Weekly Update
Announcements From Around the Virginia Synod
Lost and Found: God is Great God is Good

For families that say grace before mealtime, the prayer "God is great, God is good, and we thank him for our food, by his hands, we all are fed, give us Lord, our daily bread" often becomes a staple, revisited each day. This weekend, that prayer became the central focus for middle schoolers and their adult advisors, shedding new light on what for many is a commonly memorized prayer.

Lost and Found, the Virginia Synod youth event for 7th and 8th graders was held November 18-20 at Eagle Eyrie Baptist Convention Center in Lynchburg. This year's 260 youth and adult participants got to witness and live out the theme "God is Great, God is Good" based on Psalm 103:1-8.

This year's planning group made up by Trent Campbell (Muhlenberg, Harrisonburg), Bryce Arp (Resurrection, Fredericksburg), Katie Bridges (Epiphany, Richmond), Sydney Duffy (Christ, Fredericksburg), and Ellie Sabalewski (Christ the King, Richmond). worked with Pastor Dave Delaney to plan nearly every element of the weekend. From scripture passage to t-shirt designs, the group got a say in the whole event making it uniquely suited to the middle schoolers in attendance.

During the weekend, the crowd enjoyed the planning group's skits, which was set around a group of middle schoolers who together formed Faith Club. Each skit had the club gather during their lunch time to read their latest scripture passage, Psalm 103, and to discuss problems they were having in school and with friends. These skits centered on supporting themes both silly and serious, from finding the strength to complete the mile, or apologizing to friends over argument caused by misunderstanding.
Following each skit, Pastor Leslie Scanlon, the chaplain for the event, stood in front of the crowd and offered ways that the stories told could relate to the lives of the middle schoolers, "God strengthens your faith, and helps you be alert to others and understand the feelings and needs of others," she proclaimed at the conclusion of one of the skits performed over the weekend.

Bryan "Hep" Hepner and Tori Smith acted as the planning group advisers and helped the group prepare to get up on stage. In addition to working with the planning group, Tori and Hep planned and performed their own series of comedic skits for the middle schoolers. The pair took on the role of birdwatchers in search of the elusive "Eagle Eyrie", sending everyone in attendance into stitches over their silly antics.


Following large group presentations, the participants at Lost and Found got the chance to break off into small groups, arraigned by age group. In these small groups, participants were able to reflect on the weekend's theme and relate it back to their own faith life through conversation, games, and crafts- some of which were showcased during the Saturday worship service as "On Eagle's Wings" was sung.

As always, Bishop Jim Mauney made an appearance during the weekend. He spoke to the youth about the importance of being an Ambassador for Christ, presided over communion, and of course performed his famous rendition of the song "Pharaoh, Pharaoh."

While speaking to the youth, Bishop Mauney lifted up the ongoing campaign in the Virginia Synod, Forwarding Faith. He encouraged participants to get involved with their churches in the coming year to fundraise for Forwarding Faith which will support faith formation programs like Lost and Found.  

Nothing beats a good game of Admiral's Tea Party!
An offering was taken up on Saturday night's worship service that will go towards educational scholarships in Papua New Guinea. Over $550 was collected.

Lost and Found 2016 was filled with laughter, fun, worship, and conversations that encouraged participants to growth their faith in God. As Pastor Leslie proclaimed throughout each large group gathering, "God is good all the time, and all the time God is good"
Do You have an announcement, upcoming event or news story Idea? Send it to Emily Pilat at [email protected] and make sure to follow our
A nnouncements
Winter Celebration

Winter Celebration is our annual weekend retreat for youth in grades 9 through 12 and their adult advisers.  We have Large Group gatherings that consist of singing, energy, comedy, worship and a presentation on our event theme. After each Large Group gathering each person is part of a Small Group made up of youth and a couple adult leaders where participants will get to know other Lutheran youth from Virginia and discuss life, faith and other topics that arise throughout the weekend.

For more information, and to register for Winter Celebration  click here!
Virginia Synod Bishop Election Feedback Requested

It is an exciting time in our synod as we approach the election of a new bishop at our 2017 Synod Assembly. Many of you already know that Bishop Mauney has announced his retirement next year and, so, we are preparing for the tenure of a new leader.
  
We need the help of congregational members and leaders - that's you! In much the same way as we prepare to call a new pastor in our congregations, we want to prepare to call a new bishop with as much attention and prayer as possible.
  
These survey results will be helpful for those who are potential nominees, which are determined by ecclesial ballot, to know how we see the ministry needs in our synod. It will also help the 2017 Synod Assembly voting members to know the mind of the Virginia church as they enter into the election process. 
  
Give the Gift of Camp for Christmas!
Registration is open for another exciting season of summer camp at Caroline Furnace Lutheran Camp! Tucked away in the gorgeous Shenandoah Valley, Caroline Furnace welcomes children from grades 1 to 12.

Giving camp for Christmas to your child, grandchild, niece or nephew replaces texts and TV with playing in the great outdoors, singing around a campfire, embracing new friendships, and enjoying daily Bible studies. It's a gift of lifelong memories.

Go to carolinefurnace.org for more information and to sign up your campers!
The Experience at Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary (LTSS)
The name The Experience was chosen because LTSS believes what you, as a prospective student, experiences is the most appropriate and influential way to determine which seminary is the right place to earn your theological education. During your time with us, we will show you our community and the community surrounding us. You will experience life with our current students and the heartbeat of campus. Also, our faculty will offer you a glimpse of the classroom experience that is essential to your theological formation. We look forward to welcoming you to The Experience!
 
Jenn Casey, an alum of LTSS and our Enrollment Director reflects, "I remember having a lot of questions during my discernment process and I often wondered if I was the only person with those questions. I also thought I must be crazy for thinking that God was calling me into ordained ministry. I now know I wasn't the only one, but it can be a confusing process!"
 
We have four opportunities, click on each on for registration information.


Questions? Contact Kohl Friery at 803- 461-3296 or  [email protected] . If you want to visit LTSS but these events don't work, email Kohl and set up a private visit!
Reformation 500 Observances

As the second oldest Lutheran college in the USA, the mission statement of Roanoke College declares that we "honor our Christian heritage by nurturing a dialogue between faith and reason." In this spirit, Roanoke College announces a series of special academic events from late 2016 through the anniversary year 2017 in commemoration of the 500 th  anniversary of the Reformation and in coordination with the 175 th  anniversary of the college's founding.

For more information on this and future events from Roanoke College celebrating the Reformation- click here!
Deck the Halls with Bronze! Handbell Concert

 
The Sine Nomine Concerts welcome the Virginia Handbell Consort on  Saturday, December 3, 2017 at 7 PM, St Mark Lutheran Church (118 Old York-Hampton Hwy, Yorktown, VA  23692).  This holiday program, Deck the Halls with Bronze, offers both traditional works and some new compositions.  Invite your neighbors, friends, co-workers, and relatives for this lively program.

For more information visit  smlconline.org/events
A Community Wide Service of Lessons and Carols
Save the Date! December 11th at 3 PM
All are invited to our 4th Annual Event, come hear the Christmas Story through Music and Scripture and stay for refreshments! Several local churches will be participating! 

On December 11th at 3 PM at Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer 1769 South Sycamore Street Petersburg, VA  www.LCOR.net
Job Opportunities
Coordinator of Children, Youth, and Family Ministries - Salem, Virginia
College Evangelical Lutheran Church seeks applications for a part-time Coordinator of Children, Youth, and Family Ministries.

Under the supervision of the Pastor, the Coordinator serves alongside of congregational leaders, advocates for and facilitates Children, Youth, and Family Ministry programs. Programs include Nursery; Sunday School (Pre K-High School); Confirmation; Vacation Bible School and other summer programs; Youth Group; Campus Ministry; and Family Faith Formation.

To view the full job description, click here.
WindsorMeade of Williamsburg seeks chaplain
WindsorMeade of Williamsburg, a Continuing Care Retirement Community, is looking for a full-time or part-time chaplain (approximately 20 hours per week). Ideal candidate has a Master's of Divinity from an accredited seminary or school of theology, a chaplaincy certification and two years of pastoral care experience, preferably with a senior adult population. Chaplain must be able to serve communion. Fluent English speaking and writing skills, empathy and the ability to listen, good time management skills, computer skills and professional dress, speech and behavior are all required for this position. To apply, submit your information and resume at www.windsormeade.org. Contact WindsorMeade directly for additional information.
All posts can also be found online at  www.vasynod.org/job-opportunities. If you have job opening you would like posted, email [email protected]
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