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  Issue #474                                    November 15, 2016
2017 Annual Enrollment for Portico Benefit Services
ends on November 16.  Click here to begin.
            WE ARE CHURCH                  
Fell New Director for Evangelical Mission
in the Southeastern Synod  

Mr. Wayne Fell has been called as the new Director for Evangelical Mission in the Southeastern Synod, a position formerly held by Deacon Rebecca Kolow�. Fell has served as the Interim Director since April, 2016 following Kolow�'s move to Washington, DC.  

A member of the Synod's Mission Outreach & Renewal Committee since 2012, Fell served as Committee Chair for the last two years. From 2010 to 2014, he was a member of the board for Lutheran Campus Ministry at Georgia Tech, served as president for two years and is currently on the Synod's Campus Ministry Committee. He has been an active lay leader in every congregation he has been a part of.

Fell's career spanned 37 years in commercial insurance with the last thirteen before retirement being President/CEO of a national insurance company. He's a proud graduate of Michigan State University, and an even prouder husband of Susan and father of four married daughters, Jenny, Courtney, Casey and Stephanie.

"I am blessed and honored to be named the Director for Evangelical Mission", said Fell. "I truly feel that my vocational and church experiences have fully prepared me for this position. The Southeastern Synod has been a leader in New Start ministries and Redevelopments. I look forward to continuing that tradition."

Wayne Fell may be reached at 815-342-0863 and [email protected].
Disaster Response and Recovery
What You Can Do Now!

As immediate needs for post-hurricane disaster response in Georgia and other states continue to be identified and long-term recovery plans are being formulated, help is still needed, now. Click here to learn what you can do.
A Living Lutheran Legacy



The Southeastern Synod is excited to announce that it is moving its office in 2017!  Click here for information and to learn how you can help.
December 4, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. EST 
The Rev. Terri R. Landers will be installed as Pastor of Spirit of Peace, 15985 Highway 144E, Richmond Hill, GA.
December 9, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. EST
Ms. Karen Stephenson Slappey will be ordained to the office of Word and Sacrament and installed as Pastor for Outreach and Evangelism at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 731 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA.
From Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton

CHICAGO (Nov. 14, 2016) - The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), has issued the following statement on Standing Rock.

CHICAGO (Nov. 11, 2016) - In a video addressing the Nov. 8 U.S. presidential election, ELCA Presiding Bishop reminds us: "No human candidate can guarantee our life or our future."

ELCA Bishop:  Reflection on 2016 Election
ELCA Bishop: Reflection on 2016 Election

ACTION ALERT:  Giving Thanks, Coming Together, Looking Ahead

Brothers and Sisters in Christ, 
On Election Day and throughout this season, the #ELCAvotes initiative encouraged Lutherans to live out our baptismal affirmation to "serve all people, following the example of our Lord Jesus," by engaging in our communities and casting our ballots. Thank you to all the ELCA advocates who contributed to the stewardship of our common life, serving God as faithful and active citizens! Continue.
Candidacy - Your Synod at Work

The Candidacy Committee announces the following decisions from its November 2016 meeting.  A glossary of terms may be found below.
 
Granted Reinstatement for ordained ministry:
Connie Bramlett
 
Granted Approval for ordained ministry: 
Richard Hogg, Atonement, Atlanta, GA
Andrew Lewis, Messiah, Decatur, GA
Louis Tillman, Christ the Lord, Lawrenceville, GA

Granted Approval for ordained ministry - 
TEEM (Theological Education for Emerging Ministries):
Debra Jimenez, Prince of Peace, Johns Creek, GA

Granted Endorsement for ordained track: 
Elise Anderson, Redeemer, Atlanta, GA
Sarah Garrett, Trinity, Tullahoma, TN
Kimberly Peterson, Hope, Ellijay, GA
Adam Schultz, St. John's, Knoxville, TN
 
Granted Endorsement for ordained track - TEEM (Theological Education for Emerging Ministries):
Michael Sauls, Sinking Springs, Midway, TN

Granted Entrance for ordained track: 
La Donna Williams, St. Paul, Decatur, GA

Glossary: 
 
Granted Entrance - candidate's potential for ministry identified, beginning of candidacy process
Granted Endorsement - affirmation of specific ministry track (happens about �-way through the process)
Granted Approval -  confirmation of readiness for rostered ministry (next step: assignment, acceptance of a call)

Upcoming Candidacy Meetings:
  • March 30-April 1, 2017 (materials deadline is February 1)
  • August 17-19, 2017 (materials deadline is July 15)
  • November 9-11, 2017 (materials deadline is September 15)
Hear the Joy - See the Hope - Feel the Love
Matsiko World Orphan Choir
Saturday, November 26, 2016, 4:00 p.m.
The Lutheran Church of the Atonement
1875 Joseph E Boone Blvd
Atlanta, GA 
Click here for flyer.
ELCA presiding bishop and other faith leaders offer 
Advent devotions

CHICAGO (Nov. 7, 2016) - The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), and leaders from The Episcopal Church, the Anglican Church of Canada, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada have prepared a series of Advent devotions for members of the four denominations.  Click to continue reading and to download Advent devotions.
Take a Catechism Journey with Your Congregation in Lent 2017 

ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has issued an invitation to engage Luther's catechisms together in the upcoming Reformation anniversary year. Free Indeed: Devotions for Lent 2017 and 40-Day Journey with Martin Luther offer two distinct pathways for your congregation's catechism journey this coming Lent.

A New Resource for Visiting Those Who Are Dying  

Peace at the Last is a richly illustrated liturgy for use by individuals and groups who are visiting those who are dying. The text is drawn from the psalms, Evangelical Lutheran Worship, and other sources. Simple musical refrains easily sung without accompaniment are also provided. These words, images, and songs, gathered in a beautiful and portable form, will help Christians to accompany those who are dying, assuring them that "whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's" (Romans 14:8).
2018 Gathering Timeline at a Glance  

November 2016 - Theme and logo announced
November 2016 - Promotional materials available

May 15, 2017 - Volunteer application opens
July 15, 2017 - Volunteer application closes
Sept. 15, 2017 - Registration opens and early                          bird rate begins
Nov. 15, 2017 - Regular registration rate                                begins

Feb. 15, 2018 - Late registration rate begins
May 15, 2018 - Registration closes and all
                       payments are due
June 24-27, 2018 - MYLE and the tAble
June 27-July 1, 2018 - ELCA Youth Gathering

2017 Election for Synod Secretary
 
An election for Synod Secretary will take place at the 2017 Southeastern Synod Assembly. This office is open to both clergy and lay members of the synod. The term of office is four years in length, beginning September 1, 2017 and ending August 31, 2021. The current Synod Secretary, the Rev. Dr. Ruth Hamilton, has indicated that she will not be available for re-election to a second term.
 
The office of Secretary is a volunteer position which requires attendance at the Synod Assembly, approximately three Synod Council and Executive Committee meetings per year, and two or three meetings of the Southeastern Lutheran Holding Corporation Board of Directors. The Secretary works with synod staff to prepare agendas and minutes for all of these meetings. In addition, the Secretary regularly reviews the synod's constitution, bylaws, and continuing resolutions to identify areas in need of change and to suggest specific language for amendments.
 
An ad hoc nominating committee of the Synod Council has been appointed to consider potential nominees. The committee will recommend at least one individual to the Synod Council for official nomination. Note that all persons nominated by the Synod Council must undergo a criminal background check prior to the Synod Assembly.
 
Persons interested in being considered for possible nomination for Synod Secretary must complete the ONLINE BIOGRAPHICAL FORM by JANUARY 2, 2017.
 
Questions may be addressed to members of the ad hoc nominating committee: Synod Vice President Doris UnderwoodPastor Scott Peterson, and AIM Linda Larson.
                              WE ARE LUTHERAN                   
Exercise:  What Will it Do for You? 

Would you like to feel better, look better, have more energy and enjoy life more fully? Have you thought about developing a weekly physical activity program (otherwise known as exercise) to fit your needs and to improve your overall health? 
 
Do you know which of the following statements is true and which is false?
  1. Exercise has many benefits!
  2. All exercise activities do not give you the same benefits!
  3. Exercising takes too much time!
  4. The older you are, the less exercise you need!
  5. You have to be athletic to exercise! Continue.
Written by Connie Pearson, RN, MN, who serves as Chair of the Southeastern Synod Health Ministries Task Force. 
Walls Going up for Lutheranch Retreat Center 

Walls are going up on the new McKanna-Sandrock Retreat Center as illustrated above. Already the entrance road sign has been installed, the water and power are in place and work recently began on the sewage system. The projection is for the new retreat center to be completed by April 1, 2017. Funds are also in place to install the entrance archway to the Stender Campus and to build a Community Dynamics/Group Interaction low ropes course. Volunteers are being sought to assist with construction.

Keith Johnson, Executive Director, recently announced that applications are open for the Lutheranch Site Director position with the plan for the director to begin by May 1, 2017. Two weeks of summer camp are scheduled for June 18-23 (confirmands and middle school youth) and June 25-30 (grade school youth). Registrations will soon be open online at www.novusway.com.
 
Johnson went on to say that $435,000 is needed in special gifts to fully fund construction. Several naming opportunities are still available. A gift of $30,000 will name a room and a gift of $15,000 will name contents for a room. If you would like to help "Complete the Dream" for Lutheranch, contact Keith Trout at [email protected] or call 864-313-1453.
November 17, 2016 is Georgia Gives Day and Lutheran Services of Georgia (LSG) needs your help! Click here to learn how.
Lands of the Bible Academic Cruise  

Dr. Monte Luker, Professor of Hebrew Scriptures, Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary of Lenoir-Rhyne University, Columbia, SC, will be leading and teaching a Lands of the Bible academic cruise October 22 - November 4, 2017, with an optional Rome pre-tour. This unique itinerary includes both the Holy Land and the Journeys of Paul (the Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles). Save $75.00 by registering before December 21. Information is available here. If you register online, beside HOST type Dr. Monte Luker, and beside ID# type 29932. Registration has been brisk, and it seems we will have our own private Lutheran bus for the land tours!
ELCA Available Accounting Positions  

The ELCA Office of the Treasurer has a number of accounting positions open on the churchwide team. 
           Accounting Clerk
Follow the links for information and to apply.
                         WE ARE CHURCH TOGETHER                  
The Trinity Conference Meeting
On Sunday afternoon, November 6, 2016, members of the Trinity Conference (03) congregations and organizations gathered in the fellowship hall of St. John's, Atlanta, GA.  While food, fun and fellowship was enjoyed by all, there was still room for a little formality.  Grouped in circles of three, members shared their stories of how they became Lutheran and why they stayed.  One shared story that says it all began with "...Lutherans are the forerunners in community involvement."  Others shared stories around the joy of the liturgy and how it appeals to their emotions.  

The Conference agreed to the following members serving in leadership roles: Emily Carter - St. Stephen, Treasurer; Kendall Gamelin - St. John's, Secretary; and Melody Blount - Atonement, Interim Vice-President.  Congratulations to all!
Additionally, the Conference agreed to a set of objectives for which they will be guided: shared resources, a project of service, and inclusion of an amount for financial support of the Conference as a line item in their annual congregational budget.

Thanks to all of the pastors, lay leaders and congregations present.

     WE ARE CHURCH FOR THE SAKE OF THE WORLD       
Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service calls on 
Trump Administration
 to continue support for refugees and migrants
 
November 9, 2016
With respect to the results of the 2016 U.S. presidential election, LutheranImmigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) affirms its commitment to work with the Trump Administration to uphold the United States' long tradition of protecting and welcoming refugees. Continue.
Haiti Fundraiser 
St. Timothy, Hendersonville, TN   
 
SAVE THE DATE for our annual Haiti fundraiser to benefit the feeding program for the children of Font Baptiste School in Haiti. Join us on Sunday, November 20 at 650 East Main Street, Hendersonville, TN for our live auction and dinner. Items are needed for the live auction, especially large items such as a timeshare, sports tickets, specialty items, boats, etc.  If you can donate such an item, please contact Brenda Parker at [email protected].
                                     SYNOD CALENDAR                
               
              2016                   
November 20, 2016:  Haiti Fundraiser, St. Timothy, Henderson, TN
November 26, 2016:  Matsiko World Orphan Choir, Atonement, Atlanta, GA
 
               2017
January 15, 2017:  Service of Commemoration for the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., St. John's, Atlanta, GA
January 20- 21, 2017:  Synod Council Meeting, Montgomery, AL
May 24 - 25, 2017:  Synod Council Meeting, Chattanooga, TN
May 26 - 28, 2017:  2017 Synod Assembly, Chattanooga, TN
August 7 - 10, 2017:  2017 Rostered Ministers Gathering, Atlanta, GA
September 15 - 17, 2017:  Women of the ELCA Convention, Nashville, TN
October 17 - 19, 2017:  Leadership Convocation, Lutheridge, Arden, NC 

 2018
May 30 - 31, 2018:  Synod Council Meeting, Chattanooga, TN
June 1 - 3, 2018:  2018 Synod Assembly, Chattanooga, TN
June 27 - July 1, 2018:  ELCA Youth Gathering, Houston, TX

                                                          2019
May 29 - 30, 2019:  Synod Council Meeting, Chattanooga, TN
May 31 - June 2, 2019:  2019 Synod Assembly, Chattanooga, TN

                                                          2020
June 3 - 4, 2020:  Synod Council Meeting, Chattanooga, TN 
June 5 - 7, 2020:  2020 Synod Assembly, Chattanooga, TN

                                                          2021
June 2 - 3, 2021:  Synod Council Meeting, Chattanooga, TN
June 4 - 6, 2021:  2021 Synod Assembly, Chattanooga, TN
                        EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES                    
Descriptions and application instructions for the following open positions and others are listed on our website:  
Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministry, Our Saviour's, Hastings, MN
Organist, St. James, Brunswick, GA
                    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!
                                       QUICK LINKS                           
                                                      
         ELCA-Southeastern Synod - explore and see what's new!

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ELCA Southeastern Synod
100 Edgewood Ave. NE, Suite 1600
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-589-1977