Consider attending the annual synod-wide Together in Mission (TIM) event in person at Luther Place Memorial in NW D.C. on Sat. Jan. 31. And if you want a ticket, consider purchasing it before Jan. 16 to save some dollars - $40 now, $59 later. Don't let this opportunity to hear from innovative thinkers from many points of view discuss in 18 minute segments their best ideas for following Jesus in the 21st century - either in person or online. More about TIM talks at http://timmetrodc.org, or jump to ticket ordering at www.eventbee.com/v/timmetrodc2015.

Does your congregation have things in place to honor Companion Synod ties between the Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in Slovakia and the Metro D.C. Synod? Resources for observing Companion Synod Sunday on Jan. 25 can be found at www.metrodcelca.org/events/companion-synod-Sunday/.


For anyone who is planning stewardship activities for 2015, the synod's Stewardship and Mission Support Table and The Stewardship of Life Institute are hosting "Planning a Stewardship Campaign for Your Congregation" workshops. The free workshop will be offered twice: Sat. Mar 7 at St. Mark's in Springfield, Virg.; and Sat. Mar. 21 at St. Luke's in Silver Spring, Md. The workshops run from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Council members, stewardship committee members and pastors may want to put it on the calendar! More info coming.

The Sojourners Connect Spring session begins Jan. 13 with William Buckley, who will lead discussion on topics such as suicide and depression, dementia and euthanasia in a series called, "Religious Meanings and End of Life Decision-Making." Gatherings ongoing on 2nd Tuesday of each month.

Get-to-know-us luncheon hosted by Mar-Lu-Ridge for new pastors and church leaders who may not be familiar with this outdoor ministry is planned. Camp and retreat opportunities, a facility tour and sharing a meal are in the works. "Camp changes lives and offers young people a chance to deepen their faith, meet new friends and challenge themselves; all in a save, loving environment. Please consider joining us to learn more!" RSVP to Sarah Lefler or Karl Muhlbach at 301-874-5544.

Lenoir-Rhyne University, a Lutheran institution of higher education, launched the Center for Graduate Studies in Columbia, S.C. on the campus of the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary campus in August. To bring attention to its programs, Open Houses are hosted in person and online, describing opportunities such as Masters Programs in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Human Services. More at http://columbia.lr.edu/coh.

"Financial Peace University" is a 9-week program by Dave Ramsey hosted by the congregation using wisdom of the Bible with a modern approach to personal finance. Registration and details from www.goserve.net/pages/page.asp?page_id=286227.

A Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Prayer Service is scheduled with Bishop Graham and other local leaders participating.

Take an hour to play an all-ages energy game. "You'll come away with great ideas to help you save energy," says the synod's Creation Care Team which invites participation in the game hosted by the Arlington Initiative to Rethink Energy (AIRE). Get details about the life-sized board game and RSVP online at http://freshaireva.us/2014/09/energy-journey-game-2/.

A night of jazz, coffee and desserts is family-friendly and free, with babysitting available. The Dixie Power Trio is featured. More at www.htluther.org or FB/HTLuther.

Lutheran Lay Fellowship (LLF) Luncheons are for Lutherans and friends. February presentation will feature Yvette Moy, "Bridges: Christians Connecting With Muslims." RSVP by 5 p.m. on the Tuesday prior to luncheon at luncheon@lutheranlayfellowship.org. More at www.lutheranlayfellowship.org.

Support U Seminar: A Crash Course for families with aging loved-ones is again offered by Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area. The classes are designed to support persons who have assumed responsibility for aging or ill loved ones, featuring helpful information and peer group sharing. You may attend one session or both. Reserve at https://surveymonkey.com/s/N7YZQT3.

Your family group, related or not, is invited to a love-themed, snow and laughter-filled family retreat. More at www.mar-lu-ridge.org or 800-238-9974.

The congregation will host "A Workshop on Forgiveness" presented by the Mariah Fenton Gladis Foundation. Mariah, a 33-year survivor of Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS), will share her experience using the act of forgiveness as a powerful and transformative tool to miraculously move beyond her disability and create a dynamic and fulfilling life. The renowned psychotherapist will focus on the beneficial body, mind and spiritual effects of forgiving - a life changing and sacred act. Reach the congregation at 703-354-5233 as they finalize details.  

This winter, a "Christian-Muslim Encounter: the Theological Dimension" course will be offered in our area with additional instruction online, as brought to our attention by ELCA Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations. The course is taught by Dr. Lucinda Mosher, Director of the Multifaith Chaplaincy Program through Hartford Seminary, a non-denominational graduate school for religious and theological studies. More at www.hartsem.edu/courses/christian-muslim-encounter-the-theological-dimension/.

This course with language and cultural components is designed for professionals or volunteers who currently work with or will work with Hispanic communities in schools, hospitals, parishes, community-based organizations or other nonprofits, or other settings where you are interacting with Latinos. More at www.ndm.edu/admissions/international-students/english-language-institute-eli/spanish-language-and-culture/.

A Youth Gathering Information Meeting will include lots of details in advance of the exciting ELCA event in Detroit. Additionally, Mike "Gunner" Rose will lead a session on safety during traveling and while in Detroit. More at www.metrodcelcayouth.org.

Shekinah 2015, a synod-wide youth ministry event for junior high (7th and 8th grade) youth, is in the final planning stages. More at www.metrodcelcayouth.org.

"Love Thy Neighbor" is the theme for this year's Synodical Women of the ELCA Organization (SWO) Convention. Find registration in "Joyful News," the SWO's newsletter, at www.metrodcelca.org/publications/joyfulnews/.

Thu. Jan. 29, Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg