Alternate voting members As your congregation elects and registers voting members for Synod Assembly, we encourage you to also register alternate voting members. Having an alternate voting member registered will allow you swap their name in in case another voting member is unable to attend for any reason. Alternate voting member registrations are free (unless they will still attend as a visitor). All voting member registration--including alternates--will close on May 10. If you have any questions, contact Rebekah Thornhill. |
"We wouldn't have what we have without you." The village of Mastic Beach was one of many communities along the south shore of Long Island to take the brunt of Superstorm Sandy. Read about how many volunteer groups came from New York and around the country to help on the Disaster Relief blog. "We wouldn't have what we have without you," said one staff member. Volunteer opportunities abound in Long Island and New York City. Check out the Disaster Relief webpage for ways you and your congregation can help.
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Stewardship education grants available
Stewardship of Life Institute (SOLI) is requesting grant proposals from ELCA seminaries, synods, congregations and other ministries for projects, workshops or events that encourage stewardship growth. Proposals of primary interest will be those which assist in seminarian education or first call theological education. Proposals that assist in stewardship leadership education among laity and clergy will also be considered, and those that involve collaboration between groups of congregations or ministries within the ELCA will be viewed favorably. Learn more here.
A call to peace and prayer for Ukraine
"We have watched with dismay, along with the rest of the world, as tensions rise and peace is jeopardized in Ukraine," wrote Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, along with other Christian leaders, in a statement released March 5. "We call on all of those involved--whether governments, movements, or individuals--to repent of aggression and violence, and turn instead to the way of peace through dialogue. We also call upon the faithful people of our churches to pray throughout the season of Lent for wisdom, peace, and justice to prevail in Ukraine." Read the letter here.
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"Wrestling with Tradition" forum
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Building an Inclusive Church Building an Inclusive Church training will equip you and your congregation with ways to intentionally welcome people of all gender identities and sexual orientations. Grounded in scripture and discipleship, this training allows you to explore your own Christian call to hospitality and evangelism. This training is for those in the welcoming process, thinking about starting, or who just would like more information. The training will be April 11-12 in Scarsdale. Find more information here. |
Sustainable Youth Ministry
In the world of youth ministry, there are a handful of constant factors that thrive over the long haul. A presentation by Mark DeVries on April 2 at the next Youth Ministry Now lecture will introduce those factors and offer a strategic design for instilling these foundational patterns into the fabric of any youth ministry, regardless of its model. Learn more here. The Child Youth and Family Ministry Network recommends this series of free luncheons and lectures for pastors and youth ministry leaders.
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- Pr. Stephanie Pope was called as pastor of St. Andrew, Bristol, CT (New England Synod) on March 2. She begins on April 5.
- Pr. John Havrilla resigned as pastor of Good Shepherd, Pearl River, effective August 31.
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