Weekly Update
Announcements From Around the Virginia Synod
Speaking Out in Love
A crowd of over 300 people gathered in Lexington, Va. the week before Easter for an anti-racism rally that was organized after propaganda for the Ku Klux Klan was found in driveways and yards in one of the city's neighborhoods. 

When Pastor Lyndon Sayers heard about the KKK fliers, he immediately jumped into action and took to Facebook to start drumming up support to speak out against the racism that the KKK represents.

"A friend came to me and said 'what are we going to do? There's KKK fliers out in the neighborhood, we can't just remain silent, we have to do something public," said Sayers in an interview with WSLS News.
Photo credit to Conrad Matiuk
Pastor Sayers is a member of the Virginia Synod All Inclusive Outreach Team (now known as Tapestry) and is passionate about empowering and valuing minorities. 

"Jesus calls us to love our neighbor and not stand idly by when our neighbors feel afraid and threatened," Pastor Lyndon Sayers wrote on the Good Shepard Facebook page. "God's love and grace are greater than hate and fear. Let us witness to that love as the body of Christ."

At the anti-racism rally a crowd of people gathered in the name of unity and equality. Hundreds of voices joined together in song and speakers delivered words that condemned white supremacy while empowering people of all colors and nationalities. 

To continue the positive momentum and to capitalize on the energy that this event produced, Pastor Sayers said that he plans to form a group he calls the Community Anti Racism Education Initiative or CARE for short. He hopes to continue to help put together events in Lexington that promote the equal value of all people.
Announcements
 If you want to submit an announcement, please  check out the Submission Guidelines and send your submission to fuller@vasynod.org.

Beginning with its April issue, The ELCA Magazine, The Lutheran magazine will be called Living Lutheran. A new accompanying website - LivingLutheran.org - just launched today, March 31.

As the flagship publication of the ELCA, Living Lutheran will continue to belong to the members of the ELCA in all of our diversity. The magazine's departments will continue the "Deeper understandings" series, reflections, the presiding bishop's column and more. New departments will include a youth and family page, and a page devoted to social media and resources.

Synod Assembly Registration and Info


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
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.

Registration deadline is April 18. 
For more information and to  register online, visit: VirginiaLutheranEpiscopal.wordpress.com
Pack The Park for LFSVA
LFS logo new
Pack the Park for LFSVA! You can be a superhero for LFSVA individuals with disabilities 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 new Supported Employment Services, which 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. For information on how to buy tickets or to learn more about ticket packages that will pay for tickets and meals for students or individuals to attend a game, contact Leah Hatcher at lhatcher@lfsva.org. You can learn more about Supported Employment Services and LFSVA at lfsva.org!

National Association of Lutheran Interim Pastors Course
 
The National Association of Lutheran Interim Pastors (NALIP) has openings for its 60- hour  Basic Education for Intentional Interim Ministry course offered this April and May.  Venues include Easton, PA; Stow, Ohio and St. Louis, MO.   Check the website for details NALIP or call Pr Ken Ruppar  (804) 564-5389, Executive Director of NALIP. 
 
NALIP also has information on the website for the annual training conference scheduled June 9-11 in Las Vegas, NV.   

National Association of Lutheran Interim Pastors Course


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. 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 .
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 fuller@vasynod.org. 
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: office@redeemerbristol.org 

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 secretary@gracelutheranchesapeake.org 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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