Time for the annual synod-hosted Reformation Sunday Worship Service! It will begin at 4 p.m. at the National Cathedral. All are invited. Parking available.

TODAY, Sept. 15, 8-8:45 p.m. EDT
Tue. Sept. 20, 10:30 a.m., webinar and at the Franciscan Monastery in NE D.C.
Mon. Sept.  26, Richmond, Virg.
Tue. Sept. 27, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Newseum in NW D.C.
Sept. 27-29, Union Presbyterian Seminary, Richmond, Virg.
Sat. Oct. 8, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Epiphany Lutheran in Richmond, Virg.

Sat. Nov. 5, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Wesley Theological Seminary in D.C.
Dec. 2-4, Northern Virginia 4H Center, Front Royal, Virg.

Jan. 20-23, 2017, Galt House Hotel, Louisville, Ky.

Visit the Rhine Valley, Eisenach, Erfurt, Eisleben, Wittenberg, Berlin Dresden, Leipzig, Nuremberg, Augsburg and Munich. Contact the Rev Lynn Miller for more information at pastorlynnmiller@kofk.org .

The "Room for Hope Festival" is brought to our attention by the synod's Middle East Working Group. Inspiring guests are on hand, including the Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb, Senior pastor of Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church in Bethlehem, to highlight the unique, rich and vibrant culture of the Holy Land. Art displays, presentation (Monday at St. Mark's Episcopal in D.C.), webinar (Tuesday from Franciscan Monastery in D.C.), cultural showcase (Wednesday at Ravensworth Baptist in Annandale), Panel discussion of "The Situation of Palestinian Christians in the Aftermath of the Arab Spring and Upcoming U.S. Presidential Elections" (Thursday at National Press Club in D.C.) and Concert (Thursday at Faith Lutheran in Arlington) are among the opportunities. Festival information available at www.brightstarsbethlehem.org. To RSVP to an event, visit roomforhope2016.eventbrite.com .

Next in the Magnify Concert Series will be Griff Kazmiersczak, jazz trumpeter and violinist who is a Strathmore Artist in Residence. Reserve your free ticket by calling 301-354-8437. Forthcoming concerts are scheduled on Sun. Oct. 23 at 3 p.m. and Thu. Nov. 17 at 6:30 p.m.

The synod's Youth Ministry Team is coordinating Youth Ministry 101, a time to (re)connect with other adults who are doing youth ministry in the Metro D.C. Synod. Vicar Chris Schaefer will lead a time of reflection and sharing. Bring something that's helped you (book, game, service idea) that you can share with others.

Debbie Streicher, president of the Christian Education Network of the ELCA, is the presenter for "Renew & Retreat: A Christian Formation Retreat," a retreat for those who either work full-time, part-time or volunteer in Children, Youth and Family Ministry. In addition to worship and sharing time, Streicher will discuss steps needed to immerse our children and youth in faith and creating meaningful milestones, moments that make a difference as they support children, youth and families of all ages in their faith journey.  

Registration is open for "We Are Church Together - Region 8 Networks for Mission Gathering." Goals for the event include engaging and encouraging networks to become familiar with the work and 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. Through large-group sessions, skill workshops and strategic sharing with participating ELCA ministries and networks, you can return to your congregation and community reenergized and ready to better coordinate and collaborate for mission and ministry in the midst of a changing church. Register here by Sept. 21.

"Radical Disciple Making" is a conference brought to our attention by the synod's New & Renewing Missions Table. It takes more than just good intentions to lead your leaders into effective discipleship. Conference leaders share the platform to share what it takes to become a radical disciple making church. Registration and other details at http://radicaldisciplemaking.com/ .

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.