Does your congregation want to take part in the ForwardingFaith Campaign? Is your stewardship team looking for a training event, but doesn't know where to go? As part of the ForwardingFaith Campaign, we are offering an training session by Zoom, a video conferencing application, to teach your congregational leaders how to conduct a special gift appeal.

If you plan to join the trainings scheduled please RSVP! This information helps us provide the correct amount of materials for your congregation to take part in the ForwardingFaith Campaign! Please feel free to forward this email to everyone in your congregation who would like to join in on the training.

If you would like more information about this training by Zoom, contact Lenae Osmondson at [email protected].

To RSVP for a Congregational Training by ZOOM, click here.

If you or your congregation is interested in holding an appeal in the fall of 2018, please fill out our interest form instead!

Synod Assembly is here!  June 8-10  will be our time to get together as the Virginia Synod to fellowship, learn about the wider church, do business, and worship. Our ELCA representative this year will be  The Rev. Ronald Glusenkamp , Director of the Campaign for the ELCA.

For more information and to register for this year's Synod Assembly,  click here. 

Congregations and individuals are encouraged to be intentional about diversity as you nominate people for Synod Council and the 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly! The Virginia Synod Constitution requires that all committees include both clergy and lay people and be gender-inclusive. The Constitution also encourages that 10% of the members of all committees be persons of color or those whose primary language is other than English and also that 10% be youth (under 18) and young adults (18-30). So, let’s be intentional about diversity!

The nomination form is due by May 9th and can be submitted as a paper form, or digital form.

LAUNCH  is an event for youth who have just graduated from high school. Its purpose is to give them a chance to take stock of where their faith life has led them so far and also to provide an opportunity to engage in discussion on matters of faith and life that are likely to face them as they move on to the next stage of their lives, whether it be the workforce, military or other public service, college, or something else. If participants are veterans of our Virginia Synod ELCA Youth Events (Lost and Found, Winter Celebration, Kairos, etc.), they will find that this event is structured differently. We will spend our three full days together in a rhythm of worship, informal presentations to the whole group, small group discussions, and individual reflections that engage the mind as well as the spirit. Of course, there will be time for fellowship and relaxation and enjoyable meal times together.

For more information and to register, click here.

At the Water’s Edge is a week-long servant event for Youth who have completed the 6th, 7th, or 8th grade, and their adult advisors. We spend the week together experiencing the Christan life through worship, fellowship, and service. Of course, being in Virginia Beach, we will also spend some time having fun at the water’s edge.



For more information and to register, click here.

Power in the Spirit is an inspirational conference for people of all ages who wish to explore God’s call to service through joyous worship, Bible studies, keynote addresses, workshops, games, and fellowship. In addition, congregational leaders—teachers, organists and choir directors, choir members, committee or council members, family life consultants, pastors, and others—will find Power in the Spirit nurturing and challenging as they consider their mission and ministry.

For more information and to register, click here.

Kairos  is our annual week-long faith formation event for youth who will be in 9th-12th grades in the coming fall. It is a chance for youth who are already committed to a life of faith to be part of a unique Christian community for an entire week, to have a fresh experience of the grace and presence of God in that community, and to develop habits for discipleship that can be taken home as they live out their call to be “Ambassadors for Christ.” Kairos is different from our weekend events in that congregations do not send advisors with youth; the event staff serves as small group leaders and dorm advisors for the week. “Kairos” is the New Testament Greek word for “special time.” It is used whenever God’s people want to talk about a time of change, of renewal, of God’s special work in the believer and the community.

For more information and to register, click here .

Summer 2018 at Caroline Furnace promises to be an exciting one! The theme verse is Ephesians 2:8 - "For by GRACE you have been saved through FAITH, and this is not your own doing; it is the GIFT of God." Camper life is centered around building community through daily worship, Bible study, and new experiences. Campers aged 1st-12th grade can choose from activities such as horseback riding, caving, archery, culinary, backpacking, canoeing, crafting, and fishing. Campers ages 15 to 18 may also participate in LIT! (Leaders In Training) Camp. To learn more and view the summer schedule,  click here. 

Caroline Furnace will be hosting a Spring Open House on May 12. All are welcome to join for a bluegrass worship, lunch, and camp activities. This is a great time to come and learn more about the camp and retreat opportunities at Caroline Furnace!

Caroline Furnace's Spring Open House will be held in the field at St. John's Chapel and feature a bluegrass worship service, provided picnic lunch, field games, spring crafts, fellowship, and a camp activity. All are welcome!This is a fun opportunity to check out Caroline Furnace for the first time, or to come see us if you haven't been by in awhile. Get Flyer here and Find our Facebook event here.

You are invited to a volleyball picnic on Sunday May 20th at camp. Get a team together to represent your congregation for some friendly competition. Last year's champ was St. John in Abingdon. Come out to play or be a spectator and bring a lawn chair to support your team. Food and fellowship will be provided. Donations will go towards purchasing a new refrigerator for the kitchen. Our goal is to raise $2,000.

Are you and your congregation interested in preserving your history? Do you have questions about what to preserve, and what to toss? Ever wonder what you can do with those old Bibles?

Then consider attending the Crumley Archives Summer Workshop! This one-day educational opportunity will cover important areas in archives and preservation, including:

Workshops will be conducted JUNE 18 and JULY 23 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Crumley Archives, 4201 N. Main St., Columbia, SC 29203

Cost is $20 per person. Church rate for 3 or more attendees is $50.   Contact Trudy Bouknight at [email protected] to reserve your seat!

Pastor Lance Braun from Mount Tabor, Staunton, and Redeemer, McKinley, is coordinating Crumley Archives CAR POOL transportation and SCHOLARSHIPS for Shenandoah Valley participants. Contact him at his cell phone 540-879-9575 or email  [email protected]  for information and assistance.

The National Association of Lutheran Interim Pastors (NALIP) has openings for the Spring and Fall classes in Basic Education for Intentional Interim Ministry and an annual conference for continuing education.

The 2018 Annual Conference will be in St Louis, MO June 21-22. Presenter is Dr. Israel Galindo and the presentations will center around “Perspectives on Congregational Leadership.”

Information on the training and the conference is posted on our website: www.nalip.net. To discuss the programs call Pastor Ken Ruppar at 804-564-5389.

In 2018, ELCA World Hunger awarded 268 Domestic Hunger Grants totaling $715,100. These grants supported congregations and their partners as they work toward a just world where all are fed. Thank you for the ways that you encouraged applicants and participated in synod reviews.

In June of this year, a new ELCA World Hunger Domestic Hunger Grants cycle will open with a renewed application process. This process will be open to congregations and their partners and will focus on building relationships for local service and action in our communities.

ELCA World Hunger is a ministry of the church, working with and serving through local congregations and their partners who know their communities best. ELCA World Hunger Domestic Hunger Grants accompany this local knowledge and relationship as we work toward a just world where all are fed.

Please watch this short informational webinar for a quick overview. (Please note: This webinar is for your quick information, and will open a new tab asking you to download a program called WebEx to view. An official introduction video is underway and will be shared soon.) Still have questions? Email us at [email protected].

Finally, for the first time, these applications will be completed through the new ELCA granting platform, ELCA GrantMaker. Watch for online trainings on how to complete this new application using ELCA GrantMaker later this year.

Christ Lutheran Church in Roanoke, Virginia needs a secretary/office manager for 28 hours a week due to employee’s retirement. New employee should be self-starter for our fast-paced environment, able to work harmoniously within a team, have exceptional customer skills, have a comprehensive understanding of social media platforms, be fully qualified in Microsoft Office products, and have two-year business education or four years’ experience in general office work. Salary commensurate with experience.

Contact Mrs. Berry at 540-204- 1994 to obtain an application.