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Lutheran, Episcopal Churches Join for Ministry in Albany, GA
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Father Jay Weldon of St. Patrick's Episcopal Church talks with acolyte Ovie Patani and Barbara Danzer of the Lutheran Church of Our Savior following a Sunday service.
Credit: Albany Herald.
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In Albany, GA, members of Lutheran Church of Our Savior and St. Patrick's Episcopal Church are worshiping together on Sunday mornings. The two congregations are practicing open communion in a joint ministry that has "evolved over time" into a remarkable and life-giving relationship. Click here to read the full story, featured in the Albany Herald.
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From dust you came...
 Blessings to you as we enter this season of Lent. As we stop today to remember whose we are and in whose grace we are sustained, we invite you to join our sisters and brothers across the Southeastern Synod in reflecting on this holy season. For the next several weeks we will feature Lenten reflections written by several of our rostered leaders who currently serve in their first call. Read Pastor John Tirro's blog below.
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Please mark your calendars now for the
2013 Southeastern Synod Assembly.
Registration opens 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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Important Synod Information -
Action Required
Nominations for 2013 Assembly Elections: 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 boards of directors, functioning as the interim legislative authority between meetings of the Synod Assembly. Nominees should have the ability to attend weekday 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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Synod Council Minutes Available: Preliminary minutes of the Synod Council's January 18-19 meeting are now available on the synod website. Click here to go directly to the minutes page. Although these minutes have not yet been officially approved, they are being made available so that all interested persons may know the decisions that were made. If you have any questions about the minutes, please contact the Synod Secretary, Pastor Terri Stagner-Collier.
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 Reports Due Friday!
Click the links below for information and submission instructions on the following reports.
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 Portico Health Assessment: The Portico Health Assessment program allows ELCA employers (congregations, seminaries, other organizations) to 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. It only takes 10-20 minutes and you get $150 in wellness dollars. Click here to get started!
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Congregational Mission Planning Grants: Did you know that grants of up to $1,000 are available to congregations that are currently engaged in or will be engaging in a congregational mission planning process? Grants are available from the synod's Great Commission Fund for renewal, re-visioning, and mission planning. For more information and for an application, please visit the synod website here or contact Rebecca Kolowé.
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When Strangers Become Neighbors: Registration Now Open!
I was a stranger and you welcomed me. Matthew 25:35
You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Mark 12:31
Saturday, April 6, 2013
9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Registration begins at 9:00 a.m.)
Registration Fee $15
Christ the King Lutheran Church
5575 Peachtree Parkway
Norcross, GA 30092
As people from around the world make the United States their home, the political, economic, and spiritual issues related to immigration continue to divide us. Even the language we use--alien, stranger, foreigner--creates division. Jesus calls people of faith to show hospitality to strangers in our midst. But what happens when these strangers become our neighbors, those we are call to love as we love ourselves?
When Strangers Become Neighbors: Immigration and the Church Today aims to deepen the conversation about the church's role in loving our new neighbors: refugees who seek safety and a new home; children orphaned or torn from their parents during conflict; asylum seekers, survivors of torture, and victims of human trafficking who need protection; and migrants who flee desperate circumstances in search of opportunity. This event is intended for Social Ministry Committee members, pastors and rostered leaders, lay leaders, and those interested in the church's response to immigration issues. During this event:
- Keynote Speaker: The Reverend H. Julian Gordy, Bishop of the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA
- Presentations by: The Reverend Robert Strickert, representative of the Florida-Georgia District of the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod and The Reverend Floyd R. Blair, President and CEO of Lutheran Services of Georgia
- Resources and opportunities for further conversation, education, advocacy, and volunteer engagement will be provided for congregations.
The deadline for registration and payment is April 1, 2013. Registration and payment must be handled separately:
$15 registration fee made payable to Lutheran Services of Georgia:
- To pay by check: Remit and mail check with designation "WSBN Conf April 6" to Lutheran Services of Georgia, 100 Edgewood Ave NE, Suite 1800, Atlanta GA 30303
- To pay by credit or debit card: Visit LSG's website, click on the purple "donate" icon in top-right corner, fill out the form, and put "WSBN Conf Apr 6" in the comments section.
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101 Days After Hurricane Sandy
 101 days after Hurricane Sandy, Matthew Ley discusses the phases of the ELCA's response to this disaster. He shares the story of Lutheran HealthCare, situated in southwest Brooklyn, NY, to remind us that communities are recovering due to the "amazing efforts made by individuals, many who will forever remain in the shadows, who have stepped up to give of time, talents, and resources." Click here to read more on the ELCA Disaster Response blog.
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LVC Highlight: Meet Amy Burke
 Hometown: Harrisburg, PA College: Lock Haven University Majors: International Relations, Philosophy, and English Placement: Georgia Equality ....This is my second year in the Lutheran Volunteer Corps. I spent last year in Baltimore and worked for an extraordinary organization, Lutheran World Relief, which creates and implements sustainable development practices, disaster relief efforts, and supports fair trade in developing countries. During this time, I fell deeply in love with the city and with living in community. When the year came to a close, I knew I wanted to spend another year in service with an organization I truly cared about, so I sought out Georgia Equality, an organization that had caught my interest but was unavailable the first time around..... Read more about Amy Burke, Lutheran Volunteer!
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Opportunities for Youth
Nominations Needed for 2013 Bishop's School
 The 2013 Bishop's School will be held the week of June 23-29 on the campus of Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in Columbia, SC. Youth from all over the southeast will gather to worship, study with seminary professors, witness God's work in the world, and learn what it means to think theologically. Is there a special 11th or 12th grader in your congregation who asks difficult questions and expresses a passion for knowing God more deeply? Consider nominating him or her to attend Bishop's School. Nominations are due April 1, 2013. For more information or to nominate a youth, click here.
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Still Room On the Roots to Wings Germany Trip!
 There is still room available on the Roots to Wings trip to Germany on July 6-21, 2013. The Roots and Wings tour will take up to 30 youth (ages 16 and over) and adults from the Southeastern Synod to Germany in 2013. If you are interested in Youth and Young Adult Ministry, Lutheran History, Evangelism, and Church Growth, you'll love this trip! Cost for Roots to Wings is $1900 and you can use a credit card online to pay. More information about the Roots to Wings tour is available here.
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Learning Opportunities
Go Make Disciples: An Invitation to Baptismal Living
 On April 25-27, the North American Association for the Catechumenate will offer a three-day institute in Houston, Texas. The Cathechumenate is a process of faith formation and spiritual development that offers a paradigm shift from "members" to "disciples", training and equipping believers for a life of discipleship. Pastors, worship leaders, educators, cathechetical teams, students, and congregational teams are all invited to attend. For more information or to register, click here.
Technology for Ministry Workshop at Candler
 How does technology affect your theology? Join Candler School of Theology's technology and media experts for a day of learning and sharing about digital communications, selecting software, and planning for the future. This day-long workshop will be held on March 1, 2013, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Candler School of Theology, Room 102, 1531 Dickey Dr. Atlanta, GA 30322. Deadline to register is February 22, 2013. Click here for more information.
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ESL Classes at Christ the King
 English as a Second Lanugage (ESL) classes at Christ the King in Norcross, GA are free, but students must buy the $20 textbook. You may pay the $20 on the starting dates, February 12-16. If students complete the full course, they will receive a prize. Classes will finish between April 16-20. Before beginning the class, students must register and take a placement level test. Please contact Young Kim, the Director of the ELS classes, at esl@ctklutheran.org or 720-903-6997 for information or to schedule the test. Registration begins January 21, but must be completed by the end of February. The course schedule is as follows: Tuesdays beginning February 12 from 7:00-8:30 p.m.; Thursdays beginning February 14 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and also from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; and Saturdays beginning February 16 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. We have 3 levels of ESL classes: Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced classes that meet on each date. There is no class level division on Saturday. Everyone can come to the free-talking class.
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 Festival of Homiletics: On May 13-17, 2013, join many of the nation's finest preachers and teachers at the 21st Festival of Homiletics in Nashville, TN. The Festival of Homiletics is a weeklong conference on preaching, worship, and culture in the 21st century. Experience the fellowship of and be inspired by preachers and teachers from around the country. Click here for more information or to register.
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Celebrate Our Heritage in Rincon, GA!
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Stewardship
Living Generously: Devotion from Pr. Nathan Hickert
If you spend much time at all on the internet, you may have seen the photo that a waitress posted a few days ago. The photo shows a standard restaurant receipt, with the gratuity written into the check--as it almost always is for large parties. The recipient of that check scribbled out the 18% gratuity and wrote in "I give God 10%, why should you get 18?- Pastor _______."
While this kind of note is unconscionably stingy, and gives Christians bad press--and from a pastor, no less--it did strike a nerve in me. My sinful self wanted to reply with some snide remark like, "Don't mistake this as a pattern, most Christians are much more generous with their waitresses than with God....
Click here to read the rest in The Lutheran Church of the Messiah's Weekly E-pistle.
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More Resources...
In addition to numerous resource links in the sidebar of this e-news, the following links will take you to videos that can be used to tell the story of the work that the ELCA is engaged in. Take a minute to look at them and forward them to others for them to share, too!
Public Service Announcements: ELCA public service announcements, intended to share the message of God's love with media audiences, are available here.
World Hunger Video Series: Click here to hear and see stories of how ELCA World Hunger has impacted people around the world.
Stories of Faith in Action: In the Stories of Faith in Action videos, you'll discover stories of people throughout the ELCA living out their faith in the world. Click here for more.
Animate Faith: Looking for a resource to get faith conversations started? Take a look at Animate Faith. You can see sample videos from seven of the leading Christian voices who pose questions designed to help us talk about faith and church. This is a great resource to use with people who are new to church or people who have been engaged in the life of the church for years!
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Hunger In Our Midst
LEARN...
Hunger Fast Fact: An estimated 22 million U.S. children use Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to purchase a nutritionally adequate diet. This represents close to 1 in 3 children (29 percent) in the United States (Source: 2013 Bread for the World Hunger Report, 114; Notes #2).
To learn more about hunger, sign up for the ELCA Hunger Fast Facts listserve 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. The Hunger Walk is an annual 5K walk/run and a project of the Atlanta Community Food Bank to benefit local hunger-fighting organizations, including Lutheran Services of Georgia! Registration for the 29th annual Hunger Walk/Run is now open. Individuals and teams can register online and view resources for collecting donations by clicking here. To walk/run to benefit Lutheran Services of Georgia, sign up on this page.
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Hope Renewed Ministry In Search of House Mother
 Hope Renewed Ministry is committed to walk hand-in-hand with female parolees who have served long-term prison sentences and have no place to go when released. HRM will partner to teach them life skills, show them ways to find employment, and assist with clothing, food, shelter, and transportation. HRM will also require they spend time in daily prayer, journaling, and meditation in order to become productive members of society.
Hope Renewed Minsitry is currently in search of a House Mother. She needs to be a woman of strong faith who feels called to this ministry. The position is room and board only. She will have a furnished bedroom with private bath. She will need to have some kind of income to meet her own needs. She will need to have her own car. She will need to have some familiarity with female inmates. If you are interested, email Judy Knapp.
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Lutherans Restoring Creation
 Lutherans Restoring Creation (LRC) is a grassroots movement promoting care for creation in the ELCA. LRC's mission is to empower and equip ELCA congregations, synods, seminaries, colleges and universities, outdoor ministry sites, public policy offices, social ministry organizations, and the ELCA churchwide leadership to embrace caring for creation in more substantive and meaningful ways. Upcoming LRC opportunities include:
Energy Stewards Initiative: This two-year LRC program for ELCA congregations and Lutheran Outdoor Ministry sites is designed to: reduce your energy use and costs, lower your carbon footprint, and save money for other expressions of mission. LRC is recruiting congregations to begin the program in February. Late registrations will be accepted from March through May. Click here for more information.
 Greenfaith Certification: This two-year program provides one-on-one coaching, resources, and networking opportunities to help congregations enhance their environmental programming. To learn more about LRC's partnership with Greenfaith, including a 50% Certification Program tuition discount opportunity, click here. Congregations can attend a free Greenfaith Certification Program Information Webinar on February 25, 2013. Visit the LRC website for more information about this program.
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Raise Your Voice & Advocate!
Advocacy plays a crucial role in the ELCA's work for justice in this world. Advocacy is a Biblical act, rooted in the prophets and leaders who stood alongside those experiencing injustice and "spoke truth to power." The Southeastern Synod E-News Weekly's Raise Your Voice will feature educational resources and offer opportunities for advocacy related to important advocacy concerns.To learn more about the ELCA's approach to advocacy and important issues for 2013, visit the ELCA website.
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 At God's Table: Food Justice for a Healthy World: On Friday, April 5 through Monday, April 8, join Christian advocates at the 11th annual Ecumenical Advocacy Days to seek Food Justice for a Healthy World in Washington, DC! EAD will explore the injustices in global food systems that leave one billion people hungry, create food price shocks that destabilize communities, everywhere, and undermine God's creation. Keynote speakers include Brother Dave Andrews, CSC, JD, Senior Representative for Food and Water Watch, The Rev. Michael Livingston, National Policy Director for Interfaith Worker Justice, and others. Click here for more information or to register. Visit the ELCA website to learn more about Healthy Food & Food Systems and Vibrant Farms & Rural Communities.
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- Disaster Preparedness for Migrant Communities: A Manual for First Responders
- Launch of the new blog Refining Welcome, written by LIRS President and CEO Linda Hartke
- Advocacy and educational efforts for Comprehensive Immigration Reform (CIR) during the 113th Congress
- New Human Trafficking Resource from the End Human Trafficking Now! campaign
- "Who is a Refugee?" module
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 E-Advocacy - Take Action Now!: ELCA advocacy ministry speaks for biblical values: peacemaking, hospitality to strangers, care for creation, and concern for people living in poverty and struggling with hunger and disease. ELCA advocacy works for change in public policy based on the experience of Lutheran ministries, programs, and projects around the world and in communities across the United States. Become a part of the ELCA advocacy effort by signing up for the e-Advocacy network.
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Around the Synod
The Reverend John Barichivich Installed
Last Saturday, February 9, The Reverend John Barichivich was installed as Mission Developer at Faith Lutheran Church in Warner Robbins, GA. Pictured from left to right are: The Reverend Harry Tedrow; The Reverend John Barichivich; The Reverend Darrel Peterson; and Jennifer Hogan, President of Faith Lutheran Church.
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Position Open (Available Immediately)
 St Luke's Lutheran Church in Atlanta, GA is looking for a part-time Church Secretary, 16-20 hrs/wk, Monday-Friday. For job description, contact Pr. Ruth Hamilton at St Luke's: (404) 237-4413; pastor@stlukeatlanta.org. Click here for more information.
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I Am Dust: Ash Wednesday Reflection
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The Rev. John Tirro
Pastor of Congregational Life & Campus Ministry
St. John's Lutheran Church, Knoxville
Tyson House Episcopal and Lutheran Campus Ministry, Knoxville
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I love Lent. People look at me funny when I say that, but there it is. I love Lent. I especially love Ash Wednesday. One by one we walk forward. With a touch of a finger on each forehead, we're marked with ash in the shape of a cross and softly reminded, "Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return." I'm dust. I'm not God. I am not responsible for anything only God can do. I can rest in that promise. I am dust.
Also, dust is a cool thing to be. One of my best songwriting partners, Lisa Aschmann, who is also an astrophysicist, once told me of the soup of neutrons at the heart of a star....
Read the rest of this reflection on our synod blog.
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Did You Know?
The ELCA works in over 90 countries around the world through its companion churches and institutions located in those countries. To learn more, visit the ELCA website.
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Share Your Story
Is God doing exciting work in your congregation or ministry that you would like to share with the rest of the synod? Are you looking to spread the word about an upcoming event or opportunity for ministry? The E-News Weekly is open for congregations to share news, stories, photos, announcements and more. Send your stories to Michelle Angalet. Michelle can also be reached at (404) 589-1977, ext. 235. Submissions are due Mondays by 5 pm. The Synod E-News Weekly (usually) goes out on Wednesdays.
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Ordinations & Installations
Feb 16: Laura Jane Shally will be ordained at Christ Lutheran Church in Fairfield Glad, TN on Saturday at 1 pm.
Feb 17: The Rev. Nancy Christiansen will be installed as Associate Pastor at Cross and Crown in Chamblee, GA.
Mar 8:
The Rev. Laura Shally will be installed at Shepherd of the Lake in Loudon, TN on Friday at 6 pm.
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SES Young Adult & Youth Ministry Spotlight
| This past weekend, youth grades 6 through 12 gathered at Ascension Lutheran Church in Jackson, MS for the 2013 Alassippi Youth Gathering. "Get Wet" was this year's theme and Starboarders led the youth in worship. Pictures from Alassippi 2012 are now available on the ELCA Southeastern Synod Young Adult and Youth Ministry Facebook page!
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LLMI Spotlight
Golf Tournament to Benefit Lutheranch
Are you a golf enthusiast looking to show off your skills on the course? Join Trinity Lutheran Church (Lilburn GA) for the Ralph Gabrielson Annual Memorial Golf Tournament in Stone Mountain, GA! The tournament will take place on July 27, with sign-in beginning at 7 a.m. Proceeds will benefit Lutheranch's "Standing on the Promise" campaign. For more information or to register to play, click here! | |
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LSG Spotlight
Striking Out Hunger!
Check out this inspiring story of Trinity Lutheran Church's (Lilburn, GA) efforts to "strike out hunger". Last year, Trinity collected $12,591 and had over 100 participants in the Hunger Walk/Run! Who knows what they'll accomplish this year? Read the full story on LSG's blog here.
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Living Lutheran Spotlight
How to Tell Your Congregation's Story
People all around the world tell stories. Jesus told stories to communicate his messages of love, justice, and mercy. Stories can teach, build bridges, inspire, and move to action. Living Lutheran offers concrete suggestions for effectively and creatively sharing your congregation's story with your community. Click here to begin storytelling!
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The Lutheran
Share Your Favorite Hymn or Song of Faith!
Has a favorite hymn or song of faith carried you through deep joy or difficulty? Does it remind you of God's care at a turning point in your life or faith? Briefly (300 words or less) tell The Lutheran Magazine the name of the hymn or song, where we can find it, and what it means to you.
Do you know of a young ELCA member who would like to submit their favorite hymn? Submissions from youth are especially needed.
Please include your name, your congregation's name, town, state and your contact information (phone or email).
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Who to Contact
Do you have a question or a comment for a member of the synod staff, but aren't sure who to contact? Check out our regularly updated contact page on the synod website.
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Proposed ELCA CBCR Amendments
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In November 2012, the Church Council of the ELCA voted to recommend amendments to the 2013 Churchwide Assembly. Official notice of the proposed amendments to the Constitution, Bylaws, and Continuing Resolutions and a copy of the amendments in their entirety are available below or as a Quick Link on the synod website. 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 recommendations. For more information on LIFT, click here.
Click here to view the official notice of the proposed amendments or click here to read the amendments in their entirety.
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| Synod Calendar | |
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
Mar. 10
Hunger Walk/Run
Atlanta, GA
Mar. 15 Bio forms for 2013 Nominations Due Mar. 29 Good Friday Synod Office Closed
View the entire synod calendar
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LIRS Releases Leadership Toolkit: 
