4/4/2020
DO YOU USE ZOOM FOR SUNDAY WORSHIP? If so, note that ZOOM is making security changes that are taking effect on PALM SUNDAY including requiring a password for previously scheduled meetings. If your meeting URL already includes a very long string of LETTERS after "password=" you should be OK. If you are using their old-style URL which is just a string of 9 NUMBERS only, you need to resend out your meeting link. Some congregations are sending out the entire Zoom meeting invitation info, including ...
4/3/2020
At such a time like this, in the midst of fear for our health and that of our loved ones. in the midst of fear for our jobs and our economy, in the midst of so many questions, keep giving to your church. When we give to our church, we are honoring God. We are enabling our churches to continue the ministries so desperately needed now – ministries which share the love of God, feed our neighbors, and care for the most vulnerable. As Erik Cooper states, “when I give the “first fruits” of my ...
4/2/2020
Our Synod staff and Worship team have are continuing to provide the following: Maundy Thursday sermon by Pr. Everett Flanigan, Assistant to the Bishop and Administrative Dean for the Lutheran Theological Center in Atlanta Good Friday - Jesus' Seven Last Words & a mediation by Ms. Melissa Fuller Sims, Assistant to the Bishop and Director for Evangelical Mission An online Easter Vigil service featuring Word and song, prayer and light. A bulletin will be available so that those worshiping at home...
3/23/2020
This content was solely provided by ELCA Coaches Network and is for ROSTERED MINISTERS: Being Church in the Time of COVID-19 for March 25 and April 1 FREE Virtual Offerings Hosted by ELCA Coaching Ministry Over the next 2 weeks, here are the gatherings we are offering: Topic: Being Church in the Time of COVID-19 - Weekly Meeting for ELCA Leaders Wednesday, March 25, 2020 1:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada) Sharing Our Grief and Our Hope with One Another As Leaders Wednesday, April 1, 2020 ...
3/20/2020
As of 4/3/2020, here is the information we have gathered regarding the Coronavirus as it pertains to the worshiping communities of the Southeastern Synod. Our scope is for ALL to be healthy and well, and the best way for us to do this is to be responsive to the way we guide and conduct our activities in our various worship settings. The responses you see here, as expansive as they are, still focus on care for our worshiping communities. Please continue to use local, state-wide, and national ...
3/14/2020
With so many local establishments closing in our synod, many are experiencing food insecurity. As such, the synod staff is compiling a list of food resources for you to share with your parishioners. If we are missing any, please contact Pr. Michael Jannett by clicking here. Please go to this form to fill out your information about your church's closing and to list how / when / where food is available in your area. We will be updating the food resource list below with your responses to food...
3/13/2020
March 13, 2020 Hello friends who will be moving to ONLINE WORSHIP and are worried about copyright infringement. Well, ONE LICENSE, who covers most of the copyrighted materials in our ELW hymnals is offering a FREE LICENSE through April 15, 2020. This is open to both NEW and EXISTING customers. If you wish to livestream your services that produce music and liturgies from the ELW, please go to the OneLicense web page, sign up, and livestream legitimately. Instructions are on this page, here (http...
3/12/2020
Greetings from Pastor Andrew, Campus Pastor at Grace House. As metro colleges and universities continue to close due to the coronavirus, we are fearing that some students will have no place to go. This situation could be due to: -Homeless students -Students who did not renew a lease with on-campus or off-campus due to a planned study abroad -Students with a tough situation at home -Students who can’t go home because they live abroad How you can help: We would like to create a database of ...
3/6/2020
The Southeastern Synod is incredibly pleased to announce our involvement in the LifeLine Fund. A generous grant from the Lilly Foundation, matched by funds from our synod, will provide up to $80K in financial support for rostered ministers plus training and support for congregations who need stewardship assistance. In the ELCA, 83 percent of the seminary graduates averaged education debt of over $46K. With a median defined compensation of $50K for a first-call pastor, you can do the math and it ...
3/5/2020
Home on the Ranch Family Camp at Lutheranch is a great opportunity for families of all shapes and sizes, including yours, to enjoy God’s good creation, strengthen your faith and deepen your relationships. Experience all that camp has to offer together with your family, from crafts to beautiful lakes, to songs, skits and faith sharing led by energized camp staff around the campfire. Don’t forget Lutheranch’s barn where you and your family will spend time with our baby animals, get the chance to ...
3/2/2020
A PASTORAL LETTER FROM BISHOP KEVIN STRICKLAND REGARDING COVID-19, THE CORONAVIRUS As we have all watched the news recently and seen the spread of a novel coronavirus, COVID-19, around the world, many people have expressed concerns over this disease and the potential for it to disrupt our normal, daily lives. As the church, we are called to not give into fear, but to equip ourselves with knowledge so that we can be prepared to respond appropriately should the need arise. At this time, the ...
2/24/2020
Today, February 23, 2020, the Service of Holy Closure was conducted for the congregation of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Hiram, GA. Holy Cross Lutheran was organized in 2002 and had their final service was on February 23,2020. Pastor Julie Crosby preached and presided. Assistant to the Bishop, Pastor Jill Henning assisted in the service and presided over the closing. Holy Cross Lutheran Church leaves a legacy that will assist new and renewing congregations, provide leadership opportunity for...
2/20/2020
Logo created by Pr. Michael Jannett, Assistant to the Bishop Your 2020 Southeastern Synod Assembly Information and Registration links are now LIVE! This page contains all of the registration information, including hotel information and brief guest speakers bios. 2020 Synod Assembly Location: Chattanooga Convention Center || 150 Carter Street || Chattanooga, TN 37402 Each of us has a story, each of our congregations have a story, our synod has a story, the ELCA has a story and the church ...
2/20/2020
Mississippi 2020 Floods: Heavy rainfall following months of water levels at capacity is causing flooding in 19 counties in Mississippi. It is raining now and we are under active flood warnings with 1-3 more inches expected this week. The Jackson Area: Officials are not able to go in to do damage assessments until the Pearl River is at 33 feet. Damage assessments might be able to begin this weekend. Hinds County has 500 homes with water in them Rankin County has less than 75 homes with water in ...
2/19/2020
Voting Members and Visitors Fees Detailed registration and fee information will be posted in February of each calendar year. Online registration closes on April 30, 2020. Fees not postmarked as required will be charged at the next higher rate. For example, early registration not postmarked by April 1 will be charged the standard rate. The early online registration fees through March 31 are: $190.00 for rostered ministers and voting members paying with a credit card; $185.00 for rostered ...
2/15/2020
Looking for ways to respond to God’s generous and unbounded blessings? Have a passion for generosity and want to share? Seeking new life and resources for your congregation’s stewardship program? All are invited to join us as we LISTEN to God’s call of abundance SHARE our experiences with generosity and gratitude LEARN of new resources March 7, 2-4pm, Living Grace Lutheran Church 1812 Cooledge Rd, Tucker, GA 30084 March 21, 9:30-2pm, First United Lutheran ...
2/13/2020
Rachel Wrenn, PhD Candidate in Hebrew Bible at Emory University (and member of the Southeastern Synod) was in Guatemala for ILAG's annual Leadership Meeting and National Council. Wrenn writes: "I will be spending Feb 12-18 with our brothers and sisters in Christ in Guatemala. First I will get to meet the MILAGRO girls and visit the Lutheran Center and school site. Then on February 13-16, pastors and lay leaders from around Guatemala will gather together for ILAG's annual Leadership Meeting and...
2/5/2020
Did you know...that 2020 is the 50 year anniversary of the ordination of women and the 40 year anniversary of the ordination of women of color? Now that's something to celebrate! But how can a congregation give thanks for those women who have gone before and for the continuing hope for the future? This year, make sure there's a woman in your pulpit at least once. For some congregations, this is a weekly occurrence. If not yours, invite a women to preach and preside. If you don't know any ...
2/4/2020
#SESynodBlackHistoryMonth February is Black History Month. As such, we (as the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA) will be posting messages, images, and more as we commemorate black history month. We will be sharing one post each day in February in regards to this effort. Our vision is that we will gain insights and share resources to enrich our understanding of black history. Today we are launching this opportunity along with the hashtag #SESynodBlackHistoryMonth. Check out our social media ...
1/21/2020
All rostered leaders (pastors and deacons) file a report to the Bishop every year so that our synod bishop can better know and support our leaders. We ask that all retired leaders fill out these forms, as well. All rostered leaders will receive a separate email with a link to an online form for submission. Be on the look out. If you do not receive an email by Friday, January 24, 2020, please contact Assistant to the Bishop Rev. Michael Jannett (mjannett@elca-ses.org) for more ...
1/21/2020
Every year we report our congregational activities to the ELCA. The congregational reports sent to the ELCA (Forms A and C) allow the ELCA Research departments to compile data to help us understand ministry trends and also directly impacts the representation at ELCA Churchwide Assemblies. ELCA Churchwide ministry Forms A & C for 2019 can be found here.
1/21/2020
Connecting faith and public life is what we know as advocacy and as Lutheran Christians, we believe that we are freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor. God uses our hands, through our direct service work and our voices, through our advocacy efforts, to restore and reconcile our world. Through faithful advocacy, the ELCA lives out our Lutheran belief that governments can help advance the common good. We in the Southeastern Synod take seriously what it means to connect our faith and ...
1/6/2020
Lutheridge Camp & Conference Center, located in Arden, North Carolina, is searching for an innovative and Christ-centered leader for the role of full-time Program Director of year-round programming. Be sure to check out the attached file and apply by February 7th, 2020.
12/17/2019
Living Well Cohort Ministry Leaders - Our vocation calls us to model healthy behavior wherever we are, yet it can be challenging to manage and balance the many roles and responsibilities. How you care for your body and mind often takes a back seat to everything else and you pay the price. Tending to your health and staying consistent feels overwhelming! So often we hear, "I know what to do... but I have a hard time doing it." There's a new program designed specifically for ministry leaders ...
12/4/2019
Official Notice of Meeting 2020 Southeastern Synod Assembly June 5, June 6, and June 7, 2020 Chattanooga Convention Center 1150 Carter Street Chattanooga, TN 37402 Pursuant to the bylaws of the Southeastern Synod (S7.11.01.), you are hereby given notice that the 2020 Southeastern Synod Assembly will be held June 5, June 6, and June 7, 2020 at the Chattanooga Convention Center ~ The Rev. Randy T. Jones, Synod Secretary The Assembly will be focused around the theme: "Weaving God's Story and Ours ...
12/2/2019
Candidacy Highlights, updated November 2019 Glossary: Entranced – candidate’s potential for ministry identified, beginning of candidacy process Endorsed – affirmation of specific ministry track (happens about ½-way through the process) Approved - confirmation of readiness for rostered ministry (next step: assignment, acceptance of a call) At our November 7-9 meeting we: Entranced Isaac Taylor, Word and Sacrament Home congregation – St. John’s, Knoxville, TN Entranced Adam Waddell, ...
12/2/2019
Applications for Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) are now live! If you’re a young adult between the ages of 21 and 29, you should consider applying. This international service year will shape your faith, identity, career and understanding of how you fit into God’s work in the world. There are opportunities in ten country programs around the world, with areas of interest ranging from education to environmental justice. Through this experience, you’ll learn what it means to serve in a spirit ...
11/11/2019
Nativity Lutheran Church in Bethlehem, GA entered into a ministry 3 years ago to provide mentoring, food, clothing and compassion to a group of families living in a mobile home park close to the church. They started providing school supplies for the children in elementary, middle and high school and then Christmas clothing and presents. When school is out in the summer Nativity folks pick up school lunches from the local high school and deliver them to the "community center" trailer ...
11/11/2019
Psalm 136 Give thanks to the Lord for he is good and his love endures forever. This past weekend I did what I’ve done every November for the last 28 years. I dug through our cabinets and retrieved two sets of turkey salt and pepper shakers. I don’t actually fill them with salt and pepper. They’re of no monetary value and they’re not very attractive, but I give them a prime spot right in the center of our dining room table. You see, they are overflowing with memories - passed from my ...
10/31/2019
2019 LEADERSHIP CONVOCATION WRAP-UP Here are some highlights from the 2019 Leadership Convocation: Presenter, Rev. Dr. Sam Giere, Wartburg Theological Seminary, offered a series of presentations during which we explored the proclamation of Jesus Christ in such a time as this (Esther 4:14), by discerning 'the times,' considering the relationship of trust and truth, and engaging the prophetic nature of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Many thanks to Dr. Giere for challenging us to proclaim the Gospel...
10/30/2019
On Thursday, October 31, 2019 - on the day of the remembrance of the Protestant Reformation - Bishop Kevin Strickland released the following letter and resources: Over the past year, bishops in Region 9, have been working to utilize our positions to address systemic issues facing women rostered ministers. Guided by the work of a core team of women leaders, in May 2019 all Region 9 bishops gathered to begin work on a “Bishops’ Relational Agreement for Candidacy, Call Process, and Boundaries.” ...
10/21/2019
DOWNLOADABLE FLYER HERE FOR MAIN EVENT Receiving offerings has been an ongoing part of the church’s story, beginning with the earliest scripture texts. Spirited Generosity: Offering Vitality in the 21st Century will explore the history and theology of the offering, its spiritual significance, and how faith communities can continue to make congregational giving a vital practice in 21st-century culture. A pre-event is also being offered on Tuesday, November 19, at Lutheran Church of the ...
10/4/2019
Looking to view the worship service of the Installation of Bishop Strickland and Staff? This video is in the process of being downloaded and re-uploaded to our site soon! (Sorry for the inconvenience!!!) Click here for pictures of the Installation of Bishop Kevin Strickland. Click here to watch the entire worship service. Download the Bulletin here! If you would like to make a donation to the offering for this service, please click here, and locate the line item: "Installation of Bishop ...
9/20/2019
Thanks to our Bishop's Installation Team, we have compiled some helpful information in terms of directions and parking availability. Once again, the location for this service on Saturday, Oct. 5th, 2019, is: The Cathedral of St. Philip, 2744 Peachtree Rd NW, Atlanta, GA, 30305. DRIVING? Here are some PARKING instructions: There are several parking options available for October 5th; however, parking is limited and it is requested that you consider carpooling. The Cathedral of Saint Philip ...
9/19/2019
Grace and peace to you from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! I am pleased to announce the calls of the Rev. Patricia (Patti) Axel and Ms. Melissa Fuller Sims to the Southeastern Synod staff, to serve as the two new Assistants to the Bishop and Directors for Evangelical Mission (DEM). Ms. Fuller Sims, currently serving as the Interim Administrative Liaison for Candidacy, will transition to this new role on October 1. As Pr. Axel currently serves Nativity, Bethlehem, GA, her transition will be a...
9/19/2019
"God's compassion every where" -- Rev. Karen Castillo, ILAG The Reverend Karen Castillo (President of Iglesia Luterana Agustina de Guatemala - ILAG) and Mr. Diego Gil (Delegations Coordinator for ILAG) visited in the Unites States for 18 days, recently. Their trip was filled with excitement about how we as the Southeastern Synod and the ELCA partner with ILAG in mission and ministry. Here is the letter she sent to Bishop Kevin Strickland, acknowledging some highlights from her trip, ...
8/14/2019
Dear siblings in Christ, As many of you know, last week the ELCA Churchwide Assembly adopted a resolution that, among other things, declared the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) a sanctuary denomination. Many of you are asking, “What does this mean?” Our call to love our neighbor is central to our faith. In our baptismal covenant we promise to strive for peace and justice in all the world. One of the ways we live out this vow is through our commitment to welcoming the ...
8/12/2019
Dear Southeastern Synod Friends, Many of you have read or heard that the 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, meeting in Milwaukee last week, declared that the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is now a sanctuary denomination. The action of the Assembly has received a great deal of coverage in the press, including a front-page article in the Washington Post. There has been some concern about what this action by the Assembly means for ELCA congregations and people. Here are the three questions ...
7/15/2019
Dear Synod, Grace and peace to you from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! I pray this finds you well in these summer days. I am ending my call in Chicago, preparing for Churchwide Assembly, and Robby and I prepare to move to Atlanta in two weeks. There are a lot of transitions in these days. I wanted to take this opportunity to inform you about a few of these transitions that affect the synod staff. After much prayer and discernment, I have called Pastor Michael Jannett, Pastor Karen Boda, and...
3/8/2019
I am pleased to share with you the exciting news that Chandler Carriker will be joining our team as Vice President of Program and Engagement effective April 1, 2019. We are truly blessed to have someone of his caliber and experience base stepping into this important role. Chandler is a deacon in the ELCA, an alumnus of NC State University and Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary. Chandler worked 8 summers on staff at Camp Lutheridge and Camp Lutherock including two summers as Associate ...
2/26/2019
Logo created by Ms. Linda Few, St. Mark, East Point, GA Under the theme "Together in Spirit. Forward in Faith.", the ELCA Southeastern Synod will hold its 2019 Synod Assembly, May 31 - June 2, 2019, at the Chattanooga Convention Center, 1150 Carter Street, Chattanooga, TN. Together in spirit, at the 2018 Assembly, we prayerfully responded to the call of a year-long conversation about the Southeastern Synod Bishop of the future. We continued conversations in our deaneries, discerning the needs...
2/25/2019
Join Bishop H. Julian Gordy, and fellow Lutherans and friends from across the synod on a pilgrimage to Montgomery, Alabama, Saturday, April 27, 2019. Our purpose is to experience The Legacy Museum, and The National Memorial for Peace and Justice followed by a period of reflection and conversation with Bishop Gordy and members of the Equal Justice Initiative. The agenda for the day is as follows: Tour The Legacy Museum in the morning. Break for lunch at a nearby eatery of your choice. Tour The ...
2/1/2019
NovusWay Ministries thank Kara and Jacob Ridenhour for their years of faithful service in this ministry. Kara has recently accepted an exciting position with Outward Bound right here in Asheville. With her resignation and due to the co-director model, NovusWay Ministries has lost not just one, but both Ridenhours. Kara and Jacob leave a lasting mark on NovusWay, in particular, at Lutherock where they have been directors for the past five years. Kara and Jacob have themselves been shaped by the ...
1/22/2019
St. John’s Lutheran Church and the ELCA Southeastern Synod held its ribbon cutting and dedication of the Troutman-Gordy Pavilion, Saturday, January 19, 2019. Approximately 150 Lutherans, neighbors, and friends gathered for this auspicious occasion. The Troutman-Gordy Pavilion is an addition made to the existing structure of St. John’s as a part of the Synod’s new office. The Pavilion honors two beloved leaders who have inspired and encouraged us as people of faith. The Rev. Dr. Gerald S....
10/16/2018
New to our website is a list of upcoming events, to include Reformation Day at Emory, seminars, workshops, recitals, and broadcasts. We will update the list continuously upon receipt of information. It is our hope that this page will serve as a readily available reference and a means to ensure that information is provided in a timely manner.
7/3/2018
The 2018 ELCA Southeastern Synod Leadership Convocation will be held October 16 - 18, 2018 at Lutheridge, Arden, NC. Rostered ministers and lay leaders are encouraged to attend. Keynote Speaker: This year we welcome the Rev. Michael L. Burk, Bishop, Southeastern Iowa Synod, as our Keynote Speaker. Rooted in the gathering of God’s people around the means of grace, we will explore what it means to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ in a persistently changing landscape. Informed by ...
6/4/2018
Assembly Highlights The 2018 ELCA Southeastern Synod Assembly met June 1 - June 3, 2018 at the Chattanooga Convention Center, Chattanooga, TN. Under the theme of Reformation 500…Now What? the Assembly began to consider who God is calling us to be and what God is calling us to do into the future. Read Bishop Gordy's spoken report to the Assembly here. The Southeastern Synod elected a new Vice President. Mr. Imran Siddiqui (left) was elected to serve as the Vice President on the first ballot. ...
5/23/2018
The ELCA Southeastern Synod will be hosting a hearing on the text of the “Draft Social Statement on Women and Justice” at its Synod Assembly on Saturday, June 2, 2018, 11:00 a.m. in Meeting Room 18 at the Chattanooga Convention Center. This hearing is a special opportunity to respond to the text of the draft statement and to hear the perspectives of others, as well. A representative of the ELCA Task Force on Women and Justice: One in Christ will be present at the hearing. An appointed recorder...
2/21/2018
On Wednesday, February 21 at noon, Lutheranch Camp and Retreat Center opened its doors to officially welcome the Haralson County community for its Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening, an event sponsored by the Greater Haralson Chamber of Commerce. Nearly fifty guests from area businesses and churches as well as representatives from ELCA congregations were in attendance, making it among the most well-attended ribbon cutting in Haralson County. Guests gathered in the McKanna-Sandrock Retreat Center...
11/21/2017
Arden, November 20, 2017- NovusWay Ministries today announced that its Board of Trustees has elected Boyd W. Harris IV as its executive director and chief executive officer, effective January 1, 2018. Harris succeeds Keith Johnson, who had earlier announced his intention to retire at December 31 after 24 years as its executive director. Mr. Harris (Bo) has successfully led businesses and ministry organizations through times of transition, growth and change. Three guiding principles have been ...
The Southeastern Synod is part of the
