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LWR Quilts and Kits Bring Comfort to Syrian Refugees
 Hasna and her family are Syrian refugees living in the Al Bas camp in southern Lebanon. She recently received a Lutheran World Relief Mission Quilt, which will help guard against the approaching cold winter nights. She says, "I love this blanket. It reminds me of my grandmother." More than 1.5 million refugees have fled the violence in Syria. To respond to the needs of people inside and outside Syria, LWR is working with partners to distribute Quilts, Personal Care Kits, Baby Care Kits and School Kits.
Currently, LWR is in need of Quilts and Kits to meet the needs of our partners around the world, including in Syria, Thailand, and Tanzania. Click here to read more about how you can support LWR's work with refugees. |
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LVC Suspends Program in Atlanta
 For the past few years, Lutheran Volunteer Corps volunteers have worked with organizations throughout Atlanta. This year, Abby Koning served as the Communications and Community Outreach Coordinator in our Southeastern Synod office. Lutheran Services of Georgia has also received several volunteers in refugee resettlement, communications, and other areas. It is with great regret that we announce that Lutheran Volunteer Corps' Board of Directors has decided to suspend the Atlanta program at the end of this volunteer year in August 2014. A number of factors influenced this decision including a failure to meet national recruitment goals for both volunteers and placements, and a weak financial position over the last several years. For these reasons, LVC is no longer able to sustain its program in Atlanta. Click here to read a letter from Sam Collins, President of LVC, describing the reasons for this difficult decision and expressing gratitude for the support of congregations, placements, volunteer supports, and companions. Thanks to all of the volunteers who have worked for peace with justice in Atlanta. |
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ELCA Hunger Education Grants
 ELCA World Hunger is eager to support educational efforts that help reach our goals of teaching, organizing, and mobilizing Lutherans to fight hunger and poverty in our communities and around the world. ELCA Hunger Education grants are available to support local ELCA efforts to educate and mobilize ELCA congregations, groups, and/or synods toward better action and engagement against hunger and poverty. This particular grant program is most appropriate for ELCA congregations, synod teams, or organizations which seek to teach others about the root causes and solutions of hunger. Proposals must be received by December 31,2013 to be considered. Click here. |
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Health Care Reform: Information from Portico Benefit Services
To read about the open enrollment process and what steps employers and participants need to take in the days and weeks ahead, click here.
If you are an employer, be sure to visit the Employer Link for guidance in managing changes to health care benefits for employees.
Read Bishop Gordy's message on Portico and health care changes here.
Calculators and tools are available to help congregations estimate 2014 health insurance costs. Four plan options are available. The Southeastern Synod is recommending the "Gold+ Plan", which is the most comparable to current 2013 benefits. After employers have chosen a plan, Portico plan members may also choose to purchase additional coverage for themselves.
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Elizabeth Eaton to be Installed as Presiding Bishop on Oct. 5
 The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton will be installed as presiding bishop of the ELCA on October 5 at Rockefeller Memorial College in Chicago. The installation is open to the public; tickets are not required. Worship begins at 2:00 pm (Central); doors open at 1:00 pm. A free public reception will follow. Click here for more. If you'd like to learn more about Elizabeth Eaton, MSNBC had loaded an clip from her interview on their "Morning Joe" show here. |
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"God's Work. Our Hands." Sunday
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Members of Jerusalem Lutheran Church, Rincon, GA
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September 8 was "God's Work. Our Hands." Sunday! Congregations throughout our synod are sharing photos and stories from their service projects on our website. If you'd like to see your congregation featured, email stories, photos, and reflections to Michelle Angalet. We'll also rotate "God's Work. Our Hands." Sunday stories in our E-News Weekly! |
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Sprucing Up with Jerusalem
Members of Jerusalem Lutheran Church (Rincon, GA) had a hot but rewarding Sunday afternoon. After worship and a brown bag we fanned out to three different sites - the Hinely Community Center, the Veterans Park, and Advance Auto Parts all in Rincon. At the park and the center we planted shrubs and flowers and mulched the flower beds; at Advance we washed cars for free. The car washers went to a frozen yogurt place afterwards to cool off and relax. We were amazed at how much the city had ready for us to plant, and we are hoping that they will give all those new plants plenty of water in the next few days. A number of people talked to us about what we were doing and about the church. We also were glad that the shirts were gold and not the prisoner orange the prison work details wear.
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Synod Council Meeting Highlights
The Southeastern Synod Council met on September 6-7, 2013, at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Marietta, Georgia. The council began its work with prayer and paused regularly for prayer during the meeting. It also engaged in activities to welcome new members and introduce members to each other. Click for highlights from this Synod Council meeting or to read the meeting agenda and exhibits . |
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Southeastern Synod and Lutheran Theological Center in Atlanta Coaching Training - Oct. 3-4, 2013
 Welcome to Coaching is a two day coaching immersion event led by experienced coaches. It is sponsored by the ELCA-CSM (Congregational and Synodical Mission) Coaching and Natural Church Development office. The Rev. Dr. Larry Clark, Pastor of St. Mark Lutheran Church, Chicago, IL and Ms. Helen Harms, Coordinator of Coaching and Natural Church Development will be the leaders for this two day event that focuses on learning and practicing the skills of excellent coaching. Registration deadline is September 27, 2013. Click here to register or here to view an outline for the day.
Please contact conference registrar Maria Maldonado if you have any other questions at 733-380-2748 or by email. |
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Last Chance - Register for Leadership Convocation now!
 | | The Rev. Dr. Clayton Schmit |
The 2013 Southeastern Synod Leadership Convocation is a 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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Sept 30 Deadline Approaching Funding
Have you submitted funding request?
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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The Sarcastic Lutheran in Atlanta
 ELCA Pastor Nadia Bolz-Weber, also known by her blog name as "The Sarcastic Lutheran", will be at Sandy Springs Christian Church for their "Real People, Real Faith" event on September 13 and 14. Pr. Bolz-Weber is the founding pastor of House for All Sinners and Saints, an ELCA mission church in Denver, CO, and a leading voice in the emerging church movement. Her writing can be found in The Christian Century and Jim Wallis' God's Politics blog. Click here for more details on this event. |
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Cross & Crown Telugu Mission Anniversary Celebrations
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Dedication Service at Christ Lutheran
You're invited to join Christ Lutheran Church (Cullman, AL) as we joyfully celebrate in two events the dedication of our new church and the renewal of our life together in Christ.
Event One: Sunday Morning Dedication Service
Saturday, September 15 at 10:30 AM
Rev. Paul Summer, Assistant to the Bishop
Guest Presiding Minister
Event Two: Afternoon Prayer Service and Open House
Sunday, September 29, 3:00-5:00 PM
A brief prayer service will be followed by an Open House with refreshments.
Both events will be open to the public.
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St. Stephen Invites You...
For more information, call 404-284-7271.
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Evangelism: Telling Your Story
Pastor John Weber will facilitate a workshop on evangelism at St. John's Lutheran Church on September 28, 2013 from 2 am to 2 pm. All are invited to join use and discuss how we tell our stories. Please let us know if you are planning to attend. Respond to pastorbeverly@stjohnsatlanta.org or pastorsteve@stjohnsatlanta.org or call the church at 404-378-4243 if there are questions. Lunch will be provided. Click here to download and share a flyer. See you there! |
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Advent Workshop with Gertrud Nelson
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Gertrud Mueller Nelson
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On Saturday, November 16, 2013, First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Nashville, TN will host an Advent Workshop with artist and author Gertrud Mueller Nelson. Gertrud Mueller Nelson, author of To Dance with God: Family Ritual and Community Celebration, will help parents, pastors, and other church leaders make the connection between sacred story, community worship, family ritual, and living the Gospel in the world. This presentation will help spark ideas for bringing faith forming practices into the home and encourage the development of a deeper understanding of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany. Admission is free. Please RSVP by November 11 by emailing pastor.brian@first-lutheran-nashville.org or neelie.crooke@gmail.com. Click here to learn more. |
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All-Tennessee Youth Gathering
 All-Tennessee Youth Gathering Registration is OPEN and available here. Please download the congregational informational packet which includes all your forms, then register your group online when you've received all your data from your participants. Registration closes on October 20. Our theme this year is GO! Did you know that the word "go" is used in the Bible over 1500 times yet the word "stay" is only used 62 times? God is always moving his people forward! God is always sending us out! Come be inspired to Go! All-Tennessee is a weekend retreat for 6th-12th graders. Cost is $45 per person which includes meals, programming, a t-shirt, and a Riverboat Cruise! This year's Gathering will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hixson, TN (Chattanooga area). Our In-Kind Offering will go to the Trinity Voucher Program.
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Go!
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Ms. Rachel Alley
Assistant to the Bishop for Young Adult and Youth Ministries
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Did you know that the word "Go" is used in the Bible over 1500 times, yet the word "stay" is used less than 100 times? Of course, the exact number depends on the translation, but go is used way more often than stay. "Go" is movement. It is travelling from one place to another. It's usually associated with moving forward. You go to a destination. But when you go to some place, you leave a place behind. In August, the SESLYO (Southeastern Synod Lutheran Youth Organization) Board met to work on their 2013-2014 theme for the assembly and youth conference events and chose "Go" as their theme....
Click here to read more about how youth in our synod are responding to God's message to "Just Go!".
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Employment Opportunities
Our synod website will now feature employment opportunities submitted by congregations and ministries throughout our synod. Click here to view descriptions and application instructions for the following open positions:
Full-Time Coordinator of Youth and Family Ministries: St. Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church in Memphis, TN
Organist Needed Immediately: Grace Lutheran Church in Oak Ridge, TN
Full-Time Director of Youth and Family Ministries: St. John's Lutheran Church in Springfield, IL
Executive Assistant to the Bishop & Communications Support Specialist, ELCA Southeastern Synod
If you'd like to see your employment opportunity listed on our website, please submit your position title, description, contact information, application instructions, and other relevant information to Michelle Angalet. |
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Resources, Retreats, & Learning Opportunities
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3rdTuesday Conversation with Meredith Gould - September 17
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Meredith Gould
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Meredith Gould is a sociologist and digital strategist with decades of communications experience. In July 2011, she founded the weekly Twitter-based ecumenical Church Social Media Chat (#ChSocM) and serves as its lead moderator. Meredith crafts communications strategies and recommends tactics that help people of faith do and be the church within and beyond glorious buildings. Join Meredith for an upcoming webinar on Tuesday, September 17, from 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm (CDT). Click here to learn more and to register.
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Learning to Walk in the Dark
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Barbara Brown Taylor
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On September 26, Candler School of Theology at Emory University presents a public lecture by best-selling author Barbara Brown Taylor. While human fear of the dark is so well-established that "darkness" has become a synonym for everywhere we don't want to go, we are called to keep moving even when we cannot see the way ahead. In spite of everything we've been taught, learning to walk in the dark puts us on the sacred way of unknowing, where there are fewer obstacles to encountering the God we did not make up. This path opens the possibility that walking in the dark nourishes the soul as surely as walking by the light of day. Admission is free, but advanced registration is required. For more information and to register, click here.
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Blessed are the Peacemakers: Online Book Discussion
 From September 16 through October 18, Churches for Middle East Peace, Washington, D.C. and the Interfaith Association of Central Ohio will host an online book discussion for peacemakers across the nation. This five week discussion class is designed to assisted interested parties in becoming more familiar with the background and history of peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians and to become better equipped to discern and analyze the issues at stake. Click here to learn more. |
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Join Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary for Campus Tours!
 All are welcome! LTSS invites church groups and individuals to visit our campus in Columbia, SC. We will be happy to arrange a walking tour of our historic campus. During the academic year, visitors are invited to attend chapel at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday. A service of Holy Communion is offered at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesdays.
Lunch is available after the chapel service at a cost of $6.75 (plus tax) for blue plate specials. A-la-carte items are also available. Advance notice of one week is requested.
In addition, Mr. James Johnson offers a program entitled "Liturgical Improvisation as Prayer and Devotion", with hymn improvisations on the organ illustrating a variety of combinations of text, tune, and musical form which is spiritual in nature. The program lasts about 30 minutes.
Other area points of interest include the Riverbanks Zoo, the Columbia Museum of Art, the South Carolina State Museum, the state capitol building, and the University of South Carolina with its Gibbes Planetarium and Melton Observatory.
Tours may be scheduled through Diana London, Office of Advancement, at the seminary. Please contact her via email or at (803) 461-3218 during 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please consider a visit. You are always welcome at Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary!
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Coming Up with Novus Way!
 Women's Spiritual Retreat at Luther Springs (September 20-22, 2013): See Novus Way spotlight in the red sidebar.
Faith Alive! Confirmation Retreats at Lutheridge: Four weekends - seven retreats! Two separate retreats each weekend except in November. Our unique curriculum uses experiential learning to leave lasting lessons. Lutheridge staff provide supervision for campers, staying in cabins with campers and sharing their faithful witness. Campers can come alone or with a group. Lessons are geared to middle school, but 5th grade through high school youth are welcome to attend (campers will be placed in cabin groups with those close to their own age). Adult leaders are welcome and encouraged to participate, but not required to attend. Each camper creates a "witness" to share what they have learned with those back home. Pastors Tim and Mary Cannif-Kuhn provide program design and oversight, with involvement from other leaders.
Lord's Prayer (September 27-29, 2013): Youth will pray each part of the Lord's Prayer in fun, creative ways that engage brain and heart and make this familiar prayer take on a new meaning.
Apostles Creed (September 27-29, 2013): Learn the importance of saying "I believe" and meet each person of the Trinity in new ways - up close and personal.
New Testament Overview (November 1-3, 2013): Discover how the New Testament came to be, experience the main stories of Jesus' life and explore how Lutherans can understand the NT as the WORD of God.
Visit the Novus Way website to learn more about or to register online for upcoming youth programs. |
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All Aboard for Lands of the Bible Cruise
Join Dr. Monte Luker on October 7- November 1, 2014, for a 16-day Lands of the Bible Cruise through Jerusalem, the Galilee, Athens, Corinth, Ephesus, Egypt, Italy, Sicily, and more! The all-inclusive starting price of $3998 includes: international airfare and airline fuel surcharges, most shore excursions, administration fee, port charges, fuel surcharges, and taxes. Click here to register or here to download and share a brochure.
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Raise Your Voice - URGENT CALL FOR PEACE IN SYRIA
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To learn more about the ELCA's approach to advocacy and important issues for 2013, visit the ELCA website.
Urge Peace for Syria!: APPEAL TO THE PRESIDENT AND CONGRESS TO CHOOSE THE PATH OF DIPLOMACY, NOT A BROADER WAR IN SYRIA
Last Saturday President Obama laid before the nation an important question: whether the U.S. should launch a military strike against Syria due to that government's alleged use of chemical weapons against its own people. The use of chemical weapons in Syria is heinous and inexcusable. These atrocities are an assault on human dignity, and violate international standards and law. However, the people of Syria, along with many others in the Middle East who are living through this time of profound instability, deserve our concern, compassion and accompaniment, not the escalation of an already horrendous war.
Bishop Munib Younan, leader of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land and president of The Lutheran World Federation, has called on the world community to seek political rather than military solutions to the Syrian crisis. "While the use of chemical weapons is wrong, the forms of intervention being predicted thus far can do little to bring a positive outcome ... Such military intervention threatens to bring even greater suffering and instability to communities throughout Syria and the region as a whole ... The situation in Syria will be solved not with bombs but with diplomatic efforts and true dialogue among Syrians of goodwill ... To choose the path of diplomacy brings the Middle East closer to the goal of peace. Such a choice is not weakness, but the sign of peace and security."
Early this week, ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson sent a letter to President Obama asking him to continue diplomatic efforts rather than pursuing military action in Syria .
Write to the president and your members of Congress urging them to strengthen international diplomatic efforts instead of authorizing military action that will only escalate an already brutal war. Ask your members to vote against an authorization to take military action against Syria. Ask the president not to take such action as well. PLEASE be sure to send to both the President and your members of Congress.
Commit to keeping all of these decision-makers in prayer, asking that God will continue to give them wisdom as they discern the best path to avoid atrocities while pursuing peace.
 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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LSG
Spotlight
10th Anniversary Savannah Golf Classic!
Do you love to golf? Are you passionate about helping those in need? Then get ready to tee off at Lutheran Services of Georgia's 10th Anniversary Savannah Golf Classic on October 21! Held at The Club at Savannah Harbor, the outing will benefit LSG's many social services programs, including adoption, foster care, refugee resettlement and immigration services, family intervention services, and programs for individuals with developmental disabilities. The outing will feature several opportunities for golfers, including a Longest Drive Challenge, a silent auction, and awards for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place teams. The first person to hit a hole-in-one on a designated hole will win a new Buick, courtesy of Critz, Inc.
The 10th Anniversary Savannah Golf Classic will also remember Mr. Ben Tucker, legendary jazz musician and member of Lutheran Church of the Ascension in Savannah. Ben died on June 4, 2013, when a car crashed into his golf cart. Ben was a much loved and active supporter of Lutheran Services of Georgia, and will be missed.
For more information about the Savannah Golf Classic, contact Linda Larson via email or at 912-353-8875, ext 111. Click here to download a brochure and attached registration form.
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Living Lutheran Spotlight
Reflections on our Day of Service
On Sept. 8, 2013, the congregation of Advent Lutheran Church in Mentor, Ohio, participated in the "God's Work. Our Hands." Sunday day of service as part of the ELCA's year-long 25th anniversary celebration. Our congregation did this by helping people who were in need and sharing love and smiles with strangers. Approximately 180 people broke into groups and participated in one of a variety of opportunities. Some did yard work for senior citizens. Some built and repaired tables for our local homeless shelter. Some handed out free taxable items - toiletries, laundry detergent and paper products that food stamps cannot purchase.
Click here to read more about what Advent Lutheran Church learned through serving others!
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NovusWay Ministries Spotlight
God's Spa For Women At Luther Springs
September 27-29, 2013
Would you like to come to the "Café Chocolat" to enjoy some time for renewal, relaxation, and rest? A perfect weekend opportunity awaits you. Meet new friends and soak in the beautiful scenery and solitude of Luther Springs.
Weekend activities my include: devotions, music, inspirational conversations, journaling, and several spa-type activities such as facials, hand/foot scrubs, and enjoying some chocolate. Massages are available for an additional fee--contact Anna Allen to schedule yours. Include "God's Spa Fall 2013" in the subject line.
Cost: Kuehner Conference Center - $168 per person; Morgan Village - $143 per person.
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The Lutheran
Moving Forward in Mission: New Leaders, Social statement, Campaign Points the Way
Decisions made at the 2013 Churchwide Assembly show that the ELCA is continuing to move forward in mission. Bishop Hanson reflects upon what the Churchwide Assembly means for the future of this church. He writes, "Together we are moving forward in God's mission. We are renewing congregations and planting the church in growing and changing communities. Together we are raising up leaders for the church we are becoming. We are supporting partner churches in ending malaria through education, intervention and treatment. Together we are growing in our commitment to end hunger, to respond to disasters, and to build sustainable communities in places of poverty, hunger, and disease." Click here to read 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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Malaria Campaign Spotlight
ELCA Releases New Video of Its Work in Zambia
In Zambia, malaria remains the number one killer for children under the age of five. The ELCA Malaria Campaign partners with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zambia to educate communities to treat and prevent malaria. "The coming of the [malaria] program in the church was such a blessing," said Abel Makungwe, Project Coordinator for the Lutheran Malaria Project in Zambia."The change we have seen in communities is very substantial." Click here to watch a short video about the ELCA Malaria Campaign's work in Zambia! If you'd like to learn more about the Southeastern Synod's role in ending malaria, contact Jonathan Trapp, Chair of the synod's Poverty, Hunger, and Justice, task force, via email.
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Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service
Support Compassionate Immigration Reform
Congress returned from their five-week recess on Monday, September 9, and is beginning to address a pile of unfinished business--including immigration reform. Throughout the recess, Lutherans took action across the country for fair and compassionate immigration reform. As members of Congress return to Capitol Hill, it is crucial that people of faith continue to raise their voices and be heard when it comes to welcoming new Americans.
Before recess, five bills relating to our immigration system were pased by House committees. Unfortunately, none of these bills bolster protections for individuals fleeing persecution, reunite separated families, or create a roadmap to citizenship for undocumented men, women or childen.
We need your help to continue to to advocate for LIRS' principles in immigration reform legislation. Call your House representatives today and tell him or her that Americans want comprehensive immigration reform that creates a pathway to citizenship and unites families. Contact your representatives at 866-940-2439, through the Capitol Switchboard (202-224-3121) or at the LIRS Action Center.
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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 |
September 13-14
Talking Together Table III - Missional Hospitality
Lutheran Church of the Redeemer
Savannah, GA
September 20-22
Southeastern Synod Women of the ELCA Convention
Natchez, MS
September 24-26
Southeastern Synod Leadership Convocation at Lutheridge
Synod Office Closed
September 30
Funding Request Deadline
October 3-4
Coaching Training
October 11-12
Free SES Youth
Ministry Training
November 2-3
All Tennessee Youth Gathering
View the entire synod calendar
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