Weekly Update
Announcements From Around the Virginia Synod
The Village of Gloria Dei Lutheran School
As Gloria Dei Lutheran School nears the end of their current school year, they show no signs of slowing in their mission to foster community through education and worship.  Located in Hampton, VA, Gloria Dei has served as an educational ministry of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church for 43 years.

From the start Gloria Dei has excelled in providing its students opportunities to grow academically and spiritually. The hallmark of the school is its ministry that surrounds families, teachers, students and staff.

Linda Robinson, Principal of Gloria Dei Lutheran School, is a proud champion of the ministry her school has created over years, sharing that she finds her school lives and breaths the proverb "it takes a village", and the Gloria Dei village is one unlike any other.
"We are rather unique in that we are a church that has a school, and so we do consider our whole school program to be a ministry of the church," Principle Robinson explained of the school's Christian learning environment. 
Senior Pastor and Headmaster Dr. Charles Bang as well as Associate Pastor Dr. Phyllis Milton serve as a bridge between Gloria Dei's ministry within church and school. Pastor Milton is an especially recognizable face within the school as she leads students in chapel. Gloria Dei's ministry serves as both an expression of God's loving care and an example of how education and childcare are best implemented.

The impact of ministry noticeably makes a difference in every aspect of the school.

Principle Robinson said, "We're told over and over by families that tour our school that when they walk in the door there is a feeling of peace and happiness, and they feel welcome. In today's society people are really looking for that."

For the teachers and staff at Gloria Dei, their position is not simply a job to them, but a personal ministry in education with a foundation in the teachings of the church.

"I think our teachers have a different mindset in the way they interact with the world, and in how they care for others." Principle Robinson said.

It's this mentality that makes all the difference in creating ties that last between students and staff far beyond the classroom. 

Gloria Dei Lutheran School serves a wide range of students, from preschoolers all the way through 8th graders readying themselves for the transition to high school. Making a change from middle school to high school can be challenging for anyone, but moving away from a school community that a student has known, potentially since preschool age, is something else entirely.

The teachers and staff at Gloria Dei rise to this challenge year after year, working in partnership with parents to find the best fit for what's next for each and every graduating 8th grader. 
"We're very open with parents about their choices, and usually parents will narrow it down to a couple of schools and receive input from teachers and staff on what do we feel is the best for their children," the school also works hard to put parents in contact with former Gloria Dei students and their families that are now enrolled in area high schools.

"That gives parents a chance to find someone to talk to and to answer any questions about how their child adjusted, as well as what the school is like." Students and families are guided through this big transition with the continued support and community of Gloria Dei surrounding them.

The bond between student and school remains long after students depart. Principle Robinson shared that it's not uncommon for graduated students of Gloria Dei to return during big school events such as the school's Christmas programs. With these homecomings bring hugs between former students and teachers, and a reunion to a school where spirituality and education work hand in hand.

The village of Gloria Dei Lutheran School is one that will live on well after students and teachers depart for the summer.  The strong academic base and spiritual foundation each student receives at Gloria Dei is carried in students' hearts and minds for their lifetime. For the current 8th grade class there is assurance that in the years following graduation they will always be welcomed back into the halls and classrooms of Gloria Dei with open arms. 
Announcements
 If you want to submit an announcement, please  check out the Submission Guidelines and send your submission to [email protected].
Volunteers Wanted For Disaster Recovery in New Jersey

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.
Download the Synod Assembly Guidebook App Now!


The Guidebook App is being built and updated as we finalize information for the 2016 Synod Assembly. Get access to the schedule and be the first to know everything about the Assembly by clicking here to Download Our Mobile App. 
Power in the Spirit Registration is Now Available!

Register Now for Power in the Spirit! 
Join us July 14-16 at Roanoke College for a conference with Lutherans from all across the state. Hear Rev. Dr. Kathryn Kleinhans lead us through two days of talking about God's grace. The registration deadline is JULY 1. 

Theology For Teens at Roanoke College: July 24-29
 
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.

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--Suffolk, VA
Faith Lutheran Church in Suffolk is currently seeking to hire a part-time office administrator.  Who should I contact in reference to posting an employment advertisement on the VA Synod website?  I have attached a copy of our desired advertisement if you are able to post it for me or forward it to the responsible party.  Please let me know if there are further measures that I should take to have the ad posted.   Click Here For the Full Position Description
Office Administrator--Richmond, VA
GraceInside (Virginia's Prison Chaplain Service) seeks a full-time Office Administrator. Duties and responsibilities: include providing administrative support to ensure efficient operation of the office. Support managers and employees through a variety of tasks related to organization and communication. Includes communicating via phone and email, ensuring that all administrative assistant duties are completed accurately and delivered with high quality and in a timely manner. Organizes and schedules meetings and appointments; maintains contact lists; produces and distributes memos, letters, faxes and forms; does data entry and prepares reports and invoices; keeps track of deadlines for grants/reports.  Purchases and maintains office equipment and supplies.  Requirements: proven admin or assistant experience; knowledge of office management systems and procedures; excellent time management skills and ability to multi-task and prioritize work; attention to detail and problem solving skills; excellent written and verbal communication skills; strong organizational and planning skills; proficiency in MS Office.

To apply : Send current resume' to [email protected] .  
Deadline: Friday, June 10th, 2016.

Part Time Organist--Petersburg, VA
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.

Day School Teacher--Chesapeake, VA
Grace Lutheran Day School, a ministry of Grace Lutheran Church in Chesapeake, is seeking an experienced preschool teacher for the 2016-17 school year. Candidates should possess a high school diploma AND a certificate in early childhood education OR a bachelor's degree in early childhood education. First aid and CPR training are also desired. Teaching experience with 3 and 4 year-old children is required. Hours are 8:30am-12:30pm, Monday thru Friday from September until mid-May. Candidates will be subject to criminal background checks with social services and the State Police. The hiring process will begin in mid-June. Contact Jody Miller for an application at 757-420-4704 or  [email protected]
PART-TIME CAMPUS MINISTRY POSITION--Hampton Roads, VA

United Campus Ministries (UCM) of Christopher Newport University (CNU), located in Newport News in the heart of historic Hampton Roads, Virginia, wishes to hire a campus minister (ordination preferred) to serve the university students and the university community. UCM is specifically seeking someone who is motivated, energetic, and exemplifies Christian values and love so that they can guide, support, and encourage the students to explore and grow their Christian faith.  This is a part time position and involves meeting with and developing relationships with the students and the rest of the university community, planning activities, providing spiritual counsel, service and outreach opportunities and enjoying fun fellowship with the students and the university community.
 
 If you feel called to apply for this rewarding position, email your resume and cover letter to the Personnel Committee Chair, Suzanne Howell at [email protected] , no later than 11:59 PM on June 15th, 2016. Please use "UCM Position" in the Subject line. A detailed job description will be sent to you. 

Do You have an announcement, upcoming event or news story Idea? Send it to [email protected] and make sure to follow our
Stay Connected