News from LTSS...

Lecture by Scott Bader-Saye

"Guns, Violence, and Fear: A Theological Response to the Idolatry of Security"

Thursday, March 26, 1:00 - 2:00 pm

Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, 

Columbia, SC

Dr. Bader-Saye is a professor of Christian ethics and moral theology at Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, TX. His publications include Following Jesus in a Culture of Fear and Church and Israel After Christendom, and his professional interests include politics, economics, sex, culture, and interfaith dialogue.

This lecture is free and open to the public; however, seating is limited.  Please register in advance by clicking here in order to receive a guaranteed seat.  If any seats remain available on the day of the event guests may register at the door.

Alumni Day 2015 - Friday, April 17 - Click here for information and registration. 

Experience Taiz� in Columbia, SC at one of the following opportunities...

Sunday, April 26, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

"An Evening with Taiz�," a worship experience for youth and young adults.

LOCATION: Doubletree by Hilton Hotel, 2100 Bush River Rd., Columbia, SC 29210. 

COST: A suggested donation of $30 per group or $5 per individual. 

REGISTRATION: Online at www.EveningWithTaize.Eventbrite.com or by calling 803-461-3217. 

Monday, April 27, 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

The brothers will lead chapel at 11:30 a.m. and offer a presentation about their life as a community at 1:00 p.m.  Both occasions will be in Christ Chapel on the campus of Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary.  All are welcome.  No registration required.

Tuesday, April 28, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

"A Day with Taiz�," a retreat for clergy, youth workers, church staffs, and anyone thirsty for a day of spiritual renewal and Sabbath rest. 

LOCATION: Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary

COST: $35 per person. 

REGISTRATION: Online at www.DayWithTaize.Eventbrite.com or by calling 803-461-3217. 

All-Georgia, all Success!

One hundred fifty five youth and adults from all over Georgia gathered February 27-March 1 at the FFA-FCCLA camp in Covington, Georgia.  The Rev. Mary Caniff-Kuhn, Program Director, Lutheridge, Arden, NC was the main speaker who taught the gatherers how to tell stories and to see Jesus in the story. The youth built three Little Libraries and brought hundreds of books as an in-kind offering for Pastor Mary to take back to Lutheridge for children who will attend camp this summer.  

Rachel Alley, Assistant to the Bishop, ELCA - Southeastern Synod said, "Special thanks to all the churches that took a leadership role to make this event such a wonderful success: Resurrection in Marietta, St. John in Griffin, Zion in Guyton, St. John's in Atlanta, Trinity in Lilburn, Cross of Life in Roswell, and Christ the Lord in Lawrenceville! And finally thanks to all of the adults, especially young adults, who served as well. "

In a note of thanks, Ron Barron, one of the adults who participated said, "I just wanted to thank you and the All Georgia staff/planners for an awesome weekend! Specifically though, I want to thank everyone for helping to facilitate and foster an environment where our youth feel safe and comfortable enough to be themselves and, in some cases, even open up to the leaders and to one another."  Barron continued, "Often times small groups are thought to only scratch the surface, but I have found that some of the youth at All Georgia are willing to dig deeper. And this is a direct result of the environment that has been created. Again, thank you and we can't wait to come back next year!"

This year, Earth Day will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 22.  It is three days after the Third Sunday of Easter.  Ash Wednesday occurred on February 18.  There are eight weeks between the two.  All of Lent and two weeks of Easter are included.  This is a good time, principally as part of our Lenten journey, to reflect on our relationship with the Earth, through God.  Our Earth is provided to us as a gift of grace and love.  We have the freedom through Christ to be stewards of this gift of love.  John 3:16 says, "For God so 

loved the world . . ."  The Letter to the Colossians, Chapter 1, says that all things - all things - are made through and for Christ.  

The Green Team of the Southeastern Synod will be providing articles in its electronic newsletter to assist us in a thoughtful reflection of our relationship to Earth. Our first article was prepared by Carolyn Karl, a layperson at Christ Lutheran Church in Fairfield Glade, TN.  Click here to read.