The Virginia Synod’s
ForwardingFaith Campaign, which seeks to provide an endowment of $2.5 million to ensure the continuation of faith formation programming in our Synod, is nearing its goal with $2,441,761 total raised to date. This recent push towards our finish line is thanks to several congregations that have recently concluded successful congregational appeals. Many more congregations are just getting started holding appeals of their own, and we hope their enthusiasm can push us above and beyond our goal!
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We're excited to hear stories about congregations who have joined in the campaign creatively sharing the good news of faith formation in Virginia during their appeals. At
St. Stephen Lutheran Church in
Williamsburg,
Pastor Andy Ballentine worked with several members of the congregation to share testimonies about their experiences at Synod faith formation events. These testimonies were shared in a Sunday sermon, lifting up how members faith journeys are supported and strengthened through experiences at Virginia Synod faith formation programs.
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Elizabeth Acors was one member who shared her experience growing up in our Virginia Synod at youth events during the sermon, “I believe that the foundation for my faith was greatly benefitted by youth events. Synod events allowed me to explore my faith and solidify my beliefs amongst people who have become lifelong friends." Elizabeth was recently elected Vice President of St. Stephen's Lutheran Student Association.
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Sandy Peterkin, has participated as an adult in Virginia Synod faith formation
events, shared how meaningful these programs are in connecting her to the wider church, "Through the Virginia Synod events, I’ve become more aware that we, at St. Stephen, are not an isolated church but rather a part of many across the Commonwealth – indeed across the world. Through the programs offered by our Synod, I was able to join with others, all eager to continue on our journey of faith."
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Sandy Croushore, a longtime active member of St. Stephen spoke of her experiences in faith formation programs for adults, “When I joined St. Stephen, I was finally able to expand my understanding, not only of the Bible, but also about the Lutheran faith. Through adult Bible study and through the Synod’s Ambassadors Community for Theological Study (ACTS), I was able to really deepen my faith through a better understanding of not just the stories of the Bible, but its meaning as a book of poetry, wisdom, and song, as well as stories about the kingdom of God."
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It's amazing to hear such excellent witness to how the Spirit uses Virginia Synod faith formation programs to support and foster what the Spirit does in every congregation. St. Stephen's congregation council set a goal of $50,000 to go towards ForwardingFaith. The congregation exceeded that goal, raising a total of $62,355! The Virginia Synod celebrates St. Stephen's generosity and support of the ForwardingFaith campaign, and looks forward to celebrating with so many more congregations who have set dates for appeals of their own.
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Starting
Friday, April 20th, we'll be sharing
ForwardingFaith Fridays- a newsletter featuring news from congregations across the Virginia Synod who have joined in the ForwardingFaith campaign. We'll share how congregations have uniquely celebrated faith formation programs in our synod, and why this campaign matters in the life of their congregation. If you would like to receive this newsletter, please email Emily Pilat at
pilat@vasynod.org.
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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
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Synod Assembly 2018, "Only By Grace Can We Stand"
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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.
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Have you registered for Summer Camp?
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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!
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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!
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Taizé in RVA: a regional, ecumenical gathering for young adults
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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
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Crumley Archives Meeting- "Lutherans and Prohibition"
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We will observe this rich history
Friday, April 27
at 5:00 PM
in historic Alumni Hall on the campus of Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary. The evening will begin with a "Happy Hour" and will include a lecture by Lutheran historian Dr. Susan W. McArver.
Tickets are $40 and all proceeds benefit the Crumley Archives. Your check sent to 4201 N. Main St., Columbia, SC 29203 reserves your seat. Please RSVP by April 20. Cheers!
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Crumley Archives Summer Workshops - June 18 and July 23
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Are you and your congregation interested in preserving your history? Do you have questions about what to preserve, and what to toss? Ever wonder what you can do with those old Bibles?
Then consider attending the Crumley Archives Summer Workshop! This one-day educational opportunity will cover important areas in archives and preservation, including:
- Current preservation techniques
- Storage
- Digital archives
- Disaster preparedness
- Records management
- Collection development and processing
- Finding aids
- Genealogy research
- Public service
Workshops will be conducted JUNE 18 and JULY 23 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Crumley Archives, 4201 N. Main St., Columbia, SC 29203
Cost is $20 per person. Church rate for 3 or more attendees is $50. Contact Trudy Bouknight at
crumleybookkeeper@gmail.com
to reserve your seat!
Pastor Lance Braun from Mount Tabor, Staunton, and Redeemer, McKinley, is coordinating Crumley Archives CAR POOL transportation and SCHOLARSHIPS for Shenandoah Valley participants. Contact him at his cell phone 540-879-9575 or email
treetops@shentel.net
for information and assistance.
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The National Association of Lutheran Interim Pastors (NALIP) Basic Education for Intentional Interim Ministry and Annual Conference
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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.
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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
.
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Tithe.ly offers new online giving option for congregations
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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.
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Director of School, Saint John Lutheran Church, Norfolk
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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.
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Part-time Church Secretary/Office Manager, Christ Roanoke
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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.
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Part-time Music Director, PALS Church in Bealeton
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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.
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Stay Connected with the Virginia Synod:
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