First Call Theological Education Retreat
On February 3rd and 4th First Call pastors, deacons, and ministry partners gathered for our annual First Call Theological Education Retreat in Harrisonburg. First Call Theological Education (FCTE) is a three-year structured program of theological education designed to assist newly called leaders in the transition to rostered ministry. The topic for this year’s retreat was centered on personnel and staffing and was presented by the Rev. Glenn E. Ludwig, Project Director of the Sr. Pastor Training Program at United Lutheran Seminary. The two-day retreat provided wonderful opportunities for conversation, worship, and fellowship.

This year we asked those in attendance for reflections on their time at FCTE and it's value to those serving in their first call.
Predatory Lending: Caught in a Debt Trap
By Diane Bayer , Minister of Christian Formation at Muhlenberg, Harrisonburg and leader of the Harrisonburg affiliate of the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy.
Imagine you lose your job, need a major car repair or are facing a sudden illness, and you have no savings and a poor credit rating. People do what they must to survive and many are forced to turn to payday and car title lenders in Virginia who offer quick cash with no credit check, charging 300% or more interest on the loan.

Payday lenders promote “easy” loans for workers who run short of money between paychecks and agree to repay the debt within a short time. A few weeks often turns into years and borrowers become caught in a debt trap that leads to a cycle of poverty that can cause financial ruin and tear families apart. Driven by the threat of a lawsuit or the fear of bounced checks, payday borrowers are often forced to pay their interest fees before they pay their rent, utilities and even buy groceries.

I join with faith leaders and advocates from different faiths across the Commonwealth to speak out against this unethical and cruel practice of predatory lending. We are working with the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy and the Virginia Poverty Law Center, to call upon Virginia’s legislators to enact laws to protect consumers from these predatory lenders. We see our congregants and community members becoming trapped in a cycle of debt and this must stop.
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
7th Day 2020: Register Today!
7th Day is our annual overnight event for youth in 5th and 6th grades and their adult advisors. During the weekend participants are part if a “Shepherd Group” with other youth and adult leaders and explore a story of the Bible through drama, games, crafts, and music. For more information and to register for 7th Day, click here.
Adult Faith Formation Retreat: Register by March 6!
Register today for the Spring Adult Faith Formation Retreat with presenter Dr. Jill Crainshaw! The spring retreat counts as the "Biblical Models of Leadership" course for ACTS participants working towards their certificate. Registration will close on March 6, 2020. There are three different options to register for the overnight retreat: Single room with meals $150, Double room with meals $125, or Commuter (Meals only) $67.

For more information on the event and to register, click here.
#ThursdaysinBlack on Valentine’s Day, 14 February
For many people, Valentine's Day is a time to celebrate love. However, for too many, “love” comes with abuse and violence. As part of the  Thursdays in Black  campaign, the World Council of Churches invited #ThursdaysinBlack reflections on a well-known scripture on Love: 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. In response, people sent in poems, blogs, art and more. See the reflections  here .

You can also find many resources including posters, badges, and social media graphics to share the #ThursdaysinBlack campaign this Valentine's Day and beyond. To download, print, and share these resources,  click here .
Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) Application Due Feb. 15th!
Hurry — applications for the ELCA’s Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) program are about to close! This is your chance to invite young adults to apply before the Feb. 15 deadline.

If you know young adults aged 21 to 29, reach out and encourage them to apply for this yearlong journey abroad. Talk to them personally about what this opportunity will mean for their faith, identity, career and understanding of God’s work in the world. You can also print out this poster to display in your congregation or ministry space.

Through YAGM, young adults will learn what it means to serve in a spirit of accompaniment as they walk alongside global church companions. They’ll become immersed in a new community and form deep relationships. And they’ll confront issues of wealth and poverty, racial privilege, gender privilege, economic disparity and globalization, all through the lens of faith. Learn more at ELCA.org/YAGM.
Roanoke College Accepted Student Area Receptions
Accepted Roanoke College students and their parents are invited to attend an informal reception in your area for other accepted students. At the reception, students will have the opportunity to hear current Roanoke College students, parents, and alumni speak about their Roanoke experience.

Sunday, March 3 at 2:00 p.m.: Norfolk/Tidewater, VA - Lesner Inn
Sunday, March 10 at 2:00 p.m.: Richmond, VA - Maggiano's Little Italy
Updates and Upcoming Events at Caroline Furnace
Summer Camp 2020
Good indeed is the Lord, whose steadfast love endures forever. God's faithfulness continues for all generations. -Psalm 100:5 Get ready for another amazing summer! Registration is now open for Summer 2020 camps at Caroline Furnace. Campers who are 16 & 17 years old are eligible for the LIT! Program (Leaders in Training). Are you (or someone you know) interested in serving as a Camp Counselor this summer? Every week is a new adventure! Paid academic internships are available. Learn More and Register

Family Nights
Join us for an evening of fun! We're bringing dinner, games, and a campfire for s'mores to a church near you. Bring your questions about Summer Camp and Retreats. All are welcome - invite your friends! RSVP on the Facebook event (Caroline Furnace page), sign-up sheet at your church, or by emailing  julie@carolinefurnace.org. RSVP requested but not required; there is no cost to attend. Learn more and get flyers and Facebook events here:  Family Nights schedule
February 16 at 5pm - Emanuel Lutheran Church, Woodstock VA
March 15 at 5pm - Epiphany Lutheran Church, Richmond VA
March 22 at 5pm - College Lutheran Church, Salem VA
April 5 at 5pm - St. Mark Lutheran Church, Charlottesville VA


NEW! Spring Break Work Weeks: March 9-13, March 16-20
Paul Bunyan Weekend: March 6-8
Spring Work Weekend: March 20-22
Grab your work gloves and come spend Spring Break at camp; we need your help with the Moyer Lodge and Farmhouse upgrades! This is a large-scale project and many hands make light(er) work. Lodging and meals are provided for the length of your stay - come for a day or stay for both weeks. There is no cost to participate, but an option is available during registration to help fund the project. No skill required. Spring Break Work Weeks are for all ages, not just college students. Bring your mission group! Invite your friends! Sign up now.
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.