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| Spotlight
Hands Across Sand Draws Attention to Vulnerable Creation
 The synod's Creation Care Team alerts us to "Hands Across the Sand," a movement and observance on Sat., June 26. People are joining hands along beaches, rivers, churches and wherever else for a moment of silence and prayer as a statement of solidarity and stewardship of God's creation - particularly the protection of our waters, wildlife and lands. The Rev. Kendall Summers, Our Saviour's-Temple Hills, will lead prayer during an event in Annapolis, Md., starting at 3:30 p.m. at the City Dock, and she offers her home in Eastport as a home base to those attending. - In addition to participants, youth and adult volunteers are needed for the Annapolis event. Contact Pr. Summers at 410-991-0293 or pastorkendall@comcast.net for more information.
- Consider holding a "Hands Across the Sands" event at your church, nearby waterway or other local venue. "Join hands for a moment of prayer... thanking God for creation, seeking forgiveness and joining in the commission of stewardship of the earth," suggests Pr. Summers.
"My hope is that while we are all angry and hurt," said Pr. Summers of reaction to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, "that we hear the voice of God calling us to work for the good and to help shine light of hope and a way of movement toward better environmental care through the darkness." The mission of "Hands Across the Sand" includes opposition to offshore oil drilling and championing clean energy and renewables. Learn more about the movement at http://www.handsacrossthesand.org or call Pr. Summers at 410-991-0293.
Apply for Free Safe Families Training
 ELCA congregations are invited to apply for a no-cost, three-day "Lutheran Advocates for Safe Families" training session. It is designed for congregations interested in making our churches and communities safer places for families by ending domestic violence. Locations are forthcoming, but dates are determined: Mon, Sept. 13-Wed., Sept. 15 or Thu., Oct. 7-Sat., Oct. 9. Some financial assistance for travel and lodging is available upon acceptance to the training. Contact Susan Hayes of the Lutheran Community Foundation if interested ASAP, as the originally posted application deadline just passed (June 15). The ELCA Justice for Women program has collaborated with and supported the work by connecting the Lutheran Community Foundation with ELCA congregations and providing Lutheran-specific resources to accompany the faith-based training materials. See http://www.thelcf.org/safe_families_training for details, and contact Ms. Hayes at susan.hayes@thelcf.org.
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| Synod Happenings
Synod Retreat for Rostered Women
 Women on the synod roster are invited to the Rostered Women's Retreat on June 23 at Hallowood Retreat Center in Comus, Md. Arrival on June 22 prior to the planned day is welcome. Retreat fee is $52.60 including three meals. Overnight accommodations cost $129.80 for double occupancy ($144.80 for single). RSVP to the Rev. Amy Thompson Sevimli at asevimli@metrodcelca.org or 202-822-1901.
Victims of Torture to Take Part in Discussion Forum
"Accountability NOW - Ending Torture Forever," is a panel discussion and conversation with survivors scheduled for Fri., June 25, co-sponsored by the National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT) and others. The ELCA is a member of NRCAT. It will be held at the National City Christian Church on Thomas Circle in D.C. beginning at 5:30 p.m. with music and concluding with a reception at 7:30 p.m. The United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture falls on June 26, and 50 torture survivors from around the world will be present for this June 25 event to dialogue with participants.  EXTRAS
Summer Camp to Offer Arts, Storytime
Epiphany Lutheran in Burtonsville, Md., is hosting a "Summer Worship, Arts, and Music Camp" on August 2-6 for rising kindergarten through 6th graders. The camp hours are from 8:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Cost is $150/child (scholarships available). Themes for the week focus on the loving grace of God in the story of Noah and the flood and God's rainbow promise. Children will learn through singing, handbells, art and story time. For more information, please visit www.swamcamp.com or contact the Rev. Christine Stephan at clsm0701@gmail.com.
Mar-Lu-Ridge Offering Sessions for Rostered Persons
A series for rostered leaders is being initiated at Mar-Lu-Ridge in Jefferson, Md., on the second Tuesday of each month with small group time and worship to renew and refresh your work. The Rev. Scott Gustafson will present the first session on September 14 at 9:00 a.m., discussing "A New Way to Understand Everything You Know." Cost is $30, including lunch. RSVP to 301-874-5544 or 800-238-9974. EXTRAS
Summer MLN Edition to Combine July/August
As is customary, there will be one MetroLiner Notes edition for July and August due to summer schedules. Monthly publication will resume in September.
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| Local Learning
Teen Work-Ready Camp from CFLS
Youth ages 14-16 are invited by Community Family Life Services (CFLS) to take part in "Work Ready, Life Ready," a summer camp in D.C. The camp will provide youth with a chance to learn ancillary academic skills and pre-workplace behaviors. The multi-week "Work Ready, Life Ready" series focuses on the power of good decision-making and fundamentals of work, such as customer service, organizational culture, and team membership. Learn more from CFLS by visiting http://www.cflsdc.org.
Spiritual Direction Training at WTU
Interest in Spiritual Direction has increased in the last several years. The Washington Theological Union (WTU), a Roman Catholic seminary in Washington, D.C., is responding to this need with an 18 credit, two-year program to prepare those individuals who feel called to the ministry to become a spiritual director. The program can be taken in its entirety or in separate courses that seem most appropriate for those already trained in theology. This certificate program assists persons to affirm the call and supervises them in the responsible exercise of this gift. If you would like a brochure with more details or specific course, information, please contact Carol L. Ries, SNJM at ries@wtu.edu or call 202-541-5220.
Theological Discovery for Synod Youth Nurtured
A day for theological discovery for youth in 9th and 10th grades will be held Sat., Oct. 23 from 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at Emmanuel Lutheran in Bethesda, Md. The Metro D.C. Synod Youth Ministry Team has partnered with Theological Education with Youth to offer this event, "Troubling the Water." Up to five youth and one adult per congregation are invited; fee is $20/youth participant. See flyer or contact Barbara Harner, bharner@comcast.net or 240-354-1999 for details. EXTRAS
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| National Opportunities
Visit Philadelphia Seminary
Check out Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (LTSP) and its opportunities for training Lutheran leaders during Prospective Student Days. Next occasions are Thu., June 17 and Tue., July 13, as well as opportunities by individual convenience. See http://www.ltsp.edu/visit for details.
Inspirational Conference at Roanoke
 "Power in the Spirit," an inspirational conference held each summer at Roanoke College in Salem, Virg., will be held July 8-10. The theme is "Shaped by the Master's Hands." Keynoter is the Rev. Susan Briehl, musician is Dr. Marty Haugen, and Bible leader is Dr. Diane Jacobson. An extensive workshop list and registration are available on the extensive brochure in "Extras." The conference is an opportunity for rostered leaders and lay people to gather in fellowship, laughter, learning and worship as all work to discern God's call to service. More information is available at http://www.vasynod.org. EXTRAS
ELCA Domestic Hunger Grant Deadline
July 9 is the deadline for applications for domestic hunger grants from ELCA World Hunger. Congregations engaged in anti-hunger work in their communities should consider applying. Find details at http://www2.elca.org/grantinghope/.
Lutherhostels through ALOA
Forthcoming Lutherhostels through the Association of Lutheran Older Adults (ALOA) are planned for summer months.
- July 14-18, music-themed event co-sponsored with Lutheran Summer Music at Luther College, Decorah, Iowa; and
- Aug.28-Sept. 3, featuring bible study with Dr. Richard Bimler and the Rev. Walter Schoedel, at Camp Arcadia, Arcadia, Michigan.
Single Lutheran Church Worker Retreat
Single pastors, deaconesses, diaconal ministers, teachers and ministers of music are welcome at a retreat for Single Lutheran Church Workers on Sept. 1-5 coordinated by Grace Place Lutheran Retreats. It will be held in the Rocky Mountains at St. Benedict's Monastery in Snowmass, Colorado. It is a professionally guided time of reflection, discernment and renewal, including worship, devotions and continuing education presentations. Cost is $360 (food, lodging, materials). Visit www.graceplaceretreats.org or call 314-842-3077 for details.
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| Second Glance
Confirmation Camp in June
Confirmands will experience "The Exodus Story: From Bondage to Freedom" through Confirmation Camp on June 27-July 2 at Caroline Furnace Lutheran Camp. Details about this great opportunity are available at the synod's youth ministry Web site, http://metrodc.youthgroupstuff.com/, and by calling the Rev. Jeff Wilson, Bethel Evangelical Lutheran, Manassas, at 703-368-3943.
Senior High Servant Trip in July
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/.
Rethinking Stewardship Workshop
The ELCA is among the co-sponsors of "Rethinking Stewardship: Our Culture, Our Theology, Our Practices," a workshop reframing how American Christians think about stewardship. It will be held on July 19-21 at St. Andrew Lutheran in Eden Prairie, Minn. Review the keynote speakers and conversation areas, including rethinking culture, theology, practices and stewardship, at http://www.luthersem.edu/rethinking.
Regional ELCA Youth Gathering in Pennsylvania
The 2010 ELCA Northeast Regional Youth Gathering is coming on July 22-25 at West Chester University in West Chester, Penn. Register ASAP for the few spaces still available for this get-together for youth 14 years old or older or having completed 8th through 12th grade by June. Registration fee is $350. Learn more or register at www.youthgathering2010.org.
Youth Ministry Certification Program in Gettysburg
A certification course designed to equip adults accompanying youth and families in the congregation is offered by the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg (LTSG). Registration deadline for the Youth Ministry Certification School is August 1. The Youth Ministry Certification School is spread over an eight month period to make it more accessible to volunteers and part-time staff. Dates are August 19-22 (at Camp Nawakwa, Arnendtsville, Pennsylvania), October 14-16, November 11-13, February 10-12, March 24-26 and April 28-30 (all at LTSG). Tuition is $2,250 including meals, lodging and materials. Scholarships often available. Learn more at http://www.ltsg.edu/programs/youthcert. EXTRAS
New Ideas for Youth/Family Ministry Topic of Synod Workshop
"Youth Ministry 101," a Saturday morning workshop hosted by the Metro D.C. Synod Youth Ministry Team, will be held on September 11 from 9:00 a.m.-noon at Emmanuel Lutheran in Vienna. Cost is $10/person; maximum of $30/congregation. Attendees will leave the event engaged in new relationships, equipped with knowledge about resources and opportunities, and empowered with new ideas for youth and family ministry in the coming year. Learn more from http://metrodc.youthgroupstuff.com/ or contact Barbara Harner at bharner@comcast.net or 240-354-1999. EXTRAS
Biblical Storytelling Workshop
A Biblical Storytelling Workshop led by Tracy Radosevic will be held at Christ Memorial Presbyterian in Columbia, Md. ( www.cmpcusa.org) on Monday, September 27 from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. SOURCE Ecumenical Resource Center and the Christian Education Ministry Team of the Presbytery of Baltimore are partnering to present the event. Fee is $15, including lunch. Workshops on Biblical storytelling and multiple intelligences are offered. Register by September 13. EXTRAS
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| Positions Available
Life Coach (p/t summer)
Life Coaches with experience working with youth in academic tutoring and recreational and cultural skills development are sought by Community Family Life Services in D.C. Experience in social work, counseling and educational settings is required, along with college experience. Life Coaches will work for 30 hrs/wk at $14/hr from June 24-August 21, 2010. To apply, please email jobs@cflsdc.org with "Life Coaches" as the email subject.
Volunteer Intern (p/t summer)
Volunteer Interns are sought by Community Family Life Services to work with their summer youth programming between June 24 and August 21, 2010. Eight volunteers will be selected. For more information, email jobs@cflsdc.org with "Volunteer Summer Interns" as the email subject.
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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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