Weekly Update
Announcements From Around the Virginia Synod
 From The Bishop: The Danger of Mosquitoes 
This article was written by Bishop James F. Mauney
"Waking up in Chicago this morning, I opened the USA newspaper. It seems that the Zika virus is packing more of a dangerous punch than was previously realized. The title of the article says the virus is "scarier than we thought."
 
Just below the headline is a map of where the virus might be spreading this spring and summer. It goes from Florida to Minnesota, completely covering the commonwealth of Virginia.
 
Now Virginians are going to be doing something just like children in Papua New Guinea, watching very carefully for the sight of mosquitos and listening most intently for the sound of mosquitos. 

$1.9 billion dollars is being requested for combating the mosquito in the U.S.. $50,000 is being requested for the children of the Islands District.  Planes, trucks, research will be launched in an all out effort to vanquish this threat by our U.S. government. We will purchase 5,000 nets for children to hunker under while mosquitos fly above, settle upon, look for overlooked openings.
 
Both are life impairing and even life ending. Our dear president of the Islands District was very slow in responding to us about this project. Normally, he responds within two days, this time, almost four weeks.........he had malaria.
 
Join us in this effort to provide a net that provides some comfort for parents in Papua New Guinea as they tuck their child in for the night. It won't kill the mosquitos; it will just help them to sleep better for a good time to come."


Malaria Sunday is April 24th and we ask that you consider making this Papua New Guinea Malaria Sunday at your church. Raise awareness in your congregation and prayer for our international partners.

We have committed, as a Synod, to providing 5,000 nets for the children of the New Guinea Islands District of Papua New Guinea, which would cost $50,000. April 24th is one step to reaching our goal. Each net only costs $10. Consider rallying your congregation or purchasing two nets yourself for $20. Those two nets could save the lives of two children in Papua New Guinea. 

If you or your church would like to support this goal financially, you or your congregation may donate by checks may be made to the Virginia Synod marked "Mosquito nets for PNG." and mail to Virginia Synod, P.O. Box 70 Salem, VA 24153 or  you can click here to donate online.

Announcements
 If you want to submit an announcement, please  check out the Submission Guidelines and send your submission to [email protected].
Significant Events Form

Each year before Synod Assembly the Virginia Synod Office asks for each congregation to let us know what's happening at your church. Please make sure that someone from your congregation has submitted a significant events for. to the Bishop's Office. 


*If you wish to fill out the form online, you must use Internet Explorer

**If you are printing out the form, please mail to P.O. Box 70, Salem VA, 24153


Synod Assembly is here! June 10-12, 2016 will be our time to get together at Roanoke College as the Virginia Synod to fellowship, learn about the wider church, do business, and learn more about worship. Our keynote speaker this year will be the Rev. Kevin L. Strickland, Director of Worship of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Click the links below for the General Arrangements document that has everything you need for Synod Assembly 2016.

*Youth Assembly participants will be the only people housed on campus. Participants at the Adult Synod Assembly can use our  Salem Area Hotel List  to make reservations.
In the Breaking of the Bread: Lutheran/Episcopal Retreat
Registration deadline is April 18. 
Join clergy and rostered leaders for an ecumenical retreat held May 16-18, 2016, at Shrine Mont Conference Center in Orkney Springs, Virginia.  Participants will 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.


For more information and to  register online, visit: VirginiaLutheranEpiscopal.wordpress.com
Visiting Theologian in Blacksburg, April 30:
Marianne Hieb on Meditative Art-Journaling
Marianne Hieb will serve as Luther Memorial Lutheran Church's  2016 Visiting Theologian in Blacksburg.  Sister Hieb ministers at the Lourdes Wellness Center in Collingswood, NJ, where, for the past 30 years, she has developed and facilitated the Creativity, Spirituality,
and Wellness program.
 
Dr. Hieb will facilitate a workshop, on Saturday, April 30, at Luther Memorial:  Meditative Art-Journaling®:  An Adjunct Prayer Practice and Way of Contemplative Presence.  This workshop will invite participants to use art materials as a way to explore the presence of God.  There will be a morning (9-12) and an afternoon session (12-4); participants may attend either one or both.  Lunch will be served between sessions.  
 
Luther Memorial is located at 600 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg, VA.
This workshop is open to all and free to the public.  All art materials will be provided. 
 
It is requested that participants register by either calling 951-1000 or sending an email to [email protected]
 
For more information: http://www.lmlc.org/visiting-theologian-april-3-and-may-1


Pack The Park for LFSVA
LFS logo new
 
Pack the Park for LFSVA! You can be a superhero for LFSVA at our third Pack the Park event, Saturday, May 21 (Superhero Night!), at Salem Memorial Baseball Stadium. For every $10 ticket we sell, LFSVA gets $5, which will go toward LFSVA's Supported Employment Services that helps individuals with disabilities in the Roanoke area prepare for and find real jobs through job coaching and mentoring. Come support our individuals, their families and our program. Questions? Contact Leah Hatcher at [email protected]. Purchase tickets online at www.lfsva.org.
Job Opportunities
All posts can also be found online at  www.vasynod.org/job-opportunities. If you have job opening you would like posted, email [email protected]
Office Administrator - Bristol, VA
Redeemer Lutheran Church in Bristol, VA is seeking an office administrator to perform general office management, receptionist, clerical, and bookkeeping tasks. This is a part-time position, 16 hours per week; 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM Monday thru Thursday. Some flexibility as to days and hours may be accommodated.

A successful candidate must possess a warm, friendly and professional demeanor. Must be self-motivated with an excellent work ethic and organizational skills, and be able to work independently and as a team player. Familiarity with, and current participation in some faith community is valuable.

Job Requirements
Candidates must have proficiency in office procedures and methods to ensure work flow, knowledge of office computers and software. Microsoft Office Suite required; "Church Windows" accounting software, desktop publishing, Facebook, Twitter, other electronic communication and web page skills a plus. This person must be able to multi-task, be flexible in his/her job and a willingness to learn new software. Attention to detail and the ability to review and streamline processes is essential.

Preferred Qualifications
2 year degree or equivalent experience preferred
Some general accounting knowledge and experience helpful.
Religious office experience a plus
Please send inquiries and/or resumes to: [email protected] 

Nursery Attendant-Chesapeake, VA
Grace Lutheran Church in Chesapeake is seeking a caring and able bodied adult to serve as a part time paid Nursery Attendant.
 
Candidates should have childcare experience, be able to facilitate church provided activities, and maintain a healthy and safe environment in the nursery on Sunday mornings. Hours from September through May are from 8:15am-12:30pm.  Summer hours (June-August) are from 8:15am-11:15pm. First aid and CPR training are desired, and a background check, physical, and TB test are required. Contact Jody Miller at (757)420-4704 or [email protected] for additional information and an application.
Philanthropy Director
National Lutheran Communities & Services is recruiting for a Philanthropy Director in Rockville, Md., at The Village at Rockville-A National Lutheran Community. The Village at Rockville is a CCRC (continuing care retirement community) that offers independent living, short-term rehabilitation, respite, long-term nursing care, hospice, assisted living and memory care As they continue to plan for the needs of future generations, they want talented, caring, servant-hearted individuals who are passionate about their mission to serve seniors. Reporting to the NLCS Chief Philanthropy Officer, the Philanthropy Director is an integral position within the organization, serving as lead in all areas related to philanthropic programs at The Village at Rockville. To learn more and apply, visit https://workforcenow.adp.com/jobs/apply/posting.html?client=nlcscares&ccId=19000101_000001&type=JS&lang=en_US# 

 
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