K'aiza and Jó napot kívánok! This Thursday we're taking a moment to look at the global church with our Virginia Synod Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM). We have two young women from the Virginia Synod, Maren Corliss and Jayme Kokkonen who are serving with YAGM this year.

This month, Maren shared a fantastic newsletter updating about her time living, learning, and serving in Berettyóújfalu and Debrecen, Hungary. In her newsletter she shares photos and information all about her site placements, her experience at worship, and some of the language she has learned so far.

Banners from the 2018 and 2019 Synod Assemblies are available to share for congregational worship and celebration. The experimental program is offered through Norma Fredrickson’s Studio Three 17, with the support of synod staff. Norma coordinates the calendar and the movement of the banners as requests are made. Initial ideas and contacts were created at this year’s assembly. Interested congregations can contact Norma at fibergig@gmail.com. Norma, the designer and creator of the banners, hopes the traveling banners create a connection and resource for our synod.

The banners measure approximately 45 by 79”. The loops or rod pocket will accommodate a cross pole with a 1.5” diameter. They can be used on a tee shaped pole or hung with a cross pole and cord. The banners travel rolled up on a cardboard tube covered by a fabric bag. To date, they have traveled by car, but Norma is working on a shipping solution.

Studio Three 17 thanks Grace Lutheran, Winchester, Norma’s home congregation for being the first users of the banners. Hearty thanks to Pastor Lance Braun for being the first experiment in transporting banners for use in his congregations. The banners are currently at St Mark’s in Roanoke.

Join Tapestry tonight at 7:00 PM for our second of six weeks of conversations on "Dear Church: A Love Letter from a Black Preacher to the Whitest Denomination in the US" by Lenny Duncan. We'll be having this six week conversation via Zoom (video chat). Join us for some or all of the sessions as you are able.

Login to the Zoom Chat Here: zoom.us/j/574971266

Buy the Book Here: lennyduncan.com/order-dear-church

For more information on this event, click here.

Lost and Found is our annual weekend retreat for youth in 7th and 8th grade and their adult advisors. 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 about 8 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. On Saturday afternoon there is large chunk of Free Time during which we will also hold out annual Talent Show. In the evenings you will relax in your Cottage and talk with other youth and adults from your congregation and other congregations about how the weekend is going.

For more information on Lost and Found and to register for the event, click here .

Play, Pray, Play, October 1-3

Come find renewal in and through God's creation! Begin with a day of play: hiking, fishing, canoeing, creekwalking, playing gagaball, crafting and more. We'll begin the day with interactive, camp-like worship and Bible study, and end with a campfire. Day 2 is set aside as a Day of Prayer - time for silent meditation, praying the labyrinth, reading, and contemplation. We'll wrap up the retreat with another day of play: hiking, fishing, canoeing, creekwalking, playing gagaball, crafting and more. Local horseback riding, wineries, and river trips may be available on the play days as well at additional cost. Lodging is modern-rustic and scratch-made meals are provided Tuesday lunch through Thursday lunch. 2 Day (Tues/Wed or Wed/Thurs): $80; 3 Day (Tues-Thurs): $125

Renew & Retreat, presented by Roots & Wings, October 8-10

Renew & Retreat is a Christian Formation Retreat for Family Ministries, presented by Roots & Wings, a ministry of the Virginia Synod, ELCA. This year's facilitator is Debbie Striecher, Co-Director at Milestones Ministry and past president of the Christian Education Network of the ELCA. Debbie is passionate about family ministry and the importance of daily immersion in the language of faith. Her vision is to involve all ages in faith formation, strengthen family relationships through spiritual growth, and empower God-given gifts to do ministry. All are welcome, to include other Synods, denominations, and ecumenical partners. Early Registration until Sept 1 is $100.

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.

Join us for a FREE, 2-day course featuring Victor Vieth called “When Faith Hurts". This course deals with the intersection of child abuse and faith communities. Held on November 12-13, 2019 from 8:30 Am to 5:00 PM at Lexington Presbyterian Church. Topics include:

To register for this event, click here. For an informational flyer click here. For more information about the speaker, click here.

Join us Saturday, September 28th 8:00 AM -2:00 PM at the Brandon Oaks Auditorium for our Fall Bazaar! All proceeds will benefit the Brandon Oaks Auxiliary, a volunteer group whose funds support quality of life enhancements for the residents of Brandon Oaks Nursing and Rehab Center and Memory Support Center. We will have a raffle, hot dogs and chili for purchase and items for sale.

Do you have items you’d like to donate to our sale? Or delicious baked goods to include in our bake sale? Call Bazaar coordinator Betty Lovingood; (540) 769-8727.

For an event flyer, click here.

Are you the adventuresome type? Is there an African Safari in your bucket? Here’s your opportunity! Godparents for Tanzania (G4TZ) has just announced its 2020 Safari dates: August 6-20. Spend 12 days in- country doing multiple game drives in three amazing National Parks: Tarangire, Ngorongoro and Manyara and learn about the work of G4TZ.

More information, including the itinerary and estimated trip cost, is available at the G4TZ website: www.godparents4tz.org. Click the Safari tab.

For more information, call the trip leader: Pastor Dwayne Westermann at 540-353-6341. Safari trips often fill up early in the year and the group size is limited, so don’t delay.

Karibu sana Tanzania! (Swahili for: “You are very welcome to Tanzania!”)

Join us on Saturday September 28th at The Pavilion at HMLRC at 5:30

The evening highlights include: A selection of authentic German bratwurst, wieners, and side dishes, beer, soft drinks, and iced tea, live music, Cornhole tournament with prizes, and a bonfire

"Called to be Prophets" Sept 27th and 28th. You can stay and worship with us on the 29th as well! I started this conference because I believe we are called to be more than pastor and chaplains. Brian McLaren is the headliner, Robyn Henderson-Espinoza is a very talented prophet, and Dr. Steed Davidson was our OT professor at PLTS back in the day. The conference is going to be great and I'd ask that you'd help us spread the word. North Carolina is beautiful in September! Link to the event is tinyurl.com/calledtobeprophets.

Scholarships available, email daniel.pugh@ctkcary.com for more information. Live podcast Friday night with our friends at Homebrewed Christianity and book reading/signing Saturday night coffee shop. First 100 registrants get free copies of McLaren and Henderson-Espinoza's new book before they come out! For more information on this event, click here.

At 7 p.m. on Saturday September 28th Salem Lutheran in Mt. Sidney will be doing something it has never done before: host a U2charist. A what???

For all those familiar with the music of the Irish rock band U2, this is essentially what it says it is - a Eucharist with U2 music. Unfortunately, the actual band will not be in attendance - but their music and message will be.

Think of it as a multimedia rock concert meets Eucharist. The result is a new way of being together, worshipping together, and proclaiming the Gospel. Much of U2’s music expresses a concern for social justice in the world. Our offering on the 28 th will go toward the ELCA fund for world hunger. All are welcome, dress is casual, and dancing in the aisles is encouraged.

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.

GraceInside has an immediate opening for a chaplain to serve Buckingham Correctional Center in Buckingham, Virginia. The position pays $25 dollars/hour and is currently funded for 111 hours a month. GraceInside chaplains serve as the Christian pastor as well as the religious supervisor for all religious activities on site.

For a complete position description, click here.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume and application to GraceInside: 2828 Emerywood Parkway; Richmond, VA 23294 by September 6th, 2019. Applications may be requested from Lee Hargrave at leehargrave@graceinside.org or at (804) 358-7650.

St. Peter's in Stafford is searching for an individual who has a calling for Youth Ministry Leadership on a part-time basis and would like to apply to become our next Youth Ministry Director. Please visit splctoday.org to see the full position description. If you are interested, or know anyone who might be, please call the church office at 540-659-6366 or email Pastor Paul Toelke at paultoelke@gmail.com.

Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Virginia Beach, VA., is seeking a part time Director of Worship & Music. We are a liturgical church following a specific format for worship. We are looking for someone who will be responsible for directing the sanctuary choir, children’s choir, and possibly hand bell choir. The Director must be a professional musician who is proficient in singing and can play one or more instrument(s) (piano/organ preferred). They must be able to select hymns and music pieces that fit with the particular Bible readings for a given Sunday and season of the Church year. Some computer skills are needed to prepare PowerPoints for the worship service, reports for the Church Council, and newsletter articles. They will be responsible for working within a budget and helping to develop a new budget for upcoming years. Above all, we are looking for a leader who loves the Lord, and His people and who will shepherd the choir members as part of his/her ministry at Emmanuel.

For information on applying, please email admin@elvb.org

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