Image

Top News this Week

 

Worship Resource for Re-Gathering

When it is possible for worshiping communities to gather safely in person, you may desire a rite for regathering. "Worship Resource for Re-Gathering" is available in both PDF and Word formats. You are invited to adapt as needed for your context.


Disaster Relief Concert by Inspiritus

Sunday, August 29, 2021

2:00-7:30pm CT

A fundraising event to rebuild homes of disaster survivors. 

This marks the 1st Annual Disaster Relief Concert for the Nashville area supporting INSPIRITUS. The recovery from fires and floods, tornados and bombing, Covid 19 and other economic disaster continues and is supported by the volunteer teams and resources coordinated by INSPIRITUS.

 

 

2021 Guatemala Gala - Save the Date!!!

Saturday, September 11, 2021

7:00pm ET / 6:00pm CT

This in-person Guatemala Gala 2021 exists to support the dreams of young Guatemalan women at the MILAGRO Women’s Education Center.

SAVE THE DATE!!!  More to come soon.

 

 

Faith-Formation in a Post-Pandemic World

What will faith formation look like as we emerge from the pandemic in Fall 2021 and beyond?

Dates:  7/22, 7/29, 8/5, and 8/12

Times:  2-3:30pm ET / 1-2:30pm CT

Cost:  $40 if from Region 9, $80 for those outside of Region 9.

Join youth leaders and pastors and deacons from across Region 9 (and beyond) for a 4-week series discovering the how, why, and what of faith formation for children, youth, and young adults in this post-pandemic world.

Led by Vibrant Faith Ministries.

 

 

A Reason to Wear Your Masks

The Rev. Dr. Morgan Gordy, Assistant to the Bishop for Disaster Response, shares a message about staving off this pandemic for sake of our youngest members and encourages ALL to receive the Covid vaccine.

 

 

LGBTQIA+ Videos and Resources added to website

A panel of speakers was assembled to discuss LGBTQIA+ issues, on Sunday, June 27, 2021.  The recording of this panel and Reconciling in Christ resources are now on our website and ready to view today.

 

 

NovusWay Camps are happening!!!

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.

 

 

Re-experience AFFIRM 2021

Check out our Morning Watch and Worship videos from Affirm 2021.  

On Saturday, June 26, 2021, our synod gathered online with youth and adults in order to experience the AFFIRM in a one-day, online format.

...and...SAVE THE DATE for AFFIRM 2022, June 12-17, IN-PERSON at University of West Alabama, in Livingston, AL.

 

 

2021 Synod Assembly Videos 

Several have asked about the videos we showed at Synod Assembly 2021.  Check out this page for access to these videos.

 

 

 

Synod Ministry Resources

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

Shepherd of the Hills (Birmingham) holds a Word and Prayer Ministry the 1st 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.

 

Learn Spanish for Ministry

Have you ever wanted to understand when someone speaks to you in Spanish or wished you could respond to someone in Spanish? Well, if so, then you’re in good company. This is why Southeastern Synod’s En Conjunto Latinx Ministry is developing a Spanish language course for rostered and congregational leaders who want to learn Spanish for ministry. If you’re interested, please let us know by completing the following form, https://forms.gle/P8SsHy5TThaYe3MF7 and we will contact you. Thank you!
 

 

Celebration of Grace Donating Church Furniture  

Celebration of Grace, Canton, GA, wishes to donate several church furniture items.  See if these are of interest to you and who to contact.

 

Why is it So Hard to Ask?

As human beings, we are naturally nervous around people who look or act differently than we do. One of the greatest sources of isolation and misunderstanding is our difficulty in asking our questions out loud. When it comes to people with disabilities, I gladly make myself available as a resource for pastors and congregations, but in a nutshell, my advice is ASK!

 

 

Creating a Culture of Generosity - a preview

Have you heard of “Creating 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.  Check out this recording...a PREVIEW of this fantastic approach to stewardship in the congregation.

 

 

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.

 

 

Health Blog:  How is Your Skin?

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. More people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year in the U.S. than all other forms of cancer combined. 

So how are you going to protect your skin?  For the best protection, use sunscreen that includes UVA and UVB protection (labeled as broad spectrum) and has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Don't forget to protect your ears, nose, lips and the tops of your feet.

 

 

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

Please note:  This ministry will be maintained through Labor Day 2021.  After that, the synod staff will provide sermons on special occasions and when most helpful.

 

Inspiration & Advocacy

What is the Child Tax Credit?

Register for this national webinar to learn about the Child Tax Credit’s historic expansion, find out how families receive their monthly payments and hear from experts on the need to make the expansion permanent.

Simultaneous translation will be available in Spanish.

Register for the webinar at: https://www.bread.org/CTCwebinar

=====================

Título: ¿Qué es el crédito tributario por hijos?

Descripción: Aprendera sobre la expansión histórica de Créditos tributarios por Hijos, descubra cómo las familias recibieron sus pagos mensuales y escuche a los expertos sobre la necesidad de hacer que la expansión sea permanente.

Traducción simultánea estará disponible en español.

 

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.

 

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~

 

 

"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.

Considerations for preaching, prayers, and hymn suggestions for use on Sunday, Sept. 12, the ELCA’s annual day of service, are available in PDF and Word formats.

 

Continuing Education Opportunities

Augsburg Fortress Music Clinic

July 28-29, 2021

Join clinicians Anton Armstrong and John Ferguson as they present new seasonal music, host a hymn festival, lead workshops and more!

Register for this free virtual Summer Music Clinic today!

You may still view the 2020 clinic, with John Ferguson and Chris Aspaas.

 

 

"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.

 

 

Seminary Classes for Everyone! (The Candler Foundry)

Theological explorations designed to help individuals and congregations grow spiritually, reflect deeply, and engage issues that matter to their communities.

Check out The Candler Foundry online!

See their SEMINARY COURSES FOR EVERYONE!

The Candler Foundry is an initiative of Candler School of Theology at Emory University.

 

 

ELCA News

I'm a Lutheran: Rico Martinez Gonzalez - Living Lutheran

“At my old church, they didn’t accept the way that I dressed or acted. I needed to leave. Luther Place actually accepted me.” Rico Martinez Gonzalez is an artist, a musician, a member of Luther Place in Washington, D.C., and subject of this month’s “I’m a Lutheran” feature in Living Lutheran.

  

Copyright Helps for Worship

Augsburg Fortress offers updated guidance on copyright and permissions for reprinting, displaying and streaming texts and music for worship. Learn about different licenses for different situations, and what is and is not covered, with a subscription to SundaysandSeasons.com.

  

Classifieds

 

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.

 

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).  

 

Prayers and Concerns
  • For Rev. Darrel Peterson, retired, former Assistant to the Bishop
  • For Rev. Dennis Fakes, retired.
  • For Rev. Ginny Bishop, retired.
  • A memorial service will be held for Mr. Jim Donnelly, who died on April 20, 2020, and was husband to Pastor Dee Donnelly.  Details for the public "Celebration of Life":
    • ?Saturday, July 31, 2021, 11am ET
    • Christ the King, 5575 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners (Norcross), GA 30092
    • 770-449-3315 | https://www.ctklutheran.org

 

Rostered Ministers Transitions

 

Ordination:

  • Deacon Sylvia Countess - Ordination into the Ministry of Word and Sacrament - to take place at St. John's, Knoxville, TN - Sunday, July 11, 2021, 5pm ET
    • Will continue to serve Faith, Bristol, TN
  • Jin Ko - Ordination into the Ministry of Word and Sacrament  and Installation - to serve as a pastor of Epiphany, Suwanee, GA - Sunday, August 28, 4pm ET

Installations:

  • Rev. Dr. Ruth Hamilton - Interim Pastor, Good Shepherd, Woodstock, GA - Sunday, July 11, 2021
  • Rev. Eric Murray and Pr. Pauline Farrington - Pastors, St. Andrew, Franklin, TN - Sunday, July 18, 2021, 2:30pm CT
  • Rev. Michelle Kuhlman - Pastor, Advent, Murfreesboro, TN - Sunday, July 25, 4pm CT
  • Rev. Stephen Friedrich - Pastor, Peace, Knoxville, TN -Sunday, August 8, 4:00pm ET

Interim Pastors:

  • Rev. Paul Summer - Interim Pastor at Ascension, Savannah, GA - begins Monday, June 21, 2021
  • Rev. Karen Boda - Interim Pastor at Christ, Marietta, GA - begins Wednesday, July 7, 2021

 

 

Upcoming Events

 

Save the Date:

  

 

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

 

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Southeastern Synod,
c/o St. John's Lutheran Church, 1410 Ponce de Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307