Christmas Lutheran Church, Bethlehem

The fourth annual simulcast service between congregants in Bethlehem (Christmas Lutheran Church) and the D.C. area is set for Saturday, December 18 at 10:00 a.m. at Washington National Cathedral and is open to all. Lutheran leaders scheduled to participate are Bishop Graham and ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson, and Bishop Munib Younan of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land and the Rev. Mitri Raheb of Christmas Lutheran Church. Episcopal leaders scheduled to participate locally include Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, Bishop John Bryson Chane, Dean Samuel T. Lloyd, and in Bethlehem, Episcopal Bishop Suheil Dawani.

Synod-Wide Together in Mission Launches New Year
 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.  EXTRAS

 Traditionally, synod-wide an offering opportunity arises on or near All Saints Sunday to support the Bishop's Fund for Stewardship Education. This fund is used to assist congregations in providing professionally directed opportunities for growth in generosity either in annual giving or for needed capitol projects; and to provide occasional stewardship educational events for lay and rostered leaders. One dollar ($1) or more from each worshipper collected on a designated Sunday will help many. All Saints Sunday, November 1, has passed, but designating a Sunday is appreciated. Request envelopes from the synod office.

Winter Weather Clothing Being Collected by LSS/NCA
On November 19, warm coats, hats, gloves, mittens, scarves, socks and blankets will be distributed by Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSS/NCA) and partners for a special Thanksgiving celebration distribution. Donations for 200 clients are being collected before and after that date. Drop off at the LSS/NCA office in Falls Church, Virg. (M-F, 9:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.) and in Silver Spring, Md. (M-F, 9:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.). Contact Sarah Rossing, 703-698-5026, ext. 113, for more information.

A free Pre-Thanksgiving Dinner is open to all, hosted at Georgetown Lutheran (1556 Wisconsin Ave., NW) on Wed., Nov. 24 at 6:00 p.m. with an optional Service of Thanksgiving at 7:30 p.m. Come out and enjoy turkey, ham and the holiday trimmings with the company of others at Thanksgiving time.

Lutheran Lay Fellowship Luncheon Lineup
Lutheran Lay Fellowship (LLF) Luncheons are bringing in great speakers for upcoming events.

Advent Retreat at Mar-Lu-Ridge
An ecumenical Advent Retreat will be held at Mar-Lu-Ridge Camp and Retreat Center in Jefferson, Md. on Sat., Dec. 4. Rose Mary Eve Holter, a Sister of St. Francis of Philadelphia who has served as Director of Retreat Programs at Christian Brothers Spiritual Center, will lead, "Living in God's Extravagant Love: Christ in the Middle of It All!" The event runs 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Cost is $30 including lunch. Registration required. Call LaVern at 301-662-3574 for more information.  EXTRAS

A Madrigal Dinner will be hosted by Epiphany Lutheran in Burtonsville, Md. (14411 Old Columbia Pike, 20910) on Dec. 18 at 6:00 p.m. The evening will be filled with food, song and festivities. All are welcome to join in this fun celebration of the Season of Christmas. Tickets are $7/adult, $5 for children. For tickets and info, contact epiphanylutheran1@verizon.net.

Jan. 9 Vocation Event Cxld.

 The "Baptized, Called... Sent to Serve" event, which was being planned for Jan. 9 by the synod vocation team, will not be held. If you have questions, contact the Rev. Darcy Tillman at 703-768-1112 or d.tillman@nativitylutheran.org.

Called to Common Mission Anniversary Celebration
The 10th Anniversary Celebration of Called to Common Mission, the Lutheran Episcopal Full Communion Agreement, is set for Jan. 14-15 at St. Paul's Lutheran in D.C. Bishop Graham will be preaching at a celebratory worship service. Workshops and a keynote address on Anglican Lutheran relations by Kenneth G. Appold, James Hastings Nicholas Associate Professor of Reformation History, Princeton Theological Seminary, will  also be featured. The event is sponsored by the D.C. area Lutheran Episcopal Coordinating Committee. Full conference fee is $35 before Dec. 15; reduction to attend keynote speech alone. Register at www.edow.org/events or call the Rev. Tom Andrews for information at 410-923-5656.

 Shekinah is the Metro D.C. Synod youth ministry weekend event for junior high (7th and 8th grade) youth, held annually at the 4-H Center near Front Royal, Virg. Shekinah strives to fortify the faith of youth as we gather for a weekend of learning, fellowship, worship and service. This year's event will take place on March 18-20. Deadline for registration is coming in February. Check out details at http://metrodc.youthgroupstuff.com/shekinah.

"Preparing for Black History Month" is a program on Mon., Nov. 22, sponsored by the D.C. Chapter of the American Guild of Organists (DC/AGO). The program will be led by Dr. James Abbington, Candler School of Theology, at Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church (3401 Nebraska Ave., NW) at 7:30 p.m. Parking available. In addition to church musicians, clergy are strongly encouraged by the DC/AGO to attend. Synod members of the DC/AGO include Paul Leavitt (Reformation), Michael Lewallen (Advent, Arlington) and Tom Mitts (Augustana). Cost is $15. RSVP to Charles Miller at cmiller@nationalcitycc.org or 202-797-0103.

Conference for Part-Time Musicians
"January Jubilee: A Day for the Part-Time Parish Musician" is being planned by the American Guild of Organists. It will be held Jan. 15 from 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at Christ Congregational Church in Silver Spring (9525 Colesville Rd.). There will be 10 workshops, including Organ Literature, African American music, Service Playing, Public Relations, Pastor/Musician Relations, Choral Music Techniques, the Digital Organ, Handbells, and Wedding-Funeral Music. Bishop Eugene Sutton, Bishop of the Diocese of Maryland of the Episcopal Church, will bring a keynote address. Cost is $15 including lunch. Deadline to register is Jan. 5. Find the brochure at http://www.agohq.org/national/pdf/JanJubilee2011.pdf.

"How Do We Read Scripture?" is a conference offered thru webcast from Virginia Theological Seminary. Panelists include Walter Brueggemann, Steed V. Davidson, Mary Gordon, Teresa A. Okure and Gerald O. West. They will explore questions including: What concerns do scholars have when reading scripture? What does an ordinary reader bring? And how does our culture influence what truths we may find in scripture? The conference will take place on Jan. 20-21. Cost is $40/person. Register at http://www.vts.edu/icfl/registration.  EXTRAS

The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop, ELCA, is ready to receive questions live during the online ELCA Town Hall Forum Nov. 21 at 5:00 p.m. EST. The forum is an hour-long event designed to inform ELCA members about life-changing mission and ministries of the ELCA. Watch and submit questions at http://www.elca.org/townhall. Follow on Facebook or tweet using hash tags #ELCA or #BishopHanson.

Resources for World AIDS Day on Dec. 1
The World Health Organization established World AIDS Day in 1988. ELCA resources to commemorate World AIDS Day on December 1, 2010 are available.

• "I Got Tested" is a public service announcement from the ELCA to bring awareness to knowing your status and getting tested for HIV and AIDS found at www.elca.org/aids/psa. According to a recent report from the D.C. government, at least 3% of D.C. residents age 12 or older are living with HIV or AIDS, an epidemic that rivals infection rates I countries considered to be severely affected by this disease (open letter to D.C. pastors from "God's People are Tested" consortium).
• Prayers, litanies, sermon starters, complete liturgies and more from ELCA clergy and the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance on ELCA World AIDS Day page.
• "The Lazarus Effect" is a powerful HBO film about the dramatic and hopeful impact of antiretroviral drugs in southern Africa. A leader guide for screening this film is available at www.elca.org/aids.

Is your congregation interested in preparing clergy and lay leaders to intervene in and prevent family violence and to create safe congregations and facilities? Apply by December 1, 2010, for a three-day "Safe and Healthy Congregations" training session, to be held Feb. 2-4 in San Francisco, Calif. Through these practical events, ELCA congregational leaders become part of the larger constellation of this church, fulfilling the call to denounce and combat domestic violence and violence against women. The Lutheran Community Foundation is making training, materials and lodging available at no cost and may have financial assistance for travel available. Find application at www.thelcf.org/safe_families_training.

SCUPE Urban Ministry Congress
The 2011 Congress on Urban Ministry, themed "Peacemaking in a Culture of Violence," will be held March 1-4 in Chicago, Ill. The conference explores, faith, social justice e and urban ministry, and is sponsored by the Seminary Consortium for Urban Pastoral Education (SCUPE) which includes the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago and Luther Seminary. The Rev. Dr. James A. Forbes, Jr., is a co-chair and speaker for the event. Early registration through mid-December. Learn more at http://congressonurbanministry.org/.

High School Lutheran Summer Music Training and Performance Opportunity
The 30th annual Lutheran Summer Music Academy & Festival (LSM) will be held June 26-July 24 on the campus of Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. LSM fosters musical excellence in a caring community for high school band, orchestra, choir, piano and pipe organ students of all faith backgrounds. LSM 2011 will include a new elective, "Introduction to Pipe Organ." Learn more at www.lutheransummermusic.org or call 888-635-6583.

"Power in the Spirit" is a popular inspirational conference sponsored by the ELCA Virginia Synod for everyone who wishes to explore God's call to service through joyous worship, Bible study, keynote addresses, workshops and fellowship. "We Love to Tell the Story" will be held July 14-16 at Roanoke College in Salem, Virginia. Keynote speaker will be the Rev. Walter Wangerin, Jr., the Bible Leader will be the Rev. John Largen, and the Musician will be Kevin Barger. Additional details forthcoming.  EXTRAS

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.

Help the Homeless Walkathon Will Support Affiliated Ministries - On Mall and Mini-Walks
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

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

Ongoing Monthly Retreats for Leaders at Mar-Lu-Ridge
On December 14, the next Sojourner's Retreat at Mar-Lu-Ridge will be held for rostered leaders. Learn more about the monthly event with the online flyer.  EXTRAS

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 info can be found at 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

"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 diakonia 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.

Companion Synod Sunday to Highlight 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

El Salvador Thrivent/Habitat Trip
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 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

Regional ELCA Youth Leader Event Scheduled
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.

Trip to El Salvador with Companion Synod Delegation
 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

Parish Administrator (full-time)
An energetic, tech savvy, collaborative and communicative individual is sought by Augustana Lutheran in D.C. - a diverse, welcoming and liturgically rich congregation - to support and advance its mission values and ministry as Parish Administrator. This full-time position is well suited to individuals with a solid church background, an ability to organize and coordinate and strong skills for computer based background, an ability to organize and coordinate, and strong skills for computer based work. Bachelor's degree required; English-Spanish bilingual skills desirable. Submit resume and cover letter to pastor@augustanadc.org. EOE. For more information, visit www.idealist.org to see job posting.

Organist (part-time)
King of Kings Lutheran in Fairfax, Virg., is seeking a Church Organist. This part-time position requires a person who ha experience playing the organ (Allen built electronic with two manual keyboards and 2.5 octaves of pedals) and piano. Candidates are expected to competently sight read. In addition, the potential candidate must be willing to play traditional as well as contemporary music and work in cooperation with the music team. Hours will include attendance at all Sunday, special services and events, as well as occasional rehearsals. Salary is commensurate with experience. Additional income opportunities are available. If interested, please send resumes to swanflor@yahoo.com or call 703-915-9209.

Heavy Equipment Mechanic in Haiti (volunteer)
ELCA International Disaster Response is facilitating the mobilization of skilled volunteers to the Eglise Lutherienne d'Haiti (ELH). Loaders, compactors, truck and bus operators have an opportunity to serve in the recovery efforts implemented by ELH in the wake of the 2010 earthquake. Find additional information on the synod Web site or contact BethAnn Lynch, ELCA Global Mission Unit, at 773-380-5040.  EXTRAS

 = 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.