Bishop Eaton on Martin Luther King Day 2020
ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton addresses the faith-formed commitment by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to ensure voting rights for every citizen. To watch the video on Facebook, click here.
Unpacking White Privilege
At its June 2019 meeting, the ELCA Church Council adopted a “Declaration of the ELCA to People of African Descent.” At the 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, leaders from the African Descent Lutheran Association took the stage with council members as well as members and staff of the working group that drafted the letter of repentance for the church’s complicity in slavery and “the ELCA’s perpetuation of racism.” Also during the assembly, the “Strategy Toward Authentic Diversity in the ELCA” was adopted. This strategy consists of a report and recommendations on how the ELCA can exhibit and formulate goals for authentic racial and ethnic diversity.

As the ELCA works toward a more authentically diverse future, congregations have been tackling this issue head-on in their contexts. This article from Living Lutheran shares the learning, uncomfortable conversations and growth happening at Cavalry Lutheran Church in Minneapolis through the personal reflections of two women leaders— Yolanda Denson-Byers and Shari Seifert. Continue Reading.
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
Winter Celebration 2020
Winter Celebration is our annual weekend retreat for youth in grades 9 through 12 and their adult advisors. We have Large Group and Small Group gatherings that consist of singing, comedy, worship, faith sharing and presentations on our event theme. On Saturday afternoon during Free Time we will also hold out annual Talent Show and in the evenings you will have time to relax in your Cottage and talk with other youth and adults from your congregation and other congregations about how Winter Celebration is going. December 16th is the deadline for early registration! For more information and to register, click here.
Renew 145
Renew 145 is an intentional effort to strengthen congregational vitality in the Virginia Synod by helping individuals and congregations focus on growing deeper in relationship with God, in relationship with one another and in relationship with their community.

In Renew 145, four to six lay leaders and a pastoral leader from a congregation will covenant to spend a year learning, practicing and experimenting to help strengthen the marks of congregational vitality in their context. The teams will participate in a series of retreats and dispersed learning opportunities and will work with a coach to help plan for action. The Cohort will launch with a retreat at March 6-7 at Eagle Eyrie. Other dates to be announced. Thanks to grant money from a Churchwide Congregational Vitality Grant, the cost per team will be $600 (which includes 2 overnight retreats for your team).

For more information about Renew 145, visit  vasynod.org/ministries/renew-145
Spring Adult Faith Formation Retreat
Biblical Models of Leadership with presenter Dr. Jill Crainshaw March 20-21 at Roslyn Retreat Center, Richmond. Registration is now open! For more information on the event and to register, click here.
Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary Discernment Days: February 16 – 17, 2020
Join Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary from February 16-17 to intentionally focused on slowing down and listening to what God may be calling us to next. Together with seminary professors and students, we will use conversation, worship, attending classes, and fellowship to open ourselves to the Spirit's leading. There is no cost to you for this event, and all meals and housing are provided. For more information and to register for this event, click here.
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Service
Join us, and invite others in your community to a Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Service.

In Central Virginia: Thursday, January 23 at 7 PM at Trinity United Methodist Church 903 Forest Ave Richmond VA Preacher: The Rev. Mary Anne Glover Transitional General Minister, Virginia Council of Churches (Bishop Humphrey will also participate.)

In Northern Virginia: Wednesday, January 22 at 7 pm at Saint Bernadette Catholic Church 7600 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield VA

Or, if there is a service in your area that week, do plan to attend this time to pray together.

The 2020 theme is They Showed Us Unusual Kindness, prepared by the Christian churches in Malta and Gozo using St. Paul's arrival at their islands as told in Acts.
Germanna Women's Spring Conference
All Women in the Germanna Conference are invited to attend the Germanna Women's Spring Conference at Grace and Glory Lutheran Church 683 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy. Palmyra, VA 22963 on Saturday, March 28, 2020 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM. This is an annual spring event where women engaged in ministry and action come together. The day offers worship, fellowship, education and time together to share ideas and the ministries that are taking place in our congregations.

The day begins with registration/light breakfast, continues with worship, and a program by Lutheran Family Services of Virginia (LFS). A special offering will be collected toward LFS summer camp scholarships to benefit group home residents. Lunch will be provided, and there is no cost for this event.

Please R.S.V.P. your congregation name and number attending to JoAnn Fawley at fawley6409@gmail.com.
WomanKind 2020 March 20-21, 2020
WomanKind’s 2020 theme Fearless Women of Faith explores and celebrates how God has inspired fearlessness in us. Join us March 20-21 at St. James’s, Richmond for our keynote sessions, workshops, and worship, where we will examine fearlessness in the face of injustice, violence against women, life transitions, the unknown, vulnerability, and even fear itself. We will look to our sacred stories in the Bible and our own personal stories, and ask for the Holy Spirit to continue to reveal and plant in us holy peace, courage and perseverance. Together, we will seek Christ’s healing, strength, and fearlessness. For more information and to register for this event, click here.
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. Sign up for your week by December 10 and receive a special Christmas gift! Learn More and Register

Pre-Lenten Retreat, February 4-6
All are invited to join us for a time of discussion, preparation and fellowship before the Lenten season. Join us at Buttonwood Lodge to take a look at the Matthean gospel texts for the Sundays of Lent. Pastors and lay leaders are encouraged; all are welcome. Cost is $125 and includes two nights at Buttonwood Lodge, seven meals, and resource materials.
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.