Issue #365
04/11/2013
NEWS

Partners in Celebration

The Southeastern Synod's Partners in Celebration Program provides an intentional way for interested individuals and congregations to support new church starts and redevelopment efforts through "targeted" financial contributions. It is a very realistic goal for 100 Partners in Celebration to each contribute $100+ three or four times each year to a featured ministry. We have the potential for these gifts to easily generate additional, unbudgeted income of $10,000 or more which would be an enormous blessing for any size ministry.

Our highlighted ministry for the quarter of 2013 is the Christ the King Lutheran Church in Tupelo, MS. The staff and church members of CTK are working hard to be a "light on the hill" for the surrounding community in an effort to reconnect their congregation's ministry with their neighbors. Their primary areas of focus embrace youth and families that live in the church's extended mission field.

For more information on Christ the King or the Partners in Celebration program, visit our website
Approaching Deadlines - 
Please Read & Act

 
April 15: Synod Assembly Report Deadline
 
All reports to the Synod Assembly from committee chairs, task force chairs, agencies, and institutions are due to Sandra Gustavson by April 15. 
 
April 15: Sabbatical/Wellness Grant Applications
 
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. Round 1 applications are due April 15. Click here.
 
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April 22: Interim Pastors Conference

Southeastern Synod Logo Registration for the April 30 Southeastern Synod Interim Pastors Conference is due by April 22. If you are, have been, or are interested in beginning interim ministry, this conference at the synod office is for you! Assistants to the Bishop 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
 
RSVP to Jeanette Burgess, Administrative Liason for Leadership 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. You may park in the ramp on the same block (use cobblestone driveway between the two buildings) and we will validate your ticket. 
 
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April 30: Portico Health Assessments

 

The deadline for Portico's Health Assessment is Wednesday, April 30. If 65% of our Synod's eligible plan members and spouses (not just rostered leaders) complete the survey, our synod's employers (congregations, agencies, etc) will collectively save 2% on health benefit contributions. That's a savings of approximately $33,000! Last year, almost 68% of eligible plan members in the Southeastern Synod completed the survey. Those savings enabled the Synod Office to make sabbatical and wellness grants available to rostered leaders serving in congregations in 2013. To date, only 67 (33.5%) of eligible plan members have completed the survey. We need 63 more people to take the survey by April 30! Here's the link. Please take a few minutes to complete this assessment. It's a great check of your own health and wellness, and opportunity for significant financial savings, and a chance for our Synod to earn more money that we can invest in the health of our congregations and leaders. You'll also earn a $150 credit to your personal wellness account to offset out-of-pocket medical costs!

 

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May 1:  Synod Assembly Registration Deadline

 

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May 10 at 5 pm:  Synod Resolutions Submission

                                    Deadline
Around The Synod

Synod Assembly

Online Registration Closes May 1


May 31, June 1 and 2, 2013
Chattanooga Convention Center
"Always Being Made New" 
Register online here

Remember to...

1.  Register online if you have not already done so.
2.  Bring a banner and stand to display in the worship
     space.
3.  Make and bring a quilt for LWR.
4.  Send photos or videos of your congregations in 
     action to Michelle Angalet or Abby Koning.
5.  Check the Assembly webpage for posting of 
     Assembly materials and videos coming soon.
When Strangers Become Neighbors 

"What can your congregation or community do to welcome the stranger?"

Last Saturday, 57 people representing more than 18 ELCA, LC-MS, and other congregations gathered at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Norcross, GA for a day-long conference on the church's response to contemporary immigration issues. At When Strangers Become Neighbors: Immigration and the Church Today, conference attendees worshiped together, networked together, imagined together, and discovered resources and opportunities.

Rev. Robert Strickert; Rev. Floyd Blair; Bishop Gordy
In the morning, presenters and keynote speakers shared their reflections on the church and immigration today. The Reverend Robert Strickert from the Florida-Georgia District of the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod opened with an introduction to "Immigrants Among Us: A Lutheran Framework for Addressing Immigration," a recent LC-MS document. Bishop H. Julian Gordy of the ELCA Southeastern Synod reminded conference attendees that, "We are a nation of immigrants and a nation of people who God loves," and encouraged congregations to advocate on behalf of our new immigrant and refugee neighbors. The Reverend Floyd Blair, CEO and President of Lutheran Services of Georgia, shared his vision for LSG's work in a nation where we treat our neighbors as strangers. 

Bikash Chhetri; Estela Martinez; Pr. Hiruy Gebremichael
During lunch, Pr. Hiruy Gebremichael, Bikash Chhetri, and Estela Martinez graciously shared their immigration stories. Participants gathered around small tables and reflected together on their own stories of immigration. 

Fabio Lomelino; Laura Griffin
Afterwards, Fabio Lomelino and Laura Griffin from Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services led the group in a Community Conversation. Community Conversations emphasizes storytelling in small groups. At When Strangers Become Neighbors, participants told stories of welcome and imagined ways that congregations can walk alongside immigrants and refugees in their communities. 

More photos from the day are available on Lutheran Services of Georgia's Facebook page. If you missed the conference, but are still interested in how your congregation can respond to and advocate for immigrants and refugees, contact Abby Koning or Melanie Johnson for a list of several opportunities and resources for involvement.
Day1 Benefit Honors Judge Beasley

Back: Judge Beasley; Doug Ellis; George "Buddy" Darden; Douglas Hooker
Front: Florida Ellis; Lillian Darden; Winifred Davis; Tread Davis; the Rev. Dr. Denny Spear, Jr

On March 19, nonprofit media and radio ministry Day1 honored Atlanta leaders of faith at its annual benefit banquet. Lutheran Church of the Redeemer member Judge Dorothy Toth Beasley, mediator and arbitrator at Henning Mediation & Arbitration Service, was honored for her contributions to the community. The Rev. Dr. Tim Smith, senior pastor of Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, joined her at the benefit. Click here to read more about the benefit banquet or here to learn more about Day1. 

Day1 emcee John Bachman and Judge Beasley, members of Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Atlanta
Judge Dorothy  Toth Beasley and the Rev. Dr. Tim Smith, senior pastor of Lutheran Church of the Redeemer
 
Baptismal Font Brings Lutherans and Episcopalians Together

The Rev. Jay Weldon and Deacon Joy Davis on Palm Sunday
 
When Lutheran Church of Our Savior (Albany, GA) came to St. Patrick's Episcopal Church, St. Patrick's tried to use and include as many of LCOS's sacred artifacts and relics as possible. There was a beautiful faux marble baptismal font that had been given to LCOS in 1946, but St. Patrick's already had a font that matched the church. St. Patrick's decided that the baptismal font could go outside in the memorial garden and still be used. St. Patrick's had previously done baptisms outside at the Easter Vigil; now there would be a baptismal font. 

Font in place
Work was done to pour a foundation and transport the rather heavy baptismal font. The goal was to have it in place by Holy Week so we could use it for the Easter Vigil. The congregation was able to dedicate/rededicate the font in its new home to the Glory of God and in thanks for the larger parish family of Lutherans and 
Episcopalians
 
Somewhat appropriately, the first person baptized in the font in its new home had biological parents of two different races and is now being raised by two mothers.  Perhaps, in the future, a Lutheran and an Episcopalian will present a child for baptism at the new font.
 
Baptism of Julian Rogers at the Easter Vigil
 
Submitted by Father Jay Weldon, pastor, Lutheran Church of Our Savior and St Patrick's Episcopal Church, Albany, GA.
Beyond Christian Folk Religion

Edward A. Beckstrom's newest book Beyond Christian Folk Religion: Re-grafting Into Our Roots (Rom 11:17-23) is now available from major online booksellers or by order in the stores: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million, Wipf and Stock Publishers, and most Christian book outlets. As the Christian church moved from its inception in an Eastern/Oriental culture westward across Asia Minor (Turkey) into Greco-Roman culture with primarily a Western philosophy, theology, and values, Jesus' message and Paul's teachings began to be interpreted according to those culture norms. Beyond Christian Folk Religion brings the reader back to Jesus' roots, as seen in Romans 11:17-23, and to the core of Paul's message. Click here for more. 

The Rev. Beckstrom is a retired Lutheran pastor in the Southeastern Synod and a retired Air Force chaplain. He is the author of Toward a Ministry of Families (1981) and King of the Jews: Jesus and the Messianic Age (2001). He has also authored numerous articles for the Pulpit Digest, Minister's Annual, and most recently the Biblical Theology Bulletin (2012). 
Roots and Wings Tour

The Southeastern Synod's Roots and Wings tour will take up to 30 youth (age 16 and older) and adults to Germany on July 6-21, 2013. This trip will strengthen relationships between churches in our synod and churches in the Augsburg Diocese, one of our companion synods. Participants will spend one week with host congregations and families in Augsburg, and spend the second week touring Lutheran sites and relaxing at a retreat center. There are still spots available for this trip, but they are going quickly! Two airline seats will be available until May 2. Visit the Southeastern Synod Young Adult and Youth Ministry website for more information. Contact Rachel Alley or Bill Alderfer immediately if you are interested in going. 
Upcoming Day1 Prayer Breakfasts



Please join us for the upcoming
Day1 Prayer Breakfasts

Thursday, April 18, 2013, 7:30-8:30 a.m.
featuring the Rev. Pam Driesell
Senior Minister of Trinity Presbyterian Church
at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer
731 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta
Register online here or
call Rebecca Kurziak at 404-418-6772
to make reservations.

&

Thursday, September 12, 2013, 7:30-8:30 a.m.
featuring a message by the Rt. Rev. Rob Wright
Episcopal Bishop of Atlanta
at Second Ponce de Leon Baptist Church
2175 Peachtree Rd. NE Atlanta.
Register online here or
call Rebecca Kurziak at 404-418-6772 
to make reservations

 
Originally launched as The Protestant Hour in 1945, Day1 has since grown into a radio program and ministry of the Alliance for Christian Media, dedicated to proclaiming the gospel and enhancing the voice of mainline churches. Click here to learn more. 
Missional Planning Resources Now Posted on Synod Website!
  
Our synod aims to develop a Missional Work Plan in each congregation focused on engaging the people who live in that congregation's particular neighborhood. Missional Planning and cross-cultural conversational trainings take place in three Setting the Table modules in various locations throughout the Southeast. At these modules, congregations participate in conversation and are connected to resources to help them with mission planning in their communities. These resources include "Fling Wide the Doors", "One Body Many Members," and Talking Together as Christians Across Cultures.To better assist congregations, links to ELCA and Southeastern Synod missional planning resources are now posted on the synod website. Click here to learn more.  
Community Ministry Webinars
  
Joy Skjegstad
Throughout April and May, independent consultant, author, and community ministry facilitator Joy Skjegstad will lead four web-based hour-long webinars for anyone interested in community outreach. These webinars will help you to:
  • Understand how 'outreach' can be one of the engines that drives your church forward.
  • Meet your neighbors and learn about the places and events that define them.
  • Explore seven creative models for designing a custom community ministry program.
  • Get people out of the pew and into engagement with community ministry. 
To learn more about these webinars, visit the South Dakota Synod website here.  
Director of Music Ministries Position

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (ELCA), Kingsport, Tennessee has an opening for a full-time Director of Music Ministries. The position requires Baroque Pipe Organ, piano, and choral conducting skills. Experience in worship planning, administrative skills and knowledge of the Lutheran church are desirable. A complete job description is available upon request along with more detail on the church's unique organ. Typically, two Sunday services, one traditional and one more contemporary, are held. Average Sunday attendance between the two services is 150. Benefits include health insurance, pension, paid vacation, survivor benefits, and continuing education. Compensation consistent with skills, education, and experience. Candidates should submit resume to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 800 Broad Street, Kingsport, Tennessee 37660; email: HTLCELCA@Juno.com
Missional Conversation and the Possibility of Gospel

The Rev. Joy Harrell Blaylock, Ph.D.
St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Mobile, AL
When I first learned of our recent meeting with Dr. Everett Flanigan, I resigned myself to another lecture on why "we" need to be reaching out to the community around us in more direct evangelical and service oriented mission. True, but not likely to happen in many instances. However, I found the parameters for this "conversation" to be different than anticipated. As we gathered in the historic Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Mobile, Alabama, I wondered if those gathered didn't represent the last of a people trying to figure out why and how we have been left behind. 

While no one purported to have my answers for what Douglas John Hall has bravely called "the dispirited remnants of the Protestant establishment," we at least gathered as dispirited remnants to console one another and to listen for whispers in the loggia. It was refreshing to see mature people of color coming to console the people of "no color" about the dwindling facades of our religious and cultural paradigms. What an extraordinary and delightful collusion of contradictions!

Join in the missional conversation 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.
 
ELCA Living Earth Reflections

Living Earth is a monthly reflection series on the environment and our relationship with God's creation. In the March 2013 issue, ELCA Director for Environmental Education and Advocacy Mary Minette reflects on wilderness as a place where "the glory of the Lord shall be revealed..." (Isaiah 40). What, then, does that mean for how Christians should respond to wild places today? Click here to read past issues or here to subscribe. 
 
Correction: green&just with LWF
 
The Lutheran World Federation's green&just May 12 conference is not available at this time. The LWF Youth Desk is planning to host another virtual conference in the fall of this year. Watch the Synod E-News for more information, or subscribe to the LWF Youth blog
 
Cool Congregations with Interfaith Power & Light 

 
Interfaith Power & Light is a campaign uniting people of faith to be stewards of Creation by responding to global warming through energy conservation, energy efficiency, and renewable energy. IPL provides resources and opportunities for action for communities of faith throughout the United States. The Cool Congregations program is designed to help congregations engage their members in caring for Creation by reducing their individual greenhouse gas emissions. Cool Congregations express their love of Creation and their concern for global warming by being part of the solution. Click here to get started on becoming Cool. 
World Malaria Day April 25, 2013

World Malaria Day is approaching! Consider planning an emphasis in your congregation during this week. With World Malaria Day landing on a Thursday, we encourage you to observe World Malaria Sunday on April 28, 2013. We join with others all over the world in celebrating the positive progress related to malaria, and standing in solidarity with those that suffer. For resources to help you plan your World Malaria Sunday, watch our synod e-news, visit the ELCA World Malaria Day webpage, or contact Jonathan Trapp, Chair of the Southeastern Synod's Hunger, Poverty, and Justice taskforce. 
Back from Southern Africa
 
Credit: Matt Jeppsen
During March, the ELCA Malaria Campaign staff had the opportunity to travel to Southern Africa and see community-based malaria programs in Zambia, Malawi, and Zimbabwe. They met the local staff members who are implementing programs on the ground, saw the healthcare facilities where testing and treatment occurs, and engaged in educational programming alongside community members. The ELCA Malaria campaign will be featuring stories and photos from the trip in the months to come, especially on the ELCA Malaria blog
Prayers of the People
 
To help congregations participate in World Malaria Day the ELCA Malaria Campaign has suggested prayers, litanies, hymns, and service ideas on the ELCA website. Below is a section of a suggested prayer. Click here for more.
 
Compassionate God, you call doctors and nurses and health care providers into lives of caring and service. Strengthen the hands of those who do your work of healing--both at home and in faraway places--so that they may minister to others with courage and strength. 
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. 
ELCA Malaria Campaign News

Last month, the ELCA Malaria Campaign mailed its first official newsletter to individuals and congregations around the country. Full of stories, opportunities for participation, and updates on giving, the ELCA Malaria Campaign Newsletter is a great resource for ELCA congregations looking to combat malaria around the world. If you would like to order the most recent newsletter, contact Allison Beebe
Resources, Retreats, & Learning Opportunities

Social Media Webinar: Best Practices for Congregations and Teen Ministries

Social media--including Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube--is an effective way to interact with your congregation and others in your community, but it is not without risk. To help you safely use this growing medium, Church Mutual Insurance Company will host a free webinar entitled Social Media: Best Practices for Congregations and Teen Ministries. Kristen Blanford, an attorney with Hermes Sargent Bates, LLP will use her experience in professional liability and the knowledge she has gained through years of working with religious organizations to lead the webinar. She'll provide critical information for leveraging social media for ministry, including a social media policy that you can adapt for your own use. 
 
This 30 minute-webinar will take place on April 25 at 11:00 a.m. CDT and will be followed by a 15-minute question and answer session. These webinars fill up quickly, so reserve your spot right away by clicking here. 
Smart Lunch, Smart Kid

Hunger is a very real concern facing adults and children in the United States and around the world. Several congregations are involved in hunger ministries in their communities. If you are looking for more ways to combat localized hunger here in the Southeast, consider connecting with a congregational ministry or with Smart Lunch, Smart Kid

Smart Lunch, Smart Kid is a hunger initiative through Action Ministries and an excellent opportunity for ministry. This initiative delivers lunches to children in low-income neighborhoods, mobile home parks and communities who receive free or reduced lunch during the summer year but have no access to summertime services. Smart Lunch, Smart Kid delivers meals to the community every day throughout the summer. Every single lunch that is delivered to a child in need is prepared by a volunteer.

On June 3, 2013, Action Ministries will kick of the second year of the program. The goal is to provide 200,000 lunches to kids and to enable 1,000 volunteers and partners to make a difference in the lives of children right in their own communities. Volunteers are needed to make the lunches, deliver them to the community, and provide enrichment activities for the children. Click here to learn more.
Lifelong Learning at Columbia 

Columbia Theological Seminary's Center for Lifelong Learning provides non-degree courses and events--opportunities to learn with and from others for faithful discipleship. Led by seminary faculty, the Center's offerings are biblically and theologically grounded, with a practical focus to help participants identify and address specific, real-life needs. Click here to view upcoming courses and events. 
Learning Opportunities 
 
 
Festival of Homiletics: May 13-17, 2013, in Nashville, TN. Click here for more. 
 
 
21st Century Faith Formation Training: May 14-16 in Atlanta, GA. Visit the website for more or click here to view a flyer.  
  
 
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.  
 
LIRS Leadership Toolkit #7: The Leadership Toolkit is Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services' Bi-monthly Resource Newsletter that gives congregations the tools and resources they need to welcome refugees and immigrants into their communities. The April toolkit includes: 
  • Redefining Welcome, LIRS President LInda Hartke's new blog with insights, news, and analysis
  • Information on the enactment of the Violence Against Women Act and the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act
  • Invitation and resources for your congregation to host a Stand for Welcome Sunday
Voice What's Important To You!:  The advocacy ministries of our church want to hear from you now! Your responses to the short four-question ELCA National Advocacy Priorities survey greatly help the church facilitate this active and growing network of Lutherans speaking out for policy that advances the common good and reflects your commitments to serve and love our neighbor. Get started now!
 
Oregon Synod Creates 5 Short Videos on Israel/Palestine: The ELCA Oregon Synod has been very intentional and proactive in raising awareness about the Palestinian/ Israeli people and situation in preparation for their synod assembly, during which they will vote on a synod resolution. They created five short videos you can use that tell the stories of the ministries and challenges facing ELCA companions. View or download the videos here

Bread For the World National Gathering: 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. 
   

 

E-Advocacy-Take Action Now!: Become a part of the ELCA advocacy effort by signing up for the e-Advocacy network. 
In This Issue
Partners in Celebration
April Deadlines
2013 Assembly
When Strangers Become Neighbors
Day1 Benefit
Lutheran-Episcopal Baptismal Font
Beyond Christian Folk Religion
Roots & Wings
Prayer Breakfasts
Missional Planning
Community Ministry
Open Position
Missional Conversation
Earth Day
World Malaria Day
Social Media Webinar
Smart Lunch, Smart Kid
Lifelong Learning
Learning Opportunities
Raise Your Voice
Ordinations & Installations

 Quick Links  

























Like us on Facebook  Follow us on Twitter  Visit our blog


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Did You Know?  
 
Our ELCA helps support over 180 campus ministry programs around the country.  In addition, congregations cooperate with some 400 additional campuses throughout the ELCA.  Click here to learn more about campus ministry or contact Rachel Alley to learn more about campus ministry opportunities in our Southeastern Synod.   
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Share Your Story
 
What is God up to in your congregation or community?  Share it with us so we can share it with others!  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

 

 
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 at 2 pm.

 

April 28: The Rev. Bridget Piggue will be ordained in the ELCA at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Atlanta, GA. More details to come. 
 
April 28:The Rev. Pat McLaughlin will be installed as Pastor at Lutheran Memorial and Salem Lutheran, Parrottsville, TN. 
 
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. 
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SES Young Adult & Youth Ministry Spotlight
 
ELCA Youth Ministry Network
 
 
 The ELCA Youth Ministry Network exists to strengthen and empower youth ministry leaders in service to Christ. The Network's website includes resources and webinars to support youth ministry leaders and encourage stronger faith formation in youth and adults throughout the ELCA. Click here to renew, educate, and connect!
 
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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.

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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. 
 
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LSG Spotlight
  
Holy Week Pilgrimage for Immigrants Reflection
 
 
 
On Good Friday, Dominican Volunteer and volunteer at El Refugio Kristina Mata delivered a beautiful address at the Good Friday Pilgrimage. At the 5th Station of the Cross, she shared her thoughts on immigrant detainees at Stewart Detention Center and reminded people of faith to look for grace and joy in the midst of suffering. Click here.
 
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Atlanta Golf Classic 2013
 
 
 
 Calling all golfers! Please join Lutheran Services of Georgia and tee off at Heritage Golf Links on Monday, May 13 for the 19th annual Atlanta Golf Classic. Play this challenging and scenic course while benefiting refugees, foster care children, adopted babies, adults with disabilities, and others in need. Book your place now for $110, which includes breakfast, lunch, a golf cart, green fees, and an invitation to the 19th Hole Party. Contact Lorraine Dorough by email or at (678) 686-9613 to pay online or request more information. Click here for a registration form. Deadline to register is May 1. 
 
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Living   Lutheran   Spotlight  
 
The Power of Art 


 
For St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Chicago, IL, art is not only a tool for mission, but a means to embrace the surrounding community. In the words of St. Luke's member Erik Christensen, "Art is to the health of the community what preventative medicine is to the body." Click here to read more about the power of art to unite and transform communities. 
 
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The    Lutheran Spotlight  
 
Keeping it Legal: Copyright Laws and the Church 
 
  
 Are you confused about how copyright laws affect how your congregation worships? In this article, Susan Lang explains what churches need to know. She also examines various issues related to copyright laws, from music as intellectual property to an artist's perspective. Click here for more. 
 
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. 
 
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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 shares her hopes for a new kind of worker visa and the removal of the term "illegal immigrant" from the Associated Press's style guide.  Bishop Gordy welcomes the ongoing, humanizing conversation about how we refer to ourselves, our communities, and our migrant neighbors. Timothy King reflections on the series of radio ads supporting immigration reform from the Evangelical Immigration Table. Brittney Nystrom anticipates the American people's review of the Gang of 8's bill. 
Click to read the rest of The Update in English or in Spanish
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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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Synod Calendar

Coming Up...

Apr. 15
Deadline for Round 1 Sabbatical/Wellness Grant Applications


Apr. 20
Setting the Table II
Savannah, GA

Apr. 22
Earth Day

Apr. 25
World Malaria Day

Apr. 30
Interim Pastors Conference
Synod Office
Atlanta, GA

Apr. 30
Portico Health Assessment Deadline

May 1
Synod Assembly Registration Closes

May 2
Roots and Wings Tour Registration Closes

May 10
Synod Assembly Resolutions Deadline 

 

View the entire synod calendar
here

 
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Please send this email to those you know who would benefit from this information.  
 
ELCA Southeastern Synod
100 Edgewood Ave. NE, Suite 1600
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-589-1977