We give thanks to God every time we think of you! During this Clergy Appreciation Month, we in the Virginia Synod Office of the Bishop want to express our deep thanks and appreciation for your ministry and leadership with God’s people throughout the Virginia Synod and beyond. We are honored and humbled by the faithfulness with which you serve and lead, especially amid these challenging and ever changing times. We give thanks for the ways that you witness to the gospel, in word and in deed, so that God’s love may be known in all the world.

“May the God of peace… make you complete in everything good so that you may do God’s will, working in you that which is pleasing in God’s sight; through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” (ELW Ordination)

Thank you!

Peace+

Virginia Synod Staff

The Conference of Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) gathered virtually on October 1-2, 2020. This is the first time the conference has held a meeting online. The conference, an advisory body of the ELCA, comprises 65 synod bishops, the presiding bishop and the secretary.

The gathering provided updates to the Future Church design, updates on the synod diversity goals, as well as a revised first-call process for rostered ministry. The new process for first calls allows for a more streamlined and localized process as Synod's are encouraged to take responsibility for their own candidates.

To read a full summary sharing the ministry and mission of the Conference of Bishops, click here.

The Office of the Bishop is planning an All Saints Sunday service on Sunday November 1 at 7 PM. More details will be shared closer to the date for how to participate, so save the date for this opportunity to worship together.

The event will take place via Zoom during four blocks of time on Nov. 20-21, 2020 (Friday 6 PM to Saturday 7:30 PM). We plan many of the same kinds of experiences we would have at an in-person Lost and Found: large group singing and skits, quiz show, small group games and discussion, worship, Bible study, and more singing! A small registration fee will allow each participant to receive event materials and a t-shirt prior to the event.

Full registration information will be available very soon at the Youth Ministry tab on the Virginia Synod website.

This is a four-week, virtual, ready-made bible study (with 15 minutes videos and discussion questions provided) that can be used for personal devotion and study, or in congregations as a Sunday adult faith formation series or an Advent series. The course materials will be available to access through December 31st, 2020.

The cost of the Adult Faith Formation Fall Offering is $25 for Individuals; $150 for Small Groups.

For more information and to register today for the Adult Faith Formation 4-Week Course, click here.

Join the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago on their YouTube channel for two events to be live streamed.

October 14 at 2 PM CT, join “Talking Anti-Racism,” with LSTC faculty Dr. Linda E. Thomas and Dr. Marvin Wickware Jr. This is the first session in this online series. LSTC alumna Pastor Elizabeth Kocher will host the session.

October 15 at 7 PM CT, LSTC will honor three Distinguished Alumni, Rev. Angela Shannon, Rev. Kyle Severson, and Rev. Troy Hedrick, for their outstanding ministry.

Join us for a snapshot of seminary life! We’ll begin our day talking about discernment and God’s call to ministry. We’ll attend chapel together, and you’ll have the opportunity to sit in on a class. We promise lots of breaks and opportunities for conversation. Because you would normally take time out of your usual schedule to come in person to our campus, we hope you will carve out the day to spend with a sense of retreat. Create a comfortable space to dwell for the day, a place conducive to deep conversation and listening to what God is saying about your life and your call. Follow this link to the webpage where you can register for the event. Under Virtual Information Sessions, select LTSS Campus. Our LTSS Seminary Snapshot will pop up, and you can register there.

One of the best ways you can help is by sharing ELCA Good Gifts with your members. Our social media graphics are perfectly sized for Facebook posts.

If you’re planning a congregation-wide fundraiser for ELCA Good Gifts and would like to track your giving as a group, be sure to take advantage of our new online tools ― like “wish lists” and “group gifts” ― to make collective giving a breeze. Learn more with our new how-to guide for online fundraisers.

All rostered leaders and members of congregations from all traditions across the nation are invited to attend this year’s VIRTUAL State LARCUM (Lutheran/Anglican/Roman Catholic/United Methodist) Conference on December 4th and 5th . This special conference has been developed to address the Church’s unity and mission in our present time of COVID-19 and societal unrest.

Dr. Phillip Cary is an internationally acclaimed expert on Augustine and Augustine’s thought, scholar-in-residence at the Templeton Honors College, professor of philosophy at Eastern University, editor-in-chief of Pro Ecclesia and author of Good News for Anxious Christians. His most recent book is The Meaning of Protestant Theology: Luther, Augustine, and the Gospel That Gives Us Christ.

Brochures and online registration are available at www.virginialarcum.org. Registration: $25 (students free). Please register as soon as possible with the Registrar. You will receive the zoom link about a week before the conference.

The Virginia Synod Office of the Bishop will provide recorded sermons for each Sunday through the Christmas season for use in congregations. We are particularly lifting up the gifts of all women in ministry, of women of color, and of pastors who are LGBTQIA+, in celebration of the 50+ 40 + 10 ordination anniversaries

The sermons will be shared on the Synod's website at vasynod.org/resources/pulpit-supply, as well as on Facebook Page each Sunday.

Some of you may be wondering: “How can we stay connected with each other and the world during Advent in this time of COVID”.  It’s beginning to seem like COVID is another season of the church year! How about preparing Advent kits for each family group and having members of council deliver them? You might include items and instructions for making an advent wreath, prayers for lighting of the candles. How about ideas for decorating with Christ in mind instead of Santa??

This year so many people are struggling to feed their families. More people in the United States are using food pantries than ever before. How about distributing FREE ELCA World Hunger resources with your Advent kits. Everyone loves an Advent calendar! Please check out the resource link below. The weekly Advent study can be done through Zoom meetings or individually. Order one for each member of your congregation!  Don’t let COVID-19 squash your Advent preparations.

Visit ELCA.org/hunger/resources to find Advent resources like Advent calendars, Advent study, action guides for congregations, and more!

NEW! Winter Camp at Home (online) - Session One starts on October 18. Winter Camp at Home meets weekly on Sunday afternoons, from 4:30-6pm. Join in for community building, small group discussions, and engaging activities! Session One is October 18 to December 13. Session Two is January 17 to March 14. Cost is $20 per three month session. Sign up for Camp at Home here

Adventure Weekend, October 30 to November 1 - Come and get outside with your family! Late October will be perfect for horseback riding, rock climbing, hiking, biking, and fishing. Our family rate is $200-250 per night for your own heated cabin + meals provided; some activities may cost extra. Contact us at (540) 449-0012 or julie@carolinefurnace.org to reserve your cabin. Basic health pre-screening is required for all overnight guests. Book at least 14 days in advance!

Join ELCA Coaching for this weekly online gathering designed to provide encouragement and support for ELCA leaders across the church on Wednesdays at 2:00 PM Eastern.

Meeting ID: 180 439 412

Password: 648160