News from the NC Synod - April 23, 2013

Synod Servant E-News

April 23, 2013

Joys and Cares

Do you have a submission for Joys, Cares and Celebrations? If so, please submit it via e-mail to Diane Ryan.

Note...

You can subscribe to the ELCA's Prayer Ventures monthly calendars of prayers here.

We pray for...

Pray

Pastor Maurice Staley (retired) who is now at Brian Center-Concord for rehab following hospitalization.

Pastor Stephen Rust (Macedonia, Burlington) who was hospitalized last week.

Nancy Herb, wife of Pastor Don Herb (retired).

Pastor Henry Rendleman (retired) who was hospitalized at Frye Regional Medical Center on April 13 with heart arrhythmia and pneumonia.

We give thanks for...

Leaders of N.C. Synod-related institutions and agencies who help extend and expand this synod's Walking Together-Sharing Christ mission.

From Bishop Bolick's office

Deadline for Portico's Health Assessment--Tuesday, April 30

Thank you to those of you who completed the assessment in the last week!

We still need 71 people to get over our goal of 65% of our synod's eligible plan members. That's a lot in just two weeks but certainly attainable! Here's the link. Why not get started now?

Attention: synod assembly voting members and guests

TODAY is the deadline for your early bird discount. In order to receive the discount you must register by April 23 at 11:59 p.m. Save yourself or your congregation $20.

Registration cost increases to $75 on April 24.

Retired Rostered Leaders - YOU, TOO, must register by this deadline to receive your retired leader discount.

Pre-Assembly Bible study opportunity-May 30

Join us for "The Practice of Sharing God's Story," a day-long event at L-RU featuring Professor Emeritus of Old Testament at Luther Seminary, Dr. Diane Jacobson.

This pre-assembly event is available to anyone and everyone-whether you're attending synod assembly or not! Come for study and engaging conversation.

Don't miss it! The morning features a challenging study on "Violence in the Bible: A Lutheran Understanding." In the afternoon we'll engage Scripture together again using the story of Lydia and we'll finish the day with two opportunities for practical workshops. More information can be found on the flyer.

Rostered Leader transitions

Pastor Todd Rauscher will be installed as pastor at Our Saviour, Southern Pines, on April 28 at 5:00 p.m.

Pastor John Tucker was installed as pastor at Gloria Dei, Salisbury, on April 21.

Pastor Bill Miller-Zurell was installed as senior pastor at Holy Trinity, Hickory, on April 14.

Pastor Paul Cooper (retired) has transferred to the NC Synod from the SC Synod. He resides in Brevard, NC.

Pastor Frederick Strickert (retired) has transferred to the NC Synod from the Northeastern Iowa Synod. He resides in Southport, NC.

Gloria Strickert, (retired diaconal minister) has transferred to the NC Synod from the Northeastern Iowa Synod. She resides in Southport, NC.

News

Decorate the sanctuary in mosquito nets

World Malaria Day is coming up on April 25. You and your congregation are invited to join ELCA members across the church in observing this day through the ELCA Malaria Campaign on Sunday, April 28. Your congregation can use special litanies, prayers, bulletin inserts, and a video during that week to draw attention to the malaria crisis and what our church is doing to make a difference. Get involved with ELCA resources here.

100 Lutherans help on Servant Saturday

Since January, Grace, Hendersonville, members have been organizing projects and identifying volunteers for the twentieth year as they participate in "Servant Saturday," scheduled for April 27this year. The day begins with a hearty breakfast for volunteers after which more than 100 workers depart for their assigned projects throughout Henderson County. In addition to providing labor, most volunteers bring tools and various supplies to aid in the tasks at hand.

Lutheridge + Lutherock + Luther Springs--Summer Camp

Space is still available for summer camp! Don't miss out on a fantastic summer at Lutheridge, Lutherock, or Luther Springs! Staff have been hired and are excited to meet your camper. You can also still sign up for our payment plans.

Scholarships are still available for those requiring financial assistance. Through the generosity of donors, we are able to provide the faith-camp experience to many. We do not want a camper not to be able to come to camp because of finances. Visit our website to learn more about program opportunities available for youth of all ages.

Congregation observers at Churchwide Assembly

Did you know that one member of each ELCA congregation can attend Churchwide Assembly as a congregation observer? Observers have no voice or vote, but have reserved seating in the assembly hall and receive the materials distributed during plenaries. The registration fee for congregational observers is $150; contact cwaregistrar@elca.org with questions. The next ELCA Churchwide Assembly will take place August 12-17, 2013, in Pittsburgh.

Keeping the Promise Gift Challenge

keeping the promise graphic Lutheran Services Carolinas (LSC) has extended the Keeping the Promise Challenge that was created to successfully complete the Keeping the Promise capital campaign. Proceeds from the campaign will be used to help build four new or replacement skilled nursing homes, renovate existing facilities, and establish home and community-based services throughout the state. The $125,000 match was obtained from five generous donors and the campaign is now seeking matching gifts in response to this Challenge to help close the campaign. To participate in the Challenge, supporters may make a new gift or pledge, make an additional gift or pledge, or make a one-year extension on a current pledge.

Upcoming Events

Retired rostered leaders & spouses, widows/widowers meeting

Tuesday, April 30^,10:00 am -1:00 pm at Bethany, Hickory (1644 Main Ave. Drive NW, 28601)

Please mail check for $10.00 per person for lunch by April 26 to:

N.C. Lutheran Synod, ELCA,
Attn: Diane Ryan

1988 Lutheran Synod Drive, Salisbury, NC 28144

Social Media: Best Practices for Congregations, Teen Ministries

Social media--including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube-is an effective way to interact with your congregation and others in your community. But it's not without risk. Church Mutual's free webinar, "Social Media: Best Practices for Congregations and Teen Ministries," will provide you with tips for using this rapidly growing medium safely.

Coaching Campfire--May 7

8:30am - 2:30pm, NC Synod Office, Salisbury

All trained coaches and leaders interested in becoming a coach are invited to this coaching campfire. The purpose of the campfire is to help advance a culture of coaching in our synod. Jonathan Reitz, CEO of Coachnet, will present a webinar to the campfire on "Coaching for Discipleship." The event is sponsored by the Synod Renewal Team and the Synod Coaching Coordinator. There is no cost and lunch is provided. Please contact Pastor John Mocko if you are interested in attending.

LGBT Couples Retreat--Saturday, May 11

Abiding Savior Lutheran Church in Fairview, NC, will host an LGBT Couples Retreat on Saturday, May 11, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This one-day retreat offers a time apart for LGBT couples to work on their communication skills and meet other couples who value spirituality as an important part of their relationship. There will be time for worship, relationship building, Bible study, and fellowship. The cost of this retreat is $40 per couple which includes a light breakfast and lunch.

The retreat is made possible by a grant Abiding Savior received from Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries. "This is an area of ministry with the LGBT community that our congregation thought was missing," says the Rev. David Eck, pastor of Abiding Savior. To download the brochure and register for this event, please go to the Abiding Savior website.

NC Synod Welcome to Coaching--June 6-7

The synod will host another coaching training event, "Welcome to Coaching" on June 6-7 at the synod office. Pastor Charlie Zimmerman will be the lead trainer for the event.

Registration will be done through the ELCA. The North Carolina Synod Renewal Team will pay the registration fees for all of NC Synod pastors and lay leaders who agree to use the training to coach others.

Jazz Vespers at Joy of Discovery--June 30

Joy of Discovery Mission, Raleigh, will offer its Jazz Vespers on the 'Great Lawn' Sunday, June 30, at 3:00 p.m. (750 King Richard Road). Guest musicians are The Ron Baxter Quintet. For more information contact Pastor Julius Carroll, (919) 760-5482.

Lutheran Music Program to engage older adults

Lutheran Music Program, the Minneapolis-based nonprofit organization that produces the annual Lutheran Summer Music Academy & Festival, announces the expansion of its program offerings to include a five-day lifelong learning retreat for older adults in conjunction with its renowned summer academy. The 2013 Senior Adult Retreat will take place July 17 to 21, 2013, and is supported through a partnership with Illinois-based Lutheran Life Communities. Retreat participants will attend workshops, Bible studies, and seminars, immerse themselves in LSM's culminating student recitals and concerts, and join the LSM community for worship.

Resources

Speaking to children about Boston bombings

From April 17, 2013, Presbyterian Psychological Services e-newsletter: The Boston bombings, coming so soon after the Newtown shootings, may frighten or concern children and young people. Here are some tips about speaking to kids about the tragic incidents in Boston.

Positions

Director of Youth & Family Ministries, St. John's, Cherryville

Address inquiries to Jack Weller, (phone 704 473 5282 or e-mail) or the Reverend Doctor Eric Childers, pastor St John's Lutheran, P O Box 100 Cherryville, NC 28021; (office) 704 435 9264.

The employee coordinates Lutheran faith-based programs for the youth and families of St. John's Lutheran Church. There will be partnership with the church and homes to strengthen, teach, and pass on the faith. The Director of Youth and Family Ministries will work with the parents and other primary care givers as well as the children, youth, and elder members of the congregation to promote family ministry across all facets of the church. The Director of Youth and Family Ministries must work with the whole ministry team of the congregation, have a clear understanding of the vision and mission of the congregation and understand faith formation. The Director of Youth and Family Ministries should emulate exceptional Christian behavior and lifestyle and the Lutheran faith.

Parish Administrative Assistant, First, Albemarle

First Lutheran Church Albemarle, is currently accepting applications for a new position: Parish Administrative Assistant. The position requires the Assistant to be the lead person ensuring quality administrative practices in the Parish Office. The Assistant will join with the ministry team in fostering congregational growth by implementing the policies and goals of this ministry. Skills require efficiency with office equipment not limited to Microsoft Office products. Professionalism with customer service and working with volunteers. The pastor will delegate through this position; therefore confidentiality is essential.

Applicants should apply through NCJobConnector with the Division of Employment Security. Questions concerning the position should be directed to Jeanette Wilhelm by e-mail or phone, 704-985-3393.