Southeastern Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
God's work. Our hands. E-News Weekly |
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ELCA News | |
ELCA Members Donate $750,000 for Japan Earthquake Response
Members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) have contributed nearly $750,000 in response to the massive earthquake and tsunami that struck northern Japan March 11. Read more.
ELCA, Episcopal Church to Celebrate 10 Years of Full Communion
The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), will preside at a celebratory worship service in Buffalo, N.Y., May 1, marking the 10th anniversary of the full communion relationship of the ELCA and The Episcopal Church. Read more.
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Get your dose of Daily Grace!
Daily Grace, the much-awaited iPhone app from Women of the ELCA, is now available! Daily Grace is an on-the-go companion for your journey, offering a faith reflection every day. In these brief writings you'll encounter God's extravagant, boundless and often surprising grace. You will be comforted, challenged, inspired, consoled and confronted. In an easy-to-use approach, the daily reflection stirs you to live out your baptismal calling. Take time to reflect, offer a prayer and prepare for the day. Read the daily message or choose Random Grace. Go to http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/wo-dailygrace/id425207945 for more information and to download this free app. |
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The Lenten Journey | |
by Rev. Dr. Joy Harrell Blaylock St Paul's Lutheran Church, Mobile, AL
The Lenten journey has not always been one that I have embraced readily. So, this year, my first Lent as a pastor, I am trying to focus on this time as one of gift and journey. I have been reading Sarah Parson's A Clearing Season and have been inspired by her words and thoughts about the ways in which this season can provide us with an opportunity for clearing and new growth.
In addition to the somber tones and appropriate lamenting of this season, we begin Lent by going alone to a wild place--in ourselves and in our lives. If we are fiercely honest with ourselves as we begin this journey toward greater openness, we probably see some things we would rather not see and feel things we would rather not feel.
Read more on the synod blog. |
Hunger Walk Totals | |
Totals from the March 2011 Hunger Walk have begun to come in, and we just received word that Lutheran Services of Georgia did reach the overall goal of $68,000! Eight of the top ten fundraising churches are Southeastern Synod congregations. Congratulations and good job, everyone!
Top 10 Congregations
1) St. John's, Atlanta, $10,740
2) Trinity, Lilburn, $10,520
3) Prince of Peace, Alpharetta, $6,140
4) Cross of Life, Roswell, $4,850
5) Grace, Carrollton, $4,190
6) Holy Trinity, Marietta, $3,500
7) Christ the Lord, Lawrenceville, $3,260
8) St. Mark (LCMS), Tucker, $2,670
9) Oak Road (LCMS), Lilburn, $2,430
10) Messiah, Decatur, $2,215
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Book of Faith Brief | |
BOOK OF FAITH JUBILEE INSPIRES EVERYDAY PEOPLE TO ENGAGE THE BIBLE
April 29-May 1, 2011 The second Book of Faith Jubilee at Luther Seminary, Inspiring Everyday People to Engage the Bible, builds on the inaugural 2009 event, Equipping Everyday People to Read the Bible. From April 29-May 1, pastors, lay persons and congregational leaders will continue the conversation. The Jubilee will be hosted by Luther Seminary in partnership with the ELCA Book of Faith Initiative, Augsburg College and Augsburg Fortress. Through presentations, conversation and practical takeaways, this conference will inspire and equip congregational leaders to lead their congregations into reading the Bible in engaging new ways. Four inspiring keynote presentations will be given by:
Nadia Bolz-Weber, pastor, House for All Sinners and Saints, Denver, Colo.
Craig Koester, professor of New Testament, Luther Seminary
John Roberto, president and founder, LifelongFaith Associates
Jessicah Duckworth, associate professor of Christian formation and teaching, Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington, D.C. Workshops will be led by Luther Seminary faculty and ecumenical church leaders, and include: Bible Fluency and Adults Brain Secrets for Engaging Scripture Diversity in the Bible Engaging the Bible in Confirmation Imagining the Uses of Bible in Worship No-Prep Bible Study Method Storytelling as Biblical Engagement in a Digital Culture Registration is now open for the Book of Faith Jubilee. For more information or to register, visit www.luthersem.edu/jubilee or call 651-641-3416. The Book of Faith Initiative kicked off in August 2007. The purpose of the initiative is to increase biblical literacy and fluency for the sake of the world. 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] |
Southeastern Synod Trip to Guatemala | |
It's not too late--a few spaces are still open for the Southeastern Synod trip to Guatemala, May 21-28, 2011.
Our Southeastern Synod has a companion relationship with the Iglesia Luterana Agustina de Guatemala (ILAG), founded by Padre Horacio Castillo and his family. This year, ILAG celebrates 20 years as a Lutheran presence in Guatemala (see letter below), and our synod has walked with these brothers and sisters for many of those years. We have learned much from each other, and we continue to share our resources and our passion for mission and ministry, with reciprocity, mutuality, and respect.
One of the best tools for cultivating this relationship is an annual trip by a delegation of people from our synod. Each year, the pastoral team of ILAG develops an itinerary that offers rich engagement with the land and the people of Guatemala - as well as a thorough immersion into the ministries of the ILAG in that region. IDEAL for the adventurer, this annual excursion promises to both inspire and challenge all who participate.
This year's trip, from May 21-28, will be no exception. The Southeastern Synod group will go from the ILAG Lutheran Center in Guatemala to the rural village of Israel.
While in this village, the delegation will stay with families, share meals, engage with the children, worship together, and learn about all the joys and the struggles of everyday life. Healthcare activities will also be included, as well as extended opportunities for prayer and conversation. A visit to Antigua Guatemala and to Pacaya Volcano will be included in this trip as well.
The cost for the trip, including airfare, will be from $1,200 to $1,500, depending on the number of people in the delegation. To reserve your spot, or for more information, please contact Pastor Nancy Christensen, as soon as possible!
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20th anniversary of ILAG founding
Dear Friends of the Augustinian Lutheran Church in Guatemala (ILAG): This year marks the 20th anniversary of ILAG's founding by Padre Horacio Castillo and his wife, Pastor Esther Echeverria de Castillo. Since 1991, they have worked tirelessly to minister to the poorest of the poor in Guatemala. The ILAG now has 19 congregations and 4 mission sites in both rural and urban areas. Throughout their history the ILAG's Pastoral Leadership Team has wisely used available resources to grow ministries addressing needs in the areas of education, leadership development, health, and sanitation. In recent years they have expanded Women's and Youth ministries. In honor of this anniversary a goal has been set to send a gift to the ILAG totaling $20,000 from its two partner ELCA synods, Southeastern and St. Paul. This gift will be designated for travel expenses of the ILAG pastors and leaders within Guatemala. This designation was chosen because one of the most significant challenges for Padre Castillo and the Pastoral Team is transportation costs for travel to their rural congregations, and also the expense of bringing leaders from rural areas to the Lutheran Center in Guatemala City. If you and/or your congregation would like to contribute, please send your special contributions to the Saint Paul Area Synod (105 W. University Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55103), with a memo designating it for "ILAG 20th Anniversary Gift." Our hope is that this gift expresses our heartfelt support of this vital and growing ministry. And, please don't forget that your regular gifts to ILAG, especially those to assist with Pastor Amanda's salary, are always important, too! All regular gifts to support ILAG should continue to be sent to the Southeastern Synod, at 100 Edgewood Ave. NE, Suite 1600, Atlanta, GA 30303. Que Dios les bendiga, (May God bless you all) Southeastern Synod ILAG Task Force
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2011 Glocal Mission Gathering Schedule | |
SAVE THE DATES
August 4-6, 2011
Christ the King Lutheran Church
5575 Peachtree Parkway
Norcross, GA 30092-2551
The Global Mission Gathering (GMG) gathers congregational leaders for worship, workshops and sharing around global and local mission.
Cost is $35.00 per person.
Registration Information
Click to Register |
Youth and Young Adults | |
SYNOD CAMPFIRMATION AT LUTHERIDGE (FAITH ALIVE)
Do you have middle school aged youth in your congregation who are presently going through confirmation instruction? Have you thought about sending them to confirmation camp? Maybe you haven't 'cause you thought you had to be part of a cluster, teach it yourself, or stay the whole week.
None of that is true! June 5th-11th, the Southeastern Synod will be offering confirmation camp at Lutheridge with its Faith Alive! program for any middle school aged youth in our synod to participate in. The theme is: "What I believe directs where I'm going: a look at Christian Values and Vocations." This will be led by Pastors Kevin Strickland and Nancy Christensen, as well as guest teaching by Bishop Julian Gordy.
Adult leaders are encouraged (but not required) to join their youth for the week at camp. Participate in teaching sessions and camp activities. Form lasting relationships with youth as well as time for fellowship with other youth leaders. Continuing education will be offered for both lay and clergy leaders, giving specifics for helping youth form strong Christian values and make full use of their gifts in both church and community.
For more information or to register for Faith Alive (both campers and adults) go to LLMI.net, click on Summer - then middle school and scroll down to FAITH ALIVE! Cost is $422 if registration is completed before April 15.
If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Kevin Strickland at 865-982-4285 or [email protected]
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SOUTHEAST SERVANTS
That same week (June 5-11), High School Youth are invited to come to Lutheridge and join other Southeast Servants (for youth who will have completed grades 9-12 by summer 2011).
This is a week that combines the opportunity to reach out with the love of Jesus Christ through service along with the fellowship and fun of camp. The mission work includes on-site work as well as a visit to helping agencies to learn of their mission. Days will be filled with mission work, devotions and singing, recreational activities, and fellowship fun (and one "sleep in" morning). The week is both for youth groups and individuals. Southeast Servants is a valuable way to introduce mission work and experience the love of Christ in the service of others. Rachel Alley, Southeastern Synod Director of Youth Ministries, will be the leader. For adults who will be chaperoning their youth that week of camp, there will be on-site youth ministry training led by Rachel Alley as well.
For information or to register (both campers and adults) go to LLMI.net, click on Summer - then High School and scroll down to SOUTHEAST SERVANTS. Cost is $422 if registration is completed before April 15.
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DON'T DELAY! AFFIRM IS ONLY 2� MONTHS AWAY!
There is still room but some units are filling up fast! Affirm is the Southeastern Synod's Summer Discipleship and Leadership Event at Berry College in Rome, Georgia, June 19-24th. Our theme this year is : "The Rock."
Affirm is for youth who have finished 6th-12th grades and Young Adults who are the age of college freshmen or sophomores who will receive 30 hours of Hands on Youth Ministry training in YAYMI. You can register online at www.sesyouth.org and pay with Paypal or send a check with the rest of your paperwork! Cost is $350. On Monday of Affirm, Nashville Musician Eric Bledsoe will join us for a concert. Have questions? Contact Rachel at [email protected]. |
ELCA Board of Pensions | |
Board of Pensions Health plan members: Did you know that that the BOP offers several ways for you to earn personal wellness dollars for 2011? Two of the ways are taking the ELCA Health Assesment and completing the Board of Pensions GO! Challenge.
The Health Assesment is:
- an online tool that helps you take stock of your health and lifestyle habits in less than 30 minutes
- confidential; personal health information you enter is protected
- available on the Mayo Clinic EmbodyHealth web portal January 1 - September 30
Through a series of questions it:
- asks for your medical numbers or estimates - height, weight, waist measurement, cholesterol (HDL, LDL, total), triglycerides, blood sugar (glucose) and blood pressure
- identifies your health strengths and risks
- recommends strategies to maintain or improve health
- delivers a personal action plan
Taking it:
- earns you a $150 personal wellness account credit (both plan member and eligible spouse can earn credit)
Take it today!
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Take the Board of Pensions' four-week 2011 GO! Challenge.
The GO! Challenge is a wellness learning tool, founded on the Wholeness Wheel and supportive of whole-person health. As a participant, you'll:
- Take stock of your current healthy activities
- Identify one or two "stretch" activities you'd like to work on
- Track your activity for four weeks
- Consider which new behavior you'll continue
Also new this year - share your GO! experiences on Facebook. Post photos, videos and stories on the Board of Pensions' new Live Well ELCA Facebook page or e-mail them to us at [email protected]. Either way, we'd like to include them in the Healthy Leaders e-newsletter.
ELCA-primary health plan members, completing the GO! Challenge will help you earn your 2011 personal wellness dollars.
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Continuing Education | |
The annual conference of the Center for Catholic and Evangelical Theology will be held June 14-16 at Loyola University Maryland, Baltimore, MD, on the theme "Who Do You Say That I Am? Proclaiming and Following Jesus Today." Speakers will include Carl Braaten, Fleming Rutledge, Dale Alison, and Michael Root. The meaning of Jesus for our faith and discipleship will be addressed from various angles - New Testament studies, contemporary theology, pastoral care, preaching, and ethics. Lutheran, Catholic, Episcopal, Methodist, and Presbyterian traditions will be represented. The conference is particularly aimed at pastors.
Further information can be found at the Center website www.e-ccet.org. Online registration is at www.acteva.com/go/ccet. |
AROUND THE SYNOD | |
Faith Lutheran Church in Lebanon, TN, has hosted a disaster recovery volunteer camp since shortly after the May 2010 floods. Volunteers from many faith traditions have come from across the country to help people return to normal. Up to 40 volunteers can be housed onsite. The camp is a collaborative effort with Celebration Lutheran Church, Mt. Juliet, Orphan Grain Train; St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Loganville, WI, Lutheran Services of Tennessee and Lutheran Disaster Response. Pastor Matt Steinhauer says: "I was an intern here when Pastor Morgan Gordy orchestrated this volunteer housing after the flood almost a year ago. I never dreamed that a congregation this small would play such an important role in the ongoing recovery effort. Volunteers who come here thank us over and over again for the hospitality and accommodations. They will never know the extent of the life, energy, and gifts they bring to us. This will be a milestone in the life and history of this worshiping community!"
Pastor P. Morgan Gordy was installed as pastor of Christ Lutheran Church, Nashville on March 13. This was a glorious multi-cultural event. Christ ELCA in Nashville has Swahili, Korean and Spanish speaking congregations meeting in their building. There were representatives from all the congregations at the service. Bishop Gordy had the pleasure of preaching for his wife's installation.
On March 26 in Dallas, TX, the Rev. Dr. Joel Emerson was officially recognized with board certification by the National Association of Professional Chaplains. He is serving as a chaplain at Vanderbilt's Children's Hospital in Nashville, TN. He also serves part-time at Peace Lutheran Church in Spring Hill, TN
Pastor Rick Mason will be participating in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, engaging in an annual golf marathon at The Pines in Millbrook AL on Thursday, April 14. He will see how many holes he can play, while walking, in one day. Last year he reached his goal of 100 holes and this year hopes for even more! We will report his success in an upcoming issue. Pastor Mason is accepting donations for this worthy cause and asking for prayers. Facebook subscribers can find out more at
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=192947544079726
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Shades Valley Lutheran Church, located in beautiful Homewood, AL, is in need of musician(s) for the following ministries:
- Organ and piano for worship services including prelude, postlude, liturgy, hymns, and accompaniment for choir and instrumentalists
- Bell and chime choirs (kindergarten through adult)
- Choir director (adults)
Music is an integral part of the ministry at SVLC. Musicians must work well with the pastor, staff, council, and volunteers as part of the overall ministry of the church. Each of these positions is part-time. If one candidate can fulfill all roles, workload will be approximately 25 hours per week. Applicants may apply for all responsibilities or part. Responses may be e-mailed to [email protected] or faxed to 205-871-3522.
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Finally----You thought he looked familiar...
Paul McDonald, a 2005 Lutheridge summer camp staff member, recently became a top finalist on American Idol, which guarantees him a spot on the next American Idol tour. All Lutheridge friends are encouraged to join the staff, campers and Paul McDonald's fans to tune in to American Idol (Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8 EST / 7 CST on Fox) and to vote for Paul.
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Synod Calendar Highlights | |
April 12
Nominating Committee Conference Call
April 14-16
Candidacy Committee Meeting, Synod Office
April 15
Synod Assembly Resolutions Deadline
Synod Assembly Reports Due
April 22
Good Friday (Synod Office closed)
April 29-May 1
Alassippi Youth Gathering, Gulf Shores Christian Retreat Center
May 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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