Southeastern Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
God's work. Our hands.
E-News Weekly |
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Issue: #355
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January 30, 2013
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Please mark your calendars now for the 2013 Southeastern Synod Assembly. Registration will open on February 15.
2013 Southeastern Synod Assembly
May 31, June 1 and 2, 2013
Chattanooga Convention Center
"Always Being Made New"
Following the theme of "Always Being Made New," the 2013 Assembly will remember our roots and celebrate how God has worked through our hands these past 25 years. Click here to view the ELCA's interactive timeline of some of the milestones of God's faithfulness.
Our speakers for the 2013 Assembly will be (from left to right): The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, Presiding Bishop of the ELCA; Beth Lewis, president and CEO of Augsburg Fortress; and The Rev. Harold C. Skillrud, Bishop Emeritus and first bishop of the Southeastern Synod.
  
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Nominations Sought for 2013 Assembly Elections
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 The Southeastern Synod Nominating Committee is currently seeking potential nominees for several positions to be elected at the 2013 Synod Assembly. Positions for which nominees are needed include:
Synod Council Members. The Synod Council is the synod's board of directors, functioning as the interim legislative authority between meetings of the Synod
Assembly. Nominees should have the ability to attend week-day meetings three
times a year. Nominees are being sought in the following categories:
- 1 Youth, 2-year term (lay person under age 18) (must complete term before graduating from high school)
- 1 Young Adult, 1-year unexpired term (lay person age 18-30)
- 2 At-large members, 2-year term (Gender and roster designations to be determined)
Members of the Consultation Committee. This committee functions primarily
in an advisory role to the synod bishop, assisting the bishop in investigating
situations that are potentially matters for formal discipline. Nominees are needed
in the following categories:
- 2 Clergy (6-year terms)
- 2 Lay Females (6-year terms)
Members of the Discipline Committee. This committee consists of 12
members who function as a pool of individuals available for potential participation
in disciplinary hearings. Nominees are needed in the following categories:
- 1 Clergy (6-year term)
- 1 Lay Male (6-year term)
- 2 Lay Females (6-year terms)
The Nominating Committee's goal is to nominate two to four persons for each position. The Committee will consider individual skills and qualifications, as well as the Synod's inclusivity goals. These goals address the balance between lay persons and pastors, gender, status as a youth or young adult, and racial/ethnic background. Achieving some geographical diversity of nominees will also be a factor in the Nominating Committee's decisions.
Click HERE for more information about these positions. DEADLINE for submission of biographical forms to be considered by the Nominating Committee: March 15, 2013.
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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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Notice of Proposed ELCA CBCR Amendments
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 In November 2012 the Church Council of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America voted to recommend amendments to the 2013 Churchwide Assembly. Official notice of those proposed amendments to the Constitution, Bylaws and Continuing Resolutions and a copy of the amendments in their entirety are available below. The 2013 Churchwide Assembly will gather in August in Pittsburgh, PA. Many of these amendments are a result of 2011 Churchwide Assembly actions on the LIFT (Living Into the Future Together) recommendations. A copy of this notice and the proposed amendments can also be accessed from the synod website.
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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. 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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ELCA News You can Use
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Daily Prayer Ventures
Prayer brings us closer to God and to one another, giving us
strength for the journey as we travel together. As disciples of Christ, we are called to pray continually, lifting up our praises and needs before God. Would you like to join with others throughout the ELCA in praying daily for the work of this church in the world? Consider joining the ELCA Prayer Ventures listserve to receive prayer requests from the United States and around the world.
Today, as the ELCA and its partners continue to aid the refugee camps around the world, we pray that the young people in those camps hold on to the dream of a better life and that they will someday see that dream fulfilled.
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Living Earth Reflections
Living Earth Reflections explore our relationship with God's creation and remind us to care for our environment. January's reflection challenges congregations to practice stewardship by taking action to respond to climate change. To view past Living Earth reflections and other environmental resources, visit the ELCA website.
Click here to explore or subscribe to Daily Prayer Ventures, Living Earth Reflections, and other ELCA listserve lists. If you would like to include news feeds like these on your website, visit the ELCA website for instructions.
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Hunger In Our Midst - What we can learn and what we can do
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LEARN...
Hunger Fast Fact: Food demand is projected to rise 50% by 2030.
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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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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Mediation Skills Training for Church Leaders
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 On March 11-15, 2013, the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center will offer a Mediation Skills Training Institute session for church leaders. This training session will be held at St. John's Episcopal Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. A combination of lectures, discussion, and guided practice in role plays, the training will equip people in skills for mediating interpersonal, multi-party, and congregational conflict. The pre-registration deadline has been extended to February 22. Register early and save $100. For registration information, call Lombard Mennonite Peace Center at 630-627-0507, email admin@LMPeaceCenter.org, or visit the website.
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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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Celebrating the Installation of the Rev. David Rasmussen
On Sunday, January 27, 2013, Jerusalem Lutheran Church of Rincon, GA welcomed the Rev. Paul Summer, Assistant to the Bishop (left) and the Rev. David Rasmussen (right), who was installed as Interim Pastor during the morning service.
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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Meet Hassan and Mako: A Story from ELCA World Hunger
 Farming is the way of life for Hassan and Mako. In the past, it was always a challenge to yield enough crops to feed the family. There often wasn't enough and they were left hungry and weak. Hassan and Mako weren't sure what to do.
All of that changed when they decided to attend training sessions on how to improve their lives and to grow more vegetables in their garden. They not only learned how to produce more vegetables, but also learned how to raise and distribute seeds to sell. The health of the entire family has improved and they are now earning an income.
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Ethiopia. CIA World Factbook.
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Hassan eagerly speaks about the change in his family's life. "There is a big difference. We are now much better off than we were before. My family used to be very weak. We had never received any training on how to improve our lives."
The Lutheran World Federation, supported by your gifts to ELCA World Hunger, is working to make a difference and improve people's lives through programs like the trainings Hassan and Mako attended.
With enough income to sustain their family, they are one step closer to breaking the cycle of poverty. Your gifts to ELCA World Hunger support this program and others like it in Ethiopia and nearly 50 countries around the world.
Click here for this and other stories from ELCA World Hunger.
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By The Rev. Delmer Chilton
Lectionary blog for Feb. 3, 2013
The Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
Texts: Jeremiah 1:4-10, Psalm 71:1-6,
1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Luke 4:21-30
Ravi Zacharias was a grad student at Cambridge when he made a day-trip over to Bedford, the hometown of John Bunyan, the writer of "The Pilgrim's Progress." He was not disappointed. There in the middle of town was a life-size statue of the tinker/preacher/writer, his restored house, a museum and the church he pastored in the 1600s.
Ravi had a great day wandering around town, praying in the church, looking over artifacts in the museum. Finally it was time to go home, but he lingered in the gift shop of the museum, looking over the various editions of "The Pilgrim's Progress" for sale. He struck up a conversation with the young clerk. He asked her where she was from....
Visit the Living Lutheran website to read the rest of the reflection.
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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 | | |
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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