Headlines: A Note from Lynn Helton, Renewing Congregations, Youth Gathering Update, Inclusiveness Network, and so much more.
Joining neighbors, serving boldly, loving all, through Christ.
The South Carolina Lutheran eNews
A Parting Note from Lynn Helton
By Lynn Helton
  
Easter has always been a time of New Beginnings.
  
I can't truly say 'thank you' enough for the past 13 years of such a blessed experience working among the People of God in the SC Synod. Every day I've seen the Hand of God at work in our midst and throughout the world. I've also had a wonderful time greeting, meeting, serving, and getting to know so many people in this synod and will truly miss the laughter and the work we have had together.
  
Thankfully, this new chapter in my life will not require that I leave Lexington so I hope and pray to continue seeing you in other locations and settings throughout South Carolina.
  
As I thank God for your friendship and support these past years and wish you many blessings, please know you can reach me at my new email address, [email protected].
  
May God provide you many New Beginnings this Easter Season!
Renewing Congregations
By Rev. Chris Stoxen, Grace, Rock Hill
  
It seems as though one does not have to watch TV for very long before an individual is singled out for a complete "makeover" usually to the delight of the person and their family and friends. If it is not an individual undergoing the "makeover" it is someone's home, particular room or patio. The transformations are usually amazing!
  
How about our particular congregation, is it ready for a "makeover" of one type or another? Are we stuck in a 'rut' doing the same thing without reaching beyond our doors? Congregational renewal is a biblical journey in which a congregation deepens its understanding of the work of God, expands its practice on the work in the world, and is inspired to share with others the beauty of the world. It is a process to help us engage in God's mission both locally and globally. In other words, renewal is the process that probably all of us need and what our faith is asking us to do.
  
In our ELCA, we say that we are a church deeply rooted while at the same time we are Always Being Made New. If we believe this then we should constantly be thinking of 'renewal' in one way or the other. Now is the time for a makeover! The 'Campaign for the ELCA: Always Being Made New' has designated a goal of $8 million for "Renewing Congregations." This money will be used to assist congregations in their renewal efforts to create communities of faith that are growing, vibrant and diverse. Please join with us in this effort.
  
Let us pray: Lord God, we pray for renewal and may it begin within our own hearts. As we experience the Resurrection excitement, may we be equipped to spread your good news of love and forgiveness to a hurting world. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
  
For more information on the campaign, contact Pastor Chris Stoxen at 803-324-5295, [email protected] or visit www.elca.org/Campaign-for-the-ELCA.
ELCA Youth Gathering Update
By Susan Jackson, South Carolina Gathering Synod Coordinator
  
Transportation: Primary Leaders received an e-mail requesting they log into their account and complete the new Transportation information section (under Congregation Details) by April 15th.
  
Primary Leaders are encouraged to share photos of their congregation's "Our Call in Detroit" and "Our Call at Home" lists on the Gathering Facebook wall! #RiseUpELCA
  
Lesson four of the Getting Ready Materials is now found here. Past issues of the Getting Ready materials and Gathering News are available in the Resources section.
  
Mission Investment Fund provides $30,000 for books for Detroit - help us raise $70,000 more!!
According to a National Adult Literacy Survey, 47 percent of Detroiters are functionally illiterate, and reading test scores for Detroit students reflect poor reading skills as well. A number of factors contribute to this, including economic disparity and the lack of quality educational offerings. The ELCA Youth Gathering is partnering with Scholastic to do our small part to provide Detroit children and youth with access to quality educational materials. The Gathering has a goal to provide at least $100,000 in Scholastic summer reading book packets for Detroit students. Our partner, the Mission Investment Fund, a financial ministry of the ELCA, has offered a lead gift of $30,000 for Scholastic summer reading books for Detroit students. Books are organized in packets and each packet costs $25. Recipients receive books that Detroit teachers have identified as key to curriculum in the year ahead. Now you, your family, congregation or synod can help the Gathering provide summer reading books for Detroit. Will you join us and help close the reading achievement gap in Detroit? To make a gift to help us reach our $70,000 goal, click here. You can also give via the Gathering App. To learn more about the Mission Investment Fund, visit www.mif.elca.org.
  
Find out more about Giving Opportunities for both Gathering participants and congregations here.
Inclusiveness Network
By Mark Buchan, Christ the King, Columbia
  
In her recent letter and video message to the church, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton calls on all Americans to learn to talk about race and racism in "honest and constructive ways." She goes on to offer a list of resources to help congregations engage in this "important conversation." The South Carolina Synod Inclusive Network would like to add to this list our own workshop, Talking Together: Embracing Diversity in our Communities. Developed with a mandate from the 2009 SC Synod Assembly and in partnership with the ELCA and Everyday Democracy, Talking Together... is designed to be brought to your congregation and facilitated by trained members of the Inclusiveness Network. If you would like to host one of our workshops or learn more about Talking Together..., please visit us at our link http://scsynod.com/index.php?page=Inclusiveness on the synod web site or contact Rev. Mark Buchan at [email protected] (h) 803-931-3083.
  
Growing into Wellness
By Ashley Hoffman, Fitness and Wellness Supervisor, The Heritage at Lowman
  
The Heritage at Lowman Health Fair
"Growing Into Wellness"
Tuesday, May 19, 2015 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
  
Join us for a day dedicated to health, wellness, and feeling fit. Community healthcare organizations and specialists will be on-site to answer all your questions and provide valuable information. Pharmaceutical Q&A, free chair massages, and healthy food will all be available for no cost throughout the day. BeWell Fit demonstrations such as Tai Chi, Functional Fitness, and healthy cooking demonstrations will be presented throughout the day. Bring your friends and family as we learn how to stay healthy! Door prizes will be given out throughout the day. You even will have the chance to win a free month's membership to our Wellness Center!
  
Blood sugar, Prostate Specific Antigen, BMI, and %Body Fat Assessments are available FOR FREE beginning at 10:00 am. Please contact 803-451-7417 to schedule your appointment.
  
The Health & Wellness Fair will be held at the Wellness Center at the Heritage at Lowman located at 2101 Dutch Fork Road, Chapin, SC 29036. For more information, contact Ashley Hoffman at 803-451-7417 or [email protected].
Synod Assembly Registration is Up and Running
Spartanburg Marriott
299 North Church Street
Spartanburg, SC 29306
864-596-1211
Registration is now open for the 2015 South Carolina Synod Assembly which will be held at the Spartanburg Marriott. The Assembly starts on Thursday, May 28 at 1:15 p.m. and runs through Saturday, May 30 at Noon.
  
Need to know many voting members your congregation is eligible to send? Click here. If your congregation is not listed, it means that we are still waiting for your annual report. Reports were due by February 15th. Thank you to all who have completed and submitted them already.
  
Tidbits
Check out our progress toward 2%
Want to see how our synod is stacking up against the other 64 synods in terms of health assessment participation? Check out Portico Benefit Services' Progress Toward 2% stats at employerlink.porticobenefits.org.
  
Rev. Jackie Utley (Ascension, Columbia) Featured on Living Lutheran
How Jackie got "Lutheranized" is one of the feature stories on Living Lutheran a website, from our churchwide expression, that is filled with "Lively Engagement in Faith & Life."
  
Presiding Bishop Eaton's Article in The Lutheran
Do we assume Jesus? In her April column for The Lutheran, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton reminds us that the best thing about the church is Jesus. But she wonders if we have lost the language to speak about God's love. After all, telling about God's love is more important than creating programs, attracting young people and paying for the boiler.
  
Operation InAsMuch
On April 18th, come together in your congregations, leave the pews, and go out into the neighborhoods to help those in need. If you will be participating in this year's Operation InAsMuch, please have your team leader contact Margaret Hill ([email protected] or 803-422-1826). Once operation InAsMuch is over send your summary report to Margaret Hill. Submit your report by May 24th.
Help Wanted
ELCA Mission Advancement has two position openings.
  
Associate Editor
Develop, write, edit and manage editorial materials for periodicals, online publications and blogs as well as specific types of coverage and specific department pages and contribute to news pages, cover stories, newsletters and eblasts.
  
Manager of Digital Media Strategy
The Manager, Digital Media Strategy is responsible for developing and implementing strategies and providing day-to-day maintenance for all ELCA web platforms (ELCA.org, microsites and blogs), managing and directing video production, and overseeing the design, build and implementation for e-mail campaigns. Supervises four staff in web design, mass email production and video production.
...And a Time to Laugh
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