EPIC: Effective Practices for Innovative Congregations
Virginia Synod Leadership Development Conferences
This past Saturday at St. Paul's Lutheran in Hampton over 90 individuals gathered for the first of three synod-wide E.P.I.C. (Effective Practices for Innovative Congregations) conferences. E.P.I.C is a leadership development conference designed to strengthen congregational leaders for their ministry in the congregation and in the world. 

Congregational leaders and rostered ministers from the area and beyond gathered for a half day of workshops, resource sharing, and networking. The conference in Hampton kicked off with a series of presentations in the morning covering topics like worship, giving, and visioning for Council Presidents and Vice-Presidents. Workshops in the afternoon addressed important needs in congregations like effective communications online, congregational vitality, and best practices for treasurers.

E.P.I.C still has two remaining dates to sign up for if you're interested in attending, Muhlenberg Luthearn in Harrisonburg on Feb. 1 and Christ Lutheran in Roanoke on Feb. 22.

E.P.I.C conferences begin at 9 AM and conclude by 2 PM. The cost per person will be $15. Lunch will be provided. For more information about E.P.I.C. visit vasynod.org/epic
2019 Annual Report Resources
As you prepare for your congregation's Annual Report, share the story of the ministry we accomplished this year! You can download share the 1 minute video we produced to look back on 2019, or download and share an article that gives thanks for the great ministry moments we've shared together.
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 information coming soon!
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.
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.
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.