Weekly Update
Announcements From Around the Virginia Synod
Confirmation Class Field Trip
This past Election Tuesday was a day for five confirmation students to reflect on the role of the church outside their home congregation with a unique trip. For over 20 years, Epiphany Lutheran in Richmond has brought confirmation students to Roanoke. While visiting Roanoke the students meet the Bishop, tour Roanoke College, and learn more about the Synod's Mission Partners Lutheran Family Services and Virginia Lutheran Homes.
Pastor Phillip Martin of Epiphany has continued to bring his confirmands to Roanoke in a tradition that was started by his predecessor, Pastor Chris Price, who came up with the idea for this trip during his time at Epiphany. This trip helps confirmation students see that the church and the work it does extends far beyond Epiphany's walls.
The confirmation students started their day off at the brand new Martin Luther statue on the campus of Roanoke College. They later were given a tour of several major building on campus including the Fintel Library as well as the brand new Cregger Center athletic facility. Their tour guide was none other than Pastor  Paul Henrickson, former Roanoke College Chaplin.

While on campus the group of five got the chance to meet with Bishop Mauney in the office of the Bishop. Each confirmand brought with them a list of questions for Bishop Mauney to answer, all in the goal of learning more about the role of a Bishop in our Synod. Bishop Mauney discussed with the students the role of the Bishop for the church as well as the challenges and joys he's gotten to experience in his 18 years as Bishop, telling stories and sharing his experience with them candidly. Bishop Mauney also stressed the importance and value of the Small Catechism in their confirmation studies, showing off his own copy.
During lunch the group got to meet with several Roanoke College students, professors of religion, as well as the Chaplin of Roanoke College, Chaplin Chris Bowen. There the confirmation group got to ask questions on campus life, and how college life can impact and shape their faith. Students attending Roanoke College discussed how living your faith in college often makes its presence known in less conventional ways. Even with evening services held every Wednesday and typical Sunday services out in the community, many of these students said they found ways to engage in prayer and discussion with one another at all hours of the day- be it during service projects with Chaplin Chris, or a prayer together late at night over shared stresses.
From there the students traveled off campus to tour the facilities at the Roanoke Minnick School as well Brandon Oaks, learning more about the services provided by Lutheran Family Services as well as Virginia Lutheran Homes. "A lot of them don't realize just how much their church is doing until we make this trip and see the synod and these institutions up close," explained Pastor Phillip.

If you are interested in planning a visit to the Bishop's office for your confirmation class, call the Virginia Synod office at 540-389-1000.
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. 
  
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.

A Community Wide Service of Lessons and Carols
Save the Date!
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! 

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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