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Southeastern Synod
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
God's work. Our hands. 


E-News Weekly
Issue: # 252December 23, 2010
In This Issue
A Christmas Reflection by Bishop Gordy
Living Lutheran
ELCa Youth Gathering
Upcoming Events of Note
ARTICLE HEADLINE
Quick Links
A Christmas Reflection by Bishop H. Julian Gordy

"...the Word became flesh and lived among us." (John 1:14)

 

John's gospel begins, not with the birth of Jesus, but with a theological statement of incarnation: literally, "...the Word became flesh and pitched its tent with us."

 

NativityThe incarnation is a mystery that theologians and philosophers have pondered and argued about for centuries. How is it possible for the Creator to become a creature? How could an unlimited and infinite and immortal and unknowable God become limited and finite and mortal and knowable in the way we humans are limited and finite and mortal and knowable? How could the Almighty One who created the Himalayas and the Grand Canyon and the solar system and supernovas become an infant who has to have his diapers changed and be potty trained and learn to eat solid food? How could the God of Righteousness come to need scolding by his parents? How could the all-knowing Creator experience the ordinary fears and ignorance of childhood or the emotional and physical chaos of a teenager or the confusion and anxiety of adulthood? 

 

(Click here to read the rest of Bishop Gordy's reflection on the synod blog.)

Living Lutheran
living lutheran
Dear friends and colleagues,

I have some exciting news: LivingLutheran.com is now live and open to the public!
As you may know, my colleagues and I have been working on this site for the better part of a year. We dreamed of a place where ELCA members across the nation could come for fresh, daily stories of inspiration and conversation about what it means to "live Lutheran."

Thanks to your support, that dream is now a reality. Many of you provided valuable feedback throughout the process. We were able to incorporate numerous suggestions to make this site more appealing and easier to use. I'd like to share some of the many positive responses we've received:
 
"LivingLutheran.com is us. It's the face of the ELCA."

"There is a lot of diversity of opinion. Something for everyone. A way to feel connected and encouraged but also challenged -- which is rare."
 
"LivingLutheran.com gives a chance for many to express their voice."

I think you, too, will be pleased with the new site and find LivingLutheran.com incredibly useful in your ministry.

I look forward to all of the ways in which this site will help deepen our partnership with one another and with the members of this church.

God's peace,
Scott J. Hendrickson
ELCA Director, Marketing and Public Relations

ELCA Youth Gathering to Return to New Orleans in 2012

In 2009, ELCA youth went to New Orleans as guests. We return in 2012 as friends, citizens with the saints.
 
The theme, "Citizens with the Saints, " comes directly from the text around which the ELCA Youth Gathering is being shaped:  Ephesians 2:14-20. That is the assigned second reading for Sunday, July 22, 2012, the final day of the Youth Gathering. 
 
Click here to connect with our information page on the Web, and then...
 
youth gatheringLook at the core values and prayerfully consider how the ELCA Youth Gathering might contribute to your ministry with young people, as well as how your young people might contribute to the church's mission in New Orleans.
 
But the destination, New Orleans, is not the ultimate focus. We are shaping a service learning experience that will affirm young people's welcome into God's story through baptism, will help them draw closer to God by engaging in intentional faith practices, will train them to bear witness to Jesus' activity for the sake of the world, and will arouse in them their vocational call to "serve all people, following the example of Jesus" (ELW pg. 236).
 
The journey of discipleship that is the ELCA Youth Gathering starts a year before teenagers come together in New Orleans. We will offer a series of trainings to equip adult leaders to be with young people in ways that lead to the outcomes for which we are planning and praying.  
 
You can download and print the poster, or request one from us by writing to [email protected]. Every ELCA congregation will receive two posters. 

Upcoming Events of Note...

 

JANUARY 16, 2011

God's Justice Everywhere

mlkThe Southeastern Synod's commemoration of Martin Luther King, Jr. will take place on Sunday, January 16, 2011, at 3:30 p.m. at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 731 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA, 30308.  There are two parts to this year's event.  At 3:30 p.m., we will gather for a service of Word and Song, "God's Justice Everywhere,"  with keynote speaker Dr. Earl Lewis, Provost at Emory University.  Following the service, we will be blessed by the presence of Representative John Lewis, Georgia 5th District to the United States Congress, who will address the gathering and welcome ELCA mission directors from around the country.  For more information, please contact Beverly Shaw, [email protected], or Bradley Schmeling, [email protected]

 

Also on January 16, The Georgia Christian Council and Bethel CME Church invite you to attend an ecumenical service at the Bethel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church at 1668 Pin Nono Avenue in Macon, GA.  The theme is "Connections: Building Bridges of Hope and Discipleship Together."  Call 478-743-2085 for more details. 

 

JANUARY 17, 2011

Lutheran Day of Service 2011

Celebrate the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday by participating in this full day of events. Held at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center in DeKalb County, projects include assembling 50 pound bags of rice to be used by refugee families, and outdoor projects at Wonderland Gardens & Lyon Farm.

 

Information about how to register and the specifics of the project will be available in early January. Until then, all questions about registration and details of the event can be directed to Kyle Cristofalo, Synod Coordinator of Programs for Hunger, Poverty and Justice Issues and Lutheran Volunteer Corps Staffer at [email protected] or 404-589-1977 ext 222.

  

 

FEBRUARY 8-9, 2011

First Call Retreat at Lutheranch 

 

First Call rostered persons are invited to join Bishop Julian Gordy as he leads the Bible study, "Wandering through the Lenten Texts."  Pastor Kevin Strickland, synod Worship Team chairperson will lead worship during the retreat.  The cost is $50 per person and includes food.  The registration deadline is January 14th.  Please contact Pastor Kevin Strickland at [email protected] or office number 865-982-4285 with questions or to register.

 

 

FEBRUARY 18-20, 2011

Lutheranch Men's Retreat

 

The theme of the retreat is "What in the World is God Up To?" The leader is Pastor Dave Helfrich, Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, Marietta, GA. He will use the parables of Jesus to explore how God's kingdom is intersecting, challenging and transforming our way of life. Pastor Dave will also be our worship leader.
 
On-site housing at Lutheranch is limited to 16 people in the Holy Trinity House. There is also space in the program for 10 to stay in area motels, so encourage any friends to register soon. The cost for the program is $165 for on-site housing and $125 for off-site housing.
 
Visit www.lutheranch.com for a registration form, schedule, or more information.

 

 

Catch the SpiritCatch the SpiritFEBRUARY 25 & 26, 2011

Catch the Spirit

 

Lutheran Church of the Redeemer

731 Peachtree Street NE
Atlanta, GA 30308-1281

Keynote  Speaker:  John Arthur Nunes, President and CEO of Lutheran World Relief
"God's Work. Our Hands."
Turning dreams into action!

Learn more at www.catchthespiritlutheran.org

 

SAVE THE DATES!

JUNE 3-5, 2011

Southeastern Synod Assembly

Renaissance Waverly Hotel, Atlanta, GA

 

Details coming soon!

A Note Regarding the Synod Office
The Synod office will be closed Dec 24, Dec 27, and Dec 31.  If there is an emergency that requires immediate attention, please call 404-589-1977 and listen to the recorded message for instructions.  

We wish everyone a safe and joyous Chrismas!
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