CHECK IN September 24, 2015

METRO D.C. SYNOD E-NEWS UPDATE

Reminders

Sat. Oct. 10 at St. Mark's in Springfield, Virg. OR Sat. Oct. 24 at St. Luke's in Silver Spring, Md., 9:30 a.m.-noon

"Growing Church," a workshop to help your congregation connect with new people, is an invigorating opportunity led by the Rev. Phil Hirsch and sponsored by the synod's New and Renewing Missions Table. Expect practical, implementable steps that your congregation can take right away to have a big impact. Leave with a plan customized for your congregation to connect with new people. The workshop is free, but registration is encouraged. Flyer and additional info under the "Events" tab at www.metrodcelca.org.

CHANGE - [original date: Sat. Oct. 17] event to be RESCHEDULED

Details will be shared when the "Missional Communities in Our Synod" workshop is rescheduled.

Sun. Oct. 25, 4 p.m., Washington National Cathedral

The Metro D.C. Synod will again host a Reformation Sunday Worship Service - and all are invited. Let us raise our voices together in the lovely setting of the National Cathedral and grounds. Flyer available on the synod website.

Event notices

Sun. Oct. 4, 11:30 a.m., St. Luke Lutheran in Silver Spring, Md.

"The Connection: Your Faith and Your Health," is a luncheon and presentation by Dr. Dale Matthews, a Virginia physician and author of The Faith Factor: Proof of the Healing Power of Prayer. The event is sponsored by the congregation's Women of the ELCA group. Reservations are requested - register from faithfactoreventbrite.com.

Wed. Oct. 7, 9 a.m.-4:30 pm., Brock Environmental Center in Virginia Beach

The Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy (in which the synod is a partner) and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation are holding their 2nd interfaith summit, "Living Waters: Wading In." The event will include learning on growing a "green team," being a beacon for stewardship, incorporating creation care into worship and more. Details and registration at www.cbf.org/events/other/va/living-waters-summit.

Oct. 9-10, Holiday Inn Patriot in Williamsburg, Virg.

An All Lutheran Women's Retreat (ALWR) is a weekend of Bible study, worship and fellowship. This year's theme, "First Things First," will be explored with Dr. Phyllis Blair Milton. Women of the ELCA and LCMS have jointly planned the event annually and invite local women to attend. Program details and registration at http://alwretreat.wix.com/alwr#registration/c3lu.

Oct. 23 & 24, Prince of Peace Lutheran [LCMS] in Springfield, Virg.

A "Catalyst Discipleship Workshop" is a two-day training in cross-cultural, cross-generational missional disciple making movements led by the Rev. Dr. David Kim, Mission Director for LINC in Houston. Fee is $40 in advance, excluding meals. All are welcome. More at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/catalyst-discipleship-workshop-tickets-17506518468

Oct. 26-29, Gettysburg Seminary

The 2015 Fall Academy and Luther Colloquy of LTSG will explore "Reforming! With the Holy Spirit!" The theme centers on the Holy Spirit, our language about her and promising Lutheran approaches. More information at www.ltsg.edu/academics/lifelong-learning/fall-academy .

Thu. Oct. 29 at the Church at Clarendon in Arlington, Virg. (10 a.m.-2 p.m.) or at St. James' Episcopal in Warrenton, Virg. (6-9 p.m.)

Mitzi Budde, AIM, of the synod roster invites local participation in a workshop titled "Helping Ministers Help Other Ministers," hosted by the Ministering to Ministers Foundation. The workshops are free and for clergy and lay leaders of all denominations. The event is subtitled, "Learning to read the signs of church conflict before it reaches the point of no return." Workshop details and registration information is available at www.mtmfoundation.org.

Nov. 10-12, Buttonwood Lodge at Signal Knob Retreat Center in Strasburg, Virg.

Pre-Advent Reading Days are an opportunity for pastors particularly and lay leaders to take time for preparation and reflection. "We're encouraging congregations to pay for this retreat as a gift," says Angie Covington of Caroline Furnace. Registration and information from carolinefurnace.org on the "Upcoming Events" page.

Is once enough? Repeats

Sat. Sept. 26 (10 a.m.-4 p.m.) & Sun. Sept. 27 (noon-4p.m.), Christ Lutheran Church in D.C.

The congregation on 16th and Gallatin Streets is holding its 36th annual Benefit Yard Sale. Pick up books, records, art, household items and more, and support the 13 beneficiaries listed on their flyer.

Sun. Sept. 27, 4:30-7:30 p.m., Lord of Life Lutheran in Fairfax, Virg.

The College Fair Event organized by Lutheran Educational Conference of North America (LECNA) is an opportunity to expose potential higher education students to several Lutheran colleges and universities. More information available at lutherancolleges.org.

Sat. Oct. 3, 4 p.m., Holy Trinity Lutheran in Falls Church, Virg.

The Fall Organ Concert on the congregation's DiGennaro-Hart pipe organ will feature Stanley J. Thurston performing and directing special guest artists, the Heritage Signature Chorale, in a selection of spirituals. A reception will follow the concert. More at www.htluther.org or FB/HTLuther.

Sun. Oct. 4, 7 p.m., Evangelical Lutheran in Frederick, Md.

AGAPE, the music group featuring Rachel Kurtz and Joe Davis heard at the ELCA Youth Gathering, will perform in a free concert in their RiseUp Tour, with an offering collected to benefit the ELCA Walk for Water campaign. "We are blessed and excited to carry on the energy from the Gathering in Detroit," says an organizer. More at www.twinspires.org/events and www.hiphopoutreach.com/#rise-up-tour .

Oct. 6-8, Caroline Furnace in Fort Valley, Virg.

Renew & Retreat: A Christian Formation Event co-partnered by Caroline Furnace and a committee of the Virginia Synod to support and equip full-time and part-time professional and volunteer Children, Youth and Family Ministry staff. In addition to an educational component, time is included for networking, relaxation, sharing and worship. Presenters include Barbara Harner, Metro D.C. Synod Youth Ministry Team chair, and the Rev. Phyllis Milton. Registration and info at www.carolinefurnace.org/#!upcomingevents/cjlf .

Oct. 10, 9:30 a.m.-noon, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Baltimore, Md.

A Workshop for Treasurers led by the Rev. Dick Goodlin will be offered in the Delaware-Maryland Synod (hosted by their CLAIM urban ministry table), and our leaders are invited. "This seminar will answer many questions that I get in the synod office," says John Handley, our synod treasurer. Topics will include uniqueness of clergy W-2 Forms and other tax and church matters.

Tue. Oct. 13 and ONGOING second Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Mar-Lu-Ridge in Jefferson, Md.

Fall Sojourners Series is continuing at Mar-Lu-Ridge. This season features study of "A Survey of the Lands of the Bible," led by Dr. Mark Vitalis Hoffman. A $30 fee includes lunch. RSVP at mlr@mar-lu-ridge.org or 800-238-9974.

Sun. Oct 18, 3-5 p.m., Memorial Chapel of University of Maryland in College Park

"A Day of Prayers for Peace in the Middle East" is being hosted by the Holy Land Peace Fellowship Foundation (HLPFF). Bishop Graham will be participating. Representatives of the Jewish, Muslim and Christian communities will come together in an atmosphere of prayer for peace in the Middle East in efforts to lead the path toward reconciliation through prayer, fellowship and public service. RSVP at www.hlpff.org/events .

Sun. Oct. 18, 4:30 p.m., First Trinity Lutheran in D.C.

3rd Annual Gifts of Hope Benefit Concert will feature the 18th Street Singers this year. All donations will support the Gifts of Hope organization, an alternative gift-giving opportunity hosted by the synod. More at www.giftsofhpedc.org and FB/DCGOH.

Nov. 6-7, Lutheran Church of the Reformation on Capitol Hill

Martin Luther's take on the structural causes of poverty, and a fresh look at how Luther's work applies to today's challenges, are topics to be addressed by prominent scholars at the Forgotten Luther Symposium presented with financial support from the Metro D.C. Synod and other partners. "For those of you seeking ways your congregation might respond to the challenges of our time, especially poverty, racism and income disparity, the five theologians presenting at 'Forgotten Luther' have something very important to say," adds Bishop Graham. An original musical composition by Paul Levitt, Director of Music, Lutheran Church of the Reformation, and more will also be featured. Registration is now open. More at FB/ForgottenLuther and under the "Events" tab on the synod website.

Dec. 4-6, Northern Virginia 4H Center in Front Royal, Virg.

Chrysalis 2015 is a retreat for 9th through 12th graders, and registration is open. This year's theme is "Both/And People in an Either/Or World." More at www.metrodcelcayouth.org/chrysalis-2015/ . On time registration closes Nov. 4.

Jan. 11-15, 2016, Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center in Carefree, Ariz.

An Executive Skills for Pastors workshop will be held at this ELCA outdoor ministry site, led by faculty from the School of Management at California Lutheran University. The week will offer contemporary management insights especially as they challenge pastors and congregations today. Class closes when enrollee capacity reached.

Mar. 2016, Wittenberg Center in Germany

As members of the Lutheran World Federation, our pastors are invited to participate in the 13th International Seminar on Feb. 27-Mar. 12, 2016 through the Wittenberg Center in Germany. The topic, "The Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, in Luther's Theology," will be led by Prof. Dr. Walter Altmann, Brasil and Prof. Dr. Lubomir Batka, Slovakia. Cross-cultural dialogue with 20 participants will be conducted in English. Find info and nomination/registration forms on the synod website. Return the forms as soon as possible but not later than Nov. 1, 2015.

Found around

"Smell the flower; blow out the candle. Smell the flower; blow out the candle." - Tweeted tip for bustling preschoolers - and all of us some days!

indicates synod sponsored event.
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