Pennsylvania. Youth 14 or older (or having completed 8th through 12th grade by June 2010) and adult leaders are invited to a time of Bible study, servant events, music, speakers and more. The gathering is modeled on the ELCA gathering model, and 500+ participants are anticipated. Cost is $325 before May 1, which includes food, lodging and program. Learn more at http://www.youthgathering2010.org. EXTRAS |
| Local Learning
Capitol Hill Faith Forum
Try The "Capitol Hill Faith Forum" at Church of the Reformation in D.C. on Thursday, January 7, 7:00 p.m., will welcome the Rev. Phil Wheaton. Pr. Wheaton, who wrote "Flowering of the Prophetic Word: Unmasking Imperialism and Religious Fundamentalism," will discuss "the Prophetic Voice." The Faith Forum is sponsored by five churches on Capitol Hill, and this event is co-sponsored by a number of D.C.-based groups involved with education and advocacy in Central and South America. For more information, contact the Rev. Conrad Braaten at Braaten@reformationdc.org or 202-543-4200.
Webinar on Stewardship from Alban
A Webinar from The Alban Institute will look at "Beyond the Basics: Long Range Strategic Planning," on January 26 at 1:00 p.m. Don Schultz of The James Company will lead a look at how congregations approach stewardship at the start of the calendar year. Cost is $49.95. Learn more at http://www.alban.org.
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| National Opportunities
Continuing Ed for Youth and Family Ministry
Extravaganza is the premier youth and family ministry continuing education and networking event for congregations of the ELCA. It will be held from Feb. 5-8 at the Westin Hotel in downtown Charlotte, North Carolina. Preceding the main event will be Intensive Care Courses on particular aspects of children, youth and family ministry, on February 4-5. The theme is "Irresistible," and between 500-600 professionals and volunteers who work with young people in ELCA congregations are expected. Registration before Jan. 1 costs $239 for ELCA Youth Ministry Network Members; $460 for non-members (reductions for students). Find more information at http://www.elcaymnet.org/extravaganza.
Women's Retreat Day at LTSP
A 2010 Women's Day of Rest, Refreshment, and Renewal is being offered for the fourth time by the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia on Saturday, February 6 from 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. The "holy time" is designed for rest, prayer, creating, or even a nap if that's what's desired. Cost is $40/person including refreshments and lunch. Find a full brochure and offerings from professionals in fields such as "Creation and Genetics," "Creative Gardening," and "Improvisational Theology: Understanding Jazz, Gospel and Blues" at http://ltsp.edu/restrefresh. Register by Dec. 31 to receive a 15% discount.
Theology of Youth Ministry
As youth ministry has grown and professionalized, a hunger has been growing among youth workers for more robust theology. This discussion is highlighted at "First Third Dialogues" at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minn., on March 1-3. Keynote speakers are Dr. Kendra Dean, Princeton Theological Seminary, and Dr. Andrew Root, Luther Seminary. Learn more at http://firstthird.org.
ALOA LutherHostel in Arizona
The annual Association of Lutheran Older Adults (ALOA) Arizona Lutherhostel will be held at the beautiful Redemptorist Renewal Center, located in the Sonoran desert overlooking mountains near Tucson on March 8-12. Lutherhostels are designed as residential learning experiences with time for rest, renewal and inspiration. The Rev. Richard Z. Meyer, keynote speaker, will explore the theme: "Under the Shadow of God's Wings in the Psalms." Cost is $560/person (double occupancy) including meals and program. Learn more from ALOA at aloa4u@sbcglobal.net or 800-930-ALOA (2562).
Youth in Mission Programs at LSTC
Youth in Mission (YIM) programs of the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC) are designed for youth who want to learn about God, themselves and ways they can use their gifts in service to others.
Application deadline is Feb. 17 for YIM's next "Serving Christ in the World" program, held June 13-July 3 and including two weeks in Chicago (including an immigrant community immersion) and one week in Mexico, designed for current high school sophomores and juniors. Learn more at http://www.lstc.edu/yim.
High school youth groups connect with the seminary and Chicago service organizations through YIM's "Beyond Belief" program. Low cost housing and service project contacts are available to youth leaders to help design a week's experience. More information available at http://www.lstc.edu/yim or call 800-635-1116, ext. 725.
Earth Keeping Podcasts from ELCA Radio Show
A timely podcast discussing "Treating Our Planet Courteously" is available online. Originally recorded on the ELCA radio program Grace Matters, which is no longer produced due to budget reductions, this program can be found on the Odyssey Networks' Web site. Bill McKibben is the spokesperson on the topic, using Isaiah 24. Also available is "Courtesy Toward the Earth" with Sara Spoonheim, based on Romans 8:22.
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| Second Glance
New Year's Party at Mar-Lu-Ridge
Try Winter beauty ushers in the New Year with Mar-Lu-Ridge's New Year's Celebration on December 30-January 1 in Jefferson, Md. Crafts, games, hikes, and a special New Year's buffet will help ring in the New Year. Flyers available from www.mar-lu-ridge.org. Reservations required.
Winter Silent Retreat
The synod Prayer Resources Group will host a Winter Retreat on January 18-January 20 at Loyola on the Potomac in Faulkner, Md. The Rev. Nancy Eggert will lead the retreat, themed, "Softly and Tenderly, Jesus is Calling . . . Come Home!" This is a silent retreat for anyone who has a longing for rest and reflection after the hectic holiday season and needs some quality time with the One Who Loves us. Registration cost is $200, including lodging and six meals. Partial scholarships available (call Pat Henkel to request at 703-370-4944). Register by January 11 using form on synod Web site. EXTRAS
Young Adults Invited to Summer Servant Experience
College students are organizing a week-long servant event in Neon, Kentucky this summer, in one of the poorest counties in the nation. Enjoy the fellowship of working toward a common goal while discovering the call to look "beyond ourselves and our community." All college students in the synod and those involved with Lutheran Student Ministries at the colleges and universities within the synod are invited to the BUILD Mission Trip/Work Camp on June 6-12. If you would like registration forms or more information, contact Robert Lewis, Director of Family and Youth Ministries, Emmanuel Lutheran in Bethesda, at 301-365-5733 or rllewis@elcbethesda.org.
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| Positions Available
Administrative Assistant: Part-time
The position of Administrative Assistant is open at Peace Lutheran Church in Alexandria. If you are interested in the position and believe you have the qualifications to fill it (i.e., computer literacy, Microsoft Office skills, database management and excellent interpersonal and communication skills) or know of someone wit the skills to fill the position, please contact Pr. Kathy at 703-354-5233 or pastorkathy@sharingpeace.org. The person who held the position took a wonderful opportunity to become Recruiter for ARC, a non-profit company in Washington, D.C. The Administrative Assistant position will be posted on Craigslist.
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= planned by the Metro D.C. Synod = follow link to flyer available for distribution Questions or comments? Submissions? Contact the editor or call the synod office at 202-822-1901. | |
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Synod Publications:
Submissions for MetroLiner Notes, our events-based e-news, and MetroLines, our printed ministry newsletter, should be sent to Karen Krueger, editor, at kkrueger@metrodcelca.org.
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