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News & Updates for the Virginia Synod | |  |
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The Virginia Synod’s EPIC workshop series is moving online for 2026-2027. Starting on Monday, September 21, the Virginia Synod will offer a series of monthly Zoom workshops designed to support the ministry of local congregations. Each workshop runs from 7 PM to 8:15 PM and is free.
Here’s the schedule for the 2026 online EPIC workshops:
Use the links above to register for the events. Please note that each workshop requires you to complete a separate registration to receive the correct Zoom link.
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Are you new to our synod or getting ready to send a youth to a Virginia Synod youth event for the first time? If you would like to get the lay of the land before you do, consider visiting the Eagle Eyrie Conference Center with our staff on Saturday, October 3, from 10-3. Register below before September 16. The cost to attend is $25.00.
This event is for 5th, 6th, and 7th graders and their family members to visit Eagle Eyrie Conference Center in Lynchburg and get to know the facility. You will also get to know the synod’s youth leaders and get answers to any questions you may have on upcoming youth events: Lost and Found (for 7th and 8th graders, Friday evening through Sunday noon, Nov. 20-22) and Seventh Day (for 5th and 6th graders, Saturday noon to Sunday noon, March 6-7).
| | Lay Ministry Academy Applications Open | | Lutheran Visit Day at Roanoke College | | |
If you are a prospective Lutheran student or know one, invite them to come learn more about Roanoke College. In 1842, Roanoke College was founded by Lutherans for Lutherans right here in Virginia. On September 26, you can learn about this historic connection, hear from current students and staff, and take a tour.
This opportunity will take place on September 26 from 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM. Click the link below to register. There is no cost to participate.
| | Do You Know a College Student | | |
Did you know that we have many campus ministries and congregational partners across Virginia that offer college students opportunities to continue exploring their faith?
Through partnerships with Virginia Synod and Metro DC Synod congregations, Pastor Bryan Katz coordinates the Virginia Lutheran Campus Ministry Network, a group that connects current and incoming students with campus ministry staff. Our campus ministries provide faith formation, service, and leadership opportunities for college students throughout Virginia.
If you are interested in connecting with them or know someone who is, please let us know by completing the form below. If you want to learn more or have questions, please feel free to contact Pastor Bryan at pastorbryan@vt.edu.
| | Applications Open for YAGM | | |
Young adults are invited to apply for a year of international accompaniment in one of Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) program countries. Walk alongside our global companions and share in the ministries of partner churches and organizations. Applicants must be U.S. citizens ages 21-35. Learn more and apply.
Not a young adult? No problem! You can support a 2026-27 YAGM volunteer who is getting ready to start their year of service. Visit their fundraising page to read their stories, see where they’re headed and make a financial contribution.
| | "Creation in Christ" Annual Observance | | Creation in Christ: A New Ecumenical Observance | | |
Beginning this year, congregations are invited to celebrate Creation in Christ (Feast of Creation) on or around September 1, joining Christians around the world in giving thanks for God's gift of creation and renewing our call to care for it.
Learn more about this new ecumenical observance, its theological foundation, and worship resources available for your congregation by reading the ELCA Worship blog post below.
| | | All Lutheran Women's Retreat | | |
Women from across Virginia are invited to gather for the All Lutheran Women’s Retreat, November 5–7, 2026, at the Drury Hotel in Glen Allen, VA. This biennial retreat is an opportunity to step away from the busyness of daily life, connect with other Lutheran women, and grow together in faith and fellowship.
We are especially excited that Bishop Milton will serve as the Retreat Pastor this year! Come for a time of renewal, conversation, worship, and connection with women from across the Lutheran church.
Learn more and register at alwretreat.org.
Questions? Contact Kathy Thompson, Muhlenberg, Harrisonburg, Co-Chair of the All Lutheran Women’s Retreat.
| | LWR Fall Quilt Ingathering | | |
Epiphany Lutheran Church in Richmond will host a Lutheran World Relief ingathering of quilts and kits on Saturday, September 19, from 10 am to 2 pm. Delivery can also be made earlier that week by appointment.
We have an abundance of finished tops and sheets for backs and would be very happy to share.
Quilts and kits should be boxed and labeled. The label should contain the church's name, address, and number of units per box. Please only pack one kind of component per box. LWR has a new tracking system that you can use, if you wish.
We would appreciate hearing from you the week before with an estimate of the number of boxes you will have, so that we can plan resources to load the truck. Information about the Ingathering is posted on LWR.org/quilts.
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Pasta with a Purpose:
The Competition is on!
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If your congregation has not joined the summer
food drive, there is still ample time to get in the
competition and share your food offerings with your
neighbors. Congregations have been busy reporting their pasta-related offerings. The 3 congregations collecting the most lbs per worshipping adult will receive a $250 grant to be given to the feeding ministry of their choice.
The final date to share your collection totals on September 13, 2026!
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One month away! On Sunday, Sept. 13, congregations of the ELCA will gather for our annual day of service, “God’s work. Our hands.” This day offers an opporunity to celebrate who we are as the ELCA — one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor.
Through the years, we have embraced “God’s work. Our hands.” as a way for us to be church together. Being church together means being connected, as we recognize our shared calling and our shared responsibility across congregations, synods and the churchwide organization.
As you explore opportunities to participate in your community, explore these resources to plan and promote your day.
Don’t forget to share your congregation’s participation with us! Send stories and photos to LivingLutheran@elca.org so that together we can celebrate what God accomplishes through you.
Participate on social media, using #GodsWorkOurHands.
If your congregation cannot participate on Sept. 13, we encourage you to consider another day for your service activities.
“God’s work. Our hands.” is an extension of the work you do every day to make your community a better place. We look forward to working with you on Sept. 13!
Go in peace. Serve the Lord!
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Stories from enCircle
Our mission partner, enCircle, shares Allison’s story and how person centered care is helping her enter a new chapter with the support she needs to thrive.
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Invitation to Join Spiritual Direction
Life has a way of pulling us in too many directions at once. If you've been feeling scattered or ungrounded lately, this may be just what you need. As one participant in the first gathering of Group Spiritual Direction noted: "I've tried individual spiritual direction before...and it didn't click for me, but this was just what I needed." As we begin again, anyone who feels the call to stop, be still, and know that God is Being is invited to join us by following the link below via Google Meet or call 573-568-8329 PIN 521 832 077#. Each gathering will occur on Friday morning at 10:30 am.
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Spiritual Direction Certification from LTSS
Spiritual direction is the practice of holy listening to the presence of God in others' lives within a space of deep belonging. A spiritual director uses prayer, silence, and attentive listening to help people hear the one true director: the Holy Spirit.
This 18-month long program features:
- Spiritual Community - supportive small peer groups with a mentor
- Contemplative practices and worship
- In-person three and half day intensives twice a year at a retreat setting
- Self-paced learning and practice in home setting
The primary purpose of our program is to train people who feel called to provide spiritual guidance and companionship for others, supporting people as they discern God’s movement in their lives. However, those who are interested in deepening their own spiritual practices and contemplative life are also welcome.
The deadline to apply is September 1. Click here for more information.
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New Job Opportunities were posted this week.
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 Rebecca Walls at walls@vasynod.org.
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Stay Connected with the Virginia Synod:
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