The Virginia Synod, ELCA | October 20, 2026

Pasta with a Purpose: Celebrating the Impact

On October 14, the Virginia Synod Hunger Team gathered on Zoom to celebrate the impact of Pasta with a Purpose. Over the summer, 23 Virginia Synod congregations donated 16,169.45 pounds of food—the equivalent of approximately 13,475 meals!

Congratulations to the three top-donating congregations, each receiving a $250 grant for their local food pantry!

• 1st Place: Grace and Glory, Palmyra - 60.3 pounds per average attender
• 2nd Place: St. Paul’s, Hampton - 46.9 pounds per average attender
• 3rd Place: St. John, Norfolk - 46.33 pounds per average attender

Join the conversation on Rallyhood to share ideas and resources about hunger, food insecurity, and justice across the synod. The World Hunger Team also encourages every Virginia Synod congregation to designate a hunger liaison to receive and share ideas and resources. Liaisons are welcome to join monthly Zoom calls on the second Thursday of each month, from 9-10 am. To learn more, contact Betsy Liljeberg at b4liljeberg@gmail.com.

Celebrating Reformation Sunday across the Virginia Synod

On Sunday, Oct 25, congregations across the Virginia synod will celebrate Reformation Sunday, remembering the beginnings of the Reformation and giving thanks for how God continues to renew the church and call us to live out our faith.

Virginia synod congregations are invited to share stories or photos from your Reformation Sunday worship services or activities. Selected photos may be featured in synod communications, including social media, newsletters, and publications.

Photos can be submitted through this form, by emailing them to hess@vasynod.org or by tagging @virginiasynod or @Virginia Synod - ELCA in your social media posts so we receive a notification and can share your photos with the synod. Please submit your stories and photos by Tuesday, November 3.

Register for an upcoming EPIC Online Workshop

The Virginia Synod’s EPIC workshop series offers monthly Zoom workshops designed to support the ministry of local congregations. The next workshop is:

• November 16 at 7 PM: Treasurer's Workshop - End of Year Preparations - Led by John Krallman and Pastor John Wertz, Jr. (Registration closes November 11)

The workshop is free. Use the link above to register and receive the correct Zoom link.

Advent Resources:

With Advent just around the corner, now is the time to explore resources you can use at home or in your congregation. Explore a list of resources below.

Early Registration Discount for Lost & Found Closes on October 26!

Register today for Lost & Found, our annual middle school faith formation event for 7th & 8th graders at Eagle Eyrie in Lynchburg.

New this year! We’re excited to offer a new online registration process for synod youth and young adult events. Please read the registration instructions packet to walk you through the new online registration process. Please note that registration will close on November 4, 2026.

Please note: youth participant registration is complete when BOTH the online registration form and the permissions and medical form are submitted.

If you have any questions, please contact Tina Toburen, toburen@vasynod.org.

Celebrate 50 Years of Ordination for the Rev. Dr. Jean Bozeman

Join in celebrating the Rev. Dr. Jean Bozeman, the first woman ordained in the Virginia Synod, as she marks 50 years of ordained ministry! A special reception will be held Sunday, November 15, at First Lutheran Church in Norfolk.

As part of the celebration, a card shower is being organized in Jean’s honor. Send cards, notes of appreciation, or favorite memories to:

First Lutheran Church

℅ Jean Bozeman Card Shower

1301 Colley Ave

Norfolk, VA 23517

Please ensure that all cards are postmarked by October 31.

Questions? Please contact Pastor Cathy Mims (cmims@flcnorfolk.com or 757.625.1953).

Stories from enCircle

Read the most recent stories from our ministry partner, enCircle, and learn more about the ways they are supporting children, families, and communities across Virginia.

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.

Nominate Students for Lutheran Summer Music

You’re invited to nominate a student for LSM 2027! Lutheran Summer Music (LSM) is a faith-based residential music academy for high school students in grades 8-12. Students come together from across the country to pursue musical excellence and build an intentional, supportive, and fun community.

LSM 2027 takes place at St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN, from June 27-July 25. Priority Enrollment is open through December 1, offering a $100 tuition discount and first access to financial aid. Nominate students at LSMacademy.org/nominate, and watch and share the LSM Experience Video to learn more!

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