| Issue # 534 - April 16, 2020 |
|
Christ is risen!
Christ is risen indeed!
Alleluia!
On Easter Sunday, I was struck by the incredible and beautiful virtual choir of over 800 persons that the Episcopal Church USA put together singing, “The Strife Is O’er, the Battle Done.” As I watched this and loved the beauty, I was also struck by the oddity of what was being sung, “The strife is o’er, the battle done; now is the victor’s triumph won! Now be the song of praise begun. Alleluia!”
All day Easter Sunday, I have felt like I was on the verge of tears. I couldn’t quite put into words until now why. What an unbelievably odd Easter. And yet I am sure that first was rather odd too. Aren’t they all? Isn’t the message of the cross still foolishness and the empty tomb all the more?
Click here to read the full greeting from Bishop Kevin Strickland.
|
|
 |
COVID-19 Task Force Report
We are gathering our COVID-19 task force regularly and staying in touch with local government agencies, as well as health care officials. We will be sending out a response from this task force early next week with several resources to help keep you updated with the latest information and suggestions.
|
 |
Guidance for Your Congregation Amidst this Pandemic, hosted by Bishop Strickland and synod staff for Council Presidents and council leaders
TWO OPPORTUNITIES:
- Monday, April 20, 7pm EDT / 6pm CST
- Monday, April 27, 7pm EST / 6pm CST
Click here to register and learn more.
|
 |
The Southeastern Synod Nominating Committee is currently seeking nominees for several positions which were to be elected at the 2020 Synod Assembly. Since the Synod Assembly has been canceled for 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, elections will be conducted by the Synod Council at their meeting in early June.
Summary of positions:
- Consultation Committee
- Discipline Committee
- Synod Council:
- 2, at-large, lay positions
- 1, at-large, Young Adult (18-30 yo)
- 1 youth member (nominated by SESLYO)
For a full description of synod elections, click here.
|
|
Friday, April 17, 2-5pm EDT
Want to know more about Stewardship in a Time of Uncertainty? Or how to create a Culture of Generosity? Then register for this FREE event today, with host Mike Ward!
Click here to register and to learn more.
|
 |
AFFIRM - our synod's annual youth gathering - had to be cancelled, but we are maintaining connection with our youth through Zoom calls with Bishop Strickland, AFFIRM Admin staff, and youth from throughout the synod. We are coming up with creative solutions to keep us connected, but we would love more ideas!
Feel free to register for a Zoom call on any (or all) of these calls:
- Monday, April 20, 4:30pm EDT
- Monday, April 27, 4:30pm EDT
- Monday, May 4, 5:30pm EDT
Click here to read more and to register.
|
 |
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ELCA's YAGM program will take a Sabbath for the 2020-2021 program year. They are making plans now for volunteer assignments for August 2021.
To learn more, check out our synod Youth and Young Adult website.
|
 |
"Now that I've mastered remote worship,
what about remote meetings?"
Pr. Karen Boda (Assistant to the Bishop for Congregational Life) has created a video resource and posted several links that are most helpful.
Click here to read more.
|
 |
What does stewardship look like during a pandemic? How can I give to my church when I'm stuck at home?
When we maintain our giving to the church, we are enabling our churches to continue the ministries so desperately needed now – ministries which share the love of God, feed our neighbors, and care for the most vulnerable.
Click here to learn more stewardship ideas and practices.
|
 |
The LifeLine Fund will provide rostered ministers and congregations with financial education, time with a financial planner, plus up to three years of grants paid directly to the lender for a minister's student loan lender. Grant levels will vary depending upon several factors.
Click here to learn more about this program and how to apply.
|
 |
The Festival of Homiletics is moving online! And because there’s no better time than our current crisis to learn how to “preach a new earth,” registration for the virtual conference is totally FREE!
Click here to register and to learn more.
|
 |
In light of the uncertainty around COVID-19 and in consultation with the venues and partners in Phoenix, the decision has been reached to cancel the 2020 Rostered Ministers Gathering.
To read more about refunds and other plans, click here.
|
 |
Thursday, April 23, 10am-12noon
Topics to be covered:
- General crisis spiritual care principles and interventions
- Disaster mental health
- Caregiver self-care
This webinar is hosted by New York Disaster Inerfaith Services.
Click here to see more about this event, plus other offerings by this disaster response group.
|
Instead of sharing individual prayers and concerns at this time, we are highlighting two resources that are available to you:
ELCA's "Here to Serve" Prayer Initiative
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the ELCA churchwide organization is here to support our members, congregations, synods and partners. Call 800-638-3522 and press #4 or email HereToServe@ELCA.org for prayer, support and to ask your questions.
Mental Health Support during this Pandemic
Many of us are overwhelmed in these days and we may not be sure where to turn for emotional or mental healthcare We have gathered some resources to share with you. Click here to find this information.
Visit the Happening Soon! page or the Calendar on the Southeastern Synod website to learn about upcoming events in and around the Synod to include:
Please be sure to check out our website and social media for more details for events and happenings around our synod and the ELCA.
|
Check us out on social media
  
ELCA
Southeastern
Synod
St. John's Lutheran Church
Physical Address:
1410 N Ponce de Leon Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30307
404-589-1977
Mailing Address:
P. O. Box 400
Decatur, GA 30031
As always, please feel free to visit our website for more information:
www.elca-ses.org
For questions or concerns regarding our regular or special enews, please contact: Rev. Michael Jannett - Assistant to the Bishop for Formation and Communication MJannett@elca-ses.org
|
