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Hebron Lutheran Church Celebreates 300 Years
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This weekend, the Virginia Synod Ministerium and the community surrounding Hebron Lutheran Church in Madison all took part to celebrate the 300th anniversary of Hebron! Organized in 1717 by German settlers and built in 1740, Hebron is known as the oldest Lutheran worshipping community in the south.
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Giving Thanks for 300 Years
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This Saturday and Sunday the Virginia Synod and Hebron community celebrated the long life of Hebron with worship services led by ELCA
Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, assisted by
Virginia Synod Bishop James Mauney and
Hebron Pastor Patricia Covington.
In Bishop Eaton's sermon, she focused on overlooking Jesus in our everyday lives, as the disciples in Luke 24 do not recognize the risen Jesus, "If you saw someone come back from the dead, wouldn't that make you stop for a moment?" maybe not!
Despite the predicted shock and awe, we might face, Bishop Eaton pointed to
a social experiment put on by the Washington Post. The Post had Joshua Bell, one of the nation's great musicians, perform in a metro station to see if he could cut through the fog of a D.C. rush hour. Could morning commuters recognize extraordinary beauty in our everyday? Like the disciples, many commuters were so caught up in their own lives, and problems that they were not able to stop and take notice of the wonder happening before them.
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In Luke 24, Jesus makes his presence known to the disciples by preaching, and in her sermon, Bishop Eaton charged those present to open up the beauty of God in word as well as deed, "Preaching is an important part of how people come to know and understand what God is about and who Jesus is."
During the Sunday worship service, an estimated 400 guests took part, with roughly 200 people filling the pews in Hebron, and an additional 200 worshiping in a tent outside, listening and viewing the service from monitors.
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Following the worship service on Saturday, several presenters took the time to honor Hebron's life, as well as the 175th Anniversary of Roanoke College, and to recognize the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther and the protestant reformation.
The afternoon featured a historic presentation on Hebron,
"God' s People Together: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow " told by
Ms. Judy Ann Fray, Chairperson of the Historical Committee and Longtime Church Member. Ms. Fray gave a great detailed background on Hebron's historical foundation, looking all the way back to the original German settlers journey to Virginia and what brought them to organize the congregation that makes up Hebron today.
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Regards came from Roanoke College
President Michael C. Maxey on Saturday as well. President Maxey presented
"Roanoke Rising: From a Small School in a Humble Cabin to a First Class College on a Beautiful Campus" a reflection of Roanoke College's own 175 years serving students. President Maxey joked, "When you're 175 years old, you're not accustomed to being the youngester in the crowd." In his talk, President Maxey shared great thanks to the Hebron community, as it was from a donation early in the college's life that greatly aided them in continuing to educate, and support the college's Lutheran roots.
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Bishop Eaton also spoke on Saturday, sharing
"Being Forward in Faith: A 501 Church", taking the time to look at where we as the church are being called, and how that call is working to strengthen new leadership and grow our congregations. She paid particular attention to diversity and multi-cultural inclusion being lifted up in the Lutheran Church, stating, "We still in some ways need to step beyond our own cultural understandings to see how the message that has been entrusted to us can be heard by people that are not of European decent."
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On Sunday, several exhibits were presented, showcasing Hebron's history in picture and word through the years. Among these exhibits was The Church Glebe Tract, Early German families land patents, photographs of Hebron across decades, and most notably, a rare 1560 edition of a Martin Luther Bible written in German was featured. The bible was restored in 2010 and is now kept secure in a vault.
The History of the Church and Congregation was presented on Sunday afternoon by
The Rev. William Hall. Rev. Hall served as pastor for Hebron from 1970 to 1980.
Hebron’s 1802 Tannenburg Organ history was also showcased on Sunday by
George Taylor, of Taylor & Boody, Organbuilders, examining the history that brought this unique instrument to Hebron in the 1800s.
Following this weekend's historic celebration, Hebron is looking forward to the next chapter in the congregation's long life.
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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
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Synod Assembly 2017: Ambassadors for Christ: Forwarding Faith
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Synod Assembly is here!
June 9-11
will be our time to get together as the Virginia Synod to fellowship, learn about the wider church, do business, and learn more about worship.
Presiding over the Bishop's election and our ELCA representative
this year will be the
Rev. Rafael Malpica Padilla
, Executive Director‐ELCA Division of Global Missions.
For more information and to register for Synod Assembly,
click here
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Virginia Synod Kairos 2017
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Kairos
is our annual week-long faith formation event for youth who will be in 9th-12th grades in the coming fall. It is a chance for youth who are already committed to a life of faith to be part of a unique Christian community for an entire week, to have a fresh experience of the grace and presence of God in that community, and to develop habits for discipleship that can be taken home as they live out their call to be “Ambassadors for Christ.” Kairos is different from our weekend events in that congregations do not send advisors with youth; the event staff serves as small group leaders and dorm advisors for the week. “Kairos” is the New Testament Greek word for “special time.” It is used whenever God’s people want to talk about a time of change, of renewal, of God’s special work in the believer and the community.
For more information and to register for Kairos, click here
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Roanoke College's Theology for Teens
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Our second annual summer camp introducing teens to biblical and theological scholarship, exploring contemporary challenges & how their faith tradition can meet those challenges. Starting Sunday July 16, 2016 through Sunday July 22, 2017 we will focus on the life & thought of Dietrich Bonhoeffer—a church leader who met the challenges before him—we will explore today’s social issues & encounter other faiths by engaging the students with leaders from those various communities. Come and discover a sense of mission, be equipped with theological tools to enable you to meet the challenges facing the church today.
For more information and to register for T4T, click here
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Virginia Synod LAUNCH 2017
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LAUNCH
is an event for youth who have just graduated from high school. Its purpose is to give them a chance to take stock of where their faith life has led them so far and also to provide an opportunity to engage in discussion on matters of faith and life that are likely to face them as they move on to the next stage of their lives, whether it be the workforce, military or other public service, college, or something else. If participants are veterans of our Virginia Synod ELCA Youth Events (Lost and Found, Winter Celebration, Kairos, etc.), they will find that this event is structured differently. We will spend our three full days together in a rhythm of worship, informal presentations to the whole group, small group discussions, and individual reflections that engage the mind as well as the spirit. Of course, there will be time for fellowship and relaxation and enjoyable meal times together.
For more information and to register for LAUNCH, click here
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Power in the Spirit 2017: "On Our Way Reforming!"
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Hosted at beautiful Roanoke College in Salem Virginia, Power in the Spirit is an inspirational conference for everyone who wishes to explore God’s call to service through joyous worship, Bible study, keynote addresses, workshops, and fellowship. In addition, congregational leaders—teachers, organists and choir directors, choir members,committee or council members, family life consultant, pastors, and others—will find Power in the Spirit nurturing and challenging as they consider their mission and ministry.
The Reformation didn’t “fix” the Church. In fact, you might say it’s just one example of how we’re always “recalculating” our way forward as individuals and as a Church. In that spirit, this year’s theme for Power in the Spirit 2017 is:
On Our Way Reforming!
For more information and to register for Power in the Spirit, click here.
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Day of Prayer Eastern Gathering
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Sponsored by the Lutheran Episcopal Joint Committee of Virginia the Eastern Gathering will be held on May 17th, 2017 at Chanco on the James 394 Floods Drive Spring Grove, Virginia 23881
Led by Speaker The Rev. John Maxwell Kerr.
Rev. Kerr will lead two group sessions considering how and why to pray, whom to pray with, resources for prayer, prayer and the liturgical year, and will share other personal prayer practices.
REGISTRATION information is at www.bit.ly/dayofprayereast.
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Caroline Furnace: Celebrating 60 Years of Ministry
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We want to celebrate 60 years of fun, fellowship, and faith with you! Come for the whole weekend or come celebrate for part of the time, but do come!
Traditionally, the 60th Anniversary is a “diamond anniversary,” but for camp, it’s our SLAG Anniversary. Join us Saturday, May 27th - Monday, May 29th for yummy food, good fun, and memorable fellowship.
Come celebrate our Slag Anniversary!
Registration closes May 16th
or when space is full. Space is limited. Sign up to reserve your spot today.
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Caroline Furnace: Have you registered for summer camp?
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It's our 60th Anniversary and we're celebrating with a summer of old favorites and new programs. Our traditional summer residential programs are designed for rising 1st-12th graders. Family camp is perfect for families with younger kids who want to try out camp together.
To register for summer camp at Caroline Furnace,
click here
For information on the 2017 summer schedule and pricing,
click here
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Part-time Director of Worship and Music
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Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Virginia Beach seeks a part-time Director of Worship and Music beginning in May. 25 hours per week. Salary depending on previous experience. See the PD and application instructions at ELVB.ORG under the “Jobs” tab.
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Part-time Church Secretary
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Part-time church secretary, 10-12 hours/week. QuickBooks knowledge needed. Small church in the Vinton area. If interested, please call 540-342-1715 and leave a message.
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Part-Time Nursery Attendant
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Grace Lutheran Church in Chesapeake seeks a caring and able bodied person to serve as part-time Nursery Attendant for Sunday mornings (approximately 8:15am-12:30pm) and occasional other times. See full job description and application on the “Jobs” tab on the church website (http://www.gracelutheranchesapeake.org/jobs.html).
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Grace Lutheran Day School in Chesapeake seeks a part-time Bookkeeper (approximately 20 hours/month) to handle payroll, other payments, financial reports, etc. Compensation is based on education and experience. See full job description and application on the “Jobs” tab on the church website (http://www.gracelutheranchesapeake.org/jobs.html).
Application Deadline: June 1, 2017
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Part-Time Day School Director
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Grace Lutheran Day School is Chesapeake seeks a part-time Director (approximately 30 hours/week—Sep-May). Compensation is based on education and experience. See full job description and application on the “Jobs” tab on the church website (http://www.gracelutheranchesapeake.org/jobs.html).
Application Deadline: May 15, 2017
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Full-Time Director of Music/Organist
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Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church of Winchester Virginia, a dynamic, historic (1753), and still growing ELCA congregation of approximately 800 members in the northern Shenandoah Valley is looking for a full-time Director of Music/Organist. The general responsibilities of this position would include overseeing the entire music program of the congregation, leading music worship for two liturgical services each Sunday and one contemporary service each Saturday, and directing the choirs. A 28-rank, two-manual Schantz organ; a Yamaha grand piano;
five octaves of Schulmerich handbells; five octaves of Malmark choir chimes; and plentiful children’s percussion instruments are used.
The candidate should have knowledge of Lutheran liturgy.
Applicants should submit a resume and an audio recording that includes one prelude, the hymn “A Might Fortress,” and one postlude—all on the organ and one hymn of the candidate’s choosing performed on the piano. The material may be sent to Pastor Martha Miller Sims, senior administrative pastor, at grace@gracewin.org.
Salary is commensurate with education, skills, and experience. Full benefits package is available.
A background check is required.
Contact the church for a complete job description. Resumes accepted through May 31. Applicants should be prepared to begin the position on September 1.
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