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. 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 Kevin Strickland." The offerings will be split ...
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 ...
2/1/2017
Sunday evening, January 22, 2017, was a hallmark day in the Catholic Archdiocese of Mobile, AL and the Southeastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Jointly sponsored, Our Savior parish in Mobile hosted “From Conflict to Communion: 5 Ecumenical Imperatives.” The guest speakers for this dialogue were Dr Michael Root of the Catholic University of America (pictured far left) and Presiding Bishop Emeritus Mark Hanson of the ELCA (pictured far right.) They spoke separately,...
2/1/2017
Atlanta, Ga. (January 30, 2017) – Lutheran Services of Georgia (LSG), a nonprofit social services agency, recently announced the selection of Rev. John Moeller as its new Chief Executive Officer. In this key leadership role, Moeller will steer the statewide organization as it looks to expand and enhance its services and programs and to strengthen its position as an industry leader. Moeller will begin his new role effective February 15, 2017. At that time, Gary Johnstone, who has served as ...
6/8/2016
Lutheranch Ground BreakingMcKanna-Sandrock Retreat Center5/29/16In a year already filled with significant accomplishments at Lutheranch, Saturday, May 28, 2016 will long be remembered as a truly historic day when ground was broken for the McKanna-Sandrock Retreat Center. The service began at the Southeastern Synod Assembly in Birmingham. Paul Schabacker, who chaired the Site Selection Team highlighted how God’s hand was evidenced throughout the ten year journey that began in 2006 when hundreds ...
3/17/2016
March 12, 2016 will long be remembered as the day when Lutheranch took a giant step forward in ministry with the dedication of the Stender Campus, the Lake Stender Worship Area and St. Timothy Outdoor Chapel. Bishop H. Julian Gordy presided at the dedication, along with Bishop Herman Yoos, South Carolina Synod and the Rev. Darrel Peterson, Marietta, GA.The Lake Stender Worship Area was named in memory of the Rev. William Harold and Roberta MacDougalStender (right). Pastor Stender’s ministry ...
3/13/2016
On August 9, 2015, Cross and Crown Lutheran Church conducted its final worship service and fellowship meal, and the buildings and property were sold on December 7, 2015. This concluded several years of efforts to “turn around” the ministry of Cross and Crown church, which also operated a preschool. Pastor Gary Christensen was called as pastor in December 2008 following his service as Mission Director for the ELCA in the Southeastern Synod. Despite their best efforts, the “turnaround” wasn’t ...
2/16/2016
NovusWay Ministries recently entered into a conservation easement on 518 of the camp’s 750+ acres. This step culminates a seven year process of working with the Blue Ridge Conservancy to find a way to preserve and protect the wilderness nature and character of the camp for future generations. Designated by the state of North Carolina as “Lutherock Natural Area,” this camp represents one of the top areas in the state to preserve and protect. With two globally endangered ecosystems (Northern ...
1/25/2016
When Dr. James Andrew McKanna (pictured left with his wife Vivien) learned that funding wasn’t yet in place to build the full 40-room retreat center at Lutheranch and the Board was considering phased construction, he became very concerned. McKanna had been a NovusWay donor for several years, and he was part of the major gifts team in the Nashville area for the “Standing on the Promise” campaign for Lutheranch. Based on his own camping experience at Long Lake Lutheran Camp in Wisconsin, McKanna ...
11/12/2015
Two landscape architects are volunteering their time to develop a “hardscape” plan for Lutheranch that will include the roads, trails and site features. It is important that these features be in place prior to construction of the new retreat center. With the architect authorized to develop detailed plans and construction drawings for the center, Lutheranch is very fortunate to have two volunteers step forward to begin work on the plan. Stephen Schrader is from Birmingham, Alabama where he is a ...
11/2/2015
Mr. Louis Tillman is a member of Christ the Lord Lutheran Church, Lawrenceville, GA. This LSTC press release was originally published in July of this year.Last month, Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago student Louis Tillman joined thousands of marchers to thank Pope Francis for his recent encyclical on climate change. The march, “One Earth, One Family” brought together people of diverse faiths from around the world. It was organized by OurVoices, 350.org, FOCSIV, and others. Marchers carried...
8/5/2015
NovusWay Ministries, the new name for the joint ministry of Lutheridge, Lutherock, Luther Springs and Lutheranch, recently announced that Danny Keith Trout assumed the Director of Development position effective August 3, 2015. Trout comes to NovusWay having enjoyed professional successes in leadership, management, faith-based non-profit operations and financial development. His responsibilities will be to lead the comprehensive development program and supervise deployed development ...
3/23/2015
In November 2009, the Lutheran Outdoor Ministries of Florida (LOMF) and NovusWay (then known as Lutheridge+Lutherock Ministries) boards signed an eight-step agreement to guide the relationship of the two ministries. The purpose was to find a way to enable more Floridians to benefit from sharing in camp programs and to bring stability to Luther Springs. The eight steps have been largely accomplished which led to formal consolidation when the two boards conducted a joint retreat at Luther Springs ...
1/30/2015
The “Standing on the Promise” campaign continues in congregations throughout the ELCA-Southeastern Synod. To date, totals in pledging/giving are $2.7 million. Recently, Lutheran Church of Redeemer, Savannah, GA ran a congregational campaign for Lutheranch, with Susan Tellefsen serving as the congregational leader. Redeemer’s average attendance is 75. Their total giving/pledging for the campaign totaled $25,720.00.The Rev. Steve Hilgeman, pastor of Redeemer, shared his thoughts concerning the ...
6/17/2014
The Rev. Dr. Ruth E. Hamilton, pastor of St. Luke Lutheran Church, Atlanta, and synod secretary, has been invited to serve as recording secretary for Round XII of the U.S. Lutheran-Catholic Dialogue. The invitation was extended by the co-chairs of the dialogue, the Most Reverend Lee A. Piché, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, and the Rev. Lowell G. Almen, former secretary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Round XII of the dialogue, “Faithful ...
6/10/2014
14-36-JL*CHICAGO (ELCA) – The Rev. Michael L. Rhyne, East Freedom, Pa., was elected June 7 to a six-year term as bishop of the Allegheny Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) during the Synod Assembly June 5-7 at the Blair County Convention Center in Altoona, Pa. Rhyne was elected on the fifth ballot with 139 votes to 113 votes for the Rev. Lynn M. Miller, assistant to the bishop of the ELCA Allegheny Synod, based in Altoona. On this ballot, 252 votes were cast and 127 votes...
6/9/2014
14-37-MRCCHICAGO (ELCA) — In support of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed rule on carbon emissions, the presiding bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and The Episcopal Church said in a June 5 joint statement that the rule is a “critical step toward safeguarding the lives and livelihood of future generations.” In their statement, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton and Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori noted that recent ...
5/5/2014
Please hold the following Bishops and Synods in your prayers as they gather for their synod assemblies on the following dates: Bishop Robert Rimbo, Metropolitan New York Synod, May 29 – 31, 2014 Bishop Herman Yoos, South Carolina Synod, May 29 -31, 2014 Bishop Jeffrey Barrow, Greater Milwaukee Synod, May 29 – 31, 2014 Bishop R. Guy Erwin, Southwest California Synod, May 30 – 31, 2014 Bishop Brian Maas, Nebraska Synod, May 30 – 31, 2014 Bishop Wayne Miller, Metropolitan Chicago Synod, May 30 – ...
5/1/2014
The Reverend Lonnie Branch, who served as pastor of the Lutheran Church of the Atonement, Atlanta, from 1989-96, has recently published Reflections of Light: The Odyssey of a Black American Lutheran Pastor During the Civil Rights Years. (Kirk House Publishers [www.kirkhouse.com]). Pr. Branch is remembered by many in the synod as a strong leader among its pastors. Chapter 14, in which he describes his years at Atonement and his leadership in the Southeastern Synod will be of particular interest ...
5/1/2014
ELCA NEWS SERVICEMay 1, 201414-26-MRCCHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Rev. Ronald T. Glusenkamp will become director of Always Being Made New: The Campaign for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) effective June 16. Glusenkamp is senior pastor at Bethany Lutheran Church in Cherry Hills Village, Colo.Approved by the 2013 ELCA Churchwide Assembly in August and officially launched Feb. 1, 2014, the five-year campaign seeks to raise $198 million in designated funding for new and expanded ...
4/30/2014
ELCA NEWSApril 29, 201414-25-CHBCHICAGO (ELCA) – Members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) are offering prayers and support for survivors and communities impacted by tornadoes and severe weather that struck the Midwest, southern and eastern parts of the United States. To date, 28 people are confirmed dead, and thousands have been impacted by storm systems since April 25. There are no reports of any ELCA congregations with property damaged by the severe weather. "Our prayers ...
4/23/2014
ELCA NEWS SERVICEApril 23, 201414-24-CHBCHICAGO (ELCA) -- In an effort to support hunger-fighting organizations in the United States, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) awarded 401 grants totaling nearly $1 million through its ELCA World Hunger program. The annual domestic hunger grants support ELCA congregations, social ministry organizations and community-based nonprofits working to address poverty, hunger and related social justice issues. More than 800 million people in the ...
4/23/2014
Louis Tillman, Christ the Lord Lutheran, Lawrenceville, GA, is a Masters of Divinity student at Lutheran Theological Seminary at Chicago. The following is an excerpt from a letter sent to Bishop H. Julian Gordy.The World Student Christian Federation of North America recently had their SCM-USA National Leadership Training Program (LTP). The SCM-USA National Leadership Training Program was held on April 3-6, 2014 at the 4H Conference Center in Chevy Chase, MD near Washington, D.C. This gathering ...
3/25/2014
CHICAGO (ELCA) – As a church that believes “God is calling us into the world together,” members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) will participate in “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday, Sept. 7 – a day dedicated to doing service work alongside neighbors in communities across the country. In 2013, the 4 million-member ELCA celebrated its 25th anniversary with the first “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday. ELCA members of all ages engaged in service projects that helped address ...
2/3/2014
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2/2/2014
Needle barely moved on ELCA becoming a diverse churchBy Presiding Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton Consider this: how many of you are left-handed? Of those of you who are, how many times a day are you reminded that you are left-handed? At every meal when you sit next to a right-handed person and bump elbows? When you use scissors? When you write? When you shake hands? Now, how many of you are right-handed? Chances are you never have to think about being right-handed. Most of us are right-handed. The ...
The Southeastern Synod is part of the
