The Southeastern Synod will meet in Assembly June 3-5, 2011 at Marriott's Renaissance Waverly Hotel, Atlanta GA.

The theme for 2011 will be "Listen to Your Children Praying"

Our special guest speaker will be the Rev. Andrew D. Genszler, Director of Advocacy at the ELCA Washington Office. 

Find out more about the Synod Assembly or register at www.elca-ses.org/Assembly.html.

Consultation / Discipline Nominees Needed

The Synod Nominating Committee must identify several candidates for positions on the Consultation and Discipline Committees, to be elected at the 2011 Synod Assembly. These committees rarely meet, and it is very possible that elected members may not ever meet during their terms. It is very important, though, that both groups have wise, responsible members who would be able to step in and serve if needed.

The purpose of the Consultation Committee is to provide advice to Bishop Gordy in investigating situations that are potentially matters for formal discipline. The Discipline Committee is a pool of individuals who would be available for potential participation in disciplinary hearings, according to ELCA procedures.

Both clergy and lay candidates are needed for both committees. If you know of persons you believe would be good candidates for these committees, please urge them to consider making themselves available for nomination. Additional information about the positions is available HERE. Persons who are interested in service must complete the 2011 Biographical Form and submit it no later than March 15.     

In the van after school one day I was trying to explain to my son, Spencer, and daughters, Casey and Jamie, why we have Ash Wednesday and how the pastor puts ashes on people's foreheads.  Jamie began wondering what she should give up for Lent when Spencer announced, "I think I'll give up Ash Wednesday."  No way was the pastor going to dump ashes on him. 

(c) Peanuts

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The Rev. Dr. Tim Smith, senior pastor of the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Atlanta, GA, brings a message for Transfiguration Sunday to Day1 Radio.  Based on Matthew 17:1-9, the message is entitled "Don't Just Do Something-Sit There!" Be sure to tune in to your local Day1 radio station affiliate, listen to the program or read the sermon transcript online. Visit Day1.org  find out how and to share responses to Tim's message.

Speaking of Redeemer...On Sunday March 6, Redeemer launches "House of the Rock," a gathering of servants focused on caring for the community.  Check their video at http://www.houseoftherock.org/.

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Free to a good home:   38 Lutheran Books of Worship in good condition.   Contact Fred Covalt at Messah Lutheran Church, Decatur, GA  404-292-7807.

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Heartburn Chili Cook-Off at Good Shepherd Lutheran in Woodstock, GA

Congratulations to Holly and Madison Jones for serving the tastiest chili at the First Annual Heart Burn Chili Cook-Off!  Their "Kickin' Chicken Chili"  took top prize.

Congratulations as well to Kevin Homer for the best chili name -  "Lament to Lazarus!"

(left to right) Meredith Bauer and Brenda Kviten flank Holly and Madison Jones, who took top honors for their "Kickin' Chicken Chili."

Debbie Baumgartner during taste testing.

A great time was had by all those who cooked - and ate - the chili.  Over $750 was raised for Good Shepherd's youth ministry.