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Spotlight 
Anti-Racism Training from Women of the ELCA Team
"A Heart-to-Heart Conversation about Race and Racism" will be led by members of the Metro D.C. Synod's Women of the ELCA trained anti-racism education team on Saturday, March 20 from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran in Alexandria. The powerful film, "Mirrors of Privilege: Making Whiteness Visible," features stories of white women and men who are social-justice and anti-racism advocates and will introduce opportunities for deep listening, critical inquiry and the type of dialogue that can create potentials for transformative learning, healing and change. Laura McDowell and Martha Sherman will lead. Shuttle service (between Braddock Road Metro station and Good Shepherd) and lunch will be provided. The event is free. Contact Sheri Swackhamer at sheriswack@cox.net or 703-313-9003 to register.
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| Synod Happenings
ULA February Events Help Many
  Each congregation is asked to designate one Sunday to highlight the United Lutheran Appeal (ULA) and make materials available to parishioners. In the current economic environment, your support of the appeal is very important to the 13 Lutheran-affiliated organizations participating in this once-a-year appeal. Your congregation can conduct the appeal in February or select an alternative date. Brochures, contribution envelopes and other resources will be delivered to your congregation soon. Contact Denise Wasemann, ULA coordinator, at denisewasemann@verizon.net to arrange for a speaker, display board or sermon props. Learn more about ULA at http://www.uladc.org. A reproducible letter describing this opportunity to help real people connected to ULA organizations is available from the synod Web site.
Web Discount Until End of Month from Fortress Press
A 40% discount on all Fortress Press titles purchased online between February 15-28 is being offered to celebrate the launch of their updated Web site. Peruse their materials at http://www.fortresspress.com. Augsburg Fortress, the publishing house of the ELCA, is the parent company of Fortress Press.
Lutheran Night in Annapolis Makes Snow Arrangements
Snow has caused transportation plan changes for the Lutheran Night in Annapolis on Monday, February 22. Participants will not use a van as in years past but should go to the public parking lot at Navy-Marine Corps Stadium (550 Taylor Ave.) then take the free shuttle bus to the State House (Legislative Services stop). Participants will gather in the House Office Building's room 318 and hear from the Sierra Club on energy policy, Health Care for All on a new health care initiative, and Del. Sue Kullen and perhaps other legislators. If school districts in Central Maryland (are closed or dismiss early on Monday, the event is cancelled. Direct questions to the Rev. Lee Hudson, director, Lutheran Office on Public Policy, at 410-935-3696. Find an updated brochure on the synod Web site.  EXTRAS
Swedish Boys and Girls Choir to Sing at Augustana
The Cathedral Boys and Girls Choirs of Uppsala Sweden will perform in concert at Augustana Lutheran in D.C. on Tuesday, February 23 at 7:00 p.m. with a reception to follow. The congregation and the Swedish Lutheran Church of Washington DC are sponsoring the concert. Voices of 92 youth, ranging in age from seven to 19, will entertain and inspire. EXTRAS
Noon Eucharist at National Cathedral Includes Synod Pastors
Several ELCA pastors are serving as presiders and preachers at the noon Eucharist at Washington National Cathedral in the first six months of 2010. Frequently, members of their congregations join with them at these significant ecumenical celebrations. The Rev. Roy J. Enquist, Ecumenist at the Cathedral, has shared with us this advance schedule and invites you to please publicize these services of worship in the nation's capitol.
· Feb. 23 - The Rev. Anna Anderson, Advent, Arlington (presiding) · Feb. 26 - The Rev. Kendall Summers, Our Savior's, Temple Hills (presiding) · Mar. 8 - The Rev. Sarah Lewis, St. Luke's, Derwood (preaching) · Mar. 10 - The Rev. Dennis Hagstrom, St. Andrew, Centreville (presiding) and Pr. Enquist (preaching) · Mar. 13 - The Rev. Douglas Jones, Holy Cross, Herndon (preaching) and Pr. Enquist (presiding) · Mar. 25 - Pr. Anderson (presiding)
· Mar. 26 - Pr. Summers (presiding) · May 24 - Pr. Hagstrom (presiding) · Apr. 10 - The Rev. Jan Lookingbill, Emmanuel, Bethesda (presiding) · Apr. 23 - Pr. Summers (presiding) · Apr. 26 - Pr. Anderson (presiding) · May 8 - Pr. Enquist (presiding) · May 27 - Pr. Anderson (presiding) · May 28 - Pr. Summers (presiding) · Jun. 16 - The Rev. Lane Bembenek, South Carolina Synod (preaching) and Pr. Enquist (presiding) · Jun. 17 - Pr. Anderson (presiding) · Jun. 25 - Pr. Summers (presiding)
New TEY Event for Young High Schoolers
Theological Education with Youth (TEY) is introducing a new event for youth called "Troubling the Water," taking place April 10. All Region 7 & 8 congregations are welcome to participate in this opportunity for "younger high school theologians" in the 9th or 10th grade. It will be held at Atonement Lutheran Church in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania. This is a retooling of the "Affirmation of Baptism Festival." The focus is on gathering around the waters of Baptism to "make some ripples, slash around and ask some challenging questions," particularly the baptismal promise to "live among God's faithful people." Cost is $25/youth participant, including lunch. Send a max of five youth per congregation plus at least one adult. Register at http://www.theologicaleducationwithyouth.com. EXTRAS
Open House Gives Summer Camp Preview
Open House events are an opportunity to see Mar-Lu-Ridge (MLR) and meet some of the people that make a MLR camp experience special in their lovely setting near Jefferson, Md. Open Houses run from 2-4:30 p.m. on Mar. 14, Apr. 18, May 16 (Community Yard Sale in area that day) and June 13. Learn more at http://www.mar-lu-ridge.org.
Registration Opens for Young Adult Service Trip
Young adults interested in serving as God's hands in the midst of a community in need are invited to participate in BUILD, a week-long servant trip to Neon, Kentucky, for college and graduate school students and young adults (post-high school) to age 27 from the Metro D.C. Synod area. It will take place June 6-12. While planned as a fun and spiritually enriching event, BUILD is first and foremost a working camp which will involve challenging physical labor for most of the week - suitable for the inexperienced that are willing to participate. Full cost is $400 plus personal expenses (meals during travel). Registration and health history forms are due by May 15. Find forms and additional information on the synod Web site. EXTRAS
Senior High Youth Prepare for Annual Kentucky Experience
Chi Rho, the synod's annual week-long servant event trip to Neon, Kentucky for senior high youth (those completing grades 9-12 in 2010) is coming on July 11-17. Youth may participate as individuals or as part of a small congregational group. Adults are also needed to serve, and congregations sending four or more youth are asked to also send an adult. Find an information letter, flyer and registration forms at http://metrodc.youthgroupstuff.com/.
Register Now for International Ecumenical Trip
INTERNATIONAL: Community Lutheran Church and St. Nicholas Catholic have planned a 14-day tour to Germany, Italy and a Passion Play on September 15-28, 2010. "Our idea was that travel with a purpose - praying together, reading together and sharing faith as Roman Catholics and Lutherans - would be transformative and another wonderful way of living out the unity for which Jesus prayed," says the Rev. Joe Vought, pastor of Community Lutheran, Sterling, Virginia, which celebrates a 20 year friendship and ecumenical relationship with Monsignor Raymond A. Barton and the congregation of St. Nicholas Church, Virginia Beach. Trip cost is $4,209 based on double occupancy. Full details available at http://www.pilgrimtours.com/groups/sncclc.htm. The registration deadline has arrived, but interested fellow travelers are welcome if they register soon.
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| Local Learning
Prospective Students Welcomed at Philadelphia Seminary
Prospective Student Days at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia are scheduled for Sat., Feb. 20; Sat., Mar. 13; Sat., May 8; and Thu., June 17 (evening). These events are open to anyone interested in lay theological education opportunities, certificate and various degree programs. A full weekend of activities is planned for prospective students on Mar. 5-7. Learn more at http://www.ltsp.edu/visit.
Gettysburg Seminary Offers Prospective Student Weekend
A weekend designed to give women and men (college age and older) who are thinking about attending seminary a chance to experience the Gettysburg Seminary community first hand is planned for Feb. 26-27. Those who have already applied or are inquiring will be able to learn about community life, academics, candidacy, financial aid and the admissions process. There is no cost for the weekend; the seminary provides housing and meals and can assist with transportation to/from the seminary. Learn more at http://www.ltsg.edu. Or call 1-800-MLUTHER, ext. 3008.
Preaching Series Planned at LTSP
"Preaching with Power 2010" will be held March 7-11 at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (LTSP). Five sermons and one lecture by six distinguished African American preachers and theologians and a celebration of black sacred music comprise the event, sponsored by LTSP's Urban Theological Institute. Learn more at http://www.ltsp.edu/preachingwithpower10.
Ecumenical Advocacy Days Approach
On March 19-22, the Ecumenical Advocacy Days (EAD) for Global Peace with Justice Conference will be held in our area at the DoubleTree Hotel in Crystal City, Virginia. Policy makers, expert speakers and representatives from global regions will join church leaders and grassroots activities in reflecting on the theme, "A Place to Call Home: Immigrants, Refugees and Displaced Peoples." The ELCA is among the sponsors. A Lutheran reception will be held on Friday afternoon, and on Saturday Lutherans will gather for fellowship and to hear from the ELCA Washington Office staff. Learn more and register at http://advocacydays.org/.
A limited number of Lutheran scholarships are still available. To inquire about scholarship assistance, contact Jodi Deike of the ELCA Washington Office at jodi.deike@elca.org with your name, home congregation, contact info, and a brief paragraph about why you'd like to attend EAD and use scholarship assistance.
Conference for Youth Ministers
The ELCA Youth Ministry Network knows you work hard to minster to the young people and families in your midst, and that you need to be equipped for that work. That is what the "Gathering in the East," a conference for youth ministry adults, is all about. The conference will be held April 16-18 at the Holiday Inn in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Registration is $175 (hotel rooms start at $75). For details on speakers, musicians, workshop topics and registration, go to http://www.gatheringintheeast.org or contact Barbara Harner, synod youth coordinator, at bharner@comcast.net or 240-354-1999.
National Men's Conference in Area
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| National Opportunities
ELCA & NCC Promote Climate Justice Lent Resource
A Lenten Resource exploring climate justice and how it relates to each one of us in our daily lives and communities is available from the ELCA and National Council of Churches. It has been written with the help of clergy, activities and others. Topics include Climate Change and Health, Economics, Development, Disaster/Migration and Food Security. Sign up to receive reflections throughout the season at http://www.elca.org/advocacy. Download the full "Creation Waits with Eager Longing" series at http://tinyurl.com/yj6gaxt.
Day to Explore Dementias & Spirituality at Aging Conference
A free event will explore "Spirituality and Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias" in advance of the Aging in America Conference. This Wingspread pre-conference will be held Monday, March 15 from 1-4:00 p.m. at Fourth Presbyterian Church in Chicago. Keynote speaker is Carol J. Farran. The Association of Lutheran Older Adults (ALOA) alerts us to this event, which is sponsored by the Forum on Spirituality and Aging and the National Interfaith Coalition on Aging. Reserve your participation by contacting Beth Schwartz at bschwartz@ifscinti.org.
Grant Use for Ministry Webinar
"Winning Grants to Strengthen Your Ministry" is a Webinar offered by Wheat Ridge Ministries on Wed., Mar. 17 from 1-2:00 p.m. (CST). Joy Skjegstad, veteran grant writer and author of a book by the Webinar's title, will present. Cost is $39. Learn more and register (limited to first 50 registrants) at http://www.wheatridge.org/winninggrantswebinar. Call the sponsor at 800-762-6748 with questions.
"Shared Earth" Conference at LSTC
Scholars, interfaith workers and environmental activities of all faiths will gather on March 18-19 at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC) for "Shared Earth: An Interfaith Conference on the Environment." There is no charge for the conference, but pre-registration is requested. Four keynote speakers will address care of creation from their faith's perspective and workshops will be offered. A Center of Christian-Muslim Engagement for Peace and Justice, inaugurated in 2006 as an outgrowth of LSTC building relationships with the Muslim community in Chicago, is the sponsor of the event. Learn more at http://centers.lstc.edu/ccme/conference/ or phone 773-256-0708.
Stewardship Principles Focus of Wartburg Seminary Event
The Robert B. Gronlund Annual Stewardship Lecture Series will take place at Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa, on April 16-17. Information and experiential training in sound stewardship understanding, principles and tools will be featured for church leaders. Dr. Mark Allan Powell will present. Charge is $40/person (reduced for congregational groups) excluding lodging. Learn more at http://www.wartburgseminary.edu/template_Events.asp?id=308.
Lutheran Clergy Cyclists Can Tour Montana Countryside
The Rev. Dan Heskett in Kalispell, Montana, would like to host a week-long cycling experience at the end of the summer, 2010, through "Glacier Country" for Lutheran clergy cyclists. The invitation was originally extended in Healthy Leaders' January issue, the ELCA Board of Pensions e-newsletter. He writes, "One way I enjoy the Montana wilderness and keep fit is through bicycling . . . The trip will require participants to be fit (daily rides could be 100 miles). We'll use road bikes, share modest accommodations and enjoy great food, daily worship and pastoral conversation." Contact Pr. Heskett at nlc@montanasky.net or 406-752-0322.
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| Second Glance
Congregation Hosts Innocence & Death Penalty Discussion
A program on "Innocence and the Death Penalty" will be held at Epiphany Lutheran in Alexandria on Thursday, February 25 from 7-9:00 p.m. Shujaa Graham, a death row exonoree, will be the keynote speaker. Terri Steinberg, whose son is on death row, will also address participants. Beth Panilaitis from Virginians for Alternatives for the Death Penalty will provide an update on death penalty legislation in the Virginia General Assembly. Time for questions and conversation will follow. This event is sponsored by Virginians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty. Contact Herb Puscheck, Epiphany member, for more information at 703-768-2380. EXTRAS
Lost and Found Concert at MLR
'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.
Still Need to Register for Shekinah?
Shekinah 2010, a weekend for 7th and 8th grade youth sponsored by the synod's youth ministry team, will be held on March 19-21 at the 4H Center in Front Royal, Virginia. The theme this year is "Gear Up Game On." Using Ephesians 6:10-18, we will look at what we need and how we go about preparing ourselves to live a faithful and faith-filled life. Adults attending must have a Background Check on file with the synod office. Cost is $40. Registration deadline was February 15 so contact event leaders soon if interested. Find a flyer and registration forms at http://metrodc.youthgroupstuff.com.
Summer Theological Events for Youth from TEY
Theological Education with Youth (TEY) is a creative initiative of the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg and The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia. Among TEY's highly regarded programs is the Crossroads Event (July 31-August 7) (see http://tey.easterncluster.org/crossroads.htm) for students who are now 9th or 10th graders and the Summer Theological Academy (July 10-July 24 at Susquehanna University)(see http://tey.easterncluster.org/summer_theological_academy.htm) for students who are now in the 10th or 11th grade. The nomination process for both events runs until May 1st. The application process ends June 1st. TEY is a ministry which is lifting up passionate leaders now, encouraging youth who may greatly benefit and grow from an experience of in-depth and challenging theological discovery. Nomination form and introductory letter are available from the synod Web site or can be filled out online from http://tey.easterncluster.org/index.html. EXTRAS
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| Positions Available
Executive Director (f/t)
Lifeline Partnership, a non-profit organization established to nurture and support the spiritual and social growth of persons with developmental disabilities, seeks a caring, dynamic professional to serve as its Executive Director. Lifeline Partnership is a ministry partner of First Trinity Lutheran in D.C. Responsibilities include planning, coordinating and implementing spiritual and social activities for persons with developmental disabilities; planning class sessions and teaching Bible stories to persons with developmental disabilities; and connecting people with community and spiritual resources. Master's or bachelor's degree or equivalent in human or social services preferred, along with experience working with persons with developmental disabilities and program management as well as demonstrated commitment to working with faith-based organizations. Regular weekend and some evening work required. Send resume with cover letter and references to lifelinepartnership@gmail.com or the Lifeline Partnership Executive Director Search, First Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 309 E St., NW., Washington, DC 20001.
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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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