June 29th Marks 50 years of the Ordination of Women
“There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus” Galatians 3:28.

The Holy Spirit was at work 50 years ago within the Lutheran Church in America, one of the ELCA’s predecessor bodies. On June 29, 1970, the LCA convention voted to change “man” to “person” in its bylaws to allow for women’s ordination. Delegates may have not known how much that would change. Watch the video linked below and listen as Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton says thank you to those women who have answered God’s call to be pastors over the past 50 years.
You are also invited to reach out to thank a women who is a pastor who’s touched your life, in a small way or a big way. It may be a letter, an email or another gesture. If you post it on social media, you can use the hashtag #thankyoupastor. If you would like more resources for celebrating, go to ELCA.org/50yearsofordainedwomen, which has an adult forum, Bible study, video, and worship materials.
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
Announcements
Online Power in the Spirit July 6-10
Join us Monday, July 6, through Friday, July 10 for a week of study, prayer, fellowship, worship, and art. Learn about theology and advocacy, about evangelism and worship. Experience new ways of worshiping at home and online. Join us as we gather in the name of the Holy Spirit!

While it’s a shame we won’t be together in person this year, that doesn’t mean going without the ministries of Power in Sprit. If you sign up for our email list you can expect:
  • A daily devotional to arrive in your email each weekday morning, Monday through Friday. Here you’ll receive readings, brief videos, and guides for at-home arts and crafts.
  • An invitation to a daily Zoom workshop, from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Listen to presenters from across our Virginia Synod share from their areas of expertise. For more information on workshops, click here.
  • A closing vespers service at 6:45 PM, live and online, led by worship leaders from across the synod. Each weeknight you’ll participate in different ways of worship, even while physically apart.

Our theme this year centers on this event’s namesake: the Holy Spirit! Just who is this person of the Holy Trinity, oft-neglected by Lutherans? Each day we’ll explore the scriptural images of God’s Spirit, and how this Spirit continues to be at work in our world today.

Join us! Sign up for our email list by clicking the link below so you won’t miss out! Come and enjoy Power in the Spirit! For more information about Power in the Spirit visit www.vasynod.org/power-in-the-spirit
Online Kairos
Since in-person Kairos has been canceled for 2020, we are hosting Virtual Kairos 2020! Join us July 19-23, 2020 (Sunday evening to Thursday morning) for Virginia Synod rising 9th through 12th Graders. We are going to try and squeeze as much of in-person Kairos into this online event as we can! with large group, small group, daily prayer, t-shirts, CLIPPS, Open Talent Mic Show, faith testimonies, comic relief, reflection time, prayer around the cross, speed friending, songs, t-shirt fashion show, and more!

Cost per participant: $25 and payment is required at time of registration. For more information about registration, and to register online, visit www.vasynod.org/event/kairos
ELCA Anti-Racism Pledge
Beyond statements and prayers, we are called to also act and respond to injustices. We invite you to sign the pledge, “I commit to study, prayer and action to become an anti-racist individual in an anti-racist church,” and share your participation on social media using  #ELCA4justice .

Click here to sign the pledge:  elca.org/racialjusticepledge
Caroline Furnace Updates

Summer Camps have been ordered by the state of Virginia to remain closed for now. However, Outdoor Ministry is so much more than Summer Camp. We have focused on our mission of faith, education, and renewal by hiring and investing in our full summer staff, no matter the outcome of the summer. This has allowed us to be prepared for a number of alternatives. Thank you for your patience, grace, and continued support as we adapt to new challenges. We continue to find hope in our 2020 theme verse, Psalm 100:5, that says, “Good indeed is the Lord, whose steadfast love endures forever. God’s faithfulness continues for all generations.”

Quick Highlights:
  • Family Rentals - The Farmhouse, Cabin Village, and Sukkah Village are open for Family Rentals in July and August. 14 days of pre-screening are required for all participants. Both the Farmhouse and Sukkah Village are optional no-contact retreat spaces. We can host a maximum of 5 family groups (of 10 or less) on property at once, so spaces are limited and first come, first served. 2020 Summer Camp families get priority booking until June 30. Regular booking opens on July 1.
  • Camp at Home* - Register by July 6 for another round of Camp at Home ($0-50), an exciting online Summer Camp! We are already halfway through our first session and we’re having SO MUCH FUN. With Camp at Home, you can see your favorite camp counselors and chaplains, spend time with your "cabin group", and join in on fun activities - all from home! PJs are optional. We can't wait to meet your pets. Bring your own snacks. Choose your own adventure - participate in as few or many parts as you’d like. Optional: sign up for Camp in a Box ($50) if you'd like to get fun camp surprises and activity supplies delivered right to your door!
  • Churches - Contact Julie at 540-449-0012 or julie@carolinefurnace.org to sponsor Camp at Home for your kids!
Job Opportunities
Job Opportunities can now be found on the Virginia Synod website at vasynod.org/job-opportunities If you have a position opening you would like posted, please email Emily Pilat at  pilat@vasynod.org.