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Issue #435 February 8, 2015
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We need to talk
Church the appropriate place for deep, honest, even painful conversation about race
By Elizabeth A. Eaton, Presiding Bishop
 This summer and fall our country was shaken by violence-the violent encounters between police and young African-American men in Ferguson, Mo., New York and Cleveland, and the violence of communities of color reacting to decisions of grand juries. And, just before Christmas, we were saddened and sickened by the assassination of two New York City police officers as they sat in their patrol car. So much loss of life. Such a forfeit of hope.
What had happened to us that our country and communities should so quickly fracture? And how could it be that people living in the same place and time, breathing the same air, could have such different experiences of life in the U.S.? Continue.
Originally published in The Lutheran's February 2015 issue, this column is reprinted with permission.
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Claimed, Gathered, Sent: A Guide for Conversation
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 As the season of Lent approaches, a time for reflection and contemplation, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) has introduced a new resource that invites members to reflect on how this church makes a difference in the world. "Claimed, Gathered, Sent - A Guide for Conversation," is a five-part resource developed by ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton and the ELCA Ecclesiology of a Global Church Task Force. According to the resource introduction the goal is to "invite reflection, conversation and discernment about what being the church means today" and "strengthen the mission and ministry of congregations and the ELCA as a whole by going back to our spiritual roots." Click the picture of "Claimed, Gathered, Sent - A Guide for Conversation" to download your free copy. Congregations are invited to share their experiences using the resource to Faith@elca.org. |
2015 Southeastern Synod Assembly
"We Are Church"
June 5 - 7, 2015
Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex
2100 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N
Birmingham, AL 35203
Hotel accommodations at the
Sheraton Birmingham
Registration and Hotel links available
February 16, 2015
Dr. Mark Allen Powell Trinity Lutheran Seminary, Columbus, OH Bible study leader and keynote speaker
The Rev. Ronald T. Glusenkamp Director of The Campaign for the ELCA, Chicago, IL Churchwide Representative A GLOCAL Event will be part of the assembly.
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 Lenten Worship Services and Organ Programs
Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church
2922 Sandy Plains Road
Marietta, 30066
Wednesdays, February 18 - March 25
Noon and 7:30 p.m. worship services. Featuring guest organist at noon.
Free of charge. All are welcome!
Click here for a schedule.
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A Message from AIM Jeanette Burgess, Administrative Liaison for Leadership, Southeastern Synod Staff...
 Copyright reminder!
When you print ELW liturgies in your bulletin or project them in some way, you must have a copyright permission line to accompany them. If you subscribe to Sundays and Seasons online, you have permission (automatically renewed with your annual subscription) and may find the correct information at that site. If you do not subscribe, you can go to www.AugsburgFortress.com and find what you need under "Contact Us" at the bottom of the home page, then "Permissions."
The liturgy permission does not give you permission to copy hymns. Each hymn/song in the ELW is a separate entity as far as copyright goes and should be treated on an individual basis. If you have other copyright questions about the ELW, call Augsburg Fortress Permissions at 1-800-421-0239.
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"There in God's Garden"
the 2015 Lenten devotional, is available for download here.
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"Making Sense of the Cross"
a Lenten resource from Augsburg Fortress is available here.
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The Lutheran Magazine
 Southeastern Synod Supplement
In 2015, four issues of The Lutheran magazine will contain a Southeastern Synod supplement. These supplements will feature articles written by leaders throughout our synod that tell the story of how it is that "We are church" together.
Click here to read the supplement for the February 2015 edition. Our guest writers are the Rev. Patricia Axel, Nativity, Bethlehem, GA and the Rev. Patrick McLaughlin, Salem Lutheran Church and Luther Memorial Lutheran Church (Parrottsville Parish), Parrottsville, GA.
Please note: We have learned that many congregations in the Southeastern Synod received complimentary copies of The Lutheran containing supplements from the Southeastern Iowa Synod rather than supplements from the Southeastern Synod supplements. The Lutheran is looking into the matter now. We will keep you updated.
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News from NovusWay
Lutheranch Round Up
March 14, 2015 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
February is Camp Month!
NovusWay encourages congregations and individuals to share their camp experience. Click here to learn how.
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Together WE CAN ... Share Our Story
All-Georgia 2015
For 6th-12th graders
February 27-March 1
FFA-FCCLA Camp in Covington, GA
Click here for details and registration. |
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A Message from Rachel Alley, Assistant to the Bishop, Southeastern Synod Staff...
 "Together We Can..." is the Southeastern Synod Lutheran Youth Organization's (SESLYO) theme for the year as well as for their assembly. But, without everyone, WE CAN'T!!
Unfortunately due to low registration, we postponed the 2015 SESLYO assembly. We rescheduled the retreat for March 20-22. The camp graciously let us change the date without financial implications.
Why should youth come to the SESLYO Assembly in 2015? Because they will meet great people from all across the four states of our synod who have similar interests! Because they want to see the larger church in action and how together we make a difference in the world! Because they want to serve God as leaders in THEIR church, in THEIR conference, and in THEIR synod! Because we want to hear the voices of youth! Because they want to grow in their faith! Because nine years ago the 2005 Southeastern Synod Assembly, in response to a resolution from the 2005 SESLYO Assembly, voted to recommend that all congregations send two youth to the SESLYO Assembly!
Your youth can register online at www.sesyouth.org and bring the paperwork with them but they must register by March 1, so T-shirts can be ordered.
If you have any questions, please email Rachel at ralley@elca-ses.org.
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2015 Global Mission Partnership Visit of German Lutherans
On May 25, 2015, twenty-five Germans from the Lutheran Church in Bavaria, (one of our companion synods), will arrive in our synod for a two week visit as part of the partnership agreement signed in July 2013. During their visit, they will be in discussion with members of our synod about issues that face the church in our time. They will also visit Savannah, GA, spend several days in a retreat setting at Lutheranch and some will attend the Southeastern Synod Assembly in Birmingham, AL.
The German visitors will be hosted by families and churches around the synod and we want to show them true southern hospitality. You and your congregation can become part of this global event in several ways:
- Pray for the both hosts and visitors as they grow in community, faith, and Christian love;
- Contact one of the persons below about hosting visitors, an event, or a meal in your church;
- Send donations to the synod office, designated to the German Companion Synod Fund, to assist with expenses for transportation, the retreat center, and touring.
Your prayers and support are greatly appreciated.
Trip Coordinators:
Bill Alderfer bill.alderfer@comcast.net
Joe and Debbie Lundell debrallundell@comcast.net
Joe and Katherine Tillman tillie0410@comcast.net
Rachel Alley ralley@elca-ses.org (synod staff)
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Region 9 Bishop's School
Below is a message from the Rev. Phillip Tonnesen concerning the future of Bishop's School in Region 9. Pastor Tonneson serves as Assistant to the Bishop in the North Carolina Synod and as the Chair of the Region 9 Council.
The Bishop's School experience in our region is a tradition that has had a very positive impact on the lives of young adults who desire to learn more about how it is that God is calling them to use their gifts as leaders in the church. Over the past several months a task force has been evaluating the program and exploring options to enhance the experience. Continue. |
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Lutheran Outdoor Ministries - Vacation Bible School
Lutheran Outdoor Ministries, a non-profit organization that supports the outdoor ministries of the ELCA, has a Vacation Bible School Curriculum for use by congregations. Click here for information about "A Love that never ends."
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The February issue is available here. |
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Southeastern Synod
We Are Church Together Appeal
Thank you for your genorosity!
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"What Will We Do? "in 2015. In the February 3rd offering, we hear about the importance of telling stories of the impacts of faithful stewardship. Click here.
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It's That Time of Year Again!
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Rostered Leaders Report (RLP): All rostered leaders who are not retired should complete an RLP annually. Click here for instructions and access to forms. Reports are due by February 15, 2015.
Congregation Parochial Reports: These annual reports filed on behalf of congregations are due and can be accessed here. To date we have received only 33 reports. Reports are due by February 15, 2015.
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% (112 for the Southeastern Synod) or more of the ELCA-primary plan members and eligible spouses take the online Mayo Clinic Health Assessment between January 1 and April 30, 2015. 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 an additional $350 more in wellness dollars! Click here to begin.
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. |
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How is Your Heart!
Once again it is the "Month of Hearts!" Our childhood memories of this month include decorated valentine boxes, packages of valentine cards to be chosen and distributed to friends, candy hearts and perhaps even some chocolate. Today's little ones may even exchange valentines with candy and trinkets attached to the card. Data from the National Retail Foundation in 2013 show that Americans would spend close to $18 billion on Valentine's Day that year. All of this spending makes us all feel loved and appreciated, but what about our real hearts? Continue.
Connie Pearson is the Chairperson of the Southeastern Synod Health Ministries Task Force.
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Lost and Found Farewell Concert 
Trinity Lutheran Church
1826 Killian Hill Road
Lilburn, GA 30047
February 21, 2015, 7:00 p.m.
Click here for poster.
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Who is my Neighbor?
 St. Timothy Lutheran Church
February 15, 2015 at 4:00 p.m.
650 East Main Street
Hendersonville, TN
St. Timothy will host a panel discussion to start the conversation about
being a welcoming community. Click here for details.
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Lutheran Church of the Redemeer, Atlanta, GA hosts free
Concordia Choir Concert
March 4, 2015, 7:00 p.m.
731 Peachtree St NE
Atlanta, GA
The Concordia Choir, under the direction of Dr. René Clausen, is widely considered one of the world's premier undergraduate vocal ensembles that tours the world, sings for royalty and garners praise from critics. During Dr. Clausen's leave in 2015, Michael Smith will guest conduct. The compete 2015 Southeastern tour schedule can be found here.
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WE ARE CHURCH FOR THE SAKE OF THE WORLD
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ELCA World Hunger's Walk for Water
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 Hunger Walk/Run 2015
Turner Field, Atlanta, GA
March 15, 2015
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New Americans Celebration 2015
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
During the 2015 New Americans Celebration, refugees and their friends and neighbors will meet with Georgia lawmakers to increase their understanding of the refugee community's contributions as business owners, community leaders, and voting Americans. Attendees this year will also be invited to a Naturalization Ceremony, held in the Capitol Rotunda. Click here to learn more and register.
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Go Global this Lent!
Journey with Lutheran World Relief
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ELCA Advocacy Update 
The ELCA Advocacy Update is a publication designed to highlight Lutheran advocacy actions occurring throughout the country. The February, 2015 edition can be found on the Southeastern Synod website.
In this month's edition:
+ ELCA Advocacy priorities for 2015
+ Update from Lutheran Office for World Community at the United Nations
+ ELCA Hunger Leadership Gathering
+ Advocacy events and initiatives across the country
Click here to sign up for the ELCA Advocacy Network. |
February 27 - March 1: All-Georgia, FFA-FCCLA Camp, Covington, GA
March 4, 2015: Concordia Choir, Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Atlanta, GA
March 14, 2015: Lutheranch Round-Up, Tallapoosa, GA
June 14 - 19, 2015: AFFIRM, Berry College, Mt. Berry, GA
July 19 - 23, 2015: Called to be a Living Voice, Worship Jubilee of the ELCA & the Biennial Conference of the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians, Atlanta, GA
July 30 - August 2, 2015: Association of Liberian Lutherans in America (ALLIA) and African Descent Lutheran Association (ADLA) Joint Conference, Baltimore, MD
September 15 - 17, 2015: Southeastern Synod Leadership Convocation, Lutheridge, Arden, NC
September 18 - 20, 2015: Southeastern Synod Women of the ELCA annual convention, St. Simons Island, GA
July 13 - 17, 2017: Tenth Triennial for Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Minneapolis, MN
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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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Descriptions and application instructions for the following open positions and others are listed on our website:
Full-Time Minister of Community Formation
Pilgrim Lutheran Church, Lexington, SC
Full-Time Development Director
NovusWay Ministries, Arden NC
Part-Time Music Director/Accompanist
Nativity Lutheran Church, Bethlehem, GA
Part-Time Social Media/Publications Specialist
NovusWay Ministries, Arden, NC
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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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