0804 MetroLiner Notes

Metropolitan Washington, D.C. Synod

Volume 2, Issue 4 – April 2008

Synod Happenings │ Local Learning │ National Opportunities │ Positions Available │ Contact Us

SPOTLIGHT: Region 8 Global Mission Event

The Global Mission Event (GME) sponsored by the Region 8 synods (including Metro D.C.) of the ELCA will be held on May 23 & 24 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Camp Hill, PA. Children and youth will experience globe trotting adventures in separate venture and mission projects. Adults will have a choice of over 30 presenters, including current and former missionaries to India, Liberia, Madagascar, the Holy Land and more. You are heartily invited to “Come to the Table,” the theme for this Region 8 GME. Come along or with a group. Obtain more information from the synod Web site. FLYER AVAILABLE

SYNOD HAPPENINGS

Youth Community Service Available through InterFaith Conference

Days of InterFaith Youth Service in Washington D.C. are being coordinated on Apr. 19-20. A Youthbuild through Habitat for Humanity (volunteers must be at least 16) is planned on Apr. 19 and an Anacostia River Cleanup & Tree Planting is planned for Apr. 20 through the Earth Conservation Corps. Expect to find great dialogue, prayer from a number of different traditions and food for sharing by all. School community service hours may be earned. The InterFaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington, in which the Metro D.C. Synod is a member, has liability waiver forms and more information.

Presiding Bishop to Speak on Middle East Peace

The Rev. Mark Hanson, ELCA presiding bishop, will be the featured speaker at the opening convocation for “Calming the Storm: Middle East Peacemaking in Turbulent Times,” a conference of Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP). The ELCA is represented on the board of CMEP. This lecture is free on Sun., Apr. 20 from 6:45-8:15 p.m., at Kellogg Hotel of Gallaudet University (www.kelloggconferencehotel.com). Registration for the full conference is still open.

Seminary Sunday Opportunity to Explore Theological Study

Seminary Sunday is happening in the Metro D.C. Synod on Apr. 20. Adults (18 and older) are welcome to gather at St. Stephen Lutheran in Silver Spring from 4-6 p.m. to learn more about theological education, seminary and the candidacy process. Representatives from the Eastern Cluster of Lutheran Seminaries (Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia and Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary) will be engaged as will Bishop Graham and the Rev. Anne Dwiggins, chair of the synod’s Candidacy Committee. Seminary reps will be at three synod congregations that morning, building understanding between congregations and our seminary resources.

Congregation Picture Project for Synod Assembly and Beyond

May 1st is the deadline for submissions to the Congregation Picture Project. A presentation is being developed for Synod Assembly featuring each synod congregation and one of their mission ministries. To make this project a success, each congregation needs to send: 1) a photo of your church building; 2) a photo of your worship space; and 3) up to four photos of a single mission ministry of your congregation. Send jpg photos to metrodcelca @ email.smugmug.com. The REQUIRED subject line for this email is synodassemblyphotos. Please identify your congregation by name and location in the body of the email accompanying your photos – the email should be in plain text format (not html or rich text) in order for this identifying information to be readable. Send a non-photographic description of the mission ministry to the plain, old office at metrodcelca @ metrodcelca.org. After Synod Assembly, these pictures of “God’s Work, Our Hands” in the Metro D.C. Synod will be used in a new Web site project.

Early Registration Deadline for Synod Assembly

To take advantage of the early registration fee for the 2008 Synod Assembly, register by May 1st. The 2008 Metro D.C. Synod Assembly is meeting on June 12-14 at Roanoke College in Salem, Virginia, under the theme, “God’s Work, Our Hands” -- the new tagline of the ELCA. Use the “Register Here” button on our synod Web site’s home page.

Synodical Women’s Organization Holds Spring Convention

The women of the Metro D.C. Synod are invited to gather in community at the Synodical Women’s Organization’s (SWO) Annual Spring Convention, “One in Christ Jesus,” on May 3 at St. Matthew’s, Woodbridge, VA. The Convention will include an opening Eucharistic service with the Rev. Tarja Stevenson presiding, a choice of six workshops including one conducted in Spanish for our Latina sisters, exhibits, lunch and a general business meeting. Keynote speaker will be Maryce Ramsey, Director of Asia and the Middle East for Lutheran World Relief. The Rev. Rosaline Brathwaite, member of the churchwide board of the Women of the ELCA, will bring greetings and information from the Women of the ELCA. The offering collected during the worship service will be split between the Women of the ELCA and the Milk and Bread Program in El Salvador. There will also be an in-kind collection of Lutheran World Relief layette kits. Obtain a registration form from the synod Web site or contact Marcia Ihnen, president of the SWO, for more information at 703-979-5570 or mcihnen @ aol.com. REGISTRATION FORM AVAILABLE

Program of Church Hymnody

The church’s hymn tradition will be highlighted at “From Ashes to Fire,” an installment in the Music at Resurrection Series on Sun., May 4 at 5 p.m. at Resurrection, Arlington. Donald Busarow of Wittenberg University, renowned organist, composer and conductor, will perform with the Resurrection Lutheran Festival Choir and instrumentalists. A freewill offering will be taken. FLYER AVAILABLE

Campus Ministry Meeting for Northern Virginia

Northern Virginia Lutheran Campus Ministries, Inc., will hold its annual meeting on Mon., May 5 at 7 p.m. at Lord of Life in Fairfax, VA. Anyone who is interested in campus ministry is welcome to attend. An exciting presentation regarding the organization’s activities for the year will be featured. Call Roy Swift, 703-830-9218, with any questions.

Deadline for Synod Assembly Resolutions Approaches

May 11th is the deadline for submission of Resolutions to be considered by the 2008 Synod Assembly. Resolutions are requests for action generally pertaining to the life and ministry of the synod. For guidelines and additional information, see the synod Web site.

National Lutheran Home Festival Fundraiser

The Auxiliary of the National Lutheran Home (NLH) in Rockville, MD, is holding its annual Spring Festival on Sat., May 17, to benefit the NLH community. Sale of crafts, “Grandma’s Attic” treasures and treats are featured, plus music and lunch add to the fun. Tours of NLH facilities offered.

LOCAL LEARNING

Bible through Agrarian Eyes Lecture at VTS

“Remembering the Land: Reading the Bible through Agrarian Eyes,” is the Kreitler Environmental Lecture offered on Earth Day (Tue., Apr. 22) at Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria. It will be presented by Dr. Ellen F. Davis, Professor of Bible and Theology, Duke Divinity School, at 7 p.m. at the Lettie Pate Evans Auditorium. The event is free but RSVP requested; contact vdooley-burney @ vts.edu.

ELCA Book of Faith Initiative Primer

The ELCA’s large-scale “Book of Faith” project is the subject of a discussion with Dr. Diane Jacobsen at Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg on Tue., Apr. 22. The talk is free and open to the public. It will take place in Valentine Hall at 10 a.m. Dr. Jacobson, professor of Hebrew and Old Testament at Luther Seminary, will direct the initiative for the ELCA. She explains that the initiative is designed to help “the whole church become more fluent in the first language of faith – the language of Scripture – in order that we may live into our calling as a people renewed, enlivened and empowered by the Word. …The fulfillment of this vision depends on all of us.”

Postmodern Culture and Vital Churches Presentation

Nativity Lutheran, Alexandria, is among the sponsors of “Imagining a New Old Church: How Churches are Responding to Cultural Change as a Way of Renewal.” Diana Butler Bass will be making the presentation on Sat., May 10 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Alexandria (www.aldersgate.org). Cost is $10, including lunch. Exploring postmodern culture, the concept of “re-traditioning,” and the role of Christian practices in fostering vitality will help churches find a hopeful vision of change. Lay and ordained congregational leaders are welcome. FLYER AVAILABLE

Post-Pentecost Lectionary Study

A day-long study of the lectionary texts related to the season after Pentecost will be held Thu., May 15, at Gettysburg Seminary. Richard Carlson and Angela Hancock will present “Preaching Perspectives – Post Pentecost 2008.” Cost is $30/session ($6 lunch optional); registration required. Notify wmizenko @ ltsg.edu if attending.

Ministry Resources with Children Workshop

“From Urgency to Action: Effective Ministry with Children,” is the subject of a SOURCE Ecumenical Resource Center-sponsored discussion featuring tools from The LOGOS Ministry (www.thelogosministry.org). Participants will learn to use the Children’s Ministry Effectiveness Model, a dynamic tool for evaluating a congregation’s ministry with children, and will begin to identify a course of action. The event will take place Thu., May 22 from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at St. Andrew Lutheran in Centreville. It is free. RSVP by May 19 to Karen Werner at kewerner @ comcast.net or 703-716-7360. FLYER AVAILABLE

Rituals and Faith Life across Lifespan Training

The Youth and Family Institute has scheduled a two-day training for pastors, staff, leaders and volunteers for Sept. 19-20 at neighboring Our Shepherd Lutheran in Severna Park, MD (DE/MD Synod). At the “Milestones Ministry Conference,” information will be presented on milestones bringing God’s presence into the home and the rituals of daily life into the church. Participants will receive a framework to develop milestones for every age and stage of life beginning at birth through retirement years. Review details or contact the Rev. Ed Kay at 410-485-7654 or ekay @ demdsynod.org.

Affirmation of Baptism Festival This Summer

Ninth grade youth will have a terrific opportunity to participate in the 2008 Affirmation of Baptism Festival coming Nov. 8. Theological Education with Youth (TEY) sponsors the events, which is a chance to explore the fullness of baptismal life and the Christian callings to witness and work in the world. Learn more from TEY.

NATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Lutherhostel - Wisconsin

A Wisconsin Lakeshore Lutherhostel is offered by the Association of Lutheran Older Adults and Concordia University in Mequon, Wisconsin (near Milwaukee), called “Holy Wholly, Healthy in Spirit, Mind and Body.” It will run June 7-11 and cost $425 (all-inclusive). Details available from www.concordiabible.org or Bonnie Trelpar at 262-243-4422.

Ecumenical Institute Graduate Study

Baltimore is home of the Ecumenical Institute of Theology, established by St. Mary’s [Catholic] Seminary and University and including Lutheran faculty. Applications for the summer term (June 9-July 17) of graduate theological education will be accepted until May 15. Learn more about the program (www.stmarys.edu/ei/).

Lutherhostel - Philadelphia

The Ninth Annual Lutherhostel hosted by the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (LTSP) is called “William Penn’s Holy Experiment: Religious Freedom Then and Now.” People aged 55 and older with a passion for learning are invited to spend July 16-20 on the LTSP campus for a week of learning, fellowship and fun, including a tour of Penn’s distinctive Pennsbury Estate. Cost is $430 for program, room and board, with reduction for commuters. Register at www.ltsp.edu/lutherhostel08 or call Mark Staples at 215-248-7352.

Women of the ELCA Triennial Gathering

The Seventh Triennial Gathering of Women of the ELCA is happening on Jul 10-13 at Salt Lake City, Utah. “Come to the Waters” will be a time to be refreshed, inspired and connected, featuring worship, speakers, workshops and more. Several optional tours are arranged. Adult registration is $325 with reductions for spouses/partners and girls (special workshops available); children under 13 free. Learn more at www.womenoftheelca.org or call 800-638-3522, ext. 2730.

ELCA Global Mission Event in Wisconsin

Our Region 8 Global Mission Event (GME) (see “Spotlight”) is a taste of what happens at the highly-acclaimed, annual, national gathering. The national 2008 GME is happening in La Crosse, WI, on July 17-20. Program, meals and lodging cost $240 with reductions for more limited participation. Diverse speakers are lined up, including Katrina Browne, filmmaker, who explored her family’s involvement in the U.S. slave trade, and Dr. Parichart Suwanbubbha, theologian, from the Mahidol University Research Center for Peace Building, Thailand.

Lutherhostel - Minnesota

The Association of Lutheran Older Adults in cooperation with Lutheran Summer Music are presenting the program of the Minnesota Lutherhostel on July 16-20 on the campus of Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter. Highlights include “Singing the Church’s Song” with Dr. Carl Schalk, Lutheran composer, and “Uprising: A Novel,” with Minnesota State Rep Dean Urdahl, author. Cost is $510 including housing and meals (reduction for commuters). Learn more at www.aloaserves.org or call Walt Schmidt at 623-937-8835.

POSITIONS AVAILABLE

LVC VOLUNTEERS (full-time): Lutheran Volunteer Corps (LVC) is looking for 108 talented and passionate adults to work full-time in social justice organizations and ministries in 12 U.S. cities, including Washington, D.C. Volunteers receive health insurance, time off for retreats and vacation and a stipend to cover basic living and personal expenses. Most positions also qualify for student loan deferment and a $4,725 AmeriCorps Education Grant. LVC volunteers unite their time and talent with the time and talents of society’s marginalized people, in such areas as AIDS/HIV, addition and recovery, anti-racism and more. Most positions are entry level, requiring little or no previous experience except flexibility, a passion for social justice and a sense of humor. Married and committed partners are welcome to apply. While there is no upper age limit, volunteers should be at least 21 to participate. Application deadline is May 1. Learn more at lutehranvolunteercorps.org/volunteers.htm or contact Kelly Shinn, Recruitment Coordinator, at 202-387-3222.

SUMMER CAMP POSITIONS (various hours): Caroline Furnace in Fort Valley, MD, and Mar-Lu-Ridge in Jefferson, MD, both expands their staffs in the summertime to facilitate fun and faith nurturing summer experiences for campers of all ages. Positions include counselors, nature center specialists, grounds workers, cooks and more. Check out these outdoor ministries’ Web sites for employment and contact information.

CHAPLAIN, GETTYSBURG LUTHERAN RETIREMEMNT VILLAGE (full-time): Gettysburg Lutheran Retirement Village, a ministry of Lutheran Social Services of South Central Pennsylvania, is seeking a chaplain. Rostered clergy in the ELCA endorsed for chaplaincy highly preferred (contact synod office for appropriate referral). Rostered and endorsed candidates from ELCA full communion church bodies considered. Submit resume, salary requirements and references to: the Rev. Richard Warger, Lutheran Chaplaincy Service, 2401 Superior Viaduct, Suite 1, Cleveland, OH 44113-2342.

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Questions or comments? Submissions? Updated contact information? E-mail Karen Krueger, Editor, or call 202-822-1901.