The Virginia Synod is pleased to welcome Pastor Tina Toburen as the new Director for Youth and Young Adult Ministry. We give thanks for the gifts, experience, and vision she brings to this ministry and look forward to the ways God will work through her to engage and inspire youth, young adults, congregations, and ministry leaders across our synod. Pastor Tina Toburen will begin serving on August 1, 2026.

Please keep Pastor Tina Toburen, her family, and the ministry of her current congregation, Trinity Lutheran Church in Newport News, Virginia, in your prayers during this time of transition. We also ask your prayers for the Rev. Dr. Dave Delaney as he prepares for retirement, giving thanks for his years of dedicated service and leadership.

As we approach the Commemoration of the Emanuel Nine (June 17) and Juneteenth (June 19) we invite congregations and individuals to remember, pray, and reflect on God's call to justice, healing, and reconciliation.

The following worship resources may be helpful for personal devotion, congregational worship, or educational gatherings:

Kairos, our legendary summertime week-long faith-sharing event for youth who will be in 9th-12th grades in the fall is ready for participants to sign up! This year's event will run June 21-26 (Sunday evening through Friday noon) on the campus of Roanoke College as always!

For complete information and links to registration, go to https://vasynod.org/event/kairos/ and contact Dave Delaney with any questions.

Launch is an event for youth who have just graduated from high school. This year's event will be on July 12-16 on the campus of Roanoke College. Its purpose is to give you a chance to take stock of where your faith life has led you so far and also to provide an opportunity to engage in discussion on matters of faith and life that are likely to face you as you move on to the next stage of your life, whether it be the workforce, military or other public service, college, or something else.

At The Water's Edge is our annual event for youth who have completed grades 6-8, and their adult advisors. It is held every year at a church in Tidewater and allows participants to engage in a week of service and reflection while building community with one another.

This year's event will be held at St. Michael in Virginia Beach on July 26-30. Use the form below to register your congregation and let the planning team know your congregation will be attending by June 22.

We have a variety of resources, including a bulletin insert that is available on the website, to use in your congregation to encourage registration.

Power in the Spirit is an inspirational event for people of all ages who wish to explore God’s call to service through joyous worship, Bible studies, keynote addresses, workshops, and fellowship. It will be held on July 16-18 at Roanoke College. This year marks 40 years of ministry together!

This year’s theme is The Spirit Enlightens, Equips, and Empowers. When our Lord ascended to heaven, he left us with a remarkable, almost breathtaking promise: that the Holy Spirit would come and empower, equip, and enlighten the church in its witness to God’s gift of grace and salvation for the entire world (Acts 1:8). 

We are excited to have Presiding Bishop Curry, the Rev. Drew Tucker, and the Rev. Susan Briehl as our speakers this year! Michael Benshish will return as our musician.

We’ll also honor the retirement of the Rev. Dr. Dave Delaney and recognize our new commissioned lay ministers as we celebrate all that God continues to do through this ministry.

Hungry for the Word: Resources for Journeying Together through the Sundays after Pentecost

In a world that is yearning for hope and hungry for God’s word, invite your congregation to journey with you through the Sundays after Pentecost using the following resources to help you and your congregation dive deeper into the revised common lectionary texts between Sunday, May 31st and Reformation Sunday, October 25th.

You can access the file with all the resources at: Hungry for the Word: Journeying Together through the Sundays after Pentecost.

These resources were developed by the Virginia Synod in partnership with the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod. If you have any questions or have suggestions for improving the resources, please reach out to Pastor John Wertz, Jr. at: wertz@vasynod.org.

During the summer months, children often miss out on nutritious meals when school cafeterias are closed. Local food pantries often face higher demand while donations slow down. Pasta with a Purpose is an invitation to Virginia Synod congregations to respond to this need.

Please bring pasta-related food items to your congregation anytime this summer. The congregation should weigh or count the collection before delivering it to a local pantry and share the total contribution (in pounds) so everyone can see how your congregation's gifts, along with those of other ELCA churches across Virginia, add up to something powerful. The Virginia Synod will celebrate the three highest donors (pounds donated per church average worship attender) with a $250 grant to their local food pantries!

In response to many concerns and questions he’s received from across the church regarding current events and how faith shapes our response, Bishop Curry is starting a new monthly series titled “All Together in One Place.” This series will offer reflections rooted in Scripture and our rich theological teaching, emphasizing our shared baptismal calling to love and serve our neighbors, seek justice and peace, and remain connected in Christ even amid difference.

Mark your calendar for Sunday, Sept. 13, when congregations of the ELCA will join together for our annual day of service, “God’s work. Our hands.” Participating in service projects is one way to celebrate who we are as the ELCA — one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor.

We are a church that is energized by lively engagement in faith and life. As we continue our tradition of service, we remember the words of Martin Luther, “Our faith is a living, busy, active, mighty thing.” With our hands, we do God’s work of restoring and reconciling communities in Jesus Christ’s name.

As you explore opportunities to participate in your community, explore these resources to plan and promote your day.

If your congregation cannot participate on Sept. 13, you are encouraged to pick another date that fits your schedule. ELCA congregations participate in acts of service every day. This day of service is an extension of the work you already do to make your community a better place.

Be sure to save the date and check ELCA.org/DayOfService for updated resources soon. Go in peace. Serve the Lord. Join us on Sept. 13!

Summer Camp Volunteer Opportunities at Caroline Furnace

Caroline Furnace is seeking volunteers to support its summer camp ministry. Volunteers serve for one week, live in the Farmhouse, participate in camp life, and complete an application and background check. Opportunities include serving as a Chaplain, leading worship and providing spiritual support, or joining the Support Team, assisting with kitchen duties, maintenance, activities, transportation, and other camp needs.

Whether you're a pastor, seminarian, lay leader, or simply feel called to serve, your gifts can help make camp a meaningful experience for young people.

Sponsored by Historic Germanna and Hebron Lutheran Church

July 16 to 19 in Culpeper and Madison

Registration Deadline: July 5

Hebron Lutheran in Madison is co-hosting the 70^th anniversary Historic Germanna Conference and Reunion from July 16 to 19. The keynote speaker is Dr. Guy Erwin, President of United Lutheran Seminary in Pennsylvania. He will highlight the ministry of Reverend Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, patriarch of Lutherans in America. Reverend Peter Muhlenberg's clergy robe will be on display. The Sunday morning worship at Hebron will follow the 1748 First Lutheran Liturgy in America. Dr. Erwin will be the preacher at the 10 am worship service.