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Issue #404                                                    February 26, 2014
News                                                                                

Not All Palms are Created Equal 


This article written by Nikki Massie, Staff Writer, Lutheran World Relief (LRW), originally appeared in the February 13, 2014 edition of the LRW eNews. Click continue below to read the article in its entirety and to learn how to order Eco-Palms for your congregation.

The name Palm Sunday comes from the accounts in the Gospels that tell the story of Jesus, accompanied by his disciples, riding into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey. As he passed by, the bible says, people began to throw palm fronds in his path. In those days, palm trees were an important tool in survival because of their varied uses, so laying them at Jesus' feet was an expression of their love for him. Continue.

 

Welcome to the Southeastern Synod

The Rev. Stephen Hilgeman

 

The Rev. and Mrs. Stephen Hilgeman (Kris)

The Rev. Stephen Hilgeman (Steve), a 2012 graduate of Trinity Lutheran Seminary (Ohio), begins his first call at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Savannah. Pastor Steve brings almost 25 years of administrative experience in working with persons with developmental disabilities, and a profound love of working with community groups in order to share local resources.  He spent several years working throughout Southern Ohio as a volunteer mentor for other administrators, and as an instructor for downline staff in the areas of Communications and Behavior Modification.  Pr. Steve has taught in the public schools, and has also been an adjunct professor for local colleges in the areas of Sociology, Public Speaking, Ethics, and English Composition.


Pr. Steve and Kris have been married since 1984.  They have three adult children, all from Ohio, along with three grandchildren.  Coincidentally, they also own three dogs, all of whom are named after candy bars!

The service of installation for Pr. Steve was held on Sunday, February 23, 2014. You may welcome him via email at [email protected]  or feel free to give him a call at 912-677-0626.    


ELCA Embarks on First Comprehensive Fundraising Campaign

 

CHICAGO (ELCA) -- As members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) seek to grow the life-changing, life-sustaining ministries of this church, they can do so through "Always Being Made New: The Campaign for the ELCA." The five-year comprehensive campaign is the first ever for the ELCA.

 

A goal of the campaign, overwhelmingly approved by the voting members of the 2013 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, is to raise $198 million to help sustain and grow the ministries of this church. Click here to continue reading.

 

The Southeastern Synod Stewardship Table will be considering this campaign in the coming months and how we might participate in it here in our synod.  In the meantime, individuals and congregations are encouraged to learn about it and to consider how they might feel called to be a part of it.  Watch the video below to learn more!

 

What does the ELCA mean to you?
What does the ELCA mean to you?

2014 Southeastern Synod 
Assembly   
 

Chattanooga Convention Center

One Carter Plaza
Chattanooga, TN 37402
423-756-0001

Begins Friday, May 30, 2014 
Ends Sunday, June 1, 2014 



 
A summary of elections to take place at the 2014 Assembly is now posted to the 
Assembly webpage.  This year we will elect a Vice President, among other positions.  A candidate bio form is available here.


Dr. Rolf Jacobson,
Assistant Professor of Old Testament
Luther Seminary
The Rev.
Wyvetta Bullock,
ELCA Assistant to the Presiding Bishop,
Executive for Administration

Speakers:

 Dr. Rolf Jacobson
 Keynote Speaker

The Rev. Wyvetta Bullock 
Churchwide Representative

 

 

 

 

New this year, there will be optional programming beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Friday
Registration coming soon!
Around the Synod                                                                              

No Atheists in Foxholes


The Rev. Patrick McLaughlin, author of No Atheists in Foxholes, Prayers and Reflections From the Front, is the pastor of two ELCA - Southeastern Synod congregations in Parrotsville, TN, (Luther Memorial  and Salem), and has served as an active duty Navy Chaplain since 1992.  As a preface to this excerpt he writes: "A boy has been shot in the chest and brought into the surgical unit.  His father could not join him due to the ongoing battle.  He handed his son over to soldiers manning a nearby vehicle before finally being able to make the trip to our base." 

I greet the young boy's father before the translator has returned. In only a few words of English, he asks, "Is he okay?" I nod my head yes and lead him back to the tent serving as the recovery area. I speak less Arabic than he does English. With that affirmation and at the sight of his son alive and awake, the father lets his tears flow and begins to kiss his son's forehead and hands. He turns to me and, still not altogether composed, shows me the large bloodstain that covers the front of his shirt. Then he pulls out the handkerchief in his pocket and points to his son. Clearly, it is his son's blood from when this devoted father carried him so quickly and gently to get help. I have witnessed many reunions when soldiers are returning from deployments, but this is the most beautiful reunion I have ever witnessed as the young boy smiles and is even a bit embarrassed by his father's emotions. Continue.

Summer called as Executive Director of Advancement at 

Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary at Lenoir Rhyne


Effective February 28, 2014, the Rev. Paul H. Summer will resign as Assistant to the Bishop of the ELCA Southeastern Synod in order to assume the position of Executive Director of Advancement for Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary at Lenoir-Rhyne University (LR/LTSS). Read more here.  
 
In the coming days and weeks, consideration will be given to next steps in filling this staff vacancy based on the needs of the Southeastern Synod.  An interview process will be established and communicated as decisions are made.
 
In the meantime, our blessing goes with Pr. Summer as he assumes his new call. Please keep Pr. Summer, his family and the synod staff in your prayers during this time of transition.

 

An Evening of Song II

Christ Our Hope, Riverdale, GA

March 22, 2014

 

The Voice of Hope Gospel Choir, Christ Our Hope Lutheran Church, 2165 Highway 138, Riverdale, GA presents An Evening of Song II on Saturday, March 22, 2014 at 6:00 p.m.   Featured guests are The Reaps of Joy Outreach Ministries Praise Team, Fresh Anointing Dance Ministries, and violinist - composer, Sedrick Benton.


Valentine's Dinner at Holy Cross, Hiram, GA

 

The gentlemen of Holy Cross Lutheran in Hiram, GA treated the ladies of the church to a special Valentine's dinner.  Click here to enjoy photos from the event.

 

 

Highlights of the

Southeastern Synod Council Meeting

January 17-18, 2014

 

At its meeting on January 17-18, 2014, the Southeastern Synod Council took action on a number of matters.  Among these were approval of the following:

  • Birmingham, Alabama, as the site of the 2015 Southeastern Synod Assembly
  • A continuing resolution on the job description of a Synod Council member
  • Formation of a Mental Health Initiatives and Suicide Prevention Task Force
  • Changing the status of the Disaster Preparedness Task Force to that of a committee
  • 2014-15 allocation to committees and task forces
  • 2015 Compensation Guidelines for rostered leaders
  • Changes in a number of restricted accounts
  • Designated the 2014 Synod Assembly offering for new congregational starts and the Lutheran Theological Center of Atlanta.

The council also recommended the 2015-16 Ministry Funding Plan and proposed Rules and Procedures to the 2014 Synod Assembly as well as discussed the format and agenda of the assembly.  It received reports from the synodical officers and heard presentations on the Campaign for the ELCA, the African Descent Strategy Report, and the Lutheran Theological Center of Atlanta.  The preliminary minutes can be found here.

 

The Memorial Drive Hunger Ministries 
at Rock of Ages, Stone Mountain, GA

The Memorial Drive Hunger Ministries 
(MDHM) is an ecumenical outreach program that provides an emergency midday meal 6 days a week, as well as periodic seasonal distribution of clothing and health care items to homeless and transient folk living along a four-mile stretch of Memorial Drive in Stone Mountain, GA.  All meals are served at Rock of Ages, and in 2013, over 18,000 were fed. 
From now until March 31st, Thrivent Financial is providing a matching Fund Grant; every dollar donated to the ministry with be matched with 50 cents, up to $5,000. Details about MDHM, along with information about making a donation, can be found on our website:  www.memorialdrivehungerministries.org 

GA Korean Lutheran Association Gathering at

Prince of Peace, Alpharetta, GA

March 1, 2014

10:00 a.m.

7th GA Korean Lutheran Association Meeting
7th GA Korean Lutheran Association Meeting
The 8th Georgia Korean Lutheran Association Gathering will be held at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 10250 Haynes Bridge Road, Alpharetta, GA 30022. All are welcome to join in the planning for the future of the Korean Lutheran Ministry. Call 770-475-4250 for more information.

 

Fundraiser for Lutheran Services in TN

March 9, 2014 6-8 p.m.

@Mayday Brewery 521 Old Salem Rd, Murfreesboro, TN

 

Come join the fun at Mayday Brewery on Sunday, March 9th from 6-8 p.m. The Blue Grass Band from Faith Lutheran Church in Lebanon, TN will be leading us in an evening of hymn singing. There will be speakers from the Building Healthy Families Program of Lutheran Services in Tennessee and great fellowship. There will be a $10.00 per person cover charge at the door. All proceeds will go to LST. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is also offering a grant towards this event. You may bring your own snacks but snacks will also be available there, as well as a food truck. Beer is $5.00 a pint and $8.00 for a flight. If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Kevin Strickland, Board President of Lutheran Services in Tennessee

Lutheranch Round Up - You are Invited!

  ~ March 15, 2014 ~

11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

 

The Round Up will include a BBQ lunch, site tours, afternoon activities, auction, and a conceptual design and plans presentation for the new multiple-use retreat center.  Registration begins at 11:00.  Lunch is from 11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. A freewill offering will be taken to offset costs for the day.  For more information on the Round Up click here or contact Libby Bedenbaugh, Senior Development Associate at 803-940-6523 or [email protected].  To learn more about items for auction, click here. Note that the Round Up will be held at the new retreat center site on the Lutheranch property. Please use this address - 

344 Salem Church Road, Tallapoosa, GA 30176 - to go to the new retreat center site.


St. Paul's Scenic Sprint 

Saturday, March 29, 2014

~ 5k Race ~

 

Sponsored by:

St. Paul Lutheran Church 

4826 Sweetwater-Vonore Rd

 Vonore, TN 37885 

 

Registration starts at 8:00 a.m. - $30.00
Early registration by March 15 - $25.00 and guaranteed t-shirt.
Contact Pastor William McDonald at [email protected] or 423-920-2635. 
Click here to visit the St. Paul Sprint 5k Run facebook.  
Proceeds to support Good Shepherd Center of Monroe County and St. Paul's Children's Ministry.
Have You Taken the Portico Health Assessment Yet?


Portico Health Assessment: Not only does this program remind us of the need to be good stewards of our health for the sake of our ministries, but ELCA employers (congregations, seminaries, other organizations) earn a 2% discount on their health contribution payments if 65% or more of the ELCA-primary plan members and eligible spouses take the online Mayo Clinic Health Assessment between January 1 and April 30, 2014.  It only takes 10-20 minutes and you get $150 in wellness dollars just for taking the assessment! Plus, if you do the follow-up activities, you can earn even more wellness dollars!  For the last two years, our synod's success in achieving the participation goal earned us money from Portico which has been used to fund sabbatical and wellness grants for our rostered leaders.  As of February 1, 2014, we have reached 22.7% of our goal. Many thanks to the 42 who completed their assessments.  An additional 79 participants are needed to achieve a savings of $36,000.00.  Please, make time today to take the assessment!  Click here to get started.
 
Southeastern Synod Wellness/Sabbatical Grant Applications:  Thanks to our synod's participation in the Portico Health Assessment the last two years, we have been able to award grants to rostered leaders for sabbaticals and wellness initiatives.  The next deadline for grant applications is April 15.  Learn more and find an application here.
Stewardship                                                                              
God's Work. Our Hands.
Disaster Recovery Help Needed in Oklahoma
 
reaching_hands.jpg
Annette Kezbers,  Assistant to the Bishop - Youth & Family, ELCA Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod, says they are still in need of help recovering from the tornadoes. Parts of Oklahoma City, Swanee and Moore, OK were devastated by the May, 2013 tornado outbreak.  Kezbers said, "The first responders have left. There is plenty for youth and adult teams to do!"   To volunteer, email Annette Kezbers  or call the Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod office at 918-492-4288.
 
 

"For God so loved the world..." Global Resources for Lent

Resources are now available for Lenten suppers, services, classes, events and offerings. Find more information at www.ELCA.org/resources/globalchurch or

 www.ELCA.org/globalmission-resources.

 

Three new stories from the Global Church

Check out these stories in the newest issue of "Hand in Hand":

+ Warm sweaters and valuable skills from ELCA missionaries in Kenya, Africa.

+  Light shines in the darkness in Cairo, Egypt, about a Christmas service involving people from different ethnic groups in South Sudan.

+  Building relationships in Hungary from a Young Adult in Global Mission.

They are available as a downloadable newsletter or bulletin inserts at 
Request 1-10 printed copies of the newsletter at 800-638-3522 or [email protected]. Order larger quantities at www.ELCA.org/globalmission-resources.
 
LSG Spotlight
 

Seeking Loving Adoptive Families - Click here for a flyer and here to register for pre-adoption training.
 
Resources, Retreats, Learning Opportunities                              
 Care for Creation Retreat March 7-8

The Care for Creation Retreat begins Friday, March 7, at 9:00 a.m.  It ends on Saturday, March 8.  Besides being informative, the retreat is designed to provide an opportunity to reflect on how God is calling us, individually and as a people of God, to be stewards of the earth that God has created out of love and for our benefit.  There will be time for learning, discussing, sharing, fellowship and worship. 

 

The facilitator for the retreat is Phoebe Morad, Coordinator of Synods for Lutherans Restoring Creation, a grass roots movement of the ELCA.

 

Please join us and/or encourage members of your congregation to attend.  As a reminder, scholarships are available for rostered leaders.  Find retreat details and registration information here.  To follow the development of the retreat, go to "Care for Creation," as an event on Facebook

 

Faith Alive at Lutheranch - March 21-23, 2014

Faith Alive is now at Lutheranch!  Vicar Melody Simpkins will lead the weekend on Holy Baptism, teaching youth the importance of sacrament in Lutheran worship. Space is limited at this confirmation retreat, so register early.  Adult leaders are welcome to fully participate and serve as chaperons for their youth. For information and registration call Angie at 828-209-6328.  
Cost:  $136 per camper or $80 per adult

Create in Me at Lutheridge

April 24-27, 2014

2014 Theme: Question of Cosmic Creation


Come to be inspired, encouraged, and re-created! Enjoy a wonderful exchange of ideas encouraging creativity as central to the life of faith! Click here for information about this exciting workshop, the leaders and                                                                   registration. 

 2nd Annual Revitalizing Your Congregation
   Five Approaches in One Conference

 

Edison Park Lutheran Church
6626 N. Oliphant Avenue 
                                 Chicago, IL 60631                                      
   Also available by webcast in your 
Congregation or Synod
 

                

    

   
The Church and Gen F - Rev. Dr. Clint Schnekloth 
Transforming Leadership in Congregations - Rev. Dr. Bill Steadman 
Skill Building for Reconnecting Inactive Members - Dr. Ed Kruse 
Improving Your Website - Larry Gibson 
Revival Worship - Rev. Dr. Kathryn Love   

 

 Presented by HealthierChurch.org  

  Complete Details    


 "One God, One Call" Conference 

April 27 - 29, 2014

Omaha, NE

 

This conference is intended to strengthen ministry and outreach to people with intellectual and development disabilities. Click here for details.  Questions may be directed to  Rev. David DeFreese or Cherlyne Beck.  

Holy Trinity, Nashville, TN Hosts

"Building an Inclusive Church"

March 28 - 29, 2014 

 

Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church is hosting a "Building an Inclusive Church" Workshop that is being led by 
ReconcilingWorks. The "Building an Inclusive Church" training helps you design and implement a process for your congregation to publicly and intentionally welcome people of all gender identities and sexual orientations. 
Click the picture above for information and registration.

Adult Learning at Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia 

~online option available~

 

Click the picture above for information and registration.
Evangelical Lutheran Worship - Seasonal Liturgies
 
Liturgies for Ash Wednesday, Sunday of the Passion, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday are reprinted from Evangelical Lutheran Worship and are especially useful for services that take place outside the usual worship space. Click here to order from Augsburg Fortress. 
  

 

2014 Lenten Devotional 

from 

Luther Seminary

 

FREE

 

Download here. 


New Lenten Resources for 

Your Congregation

 
"Too Deep for Words: Devotions for Lent 2014" will assist your congregation in the traditional Lenten practice of praying more than usual.  For information on this Augsburg Fortress resource, click here. For additional Augsburg resources, click here

Raise Your Voice!                                                                           

Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) introduces the first edition of the 2014 Leadership Toolkit.  Key features include an important update about the yearlong LIRS 75th Anniversary of walking with refugees and migrants to a brighter new future. Click on the headline above to read the first edition and to find ways to connect with LIRS.
Synod Calendar                                                                              
Installations & Ordinations

Sunday, March 16, 2014, 2:00 pm
AIM Melody Simpkins will be ordained to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 731 Peachtree Street NE Atlanta, GA 30308. Rostered leaders are invited to vest and process. The color of the day is red.

Coming Up!

 

March 1:  GA Korean Lutheran Association Gathering, Prince of Peace, Alpharetta, GA

March 1 - 2:  Alassippi Youth Gathering

March 7 - 8:  Green Team Retreat

March 9:  Atlanta Community Food Bank's Hunger Walk

March 14 - 16:  "Go Green", Ascension Lutheran Church, Chattanooga, TN 

March 15:  Lutheranch Roundup, Tallapoosa, GA

March 16:  Ordination of AIM Melody Simpkins

March 21 - 23:  Faith Alive, Lutheranch, Tallapoosa, GA

March 22:  An Evening of Song II, Christ Our Hope, Riverdale, GA

March 28 - 29:  "Building an Inclusive Church", Holy Trinity, Nashville, TN

April 1:  Nominations due for 2014 Bishops' School at LTSS 

April 24 - 27:  Create in Me, Lutheridge, Arden NC

May 30 - June 1:  Synod Assembly, Chattanooga, TN

June 13 - 20:  AFFIRM 2014, Berry College, Rome, GA

July 18 - 20:  Lutheran Men in Mission, "Guys, Guts and God's Glory", Nashville, TN

July 21 - 28:  Young Adults Go to Guatamala

July 24 - 27:  WELCA Ninth Triennial Gathering 2014

 

View the entire synod calendar here.
Save the Dates

 

 

September 7:  "God's Work. Our Hands. Sunday 2014"

 Details will be provided as received.

October 13 - 16:  Leadership Convocation, Lutheridge

July 15 - 19, 2015: ELCA Youth Gathering, Detroit, MI

Employment Opportunities                                                                    
Click here to view descriptions and application instructions for the following open positions and others listed on our website:

Full-Time Director of Youth Ministry (New):
Faith Lutheran Church, Knoxville, TN

Full-Time Campus Pastor: 
Texas Lutheran University in Seguin, TX

Full-Time Children, Youth and Family Ministries Coordinator: 
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (HTLC) in Hickory, NC

Full-Time Lay Staff Christian Education Coordinator: 
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (HTLC) in Hickory, NC

Part-Time Interim Worship Service Accompanist:
Epiphany Lutheran Church, Suwanee, GA

Full-Time Director of Music Ministry:
Clairmont Presbyterian in Decatur, GA

Assistant Director of Development and Director of Alumni Relations:
Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in Columbia, SC

 

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.
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