See our e-news below, but first, a word on...
ABUNDANCE!!!
Second Corinthians states that “God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work.” Or as Rev. Mike Ward puts it, “abundance is recognizing the One who provides us with everything and recognizing that it is not only enough, but enough to share."
The joy of God’s abundance is having enough to share! You might have seen the Facebook posts on our Southeastern Synod page by congregation members around the synod. They answer the question “I give because…”. Almost all of the responders mention that they give because God has given to them and it is a true joy to give back!
One especially poignant response to the question came from one of our youth:
“ I want to help others experience the same feeling of love and support that our Synod/Church offers. I have been touched by so many people in this Synod (and others) whether it be through National Youth Gathering, SESLYO, or worship in my local congregation. I have been blessed by so many wonderful experiences that could not have been possible if not for the help of the church, so I feel like I owe it to others as well as myself to give back to the church that has given me so much.”
We give God thanks for the abundance so freely given to us. We give God thanks for those who reflect God’s abundance in their own lives. We give God thanks for you.
Many blessings,
+ Your ELCA-Southeastern Synod Staff
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Congregations, submit your 2021 Mission Support Intent online this year. It's easy! It's quick! It's important!
CLICK HERE to submit your congregation's Mission Support Intent for 2021.
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Saturday, November 14
Location: ONLINE!!!
We are combining some at-home events with a time of being together. Oh, and we will have a special musical guest with us that evening.
Check back to our All TN Youth Gathering page to REGISTER and for more details.
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Bishop Strickland gathered us together to give thanks for the lives of the saints, lament the pandemic of COVID19, the pandemic of racism, and lament all the little losses we have incurred during these pandemic days.
Centered in prayer and in God’s Word, we were reminded that we are all made in God’s likeness and that we will awaken and will know everlasting peace.
Click HERE to see the entire replay of this service, as well as follow along with the bulleting.
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Sunday, November 15
3-5pm EST / 2-4pm CST
We know this will look and feel like a much different Advent than ever before. How can we create beauty as a way to help us pray through the days, give a reminder or hope to someone, and joyfully anticipate the joy of Christ as Christmas? Join in! Everyone is creative and all are invited.
This is a hands-on craft day! Crafters, Sunday School teachers, Families… are all welcome to join in. Gather your supplies (a list will be provided after you register) and let’s craft together.
To register for the Zoom link and Supply List, click HERE.
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In our walking together as the Southeastern Synod, the Budget and Finance Committee will be meeting to develop the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Ministry Spending Plan and to make recommendations to the Southeastern Synod Council regarding the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Ministry Spending Plan. In order to empower, equip and engage our work together we are accepting Funding Requests from committees, task-forces and ministries of the Southeastern Synod-ELCA.
Click HERE to make your request know to the Synod Budget and Finance Team.
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Report to the Bishop - Coming November 15 - to YOUR inbox
Every year, our rostered ministers have a chance to report their joys and concerns in their ministries. If you are a rostered minister, please keep an eye on your email inbox. On November 15, where you will receive an email with a link to complete your report for 2020.
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Tuesday, November 10, 9am-12:30pm EDT / 8-11:30am CDT
All rostered ministers are currently required to take a Basic Boundary Workshop (addressing professional ethics, finances, use of social media, and the prevention of sexual misconduct) every three years.
The Southeastern Synod is committed to helping rostered ministers set and maintain appropriate boundaries for ministry, and for responding promptly and appropriately to complaints of boundary violations.
This Boundary Training is being provided by the Virginia Synod, and is being shared as an additional option to receive training.
Click HERE to register via the Virginia Synod website.
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Jill Knueppel, a licensed massage therapist in Georgia with 22 years of experience working with Atlanta area chiropractors, is offering bodywork sessions to aid ELCA rostered persons around the Atlanta area. These sessions are being offered at a significant discount from her usual charges and will be conducted in COVID safe conditions.
Click HERE to read more about this opportunity.
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November 9-13, 2020
As we are all engaged in transitional ministry in this time of tremendous change, this virtual conference would be of benefit. Membership in the Interim Ministry Network or even serving as an interim pastor is not required. This conference is an opportunity to engage with practitioners of leading congregations through change.
Click HERE to learn more and to register.
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The ELCA Faith Formation team curates many, many resources for children, youth, and families. LOTS of ideas to share here.
Click HERE to find some ideas for the upcoming Advent and Christmas seasons.
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Monday, November 16
9:00am EDT / 8:00am CDT
If you already registered for this in September or October, you will automatically receive a reminder email. You do NOT have to sign up again.
Join Bishop Strickland for a time of prayer once a month via zoom. We will pray for the needs of ourselves, our neighbors locally and globally, the needs of the church and world, and for what else might be in need that day of prayer.
Please feel free to sign up at any time.
Click HERE to join the Bishop in prayer once per month, and to learn of the dates / times.
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Via Zoom, November 4, 9:00-10:15am EDT / 8:00-9:15am CDT
JOIN US FOR ONE LAST SESSION, and RECEIVE ALL FOUR SESSION VIDEOS AND RESOURCES!!!
Join Rev. Rachel Wrenn and Bishop Kevin Strickland for our final lectionary study on the Advent texts and opportunity to talk about worship planning.
Click HERE to sign up.
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Advent + Christmas Devotional coming soon!!!
Be on the lookout for a downloadable Advent & Christmas Devotional from a wide array of members of our Southeastern Synod: pastors, deacons, seminarians, congregational leaders, youth, and synod staff.
We will distribute via our website, social media, and e-news once it is completed.
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| Children, Youth, and Young Adult |
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Saturday, November 14
Location: ONLINE!!!
We are combining some at-home events with a time of being together. Oh, and we will have a special musical guest with us that evening.
Check back to our All TN Youth Gathering page to REGISTER and for more details.
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Wednesday, November 11
7pm EST / 6pm CST
Join Olivia Slagle, recently returned from service in Palestine, to learn more about faith in action with ELCA's YAGM program.
Sign up HERE to join in this conversation.
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Saturday, November 14
Sunday, November 15
Friday, November 27
From Lutheranch: Joins us for our upcoming "Get Outside and Play!" days on Nov 14, 15 and 27. We are opening our gates to the public these dates and inviting everyone to come to Lutheranch and enjoy a beautiful fall day in God's wonderous creation. All activities (except horseback riding) will be self directed and outdoors to ensure safety during the ongoing pandemic.
More information can be found on the Lutheranch website here
We are also offering food and lodging packages the weekend of Nov 13-15, 2020 for those looking to get away for the whole weekend. Details on these packages can be found online here.
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The ELCA Youth Ministry Network's annual children's, youth, and young adult training event, the Extravaganza, is happening February 5-6, 2020, for those participating online. We have an interest form for you to fill out, letting us know how you plan on participating.
The cost is VERY ACCESSIBLE - only $25!!! Well worth your time!
Click HERE to fill out our interest survey and to learn more about the Extravaganza!
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Held on Thursday, October 22, 2020
Folks from across the region gathered to learn some youth ministry basics. We discussed the "why" behind discipleship for youth ministry and some steps to take along the way.
How is the Spirit moving us from a stance of fear into a place of hope? Let's figure it out together.
Click HERE to see the recording of this event, and some helpful links!
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New Health Blog post from Connie Pearson, RN, MN
As we continue to face this pandemic with yet no vaccine to protect any of us regardless of age, what do we do? The obvious answer is to practice social distancing, wear a mask, wash your hands often and limit the places and time that you choose to go out. If you have health risks that make you more vulnerable, limit your shopping to places with hours that cater to individuals with health risks – usually early in the morning. Daily remind your family to be safe!
Click here to read more from this blog post about making wise health choices as a pathway to LOVING others.
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As we remain physically-distanced, the Southeastern Synod Mental Health Task Force invites you to join in on Mindfulness Mondays, to help you get once again connect your physical and mental well-being.
Sign up to be a part of this 6-week series of guided meditations: Monday, November 16 through Monday, December 21.
Come for just 1. Come for all 6. Or any number in between Each week we will introduce a mindfulness practice and have a discussion afterwards.
Click HERE to sign up!
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Here is the link to the LATEST NEWSLETTER for the Crumley Archives.
Also, the Crumley Archives has a NEW domain name:
https://www.crumleyarchives.com/
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Does your congregation participate in any type of feeding program, such as a food bank, weekend food backpacks for children, etc.? If so, you might want to check into this information from our ELCA World Hunger ministry.
Click HERE to read more.
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The African Descent Lutheran Association develops important connections, advocates for congregations, promotes implementation of the National African Descent Strategy, and provides fellowship, learning and sharing opportunities. It also provides a forum for theological reflection for clergy and lay members through collaboration with other African descent organizations and networks.
To become a member, click HERE for the national ADLA website.
To learn more about our Southeastern Chapter, click HERE for the Southeastern Chapter ADLA Facebook page.
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- For Synod Authorized Minister Mardy Ringer upon the death of his father, Mr. Jessie Adams.
| Rostered Ministers Transitions |
Call Accepted:
- Rev. Julie Ehlers-King, Pastor - 2 year term call - Nativity LC, Bethlehem, GA - November 1
- Synod Authorized Minister Tina Trice-Culpepper, Pastor - Celebration of Grace, Canton, GA - November 1
- Ordination for Ms. Trice-Culpepper will take place in the near future
Installations:
- Rev. Rich Mueller, Pastor - Holy Trinity, Daphne, AL - November 1
- Rev. Jay Bergstresser, Pastor - Christ the King, Peachtree Corners, GA - November 15
Bishop Election:
- Northeast Pennsylvania - Rev. Chris DeForest - October 24
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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
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