Youth and Family Resources
Looking for a position in youth or faith formation in a Southeastern Synod Congregation? Check out the Southeastern Synods Classifieds for the most up to date job listings.
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Looking for additional resources from the ELCA? Click here for the ELCA Resource page.
Looking for children's ministry resources? Check out Children's Ministry from Group here:
The ELCA Youth Ministry Network strengthens and empowers adult leaders of children, youth and family ministry in service to Christ. To learn more about the ELCA Youth Ministry Network click here:
The ELCA Ministry Links Online is the go to place for additional resources for living a life of faith, with resources for households as well as Christian children and youth ministry. Click below to be directed to their page:
Lord Have Mercy Liturgy
Check out this liturgy written by Pastor Delmer Chilton and Pastor Joel Emerson of the Southeastern Synod-ELCA. This liturgy is simple to use, written for all ages and all denominations can be found here.
Additional Retreat locations:
The New Ebenezer Family Retreat Center and Conference Center is located in Rincon, Georgia, near Historic Savannah and provides comfortable accommodations, an expansive conference facility, and heartfelt hospitality. Learn more here.
Lutherwood Campground is located at Lake Allatoona, Georgia. While this retreat center is not associated with the ELCA it is a private members only campground derived from members of various Lutheran churches through out the Metro Atlanta Area. To learn more about campground rentals click here.
Camp Agape' (near Raleigh, North Carolina) and Kure Beach (near Wilmington, North Carolina) provide year-round, "high comfort" retreat facilities and summer camping programs to all people. To learn more about holding a retreat at either of these site click here.
Caroline Furnace Lutheran Camp & Retreat Center in Fort Valley, Virginia provies year-round retreat facilities. To learn more about Caroline Furnace Lutheran Camp click here.
Awanita Valley is located in Marietta, South Carolina and is open year-round and serves churches and Christian organizations from all denominations. Learn more about Awanita Valley here.
Mission Trip - Preparing For
www.deeperroots.com
www.stemintl.org
www.leadertreks.org
www.thenextmile.org
Mission Trips - Short and Long Term
Drew Benton SafeHouse Outreach drew@safehouseoutreach.org ATLANTA
www.prayingpelicanmissions.org belize, jamaica
www.mtcross.org – Southern California
www.sosmemphis.org Memphis, TN
www.campcoastcare.org -Mississippi Coast
www.luthersurfboards.org California/Mexico- Lutheran
www.centerforglobaleducation.org
www.groupworkcamps.com Group
www.coiusa.com Christian Outreach International
www.reachwc.org Reach Work Camps
www.onechallenge.org
www.lam.org Latin American Mission
www.crossworld.org
www.vimm.org (Volunteers in Medical Missions)
www.missionmakermagazine.org
www.ok2k.org Operation Kid-to-Kid
www.forwardedge.org Forward Edge
www.sim.org Serving In Mission
www.globalurbantrek.org
www.mercyships.org
www.worldteam.org
www.abc-ghana.org Africa
www.tcci.org Teams Commissioned for Christ International
www.chrisapp.org Christian Appalachian Project
www.youthworks.com
www.ifmus.org International Family Missions
www.gemission.org Greater Europe Mission
www.yom.org Youth on Mission - Appalachian
www.thehandsofchrist.org Western NC
www.recreationexperiences.org Ashville, NC
www.citymissions.org Miami, FL
www.reconstruct.org Nolensville, TN
Youth with a Mission – Costa Rica, ywamcr@racsa.co.cr 506-267-7063
www.realimpact.com
www.worldchangers.com (Southern Baptist)
www.streetreach.org Memphis, TN (Baptist)
www.lutheranborderministry.org
www.rmselca.org/cristo_rey.htm Lutheran Border Immersion - EL Paso, TX
http://web.mac.com/twobill Transformational world Ministries - San Diego/Mexico
www.recreationexperiences.org Weaverville, NC 888-254-1710
Service Project Ideas
www.elca.org/churchinsociety/
www.30hourfamine.org
http://www.rmhc.org/content/rmhc/index/programs/ronald_mcdonald_house/pop_tab_collection.html Ronald McDonald House Pop Tab Collection Information
www.ijm.org International Justice Mission
www.standwithafrica.org
www.lwr.org (Lutheran World Relief)
www.elca.org/hunger
www.elca.org/grantinghope (grants – See list of agencies that receive ELCA monies for their ministries)
www.lutheranpeace.org (Lutheran Peace Fellowship)
www.churchworldservice.org
www.oxfamamerica.org (Hunger)
www.samaritanspurse.org (Operation Christmas Child - Christmas Shoe Boxes – Franklin Graham)
www.compassion.com
www.souperbowl.org
www.watertothrive.org
Resources for Youthworkers on Racism:
resources_on_racism_for_youthworkers_and_sundayschool_teachers.pdf
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Advocacy
5/5/2023
Bishop Strickland addresses the challenges of designating "Confederate Heritage / History Month" in Tennessee and Mississippi. Letter to TN Governor Lee - CLICK HERE Letter to MS Governor Reeves - CLICK HERE Or, read the content of the letters below: TENNESSEE Office of the Governor 1st Floor, State Capitol Nashville, TN 37243 Dear Honorable Governor Lee, As a Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America representing the states of Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee, I...
11/15/2022
A Litany for World AIDS Day World AIDS Day commemorates on December 1st each year to remind us that HIV has not gone away. Globally, there are an estimated 38 million people who have the virus, and almost 2 million of them reside in the United States. Despite the virus only being identified in 1984, more than 35 million people have died of HIV or AIDS-related illnesses, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history. World AIDS Day is a time for us to remember those we have ...
10/4/2022
October 4, 2022 Siblings in Christ in the State of Tennessee and those who hold positions of power, “So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.” (Galatians 4:7) Christians must always be “restless.” God’s restless church is called to serve and advocate in response to such diverse social situations as disasters, poverty, discrimination, social policies, and economic arrangements. Prophets challenged the culture, exposed the ...
Covid 19
6/1/2021
The situation in India is desperate in the wake of Covid-19 with surging cases and lack of healthcare resources. The Southeastern Synod Disaster Ministry Committee committed to sending $1000.00 to support the Covid response in India and will match donations up to $2500.00. Please consider donating to help respond to help our neighbors caught in the clutch of this pandemic. You may send your donations to the Southeastern Synod and mark it ‘Care for India' (in the Disaster Response section): ...
5/18/2021
May 18, 2021 Dear church, This coming Sunday, Pentecost Sunday, we will hear from Acts, “All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, ‘What does this mean?’” (2:12). But earlier in this well-known text, we hear that they “were all together in one place”. Oh, how we have yearned to be all together in one place. This now year plus of pandemic living has made us all wonder if we would ever be able to be back in one place. Worshipping together in one place. But what this pandemic has ...
5/14/2021
From the Ecumenical Protocols for Worship, Fellowship, and Sacramental Practices group: The latest CDC guidance for masks and social distancing is for what INDIVIDUALS CAN do-- not what CONGREGATIONS (in which both vaccinated and unvaccinated people gather together) SHOULD do. As a Consultation we are committed BOTH to CDC guidance AND to the principle that we will not cause stigma about either illness or vaccination status. We encourage compassion for all who are sick and vaccination, at the ...
4/27/2021
The US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced it will provide financial support to offset the cost of funeral services for COVID-19 victims. The financial support is available for individuals who died in the US from COVID-19 (documented on the death certificate) after January 20, 2020, and while applicants must be US citizens or residents, there is no citizenship or residency requirement for the deceased individuals. FEMA is offering up to US$9,000 per funeral, and applicants can ...
5/18/2020
These individual grants are made possible through a joint project funded by Lutheran Disaster Response and the Southeastern Synod Disaster Ministry Committee. The Southeastern Synod will select 15 congregations who through their ministries and possible partnerships will provide food for vulnerable people within their community. Congregations are encouraged to prepare a detailed description of the feeding program they have planned and attach it to this application. This grant must be used ...
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 ...
Disaster Response
5/3/2023
A message from Bishop Strickland in response to the May 3, 2023, mass shooting in Atlanta: My heart aches for the victims and their families affected by this senseless act of violence. We stand in solidarity with our community during this difficult time, and we offer our prayers and support to all those affected by this tragedy. While we mourn the loss of innocent lives, we must also take action to prevent these tragedies from happening again. We must work together to promote peace, to foster...
3/14/2023
"Starting over" boxes are needed for families moving into housing after the tornadoes in Selma! For Kitchen box: Pots and Pans, Dishes, Utensils, Glasses, Cups, Dish towels, Dish Soap, Small kitchen appliances, brooms, mops, and buckets. For bathroom box: Shower Curtain, towels, washcloths, waste basket. For Bedroom box: Inflatable mattress Queen-size, Pillows, Clothes hangers, Linen, and blanket. We hope that many of our congregations will participate in putting together boxes so many ...
11/12/2021
Salvation Army Cold Weather Program Free and open to men, women and families experiencing homelessness. Temperatures must be predicted to drop below 40 degrees from 9 p.m. and 4 a.m. Sober participants can present for intake at 8:45 p.m. Participants are asked to leave by 5 a.m. and are provided with lunch and list of community resources. 20 men, 8 women and 2 families will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. All participants will be provided with a mat and a blanket and required ...
9/22/2020
Southeastern Synod Disaster Ministry Committee is currently working in partnership with Inspiritus’ Disaster Team to provide assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Sally. We are grateful for the leadership of Pastor Hope Knobler, who serves Grace Lutheran Church in Gulf Shores. The people of Grace and Pastor Knobler are offering assistance in food distribution, working with Inspiritus to determine homes in need of tree removal and providing relief for those whose lives have been upended by ...
Diversity and Justice
10/4/2022
October 4, 2022 Siblings in Christ in the State of Tennessee and those who hold positions of power, “So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.” (Galatians 4:7) Christians must always be “restless.” God’s restless church is called to serve and advocate in response to such diverse social situations as disasters, poverty, discrimination, social policies, and economic arrangements. Prophets challenged the culture, exposed the ...
12/11/2021
To our YOUNG PEOPLE (ages 12-17) of the Southeastern Synod - we are hoping you can join us for this day of advocacy in January. Share your hopes with our legislators in Atlanta on this Youth Day at the Capitol. There are training dates to help our youth learn how to ask helpful questions and share their opinions with our elected officials. Legislative Training Sessions will be on Sunday, December 12, 2021, or Saturday, January 8, 2022. For details and to sign up, click here: https://docs.googl...
11/24/2021
DOWNLOAD PDF of letter HERE. November 24, 2021 Episcopal and Lutheran bishops in Georgia respond to the verdict in the McMichaels-Bryan Trial The jury charged with handing down a verdict in the case of three men accused of murder for their roles in the death of Ahmaud Arbery issued its decision today finding Travis McMichael guilty of malice murder and other charges, Gregory McMichael guilty of felony murder and other charges, and Roddie Bryan guilty of felony murder and other charges. We ...
Statements from the Bishop
5/5/2023
Bishop Strickland addresses the challenges of designating "Confederate Heritage / History Month" in Tennessee and Mississippi. Letter to TN Governor Lee - CLICK HERE Letter to MS Governor Reeves - CLICK HERE Or, read the content of the letters below: TENNESSEE Office of the Governor 1st Floor, State Capitol Nashville, TN 37243 Dear Honorable Governor Lee, As a Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America representing the states of Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee, I...
5/3/2023
A message from Bishop Strickland in response to the May 3, 2023, mass shooting in Atlanta: My heart aches for the victims and their families affected by this senseless act of violence. We stand in solidarity with our community during this difficult time, and we offer our prayers and support to all those affected by this tragedy. While we mourn the loss of innocent lives, we must also take action to prevent these tragedies from happening again. We must work together to promote peace, to foster...
10/4/2022
October 4, 2022 Siblings in Christ in the State of Tennessee and those who hold positions of power, “So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.” (Galatians 4:7) Christians must always be “restless.” God’s restless church is called to serve and advocate in response to such diverse social situations as disasters, poverty, discrimination, social policies, and economic arrangements. Prophets challenged the culture, exposed the ...
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8/30/2022
Dear Church, We give thanks for the ELCA Churchwide election of Imran Siddiqui as ELCA VP. I am also delighted to announce that Ms. Phyllis Solgere has accepted my asking her to serve as Interim VP of the Synod. She will begin following this September meeting and lead us through the June 2023 Southeastern Synod Assembly. At the 2023 Synod Assembly, we will elect a new VP. That person will fulfill the remainder of Imran Siddiqui's unexpired term. Thank you, Imran, for your faithful service, and ...
6/6/2022
Para español, haga clic aquí June 6, 2022 Dear church, Since December, the ELCA has been in turmoil over the actions taken by Bishop Megan Rohrer and the Sierra Pacific Synod in the removal of a Latine Pastor on Our Lady of Guadalupe. From that event of racism, more egregious acts have followed. Because of Bishop Rohrer’s actions and inactions, trust in their leadership and abilities do not hold any longer. I was delighted when we as a church could celebrate a Trans person being elected bishop....
11/24/2021
DOWNLOAD PDF of letter HERE. November 24, 2021 Episcopal and Lutheran bishops in Georgia respond to the verdict in the McMichaels-Bryan Trial The jury charged with handing down a verdict in the case of three men accused of murder for their roles in the death of Ahmaud Arbery issued its decision today finding Travis McMichael guilty of malice murder and other charges, Gregory McMichael guilty of felony murder and other charges, and Roddie Bryan guilty of felony murder and other charges. We ...
5/18/2021
May 18, 2021 Dear church, This coming Sunday, Pentecost Sunday, we will hear from Acts, “All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, ‘What does this mean?’” (2:12). But earlier in this well-known text, we hear that they “were all together in one place”. Oh, how we have yearned to be all together in one place. This now year plus of pandemic living has made us all wonder if we would ever be able to be back in one place. Worshipping together in one place. But what this pandemic has ...
2/22/2021
February 22, 2021 STAFF ANNOUNCEMENT FROM BISHOP STRICKLAND Dear friends in Christ, Our synod is no stranger to natural disasters. We know all too well; it is not “if” a disaster happens, but “when”. For many years, we have been a leading synod within the ELCA in the area of disaster preparedness and response. Our synod is second to the largest synod in the ELCA spanning 4 states comprising of MS, AL, GA, TN. Containing over 160 congregations spread out in clusters and many in long distances ...
1/5/2021
We are thrilled to announce our new partnership with the ELCA Foundation, yet another way in which our synod will equip, empower, and engage God’s people to love and serve. (Ephesians 4:12). Regional gift planner and member of our synod staff, Rev. Ana Lugo, will assist our synod in developing and stewarding individual and congregation planned gifts for our ministries and supporting our ministries through charitable gift instruments. Rev. Ana Lugo In 2021, we look forward to Rev. ...
5/12/2020
Bishop Kevin Strickland's Pastoral Letter Here is an excerpt from Bishop Strickland's letter: We grieve with the family of Mr. Ahmaud Arbery, as they remember his life and his birthdate. But we cannot stop with our prayers, our grief, or even our acknowledgment of our privilege. We must advocate and be a voice for those whose voices have been taken from them. Click here to read Bishop Kevin Strickland's pastoral letter (PDF) How to Take Action Now The African Descent Lutheran ...
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 ...
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.” ...
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...
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...
