The numbers are in—during fiscal year 2018, ELCA congregations shared $95 million in Mission Support with their synods. We celebrate the incredible generosity of our congregations as they give to ministries in their synod and beyond. Of that $95 million, ELCA synods shared $43 million (45.3%) with the ELCA churchwide expression, comprising 62% of the churchwide operating budget. Because of this generosity, together we supported new congregations, Young Adults in Global Mission, prison ministries, campus ministries and much more. We are church together, sharing our offerings to serve our neighbors and proclaim the gospel. Thank you!

The application window for 2020 ELCA World Hunger Domestic Hunger Grants is now open through May 31!  Visit the Hunger Grants webpage  to learn more about the grants and how to apply. We invite organizations applying for an ELCA grant for the first time to  set up an account in ELCA GrantMaker in advance  in order to access the application form immediately once the window opens.

This article, "A bridge-builder in a polarized time," is from the April issue of Living Lutheran. Pastor El-Yateem is currently serving as a Director for Evangelical Mission in the Florida-Bahamas Synod.

If Father K- director Judd Ehrlich's short film about Khader El-Yateem's run for a seat on the New York City Council- were simply a political drama, then knowing whether he won or lost might be considered a spoiler. But knowing the result (he lost) neither spoils this compelling character study of a Palestinian-born ELCA pastor nor turns it into a tale of defeat. Instead, the 34-minute documentary delves into what drives El-Yateem, known as "Father K," to take his message beyond the pulpit to the wider public.

Sermons are available one month prior to the Sunday service they are to be shared during. View all the sermons shared   on the Virginia Synod website.

J une 7-8 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 for this year's Synod Assembly will be the the  Rev. Dr. Sandy Chrostowski , Director for DEM (Director of Evangelical Mission) Relationships for the ELCA.

For more information and to register, visit:  www.vasynod.org/synod-assembly-2019

Young adults of the Virginia Synod are invited to the  Young Adult Retreat  weekend at Caroline Furnace on  May 10-12, 2019 ! Join us for an amazing weekend of worship and fellowship as we gather as a community to form connections and empower one another in our faith lives. For more information, and to register for the retreat,  click here .

Registration is limited, so encourage young adults in your congregation to sign up today!

If you have any questions, reach out to Pastor Dave Delaney at  delaney@vasynod.org  or 540-389-1000

Power in the Spirit is an inspirational conference for everyone who wishes to explore God’s call to service through joyous worship, Bible study, keynote addresses, workshops, and fellowship.

To view this year's event packet with information on everything happening at this year's Power in the Spirit,  click here .

Join us  July 11-13  at Roanoke College for a conference with Lutherans for all across the state.   Register for Power in the Spirit online today!

All rostered ministers and seminarians of the Virginia Synod are invited to a retreat June 24-26, 2019 in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley to meet with other clergy and leaders of the Episcopal Church as we continue to live into our full communion partnership. Our guest speakers are Dr. Timothy Wengert of Philadelphia Seminary and Dr. Alyson Barnett-Cowan of the Anglican Church in Canada. Both speakers will help us explore the theological impulses of our traditions (the “Crib” and the “Cross”) and how our distinctions help us understand our own traditions better. There will be time for conversation among participants as well as free time and activities. Pastors looking to explore this special partnership will be enriched by this retreat!

Registration Deadline is May 15, 2019. Save $10 by registering by April 30! For more information and to register for this event, click here.

Contact for more information: The Rev. Eric Moehring, the Rev. Terrie Sternberg, or the Rev. Viktoria Parvin.

Quiet Days: October 2, December 2

Pre-Advent Retreat : August 19-21 at Buttonwood Lodge

Call (540)-449-0012 or email   julie@carolinefurnace.org  to learn more!

Hungry Mother Camp has volunteered to adopt-a-trail at neighboring Hungry Mother State Park, a valued neighbor and partner for many of our programs. In the spirit of being good stewards of the land, we have adopted the 1/2 mile Clyburn Hollow Trail and will have our first trail clean up day on June 1, 2019 at 9:00 AM. We will have a brief introduction by the Park staff before getting started.

Anyone interested in joining us for a couple hours that Saturday morning can email hmlrc@hungrymother.org for exact time and location to meet. If you are part of a group or know of one who would be interested in this type of opportunity please reach out as well.

Explore and apply for opportunities available with the churchwide organization or global service on the ELCA Job Board at elca.atsondemand.com

We are a joy-filled, dynamic Lutheran congregation, with average attendance of 127 weekly. Our vision is to think about church in a new way, engaging the internal and external communities we serve. The Community Ministries Coordinator will work 30-40 hours weekly, proclaiming the gospel; developing and implementing congregational programming; and identifying, recruiting, and empowering lay volunteers and church resources for our ministries. The candidate should have strong interpersonal, computer, and social media skills.

Interested candidates should search Zip Recruiter with Community Ministries Coordinator and submit a resume or click here.

Looking for an energetic individual to lead the youth choir (grades 5-12) with a joyful noise at First Presbyterian Church! As a vital member of our music ministry, this person will lead the youth choir in rehearsals weekly and in worship services once a month. Music experience and joy for working with youth aged singers is a must! If you are interested in this position, please submit your resume and cover letter to youthchoir@fpcwinc.org.

For a full description of this position, click here.

College Evangelical Lutheran Church (Salem, Virginia) seeks applications for a part-time Director of Church Music (Organist and Choir Director) position. The position is for 20-25 hours per week with the understanding that some weeks may require more than 25 hours and some weeks fewer than 20 hours to be determined by the Director of Church Music in consultation with the Pastor.

For a full description of this position, click here.

To apply, please electronically submit a cover letter, resume, and names of references to LuAnn Yates, Personnel Ministry Team Chair, at yateslax@comcast.net. Applications will be reviewed starting May 1, 2019. For additional information about College Lutheran Church, go to www.collegelutheran.org.

LEVN, the Lutheran Episcopal Volunteer Network, is looking for young adults (age 21-30) with Bachelor's degrees for an 11-month program of non-profit volunteer service and learning about social justice. From the end of August 2019 to the end of July 2020, our corps members will be provided housing, utilities, health coverage, spiritual direction, and a $535/month living stipend. We also offer a $1000 re-entry grant at the completion of the program.

The placement sites for the upcoming program year include faith-based non-profits, secular non-profits, congregations, outdoor ministry, and our campus ministry at UC Davis. These service sites address issues of homelessness, food insecurity, unemployment, children and youth ministries, and other important social justice issues facing our communities.

We gather each week for evening prayer, dinner, and formation. The corps members live in intentional community in one of two residences: The Belfry, an apartment attached to our campus ministry center in Davis, CA, or The Priory, an apartment at All Saints Episcopal Church in Sacramento, CA. We're an ecumenical program in the Episcopal Service Corps network; applicants needn't be either Lutheran or Episcopal to apply—interest in Christian spirituality is the only expectation. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until July 31, 2019.

Visit levn.org or contact Program Director Casey Dunsworth at 530-756-1550 or pastor@thebelfry.org for more information!

Grace & Glory Lutheran Church in Palmyra, is looking for a part-time (20 hours per week) Director of Music.

Qualifications:

Salary commensurate with experience. Please submit your cover letter and resume to admin@graceandglory.org

Know a young adult who has what it takes to work at Summer Camp? They'll be signing up for 2 weeks of staff training and 8 weeks of varied outdoor adventure - May 31 to August 9. There are opportunities for select applicants to begin a couple weeks early and stay a week or two later. They can expect new experiences each week, to gain new skills, and to make friendships that will last a lifetime. They'll need an endless supply of energy, love, enthusiasm, patience and kindness. They must be able to share their faith story and encourage young people to grow in their own relationship with Jesus Christ. They must embrace the adventure of the outdoors and work well in a team. They must be willing to unplug from technology and focus on their relationship with God, nature, and the people around them. Academic Internships are available. Housing and meals are provided for the summer. Pay is based upon experience and certifications. Learn more and apply online.