Southeastern Synod
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
God's work. Our hands. E-News Weekly |
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Issue: #284
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August 24, 2011
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| ELCA Churchwide Assembly |
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The Twelfth Biennial Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) was held Aug. 15-19, 2011, at the Orlando World Center Marriott. The theme was "Freed in Christ to Serve." Some of the business conducted:
- ELCA Malaria Campaign officially launched "Genetics, Faith and Responsibility" social statement adopted
- Review process for social statements adopted
- Living into the Future Together implementing resolutions adopted
- 2012-2013 Budget proposals adopted
- Memorials and constitutional changes adopted
For more information on the work of the assembly, including daily legislative updates, videos and a news blog, visit www.elca.org/assembly
Reflections on the Churchwide Assembly by Southeastern Synod Voting Members and Volunteers are posted this week on on the synod blog. Photos taken during Assembly can be found on the synod Facebook page and Twitter feed (@SESynod).
*************************************************** At its final Plenary Session Friday morning, August 19, the Churchwide Assembly passed an Immigration Resolution, which was heavily based on the one approved by the European American Lutheran Association Board of Directors at its July Annual Meeting in Atlanta. Read the entire story here. |
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| Synod Volunteer Disaster Response Coordinator Training |
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The Synod Disaster Response Task Force announces upcoming training for new synod disaster response coordinators throughout the synod!
Synod Volunteer Disaster Response Coordinator Training Event
September 30 - October 2, 2011
Mercy House
4908 Kentucky Ave
Nashville, TN 37209
If you are aware of someone in your area that would like to serve as a volunteer disaster response coordinator please have them contact the synod Disaster Support and Development Coordinator, Diaconal Minister Sandra Braasch at
sbraasch07@gmail.com to register. |
| Southeastern Synod Convo | | |
2011 Southeastern Synod Leadership Convocation
The Truth Shall Make You Odd:
Speaking with Pastoral Integrity in Awkward Situations
Southeastern Synod Leadership Convocation
October 11-13, 2011
Lutheridge Camp and Conference Center
Arden, NC
A yearly gathering for the rostered leaders and church professionals of the Southeastern Synod, this year's Leadership Convocation will carry on the longstanding tradition of stimulating presentations, inspiring worship, Sabbath, and fellowship.
In addition, the 2011 gathering will provide opportunities for leaders to engage in discussion with Bishop Gordy, and with one another. Conversations in conference and cluster groups will provide the occasion for sharing thoughts and ideas with old and new friends alike.
Keynote speaker: Pastor Frank Honeycutt
Pastor Honeycutt is the Senior pastor of Ebenezer Lutheran Church in Columbia, S.C. He graduated from Clemson University in 1979 with a degree in Elementary and Special Education; from Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary (LTSS) in 1985 with a Master of Divinity; and from Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC) in 1998 with a Doctor of Ministry in Preaching. Pastor Honeycutt served 18 years in the Virginia Synod (Stephens City and Abingdon) before accepting a call to Ebenezer in 2003. He is the author of six books and numerous articles in various magazines, including The Lutheran, Journal for Preachers, and The Christian Century.
Special Guest: Barbara Keller
Barbara Keller has been the consultant to the ELCA for the Prevention of Sexual Misconduct since 2006. She presents workshops and seminars in synods, regions and seminaries on boundary and safe church issues. Barbara also provides information and resources to bishops, pastors, and congregants relevant to prevention and the many problems of sexual misconduct. Prior to her position at the ELCA, Barbara supervised a treatment program for sex offenders, domestic violence offenders, and victim/survivors in suburban Philadelphia.
To register, to view the agenda or for more information, go to:
http://www.elca-ses.org/Southeastern-Synod-Leadership-Convocation.html
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| Southeastern Synod Congregations Opportunity to be Featured in The Lutheran |
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 The December issue of The Lutheran will feature the Southeastern Synod Supplement. We will highlight how social media is impacting the ways Southeastern Synod congregations communicate and spread the Good News - and we need your stories!
If your congregation uses Facebook or Twitter, blogs or posts videos on YouTube to advance its mission and ministry, send your articles, photos and tips to us at synod.office@elca-ses.org. Don't worry--we will edit and combine information into an easy-to-read and understandable format.
Deadline for submission is Sept. 16. Please include your name, the name and city of your home congregation and the best way to reach you if we have questions.
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| Book of Faith Brief | |
http://www.bookoffaith.org/
As many congregations are heading into a new year of Bible studies and Christian education opportunities, one of the questions that often comes up, especially for those new to Bible study, is "What Bible should I use?" While there are many commendable Bibles available today, The Lutheran Study Bible is always a great place to start. It is available through Augsburg Fortress. Two other Bibles that are fairly new to the market are The Peoples' Bible and The Green Bible.
The Peoples' Bible provides study perspectives from people around the world. The Green Bible is intended to provide consideration of Scripture from the perspective of creation care. The Lutheran Study Bible and The Peoples' Bible can be found at www.augsburgfortress.org. The Green Bible can be found at www.harpercollins.com.
The book Choosing A Bible for Worship, Teaching, Study, Preaching and Prayer is a good tool to help us choose a Bible for the many ways in which we engage it. It can be found at www.cokesbury.com.
Your Book of Faith advocates,
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LTSS Celebrates 100 Years in Columbia | | |
 This year, Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary is celebrating 100 years of faithful ministry preparation on its Columbia campus and invites all congregations to join in the celebration! As the new school year begins at the seminary on August 29, please remember the seminary in prayer on that day and in the prayers of the faithful on the Sunday preceding (August 28).
If you are able, please join the seminary at its Opening Eucharist of the 181st Academic Year and the Re-dedication of the Campus on Thursday, September 1 at 7:00 PM in Christ Chapel.
Click here for more information about the 100th Anniversary visit. |
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More Synod Assembly Evaluation Questions | | |
We're back with more responses to your assembly comments:
"I would like to see some more attention to inclusive language. Loved the youth participation but wished there were fewer 'King' songs."
Yup, for those more sensitive to inclusive language (such as using less "he" language for God, or "reign" and "savior" rather than "kingdom" and "lord"), "praise" music often presents a problem. Much of this genre comes from denominations for whom worship language is just not that big of an issue. It would be great if more composers were sensitive to that, but options are still limited in this type of music. (Funny how much "contemporary" music uses archaic language!) Some musicians and pastors would like to use more "praise" music in worship, but find it very difficult to find the right combination of inclusive text, solid theology, and good music. (Sort of like balancing food you like to eat with food you should be eating!) In the meantime, there are a few out there such as "Dakota Road" who are more intentional in this area.
"The recorded music seemed unfortunate, given the presence of able musicians and a worshiping assembly capable of handling music more difficult than usual. In other words, we should've used live music instead of canned."
We assume you're talking about the Saturday youth dramas since that was the only time any recorded music was used during worship. If you're talking about the songs that were sung by the youth or assembly, the youth should consider themselves complimented - they provided the accompaniment for everything except the dramas (which were written specifically to be used with recorded music)! Way to go, youth! |
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LLMI Needs Your Help | | |
Friends of Lutheridge + Lutherock Ministries, Inc (LLMI)
LLMI needs your help! Please complete a survey related to the Lutheranch property to give feedback about programs and facilities you want to have offered in the future.
Just click this link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Lutheranch
OR
Go to www.Lutheranch.com and click on "Retreat Center Survey" under the "News and Volunteer" section (far right column at the bottom of the column).
This survey is part of a marketing study being completed for the Ministries by consultants from KALEIDOSCOPE Inc., a planning firm that focuses on camps, retreat centers and outdoor programs. Please share your opinions!
Be sure to visit www.llmi.net for information on retreats and events at Lutheridge, Lutherock and Lutheranch.
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2012 ELCA Board of Pension Contribution Rates Posted | | |
The 2012 contribution rates for the ELCA Board of Pensions are now posted on-line. Note: 2012 is set as the default on the online calculators. Rates for 2011 are still available by selecting 2011 from the drop-down menu.
Click the link below for:
Contribution rates look-up tool
Contribution amounts calculator
Total compensation calculator
News Release: 2012 ELCA benefit contribution rates announced
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Continuing Education | | |
2011-2012 Preaching Perspectives
 The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg is pleased to offer its sixteenth year of Preaching Perspectives. This four-part continuing education series offers valuable insights and resources for the task of preaching. Each presenter engages the biblical texts from the perspective of his or her particular discipline.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
ON Scripture Lectionary Presentation: Tying the Biblical Text to Current Events Through Exegesis and Interpretation
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Through the Lenses of the New Testament, Theology and Ethics: Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany
Thursday, January 26, 2012
ON Scripture Lectionary Presentation: Tying the Biblical Text to Current Events Through Exegesis and Interpretation
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Modern Day Miracle-Makers: Preaching on the Power of Community and Ephesians: Cultural Context Then and Now
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2011 Calling Congregations Conference
October 6-8, 2011
Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center
Hosted by The Fund for Theological Education
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Around the Synod | | |
Free to a good home:
 Advent Lutheran Church in Augusta, GA has 75 metal folding chairs,along with a rack to store the chairs and five 8' long folding tables available for free to any congregation which is in need of them. They do not have the funds to ship them, but are willing to work with a congregation in need to arrange the transfer. If interested, please contact Pastor Matthew Lash, Advent Lutheran Church, 706-860-0439.
Two desks--matching set. Light brown in color, no lock, about 28 inches deep
and a little over 5 feet long. The price is right (FREE) but need to be moved out of present location at Redeemer, Atlanta before the end of the month. Contact Pastor Haco von Hacke. |
| Synod Calendar Highlights | | |
August 25
Reports for Southeastern Synod Council Deadline Extended to August 25
August 31
Budget and Finance Committee Conference Call
September 5
Labor Day (Synod Office Closed)
September 9-10
Synod Council Meeting, Cross of Life, Roswell, GA
September 15-18
Southeastern Synod Women of the ELCA Convention
September 17
Lutheran Night at the Braves
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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