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Issue #455 January 11, 2016
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Attention Windows 10 Users
If you are experiencing difficulty viewing PDF documents attached to the Synod E-News, you will need to change the default setting of your device. Search "Windows 10 and pdf files" in your browser for instructions.
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Putting the pieces together
2016 dedicated to setting directions, priorities across all the church
By Elizabeth A. Eaton, Presiding Bishop
It has been just more than two years since I began this call. I'm often asked what has been the greatest surprise. Certainly the amount of travel has been a surprise, but the greatest has been the complexity and scope of the ELCA. As bishop of the Northeastern Ohio Synod, I had a pretty good grasp of the
ministries in its 20 counties, but now my territory includes all of the counties in all of the states and the Caribbean, along with international partnerships. Continue.
Originally published in The Lutheran's January 2016 issue, this column is reprinted with permission
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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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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 on January 23, 2016. 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. |
January 24, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. EST
The Rev. Dr. Craig Wylie will be installed as Interim Pastor, Faith Lutheran Church, 2909 Weaver Pike, Bristol, TN
January 24, 2016 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.
January 31, 2016 at 5:00 p.m. EST
Ms. Anna Tew will be ordained to the office of the Word and Sacrament at St. John's Lutheran Church, 1410 Ponce de Leon Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA.
January 31, 2016 at 4:00 p.m. EST The Rev. Barb Koch will be installed as Pastor, Mount Zion-St. Luke Lutheran Church, Oglethorpe, GA. February 21, 2016 at 4:00 p.m. EST The Rev. Scott Seeke will be installed as Senior Pastor, Amazing Grace Lutheran Church, 3305 Highway 29 South, Lawrenceville, GA. February 21, 2016 at 4:00 p.m. EST The Rev. Norman L. Deal, Jr., will be installed as Pastor, Salem and Luther Memorial Lutheran Churches, 3001 Salem Road, Parrottsville, TN. March 13, 2016, TBD The Rev. Mary Louise Sitton will be installed as Pastor, Immanuel Lutheran Church, 191 Central Heights Road, Blountville, TN
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Rostered Leader Reports Due February 15
Annual rostered leaders reports are now available online. Click here for access to the report and instructions for submission. Reports are due to Bishop Gordy by February 15. |
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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., preceded by Praise Music at 2:30 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.
 The Rev. Dr. M. Wyvetta Bullock will join us as the preacher of the day. Rev. Bullock is serving her second six-year term as executive for administration, ELCA Office of the Presiding Bishop.
The MLK Planning Committee still seeks worship participants, and 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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Resolve to Eat These 10 Healthy Foods Often in 2016!
 This information, originally published in an article written by Connie Pearson, RN, MN, in January of 2014, merits repeating and our consideration as we strive for healthy lives. Connie serves as Chair of the Southeastern Synod Health Ministries Task Force.
If you are in need of a New Year's resolution, here is an option that could potentially help you to become healthier if you are not already taking advantage of these wonderful sources of nutrition. These 10 foods are some of the healthiest because they meet at least three of the following criteria: Continue.
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Clergy Financial
Resources
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IRS Announces 2016 Mileage Rates
The Internal Revenue Service has issued its 2016 optional standard mileage rates. Due to falling gas prices, mileage reimbursement rates have dropped to their lowest amount in the past five years. Continue.
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 A PLACE FOR YOU
Finding Your Place in the Women of the ELCA
Have you ever wondered how you can become more involved in the wonderful organization we call the Southeastern Synod Women of the ELCA?
Join us at one of our scheduled events this winter to find "A Place for You" in the Women of the ELCA. Learn how the churchwide and synodical organizations work, as well as the clusters and congregational units within our synod, and how you can be a part of it. All sessions are from 9:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.
February 6 - St. Stephen, 4664 Covington Highway, Decatur, GA
February 13 - Holy Trinity, 8271 Whispering Pines Road, Daphne, AL
March 5 - Christ, 299 Haywood Lane, Nashville, TN
Please contact Louise Iconis at 770-934-5072 or louise@iconis.com to sign up for one of the events or to schedule an event in your area. |
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News from Lutheranch
Lutheranch Workday
February 12-14, 2016 (Friday-Sunday)
Holy Trinity House needs attention. A thorough cleaning of sleeping rooms, kitchen, common areas and closets is needed before the 2016 retreat season. The grounds around the house also need some maintenance. This project would be a wonderful fellowship and weekend opportunity for a group of 10 and 15 people. Please call or text Ed Buehler, Lutheranch Volunteer Coordinator, at 770-366-2329 to discuss or commit to this task.
Learn Pysanky: The Ukrainian Art of Egg Decorating
March 4-6, 2016 (Friday-Sunday) Discover the art of making Pysanky -- intricately decorated Ukrainian Easter Eggs. These colorful ornaments are rich in symbolism, and are created with an ancient wax-resist (batik) method, using a stylus, hot wax, and dyes. During the weekend, participants will learn about the history and symbolism behind traditional Pysanky patterns, and will create their own personal egg designs as part of a meditative Lenten practice. All supplies (eggs, stylus, wax, and dyes) will be provided. High School and Older. Registration deadline is February 1 so that supplies can be ordered. Lutheranch Round-Up March 12, 2016 (Saturday) Join us at the Lutheranch Horse Arena, 342 McGinnis Road, Tallapoosa, GA, for the 4th Annual Lutheranch Round-Up from 11:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. The program includes update, lunch, cake walk, tours, games, volleyball, and a children's jump castle! Questions? Contact Libby Bedenbaugh at (803) 940-6523 or libby@novusway.org. |
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. |
Internship Opportunity
Tyson House Episcopal-Lutheran Campus Ministry at the University of Tennessee seeks applicants for internship for the academic year 2016-17. Click here for information.
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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.
Alassippi is scheduled for February 20-21 at St. Mark's in Huntsville, Alabama. Youth from Alabama and Mississippi in grades 6 through 12 are encouraged to attend. Friends are welcome to come. The theme is Who are We? Beyond Definition. Youth will meet people who have seen the needs of their neighbors and hear how they dreamed to fix it. They will also hear how these people have spent their lives making a difference, locally, regionally, and in the world. Register online at www.sesyouth.org.
All-Georgia Youth Gathering is scheduled for February 26-28, and guess who's coming? David Sherer also known as AGAPE. Because we want everyone to see and experience him, all congregations in the Southeastern Synod are invited to come. The theme of All-Georgia is Who are We? As One. With David, we will delve into Ephesians chapter 4, looking at how we all come from different experiences yet we all have in common One God, One Faith, and One Baptism. Cost is $85 per person which includes the cost of the camp, food, an awesome t-shirt, and programming. Register online at www.sesyouth.org.
If you have any questions about these programs, 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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In case you missed it, the November/December 2015 issue is online here.
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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 $53,000.00 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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Refugee Dialogues
Lutheran Church of the Resurrection
4814 Paper Mill Road SE
Marietta, GA
 All are welcome for this conversational series on Refugee Resettlement. Conversations begin at 7:00 p.m. each week in the Gathering Room and will be hosted by different guest presenters. Dinner is served beginning at 5:45 p.m.
Please RSVP for DINNER ONLY by the Tuesday prior.
January 13
Processing Refugees
Led by Lutheran Services of Georgia
January 20
Getting Involved in Resettlement
How can you get involved in the process? What can your congregation do to be more involved?
Led by Lutheran Services of Georgia
January 27
Refugee Stories
In addition to our guest speaker, resettled refugee families have been invited to share their personal stories on the resettlement process.
Led by the Rev. Randy Palm, pastor, Rock of Ages Lutheran Church, Stone Mountain, GA
February 3
The Church's Call
The Bishop gives us his take on immigration, the bible, and the work of the global church.
Led by the Rev. H. Julian Gordy, Bishop, Southeastern Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
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 Lutheran MLK Day of Service
Rock of Ages Lutheran Church
Monday, January 18, 2016
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Life's most persistent and urgent question is:
What are you doing for others?
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The Lutheran MLK Day of Service, co-sponsored by the Lutheran Theological Center of Atlanta and the ELCA Southeastern Synod, benefits refugees and immigrants served by Lutheran Services of Georgia.
Join volunteers from around Metro Atlanta to serve on this national day of service to honor Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Click here for additional information and to register your participation. Registration ends on Saturday, January 16, 2016. Q uestions may be directed to Melanie Johnson at mjohnson@lsga,org.
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 2016 Stewardship Symposium Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary
Friday, January 29, 2016 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. |
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Islands Women's Day
Embracing Life's Challenges
Saturday, February 6, 2016
9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Lutheran Church of the Redeemer
51 Wilmington Island Road
Savannah, GA
Click here for information. |
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Holy Trinity, Nashville, TN Presents
Enrichment Workshop for Couples
February 12 - 14, 2016
Couples of any faith, status or orientation are invited to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Nashville, TN on 2016 Valentines Day weekend for "Discovering God's Love: Marriage as a Spiritual Enrichment."
The marriage enrichment workshop will be facilitated by Ms. Jeannie Ingram, LPC, Certified Imago Relationship Therapist and the Rev. Kevin Strickland, Assistant to the Presiding Bishop of the ELCA, Executive for Worship.
This weekend event is designed to:
- Improve communication in your relationship;
- Provide education and tools to restore and deepen your
connection to your partner;
- Help you understand each other;
- Identify how relationship challenges help you grow together in your faith
and in your relationship as a couple; - Inspire a deeper awareness of God's presence in
your journey.
Workshop sessions take place Friday night (February 12), all day Saturday (February 13) and Sunday afternoon following worship (February 14).
The cost is $325 per couple for the weekend, with all proceeds benefiting Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. For more information or registration, contact Jeannie Ingram, ingram.jeannie@gmail.com.
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WE ARE CHURCH FOR THE SAKE OF THE WORLD
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ELCA Global Ministry Projects
The ELCA Global Church Sponsorship Team has updated and launched a new website to help share information and to offer an easy giving platform. Click here for information.
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The December issue of ELCA Global Links is available here. |
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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 18, 2016: MLK Day of Service, Rock of Ages Lutheran Church, Stone Mountain, GA
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:
Full-Time Church Administrator
Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Athens, GA
Applications must be received by January 15, 2016
Part-Time Church Secretary/Treasurer
Epiphany Lutheran Church, Conyers, GA
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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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