1. Art and Diseño

February 2015
C ROSSMARKS
St. Mark Lutheran Church (ELCA) of Charlottesville, VA  www.stmarklutheran.org  434-293-3311  [email protected]
A Reconciling in Christ congregation  Lutheran Campus Ministry at UVa  St. Mark Lutheran Preschool
PASTOR’S PONDERINGS
The liturgical season of Lent is upon us in midFebruary. It is beneficial to our spiritual lives to
invest time for reflection, prayer and sacrifice
to help us focus on God and see what God is
doing. Please pick up a copy of the Lenten
devotional book using readings from Ephesians
published by Augsburg Fortress called Grace
and Peace in the narthex. It comes in pocketsize & large print. You can download it in an
ebook format at
http://store.augsburgfortress.org. Join us for
noon discussion and reflection on Tuesdays
(2/24-3/24). Bring your lunch if you wish.
Water, hot tea and coffee provided.
Joel, an Old Testament prophet, chapter 2
verses 12-13 provides guidance on how to walk
the Lenten journey of returning to God to be
renewed. Joel prophesied: Yet even now, says
the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with
fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; rend
(tear open) your hearts and not your clothing.
Return to the Lord, your God, for God is
gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and
abounding in steadfast love, and relents from
punishing.
The ‘re-turning’ to God with our whole being is
formulaic – follow the steps to embrace the
renewal that is in store for you at the end of
these 40 days. Define a pattern that serves you
well in turning your attention towards God to
listen. You may find the New Testament Letter
to the Ephesians, written by the Apostle Paul
or a follower of his, to be a helpful Biblical
resource for lifestyle characteristics that are
pleasing to our God who is ready to forgive us
as we repent, and love us as we are, and guide
us to be followers.
Ephesians 4: 1-3 I (Paul) therefore, the prisoner
in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the
calling to which you have been called, with all
humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing
with one another in love, making every effort to
maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of
peace.
The writer is appealing to the people to
maintain the unity of the faith. We/Christians
are unified in 7 ways: one body, one Spirit, one
hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one
God.
There is much more that unites us than divides
us. Our community of faith and our community
of St. Mark are strong in our central focus on
Christ as Savior and Redeemer who
strengthens us in body, mind, and spirit to
serve according to our gifts.
Sister in Christ,
Pastor Sandy
St. Mark Lutheran Church, with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone, is a people called by God to be servants of all people; to experience
God's saving grace through faith; to come together as the body of Christ in worship and celebration of the gifts of God; and to reach
out to those outside the church with witness to the loving grace of God through Christ Jesus. To answer this call, our mission will
include reaching out to and beyond the members of St. Mark.
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SCHEDULE OF SERVICES AND EVENTS FOR
LENT and HOLY WEEK
OFFERING & ATTENDANCE
December 7
December 14
December 21
December 24
December 28
$7,722
7,149
2,833
6,572
142 attending
121 attending
106 attending
140/66 attending
66 attending
Tuesday, February 17
Shrove Tuesday
Pancake supper, 7pm Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, February 18
Ash Wednesday
12pm and 7pm worship services
Tuesdays February 24 – March 24
Lenten devotions
12pm - Library
Maundy Thursday, April 2
Simple soup supper, 6:15pm Fellowship Hall
Maundy Thursday Service at 7pm
Good Friday, April 3
Good Friday services at 12pm and 7pm
Saturday, April 4
Family egg coloring and craft 2-4pm
in Fellowship Hall
Easter Sunday, April 5
Easter services at 8 and 10:15am
Easter Breakfast at 9am in Fellowship Hall,
followed by
Children’s Egg Hunt (no Sunday School)
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WORSHIP HIGHLIGHTS
February 1 – 4th Sunday after Epiphany (green)
In Deuteronomy God promises to raise up a prophet like Moses, who will speak for God; in Psalm 111 God
shows the people the power of God's works. For the church these are ways of pointing to the unique authority
people sensed in Jesus' actions and words. We encounter that authority in God's word, around which we
gather, the word that trumps any lesser spirit that would claim power over us, freeing us to follow Jesus.
Deuteronomy 18:15–20 1 Corinthians 8:1–13 Mark 1:21–28
February 8 – 5th Sunday after Epiphany (green)
In Isaiah it is the one God who sits above the earth and numbers the stars—it is that God who strengthens the
powerless. So in Jesus' healing work we see the hand of the creator God, lifting up the sick woman to health
and service (diakonia). Like Simon's mother-in-law, we are lifted up to health and diakonia. Following Jesus,
we strengthen the powerless; like Jesus, we seek to renew our own strength in quiet times of prayer.
Isaiah 40:21–31 1 Corinthians 9:16–23 Mark 1:29–39
February 15 – Transfiguration of Our Lord (white)
The Sundays after Epiphany began with Jesus' baptism and end with three disciples' vision of his
transfiguration. In Mark's story of Jesus' baptism, apparently only Jesus sees the Spirit descending and hears
the words from heaven. But now Jesus' three closest friends hear the same words naming him God's beloved
son. As believers, Paul writes, we are enabled to see the God-light in Jesus' face, because the same God who
created light in the first place has shone in our hearts to give us that vision. The light of God's glory in Jesus
has enlightened us through baptism and shines in us also for others to see.
2 Kings 2:1–12 Corinthians 4:3–6 Mark 9:2–9
February 18 – Ash Wednesday (purple) Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love. (Ps.
51:1)
Worship is at Noon and 7pm. Each service includes Holy Communion and the option for the Imposition of
Ashes on your forehead. It is our entry into LENT, the season of reflection and repentance. Lent begins with a
solemn call to fasting and repentance as we begin our journey to the baptismal waters of Easter. As we hear in
today's readings, now is the acceptable time to return to the Lord. During Lent the people of God will reflect
on the meaning of their baptism into Christ's death and resurrection. The sign of ashes suggests our human
mortality and frailty. What seems like an ending is really an invitation to make each day a new beginning, in
which we are washed in God's mercy and forgiveness. With the cross on our brow, we long for the spiritual
renewal that flows from the springtime Easter feast to come.
Joel 2:1–2, 12–17 2 Corinthians 5:20b—6:10 Matthew 6:1–6, 16–21
Lenten devotions will be held Tuesdays at Noon (brown bag lunch in the Library) Feb 24 – Mar 24
February 22 – First Sunday in LENT (purple) Create in me a clean heart, O God. (Ps. 51:10)
God promises Jeremiah that a "new covenant" will be made in the future: a covenant that will allow all the
people to know God by heart. The church sees this promise fulfilled in Christ, who draws all people to himself
when he is lifted up on the cross. Our baptismal covenant draws us to God's heart through Christ and draws
God's light and truth into our hearts. We see God's heart most clearly in the way Jesus shares human
suffering, in an agony both the John and Hebrews readings describe.
Jeremiah 31:31–34 Hebrews 5:5–10 John 12:20–33
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This is a Lenten devotional process you may choose to use:
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CONGREGATIONAL NEWS/THANK YOUS
On February 15 from 2-4pm (note the new
time!), the Germanna conference is holding a
stewardship town hall meeting at St. Mark in
the Fellowship Hall to share "best practices"
in elements of stewardship. Our goal is to
learn from one another. Being mindful that
our 2015 budget is a stretch budget, this may
be helpful to us with what we need to achieve
to do our ministry. Let Pastor Sandy know if
you will be attending. Check out the
stewardship website at vasynodstewards.org.
--Please join us for the Shrove Tuesday
Pancake Supper in the Fellowship Hall on
Tuesday, February 17. Invite guests! Invite
strangers! The supper will be served from
6:00 to 7:00 p.m., with a menu including
pancakes (of course), eggs, bacon, sausage
(including some vegetarian), apple sauce,
juice, milk, and coffee. A free-will offering will
be taken for the benefit of ELCA World
Hunger and the Thomas Jefferson Area Food
Bank; no expenses will be deducted. As in
past years, men of the church will prepare,
serve, and clean up. If you would like to help,
please contact Mark Giesecke.
St. Mark’s updated wedding policy was a topic
of discussion at the annual congregational
meeting. Pastor Sandy will hold another
listening session following worship on February
22 to listen and respond. Please see the next
page of this newsletter for further information.
--The Women’s Book Club will meet on
Monday, February 23, at 7:30 to
discuss The Color of Water by James
McBride. Please join us in discussing
this book in the library on the 26th at
7:30. All women are welcome.
--New Welcoming Doors Coming Soon! The
family of Gerry Schreeck has generously donated
new, power assisted doors to be installed at our
main entry. The doors will be equipped with a
push-button activator that will open one of the
exterior doors and one of the interior doors. This
will make access for Worship, fellowship,
meetings, preschool, and other events much
easier for all. We will reuse the interior doors,
but the exterior doors will be brand new, with
large glass windows and "Lutheran Red"
aluminium trim. We plan for installation to
happen during February and be well completed
by Easter. - The Property Committee
--Thank you to the following for all the generous
gifts St. Mark has received recently:
 Bob Schreeck, Gerry’s son, for a gift to
fund automated entry doors at the
church’s front entrance
 The estate of Gerry Schreeck for funding
some new playground equipment
 An anonymous donor for $5,000 to be
used for preschool scholarships
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PACEM INFORMATION
PACEM Food Supplies In addition to the meals we serve each evening while the PACEM women are
our guests, we will need ice, juice, milk, fruit, and cheese sticks. An online sign-up has been created
for these supplies. Please go to this link to signup:
www.SignUpGenius.com/go/10C084DA5AA2EA7F94-pacem1
PACEM GRAB-and-Go bags We will be providing ‘grab and go’ food bags for our PACEM guests to
take with them each morning during their stay with us. We are collecting boxes of breakfast/cereal
bars (such as Nutri-grain, Nature Valley, Kashi, Clif, Luna) as well as individual boxes of raisins, dried
fruit or nuts. There will be a crate in the narthex marked ‘grab and go’ bags where you may place
these items.
Questions about either of these -- Contact Laurel
--In search of five PACEM meal preparers: We still need people to make dinner on the following dates
for our shelter guests: Feb. 24 (need two people/teams) and March 3-6 (need one person/team for
each of those days). Please go to this SignUpGenius link if you can help: http://bit.ly/1zP3kCb. Let
Heidi Jones know if you have any questions.
--We are also in need of overnight hosts. That SignUp Genius link is here:
www.SignUpGenius.com/go/20F0D4FADAC2CA5F85-pacem. Tom Hecmanczuk is the overnight host
coordinator.
--In preparation for our PACEM guests arriving on February 21, please consider collecting and donating
new, small sizes of the following: soap, body wash, lotion, razors, shampoo, etc. Additionally,
feminine hygiene products and cough drops are always greatly appreciated. Donations can be placed
in the church office or the drop off box in the Narthex. Questions? See Anne Carter or Gail Milligan.
--Sedona Taphouse at 1035 Millmont Street in Charlottesville is doing their Steak Out for Charity to
benefit PACEM (People and Congregations Engaged in Ministry) in February. Sedona Taphouse does
Steak Out for Charity every Monday throughout the year. Here's how it works:
All day on Mondays, Sedona Taphouse has a special. You can order an 8-ounce Black Angus flat iron
streak with garlic whipped potatoes for just $6.00. This menu item is usually $16.40. $1 of each steak
purchase goes to the charity of the month, which in February is PACEM. A beverage purchase is also
required. The special is good all day for lunch and dinner. Sedona Taphouse opens at 11:30 a.m. for
lunch and is open until midnight. Steak Out for Charity is for dine-in only and is not valid on "to go"
orders. You do not have to specify that you want to donate to charity. If you order this $6 menu item
and a beverage on Mondays, $1 will go to charity. There is also a one steak per person limit.
You'll want to make reservations on Monday nights, because the restaurant gets pretty busy.
More information about the restaurant and the program can be found online at
www.sedonataphouse.com.
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ADULT EDUCATION
SAVE THE DATE! Renowned author Philip Yancey will deliver the next Capps Lecture in Christian
Theology on Sunday, March 22, 2015, at 5:30 pm in Old Cabell Hall at the University of Virginia. Philip
Yancey worked as a journalist in Chicago for some 20 years, while also writing for a wide variety of
magazines, including Reader’s Digest, Saturday Evening Post, National Wildlife and Christianity Today.
In 1992, he and his wife moved to the foothills of Colorado where he writes. He is the author of many
books including What’s So Amazing about Grace? and The Jesus I Never Knew.
--Bishop Eaton writes that the ELCA Church Council is calling all ELCA members into a conversation
about “The Use of the Means of Grace,” particularly on this matter of invitation to Holy Communion.
Your leadership in engaging your faith community and fellow Lutherans in this conversation will be
critical to our church as we seek to be faithful and grounded, yet hospitable and mission-minded in
administering Holy Communion.
An adult class will be addressing this question Sunday mornings at 9am in the Student Room. We
should gain some special knowledge about our sacraments and learn something about ourselves in
the process. All are welcome!!
--Blue Ridge Ministries is offering the following winter and spring retreats:
Feb. 21 Lent Retreat: "A little lower than the angels" led by Kevin Clark
Mar. 23 "Exploring the Enneagram: An Adventure in Self Discovery" led by Rev. Bill Edwards
May 5-7 "Gazing upon God's creation: observing birds and wildflowers" led by Clair Mellinger
See their website at www.blueridgeministries.wordpress.com for more information and registration
details.
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YOUTH AND FAMILY MINISTRY
February Youth & Family Events
Sunday, February 8: Senior High Youth Group (8th – 12th) meets from 12:00 – 3:00. Join
us for lunch in the Fellowship Hall, then we’ll head to the youth room for our time together.
Saturday, February 14: Valentine’s Day Party – families are invited to come and feel the
love! We’ll make some crafts, sing some songs, and enjoy some treats, remembering how
much God loves us and how we love one another. We’ll meet in the Fellowship Hall from
2:00 – 4:00. Join us! Invite friends to come as well!
Friday, February 20: PACEM set up night. The entire faith family is invited to come and
help ready the space for our overnight guests, who will arrive the next evening. We have
many jobs for many hands, including: moving and staging linens; creating a cozy nook
with couches and rugs; hanging Sunday School artwork; and making the Fellowship Hall
as warm and inviting as possible. Our time together begins around 5:00.
Saturday, February 21: SENIOR HIGH PACEM night of service. All youth in grades 8-12
are encouraged to attend this service event. We will prepare a meal and serve it to our
guests. Plan to be at the church by 6:00; we’ll wrap up by 8:30.
Sunday, February 22: Junior High Youth Group (5th – 7th) meets from 12:00 – 3:00. Join
us for lunch in the Fellowship Hall, then we’ll head to the youth room for our time together.
Saturday, February 28: JUNIOR HIGH PACEM night of service. All youth in grades 5-7 are
encouraged to attend this service event. We will prepare a meal and serve it to our guests.
Plan to be at the church by 6:00; we’ll wrap up by 8:30.
Do you have questions? Suggestions? Ideas?
Talk to Anne Carter today!
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PRESCHOOL
Warm winter greetings from the preschool! While most folks in
Charlottesville are happy to say that it’s been a “dry” winter, the
preschoolers are anxiously waiting for the first measurable snowfall.
In the meantime, we’ve soothed our snow-less hearts with a barrel
of “Insta-Snow” and lots of artic animals. The children have been
particularly interested in bears. Of course there are lots of wonderful bear books and this has added
to our enthusiasm and curiosity.
We’ve enjoyed our January author study of the books written by Karma Wilson. We extended this
study into chapel with her book “I Will Rejoice!” This lovely story is based on Psalm 118:24 and
encourages us to rejoice in the simple pleasures of everyday life. Pastor Sandy’s chapels captivated
the children’s interest with tales of the three wise kings that followed the star to see baby Jesus and
the story of Jonah, which reminds us that we may turn our backs on God, but God never turns his
back on us. We can always trust God to take care of us.
This month the children will participate in the PACEM ministry by making cookies for the ladies’
lunches. We’ve been talking about where animals live in winter and will extend this discussion to talk
about where people live in winter and what would you do, where would you go, if you did not have a
house to live in? How would you stay warm? The children see the homeless people around
Charlottesville and it’s important to give them an opportunity to ask questions and talk about their
feelings. This also gives us an opportunity to actively participate in “God’s work. Our hands.”
Words cannot adequately express how grateful we are to have received such extraordinary gifts for
our scholarship fund and for the playground renovation project. To each of you that have given time,
talent, treasure and prayers, we thank you. All gifts, no matter the size, make a big difference in the
daily life of the school and support the continued ministry of the preschool to children and families in
Charlottesville. If you know someone in need of preschool or childcare, please encourage them to
give us a call. The number for the preschool is 434-293-0792.
 Do you love children’s books and have a bit of
time to spare each week? We’re looking for
volunteers to shelve library books. Please
contact Tami in the preschool for more
information.
 We’re also looking for substitute teachers. If
you’re CPP trained and would be interested in
working as a sub, please contact Carla
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SOCIAL MINISTRY
Mark your calendar for the Nehemiah Action, April 30 John Paul Jones Arena. IMPACT is an interfaith
association committed to social justice in our community. In the past Impact suggestions have led to changes
in public transportation and the availability of health services. The highpoint of each year is the Nehemiah
Action, a public presentation of Impact’s proposals to public and business leaders. Our goal is to have at least
fifty members of St Mark join the over one thousand members of other faith communities at the rally. This
year Impact has been working on issues of drugs and crime.
--"I'm Not Racist...Am I? will be shown at the Paramount Theater on Feb. 26th, 2015 at 7 pm. The Director and
Producer of the film will be at the event and will lead a Q&A dialogue with the audience after the viewing.
Cost: Free to the general public, with a suggested donation of $5.
Movie Description: "I'm Not Racist...Am I?" is a 90 minute feature documentary about 12 NYC teenagers who
spend a year talking about racism. The teens attend five intense workshops and have conversations over the
course of the year that most of us are afraid to have. This year challenges their relationships with their friends,
within their own families, and most of all, within themselves.
MISSION COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS
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Reports from various committees were reviewed and accepted.
Council members performed an Epiphany blessing of several areas inside and outside of the church.
Review of Pastor’s submission to the congregation regarding changes to the Wedding Policy. The draft will
be discussed at the annual meeting.
Council approved a list of prospective congregational members.
Discussion of the 2014 final deficit amount and comparison to 2013 figures. Expenses increased 4.9% when
adjusted for the preschool and reconciliation discrepancy, while gifts and offering totals were slightly less.
Council voted to use funds from the parking lot fund only to cover the 2014 deficit.
Council reviewed the 2015 proposed budget again and decided not to add a line item for funds to cover a
projected budget deficit. Council would like to focus on stewardship in hopes of increased gifts and
offering which would help balance the budget. At the same time, the committees and ministries will be
asked to be vigilant about their expenses to help offset a potential deficit as well. The intent is not to
hinder existing ministries and programs and to bring our stewardship to the forefront throughout the year.
The proposed 2015 Fiscal Budget and proposed 2015 Preschool Operational Budget were both approved
as amended for submission to the congregation for consideration.
Duane Osheim, Lois Shepherd, and Amanda Nelsen are nominated for 3 year terms on Council.
Council approved the finalized reporting structure for Preschool staff.
Council learned that the church received a final disbursement of monies from the Scharlemann estate. A
document was distributed for review as it was used as a process outline for discernment of the previous
Miller gift and could possibly be used as a guideline for discerning uses of these funds.
Council discussed comments received after the 1/4/15 service about use of expansive language during
worship. Discussed implementing more ways of educating congregation members on why we are making
verbiage suggestions and to ensure that everyone realizes this is a choice, not a directive.
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VIRGINIA SYNOD NEWS
The 14 greatest moments of 2014 in the VA
Synod, as written by Kayla Fuller, Director of
Communications:
14. Our Pastors Horseback Riding Down Virginia
Beach at Gathering of the Ministerium
The
Gathering
of the
Ministerium has been a tradition in the Virginia
Synod for the last couple of decades, but this year
the event got a facelift thanks to Pastor David
Derrick, Mindy Reynolds, and three young pastors:
Aaron DeBenedetto, Anne Jones, and Jon Myers.
The weekend for rostered leaders, meant to foster
partnership and collaboration, not only saw some
educational format changes, but also new free time
options. What a sight these pastors were riding
down the beach!
13. The History of The Virginia Synod for the Last
25 years was Written
Jim Utt and George Kegley have been hard at work
over the past several years trying to assemble a
comprehensive history of the Virginia Synod from
1987- 2012. They’ve finally completed this work
and the books will be published in January for
distribution.
12. Over 75 Congregations Participated in The
Week of Service
In September, the entire ELCA came together for
“God’s Work, Our Hands” Sunday, a day where
church members were encouraged to get out of
the pew together and serve their communities. In
the Virginia Synod, we decided to have a Week of
Service in conjunction with the ELCA to allow more
scheduling options for people to serve together.
We had over 75 churches participate!
11. The Childhood Hunger Task Force was Formed
In November, the Virginia Synod initiated a Task
Group chartered to work toward ending childhood
hunger in Virginia. Check out the Virginia Feeds
Kids’ Charter online
(http://www.vasynod.org/virginiafeedskids/) and
follow them on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/VirginiaFeedsKids and
Twitter: https://twitter.com/VaFeedsKids
10. Our 8 Mission Partners Made Advancements
So this isn’t technically a moment, but there were
so many things happening with our mission
partners that we couldn’t help but to give them a
shout out. Roanoke College is building the Cregger
Center and Lutheran Theological Southern
Seminary is now connected to Lenoir-Rhyne
University. National Lutheran Communities and
Services, Virginia Lutheran Homes, Lutheran
Family Services of Virginia, and the Hungry Mother
Lutheran Camp have all been building and making
improvements to their facilities. Reuben Todd is
the new Director of Caroline Furnace Lutheran
Camp & Retreat Center and Chaplain Service Prison
Ministry of Virginia announced a new name for
their organization: “GraceInside”.
9. The Eastern Office of the Bishop Moved to First
Lutheran Church, Norfolk
This moment may not be as well known as some
others, but it sure has had a major impact on Synod
staff. Thank you First Lutheran for providing our
office a home on the Eastern Side of the state.
Here is the updated contact information for our
Eastern Office: Phone: 757-622-9421; Fax: 757623-5680; Address: 1301 Colley Ave., Norfolk
VA 23517-0010; [email protected]
8. Virginia Synodical Women’s Organization Made
2,600 Dresses to Send to Africa
The participants of the 2013 convention were
challenged by President Risse Snelgrove to make
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1,000 pillowcase dresses to send to Africa. At the
time the challenge seemed rather daunting, but
soon the excitement spread throughout
congregations. At the final count of the 2014 VSWO
Convention there were over 2,600 dresses.
7. The Highest Attended Conference Gathering in
Page
The Virginia Synod is made up of 11 conferences
and each year Bishop James Mauney comes to
each conference for a time of learning together,
worshiping together, and fellowshipping together.
The conference gatherings this year were a huge
success! The staff was blown away by the
participation in Page conference, one of our
smallest conferences.
6. Largest Attendance at our ACTS Course
The Ambassadors Community for Theological Study
is intended to enrich and equip laity for intentional
service as ambassadors for Christ. This year we had
one of the largest classes ever with 141
participants.
5. Youth Laying their Burdens Down at the Cross
during Kairos
Each summer
hundreds of high
school students
gather at Roanoke
College for a summer
Virginia Synod Youth
Event called Kairos.
The week is filled with laughter, singing, and
learning more about God. One evening of the
event, the youth are given an opportunity to
literally put their burdens on the cross.
4. We Met our Malaria Goal of $230,000
On August 19, the Virginia Synod surpassed
our Malaria goal set by the ELCA with the
donations to the ELCA Malaria Campaign totaling
$232,152.17!
3. President Tobby Eleasar Came all the Way from
Papua New Guinea
The Virginia Synod continues to build a partnership
with the New Guinea Islands District (NGI) of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea
(PNG) that began with the ELCA’s (Mission 90)
emphasis in the early 1990s. This year we received
a visit from President Tobby Eleasar, whose
position is similar to that of Bishop Mauney. He
traveled to every corner of our Synod and greeted
member of several congregations.
2. We Gained 5 New Staff Members!
This has definitely been a year of transition for our
team. Our five new staff members include:
Becky Walls- Office Manager, Kayla Fuller- Director
of Communications, Chris Price- Assistant to the
Bishop, Mike Agee- Financial Advisor, and Tammy
Kasper- Administrative Assistant
1. Bishop Elizabeth Eaton Spoke at Power in the
Spirit
At our summer faith formation event, Power in the
Spirit, some 285 Lutherans fell in love with
Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton as she spent three
days as the keynote speaker. Not only were her
words filled with warmth and wisdom, she had the
whole audience bending over with laughter. Did
you miss her? Listen to one of her talks online at
http://vimeo.com/102575930.
There you have it! These are my picks for the top
14 moments of 2014 in the Virginia Synod. This has
been an incredible year, but I have a feeling God
has some Amazing things in store for our Synod in
2015.
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