CHECK IN   February 18, 2016
Event-focused announcements and job notices
updated for our members and friends 
Synod happenings

February in your congregation
Heartwarming #whycamp vignettes have popped up during the synod's "I Love Camp" month on social media. Find weekly inserts, prayers and more under the "Events" tab at www.metrodcelca.org to help your congregation raise awareness, support and participation in the great camps and conference programs possible at Caroline Furnace Lutheran Camp and Retreat Center in Fort Valley, Virg. and Mar-Lu-Ridge Camp and Retreat Center in Jefferson, Md. Consider sharing your own #whycamp experience on social media and see how others describe the camaraderie, nature and enrichment of outdoor ministry celebrating God's creation.
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Sat. Mar. 12, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Hope Lutheran in College Park Md. and
Sat. Mar. 19, 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at St. Marks Lutheran in Springfield, Virg.
"Stewardship: When It Isn't Working" is a workshop being offered twice, planned by the synod's Stewardship & Mission Table. Mike Ward, an ELCA pastor and Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) who works with congregations and church institutions across the country, including our synod, will be presenting. Stewardship basics and insightful best practices implementable in your congregation will be covered. Register under "Events" tab at www.metrodcelca.org/events/stewardship-workshops/ .
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Event notices

Sat. Feb. 20, 7-9:30 p.m. at Holy Trinity Lutheran in Falls Church, Virg.
A night of jazz, coffee and desserts will feature the Dixie Power Trio - a trio of four! - in a family friendly and free (donations accepted) event. Babysitting available. More at www.holytrinityfallschurch.org .

Mar 12 & 18, 9 a.m.-noon, at Redeemer Lutheran (LCMS) in Hyattsville, Md. or
April 23 & 30, 9 a.m.-noon, at Trinity Lutheran in North Bethesda, Md.
"Support U," led by Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area, is normally a 6-week course, but two identical intensive sessions are forthcoming in suburban Maryland. Resources, peer discussion and information for busy people taking increasing responsibility for aging or ill family members will be offered around topics including: Planning ahead, Finding and using resources, Self-care, Family communications, Dementia and chronic illness, and Financial well-being. Open to the public. Discounted tuition is $20/session. Childcare available at Hyattsville location only. Make reservations by calling 202-723-3000, ext. 199, or reserve place for March sessions from http://bit.ly/SupportUSpring or for April sessions from http://bit.ly/SpringLSSCourse .

April 15-18 in D.C.
Ecumenical Advocacy Days is an Annual National Gathering & Congressional Lobby Day. Many Lutherans, including from the ELCA Washington Office, participate. This year's theme is "Lift Every Voice!: Racism, Class & Power." Early-bird registration is still open. More at advocacydays.org .

April 18-21, Galt House Hotel in Louisville, Ky.
The Consortium of Evangelical Networks for Unity will hold its 52nd National Workshop for Christian Unity. The Rev. Tom Prinz alerts local leaders that registration is now open. Plenary speakers include Rita George-Tvrtkovic and Walter E. Grazer, with the Rev. James Forbes serving as theologian in residence. More at http://nwcu.org/.
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Sat. April 30, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Emmanuel Lutheran in Vienna, Virg.
Rescheduled due to weather (referred to by Rich White as "Snowzilla"), 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 go to www.lutheranmen.org/events/buildingmenforChrist .

May 4-7, Doubletree Hotel near BWI
The National Council of Churches will be hosting its annual Christian Unity Gathering. This year's theme is "Fear Not: God's Love in an Anxious Age." Registration is open and details are forthcoming. More at http://nationalcouncilofchurches.us/pages/cug16reg .

June 6-8, Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria
The eformation2016 event is a conference on ministry in a digital world. Beth Lewis of Augsburg Fortress is among the presenters. "We believe culturally savvy, digitally literate leadership skills are essential in every congregation and regional church body" reads an e-Formation community description. Participate in person or via webinar. More at www.eformationvts.org .
Job opportunities

Summer Staff at Mar-Lu-Ridge in Jefferson, Md.
Young people who have gifts that would make them excellent staff members are invited to apply for positions including Traditional Counselor, Program Coordinator, Day Camp Director, Adventure Counselor, Environmental Education Director and Arts and Crafts Director. Staff is asked to commit for 9 weeks, beginning with staff training on June 1. Room and board is included in salary, with hours running Sunday through Friday. Interested persons at least 18 years of age can learn more at www.mar-lu-ridge.org/camp/summer-jobs/ .

Associate Director for Philanthropy for the Fund for Leaders with the ELCA churchwide expression
This position increases the financial support for Fund for Leaders through major and transformational gifts. Working in a team effort and consulting with key leaders, its focus is on strengthening giving to the work of building ELCA Seminary Scholarships and the Endowment for that purpose through the ELCA. Relocation to Chicago may not be required. Profile at http://bit.ly/1L0Sfz7 .

Manager for Donor Relations for the ELCA Campaign with the ELCA churchwide expression
This position secures gift revenue in support of the priority fundraising objectives of the ELCA as outlined in its case statement for "Always Being Made New: The Campaign for the ELCA." It is responsible for identifying, cultivating and soliciting individuals with capacity for leadership gifts to the ministries of the ELCA, and will maintain a portfolio of major donor prospects. Relocation to Chicago may not be required. Profile at http://bit.ly/1KsC9Dz  .
Worth repeating

Sun. Feb. 21, 4 p.m., National Presbyterian Church in NW D.C.
The Concordia Choir and composer and conductor Ren� Clausen will make a tour stop in the D.C. area presented by National Lutheran Communities & Services. The set is titled The Music of Living, which includes works of Bobby McFerrin, Dan Forrest, Aaron Copland and Clausen himself. Tickets available from concordiatickets.com, 800-838-3006 or at the door.
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Feb. 29-Mar. 4, The Roslyn Center in Richmond, Virg.
The Episcopal Diocese of Virginia invites participation in their next Emotional Intelligence and Human Relationships Workshops (EQ-HR). EQ-HR enables participants to learn about, build and practice emotional intelligence skills in a small group setting with skilled facilitators providing tools and feedback to help participants learn about themselves and immediately practice emerging skills. Details and event registration at www.eqhrcenter.org/2015/10/09/february-29-march-4-2016-richmond-va-registration/ .

Sat. Mar. 12, 3 p.m., Living Faith Lutheran in Rockville, Md.
A concert will be given by the U.S. Air Force Langley Winds of the USAF Heritage of America Band at the congregation. It is free and open to the public.

Sun. Apr. 1-3, 4H Center in Front Royal, Virg.
SHEKINAH 2016 is a weekend retreat sponsored by the synod for confirmation age youth. The theme is "Stand," inviting explorations of why and how we do so. Registration deadline is Mar. 4. Details at www.metrodcelcayouth.org .

Sat. Apr. 16, St. Luke Lutheran in Silver Spring, Md.
The Synodical Women's Organization (SWO) Annual Convention will meet with the theme, "I was a stranger..." Issues surrounding immigration and refugees will be a foundation of the time together. Learn more in Joyful News, the newsletter of our SWO, found under the "Publications" tab on the synod website.

Sun. Apr. 24, 2-5 p.m., King of Kings Lutheran in Fairfax, Virg.
SHEMA 2016 is the synod-sponsored event for 3rd-6th graders. The theme is "Everything is Awesome," using the LEGO movie to explore faith lessons. It is a chance for upper elementary youth to join with other Lutheran youth outside of their home for faith-forming activities, fellowship, food and fun. Details at www.metrodcelcayouth.org .

May 16-18, Shrine Mont Conference Center in Orkney Springs, Virg.
"In the Breaking of the Bread: Finding Christ in Full Communion" is a retreat for Lutheran and Episcopal clergy and rostered leaders led by renowned scholarship Gordon Lathrop and Neil Alexander. Coming together in a peaceful setting, retreat participants will share in worship, fellowship and education with one another. Keynote presentations will focus on the impact of the liturgical reform movement and implications for shared ministry The Rev. Scott Ickert notifies us that registration is now open. Learn more at https://virginialutheranepiscopal.wordpress.com/.
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synod sponsored event
indicates synod sponsored event.
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