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  Issue #476                                   December 19, 2016
            WE ARE CHURCH                  
Bonner to Join Southeastern Synod Staff

The Rev. Ronald S. Bonner, Sr. has been called as the new half-time Director for Evangelical Mission in the Southeastern Synod, a position formerly held by the Rev. Dr. Everett Flanigan, now serving full-time as the Director of the Lutheran Theological Center in Atlanta. 

Pastor Bonner is the pastor of Lutheran Church of the Atonement, Atlanta, GA and will continue to serve in that capacity.  Prior to his call to Atonement, he served as the Manager for Multicultural Resources for Augsburg Fortress Publishers in Minneapolis, MN.  He has also served the United Church of Christ as the Assistant to the President for Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity, and in various executive capacity positions in corporate America.

Bonner is the husband of the Rev. Dr. Rosetta E. Ross, professor of Religious Studies at Spelman College, Atlanta, the father of two sons and the grandfather of five.  He is the author of No Bigotry Allowed: Losing the Spirit of Fear, which was a resource for the 2016 Southeastern Synod Leadership Convocation.  His recent publication, The Seat, is a short story looking at issue of radicalized law enforcement.  He is also the editor of three religious devotionals.

"One of my favorite quotes is from Eleanor Roosevelt, who said: 'We gain strength, and courage, and confidence by each experience...we must do that which we think we cannot'", said Bonner.  "I believe that my broad experience has prepared me for the role of Director of Evangelical Mission.  I look forward to the opportunities and challenges that this position offers."  

We welcome Pr. Bonner to the staff effective January 3, 2017.  He may be reached at 404-718-9711 and [email protected].
Disaster Response and Recovery
What You Can Do Now!

The Southeastern Synod has been impacted by multiple disasters in 2016. These affected communities are in various stages of the disaster recovery process from initial relief efforts in Gatlinburg, TN to long-term recovery reconstruction from the floods in Clarksdale and Hattiesburg, MS. 

The Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) holiday is a time for remembering our call to care for one another in community with acts of service. Let's use the MLK weekend in January to change our synod's reputation from being the "disaster synod" to being the "disaster response synod". The MLK weekend provides two full days of work with travel on Friday and Monday

The Disaster Response Committee is working on plans for a trip to Hattiesburg and to Clarksdale and tentatively to the Savannah/Brunswick area in Georgia and possibly something in Tennessee as well. Contact Southeastern Synod Disaster Volunteer Management Coordinator, Ellen Koester ([email protected] or 
615-838-5550) to register or to learn more information. 

As always in times of disaster, financial contributions are greatly needed. Click here to donate.

 Let's plan to bring hope and recovery to our neighbors across the synod.
Service of Commemoration
The 2017 Southeastern Synod Service of Commemoration for the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. will be held on Sunday, January 15, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. The service will be hosted by St. John's Lutheran Church, 1410 Ponce de Leon Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA. The Rev. H. Julian Gordy, bishop, Southeastern Synod will serve as the preacher of the day.  


Mass Liturgical Dance Group
Again this year, a Mass Liturgical Dance Group is being formed to serve at the MLK Commemoration.  A schedule of rehearsals may be found here.  Interested in participating?  Please contact Ms. Nicole  Warner at [email protected]

Day of Service - Online Registration is Open
The Lutheran MLK Day of Service will be held on Monday, January 16, 2017 at Rock of Ages Lutheran Church, 5135 Memorial Drive, Stone Mountain GA. Registration will be from 8:30 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. the Day of Service, Learning and Seeking Justice will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Click here to register online.

Justice goes hand-in-hand with mercy in following God's call to care for our neighbors.
Ordained to the Office of Word and Sacrament
On Friday evening, December 9, 2016, Bishop H. Julian Gordy (above), assisted by Interim Dean, the Rev. Dr. Ruth Hamilton (far left), the Rev. Mary Peters, Redeemer, Atlanta (right) and Jonathan Trapp, vicar, Christ Our Shepherd, Peachtree City, GA, presided at the ordination of Karen Stephenson Slappey at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Atlanta, GA.  The Rev. Karen Slappey was also installed as Pastor for Outreach and Evangelism, Redeemer, Atlanta, GA.

On Sunday, December 11, Bishop Gordy (below),surrounded by clergy from across the Southeastern Synod and representing Bishop Brian Mass of the Nebraska Synod, presided at the ordination of Diaconal Minister Sandra Louise Braasch (center) at Christ, Nashville, TN. The Rev. Sandra Braasch has been called to serve as pastor of Salem Lutheran Church, Dakota City, Nebraska.

We offer prayers of joy and thanksgiving for Pastors Slappey and Braasch.

Tis the Season for Reports  

The Annual Rostered Ministers Reports are due by February 15, 2017. Anyone serving in a call or on leave from call is expected to fill out one of these and send it to the bishop. Retired rostered ministers are welcome and encouraged to fill one out, but must do so if they are to have a vote at Assembly.  Detailed instructions for preparing and submitting the reports, as well as a link to the slightly revised forms may be found here on the Southeastern Synod website.

Information and instructions for the Annual Parochial Report should be released in the near future.
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                   
Hear the good news
 by ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton

But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so too will be the coming of the Son of Man.

Then two will be in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Two women will be grinding meal together; one will be taken and one will be left. Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour (Matthew 24:36-44).

Welcome to Advent.

This is the Gospel lesson for the first Sunday in Advent this year. This warning from Jesus comes after his words about the end of the world. The apocalypse is upon us, there will be tribulation and the world will see the day of God's vengeance on human sin. How perky. This doesn't quite fit with Christmas decorations, lovely carols and the relentless merriness that has been in stores, in advertisements and in the media since Labor Day. Continue.


Originally ;published in Living Lutheran's December 2016 issue, this column is reprinted with permission.
A Christmas message from Presiding Bishop Eaton
 
Ebenezer Conference Welcomes Pastor Landers

The Lutheran Ministers' Association of the Ebenezer Conference (Conference 1) met in December and welcomed the Rev. Terri Landers, pastor, Spirit of Peace, Richmond, GA.  Assistant to the Bishop, Deacon Michelle Anaglet, attended and provided news from the synod.  The Rev. Laurie Williams Bentley, pastor, St. James, Brunswick, GA announced her plans to go on leave of call in a couple of months.  

From left to right: Pastor Terri Landers, Deacon Linda Larson, Pastors Richard Campbell, Jason Talsness and Jim Peper, back row: Pastors Laurie Bentley and Dave Rasmussen. Deacon Michelle Anaglet, Pastors Steve Plonk (dean), Susan Thisell, and Bonnie Lanyi. Present but not photographed: Pastor Jim Nelson and Deacon Allison Ward. 
Sounds from the Synod

     by the Rev. Tiffany Chaney, Pastor Developer
     Gathered by Grace, Mobile, AL



    by Ms. Connie Pearson, RN, MN
    Chair, Health Ministries Task Force



by the Rev. Ed Wolff, retired
Chair of The Green Team
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.

Devotionals and Studies for Revised Common Lectionary Year A
Open scripture and join the conversation with bible studies and devotional resources supporting the ELCA's Book of Faith initiative.

Worship Resources in Paperback
Three essential Evangelical Lutheran Worship resources are now available in paperback. Also available as eBooks and as a three-volume set.
Wild Women Weekends at Lutheridge
February 3-5, February 10-12, March 10-12, March 17-19, March 24-26, 2017 
(All Friday-Sunday)
 
Adult women of all ages will gain fresh vision and strength for the new year. Bring a group to deepen fellowship with women you know, or come alone to find kindred spirits among women from across the southeast. Through the stories of Katie Luther and other Reformation women, we'll be inspired to meet today's challenges with a reforming spirit. Songs, stories, crafts, games, bible study, and creative worship - as well as free time to enjoy the beauty of the mountains - make for a wonderful weekend retreat. Let God call you to new adventures; become a Wild Woman at Lutheridge!

Leader: Pastor Mary Canniff-Kuhn, Lutheridge Program Director & Storyteller
Download the Program Packet here!
$215 per person
                         WE ARE CHURCH TOGETHER                  
A Living Lutheran Legacy



Thanks to the generosity of individuals and congregations, we have raised $95,000 in gifts and pledges to date!  We have also received a gift of $100,000 by an anonymous donor who is seeking a donor match.  Thank you to all those who have given generously to help us create a Living Lutheran Legacy! This move would not be possible without your support.

Want to be part of creating A Living Lutheran Legacy and bringing the Troutman-Gordy Atrium to the new Southeastern Synod office at St. John's, Atlanta?  Click here for information.
Liberation Theology Study and Praxis Group

Join the Rev. Ronald Bonner and the Lutheran Church of the Atonement, Atlanta, GA as they launch a Liberation Theology Study and Praxis Group.
 
"Beginning Saturday, January 28, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. we will explore the works of Collins, Cone, Grant, Gonzalez, Thurman, and others to help us understand the place of Liberation Theology in today's Multicultural Church.  But, more than a book club we will invite speakers, many of whom were involved in the Civil Rights Movement or today's Black Lives Matter movement or both.  Also, on some Saturdays we will engage in film study to analyze how film impacts the struggle for freedom and equality.  I hope that you will be able to join us each 4th Saturday of the year.  We are located at 1875 Joseph E. Boone Atlanta, GA. This is group is open to all.  The first book is The Cross and the Lynching Tree written by Janes Cone. I can be reached at 404-7189711 or at [email protected].  I look forward to seeing you there." Pastor Ronald Bonner.

 "Why Give? The Christian Practice of Almsgiving"  

Stewardship Symposium   
January 27, 2017, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.  
Stavros Lecture Hall, Virginia Casey Building  
Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary of Lenoir-Rhyne University  
4201 North Main Street, Columbia, SC


At this year's Stewardship Symposium, keynote speaker David Downs, pictured above, will lead a conversation about how early Christian views and practices of giving might shape the formation of Christian communities today.  What is the relationship between giving and reward in the biblical tradition?  What practices and theologies of gift-giving emerged through early Christian engagement with Scripture?  

Click here for mnore information and registration form.
     WE ARE CHURCH FOR THE SAKE OF THE WORLD       
Christmas with YAGM
Our Story Shared

Click here to view a Christmas message from the 2016-2017
ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) around the world.  
Your prayers for their ministries are welcomed.

Applications for the 2017-2018 program year opened December 1, 2016 and will close February 15, 2017 for service beginning in August 2017.  Click here to learn more about the program and to apply.

2nd Annual Advocacy Gathering
St. John's, Atlanta, GA
Saturday, February 11, 2017
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The theme this year, "How To ...", will include such topics as how to write an effective op-ed; how to successfully build a network; and how to educate your congregation (without offending anyone).  Lunch will be provided.  For additional information, contact Committee Chair Hilton Austin, Jr. at [email protected].

Join Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) in solidarity with migrants and refugees in our communities.  Click here to learn ways that you and your congregation can become involved.
                                     SYNOD CALENDAR                
               
                         
 
               2017
January 15, 2017:  Service of Commemoration for the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., St. John's, Atlanta, GA
January 16, 2017:  Lutheran MLK Day of Service, Rock of Ages, Stone Mountain, GA
January 20-21, 2017:  Synod Council Meeting, Montgomery, AL
February 11, 2017:  2nd Annual Advocacy Gathering, St. John's, Atlanta, GA
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:  
Business Administrator, Trinity, Lilburn, GA
Director of Music Ministry and Pianist, Community of Grace, Grayson, 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