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A Word of Thanks...
In this holy season of Advent, we pause in the midst of busy preparations to say a word of thanks. Thank you to our congregations and to all of their leaders and members for the work that they do in Christ's name. Thank you, too, for the generous mission support that you share. Through your generous gift of mission support, we are a church that can do exceedingly more together than we can do as individual congregations for the sake of God's world. At the end of November, Southeastern Synod mission support contributions are running 3%, over $54,000, behind contributions received the same time last year. At this pace, mission support contributions through the end of the fiscal year will put our synod in a significant deficit situation. If your congregation has fallen behind in mission support, we appreciate your efforts to "catch up" as we close in on year's end. If your congregation is current, we invite your prayerful consideration of an additional gift. Together, we have the God-given gifts and capacity to care for God's creation and to proclaim, in word and deed, the good news of Jesus Christ, our Emmanuel!
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Nelson Mandela - A Valiant Campaigner for Justice
 | | Nelson Mandela (1918 - 2013) |
The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), is joining members of this church and "all people of good will throughout the world" in mourning the passing of former South African President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. Eaton said that Mandela "was one of the greatest leaders of our generation, a valiant campaigner for justice for all but especially against racial discrimination of any kind."
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Update: New ELCA Forms and Form Tool Postponed
In last week's edition we reported that the ELCA would no longer use the Formatta forms effective December 9, 2013. Subsequently, the ELCA IT department has pushed their "go-live" date back to have ample time to validate and add quality assurance checks to their work. To that end, the conversion has been postponed until the first part of 2014. Please continue to use the Formatta forms until further notice.
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United in Mission, Transformed by Faith
DM Rebecca Kolowé, Director for Evangelical Mission and Assistant to the Bishop, represented the Southeastern Synod in a gathering of synods and companion churches. Following is her summary of the event.
Sixty-five people from synods across the ELCA and Companion Churches from Latin America gathered in Bogota, Colombia, November 14-18 under the theme "United in Mission, Transformed by Faith." The goal of the event was to explore the theme of sustainability for mission and ministry in the Central and South American context. Click here to continue reading the article. You can also read the Executive Summary referenced in the article.
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2014 Bishops' School at LTSS
 Think of one or two exceptional high school youth in your congregation - the ones who ask the hard questions, stood out in confirmation classes, and exhibit a yearning to deepen faith and explore their relationship with God in more depth. If you have a young person currently in the 11th or 12th grade, please nominate him or her for Bishops' School at LTSS in 2014.
The 2014 Bishops' School will be held the week of June 22-28 on the campus of Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in Columbia, SC. Youth from all over the southeast will come together to study with seminary professors, worship in Christ Chapel and witness the way God is working in the world and in their own lives. They'll also learn what it means to think theologically!
Attached is a brochure with additional information. Please note, nominations are due by April 1st, 2014. You are welcome to nominate more than one youth from your congregation.
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 Mark Allan Powell, author of Giving to God: The Bible's Good News About Living a Generous Life, is the Robert and Phyllis Leatherman, Professor of New Testament at Trinity Lutheran Seminary. With permission from Dr. Powell, his thought provoking insights into what stewardship means and how to embrace stewardship as a duty and delight will be offered in this newsletter. This is the third of seven articles. Click here to read the series.
"Before there were temples in ancient Israel, people left valued items at a rudimentary altar as an act of sacrificial worship. As a sacrifice to God, we are also invited to give out of a desire and need to give and not because the church needs money to survive. Our offerings are a simple and sincere expression of our love for God and our recognition of God's goodness. Giving as an act of worship takes us beyond duty to delight. Jesus wants us to give because we want to and not because we think we should. The essence of faith is worship and the essence of worship is giving ourselves to God as we would give gifts to anyone we loved. Biblical stewardship changes our focus from ourselves to God while giving out of our love for God meets our deepest spiritual needs."
Question: How have you experienced giving as an expression of love in your life as either the giver or receiver of gifts?
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 Margery Kellar, Living Grace, Tucker, GA graciously volunteers a few hours every other Tuesday to assist the Southeastern Synod staff. Margery, an accomplished stain glass artist and retired social worker, found herself with free time before a nearby alternate Tuesday appointment. Performing tasks such as preparing mailings (stuffing and stamping envelopes), shredding, and filing, Margery provides a valuable service of stewardship to the church.
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First Fruits Giving
Duane Linnartz, a member of Nativity, Bethlehem, GA, shares his  personal testimony to the power of First Fruits Giving.
Nobody likes talking about money - except maybe Dave Ramsey and Clark Howard - but the fact is that our church cannot do what it does without money. To top that off, we not only have to do the mundane things like keeping the lights on, the insurance paid, and the Pastor fed, but we also have begun looking at property to buy so we can build an independent church building, and that isn't cheap. Talking like this makes people nervous, especially in harsh economic times, but maybe something from my personal experience can help with the nerves a little bit. Click here to continue reading.
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Rebuilding Hope Gift Catalog
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The gift of a highchair
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The new Lutheran Immigration and Refuge Service Rebuilding Hope gift catalog is online. This inaugural gift catalog is filled with little gifts that go a long way for those in need - from a new pair of shoes for a refugee father, to outfitting a child's room for a newly arrived migrant family. Choose one or more gifts to share God's love with refugees and migrants. Also keep your Rebuilding Hope gift catalog in mind when you want to give a meaningful gift for birthdays, Christmas, anniversaries, or other special occasions. Your loved ones will receive a special gift when you give on their behalf.
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Good Gifts
Tired of Black Friday? Looking for a gift for the person who  already has everything? Want to find a meaningful way to support the ministries of the ELCA? With our hands, we do God's work in our local communities but also in communities throughout the world. Give the perfect gift in honor of your loved ones through ELCA Good Gifts.
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God's Work. Our Hands.
"God's Work. Our Hands." continues daily across the synod. If you'd like to see your congregation featured, email stories, photos, and reflections to Carolyn Davis.
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Thanksgiving Day Feast
 Nativity Lutheran, Bethlehem, GA served a Thanksgiving feast to the residents of Hope Lodge at Emory on Thanksgiving day. "We served a Fourth of July feast to the residents of Hope Lodge at Emory this summer and had so much fun we wanted to do more, so we served the residents who had to be in town for cancer treatments over the Thanksgiving Holiday." said, the Rev. Patti Axel, pastor. "A great time was had by all and a feast was enjoyed! I couldn't think of a better way to spend Thanksgiving Day! It was really a joy to be able to share in their day! " |
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Reserve Your Copy of The 2014 Annual Directory Now
As we enter this season of giving, your support is needed so our 240 missionaries can continue their work. Make a year-end gift to support longer-term missionaries and Young Adults in Global Mission at www.ELCA.org/globalchurch/donate and in early 2014 you will be mailed a copy of the new Annual Directory with photos and descriptions of all the ELCA missionary personnel and ministries around the globe!
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Worshiping Together
Sunday, November 24, 2013, Sagrada Familia, Doraville, GA and Iglesia Luterana de Cristo, Oakwood, GA had a Thanksgiving Celebration together. Sagrada Familia served as the host location. It was an amazing time where both congregations, which included103 children and adults, enjoyed worship, fellowship and food. The congregations are preparing for another time together on Sunday, December 22, 2013, at Christ Lutheran, Norcross, GA. At that occasion, Iglesia Luterana de Cristo will host the Christmas service and fellowship.
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LSG Spotlight - Expressions of Hope
 Lutheran Services of Georgia is calling for artwork submissions for Expressions for Hope, an upcoming art exhibit and auction to support those in need in the Savannah area. Click here for submission information.
Expressions for Hope will display the work of local artists from February 7 through February 20, 2014 at the Starland Café (11 E. 41st Street, Savannah). Also at the Starland Café, Expression for Hope will feature a reception and silent auction on February 20th from 6-8 p.m. Proceeds from the silent auction will benefit Lutheran Services of Georgia's social service programs, including adoption, foster care, refugee resettlement, immigration services, family intervention services, and programs for individuals with developmental disabilities.
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Candidacy - Your Synod at Work
 In the September 19, 2013 issue of this newsletter, we introduced the ministry of Candidacy to our readership. We also committed to continue lifting up this ministry by posting highlights after each Candidacy Committee meeting.Click here to learn more about Candidacy.
November 2013 Candidacy Committee
Meeting Highlights
Approved for ordained ministry:
John Billa,Telugu Mission/Cross & Crown, Chamblee, GA
Antoinette Robinson, Peace, Memphis TN
Endorsed for ordained ministry:
Zachary Baer, Epiphany, Collierville, TN
Everett Flanigan, Christ Our Hope, Riverdale, GA
Keith Lankford, Holy Cross, Athens, GA
Entranced for ordained ministry:
Karen Boda, Resurrection, Marietta, GA
Emilie Casey, Tyson House/St. John's, Knoxville, TN
Debra Jimenez, Prince of Peace, Alpharetta, GA
Andrew Lewis, Messiah, Decatur, GA
Louis Tillman, Christ the Lord, Lawrenceville, GA
Will Wing, St. John's, Knoxville, TN
2014 Candidacy Committee meetings:
April 3 - 5 (paperwork deadline is February 15)
August 7 - 9 (paperwork deadline is June 15)
November 6 - 8 (paperwork deadline is September 15)
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Resources, Retreats, & Learning Opportunities
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Let's Go on A Pilgrimage
 "It's time to wrestle with the questions that still beckon us more deeply into the question, "Christian, what do you believe?" It's time to see the beauty of the land and taste the cultures that continue to carry the memory of the faith." This is an except from an invitation to a pilgrimage from the Rev. Paul Elbert, pastor, Lord of Life Lutheran Church, St. Simons Island, GA. Click here to read it in its entirety. Visit this site to " find the itinerary for a journey to a land far away and a time long ago-and still a journey into our contemporary faith." |
Worship Items Available
 Immanuel Lutheran Church, Cairo, IL will be closing on December 31, 2013. Several items are available such as the altar, pulpit, lectern, pews, ELWs, vintage grand piano, spinet piano, vintage theater organ, tracker pipe organ, stained glass windows, office furniture and many other items. Please send an email to Charles Althoff or John Rogers if you are interested in any of these items. John may also be reached at 270-534-1195. Please keep all those affected by this closing in your prayers.
St. Andrews Lutheran Church, Plains, GA has a supply of the LBWs (Lutheran Book of Worship) and Bibles for those who would like them. In addition, there are a number of With One Voice hymnals stored at St. Patrick's in Albany, GA. If you are interested please contact Tom Borst at 229-883-1135.
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E-Advocacy-Take Action Now! Become a part of the ELCA advocacy effort by signing up for the
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Click here to view descriptions and application instructions for the following open positions:
Assistant Director of Development and Director of Alumni Relations:
Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in Columbia, SC
Full-Time Coordinator of Youth and Family Ministries:
St. Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church in Memphis, TN
Full-Time Director of Youth and Education:
Messiah Lutheran Church in Madison, AL
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. |
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Quick Links
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Send us your news
Weekly enews deadline is Thursday at 5:00 pm. We publish the enews (usually) on Tuesdays. We will make every effort to include submissions received by the deadline in the following week's enews.
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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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Care for the Troops
For a resource on ways to provide help, compassion, or advice to our military community, visit the CarefortheTroops website.
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Help your congregation grow
You are invited to attend three webinars designed to help your congregation grow in the coming months and years.
Click here to review the descriptions.
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Installations & Ordinations
January 12, 2014
The Rev. Nancy Christensen
will be installed as pastor at
St. John's Lutheran Church,
1410 Ponce de Leon Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30307,
at 3:00 pm.
Rostered leaders ae invited to vest and process. The color of the day is white.
January 18, 2014
The Rev. Harry Tedrow
will be installed as pastor at Celebration of Grace Lutheran Church, 411 Scott Mill Road, Canton, GA 30114, at 4:00 pm. Rostered leaders are invited to vest and process. The color of the day is white.
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Save the dates
~ 2014 ~
January 18
Beyond Tolerance
A Southeastern Synod
MLK Event
at Emmanuel Lutheran Church
3050 Cascade Rd, SW
Atlanta, GA 30311
January 19
Commemoration of
Martin Luther King Jr.
Worship Service
at Christ Our Hope Lutheran Church
2165 Hwy 138 SW
Riverdale, GA 30296
January 20
The MLK Lutheran Day of Service at Rock of Ages Lutheran Church
5135 Memorial Dirve
Stone Mountain, GA 30083
February 3 - 5
Two Bubbas and a Bible
- Lent 2014
Hinton Rural Life Center
2330 Hinton Center Road
Hayesville, NC 28904
Click here for information.
March 9
Atlanta Community Food Bank's Annual Hunger Walk
May 30 - June 1
Synod Assembly
Chattanooga, TN
Details will be provided in upcoming issues.
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Synod calendar
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December 24 - 26, 2013
Christmas Holidays
Synod Office closed
January 1, 2014
New Year's Day
Synod Office closed
January 8, 2014
Outreach and Renewal Committe Meeting
January 17 - 18, 2014
Synod Council Meeting
January 18 - 20, 2014
MLK Celebrations
January 31 - February 3, 2014
ELCA Youthworkers Extravaganza
February 13 - 15, 2014
LTCA Anniversary
February 21 - 23,2014
SESLYO Assembly
View the entire synod calendar
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Synod volunteer opportunities
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Volunteers are crucial to the mission of the Southeastern Synod. Click here to find ways you can serve. Thank you for your generosity!
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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
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