CHECK IN March 23, 2015

METRO D.C. SYNOD E-NEWS UPDATE

Reminders

Reserve now, but - July 14-19 on the Lutheran Hands bus trip to Detroit

Already have a crew taking the Lutheran Hands bus to the ELCA Youth Gathering in Detroit this summer? Two seats are available if you want to bring extra folks who have registered late, made available due to a reduction in the number of participants travelling from Faith Lutheran Church in Arlington. Cost for bus travel is $220. If interested in the seats, contact the Rev. Yvette Schock at 703-525-9283 or pastoryvette@flcva.org.

April 17-20, locations in Washington, D.C.

Lutheran-specific opportunities during the 13th annual national gathering of Ecumenical Advocacy Days for Global Peace with Justice have been announced by ELCA Advocacy. "Breaking the Chains: Mass Incarceration and Systems of Exploitation" is the theme for the more than 1,000 Christian advocates, including Lutherans, from all over the country in building a movement based upon Acts 16:16-40. The ELCA is among sponsors. More at http://metrodcelca.org/2015/03/ecumenical-advocacy-days/ and http://advocacydays.org/ .

Sat. May 9, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Redeemer Lutheran in McLean, Virg.

3DM Launch Mission Workshop is a new event scheduled by the New & Renewing Missions Table. By participating in a 3DM Launch workshop, you will explore how the Gospel shapes every aspect of your life and makes you part of God's family on mission. Discipleship and mission are not things you need to "fit in" to your life - you are right where God wants you to be, and opportunities are already around you. Registration and details under "Events" tab at www.metrodcelca.org.

Event notices

Tue. Apr. 7 **new date**, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Mar-Lu-Ridge in Jefferson, Md.

"Religious Meanings and End of Life Decision-Making: A Time with Bill Buckley" has been bumped to Apr. 7 this month, although normally the Sojourners Connect event occurs on the second Tuesday of the month. Learn more about this spring session from the flyer online.

Sat. April 11, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in McLean, Virg.

The congregation is hosting its spring 2015 Theologian-In-Residence program, featuring the Rev. Gilson A.C. Waldkoenig, Ph.D., an eco-theologian at Gettysburg Seminary. The First Session will explore "Lutheran and Ecological." The Second Session will explore "Being Lutheran and Ecological Today." Learn more about this opportunity from the flyer online.

Sat. Apr. 11, 4 p.m., Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Falls Church, Virg.

The Spring Organ Concert will feature Paul Skevington on the congregation's De Gennaro-Hart pipe organ. Skevington is known for his artistic skill in supporting choral voices, which he has done and several D.C. area venues. The free concert will be followed by a reception.

Sat. Apr. 18, 9 a.m.-noon, Bethel Lutheran Church in Manassas, Virg.

Busy persons who have increasing responsibilities for an aging or chronically ill loved-one can get help with planning, using resources and self-care during the Support U "Crash Course" Seminar offered by Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area. Registration and details at http://bit.ly/AprSupportU.

Thu. Apr. 23, 8:30 p.m.

A national Virtual Member Meeting is being hosted by Thrivent Financial for members and others interested in Thrivent to hear from Brad Hewitt, president and CEO; and Randy Boushek, chief financial officer. A recorded version will be posted after the live event. More at www.Thrivent.com/membermeeting.

Sun. Apr. 26 at your congregation

World Malaria Day on Apr. 25 can be observed with a World Malaria Sunday. This will be the final observance of World Malaria Day within the ELCA Malaria Campaign. Remember those who have died from malaria, honor those who live with the daily realities of the disease, and renew our commitment to join the global movement of people who are making malaria history. New materials available at http://www.elca.org/Our-Work/Relief-and-Development/ELCA-Malaria-Campaign/World-Malaria-Day.

Tue. Apr. 14, 7-9 p.m., Latter-day Saints Chapel in Chevy Chase, Md.

An orientation for May Grassroots Interfaith Dinner Dialogues is being run by the InterFaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington around the theme of "Human Dignity." Hosts, facilitators and participants are being recruited. Around a table, over a simple meal, people of diverse religious backgrounds come together to share food and offer their views on faith and meaning in host homes with groups of 6-8 diners. More information and orientation sign-up at http://ifcmw.org/.

Tue. Apr. 7 at 1 p.m. or Tue. Apr. 21 at 8 p.m., Intro Webinar

Get an introduction to the Energy Stewards Initiative (ESI), sponsored by Lutherans Restoring Creation, in advance of the May 15th application deadline to join the June program cycle. ESI helps participant congregations and camps track and reduce energy use and lower their carbon footprint guided by a proven action plan. "First Trinity is in [ESI], and it has been very helpful," said the Rev. Tom Knoll of the D.C. congregation. Details at www.lutheransrestoringcreation.org/Home/project-elca-cuts-carbon-emissions [sic],

May 1-2 at Gettysburg Seminary

A Glocal Event is included in the 2015 Spring Academy Week at Gettysburg Seminary. Don't miss keynote presenters, the Rev. Dr. Barbara R. Rossing and Dr. Charles Amjad-Ali, along with great music and workshops. Register online and learn about the full week at www.ltsg.edu/academics/lifelong-learning/spring-academy.

June 1-3, 8:30 a.m.-5:45 p.m. daily, Virginia Theological Seminary in Richmond, Virg. or via webinar

e-Formation 2015 is an ecumenical conference on ministry in a digital world. Workshops in a "laboratory" design include training-oriented workshops, hands-on clinics with experienced practitioners, big-picture plenary sessions with pioneers in the field, and guided planning time for making strategic steps forward when returning home. More at www.eformationvts.org.

June 15-17 at Catholic University of America in D.C.

The annual Pro Ecclesia Conference, an ecumenical continuing education event sponsored by the Center for Catholic and Evangelical Theology, will focus this year on the upcoming 500th anniversary of Luther's posting the 95 Theses in 1517. "Remembering the Reformation Together: Commemorate? Celebrate? Repent?" will feature a range of speakers and outstanding discussion, including Stanley Hauerwas; Bp. Charles Morerod, OP; Sarah Hinlicky Wilson; and others. The conference is particularly aimed at pastors. More at www.e-ccet.org/conferences.

July 27-29, Retreat & Conference Center at Bon Secours in Marriottsville, Md.

When hosted by the synod in 2013, the Finishing Strong, Ending Well Conference received positive reviews. This summer, the Center for Pastoral Excellence at Christian Theological Seminary (CTS) will offer the workshop for clergy planning to retire from full-time ministry during the next two to ten years. This event will help you make these years a vital, intentional time for culminating your ministry and also a time of exciting preparation for what's next. This experience will include not only your own preparation for the next stage of your life and ministry, it will also help you work and plan effectively with your congregation. More at http://cpx.cts.edu/network/events/2015/02/16/finishing-strong-ending-well-crafting-the-culminating-chapter-of-your-ministry.

Job opportunities

Administrative Assistant with ELCA Bureau for Federal Chaplaincy Ministries, D.C.

Work with ELCA federal chaplaincy, co-located with the Metro D.C. Synod office in the Judiciary Square area, as Administrative Assistant. Find the full position description online. Position becomes available April 1, so act now. This 32 hr/wk position includes full benefits from the ELCA. All applications must be submitted via the ELCA Careers website at www.elca.org/en/Careers/Churchwide-Office-Jobs.

Director for Congregational Support for the ELCA Churchwide organization, Chicago, Ill.

Based in Chicago, the Director for Congregational Support is responsible for directing Churchwide development efforts that provide designated support for congregations in three areas: New and Renewing Congregations, Youth & Young Adult Leadership, and Disability Ministries. The position plays a significant role in the ELCA's comprehensive campaign. At the end of the Campaign, the position will be responsible for only New and Renewing Congregations fund raising initiatives. Full position profile at http://bit.ly/1wzfHSf. Applications (resume and cover letter) and inquiries may be directed, in confidence, to Gaye Lindfors of Significant Solutions, Inc. at Gaye@SignificantSolutionsInc.com.

President/Chief Executive Officer at Wheat Ridge Ministries, Itasca, Ill.

Candidates sought to lead the Wheat Ridge Ministries organization and serves as spokesperson and advocate for the Wheat Ridge mission - "Lutherans seeding new ministries of health and hope in the name of the healing Christ." Wheat Ridge Ministries has helped seed more than 1,900 new health and human service initiatives in 40 states and 40 countries around the world. More at www.wheatridge.org/presidentsearch.

Affiliated benefits

Lifeline Partnership's Annual Awards Luncheon & Celebration of What We Can Do

Sat. Mar. 28, noon-3 p.m.

Many in our community often hear about what they can't do. In honor of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, Lifeline Partnership is taking a day to focus on what we can do. Join the luncheon and celebration. It's a good time, and it's a great way to hear about the organization's programs. More at www.lifelinepartnership.org/.

Expressions of Abundance: Breakfast to Benefit LSS/NCA Children & Families

Tue. May 5, 8-9 a.m. at George Mason University's Arlington Campus

Join a free breakfast and morning of inspiration, hearing miraculous stories of those who have walked through the doors of Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area and into our hearts. RSVP required from http://lssnca.org/news_events/event/2015/05/05/expressions-of-abundance-benefit-breakfast.

Amazing gRace

Sat. May 16

Lutheran Volunteer Corp is hosting Amazing gRace to support LVC placements and volunteer intentional communities. Volunteer for the event, consider being one of the limited teams of participants, or donate to a participant team. On race day, teams of two will compete solve challenges in a series of activities at different placements, congregations and social justice sites around the city. More information available from Sue Gaeta at dc@lutheranvolunteercorps.org.

Is once enough? Repeats

April 11, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., The Villages at Rockville in Rockville, Md.

"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/.

Apr. 17-19, Gettysburg Seminary

"The Weekend" is an experience for those discerning a call to ministry. Participants will be invited to wonder, imagine and learn how God is calling them through worship, small group conversations and a new learning platform called "GETT Talks" (Gather, Education, Tell Transform = TELL). Find full schedule and registration for the low-pressure, low-cost, spirituality-focused event at www.ltsg.edu/theweekend.

Apr. 26, 2-5 p.m., King of Kings Lutheran in Fairfax, Virg.

Shema 2015's theme is "Miracle Threads: Charlotte's Web Lessons in Giving, Friendship and Miracles." A video introducing the synod-wide experience for older elementary-age youth and registration info can be found at www.metrodcelcayouth.org/shema/.

Thu. Apr. 30, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. at Gettysburg Seminary

LSTC's Preaching Perspectives continuing ed resource for preaching will focus on "Preaching from the Heart of the Holy Land: Reaching toward Unity and Peace in Our (?) Broken World." The Rev. Dr. Angela Zimmann will present. More at www.ltsg.edu.

Sat. May 2, 2:30-4:30 p.m., St. Luke Lutheran in Silver Spring, Md.

Lutheran Campus Ministry at the University of Maryland encourages you to save this date for a celebration of the Rev. Elizabeth Platz' 50 years of ministry: "Looking back; Looking forward." Placeholder flyer available.

July 19-23, 2015, in Atlanta, Georgia

The ELCA Worship Jubilee and Association of Lutheran Church Musicians are partnering for "Called to Be a Living Voice," an event bringing together hundreds of pastors, musicians, artists, lay leaders and anyone interested in the worship life of the church from across the whole church. The program will help congregations imagine what their commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation (in 2017) may be like, with a forward-looking, mission-oriented perspective. Participants will also have a chance to provide input to the worship staffs of the ELCA and Augsburg Fortress. More at www.livingvoice2015.org.

July 26-Aug. 1, Gettysburg Seminary

Theological Education with Youth (TEY) offers two one-week summer Academies for high school students to live in an intentional Christian community on the LTSG campus. The Summer Leadership Academy is geared to connect youth with ministry leaders to help shape leadership skills and style to encourage a life of servant leadership. The Summer Theological academy is a worshiping and learning community that gathers for theological exploration and discovery. Learn more at www.theologicaleducationwithyouth.com.

July 30-Aug. 1,Bon Secours Conference Center in Baltimore, Md.

"Transforming Congregations through Spiritual Practice: Creating a Discipleship Community" led by Jessicah Duckworth and Paul Hoffman is an event for pastors, seminarians, educators, musicians and other parish leaders. The North American Association for the Catechumenate, an ecumenical organization, is hosting the 2015 Annual Gathering for those who envision their ministry to be "making disciples for the sake of the world." More at www.catechumenate.org.

Found around

"We pray that God's love and grace would wreck your life." A congregation's benediction, recounted by tweet, emphasizing transformation of life in faith

indicates synod sponsored event.
More at www.metrodcelca.org | @dcsynodelca | facebook.com/metrodcelca | 202-417-3678