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News from the Delaware-Maryland Synod
We pray for
Eric Adler, son-in-law of Deacon Don Myers (Carroll Lutheran Village), recovering from liver transplant surgery;
Pastor Robert Moore (retired), recovering from a stroke;
Pastor Dick Michael (retired), recovering from a fall;
Maddie Tallman (seminarian), recovering from surgery;
Doug Jones (Evangelical, Frederick), anticipating surgery;
Darlene Revis, mother of Pastor Robin Simpson Litton (Assistant to the Bishop), recovering from surgery;
the ongoing healing of Pastor Gordon Narvesen, Pastor Dale Dusman, Marie and Andrew, Kellie Ketron, Pastor Dick Hembrock, Nancy Charitonek, The Compton family, Lou Kaste, Pastor Regina Beard, Sandy Stillwell-Greenstone, Pastor Dave Simpson, Caroline Marshall, Pastor Michael Dubsky, Kayleigh, Mitch & Hudson, Joshua Lafferty, Jan Stiegler, Osose Geleta, Pastor Rick Rutkauskas, Walter Gordon, Jodi, Pastor Jack Trautwein, Bishop George Paul Mocko, Linda, Erik, Pastor John Ranney, Charlie Carr, Pastor Tom Miller & family, Bill, Cole, Waetina, Pastor John Keating, Pastor Partee Boliek, Jason and Sharon Gohl;
those who are experiencing natural disasters around the globe;
Lutheran World Relief and Lutheran Disaster Response;
the ongoing healing of the opioid crisis throughout Delaware, Maryland and the nation;
Pastor Dave Oravec (St. Martin's, Annapolis), deployed abroad as a reservist;
the Rev. Said Ailabouni, Area Desk Director for EuMENA in the Churchwide organization;
all rostered ministers;
and for all who have unspoken needs.
We pray for our partners in ministry around the world: Bishop Katherine Finegan and the Northern Great Lakes Synod; Bishop Matti Repo and the Diocese of Tampere, Finland; Bishop Urmas Viilma and the Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church; and Bishop Michael Adam and the Mara Diocese, Tanzania.
We pray for our bishops, Bill Gohl and Elizabeth Eaton.
Sign up for Bishop Gohl's weekly reflections & prayers
Submit an announcement to the E-Letter
The Bishop Blogs

Bishop Gohl is visiting Puerto Rico as a part of our Building Puentes initiative with the Metro D.C. and Caribbean Synods. We invite you to look through past blog posts that have been written about this important partnership.

Retreat 345

The deadline to register for Retreat 345 has been extended to this Friday, April 26! All children in grades 3, 4, and 5 are invited to attend our first-ever retreat for elementary school students at the Ridge Inn at Mar-Lu-Ridge (3200 Mar Lu Ridge Road, Jefferson, MD 21755), May 3-4. We will begin on Friday night with fellowship and then spend the day Saturday rotating through different stations to experience God’s Word through Bible study, games, arts and crafts, science, and service, ending with worship and dinner. For the first time, we are inviting families to attend a retreat with their children if they wish. There will be a track available for parents, guardians, and family members on Saturday morning with opportunities for rest and relaxation in the afternoon. You can learn more and register online.

Synod Assembly Registration and Materials

A reminder that prices go up for Synod Assembly one week from today, on Tuesday, April 30!

You can now register online for Synod Assembly! In order to be the best stewards of our resources, there are some new steps to the registration process this year, so please read all instructions carefully, especially if you are registering multiple people. On the page linked above, you will find the links to register for the Assembly and book a hotel room, important documents, and links to forms for submitting to the Bulletin of Reports and nominating someone for an open position (as well as the list of available positions). As the Assembly approaches, we will continue to update that page with new information. If you have any questions, please contact Cindy VanVliet, Associate for Community.

United Lutheran Seminary Spring Convocation

Spring Convocation on both campuses of United Lutheran Seminary is coming up at the beginning of May! Register so you can engage in the great learning opportunities. On the day following each Convocation will be Preaching Perspectives led by the Rev. Dr. Bob Robertson on themes, text insights, and ideas to help shape your preaching for the summer lectionary. You can register for all the Lifelong Learning Opportunities online.

Upcoming Congregational Events
On Thursday, April 25, St. Mark's Lutheran Church (1900 St. Paul Street, Baltimore MD 21218) will present the Oregon State University Choral Department in concert at 7 p.m. The concert will feature music from the United States, South Africa, Peru, Estonia, and more. Admission is free. You can learn more about the concernt by downloading the flier or visiting the event page.
On Sunday, May 5 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Epiphany Lutheran Church (4301 Raspe Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21206) will host their annual Flower Mart. Plants include a variety of bedding plants, potted annuals, hanging baskets, and large potted arrangements. There will also be gift ideas for Mother's Day, a flea market, a bake sale, lunch and more. For more information, you can view the Facebook event or call 410-485-7654.
On Sunday, May 5 at 4 p.m. Bach in Baltimore will return to First Lutheran Church (3604 Chatham Road, Ellicott City, MD 21042) for a concert where they will be joined by the Carroll County Children's Choir to present the music of contemporary British composer John Rutter. You can download the flier for more information and purchase tickets online.

On Sunday, May 19 at 4 p.m., the Howard County Concert Orchestra will present organist Wayne L. Wold, Director of Music Ministry at First Lutheran Church, Ellicott City, for an organ recital at St. John’s Episcopal Church (9120 Frederick Road, Ellicott City, MD 21042). He will be joined by violist Robin Massie. This is a ticketed event. You can learn more information or purchase advance tickets online.
On Saturday, May 4 from 6-8:30 p.m., the churches of the Westminster Conference will host a trivia night to raise money for Carroll Lutheran School (1738 Old Taneytown Road, Westminster, MD 21158). The cost to attend is $10 per person, and you may register online as an individual or with a team (seven people max per team). Dinner and snacks will be provided. For more information, you can download the flier or email Pastor Cris Frigm.
After serving the community for more than 60 years, the preschool at Christ Lutheran Church (5700 Edmondson Avenue, Catonsville, MD 21228) will be closing on May 22. They are hosting an open house from 4:30-6:30 p.m. followed by the closing chapel service at 7 p.m. All past and present students, staff, and families are invited to attend. For more information, you can download the flier.
The youth of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (1415 W 7th Street, Frederick, MD 21702) will host an intergenerational "Kindness Rock" painting event on Sunday, May 5 at 12 p.m. Youth in grades 6-12 are welcome to help prep for this event on Saturday, April 20 at 2 p.m. All materials and lunch will be provided for both events. For more information contact Lisa Long by email or at 443-417-4793.
Youth + Family Ministries

Registration is now open for our first-ever retreat for children in grades 3-5 and their families! You can learn more and register on our website.

This week, applications for the 2019/2020 LYO will be available - start thinking about students currently in grades 8-11 who might be a great fit for this leadership development program!

For more information, visit the Youth + Family Ministry page on our website.

Practice Discipleship Spring Service Gathering

Practice Discipleship, our synod's young adult ministry, continues this year's theme of discernment with its spring service project in partnership with the Racial Justice Ministry Team. On May 4, from 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., they will host a conversation around how our faith calls us to respond to one of the biggest challenges facing our community today. This event will be held at Christ Lutheran Church (701 S Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21230). Lunch will be provided. Please RSVP on the Facebook event or by email.

Conversation with Bishop Gohl

On Saturday, May 4 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church (8212 Philadelphia Road, Rosedale, MD 21237) at 12 p.m., our synod's African Descent Lutheran Association will host a conversation with Bishop Gohl. All are invited to attend to hear Bishop Gohl speak about his vision for our synod as well as share his concerns. Participants will have an opportunity to ask questions or express concerns about our synod, its ministries, and our work together.

Church Leaders Forum

Are you a member of your church council or a leader of a committee? Are you interested in leadership or becoming more involved in your church? You can register now for the CLAIM Church Leaders Forum on Saturday, May 4 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church (8212 Philadelphia Road, Rosedale, MD 21237) from 9 a.m-noon. All current and future church leaders are invited. This is a time for people in our churches to gather together for worship, fellowship and a time to talk about what we are doing, planning for the future, and sharing with each other our challenges and accomplishments. Facilitators will work with groups to include council Presidents, Vice Presidents and Secretaries; Treasurers and Financial Committees; Worship and Music; Property/Facilities; Evangelism and Community Building; and Social Ministry. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required.

Women of the ELCA Spring Gathering

The Delmarva South Cluster of Women of the ELCA will hold their Spring Gathering on Saturday, May 4 at St. Paul Lutheran Church (12095 Blades Road, Cordova, MD 21625). Pastor Bettye Wolinski, Assistant to the Bishop for the Eastern Cluster, will be the presenter. Registration starts at 9:30 a.m. Lunch will be provided. All women are invited to attend. Please contact Pam Estes 410-600-0412 for additional information.

Lutheran University in Libera Project Launch

The Association of Liberian Lutherans in the Americas invites you to activities of the official launching of its Lutheran University in Liberia project at their gala and fundraising dinner on Saturday, April 27 at All Saints Lutheran Church hall (4215 Loch Raven Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21218) from 7 p.m.-12 a.m. The requested donation is $25. There will also be a worship service on Sunday, April 28 at Peoples' Community Church (6200 Loch Raven Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21239) at 11 a.m. For more information, please call one of the following phone numbers:

  • 443-850-9544
  • 267-259-0538
  • 410-344-3210
  • 443-619-6198
  • 410-532-8001
Domestic Hunger Grants

The application process for the next round of Domestic Hunger Grants is now open. Interested churches and agencies need to first register online with ELCA GrantMaker by May 31. After registering, you may complete the application and submit materials by June 17. You can read a step-by-step explanation of the registration and application process here.

Christian Education Network Resources

In support of the ELCA's Five Gifts of Discipleship initiative, the Christian Education Network of the ELCA is curating resources on their website, under the "Living Our Baptism" tab. New resources for people of all ages and learning styles are available along with links to other sites. You can also post questions and share resources in their Facebook group. Mentoring opportunities also are available.

Workshop Presentation Available

If you weren’t able to attend the April 2 workshop at National Lutheran's Village at Rockville on Ethically Handling End of Life Issues With Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia and would like an electronic copy of the presentation, you may request it by email.

Celebration of Lay Ministry
The annual Celebration of Lay Ministry dinner will be held Sunday, May 5 from 4-7 p.m. at  Carroll Lutheran Village (300 St. Luke Circle, Westminster, MD 21158). One lay person from each conference will be honored for their excellent ministry. The RSVP form for the dinner is now available on the website. If you have any questions, please contact Claudia Harrington.
Upcoming Events at Mar-Lu-Ridge

There are several events coming up at Mar-Lu-Ridge (3200 Mar Lu Ridge Road, Jefferson, MD 21755), our synod's outdoor ministry:

  • Mar-Lu-Ridge's 60th Anniversary Celebration will be held June 8-9. Participants will celebrate the past, present, and future of our outdoor ministry. Information about lodging and schedules are available online.
  • Mar-Lu-Ridge is seeking (once again) a 4-wheel drive gas engine pickup truck (no diesel, please). If you have or know of a truck that can be donated, please contact the camp office.
The Bishop's Schedule
Tuesday, April 23-Monday, April 29
Building Puentes trip to Puerto Rico
If you have an urgent need while Bishop Gohl is in Puerto Rico, please call the synod office at 410-230-2860.

Tuesday, April 30
AM - staff meeting & chapel
PM - office appointments
EVE - CLAIM meeting
Upcoming Events
Here are a few of our upcoming events:

May 3-4: Retreat 345 for grades 3-5 at Mar-Lu-Ridge
May 30-June 1: Synod Assembly
July 21-August 3: Building Puentes work trips to Puerto Rico
Good StewardTips

Check out this article from the Lake Institute on Faith & Giving: "Faith, Intervention, and Learning Organizations" by Melissa Spas, Managing Director of Education & Engagement. Melissa shares thoughts and ideas on how, "for many of us, faith involves an openness to the possibility that God intervenes in the world. In ways large or small, through a variety of means, many people of faith have a hope and expectation that God will redirect our course. In my own tradition, anticipating Holy week and Easter, I have been giving a great deal of consideration to the ways in which God patiently teaches us to prepare for and receive that intervention. The Gospel of John has a number of stories about Jesus’ interventions, during his life and with his disciples after the resurrection; one of these strikes me as particularly relevant for our consideration of abundance as a primary framework for faith and giving."

The Ecumenical Stewardship Center, in partnership with the ELCA, is excited to share an annual collection of stewardship resources that provide congregations and synods with a year-round approach, theme materials for a financial response and access to a digital library of past stewardship publications and resources. These resources are only $25 but a limited number are available for free from the ELCA to individual congregations and synods - no cost. You can submit your request for materials online.
Classifieds
The classified ads listed below are available on our website. To submit an ad, please use the form at the bottom of the webpage.
Open Positions
Director of Music and Worship Arts
Bookkeeper
Worship Accompanist
Director of Music
Director of Student Ministries
Musician
Administrative Assistant
Church Administrator (2)
Music Director
Nursery Attendant (2)
Church Music and Choral Director
Director of Development
Youth Director
Office Administrator
Director of Music Ministry
Organist (2)
Items Available
Organ for sale
Choir robes (2)
Folding chair rack
Piano
Flags
Parsonage for rent
Deep Sea Discovery VBS supplies
Gulbransen Organ
Portable Speakers
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