Discover Virginia Synod Ministry Partners
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” (1 Cor 12:4-7)
Lutheran and Ecumenical Agencies and Organizations serve on behalf of Lutherans in areas like camp ministry, higher education, prison ministry, senior adult ministry, and social services. Local Mission Partners often find opportunities for service projects in partnership with Lutheran and Ecumenical Agencies and Organizations and can learn from their partner’s area of expertise.
Use the information below to find a Lutheran or Ecumenical Agency or Organization whose mission connects to your own.
The people of enCircle (formerly Lutheran Family Services of Virginia) work with vulnerable citizens in our communities to restore the promise that life offers. We offer children the comfort, love, and safety of foster or adoptive families; we walk alongside individuals with disabilities in their journey to a full and complete life; and our Minnick Schools help children thrive in school, family and life. Our services are born of faith and open to all. Learn more about our mission, our services and our unwavering commitment to an abundant life for all of God’s children at encircleall.org.
Founded in 1939, Global Refugee, formerly Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, is one of the largest refugee resettlement agencies in the United States. It is nationally recognized for its leadership advocating with refugees, asylum seekers, unaccompanied children, immigrants in detention, families fractured by migration and other vulnerable populations. Through nearly 80 years of service and advocacy, Global Refugee has helped over 500,000 migrants and refugees rebuild their lives in America.
GraceInside’s chaplains are like lighthouses beckoning toward a new port for the 30,000 currently incarcerated in Virginia’s state prison system. Prisons can be treacherous seas, but they can also be transformative ones. Virginia is unique in that our chaplains are not state employees. Our chaplains are privately funded by caring individuals, churches, denominations, foundations and businesses. Our Mission: To provide full-time chaplains in all of Virginia’s state adult and juvenile prison facilities.
In 1956, The Virginia Synod embarked on an outdoor ministry program and purchased the initial 23 acres and log cabin that became the Hungry Mother Lutheran Retreat Center. Since that time, we have grown to 60 acres and offer our guests two cabins, a bunkhouse, dining hall, and picnic shelter. For over two generations, folks have been returning to enjoy our facility and it’s peaceful surroundings. Our vision going forward is to continue to welcome all who wish to visit us and strive to offer programming that emboldens the Spirit, through an outdoor experience. We are passionate about serving the greater community of Appalachia through Christian youth camp, servant camp, and youth camps for the diseased, disabled, or at risk. We also help supply the local food banks with farm fresh organic vegetables through our partnership with Sprouting Hope Garden which operates on our site.
God calls people of faith every day to step up to the challenge, expand horizons, and bring change to the world through the power of the Gospel. Since 1830, LTSS has been charged with serving Region 9 of the ELCA in the mission to teach, form, and nurture men and women for public ministry in Christ’s Church. On the beautiful campus in Columbia, South Carolina, seminarians bring unique perspectives to the table for faithful dialogue and study led by engaged and dynamic professors committed to preparing each student for meaningful ministry and leadership. LTSS offers four degrees of study: Master of Divinity, (MDiv), Master of Arts Christian Ministry, (MACM), Master of Sacred Theology (STM), and Master of Arts Religion, (MAR). If you have questions about supporting LTSS, please contact us by mail at 4201 North Main Street, Columbia, SC, 29203, on the web at lr.ed/ltss, or by phone at (803) 461-3219.
Since 1890, National Lutheran Communities & Services (NLCS) has served seniors of all beliefs in the area covered by the Virginia, Delaware-Maryland and Metro D.C. Synods. In the Shenandoah Valley, NLCS offers seniors vibrant retirement living options at The Village at Orchard Ridge—A National Lutheran Community (Winchester) and The Legacy at North Augusta—A National Lutheran Community (Staunton). myPotential at Home—A National Lutheran Service (Winchester) offers home care and wellness services to seniors who desire to remain in their own home. Additionally, NLCS partners with other non-profit organizations to provide assistance to seniors throughout the broader community.
Roanoke College is an independent, co-educational, 4-year liberal arts college. Founded in 1842, we are the second-oldest Lutheran-related college in America. We seek and welcome students of all races, creeds, nationalities and ethnic origins. Roanoke College is the second oldest Lutheran related college in America and Virginia’s only Lutheran college. The offices of the Virginia Synod of the ELCA are located on the Roanoke College campus and the two institutions work in close partnership. Roanoke’s outstanding religion faculty have a variety of scholarly and teaching experience and decades of experience working with the religious lives of young people.
Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy (VICPP) is a non-partisan coalition of 23,000 members including 700 faith communities and 1,000 clergy of all faiths and people of goodwill, all working for a more just society.
Founded in 1982, VICPP is the largest statewide advocacy voice for the faith community in Virginia. The organization focuses primarily on issues of economic, racial, social and environmental justice. With more than 23,000 activists connected with the organization, VICPP’s grassroots work is organized through local chapters and affiliates, partner congregations and individuals across the Commonwealth.
Established in 1966, Virginia Lutheran Homes serves the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of more than 550 residents. Although a social ministry agency of the Lutheran Church, we welcome people of all faiths and many of our residents are from other denominations. What binds us together and inspires everything we do are our guiding principles and values.