2021 Synod Assembly Wrap-up

Thank you to all who contributed to our 2021 Synod Assembly, whether as participants, worship leaders, video production, elections, on-site logistics, help desk, and more!

This is a summary of the actions of the 2021 Synod Assembly, as well as a survey to all registered Voting Members.

Our work together is a glimpse of what God is up to in the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA.

You may also see the ENTIRE Synod Assembly Worship and the Assembly itself on our Synod Assembly page.

Synod Assembly RIC workshop RECORDING Available!!! 

If you wish to learn more about becoming a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) congregation, we recorded a 45-minute workshop (part of the pre-2021 Synod Assembly work) in which the leaders of Reconciling Works walk us through the beginning and intermediate steps to this process.  

For this video, and other resources on LGBTQIA+ inclusion, please visit our LGBTQIA+ Inclusion web page.

Synod Pride Event - June 26

A panel of speakers is being assembled to discuss issues regarding LGBTQIA+ Inclusion in our synod's four states.

Details will be shared via our web page for LGBTQIA+ Inclusion.

Racial Justice Observances

June 17 and June 19 are important dates to remember as we work towards racial justice

Follow the resources on our social media on these dates, as well as our web page dedicated to racial justice.

 These resources are here to equip and empower you to engage in the work of racial justice.

AFFIRM - ONE-DAY Digital Event - June 26

REGISTRATION IS OPEN!!!

In keeping with safety guidelines, we are going to gather via ZOOM on Saturday, June 26, 2021, for AFFIRM.   This premiere youth event will include an opportunity to gather our youth (6th through 12th grade) according to their age group, and will give us time to grow closer to God and to one another.

 Sign up TODAY for this FREE youth event.

NovusWay Camps have begun!!!

Register now for Lutheranch, Lutheridge, Lutherock, or Luther Springs!!!

Faith-filled summer camps, retreats & hosted ministries

Whether you’re looking for your child’s faith-filled summer camp experience, planning a retreat for your community or looking for one of NovusWay's many Fall & Spring programs, NovusWay Ministries has what you’re looking for. NovusWay's four unique locations allow you to experience Christ, camp, nature and more in a new way.

Disaster Relief Concert by Inspiritus

Sunday, August 29, 2021

2:00-7:30pm CT

A fundraising event to rebuild homes of disaster survivors. 

Enjoy the outdoors, amenities & beer from Hop Springs Beer Park - Murfreesboro, TN - as you experience acclaimed artists for this concert fund-raising event. 

Creating a Culture of Generosity - a preview

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

9am ET / 8am CT

Have you heard of “Beginning a Culture of Generosity"? 

Mike Ward of GSB brought it to our synod last year and is coming back this year to do it again.  If you and your leaders want an overview, Mike will provide that on Wednesday, June 23 at 9am ET / 8am CT. 

You can Zoom in and see if it is a good fit!  God is good, God’s grace is Abundant and You are Generous!  Come Join Us!!
 

Growing Young - Fall 2021 Initiative

In the Fall of 2021, the Synod Youth Team will lead an initiative of educating several congregations on how to "Grow Young."   This program will share the Six Essential Strategies to Help Young People Discover and Love Your Church

Dates / Times for these 6 sessions:   Sundays, 9/19-10/24, 4-5:30pm ET / 3-4:30pm CT.

Creating Safe and Affirming Places Within the Church

The first step to being an affirming church is to recognize that the church can do more to support its LGBTQIA+ members.  This PDF brochure is full of wonderful resources to help make your congregational space a more safe and affirming place.  This resource, and more, can be found on our page dedicated to LGBTQIA+ inclusion.

Word & Prayer Ministry (in Spanish) - JULY 4!!!

Shepherd of the Hills (Birmingham) holds a Word and Prayer Ministry the 1^st Sunday of each month at 1pm CT, 2pm ET. The Rev. Ed Cortes leads the service in Spanish and invites all who understand Spanish to participate.

Shepherd of the Hills (Birmingham) realiza un servicio de palabra y oración en español el primer domingo de cada mes a las 1pm CT, 2pm ET. El Rev. Ed Cortes dirige el servicio y invita a todas y todos que entienda español a participar.

Rostered Ministers:  Could You Use a Coach?

Could you use a Coach?  What is ELCA Coaching?  How do I know if I need a Coach?   Would you like to be a Coach?

Learn more!

Weekly Sermons From your Synod Staff

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

Disaster Recovery Volunteers Needed

Covid slowed down the volunteer response for the much needed disaster recovery work over the last 16 months in our synod. But it did not slow down the disasters - with more storms in 2020 and this year as well, with more homes damaged or destroyed, more families in need.

This articles gives you a contact for each state in our synod.

Anti-Racism Workshop for Congregations

June 22, 2021

7-8:30pm ET / 6-7:30pm CT

Faithful Steps: A Step-by-Step Gu ide for Congregations Starting to Engage in Racial Justice

This event is sponsored by the European Descent Lutheran Association for Racial Justice

Resources for Economic and Ecological Justice

Are you a faith leader or clergy person looking for resources on economic and ecological justice to use in your community or congregational work?

Connect with the The Wendland-Cook Program in Religion and Justice at Vanderbilt Divinity School to look at some of the online trainings they are developing.

Input needed NOW for resources to be launched in Fall 2021...  Fill out this form TODAY~

World Refugee Day - LIRS - Sunday, June 20, 2021

The global need for refugee resettlement has never been greater, and the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) is that lifeline — for children forcibly conscripted into armies, for LGBTQ+ people attacked for who they are, for religious minorities persecuted for their worship. In response to deepening crises around the world, the United States must reclaim its humanitarian and moral responsibility and reassume global leadership in refugee resettlement.

Call to Care for our Siblings in India

The situation in India is desperate in the wake of Covid 19 with surging cases and lack of healthcare  resources.
The Southeastern Synod Disaster Ministry Committee committed to sending $1000.00 to support the Covid response in India and will match donations up to $2500.00.  Please consider donating to help respond to help our neighbors caught in the clutch of this pandemic.

Read more... |  GIVE NOW

"God's Work. Our Hands." Sunday - September 12, 2021

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.

"Holy Ground and the Interim" - an Interim Ministry Retreat

September 13-15, 2021

Lutheranch, Tallapoosa, GA

Join Interim Ministers from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Episcopal Church USA for a three-day Interim Ministry retreat at Lutheranch, September 13-15, 2021. We will gather in large group sessions, workshops, center ourselves in worship, and social time with one another. Speakers from both denominations will be leading sessions and workshops.

Leadership and Anxiety in the Church - workshop

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.  

Bishop Eaton: "Stewardship is a Deeply Spiritual Act"

Stewardship: In her June/July column for Living Lutheran, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton reflects on what we’ve learned from the Apostle Paul about the deeply spiritual act of stewardship.

Read her column in English and Spanish.

Or download the PDF to print or share.

All Creation Sings - ELW Hymnal Supplement news...

Brief descriptions of the 200 assembly songs in All Creation Sings are now available with a subscription to SundaysandSeasons.com.

The All Creation Sings website includes videos of selected hymns and songs, several blog posts, an overview webinar, and a resource to support introducing ACS in synods and congregations.

Pew, Accompaniment and Leaders editions are available for purchase. Introductory pricing for the Pew edition is available until June 15, 2021.

Crumley Archives - Spring 2021 newsletter

Check out the Spring 2021 Crumley Archives newsletter to learn about the latest news and activities.  Also, check out the upcoming archives workshop, scheduled for June 22, 2021.

Office Coordinator - Good Shepherd, Woodstock, GA

Good Shepherd, Woodstock, GA, seeks a part-time Office Coordinator who will manage functions of the congregation including office administration, building usage and financial processes. For a full Job Description and Employment Application, contact Trina Hutchison (trinadhutchison@gmail.com).