News & Updates for the Virginia Synod
April 13, 2021
Easter Blessings from PNG
The Virginia Synod gives thanks for our partnership in the Gospel with the Islands District of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Papua New Guinea.

In the video above, Pastor Kinim Siloi, Director for Inter Church Relation/Ecumenism & Partnership of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of PNG, shared Easter Greetings with the Virginia Synod.

Pastor Tobby Eleaser, District President for the Islands District ELC of PNG, shared written greetings: Easter Greetings from Pastor Tobby Eleaser April 2021.

You can see the greetings the Virginia Synod shared with the church in PNG at: Virginia Synod Easter Greetings to PNG.
Synod Assembly Update
Early Bird Registration ends on Monday, April 19
You are encouraged to register NOW for this year’s online Assembly on June 12, 2021. Early bird registration – with a discounted fee of $50 – ends next Monday, April 19. Beginning April 20, the fee increases to $65. (Additional discounts are available for Retired and On Leave from Call Rostered Ministers.)
 
To register online, click here. You need a debit or credit card to process the registration fees. Registration will close on June 2. EVERY voting member must register with a unique email address. You will need to be able to access this email address during the assembly for voting.
 
Visitors are welcome to participate in the Assembly by the live stream on the Synod’s Youtube channel (posted on the VA Synod website). Visitors do not need to register.
 
Lutheran Youth of the Virginia Synod will hold their annual assembly in mid-afternoon on June 12. All youth in grades 7-12 are eligible to attend. The Online Youth Assembly information and registration are separate from the Synod Assembly and will be available at vasynod.org/event/youth-assembly.
Upcoming Events
Starting a New Chapter: Ministry in a Digital World
May 3, 10, & 17 at 7 PM

How do we build on what we have learned over the last 13 months?

How have attitudes and opinions about faith and life changed during the pandemic?

How do we use digital tools to strengthen overall ministry?

The Virginia Synod invites you into a series of conversations on Zoom designed to congregations start a new chapter of ministry in a digital world.

  • May 3: Run with Perseverance - Finishing Strong and Building on What We Have Learned
  • May 10: Stumbling Blocks - Discovering More about the Patterns, Habits, and Opinions of Non-Churchgoers
  • May 17: Modern Day Letters - Moving from Broadcast to Engagement

Registration is free and each of the conversations is planned for one hour. For more information, email Pastor Colleen Montgomery (montgomery@vasynod.org) or Pastor John Wertz, Jr. (wertz@vasynod.org).

Notes for Registration: You will be invited to make a donation for the Virginia Synod's New Ministry Starts. Donations are not required for participation. Tithe.ly Registration only allows for participants to include two names. You may use whichever two names you prefer.
Our Journey to Emmaus
 
All ages are invited into a synod-wide faith formation experience: Our Journey to Emmaus. Participants will engage the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24) in seven movements over seven Sundays beginning on May 2. Each weekly email will have a portion of the story, reflections for all ages, and movement activities for all types of bodies. You can sign up for weekly emails by registering below. You may participate with your congregation or ministry or on your own. If you have questions, please contact Pastor Kelly Bayer Derrick (bayerderrick@vasynod.org). 
Mission Partner Updates
Spring Work Day on May 8
Help Caroline Furnace Lutheran Camp and Retreat Center prepare for another unforgettable summer! There is no cost to register or attend and lunch will be provided.

Projects are mostly outdoors and social distancing among separate households is expected. Detailed plans will reflect guidelines and best practices at the time. Contact us for overnight lodging options - 14 days of health pre-screening required for all overnight guests and indoor projects. 
 

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 Rebecca Walls at walls@vasynod.org.
Do You have an announcement, upcoming event, or news story idea?
Send it to Lenae Osmondson at osmondson@vasynod.org 
and make sure to follow our Submission Guidelines