The Rev. John A. Nunes, president, Lutheran World Relief (LWR), will address the Lutheran Lay Fellowship Luncheon on Thu., April 1 from noon-2:00 p.m. He will discuss "Haiti Relief from a Lutheran Perspective." All Lutherans and their friends are invited to the event at St. Luke Lutheran in Silver Spring. Reserve your lunch ($9 payable at the door) by contacting Vicki Porter at vicki.porter@longandfoster.com or 301-229-9884 no later than 5:00 p.m. on March 30.

 

On March 18, the draft social statement on genetics was made available to ELCA members and the public. View from http://www.elca.org/geneticsdraft. The document is a draft and subject to change. In coming months, the ELCA Task Force on Genetics will seek response from this church; a comment form is attached to the draft booklet and synodical hearings will be set.

 

The next meeting of the local chapter of the National Church Library Association will be Thursday, March 25 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran in Falls Church. The program will be a workshop on promoting the use of the church library. For more information or to RSVP, contact Mary Bowen at bowenjm@verizon.net or 703-533-3637.

 

 Displays, resolutions, voting member designations . . . lots of information is being added to the synod Web site in advance of the Spring Session of the 2010 Synod Assembly. 

 The deadline for annual reporting to the ELCA and synod was Feb. 15, but many congregations are still in process. A summary page called "Annual Reporting for the ELCA and the Metropolitan Washington, D.C. Synod" is online (under "For Congregations" select "Forms"). "If I could get it by April 1st, that would be great," wrote Amy Acland, Administrative Assistant to Leadership.

 

An Easter Sonrise Service at Mar-Lu-Ridge in Jefferson, Md., will ring in the day of celebration of the Risen Lord on Sunday, April 4 at 6:00 a.m. Brunch and fellowship follows the beautiful service in the Mountain Chapel on The Ridge. Learn more at http://www.mar-lu-ridge.org.

 

 After positive reviews, a second conference call for financial representatives from synod congregations has been scheduled by the synod's Office for Resource Development. The follow-up will be held on Sunday, April 11 at 3:00 p.m., and participants in the January conversation as well as newcomers are invited to join. Possible topics include software comparisons, payroll management and benefit packages. Suggest a topic and obtain conference call instructions by contacting Jim Brookshire of the Office for Resource Development at amend5@boo.net by March 25.

 

 Inspirational call stories and perspectives on public ministry will be shared with a select number of our synod's 11th and 12th graders at to a special learning event organized by the synod Vocation Team. This "Baptized and Called to Serve" dinner and discussion time will be a chance for these youth to learn more about some of the forms of public ministry in which they may one day serve. It will be held Sunday, April 25 from 4-6:30 p.m. at Faith Lutheran in Arlington. Prayerfully consider inviting one of two or your congregation's youth whom you believe are particularly gifted for public ministry to this event, accompanied by an adult leader. Cost is $20/youth (notify organizers if cost is a problem). RSVP to the Rev. Sarah Lewis at rutager@aol.com or 301-926-1220. Questions can also be addressed to the Rev. Darcy Tillman at dtillman@nativitylutheran.org or 703-768-1112.  EXTRAS

 

 Metro DC Synodical Women's Organization will hold the Spring Convention at St. Mark's Lutheran in Springfield on May 1 from 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Workshops, exhibitors, keynote by Bishop Graham and worship will be highlights. Early registration (before April 1) is $20; free to women under 40. Find details and registration form in the current newsletter, Joyful News, found on the synod Web site.

 

The registration deadline for the BUILD Young Adult/College Work Camp has been extended to April 15th. BUILD is a week-long servant trip to Neon, Kentucky, for post-high school young adults to age 27 from the Metro D.C. Synod area taking place on June 6-12. The group will travel to Neon, Kentucky, for a physically challenging and spiritually enriching opportunity to be of service providing housing in this impoverished part of the country. No experience is necessary. Full cost is $400 plus personal expenses (meals during travel), with full payment due in May. Details, registration and health history forms are on the synod Web site.  EXTRAS

 

 

 The 2010 Confirmation Camp will be held Sunday, June 27 - Friday, July 2 and explore "Exodus: Bondage, Deliverance, Wilderness, Service, Arrival." Located at Caroline Furnace Lutheran Camp in Fort Valley, Virginia, the camp brings Exodus themes to live in the community of peers of supportive adults, supplementing the faith formation in home and congregation of confirmation-aged youth. Fee is $320. Learn more at http://metrodc.youthgroupstuff.com/.

 

Directors for Evangelical Mission (DEM) in Region 8 are sponsoring a "Basic Coaching workshop on March 22-23 in the Baltimore area. God-centered coaching has the power to change lives - both your life and the lives of those with whom you come into contact. It's the vehicle for growing disciples, learning ministry competencies, developing leaders, and passing along the legacy we've been entrusted with to others. Coaching provides solid, proven principles that can be adapted to fit your own situation. Registration is $150/person (group rate $99) excluding lodging. Event takes place at Ascension Lutheran in Towson, Md. The Rev. Phil Hirsch of our synod is among the sponsors. Register SOON or request more information by contacting Linda Chinnia, synod event planner, DE-MD Synod, at 410-230-2867 or lchinnia@demdsynod.org.

 

The 2010 Hein-Fry Lecture series is coming to Philadelphia Seminary on Tuesday, March 30 at 11:30 a.m. at Benbow Hall of The Brossman Center. Dr. Mary Hess, Associate Professor of Educational Leadership at Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minn., will present the topic: "Hearing the Word: Teaching the Bible in the Parish and Beyond." Learn more at http://ltspmedia.ltsp.edu/2010/03/mary-hess-to-present-2010-hein-fry.html. The annual Hein-Fry Lecture Series identifies lively, pressing theological issues facing the church and offers free and open to the public lectures that stimulate intellectual inquiry and discussion of those issues throughout the church.

 

"Pastoral Care for the Returning Veteran: Struggles for Reintegration, Hope for Health and Healing" will be held on Wed., April 7 from noon-2:00 p.m. at Gettysburg Seminary's Valentine Auditorium. With prolonged conflict in two global hot spots, congregations will be welcoming more war veterans than they have in decades. Chaplains of the Walter Reed Army Hospital and Bethesda Naval Medical Center will focus on the experiences and needs of returning veterans and the ways in which pastoral care may be provided for them. Bring your lunch and learn at this free and open-to-the-public opportunity. See http://www.ltsg.edu/db/index.htm?dir=news&page=news&cat=news&artid=843.

 

The 2010 Hein-Fry Lecture series is coming to Gettysburg Seminary on Thursday, April 8, from 9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. The Rev. Susan Briehl will keynote in a daylong exploration of "Hearing the Word: Teaching the Bible in the Parish and Beyond." Responding in the afternoon will be the Rev. Dr. Mark Vitalis Hoffman and the Rev. Dr. Kathryn Vitalis Hoffman. Schedule and information are available at http://www.ltsg.edu/events/hf/index.htm.

 

The Spring Convocation at Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg will be held Tue., April 20 - Wed., April 21. The theme is "With Ears to Hear," and will tune ears for attentive dialog among neighbors of different religions and vocations. All presentations are open and free to the public. Find details at http://www.ltsg.edu/events/springconvo.htm.

 

A free webinar called "Understanding Generations in Parish and Ministry" is being hosted by the Alban Institute on Wednesday, April 21 at 2:00 p.m. (ET), as publicized by the Lutheran Association of Christian Educators. You will learn how each of the four generations in the U.S. (Traditionalists, Boomers, Generation X and Millennials) are unique, and what each is looking for in faith communities. Find event details and registration online.

 

Emmanuel Lutheran in Vienna will be a location of the Chick-Fil-A Leadercast on Friday, May 7. The Leadercast is a one-day leadership event featuring speakers discussing leadership principles as a catalyst for new ideas and better leadership practices. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m., and the program concludes at 4:00 p.m. Topics planned include keys to connecting with others, setting yourself apart from the competition, creative problem solving, strong team culture and others. Leadercast details available from http://www.chick-fil-aleadercast.com. Tickets cost $99 ($79/person for groups of five or more) including continental breakfast, lunch and workbook. This is the second year Emmanual has hosted this community outreach event. Interested parties should contact Katherine Burrell for tickets at 301-365-5733 or kburrell@elcbethesda.org.

 

Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) is holding its 2010 Advocacy Conference on June 13-15 to increase skills, network and advocate for peace with justice in the Holy Land. It will be held at the Kellogg Conference Hotel in Washington, D.C. Conference rates are $150 with reductions for students or single-day attendance. A limited number of volunteer scholarships are available. The ELCA lists CMEP as a helpful organization for tracking legislation that deals with the Middle East and for letting you know how you can get involved. Learn more at http://www.cmep.org/2010conference/index.html.  

 

Philadelphia Seminary has moved their "Women's Day of Rest, Refreshment and Renewal" date to Saturday, April 24 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. With a theme of "Creation and Creativity," the day includes gatherings, holy time to rest, pray and medicate, nap or read. Bring your own project or join their artist-in-residence in creating a painting reflecting the theme. Learn more at http://www.ltsp.edu/restrefresh.

 

"Rethinking Stewardship: Our Culture, Our Theology, Our Practices," is a conference with several sponsors including the ELCA and Luther Seminary. It will take on July 19-21 at St. Andrew Lutheran in Eden Prairie, Minn. Four conversations are highlighted: Rethinking Cultural Assumptions, Rethinking Theological Possibilities, Rethinking Leadership Practices, and Rethinking Stewardship Leadership. Learn more at http://www.luthersem.edu/stewardshipevent/default.aspx?cmpgn=5270  EXTRAS

 

Heartwood is Thrivent's spectacular wilderness lodge and retreat facility in northwestern Wisconsin. "Grace Place for Lutheran Pastors and Teachers" is a retreat planned for July 26-30 at the facility, led by John D. Eckrich, M.D., Grace Place (an Affiliated Social Ministry Organization of the ELCA), and the Rev. Dr. David & Kathy Ludwig, psychologist, pastoral counselor, professor at Lenore Rhyne and humorist. For Thrivent members, single fee is $175 and couple fee is $225.

 

"Grace Place for Single Lutheran Clergy and Educators" is a program designed by Grace Place Lutheran Retreats, an Affiliated Social Ministry Organization of the ELCA, focused on widowed, divorced or never married singles in Lutheran ministry. It will be held at St. Benedicts Monastery Retreat House just west of Aspen, Colorado, on Sept. 1-5. All inclusive cost is $360/person. Learn more at http://activenet10.active.com/graceplaceretreats/.

 

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 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.

 

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

 

A "Gathering in the East" of youth ministry adults is being sponsored by the ELCA Youth Ministry Network (YMN), because the YMN knows you work hard to minster to the young people and families in your midst and need to be equipped for that work. It will be held April 16-18 at the Holiday Inn in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Registration is $175 (hotel rooms start at $75). Dori Baker will bring the keynote address. Workshops include "Postmodernism and the Changing Church," "Preparing Students for College" and "Vocation/Calling." Additional speaker, musician, workshop topics and registration information can be found at http://www.gatheringintheeast.org or contact Barbara Harner, synod youth coordinator, at bharner@comcast.net or 240-354-1999.

 

The Washington Area Coalition of Men's Ministries has organized a National Men's Conference on Saturday, April 17 at First Baptist Church of Glenarden in Upper Marlboro, Md. Rich White, vice president of the Metro D.C. Synod, alerts us to this event which will feature Tony Dungy, Jim Zorn, James (JB) Brown and John Harbaugh and 20 workshops. Cost is $39 (before April 6) with reductions for groups of 10 or more. Pastors are free. Visit http://www.wacmm.org/redzone for details or contact White at rwhite743@aol.com.

 

 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/.

 

The nomination process ends May 1 for Theological Education with Youth (TEY)'s highly regarded Crossroads Event (July 31-August 7, see http://tey.easterncluster.org/crossroads.htm) for students who are now 9th or 10th graders and 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.
TEY is a creative initiative of the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg and The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia to lift 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 

 

Associate Director, Mar-Lu-Ridge (f/t)
Mar-Lu-Ridge Conference and Education Center, located in Jefferson, Md., announces an opening for the position of Associate Director. The primary function of this position is to assist in the development and management of year-round program activities for all ages, and to develop and oversee the summer camp program. Minimum qualifications: Bachelor's degree, 3 years organized camping experience a plus. Direct inquiries to Sarah Lefler, Director of Operations, at sarah@mar-lu-ridge.org or 800-238-9974. Applications will be mailed upon request, due date April 26.

 

LICSW (p/t)
Community Family Life Services (CFLS) is hiring a License Independent Clinical Social Worker to provide supervision of case management staff, oversee coordination of services for homeless adults with mental illness, substance abuse, co-occurring disorders, AIDS and chronic disabilities. Related experience with supportive housing and/or knowledge of local service delivery system necessary. Up to 10 hrs/wk. Hourly contract rate commensurate with experience. Learn more at http://www.cflsdc.org.

 

Development - Internship
Community Family Life Services (CFLS) is seeking Development Interns to assist in coordinating activities that will generate resources for the agency. CFLS is a non-profit organization serving lower-income and homeless residents living in the District. Intern will help out with data entry, research, grant writing and coordinating special events and social media. This is an excellent opportunity for students to gain experience working in a fast-paced agency while serving those in need. Contact Kelly Barry at 202-347-0511, ext. 415, or kbarry@cflsdc.org.

 

The ELCA is hiring a Director for Racial Justice Ministries in the Multicultural Ministries Unit. The position is responsible for developing, implementing and managing the ELCA's Racial Justice Ministries program. Chicago-based. Close date is March 31. Learn more from the ELCA Web site. 

 

Teacher (volunteer) 

INTERNATIONAL: Communities in Slovakia are seeking teachers (4-6 positions, volunteer or stipend) in bilingual junior/senior high schools. Primary need is for is for English teachers - other subjects (science, math, geography, etc.) also needed on a limited basis. B.A. required; relevant degree or some teaching experience preferred. Preference given to candidates who can serve two academic years, but shorter service will be considered. Service period is from mid-August (starting 2010) through June 30. Preference given to applications received by mid-March. Learn more in the Global Service Opportunities section of the ELCA Web site.

 

 = 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.