Companion Synod Sunday is an annual opportunity to celebrate ties shared with the Metro D.C. Synod. On Sunday January 31, we will celebrate our ties with synods of the Lutheran church in Namibia. Our Global Missions Team has prepared Sunday School lesson ideas, photo array and more to help your congregation observe this beneficial bonds.

In conjunction with Companion Synod Sunday, a "Namibian Summer Sundae" celebration is being planned by the synod's Global Missions Team. It may be wintertime locally in January, but its hot weather in Namibia - so enjoy something cool and learn about our Companion Synod and the 1,300 children who live at youth hostels operated by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Republic of Namibia. The event is free, but donations are welcome to support Friends of Namibian Children. A bulletin insert and RSVP directions are available.

The ninth annual joint simulcast Christmas service with the people of Bethlehem will take place locally at Washington National Cathedral and remotely at the Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church in Bethlehem. Bishop Graham will be among participants. Watch online from YouTube.com/WNCathedral or attend in person.

The Sojourners Connect series will begin its next session exploring "Rediscovering the Offense: Luke as Subversive Storyteller," led by Dr. Rick Carlson. The series continues on the 2nd Tuesday of the month through April (with the exception of the substitution of Mar. 1). Lunch is served. CEUs available. Reserve attendance with Sarah Lefler at sarah@mar-lu-ridge.org or 301-874-5574.

The second live webcast on the topic of racism will take place next month. "Confronting Racism: A Holy Yearning" will again feature the Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, ELCA presiding bishop, and William B. Horne II, former ELCA Church Council member. Among the topics, the January webcast will raise the question of the racial disparity in the U.S criminal justice system underscore the denomination's declaration to name racism as a sin. Details at https://elca.org/webcast .

Gettysburg Seminary will have an on-site viewing of the webcast and offer all aspects of "Listen for Change; Sacred Conversations for Racial Justice," a conference broadcast live from Trinity Lutheran Church in New York City. The conference is part of the Trinity institute series which brings action-oriented theologians and thought leaders together, in 2016 including Nicholas Kristof, Anna Deavere Smith and Emilie. Townes. Registration is open through Jan. 15. Find details on the flyer and from www.lss-elca.org/blog/save-the-date , the website of the Lower Susquehanna Synod which is one of the event's cosponsors.

Rescheduled from an earlier date, Lutheran Men in Mission will hold a Building Men for Christ workshop designed to help congregations increase the participation of men by creating an intentional ministry for men. For full details contact Brad Reed at breed@lfjennings.com. To register, go to www.lutheranmen.org/events/buildingmenforChrist .

Clergy and rostered leaders of Lutheran and Episcopal churches are jointly invited to retreat, themed "In the Breaking of the Bread: Finding Christ in Full Communion. " The ELCA Virginia Synod and three diocese of The Episcopal Church are planning the event along with the Metro D.C. Synod. Renowned scholars Gordon Lathrop and Neil Alexander will give keynote presentations.

An annual ELCA tradition has taken hold. Put "'God's work. Our hands.' Sunday" on your congregation's 2016 calendar and start brainstorming ways to observe an ELCA-wide day of service.

A Youth Coordinator is needed to lead programs two Sundays in a month and attend regular worship once per month with the youth program of Oromo Evangelical Lutheran Church. "One of the primary responsibilities of the church is to do what it can to keep the young in the church, teaching them the Word of God so that they can grow with it and pass it on," states the position description from the congregation which meets in Grace Lutheran on 16th Street in D.C. For more information or to apply, contact Tufa Abate at tufaabate@aol.com.

An Administrative Assistant is sought to carry out general office functions will providing a cheerful and organized atmosphere for all who enter or contact the church, meeting needs of staff, guests, volunteers and congregants with care and discretion. At least one-year experience in administration, excellent communication and multi-tasking skills required, and familiarity with Lutheran church structure and worship preferable. Access full job description and application process from http://hopecp.org/ .

The Deaconess Community holds an annual J-term course for those discerning a call to ministry who may wonder about the "diakonia." "Diaconal Ministry: History, Formation and Spirituality," is offered through Luther Seminary. The Deaconess Community pays student tuition. More information available at deaconesscommunity.org/j-term .

Musical artists Agape and Rachel Kurtz will make a stop locally on the "Walk for Water Tour," an evening of singing, dancing and storytelling. Started at the 2015 ELCA Youth Gathering, the campaign's goal is to raise $500,000 for ECA World Hunger water projects. Admission is free; freewill offering goes to the campaign.

Youth ministry leaders are invited to join Agape musician David Scherer for "Youth Ministry 102: Enabling Youth to Use Their Gifts in Worship." RSVP to Barbara Harner at barbaraharner@me.com or 240-354-1999.

"Worship: Beyond Style" is a learning event including workshops by Susan Briehl, Jonathan Rundman and Kyle Schiefelbein. Learn more at www.plts.edu/week-of-renewal.

Two courses in the ELCA seminary's "Praxis: Lifelong Education for Faith and Practice" series are starting in the new year. "Responding to God's Call: Racism, Injustice and the Church" will be taught by Prof. Jeremy Rehwaldt. "The Good News According to Luke Today" will be taught by Prof. Eric Barreto. Learn more at www.plts.edu/praxis .

Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy (VICPP) is hosting its annual Day for All People. Tickets to attend the day-long advocacy event are $30 excluding transportation. The Metro D.C. Synod is a VICPP partner. Register and learn more at https://actionnetwork.org/forms/vicpp-2016-day-for-all-people-registration-form .

"Youth Ministry Network Extravaganza 2016: Wonder" is an annual conference that brings together 500-750 professional and volunteer adults who work with youth in ELCA congregations. Learn more at http://elcaymnet.org/e2016 .