The Virginia Synod Council is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2019 Virginia Synod Fund for Mission Grants. This year, eight grant applications totaling $133,061 were received for consideration. Each of the grants represented a congregation’s vision for a new expression of ministry that would share the good news about Jesus with the wider community. While each of the applications provided an exciting opportunity, the following five ministries will receive a portion of the $30,000 in available grant funding for this year.

Trinity Ecumenical Parish will receive $5,000 to support the development of an intentional caring community in specific geographic locations in the community.

College Lutheran, Salem will receive $1,500 to support the expansion of a student food pantry.

Peace Lutheran, Charlottesville will receive $7,000 to support ‘Building Peace’ which will build connections with the neighborhoods around the congregation.

Our Saviour, Warrenton will receive $6,500 to create a volunteer management ministry to help connect serve the greater community and create opportunities to share the story of Jesus through service in the world.

PALS (Presbyterian and Lutheran Services) Church, Bealton will receive $10,000 to help create an ecumenical, not-for-profit coffee shop to provide a welcoming environment to promote community and share God’s love.

For more information about the Virginia Synod Fund for Mission, visit vasynod.org/resources/vsfm

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.

In March 2018 the ELCA introduced Tithe.ly as an ELCA preferred vendor for electronic giving. Featuring online, mobile and text giving options, Tithe.ly is now expanding its product line to offer website services and church management software to ELCA congregations at a low cost. Enable members of your congregation to give online, manage your membership data or freshen up your congregation’s website using Tithe.ly's suite of tools.

Get started with Tithe.ly

Wild Women Wine and Craft Retreat, December 6-8

Join us for a weekend of fellowship and renewal! Feel free to bring a book, your latest crafting project, and your favorite snacks/drinks to share. We'll share some of our favorites too - transportation is provided to a local winery, and we'll lead the group in a craft. (Craft details TBD - stay tuned)​Retreat cost includes modern-rustic lodging, scratch-made meals, and transportation to a local winery.

For more information and to register for any of the above events, click here.

Get inspired, encouraged, challenged and warmed up at the Ignite the Church Conference in Orlando, Florida, February 11-13. In addition to large group gatherings on Congregational Vitality, there will be electives on Reaching Younger Generations, Expanding Kingdom Impact, Church Renewal and Discipleship, Renewing Music, Vitality through Mission, Engaging Your Neighborhood, Evangelism, Social Justice, and Raising Up Leaders along with a visit to Orlando’s Castle Church Brewing Community. A $99 discounted rate, including 2 meals and snacks, is available until November 30th. All proceeds benefit the ELCA Fund for Leaders. For more information go to www.IgniteTheChurch.net.

Christ The King Lutheran Church is seeking an experienced Christian musician who will encourage others in their faith through musical leadership and by example.

For a complete position description, click here.

Interested candidates send cv and salary requirements to jaimeecbernard@gmail.com.

Grace Lutheran Church, Chesapeake is seeking a part time Minister of Music. The position is currently an average of 10 hours per week—including time for planning, practice, rehearsal, Sunday morning worship, and occasional holiday/special services. We are a liturgical church with both contemporary and traditional worship services. The Minister of Music is responsible for choosing (in partnership with the Pastor) appropriate music for all worship services and directing the praise team, hand bell choir, and possibly a traditional choir. The Minister of Music must be a professional musician who is proficient on the piano (preferably also proficient on the organ) and in leading congregational singing in a variety of styles. Some administration and computer skills are needed to coordinate with office staff when working off-site (ex: Google Drive, Sundays & Seasons website, etc.), submit reports to the Church Council, prepare newsletter/bulletin articles/announcements, and ensure copyright compliance. Above all, we are looking for a leader who loves God and God’s people, and who is willing to share their God-given musical gifts with the congregation and encourage others to do the same.

Visit www.gracelutheranchesapeake.org/minister-of-music-search for full job description.

To apply, please submit your cover letter, resume, and references electronically to: Pastor Leslie Weber at PastorLeslie@GraceLutheranChesapeake.org.

College Evangelical Lutheran Church (Salem, Virginia) seeks applications for a part-time Coordinator of Children, Youth, and Family Ministries. The weekly working hours will average 20 hours per week with the understanding that some weeks may require more than 25 hours and some weeks fewer than 20 hours. Scheduling will be determined by the Coordinator of Children, Youth, and Family Ministries in consultation with the Pastor.

For a complete position description, click here.

To apply, please submit a cover letter, résumé, and names and contact information of three (3) references to LuAnn Yates electronically to: LuAnn Yates, Personnel Ministry Team Chair yateslax@comcast.net. Applications are currently being reviewed. For additional information about College Lutheran Church, go to www.collegelutheran.org.

This position is located in Fredericksburg VA. It would work for a student who is participating in distance learning at your campus and looking for a field education site or a place to explore youth and family ministry. This part-time position/internship offers $1000 per month stipend. We are equidistant between Alexandria VA and Richmond VA – about 50 miles.

For a complete position description, and application information, click here.

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