An Ecumenical Green Congregations Training Workshop
Sponsored by Luther Memorial Lutheran Church and
Virginia Interfaith Power & Light

What: This is a FREE training event for Green Teams of congregations-offering practical and inspirational guidance and resources for the process of bringing “care for creation” into your congregation.

When: Saturday, February 27, 2010 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Where: Luther Memorial Lutheran Church in Blacksburg, Virginia

Who is leading: The Rev. Dr. David Rhoads, Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago and Director of the Green Congregation Program, www.webofcreation.org

You can find more information on the event and how to register here.

Prayers and Sympathy
Pastor Jake Young, who served as pastor of St. Michael in the early 1970’s passed away last week. Our prayers and sympathy go out to his family. You can find Pastor Young’s obituary here.

Haiti Earthquake Relief

On Tuesday, January 12, a magnitude 7.0 earthquake rocked the island country of Haiti. Already one of the poorest countries in the world, this catastrophe will exacerbate the suffering felt by many already living with hunger and poverty. You can find information about how to help through the ELCA’s Disaster Response website for the Haiti Earthquake. You can read Bishop Hanson’s statement on the tragedy here.

For the last several years, St. Michael has partnered with the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary to provide prayers and support for Kristy Buyok through the Seminarian Partner Program. Last Sunday, December 13, Kristy was ordained and has accepted a call to serve as the pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Pomeria, South Carolina.

On Sunday, December 13, St. Michael took a wonderful Journey to Bethlehem. The Youth did a fantastic job with the Christmas program. We enjoyed a delicious meal together, made some Christmas crafts and learned to play carols on the bells. Thank you to everyone who made this journey so enjoyable.

At the Congregational Council Meeting on December 13, Lori Anne Kirk, Michelle Pasier and Randy Robinson were elected to serve three year terms on the Congregational Council. We extend our thanks to Ben Simmers and Tammy Veit who will finish their service on the Council at the end of 2009.

Community Thanksgiving Meal

This year’s Community Thanksgiving Meal at St. Michael was a tremendous success. Over 165 people sat down for for the meal and another 30 to 40 meals went home or were delivered to individuals in need. Thank you to all the volunteers who make this wonderful ministry possible.

Winter Celebration

Each year the Virginia Synod sponsors two events for High School students (9th through 12th Grade) called Winter Celebration. Winter Celebration is a gathering of several hundred youth and adults for large group and small group experiences with lots of worship, singing and faith sharing. If you are interested in attending, Lorin Crowder will be taking a group from St. Michael to the second weekend, January 29-31, 2010. Scholarship money is available to help with the cost of the weekend and you can download the registration form here. For more information, please talk to Pastor John.

Party with a Purpose 2009

At this year’s Party with a Purpose, over 40 volunteers prepared Christmas Shoe Boxes to be shipped to children in need. Approximately 250 boxes were donated by the people of St. Michael and a host of mission partners from around the area. Thank you for your generous stewardship of God’s gifts to you.

The Presiding Bishop of the ELCA, Mark Hansen, posted a message online and an open letter to all members of the ELCA. In the letter, he invited everyone to an online Town Hall meeting on Sunday, December 6at 5:30 PM EST. You can see Bishop Hansen’s message here and find out more information about the Town Hall meeting on www.elca.org