The Virginia Synod, ELCA | November 3, 2026 | | |
A Prayer for Election Day
Let us pray.
| |
Come, Holy Spirit. Blow through the lives of your people. Remind us of your constant presence and inspire us to be engage the world around us. As our country votes today in state and local elections, grant support and help to all those who work at the polls. Grant patience to those in long lines. Grant wisdom to those participating in elections and remind us that regardless of what the world may want us to believe at times, all of our neighbors are beloved children of God.
Amen.
| | | All Saints Worship with Necrology | | |
On All Saints Day we celebrate the victory won for all the faithful dead, and we grieve for our beloved dead as well, knowing that God honors our tears. The reading of the necrology is one way that we remember the rostered ministers who have died since our last All Saints service.
Worship with the Office of the Bishop staff in this All Saints service with Necrology in the video.
| | | Office of the Bishop will be closed Wednesday, November 11 | |
The Virginia Synod Offices of the Bishop will be closed on Wednesday, November 11 in observance of Veterans Day.
Normal office hours will resume on Thursday, November 12.
| | | Youth & Young Adult Ministry | | Registration for Lost & Found closes tomorrow, November 4! | | |
Registrationfor Lost & Found, our annual middle school faith formation event for 7th & 8th graders at Eagle Eyrie in Lynchburg will close tomorrow, Wednesday, Nov. 4.
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 tomorrow Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
| | |
Please note:
Youth Participants: Registration is complete only when BOTH the online registration form and the online permissions & medical form have been submitted.
Adult Leaders and Participants: Registration is complete only when ALL FOUR required forms have been submitted:
- Online registration form
- Online permissions and medical form
- Background check form
- Small group leader information form
| | 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:
The workshop is free. Use the link above to register and receive the correct Zoom link.
| | |
Beyond Election Day: Faithful Perspectives & Practices Webinar
From ELCA Witness in Society
Join the after-election webinar on Nov. 19 at 1pm hosted by ELCA Witness in Society reflecting on both developments and the steadfast message of our Christian faith regardless of any Election Day. More info on the ELCA.org Events page or use the button below to register.
| |
Church Property Resource Hub Webinar: Response and Preparation
This Thursday, Nov. 5 at 7:00 PM Eastern
Congregations and their buildings play an important role in disaster response and recovery. As environmental disasters become more frequent and severe, more congregations will be affected or called upon to support their communities. Join Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) for a conversation about how congregations can prepare for disasters and use their property to support response efforts. No cost to attend, register at the link below.
| Updated Lutheran Disaster Response Brochure: | |
Lutheran Disaster Response has updated its brochure, a helpful resource for congregations looking to share information about disaster response and recovery ministries. The brochure can be included in Sunday worship bulletins or distributed at church events and resource tables. Congregations can access a digital copy or order printed copies which are available in packs of 25 through the ELCA eStore, with free shipping.
Thank you for helping share the ministry of Lutheran Disaster Response!
| | Resources & Recommendations | | |
Fruit of the Spirit: An Advent & Epiphany Devotional
| | |
The Virginia Synod, the Northeastern Pennsylvania, and the Florida-Bahamas Synod collaborated to create an Advent and Epiphany devotional resource built around Galatians 5 and the fruits of the spirit.
In the season of Advent, you are invited to reflect on the fruit of the Spirit, and where you have seen them active in your life. Together we will develop sharper senses for the ways grace shows up as Immanuel, God with us. In the season of Epiphany, we look for these fruits in the ordinary things of our daily living.
You can use the devotional individually or with a group. Three versions are available:
| | 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. | | | VA Synod Conferences & Congregations | | 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 service will be held at 10:00am on Sunday, November 15, at First Lutheran Church in Norfolk.
Rostered ministers are invited to vest and process. The color of the day is red. A group photo will take place in Strickler Hall at 9:15am. The service will be live-streamed on First Lutheran’s Facebook page and also available to view afterwards.
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 November 3.
Questions? Please contact Pastor Cathy Mims (cmims@flcnorfolk.com or 757.625.1953).
|
| |
Upcoming Events
See what's happening this month.
| | | |
November 10 | Weaving Our Stories: LGBTQIA+ Online (7-8:15pm)
November 11 | Office of the Bishop Closed: Veteran's Day
November 16 | EPIC Online: Treasurer's Workshop Online (7-8:15pm)
November 20-22 | Lost & Found (7th & 8th Graders) Eagle Eyrie, Lynchburg
November 25-29 | Office of the Bishop Closed: Thanksgiving
December 21- Jan 1 | Office of the Bishop Closed: Christmas
| | Mission Partner Updates & Events | | |
Caroline Furnace Mid-Year Report Available!
Caroline Furnace’s Mid-Year Report is now available. Take a look at the ministry, moments, and milestones so far this year.
The Caroline Furnace Board has also adopted an updated strategic plan in February of 2026, and is excited to share with you! We are grateful for the team that revisited our past and is dreaming of our future.
| |
|
Register for Day for All People 2027
Join the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy (VICPP) and Virginia Interfaith Power & Light (VAIPL) on Wednesday, January 20, 2027, for Day for All People, an annual advocacy day at the Virginia General Assembly in Richmond. This gathering brings people of faith and goodwill together to advocate for social justice and put faith into action.
The day begins with registration at 7:30 a.m. at Centenary United Methodist Church in Richmond, followed by opportunities to learn about priority issues, engage in the legislative process, and connect with advocates from across Virginia. The program concludes at 3 pm. Free transportation from several regions of Virginia is available for registered participants.
Registration is open! Early bird registration is $40. Consider inviting members of your congregation, friends, and family to join this day of advocacy, learning, and fellowship.
| | |
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.
| | Advent Awakening Amid Christian Nationalism: Whose Kingdom Comes? | | |
Join ELCA Witness & Society for Advent Awakening Amid Christian Nationalism: Whose Kingdom Comes? on December 4-5, 2026, at Lutheran Church of the Reformation in Washington, D.C. The gathering begins Friday evening with Revival Worship led by ELCA Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry, followed by a Saturday of learning and equipping featuring keynote speaker the Rev. Angela Denker and a panel of leaders exploring how we live out our faith as disciples amid Christian nationalism. Some portions will be streamed on the ELCA Advocacy YouTube channel.
| | |
Learn More about Mission Investment Fund
A Financial Ministry of the ELCA
Every dollar invested with the Mission Investment Fund (MIF) helps provide loans that support ELCA ministries, including congregations, food pantries, senior centers, preschools, and more. The more people who invest, the more ministries MIF can support! Explore resources to help you share the mission of MIF with your congregation through worship, newsletters, bulletins, or council meetings.
| | |
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!
| | | |
|
Stay Connected with
the Virginia Synod:
| | | | |
