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Setting the Table II - Correction
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The Rev. Barb Koch (Zion, Guyton); Bishop Julian Gordy; Wesley Crenshaw (Holy Spirit, Savannah)
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Last week, we featured a story from Setting the Table II, the second of the Southeastern Synod's missional hospitality modules in Savannah, GA. Pastor Barb Koch, who preached at the day's closing worship service, is from Zion Lutheran Church in Guyton, GA, not from Jerusalem Lutheran Church in Rincon, GA. Many thanks to Pastor Koch for helping make Setting the Table II such a meaningful experience!
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.
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May 31, June 1 and 2, 2013
Chattanooga Convention Center
"Always Being Made New"
Need child care for Assembly?
Again this year, child care for children ages 4-12 (or reliably toilet trained) is available for registered assembly voting members. It will be provided by professional child care workers from Trinity Lutheran Church in Hixson, TN. Children will be cared for during plenary sessions and workshops, and parents/guardians will need to pick them up for meals and worship services. Suggested donation per child per day is $20. Please contact Pastor Beth Birkholz for more details or to reserve a spot at 404-663-4639 or bethbirk@gmail.com.
Be sure to check the
information for assembly preparation.
Voting members should start to read the agenda materials as they are posted in order to be informed about the business on the assembly agenda.
Send photos or videos of your congregations in
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Community Dinner at Cross of Grace,
Jonesborough, TN
Last Sunday, Cross of Grace Lutheran Church in Jonesborough, TN hosted a free dinner for the community. Ninety persons from all walks of life responded. Their primary goal was to provide food for those in need; many families fit into that category, including many seniors. The other goal was to provide community. There were people from several local congregations, from our fellow Lutheran congregation in Johnson City, and from other places. They distributed 2,500 fliers to three elementary schools, the Senior Center, senior housing, public housing, and the food bank. Fifty posters were also distributed, along with some yard signs. In addition to the pictures below, there is a brief video here.
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Service Weekend at Shepherd of the Hills, Birmingham, AL
Led by Vicar Chelsea Miller, members of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Birmingham, AL served their community at Habitat for Humanity on Saturday and followed up with a food and clothing drive which netted six vehicles full of donated items for Oak Mountain Missions. Thank God for a great weekend of community in fellowship, service and spreading God's Love!
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Ordination & Installation at Emmanuel
The Installation of The Rev. William Flippen
The Southeastern Synod celebrates the installation of
The Reverend William Flippen. On Saturday, April 27, The Rev. Flippen was installed as Pastor at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Atlanta, GA. We ask for God's continued blessing on Emmanuel and the ministry they are called to do in their community.
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The Rev. William Flippen Jr. (second from right) with brothers The Rev. Richard Flippen (far left) and The Rev. Joseph Flippen (second from left) and his father Dr. William Flippen Sr. (far right)
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Dr. William Flippen Sr & Bishop H. Julian Gordy
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The Ordination of The Rev. Bridget Piggue
The Rev. Bridget Piggue was ordained in the ELCA on Sunday, April 28 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Atlanta, GA. Rev. Piggue serves as Director of Pastoral Education at Wesley Woods of Emory, Emory University Hospital Midtown, Atlanta, GA.
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New Course Coming to LTCA in June!
This June, the Lutheran Theological Center in Atlanta will offer Lutheran Heritage and Polity: Foundations and Practices, a course designed for persons preparing for rostered ministry in the ELCA, ministers from other denominations seeking a call or standing in the ELCA, and interested lay persons. Check out our LTCA Spotlight located in the red sidebar to learn more! |
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National Women's Health Week
 May 12 through 18 is National Women's Health Week! This year's theme, "It's Your Time", was chosen to empower women and make health a top priority. Connie Pearson, chair of the Southeastern Synod's Health Ministries Task Force, encourages women to make National Women's Health Week "your time" to positively impact their physical and mental health. Click here to read more about the unique health concerns facing women throughout the United States and becoming a beacon of hope for women and girls beyond the doors of your church. |
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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.
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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: HTLCELCA@Juno.com.
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.
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Hunger Ministry Highlight: Summer Sack Lunch Program
 One way that congregations throughout the Southeastern Synod engage in mission is through hunger ministries. Jesus calls us to feed the hungry in our communities and around the world. This week's blog features the Summer Sack Lunch Program, a ministry of Christ Our Shepherd Lutheran Church in Peachtree City, GA. As Christ Our Shepherd reaches out to hungry people in Fayette County, the gospel ("good news") is made tangible through each sack lunch distributed with love. What is your congregation doing to feed the hungry where you are located? How are you doing God's work with your hands? We invite you to share stories from your own hunger and other ministries with the rest of the synod by commenting on our blog or emailing mangalet@elca-ses.org.
Christ Our Shepherd Lutheran Church in Peachtree City, GA (Fayette County) has been part of the Summer Sack Lunch Program for seven years. Working with the Department of Family and Children's Services of Fayette County and eight other Fayette County churches, nutritious lunches are assembled, packed and delivered to hungry children every day of the work week. Click here to read more about the Summer Sack Lunch Program on our synod blog.
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World Refugee Day - June 20
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Each year on June 20th, organizations and communities around the world celebrate World Refugee Day. World Refugee Day was established by the United Nations to honor the courage, strength, and determination of women, men, and children who are forced to flee their homes under threat of persecution, conflict, and violence. Throughout the month of May and into June, the Southeastern Synod E-News Weekly will feature resources and opportunities for you and your congregation to support refugees in your communities.
 WE RECOGNIZE YOUR WALK: Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service's 2013 World Refugee Campaign Theme is WE RECOGNIZE YOUR WALK. This theme recognizes the walk of hardship refugees experience in their long journey to new homes and lives. LIRS offers opportunities for individuals and congregations to walk alongside refugees and live out Jesus' words: "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me" (Matthew 25:40 NIV). To more fully experience WRD on June 20, request your free WRD Kit. Kits include a Getting Started Guide, a ministry leader guide, refugee testimonials, Scripture reading/litany, and bulletin inserts. Click here to start walking.
 Who is a Refugee?: The 1951 Refugee Convention establishing the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees spells out that a refugee is someone who "owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of his nationality, and is unable to, or owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that country." UNHCR works to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Click here for resources, publications, maps, and stories about refugees around the world.
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It's a Breeze - Refugees Learn to Navigate Atlanta's Public Transit System: In the fellowship hall of the Clarkston International Bible Church, 12 men and women gathered together, speaking different languages from around the world. Although they did not share a language, they did
all have one thing in common: each was holding a MARTA Breeze card. With this card in hand, they marched out of the hallway, moving toward the bus stop nearby.
 On Thursday, Lutheran Services of Georgia's (LSG) Refugee Services hosted one of its Extended Cultural Orientation (ECO) classes. During this session, newly arrived refugees from Burma, Somalia, Iran, Iraq, Bhutan, and the Congo learned how to take the train from Clarkston to LSG's office downtown. Because these men and women will take trains and buses to find jobs, attend English classes, and visit new friends, they were learning an important skill. Along the way, there were a few surprises for the many individuals who had never used public transportation to travel around a city: during a brief talk on pedestrian safety, some were astounded to learn that crossing the street without a signal might earn them a ticket! After having a snack and participating in a quick debrief at LSG's office, they were on their way back to Clarkston, practicing the skills they learned in identifying East, West, North, and South signs at the station.
The ECO program comprises nine classes, each one imparting new skills and facts about life in the United
States to refugee clients. Other sessions include lessons on healthcare in the U.S., home management, personal safety, and U.S. laws and expectations. By the end of the program, the newly arrived refugee men and women will be on their way to gaining the self-sufficiency and cultural competency that they need to thrive in their communities.
To learn more about how you can get involved with Lutheran Services of Georgia's Refugee Services, click here.
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Resources, Retreats, & Learning Opportunities
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Archival Survey - Spring 2013
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The Spring 2013 issue of the Archival Survey, the publication of the James R. Crumley Jr. Archives, is now available by clicking here. Please take a few moments to read through this latest issue of news and happenings related to your archives housed at Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary. The history and heritage of our Lutheran church in the Southeast and Caribbean is important. Let's work to preserve it!
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Theological Dialog at Gettysburg
 On July 28 through August 3, the Lay School of Theology at Gettysburg Seminary will host a weeklong event entitled "Theological Dialog with the Voices of Duty and Devotion." Participants will recognize the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. There will be opportunities to study at the new Seminary Ridge Museum which is the home to the permanent Voices of Duty and Devotion exhibit, as well as speakers to guide participants in historical and theological reflection. On Friday and Saturday, participants will join with Common Ground on Seminary ridge to take advantage of music and the arts appropriate to the time period. This event features daily class sessions, daily worship, and additional fellowship, educational, and recreational opportunities. Watch this website for more information.
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Stewardship Resources Newsletter
 Each week, Luther Seminary's Center for Stewardship Leaders sends out a newsletter full of reflections and resources for engaging in stewardship. In this week's newsletter, learn practical ways to jump-start your congregation's stewardship by promoting online giving on your website. You'll also find examples of congregations that have effectively made online giving a focal point of their websites. For ongoing stewardship resources that your congregation can use, click here to subscribe. |
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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.
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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.
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Raise Your Voice - Opportunities for Advocacy
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To learn more about the ELCA's approach to advocacy and important issues for 2013, visit the ELCA website.
Involving Congregations in Advocacy Now (ICAN): Involving Congregations in Advocacy Now (ICAN) is an ELCA guide to developing an advocacy ministry in your congregation. ICAN is an online resource for people who are interested in addressing through advocacy the needs of those persons in our society who live in poverty or experience various forms of oppression. Click here to learn more or to download ICAN for your congregation!
 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.
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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
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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LTCA Spotlight
| Lutheran Heritage and Polity: Foundations and Practices
On June 10 through 15, the Lutheran Theological Center in Atlanta will offer a course on Lutheran Heritage and Polity. The course will examine the theological grounding of the polity of the Lutheran Church, exploring central teachings about the church historically, denominational identity and contemporary practices in the ELCA. It will also touch upon biblical and theological foundations for public worship and members' private devotion.
This course is designed to satisfy academic requirements in Lutheran heritage and theology for persons preparing for rostered ministry in the ELCA, and also to provide an introduction for ministers from other denominations seeking a call or standing in the ELCA.
The teaching team:
The Reverend H. Julian Gordy, Bishop
The Reverend Delmer Chilton, D. Min.
Dr. Everett Flanigan
Click here for more information about the course. To learn more about the LTCA, visit the website here. ***** |
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SES Young Adult & Youth Ministry Spotlight
Affirm Registration Still Open!
 | | 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
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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
It's a Breeze: Refugees Learn to Navigate Atlanta's Public Transit
Last Thursday, LSG's Refugee Services hosted one of its Extended Cultural Orientation (ECO) classes. During this session, newly arrived refugees from Burma, Somalia, Iran, Iraq, Bhutan, and the Congo learned how to take the train from Clarkston to LSG's office downtown. Because these men and women will take trains and buses to find jobs, attend English classes, and visit new friends, they were learning an important skill. Click here to read more about LSG's ECO program.
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Living Lutheran Spotlight
One-to-One with a Changing Church
Grace in Action, an ELCA congregation in the southwest neighborhood of Detroit, uses one-to-one conversations to listen to the hopes, needs, and frustrations of people in the community. Grace doesn't even have a building yet, but they have 95 people they engage on a weekly basis around worship, arts, and issues important to the community. By beginning with listening, Grace in Action aims to be an entirely new congregation based on what people need. Click to read more about Grace's unique approach to mission and community in Detroit.
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The Lutheran Spotlight
Favorite Hymns
Hymns have a special place in our hearts. They shape our theology, bring hope in times of sorrow, and allow us to share the story of our faith. In the May cover story of The Lutheran, readers tell of the sacred songs that have made a difference in their lives. 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.
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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 responds to hearings in the Judiciary Committee that addressed the benefits of immigration reform. Bishop Julian Gordy awaits action from the Senate and the House. Lisa Sharon Harper shares her hopes and concerns about the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act. Brittney Nystrom prepares for May 9, when Senator Leahy will begin holding hearings to consider changes to the bill.
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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... | |
May 2
Roots and Wings Tour Registration Closes
May 10 Synod Assembly Resolutions Deadline May 11 Talking Together Cross-Culturally Birmingham, AL May 19 Charter Service for Nativity, Bethlehem, GA May 27 Memorial Day Synod Office Closed May 31-June 2 Synod Assembly May 29-June 5 Synod Office Closed for Assembly
View the entire synod calendar
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