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| Announcements From Around the Virginia Synod |
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By God's Grace: This is Most Certainly True!
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The annual conference Power in the Spirit took place just last week on the campus of Roanoke College in Salem from July 14-16. Together attendees from across the state gathered to explore God's call to service through joyous worship, Bible study, keynote addresses, workshops, and fellowship. This year's theme-
By God's Grace: This is Most Certainly True dwelled in the mysteries of God's grace, guided by powerful insights of Martin Luther's Small Catechism.
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Keynote Speaker, Musician, and Bible Leader Presented messages of Grace
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Dr. Kit Kleinhans, a Luther expert from Wartburg College;
the Rt. Rev. Ted Gulick, an Episcopal Bishop; and
Jonathan Rundman, a talented musician and worship leader all joined in Power in the Spirit, guiding participants as they experienced the certain truth of God's grace.
Kit Kleinhans in her keynote speech focused on Luther's explanation of the Ten commandments, and contextualizing what they mean for our lives today, "Living with the goal of helping others makes it much easier to keep the commandments." Kleinhans said in her keynote address on Thursday.
Rt. Rev. Ted Gulick led the Power in the Spirit Bible study touching on grace, bondage and freedom. In one portion of his bible study he brought forward the healing of Jairus' Daughter at Capernaum and shared the ideal that #GirlsLivesMatter. He also very powerfully connected the image of grace running to where the need is, and how police officers did just that in Dallas, Texas. Across his Bible study, Bishop Gulick connected what was studied to most recent events, and the pain our nation has faced these past few weeks.
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Elizabeth Smythe, following eleven years of outstanding service, will be stepping back from her position as Power in the Spirit Coordinator. Taking on this critical role is
Rev. David Drebes, pastor at Prince of Peace in Basye, Virginia.
For Pastor Drebes this is a challenging but exciting new role for him to take on. In it he brings a new perspective on what Power in the Spirit can achieve, while still maintaining the heart and soul Elizabeth has cultivated in her eleven years as coordinator. As 'Poohbah in Training' Rev. Drebes oversaw one significant addition to the event this year, "This is the first year that we're providing alternative activities during the keynote and bible study for children, so that's a big change, but an exciting one for us."
Sending off Elizabeth Smythe with high praises, attendees of Power in the Spirit wrote and collected thank you note for her. In addition Elizabeth was presented with a beautiful work of stained glass, as well as a donation to the Mike Smythe Scholarship. |
The Virginia Synod wants to express it's great thanks to Elizabeth for her many years of service in this role, and the great joy and laughter she brought forth while serving.
We would also like to warmly welcome Rev. David Drebes into this exciting position, and wish him the most success as he begins planning for next year's Power in the Spirit!
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Mission Project Micah's Backpack: Feeding Our Children
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The service project for this year's Power in the Spirit was focused on supporting Micah's Backpack at Roanoke College. The project, managed by the Chaplain's Office at Roanoke College, aims to provide direct food assistance for children from low-income families.
Together attendees of Power in the Spirit worked to decorate backpacks for children, as well as to pack food into bags to later be delivered by Roanoke College students to schools in the Salem area. The backpacks were blessed by
Rev. Harvey Atkinson during the Saturday closing worship.
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New this year at Power in the Spirit was Kidz Zone workshop sessions that were designed specifically for families with kids and teens. This addition was full of faith and fun as young attendees learned about the gifts of Communion and Baptism, showed off their art talents by decorating backpacks for the service project, and participated in evening activities like movie night.
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Concurrent Session Feature: Millennials and the Church
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Workshops across Power in the Spirit provided wonderful conversation, and food for thought that will last far beyond the event. One standout session during the event was Millennials and the Church: Reaching Out to the Largest Generation, held by
Rev. Canon Connor Gwin, Canon Missioner for Youth and Young Adults, Episcopal Diocese of Southwestern Virginia.
During this workshop millennials and older demographics met to bridge the divide that can exist between generations. Rev. Canon Gwin's provided perspective on millennials and context for their difference in world view. The differences in age groups was most evident when looking at a timeline of major events falling between 1980-2016, showing how life events during this time period have shaped this new generations thinking and attitudes towards the world, and in turn the church.
The entire session encouraged an attitude of understanding when working with those younger and older than us, as we all try and live and learn in Christ as one.
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Help with West Virginia Flood Recovery Efforts.
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Recovery efforts are underway in West Virginia
as families and communities attempt to deal with the
flooding
which devastated the area.
If you would like to help, you can make a gift through the
Lutheran Disaster Response
There is also great need for disaster relief volunteers to aid in the recovery efforts. Working with Community Lutheran Partners, there are some steps you and your congregation can take to help with West Virginia flood recovery efforts:
Update your tetnus shot if it has been more than 10 years
Log onto
clp-online.org to download volunteer forms (found in volunteer link at the top of the page
Once you have completed these steps, Sherri will work with you to find a site that fits your skill sets.
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60th Anniversary Celebration at Lutherock-Aug 19-21
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Come celebrate 60 years of ministry at Lutherock Lutheran Camp and Conference with us! Join us for a day or weekend of celebration and reconnecting with your brothers and sisters in Christ. The weekend will be full of fun camp activities such as: ice cream making, skits and songs around the campfire, hiking on the property, climbing the Challenge Tower, zipping off the ropes course and so much more! Overnight accommodations are based on availability and require pre-registration. Space is limited, so register early!
Enjoy picnic lunch, recognitions and day activities: Free will offering and does not require pre-registration.
Tent camping: $10/person or $20/per family each night
Moretz Lodge, Cabin Village, Founder's Lodge, or Stone Lodge: $20/person or $40/family each night
Crow's Nest: $30/person or $50/family each night
Rates include meals, lodging and programming for the weekend!
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Volunteers Wanted For Disaster Recovery in New Jersey
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Some homes in New Jersey still haven't been rebuilt after the destruction of hurricane Sandy. Are you and your church looking for a mission trip opportunity? Lutheran Social Ministries of New Jersey (LSMNJ) Disaster Recovery continues to need volunteer teams interested in doing disaster rebuilding work. All skill levels welcome for a weekend, few days or week of work. There are more than 9,000 families still displaced and volunteer housing is available. If interested please contact Amy Pennenga at
[email protected] or 609-699-4137.
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Theology For Teens at Roanoke College: July 24-29
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Rising 10th and 11th grade teens!
Ask the big questions
Live on campus for a week
Learn with professors and Roanoke College students
Sunday July 24, 2016 through Friday July 29, 2016
An all new, week-long summer program introducing teens to biblical and theological scholarship, exploring contemporary challenges & how their faith tradition can meet those challenges. We will focus on the life & thought of Dietrich Bonhoeffer-a church leader who met the challenges before him-we will explore today's social issues & encounter other faiths by engaging the students with leaders from those various communities. Come and discover a sense of mission, be equipped with theological tools to enable you to meet the challenges facing the church today. Go to
www.roanoke.edu/t4teens for more information.
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Clinical Pastoral Education at The Village at Orchard Ridge
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National Lutheran Communities & Services, as a satellite of The Eastern Mennonite Seminary Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) program, develops pastors and chaplains who are reflective practitioners, able to draw upon the best in their theological traditions and the behavioral sciences for ministry that is increasingly faithful and fruitful. Participants are formed in ministry through individual learning goals and through reflection in community upon pastoral practice by means of case studies, seminars and individual supervision.
Units offered in a community of seniors on the campus of The Village at Orchard Ridge-A National Lutheran Community allows the participant to work with a population that they will likely encounter for the whole of their ministry careers. We offer a unique, creative and engaging community that will assist the participants' ability to minister, reflect, engage and grow.
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Renew and Retreat a Christian Formation Retreat
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Tuesday Oct 4, 4:30 PM - Thursday Oct 6, 10 AM
Co-Partnered by Camp Caroline Furnace and
Roots and Wings a Christian Formation Committee of the VA Synod
Retreat Presenter:
Debbie Streicher, President of the Christian
Formation Network of the ELCA.
Debbie will lead us in a discussion about 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.
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Come to Camp Caroline Furnace Lutheran Camp and Retreat Center for a retreat which is specifically designed to support and equip both full-time and part-time professional and volunteer Children, Youth and Family Ministry staff. In addition to an educational component there will be ample time for networking and resource sharing, as well as relaxation, conversation and worship.
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Register Now for Fall 2016 ACTS Courses
Join us October 1st and October 29th at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Waynesboro, Virginia. Hear
Dr. Terri Elton address the paradox of ministry leadership, looking at the importance of balancing our role with God's.
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Grace Inside Chaplaincy Position--Haynesville, VA
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GraceInside (Virginia's Prison Chaplain Service) is currently seeking interested and qualified candidates for a 30 hour/week Chaplain position at medium-security prison for men, Haynesville Correctional Center. Qualified applicants should have an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university, a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) or equivalent degree from an accredited seminary/theological school, and should be ordained and in good standing with their ordaining body (church, denomination/judicatory). CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education) units are a plus, as is pastoral experience.
Experience working in the field of criminal justice (jails, prisons, etc.) is also a plus.
Interested candidates may send a cover letter and request an application from Lee Hargrave at
[email protected].
Completed applications should be scanned and emailed - along with a current resume and cover letter of interest - to Lee Hargrave at the above email address.
Deadline to receive all materials is August 1, 2016.
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Part Time Organist--Petersburg, VA
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Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer in Petersburg is looking for a part-time organist-keyboardist. This could be on a rotation schedule with other organist-keyboardist, so it would not be an every Sunday commitment.
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Do You have an announcement, upcoming event or news story Idea? Send it to [email protected] and make sure to follow our
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