Power in the Spirit:
Children of the Same Heavenly Father
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The annual conference Power in the Spirit took place last week on the campus of Roanoke College in Salem from July 11-13. Together attendees from across the state gathered to explore the promise of baptism, and how everyone in a church- regardless of age- receives the newly baptized. Through worship, Bible study, keynote addresses, workshops, and fellowship attendees dove into the mysteries and promises of baptism, and how we can recognize each other as children of the same heavenly Father— no matter our differences.
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2019 Virginia Synod VBS Decoration Contest
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Have your VBS volunteers outdone themselves in transforming your space into something exciting for kids and adults alike? Show off all the hard work with this year's
Virginia Synod VBS Decoration Contest
!
Congregations and individuals are both welcome to submit photos of their spectacular designs from their VBS programs!
To enter, send
one
photo
of your best VBS decorations to Emily Pilat at
pilat@vasynod.org with the subject line
"VBS Contest"
from now until
Monday, August 12th.
With your
one entry photo
please include the following information:
- Your full name
- Your congregation name and location
If a photo you submit has children featured, please be sure you have permission to share their image from their family or guardians.
On
August 15th
two randomly selected winners will be announced as part of the edition of the Weekly Update. Both winners will receive a copy of
Samuel Sparrow and The Tree Of Light,
a children's book about Chrismons
!
If you have any questions about the 2019 VBS Decoration Contest, please contact Emily Pilat at
pilat@vasynod.org
Best of luck to all who enter, and happy decorating!
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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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Virginia Synod Fund for Mission
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Final proposals for the Virginia Synod Fund for Mission are due to Pastor John Wertz Jr. by
August 1, 2019. For more information on the Virginia Synod Fund for Mission, visit,
www.vasynod.org/resources/vsfm/
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Theology for Teens: July 28-August 3, 2019
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Our fourth annual summer camp introducing teens to biblical and theological scholarship, exploring contemporary challenges & how their faith tradition can meet those challenges. 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.
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21st Century Tools for Ministry Workshop:
August 28 @ 5:30 - 8:30 PM
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Our
workshop leader
will be Sarah Stonesifer who works in
Lifelong Learning at Virginia Theological Seminary
as the Manager of Operations and Digital Missioner. She focuses on digital engagement, resources and training for thoughtful, innovative Christian formation for all ages.
Church leaders have been reinventing the best ways to communicate, teach, and preach since the earliest days of Christian community. In this workshop, we’ll explore the 21st century tools for ministry, how we can maintain healthy boundaries and genuine connection at the same time, while engaging in the work of the Jesus Movement. Ministry leaders will walk away inspired to be digital evangelists and hearing authentic ways to connect, ending the evening equipped with tools and resources. This workshop is recommended for anyone already engaged in the use of digital media in ministry or those desiring to learn.
The
cost
per person is $15 and dinner, snacks, and refreshments are all included. To register,
click here
.
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Upcoming Fall Events at Caroline Furnace
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Pre-Advent Retreat, August 19-21
Get a jump on your Advent planning! All are invited to join us for a time of discussion, preparation and fellowship before the Advent season. Join us at modern Buttonwood Lodge to take a look at the four Matthean gospel texts for the Sundays of Advent. Using Anna Carter Florence's method of Rehearsing Scripture, we'll delve into the story to find the script in scripture and emerge with fresh insight. Pastors and lay leaders are encouraged; all are welcome. 3 day cost: $125
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.
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Explore and apply for opportunities available with the churchwide organization or global service on the ELCA Job Board at
elca.atsondemand.com
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ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellow in Richmond, Virginia
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Through the support of ELCA World Hunger, ELCA Advocacy works in partnership with statewide advocacy ministry networks across the United States to end hunger by engaging directly with local, state and national governments and equipping people of faith to seek justice through advocacy. Each office relates to the synods in their state and works closely with hunger leaders and synod teams.
For a complete position description, and to apply,
click here.
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Lutheran Episcopal Volunteer Network Program
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LEVN, the Lutheran Episcopal Volunteer Network, is looking for young adults (age 21-30) with Bachelor's degrees for an 11-month program of non-profit volunteer service and learning about social justice. From the end of August 2019 to the end of July 2020, our corps members will be provided housing, utilities, health coverage, spiritual direction, and a $535/month living stipend. We also offer a $1000 re-entry grant at the completion of the program.
The placement sites for the upcoming program year include faith-based non-profits, secular non-profits, congregations, outdoor ministry, and our campus ministry at UC Davis. These service sites address issues of homelessness, food insecurity, unemployment, children and youth ministries, and other important social justice issues facing our communities.
We gather each week for evening prayer, dinner, and formation. The corps members live in intentional community in one of two residences: The Belfry, an apartment attached to our campus ministry center in Davis, CA, or The Priory, an apartment at All Saints Episcopal Church in Sacramento, CA. We're an ecumenical program in the Episcopal Service Corps network; applicants needn't be either Lutheran or Episcopal to apply—interest in Christian spirituality is the only expectation. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until July 31, 2019.
Visit levn.org or contact Program Director Casey Dunsworth at 530-756-1550 or
pastor@thebelfry.org for more information!
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If you have a position opening you would like posted, please email Emily Pilat at
pilat@vasynod.org.
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Stay Connected with the Virginia Synod:
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