MetroLines - Synod Ministry News 

Volume 4, Issue 3 � March 2014

 

MetroLines is a publication of the Metro D.C. Synod, ELCA, for our congregations, leaders and friends sharing what's happening in local ministry together.

In This Issue
Position Openings
Local Focus
Local Info
Resource Alert
Announced Churchwide
 
Blog Posts Revisited
Have posts sent to you (sign up on homepage) or check in from time-to-time, but here's what's been posted to the "Forum" and "Staff Insights" recently.

From the Bishop's desk: Notice the feeling  Spiritual practices come to the forefront in the church season of Lent, and Bishop Graham describes his own direction.  Read on...

From a cross, a dazzling light: The essence of Christ - Loving, selfless suffering and death for the life of the world  In her second column, the Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton starts from Transfiguration and looks at what it means to us.  Read on...
  
From the bishop's desk: Fortunate combination  Connections between malaria and creation care are made as Bishop Graham highlights synod-wide observances in April.  Read on...
  
 

Position Openings

 

St. Stephen Lutheran in Silver Spring, Md. is seeking an Organist/Choir Director. Applicants should be proficient in piano, organ and choral directing in the context of liturgical worship; hand bells available and possibility of children's choir. Must be abler to work with the pastor and church committees to plan and implement a meaningful music program for the congregation. Requires approximately 20 hrs/wk; salary in AGO range. Contact Search Committee Chair Norman Strike at [email protected] or in evening at 301-270-6510; or send resume to 7510 Carroll Ave., Takoma Park, MD 20912-5716. 


Abiding Presence Lutheran Church in Burke, Virg. is seeking a part-time Children's Minister. The growing, energetic and Spirit-filled congregation is family friendly, involving children in all aspects of congregational life. Position is 10 hrs/wk. A complete job posting can be found at www.abidingpresence.net (left column under "About" tab). Applications accepted through April 1. Send cover letter and resume electronically to the Rev. Meredith Keseley at [email protected]. Anticipated start date for the position is May 1, 2014. 


Community Lutheran Church, Sterling, Virg. is seeking a part-time Receptionist/Office Assistant, 15 hrs/wk. Some paid holidays. Some flexibility with scheduled hours. Requirements: Proficiency with computer, office equipment, Microsoft Office software. Strong written & verbal communication skills. Send resume, references and a daytime phone number to: [email protected].  


Mar-Lu-Ridge Camp and Retreat Center in Jefferson, Md. is seeking to fill the position of Associate Director. An individual who is enthusiastic, highly motived and ready to share their Christian faith with staff and campers will assist in the development and management of year-round program activities for all ages and act as the Summer Cap Director. Full benefits come with the position, including on-site housing. Complete job description and application can be obtained by contacting [email protected] or by calling Sarah Lefler at 800-238-9974. Applications accepted until April 20, 2014. 


A summer intern is being hired by the ELCA Malaria Campaign. The intern will work closely with two ELCA World Huger interns, forming a cohort for learning and skill-building. Application deadline is March 14. Details on job board at www.elca.org/careers/

  
 
Share your news!
 
Contact the Editor:
Karen Krueger, at [email protected].

Metro D.C. Synod, ELCA
202-417-3678
 
Local Focus
  
Creation Care Sunday  
The Creation Care Team in the synod invites all congregations to observe Creation Care Sunday on April 27. Close to both Easter Sunday and Earth Day, observance helps congregations make a public witness that Creation Care is a matter of faith. Creative activities for worship, education, property, home, advocacy and more are collected on an Ideas List on the synod website. Bishop Graham called the dual observance of Creation Care Sunday and World Malaria Day on April 27 a "fortunate combination." The team says, "As our sisters and brothers in Companion Synods of Namibia and El Salvador will attest, climate change and malaria are fundamentally connected." Use this brief survey to let the Creation Care Team know what Creation Care Sunday will look like in your setting, and send a photo after the event. More at www.metrodcelca.org/mevents/creation-care-sunday/.
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World Malaria Sunday
For tips and tools to plan a World Malaria Sunday commemoration, observed in many ELCA congregations on April 27, a toolkit from the ELCA Malaria Campaign is a great place to start at www.elca.org/malaria. "One of our own is featured in the World Malaria Toolkit," noticed Dorothy Sorrell. Pictured in the children's sermon section (page 5) is the Rev. Gerry Johnson and friends at Bethlehem Lutheran in Fairfax, Virg. Intergenerational activities and prayers are among the resources, as are specifics about the malaria program in Namibia, location in Companion Synod relationship with the Metro D.C. Synod, which will benefit from World Malaria Day offerings. The Namibia Country Profile outlines initial program plans. Borrow nets and get ideas from Dorothy Sorrell, synod ELCA Malaria Campaign coordinator, at [email protected]
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Local Info
  
Capitol Hill Lutheran Staff Association meets weekly 
With the support of Lutheran members of Congress, the Capitol Hill Lutheran Staff Association has formed! Regular meetings on Fridays from noon-1 p.m. have already begun. Spread the word! Each Friday gathering will include time for prayer, Bible study, vocational and personal support, and planning of joint service or social events. Occasionally, the group will invite Lutheran members of Congress as well as professors and bishops to share their faith stories. Florence Heacock will lead the first Bible study series on Psalms for Lent. For location and other info, contact [email protected] or [email protected].
  
"Green books" available
About 250 copies of the green Lutheran Book of Worship (initial release: 1978) are available for donation from Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in McLean, Virg. If you can make use of some or all of them, contact the Rev. Sandy Kessinger at [email protected].
  
Revisit TIM topics on video
Video from the 2014 Together in Mission event has been posted to YouTube's TIM Metro DC channel: www.youtube.com/channel/UCS_KDcETFpEdBKDOhkLyR7w. Have 18 minutes? Pick one of the inspiring topics and let a little light shine as we follow Jesus in the 21st century. 
  
Resource Alert
  
Stewardship grant opportunity
The Stewardship of Life Institute is requesting grant proposals from ELCA congregations, synods and seminaries and other ministries for projects, workshops or events that encourage stewardship growth. Proposals of primary interest will be those which assist in seminarian education or first call theological education. Proposals that assist in stewardship leadership education among laity and clergy will also be considered, and those that involve collaboration will be viewed favorably. Grants awarded twice each year; application deadlines are March 15 and September 15. More at www.stewardshipoflife.org.
  
Wellness grant opportunity
Joshua Grants are one year, matching grants of $1,000-$5,000 to Lutheran congregations, organizations and agencies committed to launching new ministries of health and hope in their community. Joshua grants enable leaders to put inspired whole person health and wellness ideas into action. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. More at www.wheatridge.org/joshuagrants.
  
Announced Churchwide
 
Dr. Lose is new LWR board member
Dr. David Lose, familiar to many in our synod, has been elected to the Lutheran World Relief board of directors at its Jan. 28-29 annual meeting. Dr. Lose is Marbury Anderson Chair in Biblical Preaching and director of the Center for Biblical Preaching at Luther Seminary.
  
We hope you enjoyed MetroLines.