Sunday, March 21, 4-5pm Eastern / 3-4pm Central
Presentation on "God's Abundance in a Pandemic" & Conference Caucuses. After the presentation, conferences will meet in breakout rooms to elect conference leadership and Conferences 1-5 will elect their Synod Council Representative.
Synod Assembly Elections
Nominations are NOW OPEN for various positions. Please click the appropriate link below to find out more and to submit your nomination TODAY!
Synod Secretary, Consultation Committee, Discipline Committee, At-Large Synod Council
2022 Churchwide Assembly Voting Member
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Saturday, June 5, 9am-4pm ET / 8am-3pm CT
Synod Assembly registration is NOW OPEN! This Assembly will be a digital event
Lots of information is HERE on our Synod Assembly website, including: Registration, Elections., and MORE...
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Friday, March 26 & Saturday, March 27
We invite at least two participants (those just graduating from 6th through 12th grade) from EVERY congregation in our synod. More participants are welcome to attend from the same congregation, but only two folks from each church will have voice AND vote at the Assembly
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Tuesday, March 30 - 10am ET / 9am CT
Bishop Strickland invites all rostered ministers (those in a call, on leave from call, or retired) to join him on Tuesday, March 30th for a service of prayer and renewal of vows. Musicians from around our synod and the ELCA will be joining us to lead in worship. And we are thrilled to have as our guest homilist for the day, The Rt. Rev. Phoebe Roaf, Bishop of the Diocese of West Tennessee of the Episcopal Church.
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1 time slot still available!
- Mon, 3/22, 11:30am ET / 10:30am CT
Register today for a time to check in with Bishop Strickland. This will be a group format; you will be checking in with the bishop, along with whoever else signs up for the same time slot.
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This Workshop is being held on Zoom over the Mondays in March (22 and 29) - 10:00-11:00am ET / 9:00-10:00am CT
Join the Rev. Dr. Mary Hinkle Shore, Rector and Dean for Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary of Lenoir Rhyne University for a study of the Easter Lectionary texts for 2021.
These sessions will be recorded and sent weekly to all who are registered. You can STILL SIGN UP for the next 2 sessions!
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Monday, March 22
9am EST / 8am CST
Bishop Kevin Strickland invites you to join him in prayer. Newcomers are always welcome!
This team gathers monthly to pray via Zoom.
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March is Women's History Month and our synod is blessed to have faithful women who contribute at different levels and serve in many capacities. It was such a delight to feature on social media these women, who, each in her own way, answers the call to serve God and her neighbors with love and compassion. Check out their stories here. There are so many additional faithful women in our synod! Reach out and thank one or two or several. We give thanks for all our faithful women who are spreading the love of Christ!
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We are delighted that over 240 individuals - representing over 40 congregations - have accepted Bishop Strickland’s challenge to participate in the 40-40-40 Lenten Hunger Appeal - including Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton!
Send selfies of yourself walking/running to Cheryl Bopp at cherylbopp@hotmail.com, or post on social media with #40ForLent for inclusion in the newsletter.
Be sure to let us know you are participating (and see who else has signed on)!
Download the ELCA World Hunger Lent Study Guide, here, and consider creating your own walking chart.
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Portico Benefit Services shares THREE major updates:
- SWORD - Virtual Therapy for Joint Pain
- How to get the Best Rest!
- Questions about Taxes???
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The Ecumenical Consultation on Protocols for Worship, Fellowship, and Sacraments produced this material. Here is a quote from the introduction:
As we are writing these materials (in February 2021), the number of new daily cases of COVID-19 in the United States has only begun to decrease while deaths
continue to climb.
Our work relies on sound public health guidance to call Christians to
responsible decisions about gathering and safe practices when they gather.
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Leaders from throughout the synod will be sharing 14 Stations of the Cross on Good Friday. These will be posted on social media (YouTube and Facebook) every 30 minutes, beginning at 7am ET / 6am CT. These reflections will be about 2 minutes each.
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The synod staff will provide a full liturgy (Service of the Word) and sermon for any congregation to use. The service will be available for viewing and downloading on the synod staff sermon page. This pre-recorded service will be available by March 28.
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Monday, April 19
7pm ET / 6pm CT
For Congregational Leaders, including Council Presidents and council leaders
This is the NINTH round of conversations that will help you to support your ministers and congregation. This gathering is hosted by Bishop Strickland and the synod staff.
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Wonder where your offering goes? Check out this short video. Then check out this Deep Dive on how our synod offerings support our ELCA ministries and how together, we are doing so much more!
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We are thrilled to have Rev. Mike Ward of GSB Fundraising back with our synod to lead Stewardship for All Seasons. The purpose of Stewardship For All Seasons (SAS) is to guide pastors and congregation leaders to learn tried and true basic principles and effective methodologies to carry out productive stewardship programs.
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6 Sessions - $45 covers all sessions
Tuesdays, May 11, 18, and 25
10:30am-Noon & 1:30-3pm ET
Are you stepping into unfamiliar territory where you must supervise others, or have you been supervising others for some time without a clear understanding of what you’re doing? Supervision, especially in a faith-based environment, requires learning new skills – probably skills you did not learn during your professional formation. This event provides you with practical skills and tools for supervising the work of others, and aligning the work of the team with the overall goals of the congregation.
(Need a scholarship? Contact Pr. Michael Jannett)
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Five Sessions Available: May 13, June 9, August 19, Sep. 29, and Nov. 4, 2021
Rooted in Scripture and grounded in Bowen family systems theory, this workshop identifies differentiation of self and anxiety as two key variables impacting human functioning. Leadership and Anxiety looks at the challenges presented by the rising levels of anxiety being experienced in churches today, as well as the role that self-differentiated leadership can play in calming such anxiety. Works of fine art illustrating Biblical themes help facilitate theological reflection on the themes being presented.
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At a challenging time, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (Detroit, MI) knew where to turn. The local bank said it was pointless for the suburban Detroit congregation to apply for a Paycheck Protection Program loan. So Good Shepherd’s pastor reached out to the ELCA Federal Credit Union, which, thanks to its partnership with the Mission Investment Fund, was poised to be just the resource Good Shepherd needed. Read more or watch the video.
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The Bishop and Assistants are filming sermons for Sunday's surrounding the pandemic of COVID-19; we will post them here and host on our synod YouTube channel.
Each Sunday’s sermon will be archived on the Sermons page on our synod website. If you wish a dial-in option, just call:
678-379-4840
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Pastors, deacons, and bishops everywhere have climbed some steep learning curves this year. Now on the back side of the curve, you might be sinking down the slope and drained of creative energy — just as we as we enter our second Pandemic Lent.
What if you consider using some of your Continuing Education resources and time to participate in an on-line creative learning opportunity?
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Ms. Sarah Parson serves a the Southeastern Synod Advocacy intern through the end of March 2021.
Sarah is a senior at Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA, and has been an active member at Trinity Lutheran Church, Lilburn, GA, for 15 years. She has attended Affirm, National Youth Gathering, and All-GA, as a youth participant, which she credits with helping develop a strong relationship with God, which she continues to work on as a young adult. At Dickinson she studies Law and Policy specifically, with intersections of social justice work, with an emphasis on Environment and Care of Creation.
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Ms. Elaina - a high school student and member of the synod's Diversity & Justice task force shares...
"A girl came over and she wanted to buy a donut and she had paid for it and she asked what I was selling them for. I told her that we were selling the donuts to bring in speakers to our club and buy t-shirts, and then she asked what the club was trying to accomplish, I was proud to tell her that we were trying to raise awareness for minority groups who get silenced in our community, and help educate the school on how to be more open-minded people to those who are different than us. Let me tell you, her face turned red, she backed up and said..."
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If you were not awarded a grant for 2021, the opportunity to re-apply is approaching. Domestic Hunger Grant applications will be open again for 2022 grants in late March. Check back at elca.org/domestichungergrants for more details.
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The Advocacy Policy Committee of the Southeastern Synod will be sponsoring an evening of learning, centered on justice for creation.
Topics to be covered will include:
- Families and Children
- Environmental Justice
- Environment and faith
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This day is an opportunity to celebrate who we are as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America – one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor.
Service activities offer an opportunity for us to explore one of our most basic convictions as Lutherans: that all of life in Jesus Christ – every act of service, in every daily calling, in every corner of life – flows freely from a living, daring confidence in God’s grace.
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| Faith Formation for All Ages |
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Thursday, March 18, 2pm EST / 1pm CST
Most congregations were thrust into unknown territory 8 months ago when worship went virtual / online instead of in person. Church renewal leaders maintain that vital congregations must continue their online presence going forward and offer a hybrid blend of community (phygital) that is both physical and digital.
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Saturday, March 27 - 10am EST / 9am CST
Join the African Descent Lutheran Association (Southeastern Chapter) and others in a conversation on the book, The Search for Common Ground, by Howard Thurman.
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Looking for a Lutheran Men in Mission Ambassador for our Synod
Do you wish to step forward in making known the wonderful resources for Lutheran Men in Mission?
Please reach out to Pr. Michael Jannett to learn more about this Formation opportunity, or to learn more about Lutheran Men in Mission.
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Saturday, April 17
12noon-3pm Eastern / 11am-2pm Central
Lutheran Men in Mission will be hosting an online event featuring six speakers, discussing matters that men know matter.
Do you have 15 minutes to refine your fathering skills? Along with the National Fatherhood Initiative, Lutheran Men in Mission and Project Twelve are offering 15 sessions of information, questions, and video. Each is about 15 minutes long designed to help you manage your life and build healthy relationships with your children and their mother.
There will be a new topic each week leading up to Father's Day.
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Use Safe Gatherings to background check and train everyone who works with children, youth and vulnerable adults in your church. Safe Gatherings works with more than 8,500 churches, including 11 ELCA Synods. They make it easy!
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Rev. Dr. Mark Ellingsen, an ELCA pastor in our Synod who teaches at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, was recorded by AIB-TV for one of his new books: Finding Peaks and Valleys in a Flat World.
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This Lent, you are invited to reflect on your Christian and Lutheran identities by participating in the Global Survey on Being Lutheran/Encuesta Mundial Sobre lo Que Significa Ser Luteran. Please invite others in your churches to participate, as well.
The survey will be open through March 31, and responses gathered will help to shape the 13th LWF Assembly in 2023.
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The Asian and Pacific Islander Association of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America issued a statement on March 4, 2021 addressing the increase in violence directed toward Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.
The statement calls the church to declare a Sunday during this Lenten season to lament in order to express solidarity with, help in healing, and support Asian American victims of violence. March 21, 2021, the Fifth Sunday in Lent, is named as a common date for this day of lament.
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"The COVID-related surge in anti-Asian violence is physically and spiritually assaulting Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. This violence re-emerged from America's historical and pervasive sin of racism. Asian American and Pacific Islander children and adults are facing assaults with racial slurs, bullying, spitting, physical injury, and even death. These are not new in communities where Peoples of Color live. These violent acts of racism have and are happening in cities and towns across the United States. The virus of racism cannot be allowed to run rampant..."
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Just a reminder that ALL are welcome to post a congregation-related classified on our synod website, here:
https://www.elca-ses.org/classifieds
Click "Submit a classified" button,
or read through current classifieds.
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Seeking to hire a full time (40 hours) Director of Youth and Family Ministries for planning, implementing, directing, coordinating and managing Christian Education ministry for the entire Grace Lutheran Faith Formation from nursery to adults. The Director is also responsible for selecting and supervising the volunteer teachers, leaders, facilitators and assistants.
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- For Rev. Darrel Peterson, retired, former Assistant to the Bishop
- We pray for the Iglesia Evangélica Luterana Unidad de Argentina y Uruguay (IELU) and Rev. Fabian Kreischer, Vice President of the IELU, who was murdered early February.
- We continue to surround the IELU, Pastor Kreischer´s family, friends, and congregation with our prayers as they navigate grief of such a tragic loss.
- For an ELCA Global Mission Tribute to Pastor Fabian, click here.
For Rev. Dennis Fakes, retired.
- For Rev. Ginny Bishop, retired.
| Rostered Ministers Transitions |
Installations:
- Rev. Connie Bramlett, Pastor, All Saints, Huntsville, AL - March 14, 2021
- Rev. John Stirewalt, Pastor, Faith, Clay, AL - September 19, 2021
- Rev. Lewis Groce, Pastor, Christ, Fairfield Glade, TN - March 21, 2021
- Rev. Richard Johnson, St. John's & Jerusalem, Rincon, GA - March 28, 2021
Save the Date:
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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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