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Health Care Reform: Information from Portico Benefit Services
 The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act , signed into law in 2010, will bring change to the ELCA health plan in 2014. Portico Benefit Services is leading the ELCA through this change to enable our health plan to continue to deliver the benefits that support our shared ministry.
Click here to find out what's changing and what's staying the same. While there you can also download a copy of the Health Today, Health Tomorrow booklet from Portico. Click here to test your knowledge of Health Care Reform with a quick, online quiz.
A significant change is the choice of four health plan options. New pricing information will be available in late August. Be sure to register on My Portico to help manage your own benefits.
Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available and check the Portico website often for updates.
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Lutheran Disaster Response Provides Assistance for Refugees in Uganda
 The ELCA has provided $100,000 in humanitarian assistance for 66,000 refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo who fled to Uganda in response to threats of violence. "Sixty-six thousand refugees arriving in Uganda over a three-day period is an extremely urgent situation," said Dr. Carl Stecker, ELCA director for global diakonia. The funds will be used primarily to help meet the refugees' basic needs, including providing shelter, cooking and water supplies and personal items. Click here to learn more. |
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Register for Leadership Convocation
 | | The Rev. Dr. Clayton Schmit |
Registration for the 2013 Southeastern Synod Professional Leaders Convocation is open! The Leadership Convocation is a yearly gathering for the rostered leaders and church professionals of the Southeastern Synod. This year's Leadership Convocation will carry on the long-standing tradition of stimulating presentations, inspiring worship, Sabbath, and fellowship for leaders. The Rev. Dr. Clayton Schmit, Provost of the School of Theology at Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, will serve as our keynote speaker and will speak on the topic of Extraordinary Worship. The Convocation will be held September 24 to 26 at the Lutheridge Conference Center in Arden, NC. Click here to register. Visit our website for the agenda.
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"God's Work. Our Hands." Sunday
 September 8, 2013 is "God's Work. Our Hands." Sunday. Visit the ELCA website for bulletin inserts, flyers, and other resources to help promote the day. You can order personalized T-shirts for your congregation to wear through OldLutheran.Com. Please note that that the deadline to order personalized T-shirts is August 9. The synod staff would love to hear about congregational plans for celebrating "God's Work. Our Hands." Sunday. Please share your ideas by sending a quick email to Abby Koning. We'll post the ideas to our website. We also want to hear how the day went. Be sure to remember to send us photos and reflections on what "God's Work. Our Hands." Sunday meant to you and the community in which you served! |
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The 2013 Churchwide Assembly will meet August 12-17, 2013 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, PA. For those not attending, live streaming video will be available for some of the proceedings. For more information, read the press release on the ELCA website. Live streaming video will be available on the Assembly website.
Voting members from the Southeastern Synod are listed below. Throughout the week we will post reflections from our synod's voting members to the synod blog. Be sure to watch for them, as well as for updates of Assembly actions, from Pittsburgh.
- Associate in Ministry Michelle Angalet, Good Shepherd, Woodstock, GA
- Mr. Hilton Austin, All Saints, Lilburn, GA
- Ms. Patti Austin, All Saints, Lilburn, GA
- Bishop H. Julian Gordy, St. Andrew, Franklin, TN
- Mr. Henry Harris, Christus Victor, Ocean Springs, MS
- The Rev. Jill Henning, Trinity, Lilburn, GA
- The Rev. Randy Jones, Messiah, Montgomery, AL
- Ms. Hannah Mitchell, Christ the Lord, Lawrenceville, GA
- The Rev. Katie Pasch, St. John, Griffin, GA
- Mr. Gary Pederson, Christ our Shepherd, Peachtree City, GA
- Ms. Doris Underwood, Messiah, Montgomery, AL
ELCA congregations and members are invited to join in the 25 Days of Prayer leading up to the Assembly. 25 Days of Prayer draws on the rich Scriptures that will ground the work of the Assembly and invites the entire church into communal conversation and prayer for faithful discernment of the ELCA and Assembly voting members.
The Pre-Assembly report is now complete and contains all of the information that voting members will receive, consider and act on during the Assembly.
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Communion Sets Available
Congregations can purchase 4-piece communion sets which will be used at the 2013 Churchwide Assembly. The vessels were designed and are being produced at the Pittsburgh Glass Center, a nonprofit, public-access school, gallery and state-of-the-art glass studio on Penn Avenue in Pittsburgh's East End. They must be picked up on-site at the close of the Assembly. Visit this link for more information.
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Affirm 2013 -
Be Who God Created You To Be!
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At Affirm 2013, nationally known Lutheran songwriter Rachel Kurtz joins youth for worship.
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On June 16-21, almost 300 youth and 79 staff from all across the four states of our synod met at Berry College in Rome, GA for Affirm 2013. This year's theme was "BU: Be Who God Created You to Be." Youth gathered to worship, laugh, share stories, and think deeply about God's calling for their lives. At the end of Affirm, one youth said, "I know now that I can't change the way God made me, but that is good. God made me who I am for a reason and he will help me find that reason, but I need to be myself first and love my life with Christ." Ms. Rachel Alley, Assistant to the Bishop for Young Adult and Youth Ministries, shared her thoughts on Affirm 2013 on our synod blog. Click here to read her reflections, along with more thoughts from participating youth! |
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Partners in Celebration: St. Stephen Lutheran Church, Decatur, GA
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Youth at St. Stephen Lutheran Church
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The Partners in Celebration Program provides an intentional way for interested individuals and Southeastern Synod congregations to support new church starts and redevelopment efforts through "targeted" financial contributions. Our highlighted ministry for the third quarter of 2013 is St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Decatur, GA. Financial contributions would support three of St. Stephen's newest outreach ministry initiatives:
- "Come unto Me" Fighting Hunger: This outreach program is designed to fight hunger by bringing food directly to low-income people who lack access to food assistance.
- Scholars: This college prep program addresses educational disparities by providing a university experience for college-bound high school students.
- Community Sports: The St. Stephen's Community Sport Program (SSCSP) assists the needs of aspiring soccer players.
Donations are greatly appreciated to support these exciting outreach efforts. Click here to visit our website for more on how you can support St. Stephen.
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Telling Our Stories: ELCA World Hunger Leaders Gathering
 | | Jonathan Trapp |
Earlier this month, Mr. Jonathan Trapp, Chair of the Southeastern Synod's Hunger, Justice, and Poverty Task Force, and Ms. Tsega A Nega, joined more than 70 hunger leaders from across the nation at the ELCA World Hunger Leaders Gathering. Both are members of Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Atlanta, GA. On our synod blog, Jonathan reflects on what he learned about ending hunger and the importance of telling our stories about God's work in the world. He writes, "I was reminded that we serve a God who is alive and whose work in this world is far from complete. And that was a wonderful and beautiful thing to remember. It's news we all need to hear." Click here to read more about telling stories of God and God's people at work in your community.
If you'd like to learn more about hunger, poverty, and justice in the southeastern United States and around the world, or if you'd like to join the task force, contact Jonathan Trapp. |
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St. Luke Members Win Award for Book on Atlanta's Oakland Cemetary
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Ren and Helen Davis
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Ren and Helen Davis, authors and members of St. Luke Lutheran Church (Atlanta, GA) have written Atlanta's Oakland Cemetery: An Illustrated History and Guide. The book recently received the 2013 Lilla M. Hawes Award from the Georgia Historical Society, given annually to the best book published the previous year on local Georgia history. Ren, Helen, and their book are featured in the Spring issue of Emory Magazine. To read the article, click here.
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Closing Service at St. John's, Louisville, MS
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The Rev. Paul Summer and Licensed Lay Minister Judy Post at the final service at St. John's, Louisville, MI
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St. John's Lutheran Church, Louisville, MS closed its doors on July 28. The building is being sold and worship appointments (pictured below) need to be removed as soon as possible. Members of St. John would like to see them given to another congregation that could use them. Any congregation interested in obtaining them should contact Judy Post at 662-803-3755.
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9th Annual Oktoberfest!
 On Saturday, September 28th, join Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (525 Sneed Road, Nashville, TN 37221) for the 9th Annual Oktoberfest! From 12 P.M. to 4 P.M., come for games, face and pumpkin painting, German music, and more! A German meal of brats, hot dogs, and potato salad will be available for $5.00. Other activities include a silent auction, a pumpkin, mum, and bake sale, and a German potato salad cook-off! Click here for a flyer to share. |
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Christian Education Teachers Needed
St. Luke Lutheran Church, Atlanta, GA is looking for people to teach in its Christian Education program. Classes for elementary and junior high students are held from 10:00 - 11:00 each Sunday. These are paid positions, and orientation and curriculum will be provided. Experienced and novice teachers welcome. Please contact Pastor Ruth Hamilton if you are interested. |
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Organist Position at Grace Lutheran
This position is part-time, 15+ hours per week. Requirements include two services per Sunday, accompanist for Chancel Choir rehearsal on Wednesday evenings and liturgical choir on Thursday evenings, rehearsing with special music during the church year and summers. Organist shall be available for funerals and weddings, along with special services such as Lent, Advent, Christmas Eve, and a Music Festival held in November. Liturgical background is a plus, but not required. Must be a strong leader of hymns from the organ and piano. Bachelor's degree in Music is preferred. We have an 8 rank, Moeller organ.
Position must be filled by October 1. Please send resume to Paula Smith at graceortn_aim@comcast.net or Grace Lutheran Church, 131 W. Gettysburg Ave, Oak Ridge, TN 37830. Questions? Email Paula or call 865-483-3787. |
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Green Task Force Seeks Members
 Interested in thinking more about how we as a church are called to care for creation? The Southeastern Synod is looking for individuals to serve on a Green Team Task Force. This task force is being formed as the result of a resolution titled Regarding Energy Stewardship which was passed by the 2013 Synod Assembly. Interested individuals should contact the Rev. Ed Wolff via email or at (423) 833-8932. Pr. Wolff serves as Synod Council representative from Conference 6, the Life Together Conference. Conference 6 sponsored the Regarding Energy Stewardship Resolution. Appointments to the task force will be made by Synod Council at its September 2013 meeting. The number of task force members is limited by our constitution and bylaws. Click here for more information about how task force members are chosen. |
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Funding Requests Now Being Accepted
Deadline: September 30
The Southeastern Synod's Budget and Finance Committee is now accepting proposals for funding in the 2015-16 Ministry Funding Plan. Agencies, institutions, and other groups who wish to request synodical funding are invited to submit their requests online using the following link: 2015-16 Funding Request.
Funding for committees and task forces is approved on a different cycle and requires a different form. The most recent Synod Assembly approved lump sum funding for committees and task forces during the 2014-15 fiscal year. The Synod Council will allocate the approved total among the different groups, based on recommendations from the Budget and Finance Committee. Committee and Task Force chairpersons should submit their funding request from the 2014-15 fiscal year, using the online form located at: Committee/TF Funding for 2014-15.
The deadline for submission of funding requests is Monday, September 30, 2013. Anyone unable to submit a funding request electronically may obtain a paper copy of the necessary forms by contacting the Synod Office (404-589-1977).
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VBS in the Southeastern Synod
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Faith Lutheran Stands Strong for God
This summer, the kids of Faith Lutheran Church (Clay, AL) stood strong for God at VBS. We used Group's Kingdom Rock: Where Kids Stand Strong For God VBS curriculum. Our church is small, but the pre-school and community are very supportive of VBS. We had 48 children register and attend, the largest group we have had in the past few years. Thanks to the help and support of our congregation, we had a great VBS week! Click here for more! |
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Keep the VBS Photos Coming!
 Over the last few weeks we have been asking congregations to share their summer VBS experiences with us. Several have and we have shared those experiences in our E-News and on our website. We would like to hear from several more! In the meantime, here are two VBS articles to help us reflect on this church tradition. Like so much else in the church, VBS offerings are changing. If you would like to connect with other congregations who are rethinking VBS and what it looks like your setting, contact Michelle Angalet.
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Resources, Retreats, & Learning Opportunities
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Bible Study for Detainees
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Prayer outside the North Georgia Detention Center during the 2013 Holy Week Pilgrimage for Immigrants
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Lutheran Services of Georgia's Friends in Hope (FIH) Detention Visitation Ministries has been invited by the chaplain of the North Georgia Detention Center (NGDC) in Gainesville, GA to provide Bible study in English and Spanish for women detainees beginning in the fall of 2013. This ministry needs teams of three with at least one Spanish speaker in each. The commitment would be once or twice a month for either a Saturday evening for 1 hour or a Monday during lunch for 1.5 hours. Teams will rotate months throughout the year.
A FIH Bible Study Visitor training session will take plalce on Saturday, August 17 at 9:30 am - noon at Redeemer Lutheran Church's Fireside Room (731 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30308).
Also, in order to enter the medium-security facility, all FIH volunteers must attend a mandatory security training in Gainesville on Saturday, October 19 facilitated by the NGDC chaplain and undergo a criminal background check.
Please contact Melanie Johnson via email by or at (678) 686-9619 for more information. |
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Stewardship Key Leader Program
The Stewardship Key Leader Program is a stewardship ministry of the ELCA. The program provides professional assistance to congregations for capital campaigns, debt reduction, and annual stewardship campaigns at an affordable cost. Our Stewardship Key Leaders are located around the country to serve congregations of any size in any location within the United States.
 Each SKL consultant has an extensive background in stewardship teaching and leading programs at the congregational, synodical, and/or Churchwide level. The SKL team consultants are all veteran church leaders who have a wealth of knowledge and experience with congregational systems. They know how to help people make the connections between faith and finances. They know how to motivate a group of people to pull together as a team to reach large goals. The SKL program works with congregations of any size at a cost often far less than other companies. The fee is based on the baptized membership of the congregation with a range of $5,000 to $20,000. Most congregations incur a fee of $5,000 to $11,000. There are additional costs of $1,500 to $3,000 for the consultant's travel expenses and the cost of producing and distributing various campaign literatures. Most congregations meet or surpass their goal and also see an improvement in their regular giving as a result of the SKL approach to stewardship. You may obtain more information about the Stewardship Key Leader Program from Pastor Kathy Haueisen, Program Director:
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ELCA Diaconal Ministry Formation Event Coming in January
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2013 Diaconal Ministry Event Participants
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This year's ELCA Diaconal Ministry Formation Event will be held January 5-16, 2014. Information and applications are available online here. This will be the 20th formation event, and the diaconal ministry roster continues to grow. Beyond being a requirement for consecration as an ELCA diaconal minister, this event has been an important part of the discernment journey for many people, whether or not they have ended up on the diaconal ministry roster.
Questions? Contact Margy Schmitt-Ajer, Diaconal Minister
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Fall Via de Cristo Weekend Retreats
 The Via de Cristo weekend is a three-day experience in living in a Christian community in a retreat setting. It begins with a Sendoff early Thursday evening and ends with a Closing late Sunday afternoon. The major focus of the weekend is a series of 14 talks, five given by Lutheran pastors and nine by lay persons. Each of these talks is followed by small group discussion.The pastor's talks are aimed at a better understanding of the breadth and depth of God's grace, while the lay talks deal with different aspects of our response to that grace. The weekend also includes morning and evening worship services each day, communion, music, laughter, prayer, and good food.
The Atlanta Lutheran Via de Cristo will hold weekend retreats for Men only on August, 22-25, 2013, and Women only on September, 19-22, 2013.
The Tennessee Via de Cristo has a "Mixed" weekend for both men and women on October 17-20, 2013.
The Notes of Grace Via de Cristo serving Nashville and central Western Tennessee and Northern Alabama has their Fall Weekend for both men and women on Sept 26 - 29, 2013.
If you have any questions, please visit one of our web sites by clicking the links below |
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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.
Take Action Against Human Trafficking: The wisdom of Proverbs 31 urges us to "speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves...." Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services is asking individuals and congregations to take a stand against human trafficking. Click here to watch a video and to learn more how about you can join the fight against human trafficking in our communities and beyond.
 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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Share Your Story
Is God doing exciting work in your congregation or ministry that you would like to share with the rest of the synod? Are you looking to spread the word about an upcoming event or opportunity for ministry? The E-News Weekly is open for congregations to share news, stories, photos, announcements and more. Send your stories to Michelle Angalet. Michelle can also be reached at (404) 589-1977, ext. 235. Submissions are due Mondays by 5 pm. The Synod E-News Weekly (usually) goes out on Wednesdays.
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Ordinations & Installations
August 9: David Parr will be ordained at Reformation Lutheran Church in Greeneville, TN at 6 pm. Reception to follow.
August 18: David Parr will be installed as pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Long Beach, MS at 3:00 pm.
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LSG Spotlight
Nancy's New Family
Before Lutheran Services of Georgia got in touch with Nancy, she had been living in a nursing home for a long time. Her family did not visit her or care for her, leaving her alone inside the institution. The nursing home staff, moreover, did not have the capacity to help Nancy improve her condition. Nancy got around with a walker, and no one helped her try to walk on her own. After LSG case workers finally learned about her situation, they placed her with a committed support companion, Sarah, who felt that she was called to provide support to those who need it. Sarah has welcomed her graciously, caring for her as a mother would. Click here to read more about how Nancy is thriving with the support of her new family!
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Living Lutheran Spotlight
Learning to Respond
The small, North African country of Mauritania is vulnerable to a number of natural disasters. In recent years, the country has faced drought and flooding, both of which lead to food insecurity. There have also been tornadoes, locust attacks, and fires. But with the help of ELCA's Lutheran Disaster Response and The Lutheran World Federation, people are receiving training to prepare and respond to these communities. "We have seen some good results," says Kasongo Mutshaila, The Lutheran World Federation's representative in Mauritania. "Since people have received the knowledge and skills about different matters, they have been able to handle [disasters]." Click here to read more!
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NovusWay Ministries Spotlight
Wild Women Weekends
February 7-9
February 14-16
March 7-9
March 14-16
March 21-23
Adult women of all ages and life situations have five opportunities to gain vision and strength for the new year. Bring a group to deepen fellowship with women you know - or come alone to find kindred spirits in Wild Women from across the southeast. This year we'll explore storytelling as we hear the old, old story told in fresh new ways and become reacquainted with Jesus the storyteller. Come to discover the power story has to touch our hearts and shape our lives. Rates include lodging for two nights, Saturday breakfast through Sunday breafkast, and all program costs. Limited space! Registration will open at 3:30 PM on August 17. Click here for more.
Rate: $205 per person (Valentine's Weekend Special - $20 discount + Surprise!)
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The Lutheran
Looking Back, Leaning Forward
Happy hearts were pounding among the more than 2,000 worshipers. The soaring strain of hymns of praise filled the Columbus, Ohio convention hall as - 25 years ago - bishops of three Lutheran church bodies poured water from three bowls into a baptismal font and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America was born.
"It was a time of youthful idealism, even playful idealism," said Ann Hafften, Weatherford, Texas, an ALC staff member at the time. "We were looking toward a oneness that was very holy and believed that was the direction we should be headed."
Click here to look back on the history of the ELCA and to lean forward towards a bright, exciting future together.
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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Malaria Campaign Spotlight
Caring Campers Campaign at Crossways
It is easy to identify with the ELCA Malaria Campaign when you encounter mosquitoes in the woods of Wisconsin. Crossways Camping Ministries found this to be true in the summer of 2012 when the ELCA Malaria Campaign was the focus of their "Mission Awareness" project. Each summer, Crossways selects a cause from ELCA Good Gifs to focus on in hopes of raising both awareness and funds. In 2012, over 2,300 campers were involved in the ELCA Malaria campaign, learning facts about malaria and giving generously. Click here to learn more!
If you'd like to learn more about the Southeastern Synod's role in ending malaria, contact Jonathan Trapp, Chair of the synod's Hunger, Justice, and Poverty taskforce, via email.
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The Update
A complicated debate and legislative process lies ahead for comprehensive immigration reform. Here to decipher the headlines for you every Monday is The Update, a weekly blog series whose panel of experts will analyze how recent events affect the prospects for real reform. This week's panelists answer the question, "Given the most recent developments, are we getting any closer to immigration reform?" Click to read their answers in Spanish or in English.
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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 | |
August 5-7
Interim Ministry for Today's Church
August 10-11
SESLYO Board Meeting
August 12-17
2013 ELCA Churchwide Assembly
August 21-25
ILAG Consultation in Guatemala City
September 6-7
Synod Council Meeting
September 20-22
Southeastern Synod Women of the ELCA Convention
Natchez, MS
September 24-26
Southeastern Synod Leadership Convocation at Lutheridge
View the entire synod calendar
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