Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday
A blessed Lent to you! This week across the Virginia Synod we prepared our hearts, and our stomaches for the holy season of Lent. We asked you to share your feast on Shrove Tuesday, and worship on Ash Wednesday using the hashtags  #VirtualShroveVA and  #AshtagVA

Here are some highlights from our congregations across the Virginia Synod!
On Tuesday many individuals and congregations across the Virginia Synod hosted feasts (or for some, fiestas) to celebrate Shrove Tuesday! With menus featuring Fat Tuesday staples like pancakes, steak dinners, and of course King Cakes everyone had a yummy way to celebrate before the fast!   
Bethel Lutheran Church in Winchester celebrates Fat Tuesday with a Fiesta!
Ascension Lutheran Church in Danville feasts on pancakes and King Cakes for Shrove Tuesday.
Philip Lutheran Church in Roanoke hosted a steak dinner, raising funds for their youth group.
St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Roanoke had a Pancake Supper as a fund raiser to support youth that will be traveling to the ELCA National Youth Gathering in Houston
From "Ashes to Go" to more traditional worship services, there are so many ways to worship on Ash Wednesday. These photos from, Vicar Melissa Woeppel of Peace Lutheran Church in Charlottesville, Pastor Alex Zuber of Stony Man Lutheran Parish, Assistant to the Bishop Pastor Kelly Bayer Derrick, and Pastor Aaron Fuller show just some of the many ways the Virginia Synod observed with their congregations and community the first day of Lent.
Daily Devotions for Lent from the Tapestry Team
You are invited to follow daily devotions for Lent that are being posted on the Virginia Synod  Facebook pageInstagram, and  Twitter. Each day a new devotion, written by folks from around the Virginia Synod, will be posted. Your congregation is invited to share these devotions through your own social media outlets.

The devotions are based on 40 Bible verses, published by the AMMPARO strategy of the ELCA, about welcoming people. The word “amparo” in Spanish means the protection of a living creature from suffering or damage. The ELCA’s strategy to Accompanying Migrant Minors with Protection, Advocacy, Representation and Opportunities (AMMPARO) was envisioned after witnessing the plight of children who are forced to flee their communities because of complex and interrelated reasons, including chronic violence, poverty, environmental displacement and lack of opportunities in El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala.

“Dios es nuestro amparo y fortaleza,” (“God is our refuge and strength,”) – Psalm 46:1
Tidewater Conference Presents "I AM" A Midweek Lenten Devotional
Join Rostered Ministers of the Tidewater Conference for their midweek Lenten devotional series titled, "I AM".

This series will be held on Facebook Live each Tuesday during the season of Lent starting at 7 PM.

For a complete schedule, and a list of participants and themes, click here.
‘Set Free By Truth’ Lent Devotions Offered by Four Church Leaders
The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton , presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), and leaders from The Episcopal Church, the Anglican Church of Canada, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada have prepared a series of Lent devotions titled “Set Free By Truth.”

The devotion theme addresses truth and racial justice, reflecting on the challenges facing churches in North America today.

In her devotion for Ash Wednesday, Eaton wrote, “We have been claimed in baptism, buried with Christ in a death like his, to be raised with Christ in a resurrection like his. We have already died the only death that really matters, and yet … . We do not recognize the full humanity of others. There is not justice for all. In our fear we doubt the resurrection. This Lent, let us enter into a time and space of honest and unflinching examination.”
 
In addition to Eaton, devotions were contributed by the Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, presiding bishop and primate, The Episcopal Church; the Most Rev. Fred Hiltz, primate, Anglican Church of Canada; and the Rev. Susan C. Johnson, national bishop, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada.
 
The Lent devotions begin with Ash Wednesday, Feb. 14, and continue through Easter Sunday, April 1. Each devotion includes Scripture citations, a reflection and a prayer.
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
ACTS 2018 Spring Course: New Testament
This year's spring ACTS course will be held March 10th and April 21st at Grace Evangelical Lutheran in Waynesboro (or at two Simulcast locations). Mark Vitalis Hoffman will present on the parables of Jesus as part of the New Testament ACTS course.

For more information on the Spring ACTS course and to register for this spring's course,  click here
Caroline Furnace camper registration is open for 2018!
Ephesians 2:8 is our theme verse for the summer. "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God."

At Caroline Furnace, our campers combine faith with daily life on our 257 acre camp, surrounded by George Washington National Forest and nestled between the North and South Forks of the Shenandoah River. Campers experience daily worship and Bible study, plus a large range of activities. Campers may swim, canoe, fish, creekwalk, play small and large group games, challenge themselves on our low ropes course, hike, cook over a campfire, create crafts, learn archery, gain culinary skills, or explore the iron furnace ruins on camp property. Each week, Chaplains from supporting congregations join us in leading the campers in morning worship, Bible study, and campfire and evening devotion.
 
To view the complete summer schedule for 2018, and for more information, click here.
Caroline Furnace Upcoming Events
Caroline Furnace has a busy spring planned this year!

To learn more about our events and register, click here.
Trip to Germany with St. Stephen Lutheran Church, Williamsburg
Now that the crowds are gone, members and friends of St. Stephen in Williamsburg are going to Germany for a nine-day study tour, June 13-21! "In the Footsteps of Martin Luther and the Reformation" will visit Wittenberg, Erfurt, Wartburg Castle and much more. $3,646 from Richmond. For more information, click here

If you would like a snail mail copy of the brochure, let Pastor Andy Ballentine know, at [email protected] !
Day of Prayer Central Virginia Gathering
Sponsored by the Lutheran Episcopal Joint Committee of Virginia
All area Lutherans and Episcopalians--clergy and laity--are invited to a Day of Prayer retreat on March 15, 2018 sponsored by the Lutheran Episcopal Joint Committee of Virginia. Led by Bishop Susan Goff of the Diocese of Virginia, participants will consider how and why to pray, whom to pray with, resources for prayer, prayer and the liturgical year, and will share other personal prayer practices. They will also worship and share lunch together.

The program runs from 9:30 AM to 2:15 PM at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church
(7757 Chippenham Pkwy, Richmond, VA 23225). Registration and more information can be found at bit.ly/centraldayofprayer . The event is open to clergy and laity.
Mental Health America of Augusta One Day Workshop: Addressing Substance Use Together
Mental Health America of Augusta (MHAA) is planning to offer our community a Substance Use workshop on Friday, March 9 which is FREE to participants. Four presenters will help participants better understand Substance Use from a biopsychosocial perspective.

For more information on this workshop, click here.
Job Opportunities
Part-Time Bookkeeper, Caroline Furnace
Our Bookkeeper is expected to work closely with our team to create and analyze financial reports, ensure compliance with legal requirements, and process accounts payable through management of invoices and payments. Our ideal candidate is familiar with QuickBooks accounting software.

The Bookkeeper is responsible for recording all day-to-day financial transactions for our organization. The Bookkeeper will work on-site with flexible days and work hours; normal requirements are 4 to 6 hours per week under the supervision of the Executive Director. The time commitment is flexible and can accommodate semi-retirement or a child/elder care schedule.

For a complete job listing, click here.

For inquiries, contact Tom Powell at  [email protected]  or (540)-449-0013. 
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 .
Chaplain, Virginia Lutheran Homes
The Chaplain is responsible for providing spiritual care, short-term counselling, worship leadership, education and other religious support to residents, families and staff at all Virginia Lutheran Homes facilities.
For a complete job description,  click here.

For anyone interested in applying for this position, they can contact the Becky Walls at the Virginia Synod Office at 540-389-1000 or they can email at  [email protected] .
Organist, Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mount Sidney
Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mount Sidney, VA is seeking an organist. Music is an integral part of our worship each Sunday and we look forward to finding the right person to join us in our mission. For more information or to submit a resume please email:  [email protected].
Executive Director, Rural Family Development
This position is responsible for providing leadership and management to implement the Head Start Program for Caroline County in concert with the mission and vision of the Virginia Council of Churches/Rural Family Development through the utilization of Federal funding, State and agency policies and procedures.

For a complete job description, click here.

For anyone interested in applying for this position, they can contact the Virginia Council of Churches at 804-321-3300 ext. 100 or they can email Crystal Greenerl at [email protected]
Thrivent Financial
We’re looking for candidates who can empower our members to be wise with money and live generously. For Thrivent Financial advisors, it’s not about punching a clock—it’s about making a difference.
Thrivent Financial advisor candidates have the opportunity to become part of an organization that views money as a tool to help others achieve their goals as they help members make the most of their time, talents and treasures—becoming confident that their financial strategies are solid and on track.
By joining Thrivent, you or the candidate you refer will represent an organization that’s financially strong and stable—one that has helped its members connect faith and finances for good for more than 100 years.

The ideal Thrivent Financial advisor candidate is:
  • Self-motivated and independent.
  • Caring, approachable and trustworthy.
  • Driven to succeed and motivated to help others.
  • Able to use good judgment to provide solid financial guidance.
 
If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about our financial advisor opportunities, please contact Joe Hebler, Recruiting Manager at 571-243-6161 or by email at  [email protected] . You can also learn more about this career at  Thrivent.com/careers .
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]