Dr. Marcus Borg, New Testament scholar and Hundere Professor of Religion and Culture at Oregon State University, will present two lectures. "Being Christian In a Time of Empire"  will be presented from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. in the ballroom of the student union. A second lecture, "The Truth and Limits of Atheism," will be presented from 7 - 8 p.m.
 
Youth and Family Ministry Networking Breakfast (Baltimore)
Thurs., Oct. 16, 2008.  9:30 - 11 a.m.
Panera Bread, 6302 York Rd., Baltimore, MD21212
Info: Pr. Ed Kay, synod youth ministry coordinator    

            Youth and family ministry workers are invited to gather monthly to share fellowship and ministry ideas to help one another and their ministries to be fresh and exciting for those they serve.
 
Teen Recovery Support Group
Fri., Oct. 17, 2008.  6:30 p.m.
Second English Lutheran Church, 5010 Briarclift Rd., Baltimore, MD 21229
Info: Ellen Scarborough, (410)230-2860; (800)869-5492    

            The Delaware-Maryland Synod Lutheran Adolescent Recovery School (LARS) is launching its recovery support group.  Based on the Beatitudes, the group will introduce students to the healing power of Christ and provide them with the tools they will need throughout life to recover from pain and addiction. Families and students (entering grades 9-12) needing healing from addictions are invited to attend. RSVP to synod staffer Ellen Scarborough so sufficient materials can be prepared. See the front page of the synod website for more information and registration forms.    

FreeRide Middle School Youth Event
Fri.-Sun., Oct. 17-19, 2008. 
YMCA Camp Letts, Edgewater, Md.
Info: Pr. Ed Kay, synod youth ministry coordinator    
            Registration is open now for the synod's always popular middle school youth event, featuring music, outdoor activities, Bible study, fellowship, and even a special workshop option for adult leaders. Everything you need to register is on the synod's Youth and Family Ministry website.
 
Lutheran Men in Mission Retreat
Fri.-Sun, Oct. 17-19, 2008. 
Mar-Lu-Ridge Camp and Conference Center, Jefferson, MD21755
Info: Mark Deitz      

Cost: $90 for the weekend
            You are invited to join the Delaware-Maryland Synod Lutheran Men in Mission for a retreat using the DVD Biblical series program on "The Beverly Hillbillies." $45 is due at the time of registration, with the balance payable at the event. Please come and enjoy a full weekend of fellowship.
 
African American Lutheran Association Prayer Breakfast
Sat., Oct. 18, 2008.  9 a.m.
Lutheran Church of the Holy Comforter, 5513 York Rd., Baltimore, MD21212-3896
Info: Marian Boston, (410)665-5195    

Cost: Adults, $25. Children under 11, $13.
            Please join the Baltimore Chapter of the African American Lutheran Association for this annual prayer breakfast. This year's focus is the development of an African Descent Strategy, and the featured speaker is the Rev. Joseph Donnella, chaplain at Gettysburg College.
 
Bishop's Leadership Days
Sun.-Tues., Oct. 19-21, 2008. 
Princess Royale Ocean Front Hotel, Ocean City, Md.
Info: Pat Walton, (410)230-2860; (800)869-5492     
            The synod's rostered leaders will gather in Ocean City for the Bishop's Leadership Days - several days of discussion, presentations, conversations, fellowship and fun. This year's focus, in keeping with the June Synod Assembly theme, is: "Welcome to the Table: The Invitation, Part 2." Through Bible study, presentations, and conversations participants will take more steps in their mutual journey "across race, culture, and class." The Rev. Emmanuel Grantson, St. Michael's Truth Lutheran Church (Metro D.C. Synod), will lead a Bible study on "Africans in the Bible." Ms. Dianne Lyday will offer presentations and tools designed to help in personal and congregational journeys. Ample time for relaxation is allowed.
 
Bread for the World Sunday
Sun., Oct. 19, 2008.  
            On Oct. 19 - and other Sundays in the fall - congregations and other faith communities will renew their commitment to ending hunger in God's world. An array of free resources is available to help churches observe Bread for the World Sunday, including free bulletin inserts and a litany.
 
Hymn Festival Celebrating "International Day of the Organ"
Sun., Oct. 19, 2008.  4 p.m.
St. Michael Lutheran Church, 9534 Belair Rd., Baltimore, MD21236-1596
Info: Mike Bareham, (410)256-6441, x18     
            Led by Michael A. Bareham, director of music, this hymn festival celebrates the International Day of the Organ, as proclaimed by the American Guild of Organists, and seeks to promote the "king of instruments" to the congregation and the community. Inspired by Lutheran tradition, those in attendance will participate in creative and hearty congregational singing, following the playing of extended organ works on each of the hymn tunes. The hymn festival will be structured around the shape of the rite used in worship each week.
 
Youth and Family Ministry Networking Gathering (Frederick)
Tues., Oct. 21, 2008.  4:30 - 6 p.m.
Evangelical Lutheran Church, 31 E. Church St., Frederick, MD21701-5493
Info: Tony Magturo, (410)833-1604    
            New members are welcome to this new network! Youth and family ministry workers are invited to gather monthly to share fellowship and ministry ideas to help one another and their ministries to be fresh and exciting for those they serve.
 
Anti-Racism Team Retreat
Weds., Oct. 22, 2008.  10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
First Lutheran Church, 3604 Chatham Rd., Ellicott City, MD21042
Info: Assistant to the Bishop Ginny Price, (410)230-2860; (800)869-5492   

            Are you interested in helping the synod continue its efforts to combat racism? Everyone is invited to attend this retreat of the Anti-Racism Task Force. RSVP to A2B Ginny Price.
 
German Days at the Seminary, II
Fri.-Sat., Oct. 24-25, 2008. 
Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri
Info: Uwe Siemon-Netto, (314)505-7237

            "Faith and Politics in Luther's Land - and Here II," the second annual German Days at Concordia Seminary, addresses a theme pertinent in this election year - the impact of religion on public life. The discussion will engage the influence of Germany's Christian heritage on its national politics, the influence of new religions and neo-paganism on Nazi Germany, and the relationship of Hitler's regime to Christianity. Similar questions loom over the state of American politics. What is the United States' relationship with its religious roots? How are new religions - especially Satanism - influencing contemporary politics? And more... Online registration is available.
 
Theological Education with Youth Affirmation of Baptism Festival
Sat., Oct. 25, 2008. 
Gettysburg Seminary, Gettysburg, PA17325
Info: Sherry Rippman, TEY coordinator, (717)338-3005
Cost: $25 per person; includes lunch and snacks
            "Explore your Baptism - Share your Faith - Change the World." The Affirmation of Baptism Festival is an opportunity for ninth grade youth, both in confirmation or recently confirmed, to gather and explore what God is up to in the world through the waters of baptism. Held on the campuses of Lutheran seminaries in Gettysburg and Philadelphia, the day is a collage of worship, reflection, sharing, small groups, and building community with the Body of Christ. Alongside seminary faculty and staff, seminarians, and youth leaders in the church, participants will have the opportunity to be the theologians that they are, and share in the joy of baptism. Each congregation may send up to four ninth grade youth. Each congregation may also send one adult mentor/driver for a pair of morning workshops on youth ministry. Presented by Theological Education with Youth, a joint ministry of The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia and the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg. Registration is available online.
 
Fundraising Dinner for Lutheran Campus Ministry
Sat., Oct. 25, 2008.  5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
St. Paul Lutheran Church, 701 S. College Ave., Newark, DE19713
Info: Pr. Bruce Heggen 
            Save the date for the third annual fundraising dinner for Lutheran Campus Ministry at the University of Delaware!
 
LARS Volunteer Training Workshops 1, 2 & 3
Sat., Oct. 25, 2008.  10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Second English Lutheran Church, 5010 Briarclift Rd., Baltimore, MD21229
Info: Karen Simpson,  or Jennifer Baxter, (410)230-2860; (800)869-5492   
            RSVP to Jennifer or Karen to ensure sufficient materials
 
Prospective Student Weekend
Sat.-Sun, Oct. 25-26, 2008. 
Gettysburg Seminary, Gettysburg, PA17325
Info: Admissions office, (800)MLUTHER, x3008 
            This weekend is for all prospective students who would like to experience student life at LTSG, including worship, community living, campus orientation, and interaction with students. To request registration materials and to view the Seminary Weekend Schedule, please visit the Seminary Weekend website. Also remember that we always welcome prospective students to contact us any time to set up a personal campus visit that includes a staff interview, campus tour, worship, lunch, and a class visit.
 
Annual Dunning Lecture
Tues., Oct. 28, 2008.  7:30 p.m.
Laubacher Hall, St. Mary's Seminary & University
5400 Roland Ave.(at Northern Pkwy.), Baltimore, MD21210-1994
Info: Patty Rath, (410)864-4200    
Cost: Free
            Michael J. Gorman, internationally known Pauline scholar, Professor of Sacred Scripture at St. Mary's Seminary and University, and Dean of the Ecumenical Institute of Theology, will deliver the annual Dunning Lecture on "Justification and Justice: Paul, the Mission of the Church, and the Salvation of the World." A book signing will precede the lecture at 7 p.m., and a period of dialog will follow.

 

Opening Windows, Opening Doors: Fresh Ideas for Church Councils
Sat., Nov. 1, 2008.  8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Reformation Lutheran Church, 613 Lakeview Ave., Milford, DE19963
Info: Donna Kent, (410) 239-7154     
Registration deadline: Oct. 25
            Church council members and anyone else interested is invited to attend this day of training. "Opening Windows, Opening Doors: Exploring Fresh Ideas for Church Councils," will feature large- and small-group presentations about how a council works, visions and leads. Download an information/registration brochure from the synod website
 
Bach Concert Series
Sun., Nov. 2, 2008.  4 p.m.
Christ Lutheran Church (Inner Harbor), 701 S. Charles St., Baltimore, MD21230-3835
Info: Church office,, (410)752-7179
Cost: Free
            The Bach Concert Series presents Bach Cantata 17, performed by choir, soloists, and orchestra, T. Herbert Dimmock directing. Concert includes Adagio from Easter Oratorio and a selection by organist John Walker.
 
Vespers Concert for All Saint's Day
Sun., Nov. 2, 2008.  4 p.m.
St. Stephen's Lutheran Church, 1304 N. Rodney St., Wilmington, DE19806-4242
Info: Ann Warner    

Cost: $10
            During 2008-2009, St. Stephen's hosts a Vesper Concert Series, this one featuring Jonathan Sills, baritone, with a program of American spirituals. The traditional Service of Evening Prayer is a part of the program, as well as an expanded musical component, to allow each  participant the opportunity to reflect while enjoying music.
 
First Call Theological Education for Region 8
Tues.-Thurs., Nov. 4-6, 2008. 
Antiochian Village, Bolivar, Pa.
Info: Assistant to the Bishop Mary Miller-Zurell, (410)230-2860; (800)869-5492   

 
Synod Council retreat
Fri.-Sat., Nov. 7-8, 2008. 
Brethren Center, New Windsor, Md.
Info: Ellen Scarborough, (410)230-2860; (800)869-5492   
 
Saturday Seminar at Ascension
Sat., Nov. 8, 2008.  9:15 - 11:45 a.m.
Ascension Lutheran Church, 7601 York Rd., Towson, MD21204-7583
Info: Pr. Jim Cobb, (410)825-1725   
            All interested clergy and laypeople are invited to attend this free offering of lectures provided by the Lydia and Cy Beck Educational Endowment of Ascension Lutheran Church. Dr. Nelson Strobert addresses the topic, "Will Our Children Have Faith?" Dr. Gerald Christianson speaks on "The Creeds and How We Grew." They are, respectively, professor and professor emeritus at Gettysburg Seminary.
 
Theological Education with Youth Affirmation of Baptism Festival
Sat., Nov. 15, 2008. 
Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia

7301 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, PA19119-1794
Info: Sherry Rippman, TEY coordinator, (717)338-3005,
Cost: $25 per person; includes lunch and snacks
Registration deadline: Oct. 24, 2008
            "Explore your Baptism - Share your Faith - Change the World." The Affirmation of Baptism Festival is an opportunity for ninth grade youth, both in confirmation or recently confirmed, to gather and explore what God is up to in the world through the waters of baptism. Held on the campuses of Lutheran seminaries in Gettysburg and Philadelphia, the day is a collage of worship, reflection, sharing, small groups, and building community with the Body of Christ. Alongside seminary faculty and staff, seminarians, and youth leaders in the church, participants will have the opportunity to be the theologians that they are, and share in the joy of baptism. Each congregation may send up to four ninth grade youth. Each congregation may also send one adult mentor/driver for a pair of morning workshops on youth ministry. Presented by Theological Education with Youth, a joint ministry of The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia and the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg. Online registration is available.
 
St. Cecilia Society Concert
Sun., Nov. 16, 2008.  2 p.m.
St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 1900 St. Paul St., Baltimore, MD21218-6035
Info: James Harp, cantor, (410)752-5804   

Cost: Free; donations accepted to defray expenses.
            James Harp, cantor of St. Mark's Lutheran, will accompany the 1915 silent film classic, "A Fool There Was," starring Theda Bara.
 
Youth and Family Ministry Networking Breakfast (Baltimore)
Thurs., Nov. 20, 2008.  9:30 - 11 a.m.
Panera Bread, 6302 York Rd., Baltimore, MD21212
Info: Pr. Ed Kay, synod youth ministry coordinator   

            Youth and family ministry workers are invited to gather monthly to share fellowship and ministry ideas to help one another and their ministries to be fresh and exciting for those they serve.
 
Candidacy Committee
Thurs., Nov. 20, 2008. 
Divinity Lutheran Church, 1220 Providence Rd., Baltimore, MD21286-1560
Info: Jennifer Baxter, (410)230-2860; (800)869-5492  

 
ELCA Conference on Poverty and Wealth
Fri.-Sun., Nov. 21-23, 2008. 
Lutheran Theological Center
Internatdenominational Theological Seminary, Atlanta, Georgia
Info: Loretta Horton, (800)638-3522, x. 2404    

Cost: $250, including lodging, meals and resources
Registration deadline: Oct. 15, 2008
            The Poverty Ministries Networking Program is sponsoring "Lazarus Is Still Waiting at the Gate" to answer the question of how the church responds to issues relating to poverty and wealth. Guest speakers, workshops, worship and theological reflection will be significant parts of the event.
 
Stewardship in Action Workshop
Sat., Nov. 22, 2008.  9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Christ Lutheran Church (Inner Harbor), 701 S. Charles St., Baltimore, MD21230-3835
Info: Assistant to the Bishop Ginny Price, (410)230-2860; (800)869-5492

Cost: Free to members of DE-MD Synod congregations!
            Download an information/registration brochure from the Kirby Smith Associates website.  

 
World Hunger Sunday in the DE-MD Synod
Sun., Nov. 23, 2008. 
Info: Pr. Mark Huffman, (410)252-3768   
            Plan now to observe World Hunger Sunday in worship and Sunday school.
 
Synod Assembly First Mailing
Mon., Nov. 24, 2008. 
Info: Linda Chinnia, (410)230-2860; (800)869-5492    
Visit the 2009 Synod Assembly homepage

            Watch the mail shortly after this date for the first assembly mailing, containing important registration information, to be sent to all rostered leaders and congregations. If your congregation has not received this mailing by Dec. 5, please contact Linda Chinnia.