Synod Website Updates

We've moved the list of updates to the WV-WMD.org to a page of its own. Click here (or on the pic at right) to find out what has been recently updated.

Seminary Graduations

Congrats, Sanders!

Sem. Mary Sanders is no longer Sem. Mary Sanders. Now, Mary Sanders is Mary Sanders, M.A.M.L., and she moves on to her next step in candidacy: approval. Sanders graduated, 20 May 2022, from United Lutheran Seminary with Master of Arts in Ministerial Leadership. In addition to two years of class work, Sanders was required to do a year-long internship, which she fulfilled in a split-time arrangement between St. John’s, Davis, and WV Catholics for Sustainable Economy. Sanders is diaconal candidate of the WV-WMD Synod. The M.A.M.L. degree program supports the ELCA's diaconate. The ULS website, under the degree program, states, "Deacons serve in congregations and other ministries of the ELCA, including family ministries, youth, administration, volunteer ministry, social services, music or parish nursing. Deacons connect the church with the needs of the world and work to equip others to lead a living, active and caring Christian life." Sanders is currently employed as the Executive Director of Community Lutheran Partners, Inc.. To learn more about Sanders in her CLPi capacity, click here.

Congrats, Christensens!

And we forgot to mention yesterday that Sems. Hillary and Evan Christensen, are now Hillary Christensen, M.Div., and Evan Chistensen, M.Div.. Both graduated 20 May 2022 from United Lutheran Seminary. Both Hillary and Evan earned certificates in Town and Country Church Ministry. In addition, Evan graduated with honors in Biblical Studies and in Church History & Theology. The Christensens were the first seminarians to serve internships in the WV-WMD Synod under the ELCA's Holy Innovations Grant. The grant proposal brought together the Mountain Lutheran Parish, served by The Revs. Jess and Jason Felici, and the Chapel on the Mount, the Episcopal Church congregation at Snowshoe, making it possible to provide internships over two years. Hillary was the first intern, engaged in that field work while Evan took classes remotely. The second year, they switched. The Christensens are presbyteral candidates of the Nebraska Synod. They plan to return to Nebraska, taking with them not only the ministry experience gained on our mountains and in our hollows but also their infant son, Wilder Lane Christensen.

Women of the ELCA Meet in Morgantown

The Women of the ELCA met in Morgantown, 21 May 2022, at St. Paul Lutheran Church for a day of education, fellowship, and activity. Chap. Courtney Erzkus led a Bible study for the gathering and talked about the work of the Lutheran Campus Ministry at WVU. A quilting project was undertaken. Announcements related to the upcoming convention, to be held at Canaan Valley Resort in September, were made. Lunch with a chance to enjoy each other's company, something that has not been done in person since the beginning of the pandemic, took place in the festively decorated fellowship hall. If you would like to connect with the WV-WMD WELCA, visit their facebook page.

Synod Assembly 2022

Call of the Assembly

Synod Assembly 2022: On-Line Registration Now Open

On-line registration for Synod Assembly 2022 is now open. Visit our Synod Assembly 2022 page for complete information on who should register and how to register.

COVID Mitigation

Budget & Bylaws

Pretty Much Everything You Might Like to Know about Synod Assembly at This Point

You will find at our Synod Assembly 2022 page information related to registration, time & venue, nominations, resolutions & memorials, reporting & exhibiting, communications, COVID mitigation, etc., etc., etc..

Big News for Pam Pritt

Pam Pritt, member of New Hope, Minnehaha Springs, and former member of the WV-WMD Synod Council and the ELCA Church Council, has been named the Executive Editor of WVU Magazine communications. You can read the big news on MOUNTAINEERENEWS. Pritt is in the foreground of the photo at right, pic taken at Churchwide Assembly 2019; sorry, it is the only photo we have on file.

Worship Aids for Pulpit Vacancy

The constellation of pages to assist congregations in pulpit vacancy with worship planning continues to evolve. Originally uploaded on 14 May 2022, updates have been added daily, and a page dedicated to Pentecost has been uploaded. These pages provide advice on liturgical form and the managing church appointments. Check out our Worship Aids for Pastoral Vacancy page. The pages for Holy Trinity and Ordinary Time are expected out by the end of this coming week.

Bartling To Be Installed

The Rev. Sally Bartling will be installed at St. Luke's, Cumberland, MD, on Sunday, 22 May 2022, at 3:00 p.m.. Before you start worrying that she is leaving Keyser---we've already received one panicked call---read the full story in the "Transitions" section of our Clergy page.

You will also find there news about other clergy movement. For example, The Revs. Erzkus have been installed at WVU. The Rev. Darick Biondi of the United Methodist Church has been invited to extended ecumenical service to Cross of Grace.  The Rev. Curtis Black receives a call to Bethlehem. Read all about it.

Home Base: Youth Event

Something is going to happen right here in WV-WMD. Home Base is a youth event taking place in the synod this summer, 25-28 July, in Morgantown, WV. The infographic gives you some basics, but full information can be found on our Youth page.

SLWL: Licensed Readers

Licensed Readers Page Uploaded

A page dedicated to explaining the Licensed Readers aspect of the Synodical Lay Worship Leaders program has been uploaded. You'll also find an application for licensure on the page.

Sermon Library On-Line

The first edition of the sermon library for Synodical Lay Worship Leaders is now online. To learn more about the SLWL program and the first level license, the "reader," click here.

Apply To Be a Reader (Supply Preacher)

The Synodical Lay Worship Leaders Program is now online, and applications are being accepted for the reader license. A reader does not write his/her own sermon but reads a sermon and leads worship. This is the first of the licenses available under the SLWL program. To learn more, visit the Synodical Lay Worship Leaders page.

Camp Luther: Camper Registration Opens

Working Vacation

Bishop's Pastoral: On Baptism during a Pandemic

At the direction of the Synod Assembly, Bishop Riegel has published a pastoral letter addressing matters related to baptism during a pandemic. This is now available on a webpage, "On Baptism during a Pandemic," and also a PDF downloadable from that page. The pastoral includes a discussion of the benefits of baptism, of the importance of baptism during a pandemic, and of matters directly related to baptismal practice under pandemical conditions. If you downloaded the PDF previously, be advised that it is revised as of 21 January 2022, here.

Mission Support Pledge Form Available for Download

It was brought to our attention that the mission support commitment (pledge) form was not properly uploaded. We've fixed that problem, and, now, you can download it. Visit our Congregations page for information, instructions, and various mission support forms.

Educational Opportunities

The Education for Clergy & Laity page lists a wide variety of educational offerings. To find out about this offering and other offerings, click here.

Clergy Compensation Package and Mission Support Request posted

Call Openings

Are you looking to learn something?

We have a webpage dedicated to educational opportunities for both clergy and laity. Not surprisingly, it is titled, Education for Clergy & Laity. Check it out.

Bishop's Roadshow: Time to Resubscribe

If you haven't checked out the members portal...