The TIM team has decided not to host a Together in Mission event this year. "There were many factors in this decision," say organizers, "but we're hopeful that there may be the availability to bring you great ideas in the years to come."

Mon. May 2, 7 p.m., Lutheran Church of the Reformation in D.C.

Vespers & Reception with Bishop Gamxamub offering a homily.

Wed. May 4, 9:30 a.m. at St. Mark's Lutheran in Springfield, Virg.

Devotions & Talk during Fairfax Conference Meeting, RSVP required to the Rev. Albert Triolo: [email protected].

Wed. May 4, 6:30 p.m. at St. Matthew's Lutheran in Lake Ridge, Virg.

Reception & Hymn Sing gives an opportunity to share praise with our guests, especially Bishop //Gamxamub who is known for his lovely voice.

The deadline to request Visual Display Space at the 2016 Metro D.C. Synod Assembly on June 16th is approaching. Although the traditional display area will not be available, learn more about the alternative and find the application form at www.metrodcelca.org/events/synod-assembly/ .
ALSO: Registration is now open for the June 16th Metro D.C. Synod Assembly.

The Region 8 Networks for Mission event continues to take shape under the theme "We Are Church Together." Goals for the event include engaging and encouraging networks to become familiar with the work ad people of other networks (such as ELCA Global Mission, ELCA Mission Interpreters, ELCA Synod and Congregation Communicators, ELCA World Hunger, Luther Disaster Response and Synod Stewardship) and opportunities to learn about these networks. Additional information and registration instructions are expected in the next months.

Two seminars through The Church Network's Church Business Administration certification can be taken separately this spring. On May 5, "Communication Issues" with Ken Garfield is offered. On May 19, "Strategic Planning" with Ken McFayden is offered. Visit the Continuing Education page for more information. Additional certification courses will be offered this summer.

The Lutheran Episcopal Joint Committee of Virginia has extended the registration deadline for "In the Breaking of the Bread: Finding Christ in Full Communion." This event is an opportunity for participants to gain working knowledge of The Book of Common Prayer and Evangelical Lutheran Worship, and how to use them to preside with instruction from renowned scholars. Learning and fellowship with national ecumenical officers, bishops, deployment officers, synod staff and full communion clergy partners in your area will equip you for shared ministries of word and sacrament. Registration and more info online.

"Avoiding Burnout: Maintaining Healthy Ministry/Nonprofit Leaders" is a webinar offered by the Wheat Ridge Ministries Starting Smart series. This session will explore simple things that can make a significant impact on health and ability to serve. Presenter is Mark Schoepp, Director of Congregational Engagement for Wheat Ridge Ministries. More at www.wheatridge.org/startingsmart .

"Support U Seminars: A Crash Course for families with aging loved-ones" will again be offered by Lutheran Social Services on the National Capital Area. The Support U classes are developed by an expert geriatric social workers and designed to support persons who have assumed responsibility for aging or ill loved-ones. Session topics include planning ahead, self-care, family dynamics and communication, dealing with dementia and chronic illness, and financial well-being.

The ELCA is hosting a StewardTalks conference call with author John Herman based on his book, "Imagine a New Economy: Biblical Reflections on Money and Possessions." This is a new opportunity for conversation with authors through a national conference call. Simply call 877-820-7831 and enter the participant passcode 6314685#. The format is 30 minutes of informal conversation with the author, and 30 minutes for questions.

The ELCA worship team is planning "Strong Center - Open Door: Engaging Lutheran Worship Today" at three locations in the country. Nearest us is the Lansdale event in November. In this 10th anniversary year of the publication of Evangelical Lutheran Worship (ELW), you are invited to attend an event focused on Lutheran worship in our current context, both for those who know the treasurers of ELW well and for those engaging the resource for the first time. Core principles of worship will be explored, plus worship, singing, networking "creative brain-sailing," and more. See www.elca.org/worship for additional details.