Watch the Assembly Online

The Synod Assembly will start this Friday, June 9 at 1:00 PM. You can participate online from our synod Youtube channel. Information on the assembly can be found below and in the Assembly App.

Bishop Election Committee

A note from the Bishop Election Committee:

As of the May 12th deadline, the committee had not received at least 7 biographical information forms from pastors who are open to the nomination for bishop. Therefore, the committee will not be releasing any bios ahead of the first ballot. Biographical Information Forms for all nominees whose names will appear on the 2nd ballot will be electronically distributed to voting members on Friday (June 9th) at 9pm.

Power in the Spirit's July 13-15, 2023 at Roanoke College

In the gospels, Jesus draws crowds wherever he goes. People who would otherwise have nothing to do with each other are drawn together in the practice of seeking him. We will look at a vision of the church that has this kind of seeking at its center. Come and explore the theme of Seeking and Finding as it appears in Scripture and in our own journeys of faith. Together we will see how our seeking Jesus (and his seeking us) is the common ground we need to love one another across all the issues and life experiences that threaten to divide us.

Power in the Spirit is an inspirational conference for people of all ages who wish to explore God’s call to service through joyous worship, Bible studies, keynote addresses, workshops, games, and fellowship. In addition, congregational leaders—teachers, music directors, choir members, council and committee members, family life consultants, deacons, pastors, and others—will find Power in the Spirit nurturing and challenging as they consider their mission and ministry.

To print the event brochure, click here.

Register for these Youth Events

Register for Kairos

June 25-30, 2023 at Roanoke College

for 9-12th graders

Registration Closes on June 13

Register for Launch

July 9-13, 2023 at

Roanoke College

for youth who just graduated from high school.

At the Water’s Edge is a week-long servant event for Youth who have just completed the 6th, 7th, or 8th grade, and their adult advisors. We spend the week together experiencing the Christian life through worship, fellowship, fun and service. And of course, being near the beach, we also spend some time at the water’s edge.

At the Water’s Edge is the perfect opportunity to grow together in faith and to deepen your relationships with other Lutheran youth from across the Virginia Synod. We will spend the week of July 23-28 serving at various local agencies, learning about issues such as domestic hunger, homelessness, and immigration, as well as experiencing some of the unique opportunities for fun and recreation that the Beach has to offer. The all-inclusive cost for the week is only $110.00 per youth participant (includes meals, tools and supplies, any evening activities, and a T-shirt). Adult leaders are FREE. In terms of a summer youth mission trip, you won’t find a better deal than this!

Join Us This Summer!

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.

As you explore opportunities to participate in your community, ELCA.org/DayofService has the resources you need to plan and promote your day:

• Planning tool kit.
• Worship resources.
• [NEW] Slides for projection screens or online worship.
• Posters, postcards, and social media graphics.
• Spanish-language resources.
• Promotional banners.
• Videos.
• Special hymn text, sheet music, and recording.

Old Lutheran has T-shirts and other items available for purchase. The deadline for ordering your congregation’s personalized T-shirts is Aug. 18.

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!

Learning New Music Workshop

Come to Epiphany, Richmond on June 10 from 9:30-2:00 for a workshop on learning new music. Participants will explore methods for learning new music by looking at the new All Creation Sings worship resource from Augsburg Fortress. You can stay for a reading session for small choirs to get ideas for your future choir sessions. Kevin Barger is Director of Music Ministries at Epiphany Lutheran Church in Richmond, VA, and past-president of the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians and will lead the workshop.

All Places Together is Hiring as Part of ELCA Young Adults

The ELCA Young Adult Vocational Fellowship is an exciting program that offers young adults an amazing opportunity to discover their calling while gaining valuable professional experience. In partnership with new and existing year-long opportunities at ELCA affiliated ministries, participants are equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to explore their faith and vocational aspirations, all while receiving support from a network of peers and experienced ELCA coaches. The program is designed to prepare communities and ministry organizations to welcome new, young, and diverse leaders, paving the way for a more inclusive and dynamic future. Additionally, fellows receive competitive compensation and benefits, including access to mental health resources, relocation assistance, coaching, and a small group cohort.

All Places Together, a Virginia Synod new ministry start, is one of the partner organizations and is hiring a Content & Community Fellow. You can learn more about the program and share the links below with the young adults in your life who you think might be interested.

Weave Us Together - Virginia Synodical Women's Organization

The annual convention will be held on July 21-22 at Roanoke College. The convention scripture is 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, and the convention hymn is "Weave" by Rosemary Crow. It was used at the convening convention of the Women of the ELCA in 1987.