Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church Takes on New Pastor, New Phase of Mission
By Michael W. Pannell, Sun News correspondent
 | The Rev. John Barichivich
Credit: Michael W. Pannell |
Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church has a new pastor and is developing a new plan for relocation and growth in the future.
The Rev. John Barichivich was installed as pastor Jan. 1 after the church was without a pastor for more than a year.
He said he was called specifically for the purpose of a new phase of mission and rebuilding the church is entering.
"Like so many mainstream congregations, Faith Lutheran has seen a decline in attendance during the past several years, " Barichivich said. "Faith Lutheran sought and received a grant from the larger Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, our denomination. It's a redevelopment grant, a three-year diminishing grant, that allowed them to hire a new pastor and to work toward the future."
Click here to read more about Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church's exciting new phase of mission.
|
ELCA Members Journey to Southern Africa for Malaria Campaign
 Embarking on a "journey of listening and learning," a group of Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) members will travel March 16-25 to southern Africa to visit Lutheran companion churches working to help contain the deadly disease of malaria. "This is not just about going on a trip but entering into a long term relationship that will change all of us," said the Rev. Philip Knutson, an ELCA regional representative in southern Africa. "What people need most, and that is true for guests and hosts, is for us to listen to each other and learn how to walk together. It is good to know that by God's grace we will be walking together for some time learning what it means to participate in God's mission of transformation, reconciliation, and mutual empowerment for the sake of the life of the world."....
|
Congregation Observers at the 2013 Churchwide Assembly
 This year's ELCA Churchwide Assembly will be held on August 12 through 17 in Pittsburg, PA. Each congregation of the ELCA may register with the secretary of this church one congregation observer for the Churchwide Assembly prior to May 31 in the year of a Churchwide Assembly.
- Provision shall be made for such an individual to have reserved seating in the observers section of the plenary hall. Such congregation observers will receive a copy of the report of recommendations for assembly action and also materials distributed on the plenary floor to voting members, advisory members, and non-voting members during the assembly. Such observers shall have neither voice nor vote in plenary sessions of the assembly.
- A registration fee shall be established by the secretary of this church for registration and related costs, including enabling observers to receive the same meals as are provided for voting members.
- Transportation costs, housing, other meals, and related expenses shall be the responsibility of the registered observer or sending congregation.
The registration fee for congregation observers is $150. Please contact the assembly registrar at 800-638-3522 ext. 2807, or via e-mail to CWARegistrar@elca.org if you have any questions. Please note the meal package is not included in the registration fee, but may be purchased separately when registering. Online registration will open in April here.
|
Synod Wellness/Sabbatical Grants
Available - Submission Deadlines Set
Thanks to a $12,000 grant from Portico, the Southeastern Synod is offering grants to promote self-care of its rostered leaders who serve in congregations. The grants will provide funding to support intentional wellness activities or sabbaticals. Congregations must be willing to match the requested funding amount. We have received several grant applications to date. To help congregations in their planning, two submission deadlines have been set for 2013. Applications for review in Round 1 are due April 15. Round 2 applications must be submitted by September 1. Applicants will be notified within one week of the deadline. Click here to learn more. The grant was awarded to our synod in response to our rostered leaders' completion of the 2012 Portico Health Assessment.
|
|
Thank You!
 Last week, ConstantContact announced the Southeastern Synod as a 2012 ConstantContact All Star Award Winner. This status is an annual designation that only 10% of ConstantContact users achieve, and is awarded to organizations who build great relationships with readers. Thank you for your continued, engaged reading of the E-News Weekly! We couldn't have done it without you!
|
|
Celebrating Our ELCA and Global Companionships
 The sixty-five synods of the ELCA and five ELCIC (Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada) synods participate in over 120 international companionships. These companionships extend the bilateral relationships between our churches and Lutheran church bodies in other countries, called companions. They also help us to celebrate the global body of Christ. The Companion Synod Program is a concrete expression of the Lutheran World Federation and an exciting way ELCA members can engage in global mission.
Our Southeastern Synod has companion relationships with four international church bodies and one synod in the United States. Want to learn more about our companion synods? Click the links below to visit their websites or visit our global mission page on our website. Also, keep watching the E-News for future stories of God's work among and with our companions.
|
Synod Assembly
May 31, June 1 and 2, 2013
Chattanooga Convention Center
"Always Being Made New"
Online registration closes May 1.
|
We Need Your Assistance to Celebrate!
As we commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the ELCA at our Southeastern Synod Assembly, the Synod Staff and Assembly Planning Team are asking for congregational assistance in planning for a celebratory event. Please watch the enews for more information in the coming weeks and for informative emails once you have registered.
Bring a banner for worship: The Synod Worship Team is asking that each congregation bring a banner (with pole and stand) to have displayed in the worship space and throughout the synod assembly. We would prefer the banner to display the congregation's name, but if you have seasonal banners or an anniversary banner, that will also be fine. Please bring these to the synod assembly and deliver them to the worship space upon arrival. If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Kevin Strickland, Chair for Worship and Liturgy.
Make and Bring a Quilt: This year the Lutheran World Relief (LWR) Quilt Campaign has set a goal of collecting 500,000 quilts to be distributed around the world. As a simple way to demonstrate what we can do together in the Southeastern Synod, we are encouraging each congregation to make a quilt for LWR and bring it to Assembly where we will display them throughout the Assembly. Click here to learn more about the LWR Quilt Campaign and easy 3-step directions for making LWR Quilts. You can also use this quilting resource from "The Happy Quilters" at Shades Valley Lutheran Church, Birmingham, AL.
Submit Photos and Videos of Your Congregation in Action: The 2013 Synod Assembly will feature a video capturing Southeastern Synod congregations and ministries at work. Do you have photos and videos of your congregation doing God's work with your hands in your community? If so, please contact Abby Koning or Michelle Angalet in the synod office, and we'll consider including them in the video! Deadline for submissions is April 29.
For more information and updates about getting ready for the synod assembly, visit the synod website.
|
Resolutions Deadline is May 10 at 5 pm
At the September meeting of the Synod Council a new continuing resolution (S11.01.32.A12) was approved which provided for the calculation of resolution deadlines at synod assemblies. You can read it here. |
|
Nominations Deadline Extended
The Southeastern Synod Nominating Committee has extended the deadline to submit nominations for positions to be elected at the 2013 Synod Assembly. The new deadline is April 5. Click here for more information about the following positions for which nominations are invited.
Synod Council:
1 Young adult (ages 18-30)
2 At-large persons
1 Youth (must be able to complete term before high school graduation)
Discipline Committee
1 Clergy (male or female)
1 Lay male
2 Lay females
Consultation Committee
3 Clergy
2 Lay females
Deadline for submission of biographical forms to be considered by the Nominating Committee: April 5, 2013
|
|
When Strangers Become Neighbors: Now with Community Conversations
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 (covers lunch)
Christ the King Lutheran
Church
5575 Peachtree Parkway
Norcross, GA 30092
As a part of this event, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services will partner with Lutheran Services of Georgia to host a "Community Conversation" for conference attendees. The Community Conversation on immigration issues and the church today will serve as a model of how to design and host conversations that engage newcomers and congregations in productive dialogue. To learn more about LIRS, click here.
Speakers for this event: Bishop H. Julian Gordy of the Southeastern Synod (above left), The Reverend Floyd R. Blair (President and CEO of Lutheran Services of Georgia (above center), and The Reverend Robert Strickert, representative of the Florida-Georgia District of the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod (above right).
Bishop Gordy also serves as a regular panelist on Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services' The Update, a weekly blog series analyzing how recent events affect the prospects for immigration reform. Click to read this week's The Update in English or in Spanish. The Update is also a weekly feature in our e-news and is located in the red sidebar.
|
|
Volunteers Needed in the Synod Office
 It's time for spring cleaning at the synod office, and we're looking for volunteers to help us get organized! If you are located in the metro Atlanta area and are willing and able to do some cleaning, organizing, and lifting, we would very much appreciate your assistance. Contact Holly Liersch by email or at 404-589-1977 ext. 233 for more information.
|
|
Bishop's School: Nominations Due Monday, April 1
 Is there a special 11th or 12th grader in your congregation who is always asking tough questions and yearns to deepen his or her faith? If so, please consider nominating him or her for the 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 come together to study with seminary professors, worship in Christ Chapel, and witness the way God is working in the world and their own lives. Click here for a brochure with additional information. Nominations are due April 1st, 2013. Feel free to nominate more than one youth from your congregation. Contact the Coordinator for Bishop's School, Ms Sandra Holland, AIM or Ms. Tiffany Pieters in the Region 9 off at 803-461-3263 with questions.
|
|
Living Last Supper
Presented by
The Evangelism Committee and The Men in Mission of
The Lutheran Church of the Atonement
Saturday, April 7, 2012
6:30 PM.
1875 Joseph E. Boone Blvd. N.W.
Atlanta, GA 30314
Reverend Ronald Bonner, Pastor
The Lutheran Church of the Atonement proudly presents the 5th presentation of the Living Last Supper. This is a dramatic presentation of Jesus reclining at the table with the twelve disciplines. "And while they were eating, He said, "I'll tell you the truth, one of you will betray me". They were very sad and began to say to Him one after the other, surely not I, Lord?"
|
|
Southeastern Synod Developer & Redevelopers Fellowship and Mission Retreat
When: Tuesday (1 pm) through Wednesday (11 am), April 23-24
Where: Blessed Trinity Shrine Retreat Center
107 Holy Trinity Road
Fort Mitchell, AL 36856
(334) 855-4474
Directions and information available here
Sponsored by the Southeastern Synod Outreach & Renewal Team
|
|
Southeastern Synod Interim Pastors Conference
If you are, have been, or are interested in beginning interim ministry, consider attending the Southeastern Synod's Interim Pastor Conference to be held at the Synod Office on Tuesday, April 30. Assistants to the Bishops Darrel Peterson and Paul Summer, and Pr. Delmer Chilton will lead the group in an informational day:
9:30 AM: Gathering and Coffee
10:00 AM: Devotional
10:15 AM: The Growing Edge in Interim Ministry
11:00 AM: Call Process Review and the Interim Pastor's Place in It
Noon: Lunch with Synod Staff
1:00 PM: Expectations of Interim Pastors
2:00 PM: Questions and Answers
3:00 PM: Dismissal
To find out more, contact one of the conference leaders listed above pastors. RSVP to Jeanette Burgess, Administrative Liaison for Leadership, by April 22 so we can provide materials and lunch accordingly. Contact Jeanette in the synod office by email or at (404) 589-1977, ext. 232.
The synod office is located at 100 Edgewood Ave., NE, Ste 1600 (16th floor), Atlanta, GA 30303. Phone: (404) 589-1977; Fax: (404) 521-1980. You may park in the ramp on the same block (use the cobblestone driveway between the two buildings) and we will validate your ticket.
|
|
Mission Trip to Guatemala
 First United Lutheran Church in Kennesaw, GA is planning a trip to visit our friends of La Iglesia Luterana Agustina de Guatemala (ILAG) scheduled for this May 18-25. We are looking forward to accompanying our mission partners in Guatemala and working together in doing some painting and light carpentry work along the way. There are still a few spots open on this trip and you are welcome to join us. For more info, contact Debra White by email or at (678) 699-7843.
|
|
Hope Renewed Ministry In Search of House Mother
 Hope Renewed Ministry 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, Diaconal Minister .
|
|
Palm Sunday Processional Gospel
 | |
The Rev. Tim Morgan, Faith Lutheran Church, Cleveland, GA
|
Next to the sheer joy and excitement of the empty tomb on Easter Sunday, I've always been rather partial to the Gospel texts that herald Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.
A year or so ago when I was researching this text I discovered that when traveling from Jericho to Jerusalem a pilgrim began the journey at a point eight hundred feet below sea level. The religious pilgrim travelled up all the way through hot, dry desert to reach the top of the Mount of Olives some three thousand feet above sea level. Arriving at this point almost instantly the countryside turns lush. And it is from this very vantage point the pilgrim makes first site of their destination off in the distance, God's Holy City of Jerusalem....
Read the rest of this reflection on our synod blog.
|
|
Earth Day - April 22, 2013
|
|
On April 22, people around the world will celebrate and commemorate Earth Day with events intended to raise awareness about environmental concerns. The ELCA recognizes caring for creation as one of the ways we do God's work with our hands in this world. For the next few weeks, we will be sharing resources and opportunities for you and your congregation to participate in Earth Day.
Congregational Resource for Earth Day
 Click here to access "Sunday Morning Sustainability: Eco-Justice Impacts and Opportunities" as a pdf--you will need to provide your basic information to sign in to the National Council of Churches' website and select the ELCA version of the resource.
*****************
ELCA Caring for Creation Webpage
 Learn more about your personal responsibility to the earth, what your congregation can do to be more green, how other groups are responding to environmental challenges and what the churchwide organization is doing about its energy conversation by clicking here.
*****************
Food Justice Conference
 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! Click here for more information or to register.
*****************
Lutherans Restoring Creation
 Lutherans Restoring Creation (LRC) is a grassroots program designed to encourage the ELCA to incorporate care for creation into its full life and mission at all expressions--congregationally, synodically, and nationally. The goal is to incorporate care for creation into the organizational patterns, worship life, educational programs, responsibility for buildings and grounds, lifestyle of members at home and work, and public ministry of all of these institutions, so that earthkeeping and justice for all earth community members becomes integral to the identity and purpose of our church. Opportunities for engagement include LRC's Energy Stewards Initiative for lower energy use and the GreenFaith Certification Program for ELCA congregations. Learn more here.
*****************
Support Lutheran World Relief
 Lutheran World Relief is a ministry of U.S. Lutherans, serving communities living in poverty overseas. Its model for development emphasizes sustainability, combining caring for vulnerable human communities with caring for God's earth. LWR has six major program areas: water, emergencies, agriculture, climate, health & livelihoods, and civic participation. Click here to read more about LWR's work around the world and the ways your congregation can help.
|
|
World Malaria Day - April 25, 2013
|
|
ELCA Malaria Campaign Malaria Week
 This year, the ELCA is turning World Malaria Day into a special week focusing on the work of the ELCA Malaria Campaign. You and your congregation are invited to join ELCA members across the church in observing World Malaria Day through the ELCA Malaria Campaign on Sunday, April 28, 2013. Here are some suggestions for how your congregation can observe World Malaria Day:
ANNOUNCE that you will be joining millions of people around the world in observing World Malaria Day. You will also be joining ELCA congregations across the country in the fight against malaria by observing World Malaria Day on Sunday, April 28
INVITE your congregation to dedicate that day's offering to the ELCA Malaria Campaign. You can give online here or order free offering envelopes and other resources here. You can also mail checks directly to ELCA Malaria Campaign at P.O. Box 71764, Chicago, IL 60694-1764. Be sure to include "World Malaria Day" in the memo line. PRAY for those affected by malaria. Look for prayers, litanies, and suggested hymns specifically designed for World Malaria Day here.
SHARE ELCA Malaria Campaign resources like the video, bulletin inserts, posters, and more found here.
|
|
Resources, Retreats, & Learning Opportunities
|
|
|
ELCA Suicide Prevention Ministry
Last week we featured the ELCA Suicide Prevention Ministry (SPM) and Southeastern Synod members Elsie and Jerry Weyrauch in our Did You Know? feature. The Weyrauch's began this ministry years ago to help prevent suicide and to provide support to those who experience the realities of suicide, and attempted suicide, after their own daughter, Terri Ann, completed suicide twenty five years ago. For more information on the ELCA SPM and its resources, including Telling Secrets: A Path to Abundant Living, a six-session educational resource for congregations on mental illness, addiction, alcoholism and suicide, contact Jerry Weyrauch. You can also watch a preview to this resource by the Weyrauchs at the link below.
 | | Telling Secrets: A Path to Abundant Living |
|
|
Our Global Church Directory
 Our Global Church, the 2013 Annual Directory of ELCA Global Missionaries, Scholarships, and Ministries provides information on the ELCA's work with the global church around the world. It can be used as a resource, education tool, or prayer guide. Request a single free copy at RIS@elca.org or order multiple copies by clicking here.
|
|
Southeastern Synod Women of the ELCA Annual Resource Guide
 Each year the Southeastern Synod Women of the ELCA updates its Annual Resource Guide. This guide is a comprehensive summary of the ministries that the SES Women of the ELCA is engaged in. Many of our congregations have active Women of the ELCA units. If you are looking to learn more about how to get involved in Women of the ELCA and the ministries it participates in locally, around the synod and around the world, take a look at the Annual Resource Guide (insert link here). For more information contact Jean Minkin, President, Southeastern Synod Women of the ELCA.
|
|
Lutheran Volunteer Corps: Applications due April 1
 | |
LVC Volunteers 2012-13
|
Are you 21 or older and looking for an opportunity to grow in the areas of spirituality, justice, community, simplicity, and sustainability? Lutheran Volunteer Corps (LVC) is a one-year volunteer service program for people who want to explore their spirituality while working for social justice, living in intentional community with other volunteers, and practicing sustainability in all aspects of their lives. Volunteers receive a monthly stipend to cover housing, food, travel, and basic personal needs. LVC Volunteers are matched with over 120 non-profits in 14 cities stretching from coast to coast. Applications for next year's LVC volunteers are due April 1, 2013. Click here to learn more.
|
|
Holy Week Pilgrimage for Immigrants
 | Holy Week Pilgrimage 2012
Credit: Alterna Community |
The Holy week Pilgrimage for Immigrants is an act of faith, solidarity, and hospitality; it is a prayer with feet. With our feet we pray that our faith communities and nations will search for ways that favor a spirit of solidarity with and justice for immigrants. We walk by a faith that transcends borders and bids us to overcome all forms of discrimination and violence so that we may build relationships that are just and loving. Walks of varying length take place each day during Holy Week, in various places around Georgia. Click here to view the different routes. For stories, photos, and reflections from last year's Pilgrimage, click here.
|
|
Adult Lutherans Organized for Action
 Adult Lutherans Organized for Action is an inter-Lutheran national movement affiliated with the ELCA and recognized as a social ministry organization of the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod. ALOA is the only national inter-Lutheran organization focused on identifying and serving the needs and interests of Lutheran older adults, with a focus on working with and through congregations, districts, synods, and other service ministry organizations to encourage senior ministry and senior involvement locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. Click here to learn more about ALOA.
|
|
Center For Congregational Health
 The Center for Congregational Health provides ministry and/or training for hundreds of faith communities, lay leaders and clergy annually across the United States and in several foreign countries. Ministries of the Center include coaching, consulting, interim ministry, leadership development, spiritual formation, and emotional intelligence for faith communities and their leaders. The Center also offers resources and learning opportunities. Click here for more.
|
|
OMG: Center for Theological Conversation
 OMG: Center for Theological Conversation realizes that 'Oh, my God' can be an assertion, a lament, a prayer, a question. Director Anna Madsen, ordained Lutheran pastor with a Ph.D. in systematic theology, serves those who seek to explore difficult questions of faith in conversation with others. OMG welcomes individual clients, couples, and small groups who wonder about things theological and helps guide conversations around tough questions. Click here for more information.
|
|
Create in Me at Lutheridge
On Thursday April 4- Sunday April 7, come to be refreshed, renewed, and re-created!
North Carolina Bishop Leonard Bolick will lead bible studies on the fire of the Holy Spirit
REKINDLING * REFINING * REVEALING
God in our midst.
A lively exchange of workshops and ideas encouraging creativity as central to the life of faith.
STAINED GLASS + CLAY + MOSAICS + BANNERMAKING + MOVEMENT + MUSIC + PAPER + CHARCOAL + STORYTELLING + CARVING + GRILLING + ACOHOL INKS + ZENTANGLING + FIBERS + PAINT + WOOD & MORE!
Free T-Shirt if you register by March 18.
|
|
Post-Easter Retreat for Clergy & Spouse
 With the sounds still ringing in your ears and the tastes fresh on your tongue, will you have had an opportunity to celebrate Easter? Come to Spirit in the Desert's post-Easter retreat for 4 days and 3 nights to renew, relax, and recharge. This post-Easter retreat is reserved for pastors and their spouses who are seeking an opportunity to celebrate Easter. The retreat will be held April 2 through 5 in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona. Cost of $530 per couple or $380 per person includes 9 meals, lodging, and program. Sign up before March 15 and receive a 10% discount. Read the brochure or visit the website for more information and to register.
|
|
Learning Opportunities
 Revitalizing Your Congregation Conference: Are you looking for approaches to revitalize your congregation for mission? Join HealthierChurch.org on April 11 through 13 for the Revitalizing Your Congregation Conference in Chicago, IL. The conference will feature four approaches for congregations looking to engage the uninvolved, empower the unknown, energize the unclaimed, and enlist the unafraid. Click here for more information.
*****************
 Global Health and Humanitarian Summit: The 2013 Global Health and Humanitarian Summit, held at Emory University's School of Medicine in Atlanta, is a compelling two-day forum for those dedicated to improving the lives of others and for those who aspire to lend their time, energy and talents to making a different in the world. This year's summit will be held from April 12-14 and will feature a wide variety of workshops and speakers from all over the world. For information, to volunteer, or to register, click here. This conference is free and open to all people.
*****************
 21st Century Faith Formation Training: Would you like to learn how to develop 21st century faith formation models for all ages and generations in your congregation? The Vision and Practice of 21st Century Faith Formation is a three-day interactive educational program for pastors, faith formation leaders, and staff in all Christian congregations. On May 14-16, the training will take place in Atlanta, GA at the downtown Fairfield Inn and Suites. Visit the website for more information or click here to view a flyer
*****************
Go Make Disciples: An Invitation to Baptismal Living: April 25-27 in Houston, TX. Click here for more.
Festival of Homiletics: May 13-17, 2013, in Nashville, TN. Click here for more.
 Israel Study Tour: June 1-14, 2013 with Lenoir-Rhyne University and Newberry College. Click here or call Dr. Luker at (803) 719-2057.
Heaven, Hell...and Purgatory?: June 10-12 at Loyola University Maryland. Click here for more.
 The Book of Revelations and American Apocalyptic: July 9-12, 2013, at Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg. Click here for more.
 Stewardship with Adults Under 40--Possibilities Abound: July 29-31, 2013 at Luther Seminary. Click here.
|
|
Raise Your Voice - Opportunities for Advocacy
|
|
|
To learn more about the ELCA's approach to advocacy and important issues for 2013, visit the ELCA website.
 Bread For the World National Gathering: The Bread for the World National Gathering is a joyful advocacy experience that convenes every two years to multiply and focus our efforts to end hunger. This year, the theme of the National Gathering is "A Place at the Table," matching the theme of the 2013 Offering of Letters and the new feature-length documentary about the persistence of hunger in America--and the achievable solution. The National Gathering will take place on June 8-11, 2013 in Washington, DC. Click here for more information.
*****************
 | | Joanna Hertzog |
Voices for Change Blog: Advocacy Ministries of the ELCA shares stories about public policies and relevant advocacy issues. Most recently, Joanna Hertzog, ELCA seminarian and delegate to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, reflects on speaking out with a powerful voice to end violence against women and girls from around the world. Click here for more.
*****************
Churches for Middle East Peace Advocacy Conference:  May 20-21, 2013 in Washington D.C. Click here to learn more about the CMEP Conference. To discover other ways to advocate for a just peace in Palestine and Israel, explore the Peace Not Walls campaign on the ELCA website.
*****************
ELCA Advocacy National Priorities Survey:
Have you taken the ELCA Advocacy National Priorities survey yet? Your answers to this short, four-question survey help to determine the collective priority for our active and growing network of Lutheran advocates. Take the survey now by clicking here.
****************
 E-Advocacy-Take Action Now!: Become a part of the ELCA advocacy effort by signing up for the e-Advocacy network.
|
|
|
************
|
Did You Know?
The work of 50,000 volunteers has been coordinated through Camp Victor, Ocean Springs, MS since its beginning in the days after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Read today's Living Lutheran post about how Camp Victor is being transformed from a disaster response to a disaster preparedness ministry.
************
|
|
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.
| ************
|
|
Ordinations & Installations
April 7: The Rev. Jerry Bultman will be installed as interim pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Columbus, GA, during the 10:30 am service.
April 14: Daniel Pharr will be ordained at 4:00 pm CST at Christ Lutheran Church, Prattville, AL. Rostered leaders are invited to vest and process. Color of the day is white.
April 18: The Rev. Laura Shally will be installed as Pastor at Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church, Loudon, TN on Thursday at 6 pm CST. Rostered leaders are invited to vest and process.
April 27: The Rev. William Flippen will be installed as Pastor at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Atlanta, GA. More details to come.
April 28: The Rev. Bridget Piggue will be ordained in the ELCA at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Atlanta, GA. More details to come.
May 9: The Rev. Jeff Crim will be ordained in the ELCA and installed as pastor in one service at 7 pm at Ascension Lutheran Church, Chattanooga, TN.
| ************
|
|
LTCA Spotlight
| The Lutheran Theological Center in Atlanta (LTCA) is a multicultural center offering a variety of learning opportunities to support the ministry and mission of the ELCA Southeastern Synod. The Center partners with the eight seminaries of the ELCA and the Southeastern Synod to develop and nourish congregational leaders, both lay and rostered, who are articulate in their witness to the wellbeing of God's people through faith, justice and the Gospel. LTCA is integral to the ELCA strategy for the preparation of multicultural leaders and ministries, particularly African Descent leaders. Located on the campus of the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC), the largest African American school of theology in the country, LTCA accompanies seminarians in the candidacy process, offers missional courses for church leadership, and provides continuing education for pastors.
The primary site for LTCA offerings will be Atlanta, although throughout the year there are plans for online and extension courses in the larger cities of the Synod, including Savannah, Nashville, Birmingham, Montgomery, and Jackson. LTCA also resources congregations and their ministries throughout the Southeastern Synod.
For more information on LTCA, visit the website or contact the office. Watch our E-News weekly for announcements on upcoming courses, program descriptions, and more!
************ |
|
SES Young Adult & Youth Ministry Spotlight
When God Whispers Your Name -
Space Available
Are you looking for a quiet, reflective weekend away from the busyness of life? Space is still available for When God Whispers Your Name, a discernment retreat for young adults in the Southeastern Synod held at Lutheranch. At the retreat, you will have an opportunity to consider how God has created you to serve in this world. You will hear stories from peers about God's whispers to them. You will also learn about rostered ministry in the ELCA. Young adults ages 18-30 are invited to Tallapoosa, GA on April 12-14 for this free retreat! Click here to register or visit the ELCA Southeastern Synod Young Adult and Youth Ministry website for more information.
************
All-Georgia Youth Gathering
| Don't forget to register your youth group for the All-Georgia Youth Gathering April 19-21. Registration materials can be downloaded at the website here.
2013 Bishop's School-Nominations Due April 1
Are you a junior or senior in high school and looking for a week of theological conversation? Sign up for the Bishop's School on June 23-29, 2013 in Columbia, South Carolina. Cost is $450. There is a $150 scholarship from the synod for those who are accepted into the program. Nominations are due April 1. Click for more information about Bishop's School.
************ |
|
Novus Way Ministries
Spotlight
| |
AlOA Boomerang Retreat at Luther Springs
On May 7-9, join Luther Springs and ALOA (Adult Lutherans Organized for Action) for a mid-week retreat targeted for adults! Get away, be refreshed, learn and grow during this time together.
Accommodations are in the comfortable and new Kuehner Retreat Center (single or double rooms with a private bathroom). Activities include options such as nature walks, discussions on topics concerning the second half of life, Bible studies, stargazing, campfire fellowship, and fabulous food. This is your opportunity to familiarize yourself with the new retreat center at a significantly reduced rate due to a generous gift from an anonymous donor. Registration is open.
Why do we call it a Boomerang retreat? Because you know that you will want to return again and again and again....
Cost per person is $100. $75 per ALOA member. Visit the Novus Way Ministries website for more information.
************
|
|
LSG Spotlight
Bowdoin Students Volunteer at LSG!
Last week, 12 volunteers from Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine, traveled to Atlanta for spring break to learn more about refugee resettlement. In the mornings, the volunteers served with LSG's employment training and tutoring for adults. In the afternoons, they worked at the Global Village Project, a school in Decatur for teenage refugee girls. They also stopped by the Southeastern Synod Office one morning to lend a hand to the staff in completing some important administrative tasks. Click here to read more about these volunteers and their service with and among refugees in Atlanta!
************
|
Living Lutheran Spotlight
How to Leave the Building
Author of the blog Humble Walk, Jodi Houge urges congregations to "leave the building" and go out into their communities. Instead of referring to others as "members" or "unchurched/ underchurched/ none", she suggests that congregations refer to anyone and everyone who shows up as a part of the community. Click here for two simple strategies on how to take mission beyond your doors.
************
|
|
The Lutheran Spotlight
Patchwork Congregations
Around the nation, ELCA congregations are transforming their ministries by partnering ecumenically with others in their community. Neil Harrison, ELCA program director for congregational renewal, said "God is certainly working a patchwork in the church, bringing together various parts to work together ecumenically; not only to start new congregations, but also to renew and lead toward the health and vitality of our existing congregations." To read the inspiring stories of some of these up-and-coming patchwork ministries, click here.
Excerpts from
The Lutheran
are available on their website. To read the issue in its entirety, consider purchasing a one-year online subscription for only $11.95.
|
|
The Update
Every Monday, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service releases The Update, a blog series whose panel of experts will analyze how recent events affect the prospects for immigration reform. This week, Mary Giovagnoli expresses hope for spring Lobby Days in putting pressure on elected officials to keep immigration reform moving. Bishop Gordy responds to an advertising war between pro-reform and anti-reform groups in South Carolina. Lisa Sharon Harper is encouraged by President Obama's meeting with faith leaders about this issue. Brittney Nystrom adds that the odds are increasing that we'll see fair and comprehensive immigration reform this year.
| | *********** |
|
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.
| | *********** |
Synod Calendar
Coming Up... | |
Mar. 29
Good Friday
Synod Office Closed
Apr. 1 Bishop's School Deadline
Apr. 5
Nominations Committee Deadline
Apr. 6 When Strangers Become Neighbors Atlanta, GA Apr. 30 Portico Health Assessment Deadline May 1 Synod Assembly Registration Closes May 10 Synod Assembly Resolutions Deadline View the entire synod calendar
|
|
