Let us pray...

As we approach Independence Day and the Semiquincentennial Celebration, we celebrate the history and independence of the United States as well as the long history of Native Americans in North America before the birth of our nation. Pray for the wisdom and resolve we need to ensure freedom, justice and equity for all people, in our nation and around the world. 

Amen.



(Adapted from ELCA Prayer Ventures)

Kairos 2026 welcomed 37 rising 9th-12th graders and 19 adult volunteers to Roanoke College for a week of prayer, song, and community. This year, our dedicated planning team of four rising seniors chose the theme "Take a Breath." They reflected on how quickly people get worked up over small frustrations with themselves or others. The group was encouraged to practice pausing to take deep breaths or take time alone to calm down when tensions rise. Our theme passage was John 20:18-23, in which Jesus says "Peace be with you" twice to his disciples, appearing to them after Easter. We shared this peace with our neighbors through our third Kairos service project with Sleep in Heavenly Peace. The youth and adults worked together to assemble parts of the frames for 20 beds for children in the Roanoke Valley. Kairos 2026 marks Dave's final large youth event on the homestretch of rounding out 25 years of service to the youth of the Virginia Synod. We are grateful for his leadership and passion for youth ministry at Kairos through the years.

This year's Kairos was supported by Chaplain Alex Zuber (Grace, Waynesboro), Planning Group advisors Sarah McPherson (Our Saviour, Christiansburg) and Clay Arthur (St. Paul, Strasburg), and youth Nathanael Fox (St. Michael, Virginia Beach), Karina Stevens (Trinity, Newport News), Ash Steigelman (Our Saviour, Warrenton), and Alison Swegan (St. Timothy, Norfolk).

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.

If you have not yet registered and received a confirmation email, there's still time, but don't wait. Registration closes tomorrow.

Join friends from across Virginia and beyond at Roanoke College, July 16–18, as we celebrate 40 years of Power in the Spirit together!

Join the Virginia Synod in celebrating the Rev. Dr. Dave Delaney and giving thanks for his faithful service to the Virginia Synod as Director for Youth and Young Adult Ministry.

Over the years, Dave has touched countless lives through his leadership, mentorship, and commitment to nurturing faith among young people and young adults across our synod. As he concludes this chapter of ministry, we invite you to help us express our gratitude and share your well wishes.

A special reception honoring Dave will be held following worship at Power in the Spirit on Friday, July 17. Registration for Power in the Spirit is open through July 1st. Find more information and register at the link above.

As part of the celebration, the Office of the Bishop is organizing a card shower. Congregations, colleagues, friends, former youth, and anyone whose life or ministry has been impacted by Dave are invited to send cards, notes of appreciation, memories, or words of encouragement to be presented to him during the reception.

Please mail cards to:

Virginia Synod

℅ Dave Delaney Card Shower

P.O. Box 70

Salem, VA 24153

Please ensure that all cards are postmarked by July 11 in order to be shared with Dave at the reception.

Thank you for joining in this celebration of Dave's ministry and the many ways he has served the people of the Virginia Synod. If you have questions, please contact Debbie Hux (hux@vasynod.org).

The Tapestry Team invites you to the next Weaving Our Stories Zoom series, hosted by the Care for Creation Thread.

Join us for meaningful storytelling and dialogue as we listen deeply and learn from one another’s experiences. This is a space for honest conversation, shared wisdom, and growing understanding together.

Mondays: August 17, 31 & September 14

7:00–8:15pm (Zoom)

Registration closes on August 12.

You’re welcome to attend one, two, or all three sessions. Individuals and congregational groups are invited to participate. Sessions will not be recorded, but discussion guides will be shared as a resource.

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.

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!

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!

Story from Encircle

First, Middle, Last: A Story of Reunion

Sometimes the most powerful stories are about the quiet work of love, compassion, and reunion. Follow Ana's journey as she finds her way back to her family and discover how enCircle's Transitional Foster Care team and dedicated foster parents help children find hope in the midst of uncertainty.