The sermons and theme presentation from the 2025 Virginia Synod Assembly are now available. You can use the links below to watch and share with others:

• Bishop Milton's sermon from the Festival Worship Service
• Bishop Dee Pederson's sermon from the Opening Worship
• Vicar Andy Taminger's sermon from the Closing Worship
• Bishop Milton's Intertwining Hope Theme Presentation

Last Chance to Register for LAUNCH!

Our five-day event (Sunday evening to Thursday noon) at Roanoke College for just-graduated high-school seniors gives participants a chance to take stock of where their faith life has led them so far and discuss matters of faith and life that are likely to face them as they move on to the next stage of life, whether it be the workforce, military or other public service, college, or something else. After July 14, please call Pastor Dave Delaney to register.

ELCA Disability Ministries is awarding up to $35,000 in grants to support projects that promote inclusion, leadership, and accessibility in the church. Ministries can apply for up to $10,000 each. Applications are open through July 31, 2025.

Eligible projects must directly benefit people living with disabilities and align with at least one of the outlined goals—such as equipping leaders, fostering full participation in congregational life, or building inclusive community.

For details, guidelines, and to apply, click the button below.

Virginia Council of Churches 81st Annual Day Celebration

You are welcome to join in "Engage, Equip, Empower, Envision - Moving Forward Together." This event will be held on November 6 from 10 am - 3:30 pm at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church in Richmond. The registration cost is $40 and includes lunch. Scholarships are available for students.

Save the date! We invite you to join us for an evening of celebrations and honor at this year's Friends of the Archives Banquet. Registration will be available soon. For more info, we invite you to contact Shannon Smith.

When: Friday, September 12, 2025

Where: The Heritage at Lowman, 102 Heidelberg Cir, Chapin, SC 29036

Honoring the ministry of:

Rev. Dr. William Trexler and Mrs. Karla Trexler

The Florida-Bahamas Synod, ELCA

St Mark’s Lutheran Church

Jacksonville, Florida

and celebrating their contributions to Lutheran history.

Interfaith Justice Revival Programs this Summer

Over the summer of 2025, the Virginia Interfaith Center is organizing “Interfaith Justice Revival” events in collaboration with the Virginia Poverty Law Center and the Virginia NAACP. Taking inspiration from old-school religious gatherings, we hope to motivate action toward making the world a better place for all. VICPP is partnering with local leaders to build relationships and create a welcoming space. We are excited to speak about the integral tie between faith and justice. Faith and community leaders from different traditions will share reflections on justice, and the importance of civic engagement in anticipation of the November election. 

Schedule:

• Sunday, July 27 – Lynchburg 
• Monday, July 28 – Roanoke (livestreamed in Blacksburg)
• Tuesday, July 29 – (several locations)
• Wednesday, July 30 – (several locations, including Big Stone Gap)
• Thursday, July 31 – Bristol 
• Friday, August 2 – (several locations, including Floyd)

Experience Live from LSM this July!



Join Lutheran Summer Music for our 43rd season at Valparaiso University, June 22–July 20! Can’t attend in person? Experience over 30 inspiring concerts, recitals, and worship services online through Live from LSM.

Highlights include the beloved Bach Cantata Eucharist, the Festival of Hymns, the debut Faculty Organ Recital, and Festival Week performances by the Festival Band, Orchestra, and Choir.

Explore the full schedule and tune in at LSMacademy.org/2025. All events are free and available to stream live or on demand. Don’t miss this transformative celebration of music, faith, and community!

Guardians of Creation - VSWO Annual Convention Register by July 11

You are invited to attend the Virginia Synod Women's Organization (VSWO) annual convention. This year's theme is "Guardians of Creation" and will be held on July 25-26 at Christ Lutheran Church in Fredericksburg. Registration closes on July 11, so please register today!

Registration for the Women of the ELCA Triennial Gathering Opens July 16

The next Triennial Gathering will take place July 16–19, 2026, in Des Moines, Iowa. Exciting updates about speakers, hotels, and more will be posted regularly on the gathering website. Organizers are also seeking sponsors, vendors, and exhibitors.

Visit welcatg.org for the latest news and to register starting Wednesday, July 16!

On Sunday, Sept. 7, congregations of the ELCA will join together for our annual day of service, “God’s work. Our hands.” This day continues to be an opportunity to celebrate who we are as the ELCA — one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor.

This year, we are especially mindful of the challenges faced by our Lutheran social service organizations and other faith-based and human service organizations due to the reduction in federal funding. We encourage you to consider service opportunities with these agencies as you begin to make your plans.

“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 together on Sept. 7.

Trainings and Opportunities

from Lutheran Disaster Response

Lutheran Disaster Response's 2025 Summer and Fall Training and Engagement Catalog has been released. This edition covers over twenty trainings and networking engagements June through November.

All trainings are no cost and open to all. You can use the link below to access the catalog.