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Synod Publications |
Submissions for MetroLiner Notes, our events-based e-news, as well as MetroLines other synod communication tools should be sent to Karen Krueger, editor. Feedback invited. |
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Gifts of Hope | |
Some remember that the United Lutheran Appeal (ULA) held a drive during February. Now that ULA and Gifts of Hope have merged, some congregations have asked about giving to social ministry organizations and other beneficiaries during this season of the year. "We would appreciate your help with publicity by putting [an] announcement in your bulletin on Feb. 5 and 12 [and] an announcement for the March newsletter. In addition, we request that you put a link to Gifts of Hope on your church Web site, preferably on the home page," asked the Gifts of Hope committee in a mailing to synod congregations.
Text for these announcements is available on the synod Web site's "Extras" page. Gifts of Hope is celebrating its 20th anniversary and has new opportunities for giving on its Web site. Find more info on their site or direct questions to Carolyn Sowinski.  EXTRAS |
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| SPOTLIGHT | | Faith Connections for Veterans & Families
 As military personnel and families experience disconnection, from military to home experiences and other issues, faith communities can become accepting places where vets and families call tell their stories and foster reconnection. A workshop in two sessions will be offered at Epiphany Lutheran Church in Mount Vernon, Virg. on Feb. 12 and March 4. Each session will run from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Chaplain Jim Duke from Fort Belvoir will be present for both workshops, participating in training to hear stories of veterans with major wounds of war and of their readjustment issues and recoveries. Cost is $10 for the two-part workshop, "Faith Connections for Veterans & Families Who Experience Trauma/Transition Situations." Limited enrollment. Register by contacting the Rev. Chuck Oberkehr at pastor@epiphanylutheran.org or 703-780-5077. EXTRAS
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| SYNOD HAPPENINGS | | Upcoming LLF Luncheons
All Lutherans and their friends are invited to luncheon meetings of Lutheran Lay Fellowship. They occur on the first Thursday of each month from noon-2:00 p.m. at St. Luke Lutheran in Silver Spring, Md. Interested persons can make lunch reservations no later than 5 p.m. on the Tuesday before the meeting by contacting Vicki Porter at 301-229-9884 or luncheon@lutheranlayfellowshp.org. Meal cost is $9, payable at door. Future meetings will feature: Dr. Barbara E. Solt speaking on "The Holy Land, Then and Now" on Mar. 1; and the Rev. David Pearcy on April 5.
Lenten Retreat at Mar-Lu-RidgeA Lenten Retreat at Mar-Lu-Ridge in Jefferson, Md., will take place on Mar 10. "Becoming Who You Were Created to Be: Exploring the Fruit of the Spirit" will be led by the Rev. Dr. Tom Williamsen and Susan Coale. Hot lunch is included in registration. Learn more at www.mar-lu-ridge.org or call 800-238-9974. EXTRAS
SWO Spring Convo Registration Open Registration is now online for the Spring Convention of the Metro D.C. Synodical Women's Organization (SWO). It will be held Sat., Mar. 31 from 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. at Christ Lutheran in Fairfax, Virg. Fee is $25/person, waived for first-time attendees and women under 40. A dramatic presentation of women in the Bible will be shared, as well as worship and keynote address with the Rev. Dr. Marguerite Rourk. Learn more at www.metrodcelca.org/events/swo-spring-convo/ (under "Events" tab).
Celebration of Ministry of Chaplain Platz Plans are in the works to celebrate the Rev. Beth Platz upon her retirement. On Sun., May 6 at 3 p.m. a worship service and reception will be held at the University of Maryland Chapel in College Park. On Wed., May 23 at 4-5:30 p.m., an Open House will be held. More details will follow.
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| LOCAL LEARNING | | "Support U" Can Equip Congregation Response to Caregivers
Do you know someone whose own health and spirituality are at risk because they have added responsibilities for an aging or ill loved-one? Is your congregation reaching out to them? Learn about "Support U," a new program being offered by Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area, to support congregations as they foster the well-being of caregivers. An informal Caregiver Services Open House will be offered to introduce the potential of the 6-week course on Sun., Feb. 12 from 2-4:00 p.m. at St. Luke Lutheran in Silver Spring or on Sun., Mar. 4 at St. John Lutheran (LCMS) in Alexandria. Visit www.lssnca.org/lss/view_event/51 for more information. RSVP at 202-723-3000, ext. 199.
Upcoming Sojourner Connect RetreatsSojourners Connect Retreats for clergy and church leaders resume on Tuesdays monthly at Mar-Lu-Ridge in Jefferson, Md. The $30 fee includes lunch. On Feb. 14, the Rev. Eric Gritsch will present "Baptism and the Church." RSVP to ldrasmus@comcast.net or call 301-662-3564.
Pastoral Setting Spanish Language & Culture Training Professionals or volunteers who work with Hispanic communities in churches or other pastoral settings may want to take "Spanish Language and Culture for Pastoral Settings" (Part 1 or Part 2) at the College of Notre Dame of Maryland in Baltimore. Conversational skills and spirituality, customs and traditions will be discussed. Part one can be taken in evenings Feb. 21-May 1. Part 1 or Part 2 can be taken in afternoons beginning Feb. 20. Learn more at www.ndm.edu/admissions/international-students/english-language-institute-eli/pastoral-spanish/.
Summer Opportunities for Teens at LTSGGettysburg Lutheran Seminary is planning to host two summer events through Theological Education with Youth (TEY). For youth now in 9th or 10th grade, the TEY Crossroads Event will be held June 23-30. For youth now in 10th or 11th grade, the TEY Summer Theological Academy will be held July 28-Aug. 5. Informational materials are in development. In the meantime, contact Chelle Huth, the new TEY Director, at chuth@ltsg.edu or 717-338-3038.
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| NATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES | | Christian Unity Workshop
The National Workshop on Christian Unity will be held in Oklahoma City, Ok. on April 16-19. The ELCA is an ecumenical partner in the endeavor. The theme is "The Hope of Our Calling," which will be explored through seminars, denominational meetings, worship and more. Full registration is $200 before Mar. 16. Learn more at www.nwcu.org and see the full agenda in a brochure on the synod Web site. EXTRAS
Colorado Lodge Setting of Forum Wartburg Seminary is again hosting the Luther Academy of the Rockies, held at the Meeker Park Lodge in Allenspark, Co. The lifelong learning education program for rostered leaders and their families will be held June 18-28. Worship, scholarly lectures and forums, free time and fellowship are included in the time at the rustic, mountain lodge. Faculty includes the Rev. Dr. Paul Scott Wilson; the Rev. Dr. Stan Olson; and the Rev. D. Ann Fritschel. Registration is limited. See www.wartburgseminary.edu/template_Events.asp?id=310 for more information.
Summer Training for Young Musicians Submit your Lutheran Summer Music 2012 application by February 29 and receive $150 off tuition. The four-week residential training and performance program takes place at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, on June 24-July 22. It brings together 150+ band, orchestra, choir and keyboard students from the U.S. and abroad in a supportive, intentional community. This year, Dr. Cole Burger, Associate Piano Chair at the local Levine School of Music, is among faculty. Details available at www.lutheransummermusic.org.
New Congregational Leadership Certificate ProgramWartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa, has announced the offering off a new certificate program; the Certificate in Theology and Congregational Leadership has been created to meet the needs of those who want to strengthen their ministry leadership. This program was designed especially for the enrichment of church members. Learn more at www.wartburgseminary.edu. (Wartburg Theological Seminary News Release, 1/27/12)
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| SECOND GLANCE | | St. Olaf Choir Sings 2/6 at Strathmore
The Strathmore in North Bethesda is an exciting venue for the St. Olaf Choir on Mon., Feb. 6 at 7:30 p.m., presented in partnership with Lutheran Volunteer Corps. Founded in 1912 at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn., an ELCA institution of higher education, the choir has been consistently recognized internationally as an ensemble that sets an uncompromising standard of excellence and innovation. The choir will honor its 100-year legacy under the direction of Anton Armstrong. Contact www.strathmore.org for tickets.
Pre-Seminary Exploration at LTSP
Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia will welcome those interested in attending seminary and their college chaplains and campus ministers for a Pre-Seminary Gathering on Feb. 10 at 6 p.m. through Feb. 12 at noon. Meals, housing and program are free, and transportation reimbursement is available upon request. Persons ages 18-30 from ELCA Region 8 (ours) and Regions 7 & 9 will come together. Project Connect, an initiative of the Eastern Cluster of Lutheran Seminaries, will host the event. Find a schedule and registration form on the synod Web site. EXTRAS
Schools-Out Day Activities at Camp
Looking for something fun for kids to do when school is out? Mar-Lu-Ridge is offering School's Out Day Camp for elementary-aged children who will enjoy hikes, crafts, games a Bible lesson and a hot lunch. School's Out Day Camp will be held Feb. 20 from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., with extended care available. Cost is $25. Call 800-238-9974 to register your child.
Free Training for Youth/Family Ministry
Youth and family ministry volunteers and professionals can take part in free training through a partnership of the ELCA Youth Gathering and ELCA Youth Ministry Network. The following Webinars are scheduled.
- March 4, "Your Role as Leader" Dr. Terri Elton
- March 18, 2012 "Strategic Planning" presented by Dennis "Tiger" McLuen
- April 1, "Leading a Small Group" presented by Dennis "Tiger" McLuen
- April 15, "Faith Conversations" presented by Dennis "Tiger" McLuen
- May 6, "Planning for the Unexpected" presented by Dennis "Tiger" McLuen
Connect with this opportunity from www.elcaymnet.org/elcatraining.
Shekinah for Middle School Age Youth
 Shekinah is the synod's weekend retreat for 7th and 8th grade youth (6th and 9th graders are welcome if they are part of your congregation's confirmation ministry). Dates are Mar. 16-18, once again taking place at the 4H Center in Front Royal, Virg. The theme is "Imago Dei - Image of God!" Cost is $125/participant; financial assistance available. Registration deadline is Feb. 15. Find details at http://metrodc.youthgroupstuff.com/.
Ecumenical Advocacy Days with ELCA and Others
People from across the nation come, but it's happening in town. Ecumenical Advocacy Days (EAD) will be held Mar. 23-26, when hundreds of Christians gather to explore the economy, livelihoods and our national priorities. The group will worship, hear from theologians and policy experts, equip themselves to speak confidently on key policy issues, and take a message to elected officials in Congress (see www.elca.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Justice/Advocacy/Get-Involved/Advocacy-Events.aspx).
Regional Discipleship Training
The North American Association for the Catechumenate (NAAC), an ecumenical organization that connects with the ELCA and its full communion partners, is offering three regional training institutes in 2012 for pastors, musicians and lay leaders. The nearest location for the Metro D.C Synod will be Baltimore (April 13-15). Dr. Jessicah Duckworth is among the presenters. Additional locations are: Phoenix (Feb. 24-26) and Minneapolis (May 18-20). The events, called "Go, Baptize, Make Disciples," are designed to move a congregation from a paradigm of maintenance to one of mission, from membership to discipleship. Music at all three venues will be provided by Bread for the Journey, a well-known ELCA music group. Learn more at www.catechumenate.org. EXTRAS
Youth in Mission Programs at LSTC
Students learn about God, themselves and the world while exploring diversity multiculturalism, ecumenical and interfaith dialogue, and local and global issues related to wealth and poverty through Youth in Mission programs at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC).
- Consider the Serving Christ in the World option, June 16-30. Young congregational leaders will engage in theological discussions and more at LSTC and will also travel to Mexico City and Cuernavaca, Mexico for an immersion experience. The final application deadline is Feb. 24. Learn more at www.lstc.edu/yim.
- Church youth groups will connect with Chicago area organizations for urban service-learning experiences with the Beyond Belief program. Summer months fill up quickly, so reserve dates that fit your group's spiritual and scheduling needs by visiting www.lstc.edu/yim or calling 800-635-1116, ext. 725.
Confirmation Camp Brings Local Youth Together
Confirmation Camp has been nurturing the faith of youth in the Metro D.C. Synod for over 20 years. Confirmation Camp 2012 will be held June 24-29 at Caroline Furnace (www.carolinefurnace.org). The theme is "Exodus," and is a time with other youth for fun while learning and exploring faith. Cost is $350. Pastors and/or lay confirmation leaders are strongly encouraged to accompany their youth to camp. Find an information letter and registration forms on the synod Web site. Contact the Rev. Jeff Wilson, Confirmation Camp Dean, at pastorwilson@comcast.net or 703-368-3943. EXTRAS
Register for Summer Camp
Summer camp registration is now open! Mar-Lu-Ridge is offering a variety of programming designed for ages 6-17, with Adult Camp and Family Camp as well. Scholarship money available for those in need. All people are welcome to come and meet Jesus in this special place. Learn more and register online from www.mar-lu-ridge.org or call Sarah or Elliot at 800-238-9974.
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