The annual Reformation Service will be held Sunday, October 31 at 4:00 p.m. at Washington National Cathedral. The Rev. Michael Cooper-White, President, Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, will preach; Bishop Graham will preside. The choir from Roanoke College will bring special music to this service of Evening Prayer. Clergy are invited to vest and process; the color of the day is red. (Photo taken at Luther Place Memorial Church, D.C.) 
 
Conference Helping Local Congregations Connect with Young Adults
A synod-sponsored Young Adult Conference for congregations trying to connect with young adults in their communities - "Where Do We Go Now?" - will be held Sat., Nov. 6 at Faith Lutheran in Arlington from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Hear from the Rev. Matt Miofsky, who pastors The Gathering in St. Louis -- a church which closed then re-opened with an emphasis on reaching new generations in the city of St. Louis. The Gathering has grown into a thriving multi-generational church (with lots of young adults). This event is free, but registration is required. Register at http://wheredowego.eventbrite.com/. For more information, contact the Rev. Amy Thompson Sevimli at asevimli@metrodcelca.org or 202-822-1901.

40th Anniversary of Women's Ordination - A Celebration Honoring the Rev. Elizabeth Platz
All women's ministries throughout the ELCA will be celebrated, at the request of the Rev. Elizabeth Platz, at an event hosted at Hope Lutheran Church and Student Center in College Park on Sunday, November 14 at 4:00 p.m. The occasion is the 40th anniversary of Pr. Platz's ordination - the first of a Lutheran woman in all of North America - and the 45th anniversary of her chaplaincy work. Lutheran Campus Ministry (LCM) at the University of Maryland is co-hosting the celebration. Dr. Robin Steinke of Gettysburg Seminary will preach; Pr. Platz will preside at the Eucharist. Per a notice sent 10/11, clergy are invited to vest and process; the color of the day is green. An offering received that day will go toward the work of LCM. RSVP to anniv40@verizon.net no later than Nov. 10. EXTRAS

The next meeting of the local chapter of the National Church Library Association will be on Sat., Oct. 23 at 9:00 a.m. The meeting will be held at Holy Trinity Lutheran in Falls Church. The meeting will include planning a group event for promoting church libraries. To RSVP, get more information or directions, contact Mary Bowen at bowenjm@verizon.net or 703-533-3637.

Organ Recital and Dedication
The newly refurbished 25-Rank Wicks Pipe Organ is occupying its new home in the octagon sanctuary of Good Shepherd Lutheran in Gaithersburg. On Sat., Oct. 23 at 7:30 p.m., an Organ Recital and Dedication will feature sacred and secular master works for organ, with Dr. Jeffrey Pannebaker at the keyboard and Peter Schmidt, baritone. Free will offering to be accepted. Learn more at www.goserve.net.  EXTRAS

"Troubling the Water" Event Cxld
 NOTE: "Troubling the Water" - an event scheduled for Sat., Oct. 23 at Emmanuel Lutheran in Bethesda - has been cancelled due to low registration. The synod Youth Ministry Team along with the Theological Education with Youth had planned the day of theological discovery for youth in 9th and 10th grades. Contact Barbara Harner at bharner@comcast.net or 240-354-1999 with any questions.

MEWG Film Screening Explores Zionism

The synod Middle East Working Group (MEWG) is co-sponsoring a film screening on Wed., Oct. 27 at 7:00 p.m. of "With God On Our Side," at Lutheran Church of the Reformation on Capitol Hill. The film explores the theology of Christian Zionism. The film director, Porter Speakman, and the Rev. Stephen Sizer (Anglican), author of "Christian Zionism: Road-map to Armageddon?" will be present. For more information, contact Nathan Rich of MEWG at Nathan@wiamep.org.

Camp Invites Kids on Day Schools Close

Elementary-age children are invited to a "School's Out Day Program" at Mar-Lu-Ridge in Jefferson, Md. It will be offered Nov. 1 and Feb. 21 from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. (extended care available) for $25/person. Activities include nature hikes, hot lunch, games, and arts and crafts. Register form is online. Call 800-238-9974 or mlr@mar-lu-ridge.org to reserve a place for your child.  EXTRAS

LSS/NCA Compassion Walks
As highlighted during the Fall Session of the 2010 Synod Assembly, Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSS/NCA) will host "Compassion Walks" on the first and third Tuesday of the month at their Northern Virginia Office (7401 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church). Compassion Walks are a tour of the LSS/NCA operation and exploration of its mission. Upcoming dates are: Nov. 2 (7-8:00 p.m.), Nov. 16 (11:00-noon); and Dec. 7 (7-8:00 p.m.). RSVP by noon on the Monday prior to the tour to Summer Parrish at parrishs@lssnca.org or 703-698-5026, ext. 138.

Confirmation Retreat Offered at Mar-Lu-Ridge

"Here We Stand: Law and Gospel" is a Confirmation Retreat held at Mar-Lu-Ridge in conjunction with Theological Education with Youth (http://www.theologicaleducationwithyouth.com/). It will be held Nov. 5-7. Confirmands at the retreat in Jefferson, Md., meet new people, have fun, share in Scripture, learn about our Lutheran tradition and discover how to be part of a community in Christ. Cost is $80/participant, with one free chaperone with every six participants from a congregation. Congregations must register soon. Find a church registration form and participant flyer/registration online.  EXTRAS

A celebration of the 50th anniversary of Fellowship Square Foundation will kick-off with a festive gathering on Sunday, November 14 at 5:00 p.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran in Herndon. Tickets for the dinner will be $50. Fellowship Square Foundation is a Lutheran ministry that provides housing for low income seniors and the disabled. An opportunity during the year-long anniversary celebration is raising $50,000 for the caring fund, which will provide for residence services, the chaplain and community outreach. Sponsorship of a resident or staff member to attend the dinner is welcome. Find information and donation details at http://www.fellowshipsquare.org.

A one-woman show will be presented at Luther Place Memorial on Nov. 19 at 7:00 p.m. In "Leaps and Bounds," Tevyn East will sing, dance and perform the spoken word to explore the interconnection of faith, ecology and global economy. "I had the opportunity to see this performance this past March at the Ecumenical Advocacy Days convention and was extremely moved," writes Amanda Weber, Coordinator for Community Life and the Arts, Luther Place. For more information, visit http://www.lutherplace.org or call Ms. Weber at 202-667-1377, ext. 204.

Synod Hunger Team Reforming with Fall Mtg
 A fall meeting of a redesigned synod Hunger Team is anticipated. People interested in working in the area of hunger are invited to be part of the team which will connect congregations and leaders with various hunger resources - educational materials, conferences, advocacy, worship resources, hands-on service opportunities, grants and more. There is no set "framework" for how to do this, but the first team gathering will be centered in prayer, study and experience sharing to see where God leads. If interested in being part of the newly reforming team, please email or call the Rev. Kim Conway at pastorkim44@gmail.com or 703-590-4949.

Chrysalis for Senior High Youth

 The synod's annual Senior High Youth Retreat will be held Dec. 3-5. Chrysalis 2010 will again be held at the 4G Center in Front Royal, Virg. This year's theme is "Stir Up," and is open to youth currently in 9th-12th graders and their adult advisors. Cost is $125/participant; some financial assistance may be available. Registration deadline is Nov. 6 (first come, first serve). Questions? See http://metrodc.youthgroupstuff.com.  EXTRAS

Synod-wide Together in Mission Event Kicks Off 2011 Theme
 The annual synod event sponsored by the Division for Congregational Life, "Together in Mission," is coming on Saturday, January 22, 2011, at King of Kings Lutheran in Fairfax, Virginia. The event will explore the synod's theme in 2011, "To See Ourselves As Others Do." Dr. Amy Oden, Dean and Professor of History of Christianity at Wesley Theological Seminary, will bring the keynote address. Workshops to advance congregational life will be offered. Cost is $25/person with a reduction for groups of six or more. Find a first-flyer online.  SYNOD WEBPAGE

Companion Synod Sunday Highlights El Salvador

 The 2011 Companion Synod Sunday is scheduled for Jan. 30. Featured will be El Salvador. The El Salvador Companion Synod Task Force is preparing items to celebrate our relationship with brothers and sisters in Christ in El Salvador through prayer, song and message. Contact co-chairs Jane Hanlon (janehanlon@aol.com or 703-830-5791) and Deena Bulick-Terry (deena222c@aol.com or 571-238-6284) for advance information.  EXTRAS

Thrivent/Habitat Work Trip to El Salvador

A trip to El Salvador to build with Thrivent Financial/Habitat for Humanity is planned for February 19-27, 2011. One synod congregation is already planning on participating, and additional persons and teams are welcome. The nine-day volunteer work trip costs $604 plus travel for Thrivent members ($959 plus travel if not). No previous experience required for this opportunity to help build a home with a partner family in need of dignified, affordable housing. See online brochure for local arrangements, or visit www.thriventbuilds.com/worldwide for program information.  EXTRAS

Accompaniment Trip to El Salvador
 A synod delegation will be visiting our Companion Synod of El Salvador next summer, and synod participants are invited to get involved and become inspired by the work being done by our brothers and sisters in faith in El Salvador. The trip will take place July 30-Aug. 8, 2011. Total cost is $1,200/person (including airfare, lodging, food and transportation). An online flyer shares additional details. Call Kelly Baugh at 703-988-9973 if interested.  EXTRAS

A panel will discuss "Daniel  Payne and the Continuing Issues of Racism" and the Rev. Dr. Nelson T. Strobert will speak on "A Life Engaged or L'Homme Engagé: Recovering Daniel A. Payne" for the 2010 Fall Program of the Lutheran Historical Society-Mid Atlantic (LHS-MA). Payne was a Gettysburg Seminary-trained clergyman who became Premier Bishop, African Methodist Episcopal Church, and founded Wilberforce University, where he became the first African-American president of a college in the United States. The program will be held Sat., Oct. 23 at Lutheran Church of the Holy Comforter in Baltimore, from 9:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Register soon. Non-member cost is $20/person, including lunch. See http://www.lhsmidatlantic.com for more information about LHS-MA. Registration form and flyer on synod Web site.  EXTRAS

VTS Offers Open Friday Seminars
Fridays at the Seminary is a series offered by Virginia Theological Seminary (Episcopal) in Alexandria. Upcoming seminars, held from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., are: Oct. 22 - "Emerging Church - It's More Than Candles!" with a student panel; Dec. 3 - "Envisioning Faith Formation in 2020" with John Roberto; March 11 - "Anchored in God: A Lenten Quiet Day with Evelyn Underhill" with Dr. Kathleen Staudt; and May 6 - "Heaven Came Down: How the Reformation Changed the Lives of the Average Joe" with Dr. Jonathan Gray. Cost is $40/seminar including lunch. Register at http://www.vts.edu/icfl/registration.

Martin Luther Colloquium at Gettysburg Seminary
The annual Martin Luther Colloquium at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg offers a "critical reassessment of Luther and his heritage," probing Luther's continued significance. This year's event on Wed., Oct. 27 will present the faith, prayer and social order found in the writings and life of the 16th century reformer. Worship for the event begins at 9:00 a.m. Lectures will be presented by Dr. Hans J. Hillerbrand, Dr. Denis R. Janz, and Dr. Mary Jane Haemig. All lectures are free and open to the public, and take place in the seminary's chapel in Gettysburg. Learn more at http://www.ltsg.edu/Programs/LutherStudies.

TLI Wittenberg Award to be Presented at VTS Luther Seminar

A public seminar at Virginia Theological Seminary (VTS) in Alexandria, "Caring for the Other: Lutheranism's Good Works," will be held on Nov. 13 from 9:45 a.m.-2:30 p.m. It will be co-sponsored by the Luther Institute (TLI) and the Intersections Institute, and will explore the historic roots of community-minded commitments among Christians who trace their roots through the 16th century reformation, and particularly the way Lutherans grew in that commitment in their American experience. Presenters include Dr. Carter Lindberg, Professor Emeritus of Church History Boston University School of Theology; the Rev. Dr. Maria Erling, Professor of Church History and Global Missions, Gettysburg Seminary; and Jill Schumann, president and CEO, Lutheran Services in America. Register online.

The Luther Institute will award its Wittenberg Award to the late Robert J. Myers of Washington, D.C., for his actuarial work in the formation of the U.S. Social Security program which he co-created, at the VTS seminar.

"Teenagers and Technology: Tapping into the Realities and Power of Technology and Digital Media," is a workshop for parents and adult youth leaders on Nov. 13 offered by Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria. It will run 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Attend both or one of two sessions; or attend by video conference. Cost varies from $40 to $10 depending on degree of participation. Register at www.vts.edu/icfl/registration.  EXTRAS

Preaching Perspectives, Gettysburg Seminary's seasonal text primer and planning workshop for preachers, will offer Advent, Christmas and Epiphany texts on Nov. 18. The presenters will take an earthy and ecological look at the texts, with the theme - "Strange Things in the Air: The Hot Atmosphere of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany." The Rev. Dr. Mark Radecke, Susquehanna University, and the Rev. Dr. Gil Waldkoenig, Gettysburg Seminary, will lead the workshop. Cost is $30/day, lunch extra. Schedule is 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

If attending "Advocacy that Works to Fight Hunger and Poverty," a regional event planned by the ELCA Washington Office, was in your plans (originally scheduled 11/6/10, 11/2/10, and 1/8/11), they have been cancelled due to budget reductions.

Spirit in the Desert Lutheran Retreat Center, located in Carefree, Arizona, is a retreat center used by people and ministries throughout the ELCA. A list of sponsored programs, including Lutherhostels and preaching workshops, is available on a flyer found on the synod Web site. Of note, a "Snowbird Retreat" is scheduled for Feb. 18-19. See the online flyer or visit www.spiritinthedesert.org.  EXTRAS

A regional ELCA event, "Gathering in the East (GIE)," is being planned for leaders of youth and children in Regions 7, 8 and 9. It will be held April 1-2 at St. Paul's Lutheran, located near the University of Delaware in Newark. The GIE is committed to connecting, equipping and encouraging the people of God to serve in youth and family ministry settings boldly. For more information, visit http:www.gatheringintheeast.org or contact Barbara Harner, synod member of the GIE planning team, at bharner@comcast.net.

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. Retreats will be held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. 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

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.  EXTRAS

Annual InterFaith Concert
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

Young Adult Retreat in Baltimore
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. Project Connect is http://www.projectconnect.org. 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

Deaconess Community Discernment Course
"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

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.

Prince of Peace in Gaithersburg is looking for a motivated, enthusiastic, detail-oriented professional to support the congregation's pastors and other leaders as an Administrative Assistant. The work takes place Mon.-Fri., 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., 30 hrs/wk. The ideal candidate will possess two years of related experience, demonstrate initiative and have strong interpersonal skills. Proficiency in Windows and Microsoft Office required. Email resume and cover letter to hr@poplutheran.org.

Seminary President (full-time)
The Board of Directors of Wartburg Theological Seminary invites recommendations and applications for the calling of its next president. To learn more about this opportunity, or recommend an individual as a candidate, visit http://www.wartburgseminary.edu/template_contactus.asp?id=399.

 = 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.