Southeastern Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
God's work. Our hands.
E-News Weekly |
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Issue: #354
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January 24, 2013
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Please mark your calendars now for the 2013 Southeastern Synod Assembly and watch for registration to open soon!
2013 Southeastern Synod Assembly
May 31, June 1 and 2, 2013
Chattanooga Convention Center
"Always Being Made New"
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Important! Synod Office Phones & Internet
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In order to better serve the needs of the Southeastern Synod, the synod office will be upgrading our telephone and internet services. This means that on Friday, January 25th our phones and internet will be down for a portion of the day. If there are emergent matters that must be tended to during this time, please call 770-367-5798. Thank you for your patience as we strive to improve our ability to be engaged in ministry with you.
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Report & Health Assessment Reminders!
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A word of thanks to all of the congregations who have submitted their parochial reports so far! We still have a long way to go in the next three weeks to receive a report from each of our congregations. Also, thank you to those rostered leaders who have submitted their reports. To date we have received around 30 of those reports, which is more than we have received in the recent past by this date, but still far short of the 320 rostered leaders we have in our synod. Have you done yours yet? If not, please plan to do so soon.
 Reports Due February 15! Send Your Congregational (Parochial) Report: It is the responsibility of the pastor of each congregation to see that this report is completed and submitted. This annual report is necessary to keep accurate records on congregational, synodical, and churchwide levels. In addition, these statistics are used to determine the number of votes each synod may have at Churchwide Assembly. Click here for information and instructions on submitting your report. If you need additional assistance in submitting this report, please contact the synod office. Send Your Rostered Leaders Report: All rostered leaders who are not retired should complete this report annually. In order to do so, please be certain that the latest version of Formatta Filler is installed on your computer. Click here for more information and to access the report. Once completed, please email them to bishop@elca-ses.org or you can send a copy to Southeastern Synod Office. Send Your 2013 Statement of Intent Form: The 2013 Mission Support Statement of Intent forms are now available in both English and Spanish on the new synod website. Click here to access the forms. Please fill out and submit your 2013 forms as soon as possible. Health Assessment
 It's that time of the year again: Portico Health Assessment. Not only does this program remind us of the need to be good stewards of our health for the sake of our ministries, but ELCA employers (congregations, seminaries, other organizations) earn a 2% discount on their health contribution payments if 65% or more of the ELCA-primary plan members and eligible spouses take the online Mayo Clinic Health Assessment between Jan. 1 and April 30, 2013. It only takes 10-20 minutes and you get $150 in wellness dollars just for taking the assessment! Plus, if you do the follow-up activities, you can earn even more wellness dollars! Click here to get started. Last year, for the first time, we made our goal in the Southeastern Synod. Let's make it two in a row! |
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Upcoming Ordinations and Installations
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Installations, ordinations and commissionings are important events in our synodical life together. We will begin providing dates for these events as they become available and encourage you to make plans to attend and participate as you are able. As these events draw closer, invitations with additional details will also be posted through our e-news distribution list.
The Rev. David Rasmussen will be installed as Interim Pastor at Jerusalem Lutheran Church, Rincon, GA on Sunday, January 27 during morning worship.
The Rev. John Barichivich will be installed as Mission Developer at Faith Lutheran Church in Warner Robbins, GA on Saturday, February 9 at 2:00 p.m.
Laura Jane Shally will be ordained at Christ Lutheran Church in Fairfield Glade, TN on Friday, February 16 at 1:00 p.m.
The Rev. Nancy Christensen will be installed as Associate Pastor at Cross and Crown Lutheran Church, Chamblee, GA on February 17.
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Southeastern Synod Partners in Celebration
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The Partners in Celebration Program provides an intentional way for interested
 | | Pastor Jeong Kim Associate Pastor Cross of Life, Roswell, GA |
individuals and Southeastern Synod congregations to support new church starts and redevelopment efforts in our synod. Our goal is to have 100 Partners in Celebration each contribute $100 or more - three to four times a year - to a featured ministry. Through these gifts of mission support, we have the potential to generate at least $10,000 beyond what we have budgeted annually for new congregations and ministries.
This quarter's featured ministry is Cross of Life Korean Outreach. Cross of Life, Roswell, GA, in partnership with the ELCA Churchwide ministries and the Southeastern Synod, has provided funding for a call to Pastor Jeong Kim as the Associate Pastor for International Ministries. The ultimate goal of this outreach ministry is to create a single, ethnically diverse multi-racial community of faith - not a separate program.
To learn more about the Korean Outreach ministry, click here .
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Last Chance - Help Us Name the E-News!
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 We're still looking for some ideas for a name for our Synod weekly enews publication. Put on your thinking caps and send us your suggestions by January 31st! Entries can be submitted to Michelle Angalet. We can't wait to hear your ideas! |
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E-News Correction
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Last week, we shared "Free to Be--Free to Do", Justin Marx's reflections on a Project Connect retreat. The accompanying photo from the retreat was mislabeled. Below is the photo, correctly labeled. Thanks again to Justin for his thoughtful words!
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From left to right: Justin Marx (Cross of Life, Roswell GA); a friend made at the event; and Jessica Morton (Epiphany, Conyers GA)
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Hunger In Our Midst - What we can learn and what we can do
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 | | Hunger Walk 2013 |
LEARN...
Hunger Fast Fact: In 2011 14.9% (17.9 million) U.S. households were food insecure, the highest record observed since 2008.
To learn more about hunger, sign up for the ELCA Hunger Fast Facts list-serve here.
THEN DO...
On
Sunday, March 10, more than 15,000 people will come together at Turner Field to get outdoors, get moving, and have fun, all for a good cause -- to raise awareness and funds for hunger relief in Atlanta.
Registration for the 29th annual Hunger Walk/Run is now officially open. Individuals and teams can register online and view resources for collecting donations by clicking here.
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Lutheran Night at the Gladiators
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Gwinnett Gladiators vs. Evansville Ice Men
7:05 p.m.
Saturday, February 9, 2013
The Arena at Gwinnett Center
Although it's not at the Colosseum in Ancient Rome, come watch this epic clash in nearby Duluth as the Gwinnett Gladiators take on the Evansville Ice Men in a game of minor-league hockey on Saturday, February 9 at 7:05 p.m.
The proceeds from this event will benefit Lutheran Services of Georgia's Refugee Services. Moreover, the Metro Atlanta Chapters of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans will provide matching funds for a portion of each ticket sold. LSG resettled 399 refugees in 2012; help us give support to the 525 refugees whom we plan to welcome in 2013!
To purchase your tickets for $15, please fill out this form and mail it to Tom Condon, 3430 Stately Oaks Ln, Duluth, GA 30097.
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Opportunities with Church Innovations
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Church Innovations is a non-profit organization devoted to renewing the Church's focus on God's mission in the world. Rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and wholly committed to following God's leading for every congregation, Church Innovations provides research and consulting tools, products and processes that increase your church's capacities to experience God's renewal and transformation. See below for upcoming opportunities offered through Church Innovations.
2013 International Dwelling in the Word Festival
Perhaps you've heard about Dwelling in the Word. You want to learn this practice of deep listening to God's Word and one another. Or you've learned Dwelling in the Word and even led it in a group. You know that it is fun, profound, and engaging. But you're wondering "Have I reached the limit of the practice?" "Have I reached my limit as a participant or leader of Dwelling?" or even "Am I all alone?"
There's hope! Hope in the living power of God in this practice of Dwelling, hope for new and fresh approaches, and hope from people in all corners of the world who Dwell, as you do, in their local churches and communities! Come and join us.
Come and Dwell in the Word with folks from many countries, many perspectives, and many histories. We will build a giant shared imagination together at the International Dwelling in the Word Festival in Minneapolis, Minnesota, June 14-16, 2013. We want to hold a place for you to come and be filled and empowered to Dwell in the Word in vibrant new ways. Over a single weekend, refresh and energize one another as we share our stories and learn from folks who are Dwelling in the Word in diverse circumstances. Soak it up, enjoy one another, and take Dwelling to new levels.
Dates: 4:00 pm Friday June 14 - 1:00 p.m. Sunday June 16, 2013
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Cost: Early registration fee is $249 if you register
now through March 31, 2013
(registration fee after March 31 is $299)
Registration: Click hereto visit the registration page.
Questions: More details are available on the main 2013 International Dwelling in the Word Festival page. If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact Caroline Acosta at Church Innovations at 651-644-3653 or 888-223-7909
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July Retreats at Yellowstone National Park
Church Innovations is happy to invite you to join any or all of our three small groups convened by Pat Keifert at Yellowstone National Park in July: Thriving in Change, Dwelling in the Word, and Standing at the Crossroads. You may register for one or more of them according to your interests and schedule. Visit the Church Innovations website for details and instructions on how to register. This year's retreats are:
 Thriving in Change: Experience, understand, and adopt a tested process for your congregation to practice deep listening to God, one another, and your neighbor through Dwelling in the Word, exploring an important issue, and building skills for listening and conversation that create time and space for God to be part of your church's life and decision-making. Monday, July 15 through Wednesday, July 17. Click here for more information.
 Dwelling in the Word: Experience, understand, and adopt for your leadership a tested process for deep listening to God, one another, and your neighbor. Live into a Bible passage during three days as you retreat with Pat Keifert and other leaders and see how the habit shapes your group's imagination and vision for God's mission. Through personal reflection, group interaction, and exploring Yellowstone Park, learn how practicing this habit can make a real difference in your life and work. Friday, July 19 through Sunday, July 21. Click here for more information.
 Standing at the Crossroads: If you find yourself and your congregation asking whether you have a future, you may find hope and direction in this three day retreat with Pat Keifert and Bob Armstrong, introducing the concepts and practices of the process "Standing at the Crossroads" developed by Church Innovations in cooperation with Synod of the Trinity. Tuesday, July 23 through Thursday, July 25. Click here for more information.
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Check out the new Affirm video!
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Affirm Registration Now Open!
Affirm is the Southeastern Synod's Summer Event! This year's Affirm is June 16-21, 2013 at Berry College in Rome, Georgia. What makes Affirm unique from other camps is that we meet on a college campus and stay in college dorms. We start our days with Morning Chapel and end our days with Worship. We spend about 6 hours a day in our large and small groups, called Units. We have community activities scheduled during the week all over the campus including a concert, talent show, volleyball, and swimming just to list a few. All of our staff volunteer their time to this event. Many take a week off from work to share their faith with our youth. Some of our staff are grown-up participants, some are parents, some are youth directors and leaders in their congregation, and last year over 27% of our staff were pastors. Even Bishop Gordy serves on staff.
When God Whispers Your Name
 On April 12-14, 2013, come to Lutheranch and join the Southeastern Synod Project Connect Team for a quiet reflective weekend away from the busyness of life. When God Whispers Your Name is a free discernment retreat for young adults, ages 18 to 30. Plan on taking a look within yourself to see how God has created you to serve in this world. Hear stories from peers about God's whispers to them. Learn about rostered ministry in the ELCA! It's all free - you just have to get to Tallapoosa, Georgia! If you're looking to discern God's whispers in your life, visit the Southeastern Synod Young Adult and Youth Ministry webpage for more information and the registration form.
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Opportunities at Lutheridge + Lutherock Ministries
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Standing on the Promise for Lutheranch Congregation Leader Training
To fund the construction of the Lutheranch camp and conference center, Standing on the Promise seeks to raise $4.9 million in gifts from individuals, families, congregations, and foundations across the Southeastern Synod. On February 2, 2013, Standing on the Promise will offer two Congregational Leader Training sessions for those who will engage congregations in giving. The training will take place at the Lutheranch Holy Trinity House at 333 McGinnis Road, Tallapoosa, GA 30176. There are two different training time opportunities so that you can choose the one that works best for you. The first training session will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon and the second from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Refreshments will be served and materials will be provided for each congregation. Please RSVP to Libby Bedenbaugh at libby@llmi.org or by cell phone at 803-940-6523.
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Summertime Programs and Events
Registration for the summer of 2013 at Lutheridge + Lutherock + Luther Springs is now open! Be sure to check out the exciting new programs and opportunities to save on your camp fee!
Here are links to all the information you'll need to make the summer of 2013 one you'll never forget:
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Faith Alive! at Lutheridge: Campfirmation Retreats for Youth (Grades 5-10)
Unique curriculum uses experiential learning to leave lasting lessons. Lutheridge staff provides supervision for campers, staying in cabins with them and sharing their unique and faithful witness. Campers can come alone or with a group. Lessons are geared to middle school, but 5th grade and high school youth are welcome to attend. (Campers will be placed in cabin groups by age so older/younger youth will be together.) Adult leaders are welcome and encouraged to participate, but not required to attend. Each camper creates a "witness" to share learning back home. The program design and oversight are by Pastors Mary and Tim Canniff-Kuhn, with involvement from others.
FEBRUARY 15-17
Holy Baptism: This retreat teaches the centrality of sacrament in Lutheran worship. Youth will experience baptism as the sacrament of belonging. We are God's forever! (Wilderness Cabins)
Holy Communion: The sacrament of Communion takes on deeper meaning as the meal of forgiveness, nourishment and community, central to Lutheran worship. (Lakeside Cottages)
APRIL 19-21
Ten Commandments: Youth learn the Ten Commandments using pictures and stories that make their meaning relevant right now in an adolescent's life. (Wilderness Cabins)
Reformation: Luther's life and reformation principles inspire youth to continue the reforming tradition by asking questions and keeping faith alive today! (Lakeside Cottages)
For more information or to register, visit the LLMI website.
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Nordic Choir to Perform in Athens, GA
Luther College Nordic Choir, one of the top college choirs in the nation, will present a concert at 8:00 pm on Thursday, January 31, 2013 at the University of Georgia Performing Art Centers: Hodgson Concert Hall, 230 River Road, Athens, GA. Conducted by Allen Hightower, the choir will perform sacred choral works.
Tickets cost $15 for the general public and $5 for students. To purchase tickets, visit www.pac.uga.edu or call 706-542-4400.
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Forum on Ecumenical Dialogue
You are invited to a special adult forum at St. Luke Lutheran Church, Atlanta, on Sunday, January 27 at 9:00 a.m. The Rev. Lowell G. Almen, former secretary of the ELCA, will discuss the U.S. Lutheran-Roman Catholic Ecumenical Dialogue. Pastor Almen was one of the co-chairs of Round XI of the dialogue, which focused on "The Hope of Eternal Life." Come hear what the dialogue discussed about such topics as purgatory, prayers for the dead, judgement, and eternal life. You are also welcome to stay for worship and fellowship hour following the forum.
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Welcomed in Kenya: A Story from the ELCA
The Rev. Michael Fonner and Leslie Weed-Fonner have recently become ELCA missionaries in Kenya. Michael is the new pastor of the Nairobi International Lutheran Congregation. Here are some of their thoughts from a recent newsletter, reprinted from ELCA's Hand in Hand Global Mission Support Blog Digest.
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The welcome by the congregation included planting a tree--ELCA.
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The Nairobi International Lutheran Congregation serves the international and Kenyan community in Nairobi. There are two services, one in English and the other in Kiswahili, the Kenyan national language. Both services are well attended and have wonderful, lively music and sometimes dancing.
The English language service draws from Tanzanian, Cameroonian, Eritrean, Ethiopian, South Sudanese and American, among other communities of Nairobi as well as many Kenyans. The Kiswahili service attracts residents from the local community as well as Kenyans from the greater Nairobi area. One of the highlights of each Sunday is the number of children who gather for the children's sermon, a blessing, and then attend Sunday school. This is true in both English and Kiswahili worships.
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Kenya. CIA World Factbook
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As we have been settling in, we have been visiting members in their homes; some homes are very nice and some are quite humble. All members have been hospitable - chai (tea), snacks, and meals have been offered and enjoyed! We have been struck that no matter how small the home, there is always a place for several people to sit, chat, eat, enjoy each other's company and pray. Often neighbors and extended family members join us.
Read more about receiving God's hospitality in Kenya on the ELCA website.
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This is the day that the Lord has made!
 | Michelle Angalet,
Associate in Ministry, Executive Assistant to the Bishop |
On December 1, I began a new call in the Southeastern Synod. I now serve as the Executive Assistant to Bishop Gordy. So far, this call is all that I expected, and more! And more, in this case, has been good. The "more" could be described in lots of different ways, but suffice it to say that I am learning a lot at breakneck speed! I am learning to do things that I didn't know how to do, I am learning new names and new faces, I am learning by making mistakes,... Read more here.
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In Need of Handbells or Handchimes
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Nativity Lutheran Church, Bethlehem, GA is starting a handbell choir and is looking for an affordable set of used handbells and/or handchimes. If anyone has one or knows of one, please call the church office at 770-307-4628 and leave a message for Pastor Patti Axel or Jane Dienes.
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| View the entire Synod Calendar | | |
Jan 24-27
ELCA Youthworkers Extravaganza
Anaheim, CA
Feb 1-2
Affirm Administrative Staff Meeting
Feb 9
Alassippi Youth Gathering
Jackson, MS
Feb 15-16
Stewardship Table Kick-Off
Atlanta, GA
Feb 22-24
SESLYO Assembly
Feb 23
Talking Together as Christians Cross-Culturally
Ocean Springs, MS
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ELCA-Southeastern Synod
100 Edgewood Ave. NE, Suite 1600
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-589-1977
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