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X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://vasynod.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Virginia Synod, ELCA
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261014T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261014T170000
DTSTAMP:20261031T190254
CREATED:20261006T030818Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261006T030818Z
UID:26813-1791993600-1791997200@vasynod.org
SUMMARY:Pasta with a Purpose Impact Celebration
DESCRIPTION:When grocery and gas bills stretch a family’s budget\, a local food pantry can help make ends meet. This summer\, Virginia Synod congregations came together through Pasta with a Purpose and donated 16\,169.45 pounds of food to local pantries—the equivalent of approximately 13\,475 meals. Every congregation that took part helped make that possible. \nNow\, let’s build on what we accomplished together. Bishop Phyllis Milton and the Virginia Synod Hunger Task Force invite you to a virtual gathering on Wednesday\, October 14\, from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. We’ll celebrate the campaign’s impact\, announce the three top donating congregations who are receiving the $250 grants\, and share practical ways your congregation can care for neighbors facing hunger during the upcoming holiday season and throughout the year. \nRegister here! \nPlease join us and share this invitation with anyone in your congregation involved in community outreach ministries. \nP.S. We hope every congregation will designate a hunger liaison to receive and share ideas and resources. Liaisons are welcome at our monthly virtual calls on the second Thursday\, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. Contact Betsy Liljeberg at b4liljeberg@gmail.com to learn more.
URL:https://vasynod.org/event/pasta-with-a-purpose-impact-celebration/
CATEGORIES:World Hunger
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://vasynod.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Pasta-with-a-Purpose-Impact-Celebration-October-2026.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261019T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261019T201500
DTSTAMP:20261031T190254
CREATED:20260813T171538Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260928T134152Z
UID:26570-1792436400-1792440900@vasynod.org
SUMMARY:EPIC Online: Planned Giving
DESCRIPTION:Planned Giving  \nYou are invited to a one-hour\, practical workshop on planned giving and endowment funds for congregations\, designed specifically for pastors and lay leaders. We’ll demystify how planned gifts and endowments work\, name common pitfalls\, and outline simple first steps so your church can steward legacy gifts with clarity and confidence. Come ready to think about how your congregation can sustain ministry beyond this generation. Led by Pastor Paul Walters\, a consultant with GSB Fundraising and former Virginia Synod pastor\, Paul helps churches and nonprofits have the resources and vision to fulfill their mission. He is the co-author\, with Pr. Robert Holley\, of Clear\, Calm\, and Connected: Reflections on Church Leadership. \nYou can register for the Zoom workshop using this link: Register Now
URL:https://vasynod.org/event/planned-giving/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://vasynod.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Planned-Giving-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261027T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261027T201500
DTSTAMP:20261031T190254
CREATED:20260827T152307Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261014T170458Z
UID:26658-1793127600-1793132100@vasynod.org
SUMMARY:Weaving Our Stories: LGBTQIA+ Inclusion
DESCRIPTION:Weaving Our Stories: LGBTQIA+ Inclusion \nTapestry Story Telling Zoom Gatherings \nDates: Tuesdays\, October 13\, October 21\, and November 10 – 7pm \nZoom \nIn 2026\, the Tapestry Team invites you to storytelling Zoom gatherings. Weaving Our Stories invites us to tell stories and listen deeply to one another. Each of the five Tapestry Threads will host a series of three Zooms to explore participant experiences about the focus Thread. The next thread to host a series is LGBTQIA+ Inclusion. \nTapestry’s aim is to have meaningful dialogue and learn from each other’s lives. Members of each of the focus communities\, allies\, and those seeking to learn and understand more are all invited to each of the series. It’s okay to not have all the answers and to ask vulnerable questions. Let’s weave our threads together into God’s diverse tapestry. \nParticipants do not have to attend all of the Zooms. There will be separate sign ups for each of the series. Participants can choose to attend all three Zooms in a Thread series or just the first one. \nIndividuals or congregational groups can sign up. Individuals will be grouped with others in breakout rooms for discussion. If requested\, congregational groups can be assigned their own breakout room. \nThe sessions will begin at 7pm and wrap-up by 8:15pm. The sessions will not be recorded. However\, the discussion guides will be shared as a resource for congregational or individual use. \nRegister here! \nRegistration closes on October 7.
URL:https://vasynod.org/event/weaving-our-stories-lgbtqia-inclusion/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://vasynod.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Tapestry-Graphic.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261116T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261116T201500
DTSTAMP:20261031T190254
CREATED:20260813T171914Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260825T212530Z
UID:26574-1794855600-1794860100@vasynod.org
SUMMARY:EPIC Online: Treasurer's Workshop - End of Year Preparations
DESCRIPTION:Treasurer’s Workshop: End of Year Preparations \nNovember is a great time to prepare for the end of the fiscal year. This workshop with John Krallman\, the Treasurer of the Virginia Synod\, and Pastor John Wertz\, Jr.\, Assistant to the Bishop\, will focus on steps to take now to be prepared for the end of the fiscal year and on steps congregations can take to say thank you and encourage giving at the end of the year. \nRegister for the zoom worship using this link: Register Now
URL:https://vasynod.org/event/epic-online-treasurers-workshop-end-of-year-preparations/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://vasynod.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Treasurers.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261120
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261123
DTSTAMP:20261031T190254
CREATED:20160314T152549Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261027T134420Z
UID:9496-1795132800-1795391999@vasynod.org
SUMMARY:Lost and Found
DESCRIPTION:Lost and Found is our annual faith-sharing retreat for 7th and 8th graders and their adult advisors. Our 2026 event will take place Friday\, November 20 through Sunday\, November 22 at Eagle Eyrie Conference Center in Lynchburg. Check-in starts at 6:30pm on Friday with large group starting at 8pm. The event concludes at 11:45am on Sunday. \nThe early registration discount ends October 26\, 2026!  \nRegistration closes November 4\, 2026! \n  \nWho Attends: Lost and Found 2026 is open to all youth who are in 7th-8th grades and their adult advisors. Each youth must register as a member of a congregation\, and for every five youth\, one adult must attend and be responsible for those youth (1-5 youth – one adult; 6-10 youth – two adults; etc.). Your non-Lutheran friends are welcome to attend as your guests; they must also register as part of your congregation group. \n  \nRegistration Fees: \nYouth Participant………………………………………………………………………………………… $150.00 ($160.00 after Oct. 26) \nAdult Leader (Small Group Leader\, Co-leader\, or Assistant Leader)………………… $50.00 ($60.00 after Oct. 26) \nAdult Participant (not serving in small group leadership roles)………………………. $150.00 ($160.00 after Oct. 26) \n*Adult participants will participate in an adult small group. \nPlanning Group …………………………………………………………………………………………. Free \nAll adults attending must agree to and complete the background check form by November 4.  \n  \nHow to register for Lost and Found 2026:\nPlease note: youth participant registration is complete when BOTH the online registration form and the permissions and medical form are submitted. Read through the registration instructions packet to learn about the new online registration process for synod youth and young adult events. \n\nOnline Registration Form: Each attendee must complete the form. To complete the form\, you must pay the registration fee. Find instructions on how to complete the online registration form on page 1 of the registration instructions packet.\n\nFor congregational leaders who may be registering multiple youth participants in one transaction\, please find instructions on page 2 of the registration instructions packet. We have also created this helpful printable form to collect registration information. \n2. Permissions and Medical Form: Each attendee must ALSO complete this form. If you are a youth attendee\, you will need to complete this form with your parent or guardian. To complete this form\, you will need to have medical insurance information. Click here for instructions on how to complete the Permissions and Medical Form. \n  \n  \nAdult Participant Forms:\n\nBackground Check Form: In addition to completing the above participant registration form and participant permissions and medical form\, ALL adult attendees must also complete this online background check form. Click here for instructions on how to complete the Adult forms.\n\n2. Small Group Leader Information Form: All adult leaders must also complete this form\, if not already submitted. \nAll adults who lead small groups at Virginia Synod Youth Events must complete the two forms above once every program year.  A program year runs from August 1 of the current year through July 31 of the next year. \n  \n  \nLost and Found Event Information \nLost and Found includes Large Group gatherings with lots of singing\, energy\, comedy\, worship\, and a presentation on our event theme. After each Large Group gathering\, participants gather in a Small Group. Each group includes a handful of youth and a couple of adult leaders. In small groups\, participants will get to know other Lutheran youth from Virginia and discuss life and faith as well as other topics that arise throughout the weekend. \nOn Saturday afternoon\, there is a large chunk of Free Time during which participants can continue building relationships\, enjoy outdoor recreation\, visit the Eagle Eyrie coffee shop and ice cream parlor\, and more. Our annual Talent Show will also take place during this time; it’s a great chance to support your friends and show off a unique talent. \nIn the evenings\, you will relax in your Cottage and gather with other youth and adults from your congregation and other congregations to talk about how the weekend is going. \nHere’s a little video that gives you a first-hand look at what happens at Lost and Found! \nSomething to note: If you’ve been to 7th Day\, our overnight retreat for 5th and 6th graders\, this event is a little different. Lost and Found is more of a discussion-based event where participants get to know their small groups through games\, activities\, readings\, and more\, and better understand their faith as it relates to the event theme. If you have more questions about what Lost and Found is all about\, please contact Tina Toburen\, toburen@vasynod.org. \nWe hope to see you there! \nIs it your first time coming to Eagle Eyrie or has it been a while since you’ve visited? Check out this video to take a tour of the retreat center with Dave! \nHere are some photos from a previous Lost and Found; check it out!
URL:https://vasynod.org/event/lost-and-found/
LOCATION:Eagle Eyrie Baptist Conference Center\, 1 Eagle Eyrie Drive\, Lynchburg\, VA\, 24503\, United States
CATEGORIES:Youth Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://vasynod.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Lost-Found-Nov.-2026-Socials.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Tina Toburen":MAILTO:toburen@vasynod.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20270129
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20270201
DTSTAMP:20261031T190254
CREATED:20160314T152049Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261022T172318Z
UID:9493-1801180800-1801439999@vasynod.org
SUMMARY:Winter Celebration
DESCRIPTION:Winter Celebration is our annual weekend faith sharing retreat for youth in 9th through 12th grade and their adult advisors. Winter Celebration will be January 29-31\, 2027 at Eagle Eyrie Conference Center in Lynchburg. (Friday evening to Sunday noon) \nWe have Large Group gatherings that consist of singing\, energy\, comedy\, worship and Planning Group presentations on our event theme. After each Large Group gathering\, participants will gather in Small Groups. These are made up of a handful of youth and a team of adult leaders. In small groups\, participants will get to know youth from other Lutheran congregations in Virginia and discuss life and faith\, as well as other topics that arise throughout the weekend. \nOn Saturday afternoon there is large chunk of Free Time during which participants can continue to build relationships\, enjoy outdoor recreation\, visit the Eagle Eyrie coffee shop and ice cream parlor\, and so much more. Our annual Open Mic/Talent Show will also take place during this time\, it’s a great time to support your friends as well as show off a unique talent. \nAt the end of the evening’s activities you will relax in your Cottage and gather with other youth and adults from your congregation\, and other congregations\, to talk about how the weekend is going. \nIf you have questions about Winter Celebration\, contact Virginia Synod Youth Director Tina Toburen (office: 540-389-1000 / Pastor Tina Toburen). \nIs it your first time coming to Eagle Eyrie or it’s been a while since you’ve visited? Check out this video to take a tour of the retreat center with Dave! \nSee below to get a peek at the fun!!
URL:https://vasynod.org/event/winter-celebration/
LOCATION:Eagle Eyrie Baptist Conference Center\, 1 Eagle Eyrie Drive\, Lynchburg\, VA\, 24503\, United States
CATEGORIES:Youth Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://vasynod.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Winter-Cel-2027.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Tina Toburen":MAILTO:toburen@vasynod.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20270306
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20270308
DTSTAMP:20261031T190254
CREATED:20251103T171056Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261022T172530Z
UID:8735-1804291200-1804463999@vasynod.org
SUMMARY:7th Day
DESCRIPTION:7th Day is our annual overnight faith sharing event for youth in 5th and 6th grades and their adult advisors.  In 2027\, 7th Day will take place from noon Saturday\, March 6th to 1:30 Sunday\, March 7th at Eagle Eyrie Conference Center. \nDuring the weekend\, each youth participant is part of a “Shepherd Group” with 5-6 other youth and adult leaders. Along with other Shepherd Groups\, participants will explore a story of the Bible through drama\, games\, crafts\, and music. Then everyone is together in a large group setting for singing\, worship\, and a presentation from our 7th Day Planning Group youth! In the evening youth and adults will have time to relax in their Cottages with their congregation and other congregations from Virginia to talk about their 7th Day experience! \n\n\nAre you a pastor\, parent\, youth leader\, or loved one of a VA Synod fifth or sixth grader? Are they registered for Seventh Day? If not\, are they feeling a little nervous about attending their first Synod Youth Event? Click the link below to access a document that can help you talk to your 5th or 6th grader about what 7th Day is all about and what they can expect at the event. \n‘Seven Reasons Why You Should Attend Seventh Day’\n\n\nIf you have additional questions\, contact Synod Youth Director Tina Toburen (office: 540-389-1000 / Pastor Tina Toburen). \nHere’s some photos from recent 7th Day events! Take a look at all the fun we had!!
URL:https://vasynod.org/event/7th-day/
LOCATION:Eagle Eyrie Baptist Conference Center\, 1 Eagle Eyrie Drive\, Lynchburg\, VA\, 24503\, United States
CATEGORIES:Youth Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://vasynod.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Seventh-Day-2027.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Tina Toburen":MAILTO:toburen@vasynod.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20270611
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20270614
DTSTAMP:20261031T190254
CREATED:20260504T192642Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260714T192227Z
UID:26284-1812672000-1812931199@vasynod.org
SUMMARY:2027 Virginia Synod Assembly
DESCRIPTION:The Virginia Synod will not hold a Synod Assembly in 2026. The primary gathering of the synod in 2026 will take place at Summer Power in the Spirit from July 16-18 on the campus of Roanoke College. \nThe next Virginia Synod Assembly will take place in 2027. The dates for the assembly will be June 11-13\, 2027.
URL:https://vasynod.org/event/2027-virginia-synod-assembly/
LOCATION:Roanoke College\, 221 College Lane\, Salem\, VA\, United States
CATEGORIES:Synod Assembly
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://vasynod.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Virginia-Lutherans-Plain-Logo-Instagram-Post-Size.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20270611
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20270614
DTSTAMP:20261031T190254
CREATED:20160314T145115Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261022T171952Z
UID:9490-1812672000-1812931199@vasynod.org
SUMMARY:Youth Assembly
DESCRIPTION:Youth Assembly 2027 is scheduled for the same time as the Synod Assembly\, as usual – June 11-13\, 2027 (Friday noon to Sunday noon) at Roanoke College.  This event is planned by our Synod’s Lutheran Youth Organization Board. 2025-2027 Lutheran Youth Organization (LYO) Board – Kat Kolodinsky\, Caroline Griffin\, Retta Short\, and Denman Blanchard.\n \nThe Purpose of the Youth Assembly is: \n\nto give glory to God\, celebrate the good news of the gospel\, and nurture faith in the synod’s young leaders.\nto conduct the business of the Synodical Lutheran Youth Organization\, including the election of the LYO Board.\nto hear and explore the story of the church’s work beyond the congregations of the youth delegates and equip them to share and interpret those stories in their home contexts.\nto give voice to and encourage leadership among youth in the church.\n\nParticipants consist of delegates sent from our congregations in 7th through 12th grade. Registration opportunities will begin in early 2027. \nIn years when our Synod Assembly does not meet\, the youth of the Virginia Synod are invited to an event called “Youth Ministry Summit” where we do some of the same things we would be doing at Youth Assembly\, but with less formal business. We’ll concentrate on hearing and exploring the story of the church’s work beyond the congregations of the youth participants and invite them to participate in conversation and leadership for the Synod’s Youth Ministry. \nFor additional information or questions\, contact Pastor Tina Toburen (office: 540-389-1000 / Pastor Tina Toburen).
URL:https://vasynod.org/event/youth-assembly/
CATEGORIES:Synod Assembly,Youth Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://vasynod.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Youth-Assembly-2027.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Tina Toburen":MAILTO:toburen@vasynod.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20270718
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20270724
DTSTAMP:20261031T190254
CREATED:20160218T205750Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261022T171434Z
UID:9062-1815868800-1816387199@vasynod.org
SUMMARY:Kairos
DESCRIPTION:Kairos is our annual week-long faith sharing event for youth who will be in 9th-12th grades in the fall!  \nThis event will take place July 18-23\, 2027 (Sunday evening  through Friday noon) at Roanoke College in Salem\, VA. Registration is not currently open. \nAbout Kairos:\nKairos is an event where youth and adults gather together for for lots of singing and skits and fun and friend-making and prayers\, then participants gather in small groups that meet throughout the week. There are so many beloved features of Kairos: event theme t-shirts\, Open Talent Mic Show\, faith testimonies\, comic relief\, reflection time\, prayer stations\, speed friending\, t-shirt fashion show\, and more!  \n\n(“Kairos” is the New Testament Greek word for “special time.” It is used whenever God’s people want to talk about a time of change\, of renewal\, of God’s special work in the believer and the community.) \nThis event is a chance for youth who are already committed to a life of faith to be part of a unique Christian community for an entire week\, to have a fresh experience of the grace and presence of God in that community\, and to develop habits for discipleship that can be taken home as they live out their baptismal call to be followers of Jesus. Unlike our weekend events (Lost & Found\, Winter Celebration)\, congregational adult advisors are not required to accompany youth to this event. The small group leader staff serves as adult leaders for the week.  \nDates:  July 18\, 2027 (Sunday evening) – July 23\, 2027 (Friday noon) \nLocation: Roanoke College\, Salem VA \n \n  \n  \n\n 
URL:https://vasynod.org/event/kairos/
LOCATION:Roanoke College\, 221 College Lane\, Salem\, VA\, United States
CATEGORIES:Youth Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://vasynod.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Kairos-2027.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Tina Toburen":MAILTO:toburen@vasynod.org
END:VEVENT
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