Preserving Our Past
This year, the archives housed in the Virginia Synod office were packed away and transferred to The Crumley Archives located on the campus of LTSS in Columbia, South Carolina. The organization was created in response to the 1988 ELCA founding constitution, which called for the establishment of regional archives and the maintenance of congregation archives in each church. Today, they document and preserve the history of Lutheranism for Synods and congregations located in the South and Caribbean. 
The Crumley Archives collection is one of the largest non-government archives located in South Carolina. It holds nearly 4,000 cubic feet of records related to southern and Caribbean Lutheran synods, churches, other institutions, ministers and church staff. In addition to paper records of manuscripts, reports, newspapers and other materials, the holdings contain microfilm, photographs, artifacts, and various audio, video, and digital media. The archives hold materials from six centuries recorded in over 20 languages. Congregational records for some locations cover 13 generations of Lutherans worshiping in America. The collection includes some of the oldest memories of Lutheranism in North America. From the Virginia Synod, the Crumley Archive collection holds records dating as far back as 1820.

Maintaining the archives of the Lutheran church is an enormous undertaking, but an invaluable endeavor to protecting our history. Preserving our past allows us to bridge our past to the present and future, and the Virginia Synod office is thankful for the services the Crumley Archive provides. Archived records serve as a witness to the mission, and work of the church of past generations. 
The Crumley Archives has a list of resources available to learn how to best preserve your church's archives, an important practice for all congregations to know. Congregational archives stand with the other archives of the whole church as a resource for American Lutheran history and as evidence for the wider history of Christian life and mission in the world.

To learn more about the Crumley Archives, visit www.crumleyarchives.org .
Do You have an announcement, upcoming event or news story idea? Send it to Emily Pilat at  [email protected]  and make sure to follow our
Announcements
March For our Lives
On March 24, the kids and families of March For Our Lives will take to the streets to demand that their lives and safety become a priority and that we end gun violence and mass shootings in our schools today. March with us in Washington DC or march in your own community. On March 24, the collective voices of the March For Our Lives movement will be heard.

There are 519 planned events worldwide that will all be happening on March 24. The primary march is happening in Washington DC. This is a march that is led by Students, for the sake of students, but all are welcome to join in the marching and stand in solidarity. If you are planning to go to Washington DC march, please email Pastor Alex Zuber at [email protected] in order to connect members of the Virginia Synod who will be travelling. This will allow us to witness together and potentially coordinate travel.
March For our Lives- Christ Lutheran Church, Richmond
In support of the March for Our Lives, Christ Lutheran Church, 7809 Woodman Road, Richmond will be open for private prayer and contemplation. Our sanctuary will be available from 8:00 AM until 12:00 PM. This is in support of their neighbors at Moody Middle School.
ELCA presiding bishop to participate in rally to end racism
In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., the Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), will join ecumenical and inter-religious partners for Act Now: Unite to End Racism April 3-5 in Washington, D.C. The focus of the three-day event will be a rally April 4 on the National Mall. All are invited to join Bishop Eaton at the event.

For more information,  click here
ELCA Youth Gathering: Stories to Share
For the next two months, the ELCA is asking for your youth's reflections and stories to share on the big screen at the Gathering. Every two weeks we'll have a new prompt to reflect on. Submit your videos on Instagram by using the assigned # or DMing the Gathering ( @ELCAGathering ). Please save the videos! If yours is chosen, we will DM you with instructions on how and where to send your video.

Guidelines:
  • Youth featured must be in 8th-12th grade.
  • Videos should be 3-10 seconds long.
  • Post in the identified timeline
  • Use listed #s.

March 10-24, we're focusing on our sub theme for June 27 based on Exodus 3:1-16, Moses and the burning bush – God's Call Changes Everything: "In our identity, God's call changes everything." Share with us about your identity and use #ELCAYG2018 #CallChangesEverything.
ELCA Youth Gathering: Hotel Information
Housing letters have been uploaded to  your account for the Youth Gathering, so please review this important information. Be sure to review the rooms you have requested. If need be changes can be made to the current rooming arraignments, as the Hyatt hotel is extremely accommodating.

If you have any questions, reach out to our Gathering Coordinator, T Lehman Shafferman at [email protected] or by phone 540-327-5190
ELCA Youth Gathering: Houston Astros
Any groups arriving in Houston early for the Gathering, the Houston Astros will be playing at home on Sunday, June 24th at 1:10 PM, as well as Monday, June 25th, and Tuesday, June 26th at 7:10 PM.

To order tickets, call Dean with the Houston Astros at 713-259-8315.
Prices start at $ 7.00.
If you have any questions, contact Rick Corliss at 757-650-5490.
Have you registered for Summer Camp?
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!
You're invited!
Caroline Furnace is seeking Counselors, Chaplains, and Volunteers!

Serving as a counselor is a ten week commitment; two weeks of staff training and eight weeks of summer camp. Counselors can expect a summer of fun, new adventures, sharing faith, learning new things, and growing in faith and leadership abilities.

Chaplains are needed each week of summer camp for spiritual guidance and support. All pastors, seminarians, and lay leaders are invited to serve for a week this summer! 

Volunteers are needed for the spring and summer as well! Join us for Paul Bunyan Weekend March 16-18, to chainsaw trees and split wood. Come to Spring Work Weekend April 20-22 to help us prepare for Summer Camp! 

Learn more about summer staff here:  www.carolinefurnace.org/join-our-staff
Learn more about volunteering here:  www.carolinefurnace.org/volunteer-opportunities
Christ Lutheran in Staunton Hosts Bach Around the Clock
Christ Staunton has partnered with Heifetz International Music Festival to host  Bach Around the Clock . Twelve one hour concerts will take place on  March 17 from 9 AM to 9 PM

For more information and a schedule of concerts check out : bacharoundtheclock.org
Taizé in RVA: a regional, ecumenical gathering for young adults
Congregations of the Richmond Conference of Lutheran (ELCA) Congregations, Episcopal congregations in Hanover County, and other ecumenical partners invite young adults (18-30 years of age) to attend a weekend retreat April 27-28 led by two brothers of the internationally known Ecumenical Community of Taizé from France. The weekend will include prayer in the musical style of Taizé, bible reflections, as well as panel and small group sessions. The event is free, but a $25 donation is being requested from those who can afford it to assist with food. For more information and to register, visit  messiahmech.com
The National Association of Lutheran Interim Pastors (NALIP) Basic Education for Intentional Interim Ministry and Annual Conference
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.
Job Opportunities
Director of School, Saint John Lutheran Church, Norfolk
Saint John Lutheran Church, Norfolk, Virginia is seeking an individual with a strong understanding in child development and early childhood education to serve as Director of our School.

Our students range from 2 years of age to 2nd Grade. Qualities we desire are someone with vision, always looking for new ideas and approaches to serving young children and their families, and seeing potential in each staff member and in the cooperative efforts of the staff in the day-to-day operation of the School. Experience with training and working with new staff is important, as well as the ability to work in a classroom as needed.

Applicants must be 21 years of age or older as required by the Commonwealth of Virginia, with a 4 year degree in child development and early childhood education or a 4-year degree in a related field, with a minimum of 24 hours in child development and/or early childhood education; should be able to meet the licensing requirements of Virginia for a program Director, and have a minimum of 5 years experience in early childhood education.

Please email your resume to  [email protected] .
Part-time Church Secretary/Office Manager, Christ Roanoke
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.
Part-time Music Director, PALS Church in Bealeton
PALS Church (Presbyterian and Lutheran Services) in Bealeton, VA, is seeking a part-time Music Director. The primary responsibilities are selecting music for services (working with the pastor), directing the small choir, and providing organ/piano accompaniment for Sunday morning worship (one service) and seasonal mid-week services. Other responsibilities will include (but are not limited to) providing accompaniment at other church functions as requested by the pastor and for funerals and weddings.

Please contact The Rev. Jo Ann Staebler, [email protected]  or  703-943-9944 .
All job postings can also be found online at  www.vasynod.org/job-opportunities. If you have a position opening you would like posted, please email Emily Pilat at  [email protected]