News & Updates for the Virginia Synod
April 20, 2021
Getting to Know the Online Assembly
2021 Assembly Fact #1

The 2021 Virginia Synod Online Assembly will take place all in one day.

In the past, the Virginia Synod Assembly has taken place over two or three days, but this year the entire Assembly will take place on Saturday, June 12.

Registered voting members of the Assembly will have a link to the online meeting that will allow them to participate in the meeting, speak to resolutions, and vote. If you are not a registered voting member of the Assembly, you will be able to participate using the Virginia Synod YouTube channel.

If you have never attended a Synod Assembly, this is your opportunity to learn about our shared ministry without ever leaving the comfort of your living room.

Make plans to be a part of the 2021 Virginia Synod Online Assembly. Registration is open for voting members of the Assembly. You can register and find more information on the Assembly by clicking on the button below.
Announcements
COVID Community Ambassadors
The Virginia Department of Health is looking for Community Ambassadors to share information about COVID-19 prevention and about vaccinations. The website below provides information about the Ambassador program and links to information on vaccination.

With approximately 25% of the population in Virginia fully vaccinated, there are still plenty of people who need information on the vaccine and you can help.

After you look at the COVID Community Ambassadors website, you can watch the video below of Bishop Elizabeth Eaton's experience being vaccinated.
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). 
“God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday is Sunday, September 12, 2021. This day is an opportunity to celebrate who we are as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America – one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor.

Service activities offer an opportunity for us to explore one of our most basic convictions as Lutherans: that all of life in Jesus Christ – every act of service, in every daily calling, in every corner of life – flows freely from a living, daring confidence in God’s grace.
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