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| Spotlight
Retreat for DC Young Adults
All 20-30somethings are invited and invited to bring friends to the young adult retreat on Sept. 17-19 at the Mar-Lu-Ridge Retreat Center  at the foot of the Catoctin Mountain near Frederick, Md. Planned activities begin Saturday at 10:00 a.m., including worship, discussions, ropes course, canoeing and more. The team coordinating the 2010 Emmaus Retreat, "DC Young Adults on the Journey: What's Lutheran in My Everyday Life?" includes young adults from First Trinity Lutheran, Luther Place Memorial and Church of the Reformation. Suggested fee is $65/person. Find a registration form and description letter online.  EXTRAS
Synod Hearings on Draft Genetics Social Statement
  Synod hearings are scheduled on Sun., Sept. 12 and Sat., Oct. 9 to learn about and offer feedback on an ELCA draft social statement on issues in genetics and biotechnology. The ELCA Task Force on Genetics has written the draft which will be considered by the 2011 Churchwide Assembly, as authorized by the 2005 Churchwide Assembly. It will consider feedback from synod hearings and received online (respond using online form by Oct. 15) when adapting the draft to "proposed" status, expected in February 2011. The Rev. Carmelo Santos of St. Mark's, Springfield, is a task force member. The site for the Sept. 12 hearing, held from 4-6:00 p.m., is St. Mark's Lutheran in Springfield, Virg. The site for the Oct. 9 hearing, held from 2-4:00 p.m., is St. Luke Lutheran in Silver Spring, Md. For more information, contact Harold Sargeant at hsargeant@metrodcelca.org or 202-822-1901.
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| Synod Assembly
Fall Session - Saturday, September 25
Voting members of the 2010 Metro D.C. Synod Assembly will reconvene on September 25, advancing the business and opportunities of our Spring Session.  Look for a separate announcement when Fall Session registration opens, but before that announcement arrives, here are a few advance tips: - Our one-day Fall Session will be held at Good Shepherd Lutheran in Gaithersburg, Md.
- Voting Members for the Spring Session are still Voting Members for the Fall Session. Should a congregation need to adjust this, contact Amy Acland, Synod Assembly Coordinator, at aacland@metrodcelca.org or 202-822-1901. The Fall Session registration process is still required, as it indicates necessary workshop and meal information. Visitors are also welcome; registration process also required.
- The draft agenda indicates we will begin at 8:30 a.m. with registration and 9:30 a.m. with opening worship and end by 6:00 p.m.
- Our guest blogger, Stephen Padre, did a TERRIFIC job during the Spring Session giving news from the assembly floor. You and all members of our congregations are invited to view or sign-up now for email receipt of Fall Session posts at http://www.metrodcelca.org/category/10synasm-blog/. You'll be glad you did!
- Take a deep breath... all things look good to web stream this one-day event! A page on the synod site to share with congregation members and friends interested in looking in on our proceedings will be shared when available.
- Olivewood crafts supporting Christian families in the Holy Land and a mini-bookstore will be on site. Learn more online.
- V O L U N T E E R S are needed to help out with set-up, registration and break-down tasks. Will you help out? Contact Amy Acland, synod assembly coordinator, at aacland@metrodcelca.org or 202-822-1901.
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| Synod Happenings
LLF Luncheons
Forthcoming Lutheran Lay Fellowship luncheons will feature:
- September 2 - Orval Cullen, Financial Associate, Mid-Atlantic Region, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, on "Our Story and Yours"
- October 7 - Frank McGovern, Executive Director, National Lutheran Home
Conference Call on Connecting with Young Adults
 A conference call on Thu., Sept. 9 at 1:30 p.m. will address how to meet and connect with young adults in your neighborhood. The call-in phone number is 605-477-3000; enter code 151624. Clergy in congregations and all others interested are welcome to join the conversation. For more information, contact the Rev. Amy Thompson Sevimli at asevimli@metrodcelca.org or 202-822-1901.
Fall Gathering of Synodical Women's Organization
All Metro D.C. Synod women are invited to the Fall Gathering of the synodical women's organization (SWO) at First Trinity in D.C. on Sept. 18 from 9:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Guest speakers will be Fred and Roberta Anderson of the World Mission Prayer League, who have recently returned from Mongolia where they served as missionaries in the mid-90s. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided. RSVP to Bonnie Priebe at bonnielass_us@yahoo.com or 301-341-2788 by Sept. 12. A freewill offering to defray the luncheon cost will be collected, as will canned goods for the Community Family Life Services pantry.
"Town Hall" Webcast with ELCA Presiding Bishop
 The ELCA presiding bishop will take questions during an hour-long "Town Hall Forum" on Sunday, Sept. 19 beginning at 5 p.m. (Eastern Daylight Time). This is the second such webcast this year. Online viewers will be invited to submit questions at http://www.elca.org/townhall. The forum will be webcast live from Chicago, where the Rev. Mark S. Hanson will be joined by an audience of ELCA members who also may ask questions of the presiding bishop. Kristi S. Bangert, executive director, ELCA Communication Services, is encouraging congregations to consider hosting viewing parties for members who do not have high-speed Internet access.
Forum on Capitol Hill Highlights Issues in Gulf, Benefits Disaster Response Efforts
On Thu., Sept. 23, ongoing concerns in the Gulf region will be addressed at an issue forum/benefit for victims of Hurricane Katrina and the oil disaster at Lutheran Church of the Reformation on Capitol Hill from 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Speakers will include the Rev. Tom Knoll, pastor, First Trinity, D.C., and Deacon Kati Miller-Holland, Lutheran Disaster Response coordinator, Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area. The Rev. Andrew Genszler of the ELCA Washington Office will also be present. "One of our Lutheran agencies, Lutheran Social Services of the South, will have a speaker there who will share her work responding to Katrina and the oil spill," highlights the Rev. Kevin Massey, director, ELCA Domestic Disaster Response, of the key address by Jessica Vermilyea. Among the strong list of presenters are also Kristina Johnson, Under Secretary of Energy, and Kay Goss, former Associate Director of FEMA in the Clinton Administration. The nonprofit Delta Grassroots Caucus is organizing the event, which will focus on contact with members of Congress and the Obama administration prior to the forum. Registration fee is waived for synod participants. Please RSVP to get on the admissions list by contacting Lee Powell, executive director, Delta Grassroots Caucus, at leepowell@delta.comcastbiz.net or 202-360-6347.
Yard Sale in NW DC to Benefit Nonprofits
Christ Lutheran in D.C. (16th & Gallatin Streets, NW) will hold its annual 100 Family Benefit Yard Sale on Sat., Sept. 25 from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. and Sun., Sept. 26 from noon-4:00 p.m. Many nonprofits will benefit from sale of books, tools, clothes and more, including N Street Village, Washington Area Wheelchair Society and Lutheran World Relief. EXTRAS
InterFaith Concert in November
The InterFaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington, in which the synod is a partner, will hold its 31st InterFaith Concert on Tuesday, November 16 from 7:30-9:00 p.m. at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (by Catholic University). Tickets are $15 general admission ($30 reserved). Sacred song and change from Baha'i, Buddhist, Islamic, Roman Catholic and Zoroastrian traditions will be featured. To reserve a seat, call 202-234-6300 or visit http://www.ifcmw.org/concert.
LSS/NCA Beneficiary of Help the Homeless Walkathon
The Help the Homeless Walkathon on the National Mall takes place on Saturday, November 20. Some funds raised directly support Lutheran Social Services/National Capital Area (LSS/NCA) programs and are stretched through a matching grant by Fannie Mae. LSS/NCA encourages involvement through mini-walks, client walker sponsorship, virtual walkers and more. Mini-walks by Sunday School groups and others should be booked by September 30. See "Extras" or contact Kati Miller-Holland at 202-723-3000, ext. 200, for more information. EXTRAS |
| Local Learning
Pastoral Caregiving Training
The Art of Pastoral Care (AoPC) program prepares adults as pastoral caregivers through a nine-month course of study and experience, sponsored by Pastoral Counseling of Northern Virginia. Deaconess Kathy Garrison, diaconal minister on the roster of our synod, is director and instructor of this program. AoPC is currently accepting applications for the fall term, which begins on September 8, and will be followed by the remaining two terms of AoPC. Lay and rostered persons with caregiving gifts in their congregational communities may be a fit. Training is located at Trinity United Methodist Church in McLean (1205 Dolley Madison Blvd.). Cost is $1500, payable in installments. CEUs available. A brochure and application are available from the synod Web site. Contact Deaconess Kathy Garrison for more information at 703-472-0941 or 703-449-1944, ext. 240. EXTRAS
New Youth Leaders Invited to Training Event
The deadline has been extended to Sept. 4th for registration for "Youth Ministry 101," a workshop to provide information and resources empowering adults new to Youth Ministry in the Metro D.C. Synod. It takes place on Sat., Sept. 11 from 9:00 a.m.-noon at Emmanuel in Vienna. Cost is $10/person, max at $30/congregation. Registration form online. For m ore information, contact Barbara Harner at bharner@comcast.net or 240-354-1999. EXTRAS
Spanish for Pastoral Settings Course in Baltimore
"Spanish Language and Culture for Pastoral Settings" is again being offered by the College of Notre Dame of Maryland in Baltimore. Part 1 of the course is offered Sept. 21-Nov. 30 on Tuesday evenings; no prior experience in Spanish is necessary. A course building on a beginning understanding RUNS Tuesday afternoons Sept. 21-Nov. 30. Learn about these and a part 3 course online at http://www.Ndm.edu.
Beareavement Group Leadership Training
"Walking the Mourner's Path - Christian Bereavement Facilitator Training School" is set for Nov. 4-5 at All Saint's Episcopal Church ( http://www.allsaintsmd.org/) in Frederick, Md. The fee is $350/person, or $250/organization with two or more attendees. Registration deadline is Sept. 30. For more information, visit http://www.mournerspath.com or phone the Rev. Kay Rice at 301-663-5625, ext. 108.
Project Connect Young Adult Retreat
Young adults (age 18-30) from all over the East coast are invited to Project Connect's young adult Baltimore retreat on January 2-7, 2011. It will be a fun experience of Christian community, an opportunity to serve and be served, and a time to consider a variety of ways of serving through the vocation of public ministry. The "Two-Way Street Retreat" is timed to take place during winter break. Cost of the retreat including lodging, meals and registration is $25. Contact Don Johnson at 603-539-7257 or contact@projectconnect.org with questions. EXTRAS
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| National Opportunities
Men's Ministry Ideas in Workshop
A "Building Men for Christ Workshop" will be held at Trinity Lutheran in Camp Hill, Penn. on Sept. 10-11. The workshop is to help church leaders develop a life-changing men's ministry for their congregation, and his hosted by Lutheran Men in Mission (LMM). Presenters include Rich White, LMM vice president, and Fred Bohls, Region 8 LMM vice president. Topics include "What do men want/need?" and "The 'No Man Left Behind' Model Overview." Fee including some meals payable on arrival is $95/person or reductions for several from one congregation. Flyer online or see http://www.lutheranmen.org. EXTRAS
International Day of Prayer for Peace
 On September 21, churches and communities throughout the world are committing to the International Day of Prayer for Peace (IDPP) through prayer, meditation and other forms of spiritual observance. More than 10,000 congregations will observe the IDPP, states a notice from Dennis Frado, Director, Lutheran Office for World Community, ELCA Church in Society. "Prayer is central to peacemaking," shared Frado. "We are capable of far more when we place our efforts in the hands of the One who is Peace, who has called us to be peacemakers, and who walks with us on the Path fostering Shalom." - A multimedia campaign from Odyssey Networks, www.odysseynetworks.org, in which the ELCA is a member, dovetails with IDPP in support of the International Day of Peace (IDP), which was established by the United Nations in 1982. The centerpiece of the campaign - "A Million Minutes for Peace" - is an online invitation to pause for one minute at noon on September 21 and pray for peace. Odyssey intends to collect a million prayer pledges and to present a list of the signatories to the UN. Join the pledge at http://amillionminutesforpeace.org/.
- Find an IDPP bulletin insert written by Lutheran leaders at http://www.lutheranpeace.org. (ELCA Communicators Online, 7/15/10)
Online Courses from LSTC
Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC) will offer seven online courses during the 2010-2011 academic year, designed for individuals exploring seminary education or academically challenging theological topics. Find offerings including Biblical Greek and Israel's Prophets at http://www.lstc.edu.
Brain Research and Youth/Family Ministry Intersection in Webinar
"How to Promote Brain Gain, Not Brain Drain," is a Webinar presented by Wheat Ridge Ministries Church Relations. Mark Schoepp will discuss youth and family ministry and current brain research, suggesting learning, comprehension and focus techniques for all ages. It will take place Thu., Sept. 23 from 4:30-5:30 p.m. (Central), cost $19. Register online.
Celebration of Biblical Preaching Celebration
The second annual Celebration of Biblical Preaching on Oct. 4-6 at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minn., rises from the conviction that Bible preaching matters. Through the faithful interpretation of Scripture, God works to bring people through death to new life, leading to the event's title, "Biblical Preaching as a Matter of Life and Death." This celebration gathers nationally known preachers, teachers and pastors to explore the life and death gravity of our biblical preaching. Full registration costs $225, with reductions for partial attendance. Day1 is a cosponsor. Learn more at http://www.luthersem.edu/celebration/.
All Lutheran Women's Retreat
An All Lutheran Women's Retreat will take place Oct. 22-24 at the Holiday Inn in Harrisonburg, Virg. The theme is: "Laughter is a Gift from God." Bible studies, dining, worship, and a presentation by the Rev. Jean Bozeman, Assistant to the Bishop, ELCA Virginia Synod, will be included. Registration fee of $90 includes all materials and meals. Register by Sept. 22. Flyer available online. EXTRAS
First Conference of European American Lutheran Association
The European American Lutheran Association (EALA), an ELCA Multi-Cultural Ministries structure committed to addressing issues of white power and privilege both individually and as a collective as well as to dismantling structures in the ELCA which privilege white/European Americans and disadvantage people of color, will hold its first biennial conference on October 28-30 in Milwaukee, Wisc. All interested parties are welcome to this time of workshops, prayer, inspirational speakers and networking. Learn more from the ELCA Web site.
ELCA Global Mission Gathering this Fall
An ELCA Global Mission Gathering will be held Nov. 12-13 at Trinity Lutheran in Camp Hill, Penn. Workshops on Mission 101, cross-generational engagement, worship and music are planned. Learn more at www.elca.org/globalevents.
'Cultivating Sent Communities' Consultation
Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minn., will bring together pastors, mission directors, scholars and lay congregational leaders on Nov. 12-13 for its sixth annual Missional Church Consultation, "Cultivating Sent Communities - Missional Spiritual Formation." The theologically-probing and practically relevant sessions will be held by leaders including Richard Osmer, Christian Scharen, Karen Ward and Dwight Zscheile. Learn more at http://www.luthersem.edu/missional_consult. Register before Sept. 15 for a discounted fee.
Explore Diaconal Ministry
"Diaconal Ministry: Discernment, History and Formation" is a course offered by the Deaconess Community of the ELCA and Southern Seminary on Jan. 11-20 at the seminary campus in Columbia, South Carolina. Tuition for all participants will be paid by the Deaconess Community. The course covers the history of the diokonia through the centuries, its present expressions and its future possibilities. Three credit hours offered. Limited campus housing available for $325. Early registration advised. See http://www.elca.org/deaconess/jterm for more information. EXTRAS
ELCA Youth Ministry Extravaganza
The ELCA Youth Ministry Network's Extravaganza event is for adults who minister alongside children and youth in ELCA congregations. "Oasis" is scheduled for Jan. 21-24, 2011, at the Hyatt Crown Center in Kansas City, Missouri. Subject-specific intensive courses are available Jan. 20-21, before the main event (fee separate). Early-bird registration cost for members is $220 (before October 2010); spouses and students can attend for reduced rates, and non-members can attend for increased rate. Look into this opportunity at http://www.elcaymnet.org/Extravaganza. Network Fellowships are being offered through a Thrivent Financial for Lutheran grant for full-registration to the Extravaganza event. Application deadline is Oct. 1. Learn more at http://www.elcaymnet.org/networkfellowships
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| Second Glance
Retreats for Church Workers at Mar-Lu-Ridge
A series for rostered leaders and other interested church workers, now called "Sojourners Retreats," is being initiated at Mar-Lu-Ridge in Jefferson, Md., on the second Tuesday of each month from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. with small group time and worship to renew and refresh your work. The Rev. Scott Gustafson will present the first session on September 14, discussing "A New Way to Understand Everything You Know." Cost is $30, including lunch. RSVP to 301-874-5544 or 800-238-9974 or email mlr@mar-lu-ridge.org. A registration form is available online and can be faxed to 301-874-5545 or mailed with a stamp to 3200 Mar-Lu-Ridge Rd., Jefferson, MD 21755. EXTRAS
Younger High Schoolers Invited to Theological Exploration
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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= 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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