The 2011 Companion Synod Sunday is scheduled for Jan. 30. Featured will be El Salvador. The El Salvador Companion Synod Task Force of our synod has prepared items to celebrate our relationship with brothers and sisters in Christ in El Salvador through prayer, song and message. Service suggestions, fact sheets and extended resources to highlight this exciting relationship of accompaniment can be found on the synod site. Direct questions to the Task Force co-chairs, Jane Hanlon (janehanlon@aol.com or 703-830-5791) and Deena Bulick-Terry (deena222c@aol.com or 571-238-6284). EXTRAS

Forty young adults (ages 18-30) who live or go to school in Regions 7, 8 and 9 (like Metro D.C. Synod) are invited to a Project Connect event - making time to explore whether God is calling attendees to be leaders in our church. The Annual Pre-Seminary Student Gathering will be held Feb. 11-13 at Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg. There is NO fee and reasonable travel expenses can be reimbursed if requested. Registration form at www.projectconnect.org or call 603-539-7257.

The Concordia Choir from Concordia College, Moorhead, Minn., will present a concert in D.C. on Sat., Feb. 19 at 5:00 p.m. It will take place at the National Presbyterian Church, 4101 Nebraska Ave., NW D.C. Rene Clausen will conduct the 72-voice a cappella choir in several spirituals and hymns, plus some new dramatic Clausen arrangements. National Lutheran Communities and Services is presenting the concert. Tickets cost $25/adult; $15/student or senior. Obtain tickets at http://www.concordiatickets.com or 800-838-3006. (Editor's Note: This flyer had me doing a double-take!) EXTRAS

Elementary-age children are invited to a "School's Out Day Program" at Mar-Lu-Ridge in Jefferson, Md., on 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. Registration required. Call 800-238-9974 or mlr@mar-lu-ridge.org to reserve a place for your child. EXTRAS

Immerse yourself in the faithful and faith-filled Gettysburg Seminary community during their Seminary Weekend on Feb. 25-26. As a guest of the seminary, join faculty, staff, students and their families to learn more about the distinctive curriculum, community life, contextual education settings, worship life, ecumenical opportunities, costs and available financial aid. The weekend is an opportunity to get a sense of the place and discern your sense of call. Learn more at www.ltsg.edu (under "Prospective Students"), or call 800-MLUTHER, ext. 3008, to register. Day/overnight campus visits are also welcome at other times.

An ecumenical Lenten Retreat is being held at Mar-Lu-Ridge Camp and Retreat Center in Jefferson, Md., on Saturday, March 5 from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. The theme is "Living a Grace-filled Life: Forgiveness." The Rev. Dr. Thomas P. Williamsen, pastor of Gloria Dei! Lutheran Church and author, will be the retreat leader. Cost including lunch is  $30. The retreat will include two brief lectures, worship, quiet time and group time. Registration form online or call LaVern at 301-662-3564 for more information. EXTRAS

All are welcome at the Taize Prayer Services held at Christ Lutheran in Bethesda on the third Monday of each month from 7:15-8:00 p.m. The service is composed of Taize songs, scripture/brief homily, spoken prayer and concluding Taize songs; people are welcome to stay in contemplative silence following the last song. For more information, call the office at 301-652-5160.

Summer Camp Registration Opens
Even though it's cold outside, Mar-Lu-Ridge Camp and Retreat Center in Jefferson, Md., is accepting registrations for summer camp. Residential and day camps are available. (Do you know there's Adult Camp, too?) Early bird discounts available until Feb. 15. Find details and a brochure at www.mar-lu-ridge.org or call 800-238-9974.

Anyone seeking employment or in the midst of a career change may be interested in "Keep the Spirit Up A Day of Spiritual Refreshment, New Perspectives and Job Search Strategies" offered by our Episcopal neighbors, Church of the Epiphany at 1317 G St., NW D.C. It will be held Feb. 5 from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Fee is $10 including Lunch. Grace Garrett, a certified professional coach and pastoral counselor, will facilitate. To register, contact Susan Walker at swalker@epiphanydc.org or 202-347-2735, ext. 20. 

The Hein-Fry Lecture series will present "Hearing the Word: The Global Christian Community Reads the Bible Together" at Gettysburg Seminary on Thursday, March 10. The topic addresses global and ecumenical approaches to biblical interpretation. The 2011 lectures continue the series' multi-year theme on the Bible, this year affirming that the Bible is not an exclusive word and that American Lutherans have much to learn from the ways Christians around the world experience and interpret the Bible. Hein-Fry lectures are free and open to the public. Learn more at http://www.ltsg.edu/Lifelong-Learners/Hein-Fry-Lecture or 717-334-6286, ext. 2231.

Join Lutherans and other faith-based advocates from across the U.S. in Washington, D.C., March 25-28 for Ecumenical Advocacy Days. The action weekend will equip you to speak boldly on behalf of people-centered sustainable development and economic justice, physical safety, security and peacemaking, with a particular focus on those most impacted - women, girls and families. Worship and dialogue with hundreds of faith-based advocates. Lutheran activities are being planned. For more info, see www.elca.org/advocacy. For scholarships, contact Jodi Deike at jodi.deike@elca.org or 202-626-7947.

In Gettysburg on Sunday, January 30, the Rev. John Nunes, Lutheran World Relief President and CEO, will discuss the Lutheran Malaria Initiative at St. James Lutheran Church. Learn more at http://www.stjamesgettysburg.org. 

The first week in February is designated World Interfaith Harmony Week, adopted as a UN Observance Event. ELCA Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations and ELCA Advocacy encourage all to learn more about hits call for all religions to unite around basic principles that people of all beliefs agree upon. Learn more at http://worldinterfaithharmonyweek.com/.

The Souper Bowl of Caring is an opportunity on Sunday, February 6, to join more than 2,000 Lutheran youth groups that annually use the opportunity to invite the millions of Americans tuning in to the Super Bowl to help end hunger. Many congregations post youth with soup pots at church doors to collect $1 (or more) as congregants leave. All collected money is donated to a charity selected by the participants - none is sent to the Souper Bowl of Caring headquarters. Other congregational efforts may include collecting canned goods or organizing a servant event. Find many ideas, publicity materials and statistics at www.souperbowl.org.

Women of the ELCA have declared Sunday, February 27 the fifth annual Bold Women's Day. Ideas for celebrating can be found at www.womenoftheelca.org. These include litanies and certificates to recognize women who live out their bold story of faith  in the workplace, family or community.

March 4 will be observed in 2011 as the World Day of Prayer (WDP). WDP is a worldwide movement stemming from Christian women of many traditions who come together to observe a common day of prayer each year, and who, in many countries, have a continuing relationship in prayer and service. Through World Day of Prayer, women affirm that prayer and action are inseparable and both have immeasurable influence in the world. Resources available from www.worlddayofprayer.net and from Women of the ELCA.

The highly regarded Theological Education With Youth (TEY) program, a joint initiative of Gettysburg and Philadelphia Seminaries, is offering two summer programs. Youth in 9th or 10th grade are invited to the Crossroads Event on June 26-July 2 at Wagner College, Staten Island, NY. Youth will explore advocacy and social justice ministries of the church alongside seminarians and other leaders. Youth in 10th or 11th grade are invited to the Summer Theological Academy on July 23-August 6 at Gettysburg Seminary. Worshipping and diving into theological waters with seminarian mentors will be offered. Find more info at www.theologicaleducationwithyouth.com, or contact Chandler Carriker, TEY Director, at 717-338-3038 or ccarriker@ltsg.edu. EXTRAS

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

Feb. 3 - Deacon Katherine Miller-Holland, Director of Church and Community Ministries, Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area.

Lunch ($9) while listening to these inspiring presentations. RSVP to Vicki Porter (301-229-9884 or luncheon@lutheranlayfellowship.org) by 5:00 p.m. the Tuesday before the event. Luncheons are held at St. Luke Lutheran in Silver Spring at noon. Visit http://www.lutheranlayfellowship.org/ for more information about LLF.

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

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/.

 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 February 14. Check out details at http://metrodc.youthgroupstuff.com/shekinah.

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.

Companion Synod Delegation Trip

 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

Bookkeeper (part-time)

The Metro D.C. Synod is looking for a part-time bookkeeper. The bookkeeper processes deposits and expenses, prepares reports using QuickBooks and Excel, and performs other office duties as assigned. The person who fills this role must have bookkeeping experience. Experience with church finances and QuickBooks is a plus. Time commitment is three days per week, 20 hours per week. Hours are flexible; semi-retired person or someone who needs to work around child/elder care arrangements may be accommodated. Starting pay is $17.50 to $20/hour. Interested persons should send resume to John Handley, Synod Treasurer, at jhandley@metrodcelca.org.

Office Administrator (part-time)

Faith Lutheran Church in Arlington is seeking a part-time office administrator to provide administrative, clerical and other support. Responsibilities include serving as receptionist, producing bulletins for worship services, maintaining database and filing systems, ordering office supplies, and coordinating maintenance services. Knowledge of computer and information systems, hardware, software - including Microsoft Office, Adobe Professional, and relational databases - and web-based services is essential. Work is performed in the office, three days a week, 20 hours per week.  Pay is $14-$16/hour. Interested persons should email their resume to faithlutheranjobs@gmail.com.

Communications Coordinator (part-time)

Faith Lutheran Church in Arlington is seeking a part-time communications coordinator to manage internal and external communications and outreach through the use of print, Web and social media platforms.  Coordinator will collaborate with church staff and lay leaders to develop and execute communications strategies and act as project manager of all communication activities, including maintenance of church's Web site, electronic message and social networking efforts.  Experience writing and editing copy, designing and creating electronic, print and promotional publications required. Work is performed in the office, 15-20 hours per week. Pay is $17-$20/hour. Interested persons should email their resume to faithlutheranjobs@gmail.com.

Church Organist (part-time)

King of Kings Lutheran Church in Fairfax, Virginia is seeking a Church Organist.  This part-time position requires a person who has experience playing the organ (Allen built electronic with two manuals (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.

Taize Musician (volunteer)

Someone passionate about Taize/music is sought to participate in the Taize Prayer Service at Christ Lutheran Church in Bethesda. The service takes place on the third Monday of each month from 7:15-8:00 p.m. in the sanctuary (8011 Old Georgetown Rd., Bethesda). A guitarist, flutist or other musician would enhance this worship experience. Contact Florence Heacock at florence.heacock@mail.house.gov for more information or call the church office at 301-652-5160.

English Teachers: China and Japan

Teach English at various locations throughout China (with the Amity Foundation) and Japan (with the Japan Evangelical Lutheran Church). Service in China is a two year commitment, starting June 2011, with applications due February 15. Service in Japan includes some congregational involvement with a three year commitment, starting July 2011, with applications due March 15. See http://www.elca.org/globalserve and click "Global Service Opportunities" to search the database at the bottom.