|
|
|
|
|
Joys and Cares
|
We pray for... The family of Pastor Gary Weant (pastor, Philadelphia, Dallas, and former secretary of the NC Synod) upon his death on April 29. Address for Gary's wife, Linda, is 1914 Philadelphia Church Road, Dallas, NC 28034. Pastor Robert Allen (retired) is at Trinity Ridge for rehab following knee surgery. We give thanks for... Forty years of ministry during which Pastor Gary Weant served faithfully and boldly with Philadelphia Lutheran Church and in the life of the NC Synod.
|
|
|
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.
|
|
From Bishop Smith's office
|
Bishop Smith's reflections
Burnout?
Burnout! We've all felt that circumstances, commitments, and expectations of others or of ourselves have converged to the point of exhaustion and apathy. We're even taught now to be on guard for it, to be vigilant in self-care, to beware of the vicious "Protestant work ethic" which we, the enlightened, now see as needless obsession, lest we spiral into burnout. "Love your neighbor as yourself" means you must above all love and care for self.
 Congratulations from Portico!
Bishop Smith and the NC Synod,
Congratulations again! You all are good at this! I'm pleased to pass along the good news that the North Carolina Synod achieved the 65% goal for participation in the Mayo Clinic Health Assessment. As a result, all of the congregations in the synod who are participating in the ELCA Health Plan will receive a 1% discount on health premiums retroactive to January 1. Thank you for your partnership in encouraging our leaders to take this step toward greater well-being.
--In Christ's Peace, Pr. Paul Aebischer, Portico
Synod office job opening
The NC Synod, ELCA, located in Salisbury, NC, is interested in hearing from those who have an interest in serving in the field of finance and administration in our office. We are currently working on a job description for a full-time position for someone responsible for the financial affairs and administration of the synod office. Preference will be for someone familiar with non-profit fund accounting and experience with ACS software. Salary will be negotiated based on skills and experience. For more information please call Gerry Gehl at 704-633-4861 or submit your resume to Gerry Gehl at ggehl@nclutheran.org.
Rostered leader transitions
Pastor Matt Simpkins has been called by Christ, Charlotte, to serve as Associate Pastor. Installation will be Sunday, May 8, during all three services with a reception following the traditional worship until 11:00 a.m.
|
|
|
| |
Resolutions! Resolutions!
- NC 16.01 Memorial on Repudiation
- NC 16.02 African Descent Resolution
- NC 16.04 Resolution Recognizing the
Work of Agencies and Institutions - NC 16.05 HB2 Resolution
|
|
Evangelical Mission
|
As we anticipate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in 2017, people across this church are taking the opportunity to reflect on our history and think about our future. What kind of church is God calling us to become? And how does the ELCA continue to be an inspiring and relevant church in our communities?
Through an initiative titled "Called Forward Together in Christ," led by Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and other leaders, we'll work together to create a vision for the future ELCA. Your congregation and synod are invited to take part in the conversation. Find resources to help you promote, facilitate and share your thoughts at ELCA.org/future. Watch the video.
|
|
News
|
 Justice and Advocacy retreat
In the quiet beauty of the Camp Caraway Retreat and Conference Center in Sophia, NC, members of the synod's newly-revitalized Justice and Advocacy Committee came together on April 24-25.
|
|
Congregations
|
|
|  | |
Recipients are: (L to R) Antonio Smith, Anaylia Jones, Gavin Hans, Charlie Fairchild, & Ella Fairchild. Not pictured: Avery and Tucker Britt.
| |
Lord of Life awards camp scholarships
Lord of Life, Garner, awarded eight scholarships for the 2016 summer camp experiences at Camp Agape, located in Fuquay-Varina, NC. The scholarship program is a joint effort by the Men's Group, chaired by Gray Anthony, and the Social Concerns Ministry, chaired by Sarah Watkins.
--Submitted by Gale Isaacs
 Grace's project exceeds goal
During the 100th Anniversary year of Grace, Hendersonville, each month the church has been conducting a "100 Years...100 Gifts" effort for the church, the community, and the world. The goal is to collect 100 items or more for each month's charity. Each month's "wish list" is posted in the welcome center for the congregation and interested community members to follow and help.
The first project began in October with an effort to support Heart Songs at Four Seasons Hospice which is a teen and children's bereavement support group. During November, the focus was on adopting needy families for winter several hundred hats, scarves, mittens, gloves, and ear bands were collected. In December, the church collected over 300 wood scrapes and other supplies donated to the Apple Country Woodcrafters for baby cradles. January's gifts benefited the Feed the Kids program; February's gifts went toward youth scholarships to Lutheridge; and Interfaith Assistance Ministry (IAM) was the focus of gifts in March. April's gifts went to the ELCA Good Gifts program to help hungry families around the world. These monthly projects will continue until Grace's centennial year ends in September.
--Submitted by Greg Munson
Lord of Life to hold dinner theater
Lord of Life, Garner, will present a no-frills dinner theater on May 21, at 5:30 p.m. The film "Pardons of Innocence", which documents the travails of the Wilmington 10, will be shown. The Wilmington 10 includes the Rev. Benjamin Chavis, a social worker, and eight high school students. As civil rights activists in 1971, they were convicted of arson and conspiracy for allegedly burning down Mike's Grocery in Wilmington, NC.
The 10 were convicted a year later following a controversial trial that included testimony by key witnesses who later recanted. The 10 were sentenced to a combined total of more than 280 years in jail. After Amnesty International took up the case their sentences were subsequently reduced by then-Governor Jim Hunt; overturned in 1980 by an appellate court; and finally, pardoned In December 2012, by outgoing Governor Beverly Perdue.
The Social Concerns ministry at Lord of Life extends an open invitation to groups and individuals as we view the film that details this landmark incident; light dinner fare will be provided.
--Submitted by Gale Isaacs
|
|
Events
|
 Lutheroad Day Camp, Hickory
June 20-24
Are you looking for a unique Christian day camp opportunity for your K-5 child? Lutheridge is teaming up with Trinity Village, a Lutheran Services Carolinas (LSC), a senior living community in Hickory, to offer Lutheroad Day Camp, June 20-24.
The camp will take place at Trinity Village with field trips to Kool Park and Pin Station. Counselors from Lutheridge, together with staff members and volunteers from Trinity Village, will lead campers in music, arts and crafts, games, Bible study, and nature programs. Some activities will include the residents of Trinity Village, making the camp a unique opportunity for intergenerational connection.
Camp hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday, June 20 - Thursday, June 23, and from 9 a.m.-noon on Friday, June 24. Registration is $145 per child and due by May 13 with a deposit of $25 accompanying registration. The balance must be paid by June 13. Scholarships are available. Call Marcheta Campbell at 828-328-2006 for more information.
--Submitted by Katie Scarvey, LSC
 "I want to make Lutheridge my home"
June 5-11; or July 24-30; or July 31-Aug 6
"I want to make Lutheridge my home." That's what Willis Moore said when I talked to him about his camp experience. Willis has been a SummerShine camper for a number of years, and he is one of the many faces whom staff wait to see each summer at Lutheridge.
The SummerShine Program, for developmentally-delayed adults and youth, which has a 45-year history at Lutheridge, is a program frequented by many who return summer after summer. Campers are able to enjoy favorite camp activities (crafts, pool, Bible study, etc.) as well as special events like karaoke and bingo that have proven to be SummerShine favorites.
Camper John Greene's said, "I love Lutheridge because all of the counselors are my best friends." There is so much to be learned about the love of the Lord through the eyes of SummerShine campers. Thanks to this one-of-a-kind program, Lutheridge is privileged to offer camp to this group of loving, passionate, insightful, and one-of-a-kind children of God.
--Submitted by Kara Beck, NovusWay Ministries
Aug. 10-13
 God's work. Our hands. Sunday
September 11
Learn more about this upcoming opportunity for service and community connection. Make plans today!
Travel with Pr. Zimmerman
2017
Springtime Tulip River Cruise (featuring Dutch and Belgian Waterways), April 6-14, 2017.
Amsterdam, 7-night cruise, Volendam, Arnhem, Middleburg, Ghent, Bruges, Antwerp, Kinderdijk Windmills, Keukenhof Gardens. Twenty spaces are available until the end of June on a first-come, first-served basis.
National Parks of America, Aug. 25 - Sept. 5, 2017.
Scottsdale, Lake Powell, Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Zion Canyon, Salt Lake City, Jackson Hole, Grand Teton & Yellowstone National Parks, Old Faithful, Sheridan, Bighorn Mountains, Mount Rushmore, and Crazy Horse Memorial. Twenty spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Hosted by Pastor Charlie Zimmerman and Kay of Greensboro, in conjunction with Collette Travel. For more information, contact Charlie at 336-706-5568.
|
|
Resources
|
 Take a class at Wake Divinity
Wake Forest University's School of Divinity Summer 2016 schedule offers the opportunity to explore angelic and demonic figures in the Bible and their history of interpretation in Jewish, Christian, and Muslim traditions. Or, travel to Washington, D.C. to explore different forms of Christian public witness in American public and political life by visiting community development and global mission organizations, and national denominational offices.
Those interested in enrolling in a specific class without pursuing a degree are eligible to enroll as a non-degree seeking student. Reduced tuition is available. To view more information about the available classes and learn how to complete an application, visit our summer school page. Complete your application by Friday, May 13.
|
|
Positions
|
Director of Tend Ministries
St. Luke's, Charlotte, is accepting applications for a Director of Tend Ministries. This part-time position is responsible for the financial affairs of the church and oversees property and operations. The position is available at the end of June/first of July. Current pay range is $18.00-$22.38 per hour and negotiable based on experience and the right candidate. For more information please call Beth Borachok at 704-962-4501 or submit resume to syborg#@icloud.com.
Volunteer opportunities
LEVN, the Lutheran Episcopal Volunteer Network, is looking for young adults (age 21-30) with bachelor's degrees for an 11-month program of non-profit volunteer work and learning about social justice. From the end of August 2016 to the end of July 2017, our corps members will be provided housing, utilities, health insurance, transportation, spiritual direction, and a $400/month food stipend. We also offer a $1000 re-entry grant at the end of the program for moving expenses.
The placement sites for the upcoming program year include faith-based non-profits, secular non-profits, congregations, the Sierra Pacific Synod office, and our campus ministry at UC Davis. We meet each week for worship, dinner, and discussion. The corps members live in intentional community in a 4-bedroom apartment in Davis, CA. We're an ecumenical program in the Episcopal Service Corps network; applicants needn't be either Lutheran or Episcopal to apply-interest in Christian spirituality is the only expectation.
|
|
Global Mission
|
 Nepal earthquake one year later
One year ago today a powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake rocked central Nepal. A second major earthquake struck just one month later with almost 400 aftershocks, causing continued waves of panic. More than 8,460 people were killed and almost half a million homes destroyed. Visit this Lutheran Disaster Response web page to read an update, find a bulletin insert, and link to give.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Did You Know...
|
Pastor Tim Brown, Good Shepherd, Raleigh,has a reflection titled, "Touch," published in the May issue of Living Lutheran (p. 20).
|
Contact Information:
|
|
|
|
|
|
