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


E-News Weekly
Issue: # 254January 6, 2011
In This Issue
Stem Cells and Our Church
January Deadlines
Book of Faith Brief
Annual Report Covers
Youth Ministry News
God's Party by the Sea
Upcoming Events
Around the Synod
Quick Links
Stem Cells and Our Church

by the Rev. Elizabeth Birkholz

Stem Cell ResearchI have a gut reaction to hearing "stem cells," but when I heard an interview on an excellent radio program, "Speaking of Faith" (which has recently been renamed "On Being"), that first reaction gave way to a sense of wonder. In this article I have very little to say about the controversy and very MUCH to say about what stem cells actually do, and how that applies to this church that we love.

(Click here to read the rest on the synod blog.)

January Deadlines 

Sabbatical Grant Application: January 15

Wheat Ridge Ministries is offering ministry sabbatical grants to Lutheran congregations to support and encourage the health and wellness of clergy in their congregation. The Ministry Sabbatical Grant Program aims to increase healthy ministry by promoting a sabbatical leave for rest and renewal to support the whole person health of the Lutheran ministry leader and the congregation.

 
The deadline to apply for these grants is January 15, 2011. Any Lutheran congregation developing a ministry sabbatical plan for its pastor(s) within the grant guidelines may apply. Matching grants of up to $7,500 will be awarded to Lutheran congregations and clergy planning their first sabbatical experience.

Congregations interested in applying for a Wheat Ridge Ministry Sabbatical Resource Grant can visit www.wheatridge.org/sabbaticalgrants to review the requirements and determine whether the grant is appropriate for their needs and to download a grant application. Grant awards will be made in March, 2011. Questions may be referred to the Wheat Ridge office by email at [email protected] or by phone at 800-762-6748.

                                        Wheat ridge

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IRA Rollover Gift Distribution: January 31

  

You may know that on December 17, Congress passed a new taxation act. One of the major provisions of the act was the restoration of the IRA Rollover Gift legislation. This legislation is a tremendous giving opportunity for those over 70� who wish to make distributions to a charitible cause (such as their congregations, the synod, or an ELCA agency or institution) from their IRA accounts.

 

nest eggPastor Mark Scott is a Synod Gift Planner with the South Carolina Synod who also works with us here in the Southeastern Synod.  He shares, "Typically, the IRS requires that taxable distributions must be made from these accounts on an annual basis. Because the tax legislation came so late in the year, Congress is allowing individuals to make charitable distributions until January 31 for the 2010 tax year. Individuals who act quickly can direct IRA administrators to distribute gifts to charitable causes directly from their IRA accounts. By acting in this manner, the gift itself will never be considered as income and can substantially reduce taxable incomes."

 

Click here for more in-depth information that Pastor Scott has prepared, including a sample letter to send to IRA Administrators. For further information, contact Pastor Scott at 803-944-2751.

Book of Faith Brief
Book of Faith
 
                                                   http://www.bookoffaith.org/
 
Last year the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life conducted a survey to assess Americans' knowledge about religion. The results were surprising, and not very encouraging.

Mainline Protestants (which includes ELCA Lutherans) averaged 49% correct answers to the whole survey, and only 45% of mainline Protestants answered more than half of the questions correctly. Of even more concern, mainline Protestants scored only 55% on questions about the Bible. Fewer than half of mainline Protestants correctly answered a multiple choice question identifying Job, knew that the Golden Rule is not one the Ten Commandments, or could name the four gospels. Just over half knew who Abraham was; more knew the first book of the Bible, the leader of the Exodus, and the birthplace of Jesus.

In all these categories, mainline Protestants were outscored by Jews, Mormons, Atheists/Agnostics, and evangelical Protestants (except the New Testament questions, on which Jews scored lower).

If you'd like to test your knowledge against the survey sample, you can find the survey questions-and the Pew Forum's published discussion-online. If you're really brave, let your congregation take the survey.

One of our principal challenges in the church is preaching the gospel to a society and even to a church that is less and less biblically literate. The Book of Faith initiative is part of the church's response to that challenge.

If you'd like to know more about your congregation's readiness and need for Bible study, visit the Book of Faith website and download the personal and group assessment tools. They don't test biblical knowledge like the Pew survey did, but they explore your congregation's attitudes toward Bible study. They can help you figure out where to begin to help your congregation become more fluent in the "first language of faith," the Bible.

Blessings,
Your Book of Faith advocates
 
Pastor John Rossing                         
Christ the King, Dalton, GA
706-278-3979
[email protected]              
                         
Michelle Angalet, Associate in Ministry
Good Shepherd, Woodstock, GA
770-924-7286
[email protected]

Annual Report Covers Available

From the recent article in "Seeds for the Parish"

 

Report coverAre you preparing to tell the story of how the Holy Spirit is at work in your congregation? The cover for your 2010 Annual Report is one way to bring this message to life. A personal message from Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson expresses our appreciation for financial gifts and encourages a renewed commitment to support God's mission. This cover is also an educational piece. The page featuring "Why We Give" has information about proportionate giving, regular giving and special offerings. The accounting of your mission support is also outlined. And the opening devotion on the inside front cover reminds us how our efforts are grounded in our baptism and God's calling to serve. These covers can be ordered by calling 800-638-3522, ext. 2580. Cost is $5.40 for a packet of 50 covers. 

Youth Ministry News

from Rachel Alley, Southeastern Synod Director of Youth Ministries 

 

Check out the latest January Youth Ministry E-news for detailed information and documents for upcoming synod youth events and training opportunities for youth workers.  


Do you know a college student? Download the Lutheran Student Movement Retreat Flyer  at http://www.elca-ses.org/Youth-Ministry-News.html for information about an upcoming spring retreat, Feb 4-6, 2011, at the Coastal Retreat Center on Isle of Palms, SC.  This event is for undergraduate and graduate students. Your student will meet other students from all across our region! It's a lot of fun and a weekend of renewal during spring semester.

 Lutheran Student Movement

 

 

Looking for a Week of Service and Mission? Check out the new mission week opportunity for Southeastern Synod High School Students at Lutheridge, Arden, NC called Southeastern Servants June 5-11.  Register at  www.llmi.net.

 

Registration forms for the following three events can be found at

http://www.elca-ses.org/Youth-Ministry-News.html.    

  • The Southeastern Synod Lutheran Youth Organization (SESLYO) Assembly is a gathering of youth leaders from all the congregations of the Southeastern Synod. This year our assembly will be at the Cherokee Retreat Center, in White, GA on Lake Allatoona, February 25-27, 2011. Our Theme is "ONE, be the change you wish to see in the world." We invite every congregation to send at least two youth--grades 6 through 12--to participate in this weekend of learning and leadership.  New board members will be elected to represent each conference, as well as a new executive board.  
  • All-Georgia Youth Gathering for grades 6-12 will be March 11-13, 2011.  This year's event will be at Ebenezer Retreat Center in Rincon, GA. The theme is "By Faith" with featured speaker, Pastor Jay Gamelin, Campus Pastor at Ohio State University.
  • AFFIRM is the ELCA-Southeastern Synod premier youth event for Discipleship and Leadership.  The 2011 event is June 19-24 at Berry College in Rome, GA.  
    • Adults who wish to participate as staff members can complete a staff application (see link above) that is due January 15th. 
    • The event is for youth in grades 6-12.  Want to learn more about AFFIRM?  There are lots of folks willing to come to your church and share information.  Contact Rachel Alley at [email protected] to schedule.  

 

God's Party By the Sea

The January 2011 issue of The Lutheran features Epiphany Lutheran Church in Suwanee, GA.  A year ago, an earthquake devastated Haiti.  Since then Lutheran youth have given their time and talents to help.  In the article "God's Party by the Sea," Allison Belfield from Epiphany tells how this congregation brought the "best camp ever" to Jacmel, Haiti. 

 

Also in the January issue of The Lutheran:  a report from the ELCA Church Council meeting ... learn how the "God gap" is narrowing, which may give the ELCA an opportunity to grow ... see how congregations are "Moving forward" following 2009 Churchwide Assembly actions ...

travel to Namibia to visit the Southwestern Washington Synod's companions in ministry ... find out how one woman was inspired to help congregations make Lutheran World Relief school kits ... and visit India, where Lutherans broadcast God's love.

Upcoming Events

 

January 15, 2011

Augsburg Fortress Music Clinic
St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 908 Murfreesboro Road; Franklin, TN 37064

 

This exciting event has been developed for the continuing education of today's church musicians. Held in a variety of locations across the nation, these events provide opportunities for church musicians to network, learn and be inspired. The clinic will feature a variety of choral, organ, and piano new music reading sessions to help plan for the coming season. Our expert clinicians offer valuable insights and ideas to help participants explore ways to revitalize and refresh worship in their local settings. In addition all attendees will enjoy a 15% discount on all featured Augsburg Fortress music ordered or purchased during the event. 
 
Go to Eventbrite to register and for schedule information. This event is free to all participants.

 

  

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.

 

To register, contact 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.

 

JANUARY 31 - FEBRUARY 1

Transition Pastors Gathering

 

Current and potential Transition Pastors are invited to a Gathering with Bishop Julian Gordy, Pastor Delmer Chilton and Pastor Darrel Peterson for a conversation about the nature of Transition Ministry in our Southeastern Synod.

 

WHERE: 
Living Grace Lutheran Church, 1812 Cooledge Road, Tucker, GA, 30084, (678) 406-9229.
 
meetingWHAT:
It is our expectation that all pastors currently involved or wishing to be involved in transition ministry in the Southeastern Synod will attend this Gathering. We will discuss opportunities and challenges, expectations and procedures relating to transition ministry.  We will review (in the process of being revised) transition manuals and materials.
 
COST:
Cost is $15 per person.  Click here to register on-line.
 
If you have questions, please contact Pastor Darrel Peterson in the synod office at 404-589-1977, ext 226. 


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," in a retreat setting at Lutheranch.  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 10, 2011

The St. Olaf Choir

 

The St. Olaf Choir from St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN will be performing in Memphis on their upcoming national tour. They will perform at St. John's Episcopal Church, 3245 Central Ave., Memphis, TN on Thursday, February 10th at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at www.stolaftickets.com or by calling 1-800-363-5487. 

 

 

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

 

 

 

AROUND THE SYNOD

 

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (GSLC) in Woodstock, GA recently donated proceeds from its Annual Fall Fair to two Cherokee County charities. GSLC gave $1,450 to Papa's Pantry and $1,450 to the Cherokee Family Violence Center. According to Meg Rogers, Executive Director of the CFVC, the money came just in time to replace a broken washing machine. Lynn Saunders, founder and director of Papa's Pantry, hopes the donation will help fund a part-time position at the pantry. 

 

(Submitted by Meredith Hale)

 

 GSLC

 

Meg Rogers, left, Executive Director of the Cherokee

County Family Violence Center accepts a $1,400 donation

from Molly Maher, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

Fall Fair committee member.

GSLC 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gai Lynn McCarthy, left, Good Shepherd Lutheran

Church Fall Fair Director, presents Lynn Saunders,

 founder of Papa's Pantry, with a $1,450 donation from

the proceeds of GSLC's annual fall fair.

 

 

****************************************************************************************************

 

Snapshot of the week:

 

 

 Steinhauer

  

Bishop Gordy, the Rev. Matthew Steinhauer and other synod clergy and friends at the Service of Ordination for Matt on January 2, 2011 at St. Andrew in Franklin, TN.

 

taken by Kristen Dineen

Synod Calendar
Jan 14-15  Synod Council at Community of Grace, Grayson, GA
Jan 16       Martin Luther King, Jr Service at Redeemer, Atlanta, GA
Jan 17       Martin Luther King, Jr Day of Service  (Synod Office Closed)
Jan 22       Global Mission Committee Meeting at Synod Office

View the entire Synod Calendar
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