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Issue #396
12/17/2013
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!
News

The Shepherds' Amazing Message 

"We all know the story. 
The shepherds traveled to Bethlehem and found the little Lord Jesus wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manager. But what I think we often overlook is what the shepherds did after they left the manager."  
 
The above excerpt is from the 2013 Christmas message of the Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, Presiding Bishop of the ELCA.  
Click here to read her message or here to view a video of her message.
2014 Commemoration Weekend for the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Congregations in metro Atlanta and surrounding areas will gather to commemorate the life of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at events from Saturday, January 18, through Monday, January 20.  The theme "Beyond Tolerance" will be highlighted as follows: 
    
      

Saturday, January 18, 2014 - Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 3050 Cascade Road, Atlanta, GA 30311
           
An interactive panel discussion will be held beginning at 1:00 p.m. to explore issues of tolerance and acceptance when there are perceived differences in your congregation or community.  A breakout session on bullying will also be held for youth ages 11 - 15. 

Sunday, January 19, 2014 - Christ Our Hope Lutheran Church, 2165 Hwy 138, SW, Riverdale, GA, 30296
              A Commemorative Worship Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. preceded by Praise Music which starts at 2:30 p.m. The preacher for the service is the Rev. Dr. Keven Dudley, pastor of the Church at Point, Columbus, OH.  Click here to read more about the theme and Rev. Dr. Dudley.   

Monday, January 20, 2014 - Rock of Ages Lutheran Church, 5135 Memorial Drive, Stone Mountain, GA 30083.

 MLK 2014 - Lutheran Day of Service offers three volunteer opportunities:  "Rice for Refugees", "Children Book Reading and Sharing", and "Disaster Relief Kits". Click here to register participation.
ELCA Fund for Leaders - Seminary Scholarships for Outstanding Leaders

 

An excerpt from an article published on the ELCA.org website. 
"The realities and possibilities of the 21st-century demand that we have a critical mass of exceptionally astute and creative leaders - people defined by their generous evangelical imaginations who can point the way for both their individual congregations and for the church as a whole. 

The ELCA Fund for Leaders, a merit-based scholarship program, enables us to attract men and women of tremendous promise to become pastors and rostered lay leaders, and to study at an ELCA seminary. The fund serves as the ongoing promise of this church that candidates for ministry will have the opportunity to pursue a path toward informed faith and passionate discipleship." Click here to continue reading and to make a contribution.

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.

Stewardship

Need Last Minute Christmas Ideas?
Think ELCA Good Gifts!  
 
When you give someone the gift of a chick, honeybees, or a pig, just to name a few, you also ensure that ELCA ministries around the world are supported.  Another great example are  mosquito nets and malaria medications.  Give those and support the ELCA Malaria Campaign to eradicate malaria.  To see all of the ELCA Good Gifts which relate to malaria, click here.  To see the entire list of ELCA Good Gifts, click here.  ELCA Good Gifts - it's good stewardship!

 From Giving to God

  
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 fourth of seven articles. Click here to read the series.

 

"We live in this world as stewards of God, entrusted with caring for all that God so generously allows us to use, however we may have a fundamental misunderstanding regarding ownership.  In his stewardship parables, Jesus indicates humans don't always realize God is only letting them use what still belongs to God.  Our understanding of God as the owner makes living as a steward an attractive calling we will be able to embrace with confidence and joy. 
 It is a great privilege for us to have dominion over the earth, since God has chosen us to bring about God's purposes.  God must see things in us which we may not see in ourselves---potential we do not always realize.  God trusts us in a way we are reluctant to trust ourselves and others; beyond what our record would warrant. However, stewardship allows us to put into practice our faith in God as our Creator, our Redeemer, and our Sustainer.  In trusting God, we discover the practical value of our faith and experience life at its best as a cycle of cheer and altruism."  

Question: Why is it a great privilege for you to be called a steward of God?
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.
Rebuilding Hope Gift Catalog

 

The gift of a highchair
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.

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!

Around the Synod

ELCA Bishops Academy to Meet in Savannah in January

The 2014 ELCA Bishops Academy will gather January 2-6 in Savannah, GA.  The Southeastern Synod is pleased to be the host location for this annual continuing education event for ELCA bishops.  The agenda includes lectures, discussions, worship and time for "experiencing Savannah." Spouses are also invited to participate.

While the agenda is planned primarily by the ELCA Churchwide Staff, many in our synod have had a hand in planning for the gathering.  Stay tuned to the enews for more on the Academy and on those who have worked to welcome ELCA bishops and their spouses to Savannah with warm Southern hospitality!
Worshiping Together - Correction

In last week's edition it was reported that Sagrada Familia, Doraville, GA and Iglesia Luterana de Cristo, Oakwood, GA were preparing to worship together again on Sunday, December 22, 2013. Iglesia Luterana de Cristo will host the sevice and fellowship at Christ Lutheran, Oakwood, GA, and not Norcross, GA as reported in error. 

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 Caf� (11 E. 41st Street, Savannah). Also at the Starland Caf�, 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.

Resources, Retreats, & Learning Opportunities

Lutheridge Winterfest

January 17-20, 2014

 

Come join us at Lutheridge this MLK weekend for Winterfest! Lutheridge Lutheridge staff will provide on-site activities in the mornings and entertainment and vespers in the evenings. There will be several off-site options in the area including skiing/snowboarding at nearby Wolf Ridge or Cataloochee ski resorts, snow tubing, going on a winter hike led by a Lutheridge staff member, choosing your own adventure, or relaxing at camp. The weekend will conclude with Lutheridge led worship service on Monday morning. Contact Kara Ridenhour at [email protected]  for more information, or to book your space. The cost is $115 per person for meals, lodging and on-site activities (OFF-SITE ADVENTURES NOT INCLUDED.)

  

Wild Women Weekends at Lutheridge

Space is still available - March 14-16, 2014

 

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. Rate includes lodging for two nights, Saturday breakfast through Sunday breakfast, and all program costs. Space is still available Feb. 14-16, Mar. 7-9, and Mar. 14-16.  Cost is $205 per person (Valentine's Weekend Special! $20 Discount + Surprise!)
Grants for Local Congregations  
  
Wheat Ridge Ministries is "Lutherans seeding new ministries of health and hope in the name of the healing Christ."  
Through a variety of grant programs, Wheat Ridge Ministries provides resources to enable the work of leaders in their communities. Click here for information.

Back to the Basics

 

Join Susan Nienaber at the Alban Institute to learn the basics of dealing with the inevitable conflict in your congregation in healthy transformative ways.  This event is a part of an Alban Event Cluster. Click here for information on this and other events in this cluster. 

2014 Winter Music Clinics

 

Held in several locations, Augsburg Fortress offers church musicians the opportunity to network, learn and be inspired. Click here for information.

Raise Your Voice!

E-Advocacy-Take Action Now! Become a part of the ELCA advocacy effort by signing up for the 
Employment Opportunities

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 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.
In This Issue
A Message from Bishop Eaton
2014 MLK Weekend
2014 Bishops' School
ELCA Good Gifts
Giving to God
First Fruits Giving
Rebuilding Hope gift catalogue
2014 Annual Directory
ELCA Bishops Academy
Worshiping Together
LSG Spotlight
Lutheridge Winterfest
Grants for Local Congregations
Back to Basics
2014 Winter Music Clinics
Ecumenical Advocacy Days
Employment Opps

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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.
 
Please send your enews submissions to Carolyn Davis
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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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Installations & Ordinations
 
January 12, 2014
The Rev. Nancy Christensen 
will be installed as pastor at
St. John's Lutheran Church, 
1410 Ponce de Leon Avenue 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. 
 
January 19, 2014
Mr. Stephen Hilgeman
will be ordained to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament in the Southern Ohio Synod at St. John Lutheran Church, 380 Keny Boulevard, London, OH. 43140.
Mr. Hilgeman has accepted a call as pastor with Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 51 Wilmington Island Road, Savannah, GA  31410
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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

 

 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
here

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Synod 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!

 


 
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ELCA Southeastern Synod
100 Edgewood Ave. NE, Suite 1600
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-589-1977