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.

Synod Assembly 2022 Synopsis

Camp Luther Begins Sunday!

Educational Opportunities

IRS Mileage Rate Change

The IRS has announced a mid-year increase to the standard mileage deduction for business travel. Beginning 1 July 2022, the standard deduction for business travel will be 62.5¢ per mile. This is an increase of 4¢, the rate for 1 January 2022 through 30 June 2022 being 58.5¢. N.B., this affects the supply preaching/presiding rate, as the compensation level for such is set to the IRS standard and, thus, automatically adjusts.

SLWL: Licensed Readers

Pentecost and Holy Trinity Added to On-Line Reader's Sermon Library

The second edition of the sermon library for Synodical Lay Worship Leaders is now online, adding sermons for Pentecost and Holy Trinity. To learn more about the SLWL program and the first level license, the "reader," click here. You'll also find there a link to the library.

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.

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.

Worship Aids for Pulpit Vacancy

Supply Preachers Added

If you are responsible for securing supply preachers but haven't checked the Supply Preaching & Presiding page lately, you should. In just the last week, her have added four new people available for supply.

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.

Bartling Installed

The Rev. Sally Bartling was installed as contract pastor of St. Luke's Lutheran Church, Cumberland, MD, on Saturday, 21 May 2022. Read the full story on our Clergy page.

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.

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.

Stay, Pray, and Play

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.

Camp Luther: Camper Registration Opens

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.

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...