Issue #389
10/31/2013
News

Let's celebrate 'Always being made new.'

 

Katherine Museus

 Katherine Museus, a member of Christ Lutheran, Nashville, TN, had an article published in the November issue of The Lutheran.  This Reformation Day, she suggests we avoid anti-Roman Catholic rhetoric and celebrate 'Always being made new.'

 
"As Reformation Day approaches, I remember with joy the very beginnings of our church in the poundings of Martin Luther's hammer. This fiery monk stood up against the church of his day -- and didn't back down when he faced excommunication and death threats.  I'm proud that my tradition was born out of strong opposition to harmful teachings, but I'm also wary."  Click here to continue reading.

Giving Thanks for Bishop Hanson

 

Bishop Mark Hanson served as ELCA presiding bishop from 2001-2013

On the eve of  Friday, November 1, the official beginning of the ELCA presiding bishop's term, we give thanks for the leadership and ministry of Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and for Bishop Mark Hanson.  Living Lutheran has posted photos to highlight the 12 year ministry of Bishop Hanson.  Click here to read and see more.

Newberry College Choirs 2013 Fall Tour

November 6-10

 

 
Newberry College Singers and Madrigals, conducted by Dr. Chris Sheppard and Dr. Allyss Haecker, and accompanied by Mrs. Dawn Driggers, are about to begin their fall tour. The NC Singers, a group of 45 singers of various disciplines, will present a program of "Longing and Comfort." Their portion of the concert will include works from the great Western choral tradition by Palestrina and Brahms, but also reach the modern era with works from other parts of the world. Composers include Chilcott, Eriksson, Organ, Singh, and Ticheli. NC Singers has a long tradition of touring in the region, reaching back over fifty years. The concert will also include Madrigals, a select 20-voice choir. With music themed "Old and New," Madrigals' music is from the 16th and 20th centuries, and each piece in some way utilizes techniques from the opposite era. Music by Josquin, Nystedt, and Burchard, in addition to interesting arrangements of American folk songs, make up their portion of the program. Admission to all concerts is free, although free-will offerings will be available.

 

Nov. 6    Batesburg-Leesville, SC

Wittenberg Lutheran Church

233 N. Lee St.

7:00 p.m. concert

Nov. 7    Savannah, GA

Lutheran Church of the Ascension

120 Bull St.

7:00 p.m. concert

Nov. 8    Athens, GA

Holy Cross Lutheran Church

800 West Lake Drive

7:00 p.m. concert

Nov. 9    Augusta, GA

Advent Lutheran Church

3232 Washington Rd.

7:00 p.m. concert

Nov. 10 Augusta, GA

Lutheran Church of the Resurrection

825 Greene St.

8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Sunday services   

Funding Request Deadline Extended to November 1

 

The Southeastern Synod's Budget and Finance Committee has extended the deadline for submitting proposals for funding in the 2015-16 Ministry Funding Plan. The new deadline is November 1. Agencies, institutions and other groups who wish to request synodical funding should submit their requests online, using the following link:            

2015-16 Funding Request.

 

The deadline for committees and task forces to submit their requests has also been extended to November 1. Committee and Task Force chairpersons should submit their funding requests for the 2014-15 fiscal year, using the online form located at:  Committee/TF Funding for 2014-15.

Stewardship

 
One of the best books written about stewardship is Giving to God:  The Bible's Good News About Living a Generous Life by Mark Allan Powell. Here's a link to eerdmans.com, just one place online that this book can be purchased.
 
 
Southeastern Synod Kicks Off ELCA Malaria Campaign Goal
 
Mr. Jonathan Trapp, Southeastern Synod Malaria Campaign Coordinator
Jonathan Trapp, Synod Malaria Campaign Coordinator, reflects on the campaign goal...
 
I feel very fortunate in that through the various activities and groups I am involved in, I get to talk with a lot of people.  It seems that whenever discussions turn to problems in our local area, or something we wish our government would (or wouldn't!) do, or about problems in the world, I hear a constant refrain of, 'yeah, that is awful... but what can I do?  I'm just one person.'?  It's a sentiment I completely understand, I've said it on too many occasions myself!  Read on
 
More about the Southeastern Synod's Malaria Campaign goal...At the September 2013 meeting of the Southeastern Synod, a synod goal of $250,000 and 100% congregation participation was set for the ELCA Malaria Campaign.  To date, Southeastern Synod congregations have already raised $80,299.73 towards that goal.  That means we are about one-third of the way there!  Our goal will help the ELCA Malaria Campaign achieve it's goal of $15 million dollars through 2015.  
 
Read here about how Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Cedar Falls, Iowa, doubled its ELCA Malaria Campaign goal because the congregation knows their gifts make a difference in the lives of many in sub-Saharan Africa.  They know it's a Jesus thing! 
God's Work. Our Hands.
 
September 8 was "God's Work. Our Hands." Sunday. Congregations throughout our synod shared photos and stories from their service projects on our website
 
We're pleased to know that "God's Work. Our Hands." continues past September 8.  If you'd like to see your congregation featured, email stories, photos, and reflections to Carolyn Davis
Trinity, Hixson and Resurrection, Ooltewah Join Hands.

In connection with the 25th Anniversary Celebration of the ELCA, Trinity Lutheran, Hixson, TN and Resurrection Lutheran, Ooltewah, GA joined in a day of dedicated service to the Chattanooga community.  Both churches collected blankets and personal hygiene items which were distributed to the residents of the Jaycee Tower I (subsidized housing for the elderly/disabled in downtown Chattanooga) along with sharing a light meal and fellowship. Click here to continue.


Become an LSG Fundraiser on 

Georgia Gives Day!   

 

 November 13, 2013 is Georgia Gives Day, and Lutheran Services of Georgia needs your help! One way you can help LSG bring hope, healing, and strength to individuals and families throughout Georgia is by signing up to be an LSG Fundraiser. Become an LSG Fundraiser by creating your very own fundraising campaign and sharing our Georgia Gives Day profile with YOUR social network. 

 

Becoming an LSG Fundraiser is easy! 

 

1. Visit the LSG profile and sign up to become a fundraiser.

2. Create and personalize your very own fundraiser page. 

3. Share your page through email, social media, and more!

 

For more information on getting started, click here  to watch a short instructional video. The organization with the most personal fundraisers is eligible to win a $1,000 prize.

 

You can also support Georgia Gives Day by giving a donation on November 13.  Click here to give online. 

 

LSG relies on the generosity of Lutheran congregations, donors, volunteers, and other supporters. We invite you to spread the word about Georgia Gives Day to your family, friends, congregation, and community. Click here to download a bulletin insert ready for congregational use.  

 

For more information on ways you can support Lutheran Services of Georgia, contact Abby KoningVisit our

website to learn more about LSG's services for individuals and families in Georgia. 
Around the Synod

St. John's, Knoxville celebrates 

125 years of ministry 

 

St John's Lutheran Church, Knoxville, TN
The congregation of St. John's Lutheran Church, Knoxville,TN announces with joy and thanksgiving their 125th anniversary of ministry. St. John's is a downtown church, beautiful in appearance, rich with history and filled with the Holy Spirit. Click here to read about the history.

 

The Rev. J Stephen Misenheimer, the Rev. John Tirro and the Rev. Amy Figg (left to right), pastors, St. John's, Knoxville

 The congregation welcomes Bishop H. Julian Gordy, ELCA Southeastern Synod , and the Rev. Paul Summer, Assistant to the Bishop, as they begin the festivities with dinner on Saturday, November 2nd. The celebration continues with Sunday morning worship services on November 3rd.  The Rev. J Stephen Misenheimer, senior pastor, along with the Rev. Amy C. Figg and the Rev. John Tirro, associate pastors, cordially invite you to join them at 8:45 or 11:00 a.m. 

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers are crucial to the mission of the Southeastern Synod. Click here to find ways you can serve.  Thank you for your generosity!
James R. Crumley, Jr. Archival Survey
 
The Fall 2013 issue of the Archival Survey, the publication of the James R. Crumley Jr. Archives, is now available.
 
Please click here and take a few moments to read through this latest issue of news and happenings related to your archives housed at Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, Columbia, SC. 
 
This issue highlights the Rev. Dr. H. George Anderson who was honored at the annual Friends of the Archives Banquet this past September 13.  

New Anthem Inspired by Get Low

 

The. Rev. Scott Seeke

Just released by Augsburg Fortress is a new choral anthem co-written by Southeastern Synod musician, Bill Pasch, and Southeastern Synod pastor, the Rev. Scott Seeke.

 

The 2009 feature film Get Low, starring Robert Duvall, Sissy Spacek, and Bill Murray, was filmed in Georgia (Newnan, Dallas, and other locations around Atlanta).  The story that became the screenplay was authored by Scott Seeke, based on the true-life events of the Rev. Beth Birkholz's family history.  Pastor Birkholz is married to Pastor Seeke.

 

In preparation for Scott's appearance as guest speaker for a

Dr. William Pasch

screening of the movie in the "Faith and Film" series at Saint John, Griffin, GA, Bill composed a tune and musical setting to which he and Scott added words and developed into the full anthem.

 

The "bluesy-gospel style" of the anthem (as described by the Augsburg Fortress website) pays homage to the setting and major themes of the film.  As the Augsburg website also says of the new piece, "This anthem reminds us that we need to humble ourselves before entering the kingdom of God."

 

While written for unaccompanied SATB, many choirs will find the anthem accessible and even fun to sing.  Perhaps most appropriate for Lent, it can be used any time that repentance and humility are emphasized.

 

Click here to order sheet music from the Augsburg Fortress online store.   

Social Media for Congregations - 

A How-To Workshop

 

Know that you need to do something with social media for your congregation but not sure what or how?  Join us for a workshop to learn together. The Rev. Scott Seeke will lead a hands-on discussion to talk about communicating and connecting through social media - why, how to, best practices, and your questions.  Join us on November 18 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm in the Southeastern Synod Office. Space is limited.  Email Carolyn Davis or call her at 404-589-1977, X235 to sign-up. The office is located at 100 Edgewood Avenue, Suite 1600, Atlanta, GA 30303.   

14 Reasons to Get a Flu Shot!

 

It is time again for an annual flu shot!  Will you go willingly to get that shot or will you be one of those who looks for an excuse for not putting your arm out?  We know that there are some people who cannot receive vaccines for a variety of reasons.  For the rest of us, there are plenty of reasons to get a flu shot!  Here are mine - I hope these help you to decide to protect your health with a flu shot this year! Click here to read more about flu shots.

 

Submitted by Ms. Connie Pearson, Chair, Heath Ministries Task Force

Resources, Retreats, & Learning Opportunities

News from Novus Way

 

Modern Mind ~ Ancient Soul presented by AwakeningSoul at Lutheridge

November 7 - 10, 2013

 

Come experience fresh ways of imagining God with us... engaging the Modern Mind while touching the Ancient Soul within. At the heart of our time together will be conversation sparked by Lauren Winner and Jerry Wright. We've invited them to be with us, not because they have "the answers", but because they speak with integrity, wisdom, vulnerability, humor, and honesty about the journey.

 

Lauren Winner is an author, a Christian Spirituality professor at Duke Divinity School, and an Episcopal priest. Lauren, the consummate seeker, is the child of a Jewish father and a lapsed Southern Baptist mother. She chose to become an Orthodox Jew and was later baptized and ordained.

 

Jerry Wright is a Jungian analyst, pilgrimage leader and Presbyterian minister. Drawing from the deep well of psychology and theology, Jerry shares his experience of God through the lens of Carl Jung's work.

 

The event is much more than a series of lectures. Brian Prior, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota, will be our chaplain, weaving the experience together through worship and storytelling. Fran McKendree, and an amazing ensemble including Lindsey Blount, River Guerguerian, Charles Milling, and Duncan Wickel, will create music to punctuate the learnings and vibrate our souls. Our space will be surrounded by inspiring images by folk artist RaRa Schlitt.

 

We invite you to come for Sanctuary, Sustenance, and Inspiration.

 

Click here to register online.

Advent Workshop with Gertrud Nelson

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Gertrud Mueller Nelson
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 [email protected] or [email protected]. Click here to learn more.
Raise Your Voice!


 
To learn more about the ELCA's approach to advocacy and important issues for 2013, visit the ELCA website.  
 
Jesus Weeps--Resisting Violence, Building Peace at Ecumenical Advocacy Days 2014: Join hundreds of Christians at the 12th annual Ecumenical Advocacy Days in "Resisting Violence, Building Peace." Guided by the image of Jesus weeping over a capital city that turned from the true way of peace (Luke 19:41-42), we will expose the violence that pervades our culture and world. On Friday, March 21 to Monday, March 24 we will gather in Washington, D.C. to focus on the ways various forms of policies promoting violence can be transformed to policies which enable peace. Click here for more.

 
E-Advocacy-Take Action Now!: Become a part of the ELCA advocacy effort by signing up for the e-Advocacy network. 
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:

Part-Time Music Director/Organist:
Epiphany Lutheran Church in Conyers, GA

Full-Time Coordinator of Youth and Family Ministries: St. Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church in Memphis, TN

Full-Time Director of Youth and Family Ministries
St. John's Lutheran Church in Springfield, IL

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 Carolyn Davis.
In This Issue
Let's celebrate 'Always being made new.'
Newberry College Choirs on Tour
Funding Request Deadline Extended
Stewardship...
ELCA Malaria Campaign
"God's Work. Our Hands."
LSG - Georgia Gives Day
St. John's Knoxville - 125th Anniversary
Volunteer Opps
Archival Survey
New Anthem Inspired by Get Low
Social Media for Congregations
14 Reasons Why I Get A Flu Shot
NovusWay
Advent Workshop
Ecumenical Advocacy Days
Employment Opps

 Quick Links  

























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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  Carolyn Davis.  Carolyn 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 Thursdays.  

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Portico
Open Enrollment Coming Soon...

   

Beginning November 1 through November 22, individuals will be able to enroll in the health benefit program.  Visit the Open Enrollment Center to learn more about open enrollment for individual plan members.  

 

 For more information, login to myPortico and visit the Open Enrollment Center. 

 

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The  
Little Lutheran
Spotlight


As we approach Thanksgiving, the November issue of
The Little Lutheran
is a good resource to hep your children focus on food and giving thanks.

To subscribe click here.
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Did You Know?
 


Daylight Savings Time ends on November 3rd. Remember to turn your clocks back one hour and enjoy an extra hour of sleep.
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There's an App for that! 
 
 The Lutheran  
magazine's app for the iPhone and iPad is ready and 
can be downloaded from the Apple store. Work is now 
underway for the Android and Kindle apps. Stay tuned!
 
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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

 

November 2-3

All Tennessee Youth Gathering

 

November 7-9

Candidacy Committee Meeting

 

November 16, 2013

Green Team Meeting

 

View the entire synod calendar
here

 
Share this E-news with a friend!
 
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