Lutherans in the News |
November 5, 2020
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Reflections from Bishop Humphrey |
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Time For a “Halftime Speech” |November 1st, 2020
Election Day |November 3rd, 2020
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July 22, 2020
On July 12th, Pastor John Mock of the North Carolina Synod, was a guest preacher during the Apostles virtual worship service. Pastor John is also the Program Director of the Faith+Finances+Freedom initiative of the North Carolina Synod and brought us a presentation of the Lifeline Fund. The Lifeline Fund is a means of providing financial relief to rostered pastors to help offset the burden of educational expenses incurred in seminary and other university settings. In his presentation he explained how many pastors and their families struggle under this debt and how it can affect them and their ministry. But with the aid and guidance offered by the Lifeline Fund, these pastors are able to reduce their debt obligations. Additionally, Pastor John offered suggestions on how congregations can join in this process and make an even greater difference on behalf of their pastor.
Click Here to see Pastor John Mocko's presentation of the Lifeline Fund.
Click Here for more information on the Lifeline Fund and how it is making a real difference in the lives of rostered pastors.
Click Here to see Pastor John Mocko's presentation of the Lifeline Fund.
Click Here for more information on the Lifeline Fund and how it is making a real difference in the lives of rostered pastors.
June 30, 2020
On June 25th, Bishop Bob Humphrey, recorded a message to the congregations of the Virginia Synod expressing the concerns and recommendations to be considered for worship services once the Commonwealth of Virginia begins Phase 3 Restrictions.
The Governor of Virginia has announced that
Phase 3 will begin on July 1, 2020
Click Here to access the Bishop's message.
The Governor of Virginia has announced that
Phase 3 will begin on July 1, 2020
Click Here to access the Bishop's message.
June 21, 2020
The Tapestry team of the Virginia Synod invites congregations to use resources to commemorate the Emanuel 9 on Sunday, June 21st during or after worship, including a video that can be shown.
To view all of the resources, visit vasynod.org/ministries/tapestry
To view all of the resources, visit vasynod.org/ministries/tapestry
Thank-you Apostles Lutheran Congregation
May 14, 2020
Recently, with schools closed due to the COVID19 virus, students at the Minnick School were faced with completing the 2020 school year through online lessons and assignments. Due to a lack of internet access, a number of students would have been unable to complete their school year. The Virginia Synod in partnership with numerous congregations of the synod took on the project of providing internet access for these students. Apostles Lutheran was one of those congregations who responded to this urgent need and Pastor Jeniffer recently received the following email from Pastor John Wertz, assistant to the Virginia Synod Bishop.
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Jeniffer,
I wanted to give you a quick update on Apostles' participation in the WiFi for Minnick Students project. According to our partners at Lutheran Family Services, gifts from Apostles are providing WiFi access to 1 student for three month so that student can continue to learn at home. Thank you for Apostles generosity and for your partnership in this project. Your congregation's gifts are making a difference in the life of this student. Peace and hope, John Pastor John Wertz, Jr. Assistant to the Bishop Director for Evangelical Mission Virginia Synod, ELCA www.vasynod.org www.elca.org @wertz_revjohn |
A Letter Concerning Worship at Apostles Lutheran Church
May 15, 2020
Dear Congregation,
We have endured much over these past three months, haven’t we? One of the many difficult sacrifices we’ve made for the safety of our community was the suspension of physically worshiping in our building. I am proud of everyone’s participation in maintaining our mission via Virtual Worship, making masks, distributing food, continuing to tithe, and of course, staying home for the safety of others. We all look forward to the day when the dangers of COVID-19 are no longer prolific. One day, we will enjoy the simple joys that life once had to offer in keeping each other company away from the screen. Until then, we at Apostles Lutheran have assembled a Taskforce to discuss the possible ways we can safely and meaningfully reopen our doors to our community. The Taskforce will address the three major components of Body, Mind, and Spirit in preparation to the ELCA’s scheduled re-entry date of June 10th. We thank David Albert, RTT; Donna Ambrose, MD; Dr. Pete Liljeberg, MD; and Ben Grimes, RN for leading us through the concerns of the Body. We thank Betsy Liljeberg, PPN, and Linda Hodges, LCSW for leading us through the concerns of the Mind. I will be in constant contact with our Synod Office with regards to the Spiritual aspects of that affect our worship and communal engagement. The Churchwide Office released guidelines to assist us in the wake of the COVID-19 Diaspora this Wednesday, which the Virginia Synod has adjusted to the specific needs of our State. We thank the leadership of Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, Bishop Bob Humphrey, and all the Synodical Staff and Volunteers involved the creation of these documents.
Our Apostles Taskforce will work diligently to make our re-entry as safe and meaningful to us all. Please stay safe and be well until we can be with each other once more. Thank you all once again for being the Church during such a time as this.
In God’s Abiding Love,
Pastor Jeniffer Tillman, M.D.
We have endured much over these past three months, haven’t we? One of the many difficult sacrifices we’ve made for the safety of our community was the suspension of physically worshiping in our building. I am proud of everyone’s participation in maintaining our mission via Virtual Worship, making masks, distributing food, continuing to tithe, and of course, staying home for the safety of others. We all look forward to the day when the dangers of COVID-19 are no longer prolific. One day, we will enjoy the simple joys that life once had to offer in keeping each other company away from the screen. Until then, we at Apostles Lutheran have assembled a Taskforce to discuss the possible ways we can safely and meaningfully reopen our doors to our community. The Taskforce will address the three major components of Body, Mind, and Spirit in preparation to the ELCA’s scheduled re-entry date of June 10th. We thank David Albert, RTT; Donna Ambrose, MD; Dr. Pete Liljeberg, MD; and Ben Grimes, RN for leading us through the concerns of the Body. We thank Betsy Liljeberg, PPN, and Linda Hodges, LCSW for leading us through the concerns of the Mind. I will be in constant contact with our Synod Office with regards to the Spiritual aspects of that affect our worship and communal engagement. The Churchwide Office released guidelines to assist us in the wake of the COVID-19 Diaspora this Wednesday, which the Virginia Synod has adjusted to the specific needs of our State. We thank the leadership of Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, Bishop Bob Humphrey, and all the Synodical Staff and Volunteers involved the creation of these documents.
Our Apostles Taskforce will work diligently to make our re-entry as safe and meaningful to us all. Please stay safe and be well until we can be with each other once more. Thank you all once again for being the Church during such a time as this.
In God’s Abiding Love,
Pastor Jeniffer Tillman, M.D.
From Your Council President
May 1, 2020
Peace of the Lord be with us all!
Let us keep in our prayers all the suffering and the souls of the 200,000 plus people and counting around the world resulting from this pandemic. I hope everyone is coping with the separation and isolation. We will get through this! Your Council continues to conduct weekly conference calls and contacting our congregation via the phone tree. We are available for your questions, comments or concerns. Please do not hesitate to contact me, Pastor or any member of Council. Recently, Council conducted a congregational phone survey to determine the interest for having a drive in worship service. The conclusion of this survey was most were very pleased with the virtual worship postings presently being produced by Pastor and many members. (Thanks to all that are participating!) A valid concern pertained to the amount of work and time it would involve to make this a successful event. So, Council decided to stop pursuing the idea. However, if anyone wishes to revisit this please contact me or Pastor. Efforts will continue to improve and enhance the weekly virtual worship postings. We do have some good news to share. I informed the congregation several weeks ago that Council had approved applying for funds that were made available through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for small businesses and faith organizations. This week, I am pleased to inform you we were contacted by our bank (Chesapeake Bank) concerning our approval of $15,300 which has been deposited into our checking account. I also stated the stipulations to receive these funds have been clearly spelled out by Congress. In short, this money must be applied to designated church expenses; i.e., payroll, to include payroll taxes and benefits, utilities and the interest on mortgage payments. Also, please remember I stated this money comes to us initially, in the form of a loan but will convert to a grant as we adhere to the stipulated spending of these funds. This is very timely for us and many other congregations of faith across the country, however, this is for the short-term. We must not lose sight of our long term visions and obligations as church. So, please let’s commit to continuing our spirit of generosity, sharing our gifts, and providing offerings that will enable Apostles to share our faith and support our mission well into the future. I would like to thank each member of Council for their efforts, support and dedication that benefits Apostles congregation.
Peace, Ben Grimes
btgrimes.rn@gmail.com
Let us keep in our prayers all the suffering and the souls of the 200,000 plus people and counting around the world resulting from this pandemic. I hope everyone is coping with the separation and isolation. We will get through this! Your Council continues to conduct weekly conference calls and contacting our congregation via the phone tree. We are available for your questions, comments or concerns. Please do not hesitate to contact me, Pastor or any member of Council. Recently, Council conducted a congregational phone survey to determine the interest for having a drive in worship service. The conclusion of this survey was most were very pleased with the virtual worship postings presently being produced by Pastor and many members. (Thanks to all that are participating!) A valid concern pertained to the amount of work and time it would involve to make this a successful event. So, Council decided to stop pursuing the idea. However, if anyone wishes to revisit this please contact me or Pastor. Efforts will continue to improve and enhance the weekly virtual worship postings. We do have some good news to share. I informed the congregation several weeks ago that Council had approved applying for funds that were made available through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for small businesses and faith organizations. This week, I am pleased to inform you we were contacted by our bank (Chesapeake Bank) concerning our approval of $15,300 which has been deposited into our checking account. I also stated the stipulations to receive these funds have been clearly spelled out by Congress. In short, this money must be applied to designated church expenses; i.e., payroll, to include payroll taxes and benefits, utilities and the interest on mortgage payments. Also, please remember I stated this money comes to us initially, in the form of a loan but will convert to a grant as we adhere to the stipulated spending of these funds. This is very timely for us and many other congregations of faith across the country, however, this is for the short-term. We must not lose sight of our long term visions and obligations as church. So, please let’s commit to continuing our spirit of generosity, sharing our gifts, and providing offerings that will enable Apostles to share our faith and support our mission well into the future. I would like to thank each member of Council for their efforts, support and dedication that benefits Apostles congregation.
Peace, Ben Grimes
btgrimes.rn@gmail.com
Apostles Lutheran Church Activities are Suspended due to Covid-19
March 18, 2020
Updated March 25, April 1, April 8, 2020
After Careful and Thoughtful Consideration...
Just as the Soothsayer warned Julius Caesar to beware the Ides of March, so must we, your devoted Council, caution you about the Coronavirus. Due to the pandemic of the COVID-19, Bishop Humphrey recommended that the Virginia Synod should suspend all Church-related activities including, but not limited to Sunday Morning Worship, until further notice. We at Apostles Lutheran will suspend all Church-related activities accordingly. However, Council will continue to assess our local situation here in Gloucester on a weekly basis. We will determine to what degree Church-related activities at Apostles Lutheran should be and at present we are pleased to provide written and virtual worship opportunities by accessing the website. The Council will be using our Phone Tree weekly so as to verbally explain the situation and inquire how we might assist with your spiritual needs. I will endeavor to personally reach our by phone on Sunday mornings and encourage all to seek ways to still participate in worshiping our God. Please note that we are suspending Church-related activities for the health and common welfare of our community as a whole. I have been informed that the first Coronavirus-related death to occur in my Home State of Georgia originated from a Church. We want everyone who worships and serves at Apostles Lutheran to be spiritually nourished as well as physically safe to the best of our abilities as your elected leadership. Please take precautions to keep yourselves and your loved ones healthy and safe as we weather this pandemic storm together. We will be posting effective practices of staying healthy as proposed by Bishop Eaton and the Churchwide Office on our website. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me or any member serving the Apostles Council as found in our Church Directory:
Thank you all, and remember: Jesus brings us into new life through baptism, so we can all benefit from washing with soap, warm water, and hand sanitizer!
In God Abiding Love,
Pastor Jeniffer Tillman, MD
- Ben Grimes
- Tina Britt
- Kayla Hautz
- Gerald Britt
- Nancy Wagner
- Nick Biggs
- Janet Gomez
- David Albert
- Doug Dalager
- Pete Liljeberg
Thank you all, and remember: Jesus brings us into new life through baptism, so we can all benefit from washing with soap, warm water, and hand sanitizer!
In God Abiding Love,
Pastor Jeniffer Tillman, MD
Apostles "Prayground" for Kids
There is an area located in the front of the sanctuary for families with young children. There are quiet toys, books and drawing material for the children. We encourage parents to sit on the front pews so the children can easily move between their parents and the "prayground".
The prayground is a concept being adopted by many churches as a means of immersing the children in the music and words of worship. It's amazing what they absorb and retain by just being present. And parents find it easier to focus on the service rather than wondering how their child is doing in the nursery. The Apostles prayground was begun on Easter Sunday and by all accounts is a rousing success!
The prayground is a concept being adopted by many churches as a means of immersing the children in the music and words of worship. It's amazing what they absorb and retain by just being present. And parents find it easier to focus on the service rather than wondering how their child is doing in the nursery. The Apostles prayground was begun on Easter Sunday and by all accounts is a rousing success!
from the February 2019 issue of
The Virginia
LUTHERAN
At Apostles, Gloucester, three women celebrated Epiphany with a global emphasis, including international meal recipes enjoyed by the congregation. They were interim, Pastor Judy Cobb, Alyssa Kaplan, First, Norfolk, student at Union Seminary, who preached on her experience as a young adult in Global Missions in Mexico, and retired Assistant to the Bishop, Jean Bozeman.
The Virginia
LUTHERAN
At Apostles, Gloucester, three women celebrated Epiphany with a global emphasis, including international meal recipes enjoyed by the congregation. They were interim, Pastor Judy Cobb, Alyssa Kaplan, First, Norfolk, student at Union Seminary, who preached on her experience as a young adult in Global Missions in Mexico, and retired Assistant to the Bishop, Jean Bozeman.
Additional News of the Virginia Synod and Local happenings.
Living Lutheran is your source for news, reflections and stories from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and its local and global companions. We cover religious news and social issues, congregational life, global and domestic mission, family matters, spiritual practices and resources, and more.
As the magazine of the ELCA, our mission is to:
- Nurture awareness of Christ’s presence in our lives and the world
- Share stories of God’s people living their faith
- Connect readers with the global Christian community
- Provide an open forum for discussion
- Challenge readers to bring God’s grace and care to all
ELCA Churchwide Assembly declares ELCA sanctuary church
8/7/2019 10:15:00 PM
MILWAUKEE — In a key action this afternoon, the 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly voted to approve a memorial that declares the ELCA a sanctuary church. The ELCA is the first North American denomination to declare itself a sanctuary church body. As a sanctuary church the ELCA is committed to serving and supporting migrant children and families in communities across the country.
Earlier in the day, the Rev. Elizabeth Eaton, presiding bishop of the ELCA, joined more than 700 assembly members and others in a march and prayer vigil to the Milwaukee Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office. The march addressed concerns about the human rights of migrant children and families entering the U.S. along the southern border. Through the ELCA's initiative, Accompanying Migrant Minors with Protection, Advocacy, Representation and Opportunities (AMMPARO), this church is committed to work toward just and humane policies affecting migrants in and outside the U.S.
MILWAUKEE — In a key action this afternoon, the 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly voted to approve a memorial that declares the ELCA a sanctuary church. The ELCA is the first North American denomination to declare itself a sanctuary church body. As a sanctuary church the ELCA is committed to serving and supporting migrant children and families in communities across the country.
Earlier in the day, the Rev. Elizabeth Eaton, presiding bishop of the ELCA, joined more than 700 assembly members and others in a march and prayer vigil to the Milwaukee Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office. The march addressed concerns about the human rights of migrant children and families entering the U.S. along the southern border. Through the ELCA's initiative, Accompanying Migrant Minors with Protection, Advocacy, Representation and Opportunities (AMMPARO), this church is committed to work toward just and humane policies affecting migrants in and outside the U.S.