No eNews next week
There will be no regularly scheduled eNews next week as the office will be closed from December 24, 2015 until we reopen on Monday, January 4, 2016.
IRS Announces 2016 Mileage Rates
The Internal Revenue Service has issued its 2016 optional standard mileage rates. Due to falling gas prices, mileage reimbursement rates have dropped to their lowest amount in the past five years. The rate for 2016 is $.54.
Congregational Reports
Forms A and C are used to compile data on membership, Christian education and financial information, among other things. The resulting trend reports can be useful tools for congregations, synods and the whole ELCA. Congregations are asked to fill out these important forms as soon as possible in the new year.
2016 Synod Council Meeting Schedule
February 22, 12:00 p.m., Synod Office
April 25, 12:00 p.m., Synod Office
June 24-25, Council Retreat, TBA
September 12, 12:00 p.m., Synod Office
2016 Office Closure Schedule
January 1 - New Year's Day
January 18 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
February 15 - President's Day
March 28 - Easter Monday
May 30 - Memorial Day
July 4 - Independence Day
September 5 - Labor Day
November 24 - Thanksgiving
December 24 - 29 - Christmas/New Year's
It's not too early to think about Synod Assembly
The next synod assembly is June 9-11 at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. Remember all resolutions of a theological nature or regarding social statements to be proposed to the assembly must be turned in by May 25, 2016 at Noon according to the constitution. Remember, it is important to choose your voting members for synod assembly early. Voting members are encouraged to
join the eNews list to stay informed of updates and news regarding the assembly.
Community Epiphany Service
Mt. Hermon Lutheran Church is hosting the annual Community Epiphany Service on Wednesday, January 6, beginning at 7:00pm in the Sanctuary. The service is a celebration to the conclusion of the Christmas season with a candlelight Service of Lessons and Carols featuring The Palmetto Mastersingers. A reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall. Everyone is invited. Mt. Hermon is located at 3011 Leaphart Road, West Columbia, SC 803-794-6430 or 803-920-4087
Say no to clutter
Say no to clutter. Think about "Starting fresh" this new year with less clutter. In The Lutheran's January issue, readers tell what they've tossed-and how cleaning has revived mission. Ask, "Who wants our hymnals?" Get tips from a pro. And see how an author responds to the question: "Do you really think I want to live this way?" To help your discussion of this cover story, visit
www.thelutheran.org and click on "Study guides" on the left-hand side.
Save the Date
LTSS is hosting its annual scholarship weekend, an introduction to seminary life, Feb. 26 and 27. If you are contemplating seminary or know someone who is considering seminary for the Fall 2016 term or the Spring 2017 term, this is the event to attend! Prospective students will interview with the administration, faculty and enrollment staff for the largest scholarships the seminary has to award. One of the largest challenges about seminary is being able to afford it. This event can help reduce this obstacle. To get an invitation to register, send a completed enrollment application by Feb. 1, along with official transcripts, pastor reference, lay-person reference, academic reference, essay and candidacy information/ecclesiastical endorsement. Questions? Contact
Kohl Friery, O: 803-461-3296, C: 828-358-6277.
Lutheran Ethicists' Gathering
Register now for "Security and Vulnerability in the Light of Global Realities: Living in the Shadow of Empire," this year's Lutheran Ethicists' Gathering. (Registration ends December 30, 2014.) This event of the ELCA's Theological Discernment Team (January 6 & 7, 2015 at the Fairmont Royal York, Toronto, Canada) annually brings together ethically attentive Christians whether ethicists, pastors, chaplains, teachers, or lay people. This year's program features Canadian perspectives on security and vulnerability.
Help Wanted: Full-time Director of Faith Formation--Holy Cross, Athens, Northeast Georgia
The primary purpose of this position is to contribute to the formation of the spiritual lives of children, youth and adults by planning, implementing, and overseeing faith formation ministries for persons of all ages. In particular, the DFF is expected to support and strengthen the children's and youth ministry, maintain a strong small group ministry, and develop a senior adult ministry. -- The successful candidate can maintain highly professional organized programming and events, has a college degree (preferrably with some iblical studies), a minimum of three years of ministry experience or a degree in Christian Education, and extensive volunteer experience or equivalent. Knowledge and understanding of special needs is a plus, as is familiarity with social media and ability to work with multiple technologies.
Help Wanted: Full-time Director of Faith Formation--Holy Cross, Athens, Northeast Georgia
The PA/M serves as the "go-to" person for all administrative and worship logistics matters, supports the pastor and program staff, and manages individuals, teams, outside vendors, subordinate staff, and some projects. He or she also manages the database system (ACS), assures the production and distribution of all current electronic and social media (Website, E-news, and Facebook),and explores the use of blogs, Twitter, Instagram, and other emerging media. The successful candidate will be self-motivated; highly organized;personable; skilled in recruiting and coaching volunteers; able to work alone as well as in partnership with supervisors, other staff members, and volunteers; familiar with formal and informal lines of authority and communication in a non-profitor volunteer-based organization; skilled in using social media and the ACS datbase system; experienced in successfully delegating assignments; and have flexible availability as some weekend work may be required.