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Southeastern Synod
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
God's work. Our hands. 


E-News Weekly

Issue: #338

September 26, 2012

In This Issue
Who Am I?
Congregation Stewardship Resoures
Crumley
Get Connected
LTCA
14 Reasons Why I Get a Flu
Around the Synod
Quick Links

Synod Blog 

Synod Website 

Synod Staff 

ELCA News Service 

ELCA Website

 Who Am I? Why Am I Here?

Some Reflections on Mission Planning

by Rebecca H. Kolow�
 

I'll never forget the vice presidential debate in 1992, when Ross Perot's running mate James Stockdale gave this famous opening statement: "Who am I? Why am I here?"
 

Although Stockdale's questions brought laughter in the midst of a political debate, his questions actually weren't all that different than questions we all ask ourselves all the time. New jobs, new life events, moving to a new city or the death of a loved one or relationship can all prompt us to question who we are and what on earth God is calling us to be NOW.
 

It really isn't all that different with our congregations. Just like us as individuals, congregations have a purpose and a reason for being. Congregations each have a unique identity that is defined by location, population demographic, and a myriad of other things. Do you know who your congregation is and why it is here?  (Read the rest on the synod blog.)

Congregational Stewardship Resources

Rediscover Macedonia Stewardship Materials
 
The ELCA is proud to announce new stewardship resources entitled "Rediscover Macedonia."  These are a direct outcome of the work being done by synods as part of the ELCA Macedonia Project.  These resources are available to all congregations at no cost by simply going to www.elca.org/macedonia.  

 
As the Macedonia Project continues through 2015, the ELCA anticipates this will be a dynamic site that will include activities, stories and additional resources.  The next group of resources to become available in fall 2012 will include Spanish, Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Laotian, Hmong, Thai, Indonesian and French translations.  


For additional information about Rediscover Macedonia, please contact Mr. Neil Bullock at  800-638-3522, ext. 2884 or [email protected]

 

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Stories of Faith in Action 2013
 
 This year the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) celebrates its 25th anniversary as a church that is deeply rooted - and always being made new.


In this special anniversary issue of Stories of Faith in Action, you'll discover 21 stories of the people whose lives have been touched by ELCA ministries in the past year, as well as our 25th anniversary timeline celebrating where we've come and where we're going as a church freed in Christ to serve.


You'll also find resources on Mission Support (the portion of your weekly offering that is shared with ELCA synods and churchwide ministries) and how the important contributions members make to this church are put to use in life-changing ministries across the country and around the world.


To find out about Stories of Faith in Action and to download bulletin inserts, go to  http://www.elca.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Stories-of-Faith-in-Action.aspx.  To order free copies call  800-638-3522 , ext. 2580, or order online at www.elca.org/resources and search for ELCAMA1167.  You'll only pay for shipping.
 

 

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Annual Report Covers
 
These are now available for congregational to order.  Remember these are another tool to make the case for ELCA mission support.  In response to many requests from smaller congregations, special pricing is being made available this year.  For orders of 50 or 100, a flat-rate mailer is provided at $10.60 or $21.85 anywhere in the U.S.  Simply call 800-638-3522, ext. 2580.  Request the ELCA Annual Report Cover 2012.  For payment use a credit card or electronic check.  Please allow 7 calendar days for delivery.   For Annual Report cover quantities of more than 100, simply go to www.elca.org/resources.

James R. Crumley Archives Banquet

 

You are cordially invited to attend
The 2012 Friends of the Archives Banquet
For the James R. Crumley Jr. Archives.
 
We are honoring
The Reverend Doctor James R. Crumley, Jr.,
The Lutheran Church of the Ascension in
Savannah, Georgia, and
The Southeastern Synod of the ELCA
For their leadership and contributions
To the field of Lutheran history and heritage.
 
Featuring a tribute to Dr. Crumley by
The Rev. Dr. Carl M. Fisher, Sr.
 
Friday, October 26, 2012
at Six o'clock in the evening
for the reception and silent auction
and Seven o'clock for the banquet
 
Embassy Suites Hotel
200 Stoneridge Drive
Columbia, South Carolina 29210
 
$60 per ticket, a portion benefitting the Archives
Reservations required by Oct. 17.
Email Jeanette Bergeron at [email protected]

or call 803-461-3234.
James R. Crumley Jr. Archives, 4201 Main St, Columbia, SC  29203

 

LTCA Course Catalog
 
Dear Southeastern Synod Leaders,
 
For the past two years, leaders from across the ELCA have been engaged in intentional conversations about the Lutheran Theological Center in Atlanta (LTCA), seeking a new model based on the realities of our time. Conversation partners have included congregation leaders-lay and rostered; Churchwide and seminary leaders, Lutheran association leaders,  former faculty of LTCA, current students, pastors,  theological educators and the Bishop of the ELCA Southeastern Synod.
 
Although the conversations about LTCA continue, here is the emerging model:
  • LTCA is a place for theological education supporting congregational and community ministry formation for both lay and rostered leaders of the Southeastern Synod.
     
  • LTCA is a place for Theological Education for Emerging Ministries (TEEM).
     
  • LTCA is a place for mentorship for Southeastern Synod ministry candidates enrolled in ELCA seminaries, particularly Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary.
     
  • LTCA is a place for a Missional Leadership School with a rigorous 2-year learning journey for lay people.
     
  • LTCA is a place for continuing education and reflection for pastors and other church leaders.
     
  • LTCA is a place for gathering in fellowship for seminarians in the ELCA candidacy process.
     
  • LTCA is a place for gathering public theologians and community organizing.
     
  • LTCA is a place for congregational resourcing and support.
     
  • LTCA is a place for learning and developing practical ministry.
For leaders who wish to engage in ministry in urban American or minister to minority communities, especially African American, Korean and Latino communities, un-paralleled resources are available at the Interdenominational Theological Center and through the Atlanta Theological Association.   Through the Atlanta Theological Association, LTCA enjoys academic and professional affiliations with Candler School of Theology (Emory University), Erskine Theological Seminary, Interdenominational Theological Center, Columbia Theological Seminary and McAfee School of Theology (Mercer University). In this environment, LTCA students encounter learning from a wide range of traditions and different denominations.
 
Click here to review Fall 2012 Course Catalog
 
I invite you into the Missional conversation at the Lutheran Theological Center in Atlanta.  We seek those who want to be articulate in their witness to the well being of God's people through faith and gospel.   

Dr. Everett Flanigan
Lutheran Theological Center in Atlanta Administrative Dean
Wild Women Weekends 2013 ~ Biblical Leadership

Lutheridge 

Arden, NC


Adult women of all ages and life situations have five opportunities to gain strength and vision for the new year. Bring a group to deepen fellowship with women you know - or come alone to find kindred spirits in Wild Women from across the southeast. This year we'll explore biblical leadership as we meet Deborah, Huldah, Lydia, Pricilla, Phoebe, and others whom God calls. Come to discover your own unique leadership style and learn how to say YES and NO to leadership roles in faithful ways.
 
The fee includes housing in Kohnjoy, Thornburg, Hilltop Cottages, or Lakeside Village; meals; and all program costs. Register Early!
 
Leader: Pastor Mary Canniff-Kuhn, Lutheridge Program Director 

2013 Dates:
 
January 25-27
February 1-3
February 8-10
March 15-17 
 
Cost per Person for 2013: $190 per person (includes 2 nights lodging, all meals, and on-site program costs.)  To register or find out more, visit www.llmi.org.

14 Reasons Why I Get a Flu Shot Every Year

by Connie Pearson
Chair-Southeastern Synod Health Ministries Task Force
 

14. Getting the flu shot each year is part of my staying healthy plan.  
 

13. I didn't get the flu shot about twelve years ago, had the flu and wished that I were dead before I recovered!
 

12. I don't relish lying around in bed for five days and then feeling wrung out afterwards while I could be working or not wishing that I were dead!
 

11. I don't want to have to take sick leave (use up my sick leave or lose pay) for something that I could have prevented.
 

 10. Getting the flu shot is far less toxic to my body than the flu, cough syrup, antibiotics and Tylenol or ending up in the hospital with IV medication in my arm.
 

9. Getting the flu shot is far less toxic than having to sit in the doctor's office with a bunch of sick people and be exposed to other germs that might be in the waiting room.  
 

8.  Being sick for any reason is too time consuming and costly!
 

7.  I have better things to spend my money on than cough syrup, antibiotics, doctor's visits or hospitalization.
 

6.  I don't want to risk damaging my lungs from all the coughing that I will do if I have the flu.      
 

5.  I don't want to have to ask other people to take care of me when I could have possibly prevented the illness in the first place. (Of course we know that there is no guarantee that the shot will cover all strains of the flu, but I will have done my part to at least cover the ones that are covered.)
 

4.  I would feel very guilty if I gave the flu to someone else.
 

3.  I lived through the polio epidemic when there was no polio vaccine! I saw people that I knew get polio! I was very scared, as were my parents and my friends, and I was also very lucky! I really do not like the thought of getting a disease that I could have prevented if I had just gotten one little shot.   
 

2.  Would I not give my dog rabies shots just because there is a good chance that he will never come in contact with a rabid animal?
 

And the number one reason I get a flu shot each year?  Because I love my family and friends! 

Around the Synod

We still believe in Chipper 

 

Pastor Darrel Peterson's "I Love Chipper" blog from last week was picked up by LivingLutheran.com. Check it out!!

 

 

  

Trinity Lutheran Church in Lilburn, GA invites you to their 10th Annual Oktoberfest

Saturday, October 6, 2012 
 
Craft Fair and Carnival Games from 11:00am to 6:00pm
Live music from 12:00pm to 9:00pm
Dancing from 4:00pm - 9:00pm
Authentic German Food & Beer
Good Old American Food
Prize Drawings
Admission $3.00   Children 10 & Under are FREE
 
Contact Trinity at 770-972-4418 for more information or to purchase tickets.
 
The Gwinnett County Chapter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans will host a chapter event the evening before Trinity's Oktoberfest, Friday, October 5 from 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. under the big tent behind Trinity.  The theme is "Party like it is 1517."  Dinner and German wine & beer will be available after completion of a brief business meeting.  Costumes are optional and musical entertainment is planned.  Chapter members and guests are invited.  Please RSVP to Kelly Goldsmith at [email protected] or 770-982-0420 by Friday, September 28. 

 

 

RECAPS

 

Retired pastors & rostered persons, all spouses & companions too.  You are invited to luncheon at Dee & Jim Donnelly's  home, 562 Lakeshore Dr., Berkeley Lake, GA  30096-3036, on Tues., Oct. 23, 11:30 a.m.  Plan to bring a salad, vegetable or dessert. Please RSVP [email protected] or 770-416-9056.  

 

 

Reformation Day at Emory 2012

 

The twenty-fifth Reformation Day at Emory will be held on Thursday, October 25, and takes as its theme, The Kessler Collection after Twenty-Five Years. This year's program celebrates the first twenty-five years of the Kessler Collection by noting its value for scholars, students and the church.

 

Special Guest speaker, Bishop Mark S. Hanson, Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America will present "A Living, Daring Confidence" at 1:45 PM in the Sanctuary of the Cannon Chapel. 

 

Learn more.  

 

 

Dressed for Success? 

 

Cross of Life, Roswell, GA, celebrated Connections Sunday (Rally Day) on Sept. 9th with a Ministry Fair, games and activities, a cakewalk, hayrides, popcorn, snow cones and a Camp Meeting style worship, with western wear as the suggested dress for the day. Twenty-six crockpots of chili and lots of other grub were on hand.

Everyone had a great time, except Pastor Terri Stagner-Collier, who took took ill during the 10 AM service.  Luckily, retired Pastor Fred Krautwurst was in the choir, so she was able to call on him to preside at Communion.  Pastor Terri is fine now but at the time Pastor Fred's attire of jeans, a red bandana and a T-shirt with large letters reading "My Pastor can beat your Pastor to a Pulpit" caused a lot of smiles at the most unusual Eucharistic "vestments!" (At least the cowboy hat stayed in the Sacristy.)

View the entire Synod Calendar

(Please note: the Synod office is closed this week as the staff attends the Leadership Convo at Lutheridge.) 

 

September 25-27

Leadership Convo

Synod office closed 

Lutheridge, Arden, NC

 

September 28

Synod office closed

Staff retreat

 

Oct 5-7

Young Adult Discernment Retreat

"Ask Who Sent Me"

Nashville, TN

 

October 12

Personnel Committee

Synod Office

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