Southeastern Synod
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
God's work. Our hands. E-News Weekly |
| Issue: #264 | March 30, 2011 | |
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| ELCA News | | |
ELCA's Southern Seminary, Lenoir-Rhyne University to Merge
Plans are under way for two higher education institutions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) to merge. Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, Columbia, S.C., will unite with Lenoir-Rhyne University, Hickory, N.C.
Under the proposal, Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary will become the university's school of theology, while retaining its name and own identity within the university. It will continue to operate in Columbia, S.C., and remain as one of eight ELCA seminaries, according to a news release from the seminary. Lenoir-Rhyne is one of 26 ELCA colleges and universities.
Read more.
Japanese Lutheran Church President Thanks ELCA Members
The president of the Japan Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Rev. Sumiyuki Watanabe, expressed his gratitude to members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) for their response to the massive March 11 earthquake and tsunami.
Read more.
ELCA Missionaries Returning to Egypt
Six missionaries of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America (ELCA) will return to the ministries they serve in Egypt by the end of March. The six were among 10 missionaries temporarily evacuated from Cairo Feb. 1 on flights arranged by the U.S. government, because of protests against the government of former President Hosni Mubarak. Read more.
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Journeys | | |
by the Rev. Nancy Christensen
"Wouldn't take nothing for my journey now."
- Maya Angelou
 "Everything's good! I'm about 50 miles in so far. I love you!"
The text message flashed at 1:27 p.m. on Thursday, March 24, just as my plane was landing in Atlanta from Chicago. It may not seem very significant, but every small word I receive from my son Michael these days gets my full attention. Last Saturday, March 19, he set out on foot from the approach trail at Amicalola Falls in north Georgia to hike 2,188 miles on the Appalachian Trail, spanning 14 states. Sometime in late August or early September, he will finish his hike at Mount Katahdin in Maine.
This is a journey he has been wanting to make for about 20 of his 24 years; a trek he has dreamed about, and talked about for as long as I can remember. I knew how important it was to him, and I had every confidence that he would always be physically active; but I confess that I wasn't absolutely sure he'd be able to go through with an endeavor this great. Not even accounting for the time commitment and the cost involved, I just suspected that the physical endurance required would make this journey nearly impossible.
Read more on the synod blog. |
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Welcome, Dr. Everett Flanigan | | |
 Dr. Everett Flanigan, Director for African American/Black Outreach and Leadership for the ELCA Congregation and Synodical Missions Unit, will be relocating to Atlanta, GA to work with the Southeastern Synod, beginning on April 1, 2011. Dr. Flanigan's specific job description is still being developed, but he will join the bishop's staff to address the missional needs of congregations in our synod. We are delighted to welcome him as a partner in ministry!
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Assembly Information | | |
Two important assemblies are coming up: the Southeastern Synod Assembly, to be held June 3, 4 & 5, 2011 at the Renaissance Waverly Hotel, Atlanta, GA and the ELCA Churchwide Assembly to be held August 15-19, 2011 at the Orlando World Center Marriott.
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Southeastern Synod Assembly
Information about the Synod Assembly and the registration form can be found at www.elca-ses.org/Assembly.html. The deadline for online registration is May 15, 2011.
NOMINATION DEADLINE: Bio Forms Due April 3
Sunday, April 3 is the final deadline to submit biographical forms for consideration by the Synod Nominating Committee for the following positions to be elected at the 2011 Synod Assembly:
Consultation Committee
3 Clergy (6-year terms), male or female
2 Lay Males (6-year terms)
Discipline Committee
2 Clergy (6-year terms), male or female
1 Lay Female (6-year term)
1 Lay Male (6-year term)
1 Lay Male (4-year unexpired term)
Synod Council
1 Youth Member (2-year term), male or female, must be at least in the 10th grade and able to complete the two-year term prior to high school graduation
1 At-Large Clergy (2-year term), male or female
1 At-Large Lay Person (2-year term), gender and possible designation as a multicultural position depend on the outcome of Conference representative elections
Click HERE for more information about these positions. The final deadline for submission of biographical forms to be considered by the Nominating Committee: April 3, 2011.
Pictorial Directory to Highlight 2011 Synod Assembly
 Do you ever wonder who attends Synod Assembly? Or forget their names once you get back home? Problem solved! This year at Assembly we will compile a pictorial directory to be published and distributed once completed. Those included in the directory will be clergy, associates in ministry, diaconal ministers, deaconesses, and members of Synod Council and staff. If you are rostered but already have a picture you like, you may submit it to Margery at margerykellar@comcast.net prior to Assembly weekend. If you don't have a current one, changed your "do," or just want another chance to "watch the birdie," a booth where digital photos can be taken will be available during Assembly weekend!
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ELCA Churchwide Assembly
Click here to link to the page for the Churchwide Assembly.
Interested in attending the Churchwide Assembly as an observer? Each congregation of the ELCA may register one congregational observer prior to May 31. What does being a congregational oberserver mean? Provisions are made for congregational observers to have reserved seating in the observers section of the plenary hall and to receive a copy of the report of recommendations for assembly action and also materials distributed on the plenary floor to voting members, advisory members, and non-voting members during the assembly. Of course, observers have neither voice nor vote in plenary sessions of the assembly.
Transportation costs, housing, other meals, and related expenses are the responsibility of the registered observer or sending congregation. The registration fee for congregational observers is $150. (A meal package is not included in the registration fee, but may be purchased separately.)
Please contact the Assembly Registrar at 800-638-3522 ext 2840, or via e-mail to CWARegistrar@elca.org if you have additional questions.
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Legislation Affecting ELCA Health Plan | | |
President Obama signed the health care reform bill into law March 30, 2010. On an ongoing basis, the ELCA Board of Pensions (BOP) is assessing the impact of this law and its regulations on the ELCA health plan, and adapting the plan to meet requirements.
 To support this process, the BOP senior benefits team is engaged in ongoing research and consultation with denominational colleagues through the Church Alliance. Together, they are actively interpreting and assessing this law to help ensure that government officials understand the unique needs of our clergy and lay memberships. The Church Alliance represents nearly 40 denominations, and monitors federal and state legislative and regulatory activities related to church benefit programs.
Recent Developments
- In December, 2010, the IRS published final guidance on the small business health care tax credit which included specific information about the eligibility of small church employers providing coverage under self-funded church plans like the ELCA's health plan. The filing deadline for this credit is May 15, 2011. Learn more by reading Church Employers and the Small Business Health Tax Credit.
- Effective January 1, 2011, ELCA-primary health coverage is expanded to make adult children and step-children eligible for coverage until age 26, regardless of student status, marital status or tax-dependent status - as long as they are not eligible for group health coverage offered by their employer. Learn more ...
- Effective January 1, 2011, ELCA-primary health coverage and ELCA Medicare-primary health coverage have no lifetime maximum benefit limit.
- Effective January 1, 2011, ELCA-primary health plan members are not able to be reimbursed from personal wellness accounts and health care flexible spending accounts (FSAs) for over-the-counter drugs purchased without a doctor's prescription.
To get the complete overview, click here. |
| Book of Faith Brief | |
But he answered, "It is written, 'One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" (Matthew 4:4)
These "Book of Faith Briefs" often feature Book of Faith books and studies from Augsburg Fortress, and we have used Book of Faith Bible studies in workshops at synod events. But the Book of Faith Initiative isn't mainly about curriculum or published resources, and this is a good time to remember what it is about. The BFI is a commitment by the ELCA to increase biblical literacy and fluency among its members. It is intended to make our church a community in which people are encouraged to study and discuss the Bible - our book of faith - together.
The Gospel for the First Sunday in Lent reminded us why a movement like this is necessary. When Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness, it was on the basis of Scripture that Jesus resisted. And not just by quoting Bible verses; after all, Satan was able to do that, too. Jesus was able to properly interpret the Scriptures and apply them to his situation at that moment, and to see how Satan was trying to mislead him.
People in the ELCA need to become fluent in the language of the Bible. But we also need to learn how to understand the message of the Bible as it applies to us in our various life contexts. All the different events, publications, social networking, and advocacy that make up the Book of Faith Initiative are meant to help ELCA congregations in that effort. If your Synod Book of Faith advocates can assist you in any way, please let us know.
Blessings,
Your Book of Faith advocates
Pastor John Rossing
Christ the King, Dalton, GA
706-278-3979
ctkdalton@optilink.us
Michelle Angalet, Associate in Ministry
Good Shepherd, Woodstock, GA
770-924-7286
michelle.angalet-gslc@comcast.net |
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News from LLMI | | |
Lutheranch
Anonymous Donor Provides Mortgage Relief for Lutheranch
 A very good friend of Lutheranch, who wishes to remain anonymous, has provided relief from the burden of the $2.6 million outstanding loan balance on the Lutheranch property by providing a 12-year loan at just 0.5% interest. Even though the original appeal to pay for the Lutheranch property met its $3.5 million goal, the loss of a promised $1.4 million gift left Lutheranch in a position that made it difficult to both develop the land and keep up with the mortgage.
This generous action also means that over $600,000 in remaining pledge payments from The Challenge campaign will now go to reducing the loan principal and not to interest payments. Proceeds from Standing on the Promise will go toward construction of the multi-use retreat center and to further reduce the loan balance, resulting in a reduction of over $1 million. A future campaign for youth facilities will further lessen the loan balance, which will then be able to be covered through budgetary means.
Also, the 2011 planned expansion of the Holy Trinity House has been completed thanks to volunteers from Alabama, Georgia, and North Carolina. A special is being offered for council retreats. Book a council retreat for 2011 and receive a 20% discount off the final invoice. Contact Suzanne at 828-684-2361 ext.309 or sdelap@llmi.org to see about available dates.
Lutheridge - Upcoming Events
Create in Me: Exploring Arts & Faith at Lutheridge
Thursday-Sunday ~ April 28-May 1, 2011
Theme: God's Creation ~ Broken, but Beautiful!
Bible Study Leader: Rev. Dr. Nancy Hess
Worship Leader: Pastor Mary Canniff-Kuhn
Plus more than 30 other artist/leaders excited to share their skills and faith
Come to experience Christian Community like no other! Allow God's Creative Spirit more room in your life. Make new connections with Creation and the Creator. Try something new in a place where you cannot fail. Be refreshed and re-created! See registration details at www.llmi.net ~ Recent News.
Family Servant Adventure
July 31 - August 6, 2011
Bring your family and/or other families from your church to learn and practice the four keys of passing on the faith (Caring Conversations, Devotions, Rituals & Traditions, Service) and MANY OTHER practical faith tools. Experience servant work as a family and learn how to process such experiences for all ages. Jim LaDoux from Vibrant Faith Ministries will lead adult sessions and intergenerational exercises designed to strengthen faith formation in the family. Enjoy crafts, pool, games, songs, worship and other camp fun AND grow in practical skills you can take home and teach in your congregation! For more information or to register visit: www.llmi.net. Click on Summer Adult - Family Camp at Lutheridge - Family Servant Adventure.
Come for HALF PRICE! Those who are paid for 15 hours or more a week in a church setting (regardless of job or denomination) can come to either of these programs for half price. (Your immediate FAMILY is half-price for Family Camp!) thanks to a Thrivent Wellness Grant. Come to be refreshed yourself, and to take home tools for ministry! For more information about this visit: www.llmi.net ~ Click on NEWS then "Heath & Wellness Info Sheet" (bottom right corner). |
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Seminary Launches "Discover Southern" Website | | |
 Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary just launched a new website for prospective students and others wanting to learn more about the student experience at LTSS: www.discoversouthern.com. You'll find helpful video messages from students, faculty, and alumni, as well as other information that will help you get to know our seminary community better. As always, you can find details on seminary news & events, degree programs, and other detailed information on the seminary's official website, www.ltss.edu. Please take a few minutes and Discover Southern. You'll be glad you did.
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AROUND THE SYNOD | | |
Thirteen members of Messiah Lutheran Church, Knoxville, TN, just returned from eight days in Guatemala. Pastor Eric Murray reports, "We had an amazing, sobering, faith  deepening experience during our time in Antigua, Chuchuca, and Guatemala City." To see some of the photo highlights and status summaries, you can visit Messiah's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Messiah-Lutheran-Church/192756691864.
(For the latest from synod partner, the Lutheran Chuch in Guatemala, view the March update at www.elca-ses.org/Global-Mission.html.)
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St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Franklin, TN has an Allen R330 three-manual digital organ with standard speakers and equipment for sale. It is about 10 years old and in mint condition. The selling price is $20,000. The buyer is welcome to play the organ and talk to our organist for more questions. Please call the church office and speak to the Parish Administrator at 615-794-1624, ext. 10. |
| Synod Calendar Highlights | | |
April 1
Personnel Committee Meeting, Synod Office
April 1-2
Region 9 Global Missions Gathering, Columbia SC
April 3
Deadline to submit bios for 2011 Elections
April 14-16
Candidacy Committee Meeting, Synod Office
April 15
Deadline to register for Synod Assembly
View the entire Synod Calendar |
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ELCA-Southeastern Synod
100 Edgewood Ave. NE, Suite 1600
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-589-1977
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