|
|
|
|
The Southeastern Synod ENews will be published every other week until after the Synod Assembly. On the alternate weeks, we will publish special editions to keep you informed about the upcoming Southeastern Synod Assembly.
See you in Chattanooga!
|
|
How Are We Doing?
- As of March 31, 31.89% of ELCA primary plan members and their spouses have completed the Portico Health Assessment. We have until April 30 to achieve our goal of 65% participation and receive $36,000 in Portico discounts for our congregations and in funds to be used to provide wellness and sabbatical grants for our rostered leaders.
- Only 80 of 318 rostered leaders have submitted their Rostered Leaders Report. Rostered leaders who are not retired should submit a report annually. Click here and then click on Synods to access the forms for the report. Once completed, please email them to bishop@elca-ses.org or you can send a copy to the Southeastern Synod Office.
We are still accepting applications for Southeastern Synod Wellness/Sabbatical Grants. The deadline is April 15. Learn more and find an application here.
|
|
Act of indescribable beauty
| |
Crucifixion led to defeat of sin, death-only through death, resurrection of Jesus
 In 2010, I was part of the Northeastern Ohio Synod/Roman Catholic Diocese of Youngstown pilgrimage to Germany and Italy. We visited Martin Luther sites and then traveled to Rome.
It was an interesting experience to be in the places that formed our spiritual identities in the company of those who, in our respective narratives, had the role of the "other," or even the "enemy," during and after the Reformation. But we came to a deeper respect and appreciation for each other's tradition by being pilgrims together. Continue.
A monthly message from the Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. This column originally appeared in the April issue of The Lutheran and is reprinted with permission.
|
|
ELCA Bishops Visit Capitol Hill
 On April 2, thirty-two bishops representing 65 synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) met with congressional leaders on Capitol Hill. Our own bishop, the Rev. H. Julian Gordy, was among them. Bishop Gordy, who serves as chair of the ELCA Conference of Bishops Immigration Ready Bench,was interviewed for a press release written by Candace Buchbinder of the ELCA News Staff. Click here to read. You can also read a blog post here by Ms. Linda Hartke, president and CEO of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services (LIRS). The blog post includes a letter signed by 37 Lutheran leaders and delivered to President Obama during the visit to Capitol Hill. The ELCA bishops were accompanied by Ms. Linda Hartke and other LIRS partners.
| |
|
The Rev. Dr. Robin J. Steinke Named President of
Luther Seminary
 Congratulations to the Rev. Dr. Robin J. Steinke on being elected as the next president of Luther Seminary. Pr. Steinke is one of our own in the Southeastern Synod. AIM Jeanette Burgess, Administrative Liaison for Leadership, ELCA-Southeastern Synod, recalls: "Robin first stepped foot on Southeastern Synod ground when she came to Cobb County in Georgia all the way from Augustana College Sioux Falls, SD as a student teacher. Upon graduation in 1980, she accepted a job as band director at Dickerson Middle School in Marietta, GA and joined Lutheran Church of the Resurrection." Click here to read the official press release. |
ELCA Campaign Malaria Event and VBS Resource 
In honor of the ELCA World Malaria Day, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Woodstock, GA will host the Malaria Bites 5K, Saturday, April 26. All proceeds from the race benefit the ELCA Malaria Campaign. Click here for details about the race. Click here for ELCA Malaria Campaign resources. Click here for a FREE downloadable copy of Catch the Buzz a vacation bible school resource. Additional copies may be ordered here.
|
|
Composer Spotlight - William Allen Pasch
 Church Music Institute (CMI), "dedicated to the practice, advancement, and stewardship of the best liturgical and sacred music for worshipping Christian congregations", launched its new column Composer Spotlight featuring our own William Allen Pasch. Bill Pasch, whose wife is the Rev. Kathrine Pasch, St. John Lutheran Church, Griffin, GA, currently serves on the Synod Worship Ministries Team. Click here to read about Bill as a composer and as a Minister of Music. |
|
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
| | John 4:5-42 |
|
The 2014 SOUTHEASTERN SYNOD webpage provides information and links to sites to help you prepare for the Assembly. Visit often as the webpage is updated frequently with new information. New this week is our BIBLE STUDY and information about RESOLUTIONS & MEMORIALS. As a reminder, the deadline for Resolutions & Memorials is May 9.
| |
|
|
The Practice Discipleship Initiative
 Written by Diaconal Minister Mary Houck, who serves as Director of Youth and Children's Ministry at Cross of Life Lutheran Church, Roswell, GA.
"Give it up, give it up, come on, let it go/ let a little bit of love out, let it flow/ let a little bit of sunshine, let it show..." These words, along with the music of the band Starboarders, filled the room where hundreds of Southeastern Synod youth and their leaders gathered for a day of exploring faith practices and worshiping together. It was the Practice Discipleship day of the ELCA Youth Gathering in July of 2012. Continue.
|
Ecumenical Advocacy Days
Jesus Weeps: Resisting Violence, Building Peace
Written by the Rev. Edward S. Wolff, Green Team chairperson.
At the 2013 Southeastern Synod Assembly, the voters authorized the
 | |
Peace Cranes
|
development of a synod Green Team to encourage congregations and its members to be more aware of care for the earth. I am a member of that task force.
Three months later, Frankie and I noticed on the synod E-Letter an event called Ecumenical Advocacy Days. Their published vision is, "Peace, Justice, and Integrity for Creation." We principally registered because of our interest in God's care for creation (however, we yearn for peace and justice) and, admittedly, our desire to see a little of Washington, D.C. Continue.
| |
|
|
First Call Retreat
 Lead by the Rev. Delmer Chilton, Priest in Charge, Episcopal Church of the Messiah, Murphy, NC and Bishop H. Julian Gordy, Southeastern Synod, rostered leaders who are serving in their first call met at Lutheranch for a retreat March 10-12. Pictured above are (first row, left to right) Karen Schwindler, Oakwood, GA and Ingrid Schalk, Peace, Knoxville, TN (second row, left to right) the Rev. David Parr, Grace, Long Beach, MS, the Rev. Bridget Piggue, Emmanuel, Atlanta, GA, and the Rev. Laura Shally, Shepherd of the Lake, Louden, TN (third row, left to right) the Rev. Tim Morgan, Faith, Cleveland, GA, the Rev. John Billa, serving as a Synodically Authorized Minister at the Telugu Mission, Chamblee, GA, (fourth row, left to right) Bishop Gordy, the Rev. Dan Pharr, Christ, Prattville, AL, the Rev. Delmer Chilton, Diaconal Minister Mary Houck, Cross of Life, Roswell, GA, the Rev. Steve Hilgeman, Redeemer, Savannah, GA.
First call theological education (FCTE) is a structured program in the ELCA for rostered leaders (pastors, associates in ministry, diaconal ministers and deaconesses) in their first three years of ministry. In the Southeastern Synod, each gathering is focused around Bible study and a topic that is pertinent to ministry leadership today.
|
Help Needed!
To - Newland, NC  From - Franklin, TN
A parishioner is donating a keyboard that is 14-1/2" x 52-1/2" and weighs about 100 pounds. The legs are detachable as well as the pedals. There is also a bench that is 26" x 13" x 18" high. It will fit in a SUV or a car with drop down back seats. The ultimate destination is to Kara Ridenhour at LutherRock in Newland, NC. Her telephone number is 828-467-1333. PLEASE HELP get this donation to its final destination. It can be picked up at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 908 Murfreesboro Rd., Franklin, TN 37064, 615-794-1624.
|
Ordinations & Installations
April 26, 2014, 11:00 a.m.
Ms. Ingrid Schalk will be ordained to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament in the Southeastern Synod. The ceremony will be held at St. John's Lutheran Church, 544 Broadway NW, Knoxville, TN 37917. Rostered leaders are invited to vest and process. The color of the day is red. A reception will follow at St. John's in Sparks Fellowship Hall. Information about Ms. Schalk's call and installation will be published at a later date.
May 4, 2014, 3:00 p.m.
The Rev. O. Dennis Mims will be installed as pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church, 2569 Tilson Road, Decatur, GA 30032. Rostered leaders are invited to vest and process. The color of the day is green. A reception will immediately follow.
May 18, 2014, 3:00 p.m.
Ms. Antoinette Robinson will be ordained to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament at Trinity Ministries for New Development at Peace Lutheran Church, 1548 Jackson Avenue, Memphis, TN 38107. Rostered leaders are invited to vest and process. A reception will immediately follow.
May 18, 2014, 5:00 p.m.
The Rev. William Gerald Weeks will be installed as pastor of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 6632 Chapman Highway, Knoxville, TN 37920. Rostered leaders are invited to vest and process. The color of the day is white. A reception will immediately follow.
|
|
Annual Lutheranch Round-up - Thank you!!
Attended by three hundred people from around the synod, the March 15, 2014 annual Lutheranch Round-up was a tremendous success. Click here to read a report of the event. To enjoy a picture gallery, click here to visit the Round-up facebook page.
|
|
A Youth Event
Epiphany Lutheran Church
1350 Peachtree Industrial Blvd
Suwanee, GA 30024
April 26, 2014
10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
Click here for details and registration information. |
|
Created For Community - Called to Serve
 Magi Conference Spring Meeting
Saturday May 3, 2014
8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Trinity Lutheran Church
1825 Killian Hill Road
Lilburn, GA 20047
Everyone is invited! Join Bishop H. Julian Gordy and members of synod staff in worship, workshops
and fellowship. Click here for an agenda.
|
The Lutheran Church of the Atonement 1875 Joseph E. Boone Blvd. N.W. Atlanta, GA 30314 Time: 10:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. May 3rd 2014 Click here for additional information. |
|
Play for Hope with LSG at the 20th Anniversary
Atlanta Golf Classic!
 This spring, you're invited to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Lutheran Services of Georgia's Atlanta Golf Classic! On Monday, May 5 tee off with LSG at the Trophy Club of Atlanta, located in Alpharetta, Georgia. Come show off your skills on the green while benefitting individuals and families in need throughout Georgia. Reserve your spot for $125, which includes breakfast, lunch, golf cart, green fees, gift bag, and a 19th Hole Party! Registration and breakfast start at 8 a.m. and the fun begins with a 9 a.m. shotgun start.
To register, click here and download our golf brochure. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, click here. For a bulletin insert to share with your congregation and community, click here. Contact Terri Medina at (404) 591-7067 or tmedina@lsga.org for more information.
|
Women of the ELCA Spring Cluster Meetings
All women of all ages are cordially invited to a WELCA Spring Cluster meeting. Come and join the fellowship and fun. The remaining meetings are listed below.
|
Ebenezer Cluster - 01
April 26, 2014
Lord of Life Lutheran
2801 Frederica Road
St Simons Island, GA 31522
|
Magi Cluster - 04
April 26, 2014
Living Grace Lutheran
1812 Cooledge Road
Tucker, GA 30084
|
The King Cluster - 08
April 26, 2014
Trinity Lutheran
705 Wilson Avenue
Tullahoma, TN 37388
|
|
You are invited to our next stewardship webinar on Thursday, April 10, 2014, at 1:00 PM CDT, What You Need to Know About Online Giving. The digital revolution is going strong and the people in your pews are using the internet every day. Are you allowing them to support the ministries of your church in a way that matches their giving habits? TJ Miley will discuss current trends in giving, how online giving promotes consistent giving, and more! Click here for details.
| |
|
Health Ministry - what is it?
|
 | | Connie Pearson, Chairperson Health Ministries Task Force |
I recently came across a reference to Terry Tempest Williams, an author and naturalist who is quoted as saying the following: "This is my living faith, an active faith, a faith of verbs: to question, explore, experiment, experience, walk, run, dance, play, (I would add sing) eat, love, learn, dare, taste, touch, smell, listen, argue, speak, write, read, draw, provoke, emote, scream, sin, repent, cry, kneel, pray, bow, rise, stand, look, laugh, cajole, create, confront, confound, walk back, walk forward, circle, hide, and seek." Continue.
|
|
New 2014 Global Church Annual Directory
Now Available
Request your free copy today!
 Our Global Church is the annual directory highlighting ELCA missionaries, scholarships and ministries. It provides a wonderful overview of our church's global engagement, including new projects that will be funded through Always Being Made New: The Campaign for the ELCA.
Order the 2014 edition of this directory and...
* Get to know many of our 240+ missionaries, including 60 Young Adults in Global Mission.
* Learn about new evangelism projects in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East.
* Discover how you can help expand opportunities for international women leaders.
Why wait? Request one free copy (no shipping and handling) at 800-638 3522 or RIS@elca.org. Order two or more free copies at www.ELCA.org/globalmission-resources and pay only shipping and handling. For more information, contact globalchurch@elca.org.
|
|
Resources, Retreats, Learning Opportunities
|
|
The April 2014 edition of the Journal of Lutheran Ethics is available online and may be accessed here.
|
|
A Community Grant Writing Workshop
Saturday, April 12, 2014
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Emmanuel Lutheran Church
3050 Cascade Road SW
Atlanta, GA 30311
The workshop will be led by the Rev. William E. Flippin, Jr., pastor and Trey Smith. Click here for details. To register, call 404-699-0346.
|
|
Bike Tour of Bavaria and Beyond
June 21 - July 6, 2014
 Are you looking for something interesting and exciting to do for a couple of weeks this summer? How about two weeks in Lindau, Bavaria, Germany? Members of the Southeastern Synod have been invited to Lindau for a four day bicycle tour around Lake Constance where we will be going through Austria and Switzerland (and a few principalities). We will be staying in youth hostels for three nights and biking for four days. We will be visiting old Roman ruins and historic churches. Click here for more details.
|
Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary
Upcoming Events
Moment to Moment: the Transformative Power of Everyday Life
A five session workshop with Dr. Amy Montanez
Tuesday evenings, April 29, May 6, May 13, May 20, and May 27
6:00-7:30pm in Reinartz Hall at Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary
Open to all!
SHIFT: Three Movements in the 21st Century Church
A continuing education event for clergy and church staff led by Rev. Mark Tidsworth
July 15-17, 2014 at Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary
Click here to find information for all three events on the Academy of Faith & Leadership website.
| |
|
|
"Day of Arising: on the road, in the world,
at the table, for the world"
A workshop with Marty Haugen and Susan Briehl
May 2, 2014 ~ 1:45 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary ~ Christ Chapel
Each time we meet "on the day named after the sun" we enliven and embody
an ancient pattern of worship. Through song, story, and conversation, we will explore this pattern and consider the way of life that flows from our worship
for the sake of the life of the world.
Registration is $15. Register online here or print this form and mail it with
a check for your registration fee. Visit www.ltss.lr.edu/afl for all event information and more about the presenters.
|
|
|
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "Letter from Birmingham Jail", an open letter written on April 16, 1963, is featured in the above titled non-fiction documentary. Click here to view and read more about the documentary. |
|
Training From Interfaith Children's Movement
The Mandatory Reporting Law for
Child Abuse and the Faith Community
INTERFAITH CHILDREN'S MOVEMENT
Friday, April 18, 2014
9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
(Registration begins at 9:00 a.m.)
Click here for details and registration. |
|
Pro Ecclesia Conference
Loyola University, Baltimore MD
June 9 - 11, 2014
"Life Amid the Principalities" is the theme of this year's Pro Ecclesia Conference, sponsored by the Center for Catholic and Evangelical Theology. Speakers will include Paul Hinlicky, Daniel Bell, Beverly Roberts Gaventa, and others. The conference is particularly aimed at pastors. Further information and registration can be found here.
|
The Birth of the Church in Turkey & Rome
June 26 - July 7, 2014
12 Days - Istanbul to Rome
Take advantage of this unique opportunity to study the Cappadocian fathers in Cappadocia and have an audience with Pope Francis in Rome. Registration is needed immediately. For more information, click here.
|
|
| | 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. |
|
Coming Up!
April 12: Community Grant Writing Workshop, Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Atlanta, GA
April 24 - 27: Create in Me, Lutheridge, Arden NC
April 26: Ordination of Ms. Ingrid Schalk, St John's, Knoxville, TN
April 26: Malaria Bites 5K Run, Good Shepherd, Woodstock, GA
April 26: Conference Day 4 & 5, Epiphany Lutheran Church, Suwannee, GA
May 3: Magi Conference Spring Meeting, Trinity, Lilburn, GA
May 3: Health Fair at Atonement, The Lutheran Church of Atonement, Atlanta, GA
May 4: Installation of the Rev. O. Dennis Mims, St Paul Lutheran, Decatur, GA
May 18: Ordination of Ms. Antoinette Robinson, Trinity Ministries for New Development at Peace Lutheran, Memphis, TN
May 18: Installation of the Rev. William Gerald Weeks, Gloria Dei, Knoxville, TN
May 30 - June 1: Synod Assembly, Chattanooga, TN
June 13 - 20: AFFIRM 2014, Berry College, Rome, GA
June 22: Refugee Sunday
July 18 - 20: Lutheran Men in Mission, "Guys, Guts and God's Glory", Nashville, TN
July 21 - 28: Young Adults Go to Guatemala
July 21- 23: WELCA Ninth Triennial Convention
July 24 - 27: WELCA Ninth Triennial Gathering 2014
View the entire synod calendar here.
| |
|
Save the Dates
June 22: Celebrate Refugee Sunday wherever you are!
September 7: "God's Work. Our Hands. Sunday 2014"
Details will be provided as received.
October 14 - 16: Leadership Convocation, Lutheridge
July 15 - 19, 2015: ELCA Youth Gathering, Detroit, MI
|
Click here to view descriptions and application instructions for the following open positions and others listed on our website:
Part-Time Pianist/Organist (New):
Advent Lutheran Church, LaGrange, GA
Part-Time Administrative Assistant: Day1, Atlanta, GA
Full-Time Director of Youth Ministry: Faith Lutheran Church, Knoxville, TN
Full-Time Campus Pastor: Texas Lutheran University, Seguin, TX 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!
| |
|
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
