Issue #367
04/25/2013
NEWS

Setting the Table in Savannah, GA
 
Last Saturday, members of ten congregations from throughout Georgia gathered at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer (Savannah) for Setting the Table II, the second of three missional planning modules. 
 
Participants reflect on what God is up to in their communities.
Dr. Everett Flanigan, Director for Evangelical Mission and Assistant to the Bishop, led participants in a Bible Study on John 5:1-9, the story of the man healed at the pool of Bethesda. "What are we carrying to the pool?" he asked. "Is it fear? Is it failure to understand the changes that God is stirring up in our communities?" Participants shared what their congregations were carrying to the pool and how they should respond to Jesus' question, "Do you want to get well?"  Wes Crenshaw (Holy Spirit in Savannah) reflected, "We know we are sick, we know we need change, but we find excuses not to go down to the pool" where healing awaits. 
 
Dr. Andrea Green
After reports from congregations on conversations happening in their communities, Dr. Andrea Green introduced One Body Many Members, an interactive resource available on the ELCA website. One Body Many Members includes exercises and resources to guide congregations on a journey across race, class, and culture. Dr Green challenged congregations to consider, "What kinds of conversations do we do well and what kinds of conversations remain a challenge to us?" 
 
The Rev. John Weber's presentation "Playing the Sunset: Living into a Multicultural Church" helped participants think through the unique challenges that the contemporary church faces. Instead of "silver bullet evangelism", Pr. Weber shared practical ways to engage in outreach that is rooted in relationships. This kind of outreach responds to actual needs and gifts in particular communities.
 
To close the day, participants worshiped together. Pr. Barb Koch (Jerusalem Lutheran Church--Rincon) preached on the importance of always making room for others at God's table. Embodying this inclusive message, participants came together for communion at God's table before leaving to go back out into their communities.
 
To learn more about missional planning in the Southeastern Synod, visit our website here. To view more photos from the day, check out our Facebook page!
Approaching Deadlines - 
Please Read & Act

April 30: Portico Health Assessments

 

Thank you to those who have answered the call!   We are closing in on our goal but still have 38 assessments to go!  Here's the link. Please take the assessment today if you are eligible to participate.  Only seven more days to go for our synod to achieve almost $50,000 in health care premium savings and investments in the health and wellness of our synod leaders. 

 

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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



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.  
     Deadline is May 1.
2.  Check the Getting Ready for Assembly webpage for 
     a general orientation video and reminders about
     getting ready.  
3.  See the information below about participating in the  
     Assembly choir.
4.  Send photos or videos of your congregations in 
     action to Michelle Angalet or Abby Koning.

Attention:  All Those Who Wish to Make a Joyful Noise on Sunday Morning!

We are forming an Assembly Choir to sing an anthem during the Sunday Morning Worship Service at Synod Assembly.  It will be under the direction of AIM Paula Smith from Grace, Oak Ridge, TN.  Saturday evening's plenary session should finish by 6:30 p.m. so we will rehearse immediately following the plenary.  The rehearsal will not take long, as it is a song that is easily learned.  
Please spread the word to all the voting members and volunteers attending from your congregation!  Lets see how big of a joyful noise we can make!
Installation of The Rev. Laura Shally

 
The Southeastern Synod celebrates the installation of The Reverend Laura Shally!  Last Thursday, April 18, Rev. Shally was installed as Pastor at Shepherd of the Lake, Loudon, TN.  We ask for God's continued blessing on Shepherd of the Lake and the ministry they are called to do in their community.
Congratulations William Strand!

The Southeastern Synod would like to congratulate William Strand for his acceptance into the 2013 Bishop's School at the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in Columbia, SC!  William is a member of Messiah Lutheran Church, Madison, AL.  He will join other youth in exploring his faith, being equipped as a disciple, and working to discern God's call for his life. 

Is there a youth in your congregation who would benefit from a time of faith formation, discernment, and training in thinking theologically? Registration for the 2013 Bishop's School is still open, and there is still time to nominate. Please download a nomination form here. You can nominate more than one youth from your congregation. 
LVC Highlight: Hearing God's Call
(Left, Nathan Miller, Lutheran Church of the Redeemer member, LVC Board member, and Local Support Committee member; Ami Hernandez, LVC Regional Director; LVC President Sam Collins of Washington, D.C.
 
This summer will mark the fourth year for Lutheran Volunteer Corps (LVC) in Atlanta. In August, we welcome new volunteers who, hearing God's call, will donate a year of their lives working for social justice. Approximately one-half of each "class" has become invested in our community and has decided to stay and work full-time. As an example, Lutheran Services of Georgia (LSG), which has three volunteers this year, has employed LVC volunteer Margaret Rossi as a full-time case manager in Refugee Services.Volunteers live together in intentional community, practice simple and sustainable living, and work full-time for social justice organizations both church-related and secular, such as Midtown Assistance Center, the ELCA Southeastern Synod, and the International Community School. Click here and scroll down to learn more about LVC in Lutheran Church of the Redeemer's newsletter! 
26th Southeastern Synod Women of the ELCA Convention

You are invited to attend the 26th annual Southeastern Synod Women of the ELCA Convention on September 20-22, 2013! Take a leisurely trip to the beautiful town of Natchez, MS on the Mississippi River. Tour the historic homes; walk the River Walk; taste the foods of the south. You wiill have the opportunity to serve others in this community, as we have a bold theme, Boldly Respond With Love. We will worship together in a beautiful, historic church, follow up with an old-fashioned ice-cream social, and so much more. Each congregation, inter-congregational, or special unit of the Southeastern Synod is entitled to one delegate. Early Bird Registration begins June 1. Click here for more information.

2013 HTF Spring Classic

Epiphany Lutheran Church in Suwanee, GA invites you to participate in the 2013 HTF Spring Classic Golf Tournament benefiting F�t Bondye B� Lanm�, the Haitian Timoun Foundation's summer camp for the children of Haiti. The Tournament will take place on Thursday, May 2, at the Old Atlanta Golf Club. Click here to view or download the flyer for the event. For information about the camp, what it means for the children of Haiti, and how you/your foursome can register to make this tournament a "hole in one" for the poorest children in the Western Hemisphere, click here
Open Music Positions

Director of Music Ministries: 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: [email protected]

Part-Time Organist: Cross of Life Lutheran Church in Roswell, GA is seeking a part-time organist to facilitate congregational worship and accompany the chancel choir. Weekly duties include Sunday services at 8:00 and 11:15 am (four hymns, service music, and anthem) and rehearsal with chancel choir (currently from 10:00-11:00 am). Special services including Holy Week, Christmas Eve, mid-week Advent services and others are also expected. A mid-week choir rehearsal may be added in the near future.

Salary is $250 per Sunday with funding for additional calls. Submit resumes to Pastor Terri Stagner-Collier. Inquiries can be directed to the Pastor or to the music director, Jon Arnold, at 770-475-9159. Please submit documents by May 6, 2013. Desired start date is June 16, 2013.

For more information, please click here
Breaking Down Barriers and Building Bridges: Being a Missional Congregation
 
The Rev. David Webb, Interim Pastor, Reformation Lutheran Church, Greeneville, TN
On Wednesday evening, April 10, members of Reformation Lutheran Church, Greeneville, TN gathered for a workshop on the topic "Who Is Our Church?" based on a book by the same name by Jane Cawley. We started this session by reading from 1 Corinthians 1:12-27 with attention to verse 27, "Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it."  Then we gathered in small groups around tables and to imagine Reformation as one body with personal characteristics.  It was with surprising ease that we were able come up with a single persona for Reformation Lutheran Church. 
 
A consensus was reached that Reformation is a female, around the age of fifty-five years old. Her name is Grace. Some of her qualities and characteristics include the following: 
  • She is casual.
  • Her interests are teaching, professional service, and a builder of faith foundations.
  • She is a good cook.
  • She is in good health.
  • For most breakfasts she will eat oatmeal (with raisins).
  • She is musical.
  • The doors to her house are always open for use. 
Learn more about grace and mission at Reformation Lutheran Church on our synod blog
Today is World Malaria Day!

It's World Malaria Day! 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 who 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 Task Force. 
World Malaria Day Matching Campaign

There will be a matching challenge available for World Malaria Day. Gifts will be matched up to $130,000 thanks to a generous group of ELCA members. There are three ways you can give and have your gift matched:
  1. Donate online before 11:59 pm CST Tuesday, April 30, 2013. 
  2. Donate by calling 800-638-3522 during business hours now through Monday, April 29 at 5:00 pm CST. Operators are standing by.
  3. Donate by mail sending checks to ELCA Malaria Campaign, P.O. Box 71764, Chicago, IL 60694-1764. Please postmark your check by May 3, 2013 and be sure to write "World Malaria Day" in the memo line. (Congregational offerings on Sunday, April 28, are encouraged and welcomed! Visit the ELCA website for worship ideas and resources). 
Lutherans Are Fighting Malaria!

From Lutheran World Relief
Ochuki will now be able to sleep under an Insecticide-treated bed net. 
 
Across the U.S., Lutherans have been coming together to raise awareness and funds to fight malaria --a preventable, treatable disease that claims the life of a child in Africa every single minute. But is our malaria work making a difference?

 

As we prepare for World Malaria Day on April 25, we're excited to share news from our malaria programs and the Lutheran Malaria Initiative that indicates --yes!--our efforts to provide malaria education, prevention, and treatment are working. In partnership with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT), and with the support of people like you the number of children in Tanzania under the age of five who are using bed nets to protect them from mosquito bites rose from 66 to 89 percent! Click here to read about the impact of the Lutheran Malaria Initiative in Tanzania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Kenya, and Uganda. 
Malaria Campaign Country Profiles

Malaria Campaign Country Profiles are now available on the ELCA website. These profiles give a more in-depth look at what is happening on the ground in the countries where the ELCA Malaria Campaign is present. Profiles from four countries are currently available. Additional profiles will be developed as the programs mature in the remaining countries and as information becomes available. Click here and scroll down to view them. 
Resources, Retreats, & Learning Opportunities

The Lutheran Experience: Lutheran Colleges and Universities

A Lutheran college experience is rooted in faith. At our Lutheran colleges and universities, discussions of faith and values are more than a part of a classroom education. They're a part of everyday life in college. A recent survey of our alumni shows that: 
  • 73% benefited from opportunities for spiritual development in college
  • 75% indicated that it is important in current life and career to integrate faith or spirituality in life
  • 54% learned more about their faith during their college years
  • 75% received a scholarship or grant to attend college.
Find out more. Read about our campuses, see what our alumni have to say, and assist high school students in your congregation with finding a place that will take care of their bodies, minds, and souls. 
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.  
 
Ecumenical Advocacy Days: On Friday April 5- Monday April 8, over 700 Christian advocates gathered at the 11th annual Ecumenical Advocacy Days to seek Food Justice for a Healthy World! Inspiring speakers offered a faith-based vision for humane food policies and practices, along with grassroots advocacy training, all culminating with Monday's Lobby Day on Capitol Hill. EAD 2013 followed in the wake of national elections, a new Congress, a lingering Farm Bill debate, and devastating droughts and floors, all with lasting consequences for our society and world. Click here for photos, stories, and resources from EAD 2013. 
 
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
Setting the Table
Approaching Deadlines
2013 Assembly
Installation of The Rev. Laura Shally
Congratulations!
LVC Highlight
WELCA Convention
2013 HTF Spring Classic
Open Positions
Breaking Down Barriers
World Malaria Day
Lutheran Colleges/Universities
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?
 
Sunday, September 8 is "God's work. Our hands." Sunday. It is an opportunity to celebrate our 25th anniversary as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America - one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor.
Visit here for more information and resources to promote this event in your congregation.
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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 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
 
Affirm Registration Still Open!
Affirm Video 2013 Long Version
Affirm Video 2013 
 
 This year's Affirm is June 16-21 at Berry College in Rome, Georgia! Grounded in Word and Sacrament, Affirm develops discipleship skills, leadership skills, and teaches Lutheran theology. What makes Affirm unique from other camps is that we meet on a college campus and stay in college dorms. Affirm Units fill up fast, so click here
to register today!
 
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Novus Way Ministries
Spotlight

Summer Camp


Space is still available for summer camp! Don't miss out on a fantastic summer at Lutheridge, Lutherock, or Luther Springs! Staff have been hired and are excited to meet your camper. You can also still sign up for our payment plans.
 
Scholarships are still available for those requiring financial assistance. Through the generosity of donors, we are able to provide the faith-camp experience to many. We do not want a camper not to be able to come to camp because of finances.
 
Visit our website to learn more about program opportunities available for youth of all ages. We are looking forward to seeing you soon! 

 
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LSG Spotlight 
 
Atlanta Golf Classic 2013 - Last Week to Sign Up!
 
 
 
 Are you itching to get out on the golf course now that the weather is warm and the trees are in bloom? If so, grab your clubs and tee off with Lutheran Services of Georgia 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, golf cart, green fees, and an invitation to the 19th Hole Party. Contact Lorraine Dorough via email or at 678-686-9613 to pay online or request more information. Deadline to register is May 1.
 
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Living   Lutheran   Spotlight  
 
Celebrating Volunteers


 
Each year in April, ELCA congregations, organizations, and communities celebrate "National Volunteer Appreciation Week" and commend those hard-working individuals who give their time, talents and efforts to help make the world a better place. This year, the ELCA will come together on Sept. 8 for "God's Work. Our Hands." Sunday to celebrate the important work we do in our communities every day. It's never too early to start celebrating your volunteers. Click here for ideas to celebrate this week and throughout the year. 
 
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The    Lutheran Spotlight  
 
Coming Up In
 Future Issues of The Lutheran
 
 
 May: The magazine's readers share their favorite hymns that made a difference in their lives. 
 
June Cover Story:
Food through the eyes of faith
 
T-Shirt Ministry: Lutherans urge others to "Love to the MAX"
 
Young Adults: Perspectives about faith in everyday life.
 
 Ylvisaker: Meet the musician behind "Borning Cry."
 
Gettysburg Sesquicentennial: Lutherans and the Civil War.
 
Blessings: Surfboards, boats and boots.
 
Asylum: ELCA ministry to seafarers branches out to help detainees.
 
July cover story: Environmental (urgency) - reactions to global climate change
 
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 
 
 
 
 A complicated debate and legislative process lies ahead for comprehensive immigration reform. In this week's The Update, Mary Giovagnoli reacts to the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act bill, released by the Senate on Wednesday, April 17. Bishop Gordy shares his views from the LIRS Lutheran Leadership Summit at Capitol Hill. Lisa Sharon Harper celebrates the Evangelical Day of Prayer and Action for Immigration Reform and the impact of the "I Was A Stranger Challenge". Brittney Nystrom expresses her hope that immigration reform will pass in a respectable manner. 
 
Click to read 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. 25
World Malaria Day

Apr. 30
Interim Pastors Conference
Synod Office
Atlanta, GA

Apr. 30
Deadline for ELCA Malaria Campaign Matching Contributions

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 

May 31-June 2
Synod Assembly

 

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