To my beloved Virginia Synod,

As Barbra and I prepare to move into retirement and out of view “for a season,” I am genuinely thankful for so many opportunities of shared ministry and mission. We have indeed “been through a lot together,” in the last 6 years and I am grateful for my dear family, for our ELCA and ecumenical colleagues and prayerful companions around the globe! I am especially indebted to our Virginia Synod Office of the Bishop Staff, Rostered Ministers, Lay leaders and faithful members. I will forever be thankful to God for all of you and the privilege God and you gave me to serve in this office.

Now, I join you in genuine hope and excitement as we prayerfully begin a new chapter in our long and rich history with our new Bishop, The Rev. Dr. Phyllis Blair Milton. I have no doubt God will continue to lead, inspire, strengthen and bless us! Be well, dear Synod!

Peace!

Bishop Humphrey

Anyone feeling called to serve as a lay preacher or a SAM will use ONE application process, which went live today. The Virginia Synod launched a re-formed Lay Ministry Formation Program- combining the Lay Preaching Academy and the Synod Authorized Ministry Formation Program into one, 2-part lay ministry leadership education and formation program. You can indicate whether you feel called to serve as a lay preacher or a SAM or are unsure.

The roles and responsibilities of commissioned lay preachers and Synod Authorized Ministers (SAMs) will not change. The only changes are in the formation process for these lay ministry leadership positions.

Applications are due by September 30, 2023.

Wanting to generate and encourage a synod of missional activity, the Synod Council has set aside the funds from the sale of a former church property in Virginia Beach and the funds from the sale of property in Chesterfield to be used to create an ongoing source of mission grants for new expressions of ministry, the Virginia Synod Fund for Mission. A new expression of ministry could look like: a new worship location, a new worship style, a new feeding ministry, a new after school program, or a community faith formation event.  A new expression of ministry will involve sharing the gospel outside the walls and boundaries of existing congregations. A new expression of ministry would not typically include items like facility repairs or other activities which would in effect reach only current members of our congregations. The intent is for new neighborhoods, new communities, and new people to have access to the gospel through these grants.

The second grant cycle for 2023 is now open and a total of $15,000 will be awarded in grants. Applications are due by September 18, 2023. If you are interested applying, go to: https://vasynod.org/resources/vsfm/ for more information.

As the 2023 Season of Creation celebration comes to a close, Tapestry is excited to announce a once-in-a-lifetime chance to talk about climate change and creation justice from a distinctively Lutheran perspective with two experts in the field.

On Sunday, October 15 at 7pm the Virginia Synod Tapestry Team will host a discussion of climate change with Dr. Chad Rimmer, newly installed Rector of Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, and Phoebe Morad, Executive Director of Lutherans Restoring Creation. The conversation will be based on your questions about climate change. You can submit questions in your registration or send them to Sr. Phyllis Cox, ELCA Deacon, at peacocks2360@gmail.com. 

Both Dr. Rimmer and Mrs. Morad are eco-theologists who can give us better insight on how best to incorporate climate change and creation justice into your ministry, so the more questions we can provide for them, the more spirited and spirit-led the conversation will be. 

Registration for this event will close on Thursday, October 12 at 12 noon.

Calling all Virginia Synod High Schoolers and their families! Join Synod Youth Director Dave Delaney on Saturday, September 2nd to learn more about your Lutheran college located on the territory of the Virginia Synod at Roanoke College Lutheran Visit Day!

Pre-registration is not required but will help us plan if we know you’re coming and how many in your family will be with you.

For questions or additional information please contact either Pastor Dave Delaney at the Virginia Synod Office (delaney@vasynod.org; office: 540-529-6893; cell: 550-529-6893) or Roanoke College Admissions at 540-375-2270

Save the Date Bishop Installation on October 21

Save the date for the Virginia Synod's Bishop Installation on Saturday, October 21. The installation will be at First Presbyterian Church in Waynesboro at 1:00 PM. Click here for more information.

Click here for information on hotel blocks that have been made.

This Year Marks the 10th Anniversary of

“God’s Work. Our Hands.” Sunday!

On Sunday, September 10, congregations of the ELCA will join together for our annual day of service. “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday began in 2013 in connection with the ELCA’s 25th anniversary. It continues to be an opportunity to celebrate who we are as the ELCA — one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor.

Don’t forget to share your congregation’s participation with us! Send stories and photos to LivingLutheran@elca.org so that together we can celebrate what God accomplishes through you.

“God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday is an extension of the work you do every day to make your community a better place.

Join us in celebrating 10 years on Sept. 10!