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Issue #453 December 9, 2015
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The unsettled season of Advent
In incarnate Christ, God finds us and gives restless hearts rest
By Elizabeth A. Eaton, Presiding Bishop
 O come, O come Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel, that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear (Evangelical Lutheran Worship, 257).
Advent. We were just here it seems. It's a season of
preparation and anticipation. It can become exhausting
and relentless. The commercial run-up to Christmas has certainly gotten longer. Sometime right after Labor Day the holiday displays appear in stores, ads pop up on our laptops and hand-held electronic devices, and carols creep into Muzak. And the annual holiday worship war between pastors and people will be waged over whether to sing Christmas carols in church during Advent. I will not weigh in on that epic debate in this column. Continue.
Originally published in The Lutheran's December 2015 issue, this column is reprinted with permission
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Stand for Welcome
 Written by the Rev. Justin Ask, Southeastern Synod Advocacy Team
As we begin the season of Advent and wait the coming of Christ, it has been disappointing to see the House of Representatives pass the "American Security Against Foreign Enemies Act of 2015." This legislation adds further burdens to refugees who seek safety as they flee from violence and persecution. The current vetting process for refugees is vigorous and complete. There is no need to add further measures, which victimize some of the world's most vulnerable people.
As Lutherans, we have had a long history of showing hospitality and love to refugees. In recent years, Lutherans across the nation have welcomed more than half a million people fleeing violence and persecution from places like Syria. If you or your congregation have been involved with these efforts, you are likely aware that refugees are not a threat to our communities, but an asset.
In this Advent season, your help and action are needed. As we await the coming of Christ, we cannot wait silently. We need your help to ensure that the Senate rejects this and other unwelcoming legislation. We must raise our voices so that our elected officials know that we are opposed to closing off protection for refugees who are seeking safety in the United States. This is a season of hope, and sharing that hope with the vulnerable is part of our discipleship. After all, we follow a Lord who himself was a refugee in Egypt.
Thanks to the work of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services, your advocacy  on this important issue is simple. Follow this link to contact your Senators and Representatives in Washington to let them know that you support welcoming Syrians and other refugees.
The December 2015 issue of ELCA Advocacy Update may be found here.
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Refugee Resettlement, Grace Lutheran Church, Oak Ridge, TN
Grace Lutheran Church, Oak Ridge, TN agreed in 1975 to settle a refugee family in Oak Ridge. The ad-hoc resettlement committee that was formed worked with the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services and accepted the responsibility for  the resettlement of a ten-member Hmong family. In Laos, Hmong means "free people." The family, who arrived in late October of 1976, was comprised of Sy and Sia Moua and their six sons and two daughters. Another daughter was born in February 1977. Many members and friends of the congregation worked very hard to ensure the success of the resettlement. Richard and Mary Hoglund and their three sons were the shepherd family for the Mouas. Continue.
Pictured: The Mousa family with Pr. Lorenzon the day of their baptism, February 12, 1978 (above left) and at a family gathering in May of 2015 (above right).
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Click here to learn about designating Refugee Sunday in your congregation. |
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Your Voice Makes a Difference
The Southeastern Synod Advocacy Team has scheduled an event to provide information and allow an opportunity for discussion of issues related to advocacy. Your Voice Makes a Difference will be held at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 731 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30308. Please register for this free event at Eventbrite. Additional information may also be found on the Advocacy Facebook page or you may contact Hilton Austin at haustin337@att.net. |
Confronting Racism: A Holy Yearning
Live Webcast
Thursday, January 14, 2016
8:00 p.m. CST
Click here for details and to view the August 6, 2015 webcast.
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January 24, 2015 at 4:00 p.m. EST
The Rev. Leland A. Armbright, II will be installed as Senior Pastor, Christ the King Lutheran Church, 5575 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners, GA.
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Museus Ordained and Installed at St. Andrew, Franklin, TN
The Rev. Dr. P. Morgan Gordy, pastor, Christ Lutheran Church, Nashville, TN (above left) and the Nashville Deanery (below) welcomed the Rev. Katherine Museus (above right). Pr. Museus was ordained by Southeastern Synod Bishop H. Julian Gordy and installed as Associate Pastor, St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Franklin, TN on November 29, 2015.
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Service of Commemoration
for the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The 2016 Southeastern Synod Service of Commemoration for the Rev. Dr. Martin  Luther King, Jr. will be held on Sunday, January 17, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. The service will be hosted by St. Stephen Lutheran Church, Decatur, GA and held at Living Grace Lutheran Church, 1812 Cooledge Road, Tucker, GA.
Plans are underway for a festive worship service. With that in mind, the MLK Planning Committee extends an invitation to all children and adults who would offer to share their gifts of voice, both singing and speaking; of dance; and of playing an instrument. For information or to sign-up to serve, please send an email as follows:
Please plan to attend. All are welcome!
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Branch to Preach at St. Luke, Cordova, TN
MLK Sunday, January 17, 2016
8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
 The Rev. Lonnie Branch will preach at St. Luke, 2000 Germantown Plwy N, Cordova, TN, for the congregation's Martin Luther King Service. Rev. Branch is the author of "Reflections of Light, the Odyssey of a Black American Lutheran Pastor During the Civil Rights Years." He is a former pastor of Atonement Lutheran Church, Atlanta, GA and Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Mobile, AL.
"We are very grateful for the Southeastern Synod Multicultural grant that is supporting this event", said the Rev. Cliff Bahlinger, pastor, St. Luke. "We are also planning a congregational visit to the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis with Rev. Branch on Saturday, January, 16. All are invited to join us in welcoming Rev. Branch back to our Southeastern Synod."
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 "Ku Imba Mungu"...Sing to God
an African Advent Concert
St. Paul Lutheran Church
Sunday, December 13, 2015
5:00 p.m.
2569 Tilson Rd, Decatur, GA
All are welcome!
Contact the church at 404-241-2524 for additional information.
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St. Timothy Lutheran Church
650 East Main Street
Hendersonville, TN
Lessons & Carols Service - December 13 - 3:00 p.m.
German Advent Service - December 20 - 3:00 p.m.
Refreshments following the German Advent Service
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Preaching the Lectionary Texts for 2016
at Lutheranch
An enlightening opportunity for study with
the Rev. Dr. Delmer Chilton and
the Rev. Dr. John Fairless.
January 11 - 13, 2016
Click here for details and here to register.
Your support of Lutheranch programming is greatly appreciated. |
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Hardscape Plan for Lutheranch Being Developed
Two landscape architects are volunteering their time to develop a "hardscape" plan for Lutheranch that will include the roads, trails and site features. It is important that these features be in place prior to construction of the new retreat center. With the architect authorized to develop detailed plans and construction drawings for the center, Lutheranch is very fortunate to have two volunteers step forward to begin work on the plan. Stephen Schrader is from Birmingham, Alabama where he is a member of Shades Valley Lutheran Church. Jim Burtt is from Lawrenceville, Georgia. Continue.
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Handbell Workshops at Lutheridge 
February 19-21 and February 26-28, 2016
Click here for information. |
 Continuing Education Opportunities
Rostered leaders and congregation leaders looking for continuing education events for 2016, click here to check out the short courses offered by Columbia Theological Seminary's Center for Lifelong Learning. |
 Lutheran Worship & The Lectionary
January 4 - 8, 2016
St. John's Lutheran Church 1410 Ponce de Leon Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30307
Click here for information and registration. |
Affirm 2016, to be held June 19-24, 2016 at Berry College in Rome, Georgia, is a synodical youth leadership and discipleship event. We predict over 300 youth from across our synod will participate in grades 6 through 12. Youth are able to choose between 10 different age appropriate units that will build up their faith while developing skills they will
use in their daily lives, in their congregations and in their world. Each day is filled with activities including small groups, community time, meals, and worship.
If all this excites you, then please consider applying for Affirm 2016 Staff or if you know of someone who'd be good, please send the application to them. Applications, found at the link above, are due in the synod office by January 15 and you will be notified by February 15. We will need a staff of approximately 75. This includes pastors, parents, youth workers, and young adults to serve as small group leaders. We will also need medical experts to serve on the medical team. If you have any questions please email Rachel Alley at ralley@elca-ses.org or call 770-235-7339.
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CONNECT. REFLECT. DISCOVER.
 Ms. Leymah Gbowee, a Nobel Peace Prize winner and ELCA International Leaders Scholarship recipient,
is a keynote speaker.
EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION ENDS JANUARY 31, 2016
Follow the link above for registration, lodging,
and Gathering schedules.
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 California Lutheran University - Executive Skills for Pastors January 11 - 15, 2016 Click here for the event schedule and here for additional information and registration. |
 New Programs from PLTS
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 Celebrate Young Musicians in your Congregation
Lutheran Music Program is excited to announce the first annual Lutheran Summer Music (LSM) Initiative coming this January. Please join with congregations nationwide to celebrate young musicians and spread the word about Lutheran Summer Music to your congregation on January 17th or January 24th. Click here for information.
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Thank you for your support of the ELCA Southeastern Synod Together We Can! Appeal! Thus far, we have received more than $48,000.00 in contributions to Together We Can! Your generosity will help us to strengthen our mission support, expanding our reach to do more of the work God has called us to in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and Tennessee.
Thank you for your generous support.
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 Advent Lutheran Church, Murfreesboro, TN
Hosts Scott Seeke
Monday, December 14, 2015
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
The Rev. Scott Seeke, ELCA Southeastern Synod pastor and author of Uncle Bush's Live Funeral will take part in a Q & A and book signing sponsored by the Advent Lutheran Church Book Club and Thrivent Financial.  The event takes place at Advent Lutheran Church, 1700 Irby lane, Murfreesboro, TN. |
 2016 Stewardship Symposium Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary
Friday, January 29, 2016 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. |
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WE ARE CHURCH FOR THE SAKE OF THE WORLD
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ELCA, local partners break ground on Lutheran center,
clinic in South Sudan
CHICAGO (ELCA) - As part of ongoing work to bring peace and reconciliation in South Sudan, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and local partners broke ground on a new Lutheran center and clinic in the nation's capital, Juba, earlier this month.
The Lutheran center and clinic, which serves as the launching point for the Evangelical Lutheran Church Africa Mission in South Sudan, will be a place of worship, learning, health care and healing for people of many different ethnic and religious backgrounds. Continue.
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2015 
October 31, 2015: Grace Gathering, New Orleans, LA - Early Bird Registration began.
December 13, 2015: An African Advent Concert "Ku Imba Mungu"...Sing to God, St. Paul, Decatur, GA
December 14, 2015: Scott Seeke Book Signing, Advent Lutheran Church, Murfreesboro, TN
December 20, 2015: German Advent Service, St. Timothy Lutheran Church, Hendersonville, TN
2016
January 15 - 16, 2016: Synod Council Meeting, Epiphany Lutheran Church, Suwanee, GA
January 17, 2016: The ELCA - Southeastern Synod service of commemoration for the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Hosted by St. Stephen Lutheran Church, Decatur, GA. Held at Living Grace Lutheran Church, Tucker, GA.
January 17, 2016: MLK Worship Service, St. Luke Lutheran Church, Cordova, TN
January 23, 2016: Advocacy Training - Georgia, Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Atlanta, GA
January 29, 2016: Stewardship Symposium, Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary of Lenoir Rhyne University. Registration begins November 16, 2015. Details to follow.
May 27 -29, 2016: 2016 Southeastern Synod Assembly, Birmingham, AL
September 11, 2016: "God's work. Our hands." Sunday.
September 16 -17, 2016: Synod Council Meeting, Christ Our Hope, Riverdale, GA
September 16 - 18, 2016: Southeastern Synod Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church Convention, Hilton Hotel, Peachtree Corners, GA
2017
July 13 - 17, 2017: Tenth Triennial for Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Minneapolis, MN
2018
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Descriptions and application instructions for the following open positions and others are listed on our website:
Part-Time Church Secretary/Treasurer
Epiphany Lutheran Church, Conyers, GA
Full-Time Faith Formation Director
Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Athens GA
Applications must be received by December 31, 2015
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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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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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