by Christine-Post Duncan

ELCA Regional Gift Planner

Many people put off getting a will because they feel they are not old enough to need one. They think to themselves, "I will take care of this later." However, that is not the case with the Rev. Mary Mappus Finklea of Florence, SC. Mary, 33, and her husband Wade, 35, recognize that a will, along with an estate plan, is important at any age.

Although your estate may be modest, you still have the right (and responsibility) to make your own decisions regarding the disposition of your assets, and not leave it up to the state.

For Pastor Finklea, this includes designing bequests for her local congregation, seminary, synod, ELCA and the other social ministries she supports. Mary's strong belief in giving was influenced by her maternal grandfather. "He always managed to tithe regardless of his financial situation, firmly believing God comes first," Mary said. "'God receives the first fruits of our offering, not leftovers,' he told me. We are to be wise stewards of all that we have."

There are several reasons for having a will earlier in life: 

1. There is the possibility, though remote, that death could come by accident or illness;
2. If you have minor children, it is extremely important to make plans for their care; Through a will you can name custodians for dependents and trustees for family trusts;
3. Getting your will in place while you are younger will make it easier to adjust it later as the need arises; and

4. Pastor Finklea

   Peace of mind is a wonderful blessing at any age. Having a valid will in place will give you a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. You will appreciate knowing that you have cared for one of the most important responsibilities in life.

"I want my family to know what I did and encourage them to make their own plans," Mary explained. "If sharing my story helps other people to write their will and possibly make a gift to the church, then I'm willing to share it."

To request a complimentary Will workbook or learn more about options for gifting to ministry, please contact Christine Post-Duncan, ELCA Regional Gift Planner for NC, SC and Southeastern Synods, via e-mail or toll-free at 1-866-630-3522.

Upcoming Volunteer Disaster Response Coordinator Training

The Synod Disaster Response Task Force announces upcoming training for new synod disaster response coordinators throughout the synod!
 

Want to learn some proven techniques for engaging people in worship? 

Want to build new skills for encouraging the faith formation of children, youth or adults? 

Augsburg Fortress & Sparkhouse offer FREE 30 to 60 minute webinars on a wide range of helpful topics!  Bookmark this webpage & check it often for the latest list of free and informative webinars: www.augsburgfortress.org/webinars. 

April 12-15, 2012 (Thursday-Sunday)

Come and Explore!

Stained glass, clay, icons, origami, woodworking, yoga, watercolor, healing touch, blogging, paper-making, bee-keeping... and more! 

Catch a vision of God's creative energy moving in miraculous ways! Enter a wonderful exchange of ideas encouraging creativity as central to the life of faith!

Come to be inspired, encouraged, and re-created! Enjoy whole group presentations and Bible study. Participate in creative worship and enriching fellowship. Workshops and drop-in stations offer hands-on opportunities to explore different media in a safe place where you cannot fail. Process over product is stressed - everyone is a beginner at something! Meet others striving to give God's creativity larger space in their lives. Those who think they are NOT creative are especially encouraged to attend!

Bible Study Leader:

Worship Leader and Storyteller:  

FREE Create-in-Me T-Shirt for those who register by March 19! 

http://www.llmi.net/leap/Createinme.aspx

Around the Synod 

Messiah's Pathway to Congregational Disaster Preparedness

by Sandra Braash

Coordinator for Disaster Support and Development

Messiah Lutheran Church in Madison, AL started its congregational preparedness a few years ago. After the spring tornadoes that swept through the Southeastern Synod and with extremely limited communication after the tornadoes, Messiah decided to focus on finishing our congregational disaster preparedness plan.

"This disaster opened our eyes to the necessity of being prepared and having a plan," says Kay Spence, Disaster Response Task Force Chairperson at Messiah. The plan includes a congregational and community component.

The congregational component involves modifying the traditional phone tree since many of the congregational members no longer have landlines. The new contact system uses a geographical approach that connects congregational members by zip codes. The benefit of zip codes is for congregational members to be able to check on and care for each other after a disaster by foot, car, or even bicycle when phoning/emailing isn't possible. To supplement the geographical approach, addresses in the church directory are imported into Google Maps where congregational members' proximity can be even better determined. 

The community component involves congregational and individual asset mapping which assess the gifts, talents, and resources of our members and the strengths of the congregation as whole. 

"Once these strengths and assets are known, the church can better match their resources with the needs in the community caused by the disaster," asserts Claire Strand, the Director of Outreach Ministries at Messiah.  Congregational preparedness is the key to successful disaster response, relief, recovery, and ultimately to sharing the reconciliation we've been given through Jesus with others in the community.

Congratulations to Sandra Braasch for being selected to serve in January on the Diaconal Ministry Formation Event staff at Lutheran Theological Seminary in Gettysburg, PA.

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The Reverend Kevin L. Strickland was installed as pastor of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church of Nashville, TN on Sunday, December 4th at 4pm by the Rev. Dr. Delmer Chilton, Assistant to the Bishop.  Jazz musicians from Nashville led the music, the Holy Trinity Lutheran Montessori School children sang, and many Lutheran rostered persons were present.  Ecumencial clergy from the surrounding Bellevue community were also in attendance.  Truly a joyfilled day in the life of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. 

December 8

Nominating Committee conference call

December 12

Synod office closed, Staff Retreat

December 23, 26

Synod office closed, Christmas holiday

December 29

Synod Council reports due

View the entire Synod Calendar