Bishop’s Day, a Virginia Synod event for 7th-12th graders was held for an afternoon on March 24th at St. Mark Lutheran in Charlottesville. Over 15 youth and adult leaders gathered for a chance to converse with
Bishop Bob Humphrey
and other leaders about discerning one’s life’s vocation, including learning about what it means to be in public ministry in the church.
During the afternoon together, the gathered youth, pastors, and adult leaders got to hear from Assistant to the Bishop
Pastor Kelly Bayer Derrick
, as well as
Pastor Terri Church
. Both Pastor Kelly and Pastor Terri shared how they each discerned their call to ministry, with Pastor Terri sharing she felt called by God from a very young age, whereas Pastor Kelly who took a bit longer to fully discern her call.
|
|
Later during the event, the youth and adults broke off into separate groups to further reflect upon the call and their possible gifts for ministry. This time allowed those who were in attendance to better get to know one another, ask questions, and think further on what a call to ministry might be like. During this time, Bishop Humphrey and Pastor Kelly led the adult group in some discussion, sharing how adults can work to support youth and young adults as they begin to discern their call.
|
|
The youth were led by Pastor Dave Delaney, who broke them up into small rotating groups to discuss and share their thoughts and ideas about serving in some kind of leadership positions in the church.
Following these breakout groups, Pastor Kelly outlined the candidacy process in the Virginia Synod. She shared information covering the role of the Synod office, seminaries, and congregations and how each serves as part of the whole candidacy process.
|
|
The afternoon concluded with a celebration of the call through closing worship, during which those in attendance recited the questions and responses portion of the Rite for Installation of a Pastor. From there the event concluded, with more conversation about discernment of call and candidacy to continue on the ride home!
Bishop’s Day was a great opportunity for youth and adult leaders of the Virginia Synod to learn about the call to ministry and to spend an afternoon in conversation with the Bishop's Staff and other rostered and lay ministers of our Synod.
|
|
Do You have an announcement, upcoming event or news story idea? Send it to Emily Pilat at
pilat@vasynod.org
and make sure to follow our
|
|
Synod Assembly 2018, "Only By Grace Can We Stand"
|
Synod Assembly is here!
June 8-10
will be our time to get together as the Virginia Synod to fellowship, learn about the wider church, do business, and worship. Our ELCA representative this year will be
The Rev. Ronald Glusenkamp
, Director of the Campaign for the ELCA.
For more information and to register for this year's Synod Assembly,
click here.
|
|
Have you registered for Summer Camp?
|
Summer 2018 at Caroline Furnace promises to be an exciting one! The theme verse is Ephesians 2:8 - "For by GRACE you have been saved through FAITH, and this is not your own doing; it is the GIFT of God." Camper life is centered around building community through daily worship, Bible study, and new experiences. Campers aged 1st-12th grade can choose from activities such as horseback riding, caving, archery, culinary, backpacking, canoeing, crafting, and fishing. Campers ages 15 to 18 may also participate in LIT! (Leaders In Training) Camp. To learn more and view the summer schedule,
click here.
Caroline Furnace will be hosting a Spring Open House on May 12. All are welcome to join for a bluegrass worship, lunch, and camp activities. This is a great time to come and learn more about the camp and retreat opportunities at Caroline Furnace!
|
|
Caroline Furnace is seeking Counselors, Chaplains, and Volunteers!
Serving as a counselor is a ten week commitment; two weeks of staff training and eight weeks of summer camp. Counselors can expect a summer of fun, new adventures, sharing faith, learning new things, and growing in faith and leadership abilities.
Chaplains are needed each week of summer camp for spiritual guidance and support. All pastors, seminarians, and lay leaders are invited to serve for a week this summer!
Volunteers are needed for the spring and summer as well! Come to Spring Work Weekend April 20-22 to help us prepare for Summer Camp!
|
|
Taizé in RVA: a regional, ecumenical gathering for young adults
|
Congregations of the Richmond Conference of Lutheran (ELCA) Congregations, Episcopal congregations in Hanover County, and other ecumenical partners invite young adults (18-30 years of age) to attend a weekend retreat
April 27-28
led by two brothers of the internationally known Ecumenical Community of Taizé from France. The weekend will include prayer in the musical style of Taizé, bible reflections, as well as panel and small group sessions. The event is free, but a $25 donation is being requested from those who can afford it to assist with food. For more information and to register, visit
messiahmech.com
|
|
The National Association of Lutheran Interim Pastors (NALIP) Basic Education for Intentional Interim Ministry and Annual Conference
|
The National Association of Lutheran Interim Pastors (NALIP) has openings for the Spring and Fall classes in Basic Education for Intentional Interim Ministry and an annual conference for continuing education.
The 2018 Annual Conference will be in St Louis, MO June 21-22. Presenter is Dr. Israel Galindo and the presentations will center around “Perspectives on Congregational Leadership.”
Information on the training and the conference is posted on our website:
www.nalip.net. To discuss the programs call Pastor Ken Ruppar at 804-564-5389.
|
|
Plans for the 2018 Alumni Day are in place for Thursday, April 26, at the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary. It promises to be a day of inspiration, fellowship, and learning. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. A Festival Eucharist follows. Dr. Fred Whitt, University President, will engage attendees in a conversation, followed by a lunch for which a reservation must be made. Previous seminary classes are urged to come as groups. Former LTSS professor, Dr. Thomas E. Ridenhour, will present the Yost Lecture. The day will end in fellowship with an Oompah-pah band. For details and to make a reservation, go to
www.lr.edu/ltss/alumniday
.
|
|
Tithe.ly offers new online giving option for congregations
|
The ELCA has reached a preferred vendor agreement with
Tithe.ly
, a company that offers online tools, including a mobile app, to enhance financial giving to ELCA congregations and ministries. Through Tithe.ly, donation forms are integrated into the congregation's website and a mobile app instead of sending donors to third-party sites. Donors have the option to make one-time or recurring gifts to provide more consistent giving. Tithe.ly can work with every ELCA congregation.
|
|
Office Administrator, Faith Lutheran, Suffolk
|
Faith Lutheran Church is seeking a part-time Office Administrator who will support the pastor, church council, and congregation. He/she shall actively participate in the management of the church office by performing administrative duties, including clerical functions and problem solving. Clerical support includes the production of all worship service materials. This is a part-time, hourly position with flexible days and hours within a Monday-Friday work week and between the hours of 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
Job Skill Requirements:
- Possess knowledge and experience in use of computers, office software, and office equipment (to include copiers, printers, facsimile, MS Office, Excel, PowerPoint, multi-phone system) and be proficient with social media outlets/applications
- Able to work in a team environment
- Possess outstanding communication, customer service, and people skills
- Willing and able to learn new skills and work tools
- Prior experience as an office administrator is preferred
- A short MS Office ability assessment will be conducted during the interview process
|
|
Director of School, Saint John Lutheran Church, Norfolk
|
Saint John Lutheran Church, Norfolk, Virginia is seeking an individual with a strong understanding in child development and early childhood education to serve as Director of our School.
Our students range from 2 years of age to 2nd Grade. Qualities we desire are someone with vision, always looking for new ideas and approaches to serving young children and their families, and seeing potential in each staff member and in the cooperative efforts of the staff in the day-to-day operation of the School. Experience with training and working with new staff is important, as well as the ability to work in a classroom as needed.
Applicants must be 21 years of age or older as required by the Commonwealth of Virginia, with a 4 year degree in child development and early childhood education or a 4-year degree in a related field, with a minimum of 24 hours in child development and/or early childhood education; should be able to meet the licensing requirements of Virginia for a program Director, and have a minimum of 5 years experience in early childhood education.
The deadline to apply is April 16th.
|
|
Part-time Church Secretary/Office Manager, Christ Roanoke
|
Christ Lutheran Church in Roanoke, Virginia needs a secretary/office manager for 28 hours a week due to employee’s retirement. New employee should be self-starter for our fast-paced environment, able to work harmoniously within a team, have exceptional customer skills, have a comprehensive understanding of social media platforms, be fully qualified in Microsoft Office products, and have two-year business education or four years’ experience in general office work. Salary commensurate with experience.
Contact Mrs. Berry at 540-204- 1994 to obtain an application.
|
|
Part-time Music Director, PALS Church in Bealeton
|
PALS Church (Presbyterian and Lutheran Services) in Bealeton, VA, is seeking a part-time Music Director. The primary responsibilities are selecting music for services (working with the pastor), directing the small choir, and providing organ/piano accompaniment for Sunday morning worship (one service) and seasonal mid-week services. Other responsibilities will include (but are not limited to) providing accompaniment at other church functions as requested by the pastor and for funerals and weddings.
|
|
Stay Connected with the Virginia Synod:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
