Virginia Synod - ELCA

10/21/2026

All are welcome to celebrate the ordination of Elizabeth Burnside into the Ministry of Word and Sacrament! Elizabeth has been called to serve as pastor at Morning Star Lutheran Church in Luray, VA. ❤️💛💚💙

Service of Ordination:
📅 Sunday, November 1, 2026
🕒 Worship begins at 3 pm
📍 Bethel Evangelical Lutheran Church
❤️ Rostered ministers are invited to vest and process. The color of the day is red.

Join us in celebrating Elizabeth and supporting her and the people of Morning Star, Luray as she begins this new chapter of ministry!

10/21/2026

Lieutenant Commander William Bevins, a Navy chaplain ⚓ is featured in the Living Lutheran, and is also serving as pulpit supply in several Virginia Synod congregations.

We’re grateful for the gifts he shares with congregations and excited to see his story featured. 📖 Read the story below!

Lieutenant Commander William Bevins, Bevins, an ELCA Navy chaplain, was recently honored with two prestigious chaplaincy awards.

10/20/2026

❤️💛💚💙 October is Clergy Appreciation Month, and the Office of the Bishop gives thanks for the Virginia Synod clergy, pastors and deacons, who walk alongside God’s people in faith, offer comfort in times of grief, celebrate in times of joy, and bear witness to God’s presence in daily life. We celebrate you and give thanks for your ministry throughout October and every day!

Let us pray: 🕊️
Gracious God, thank you for the clergy who serve your people with love, compassion, and faithfulness. Strengthen them when the work is difficult, bring them rest when they are weary, and remind them that they are deeply loved and supported. Bless their ministries, their families, and the communities they serve. May they continue to experience your Spirit at work in their calling and find joy in sharing your love with the world. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

💬 Who are you thankful for? Tag a clergy person who has made a difference in your life, and share a word of gratitude for their ministry!

10/19/2026

On October 14, the Virginia Synod Hunger Team gathered on Zoom to celebrate the impact of 🍝 Pasta with a Purpose. Over the summer, 23 Virginia Synod congregations donated 16,169.45 pounds of food—the equivalent of approximately 13,475 meals!

Congratulations to the three top-donating congregations, each receiving a $250 grant for their local food pantry!
🥇1st Place: Grace and Glory, Palmyra- 60.3 pounds per average attender
🥈2nd Place: St. Paul’s, Hampton - 46.9 pounds per average attender
🥉3rd Place: St. John, Norfolk - 46.33 pounds per average attender

Join the conversation on Rallyhood to share ideas and resources about hunger, food insecurity, and justice across the synod. The World Hunger Team also encourages every Virginia Synod congregation to designate a hunger liaison to receive and share ideas and resources. Liaisons are welcome to join monthly Zoom calls on the second Thursday of each month, from 9-10 am. To learn more, visit https://vasynod.org/resources/world-hunger/.

10/18/2026

10/16/2026

On this World Food Day, you’re invited to join ELCA World Hunger in taking action for a just world where all are fed!

Learn more about World Food Day in this reflection from Living Lutheran

A community garden at St. Stephen's Lutheran church in Chicago's Chatham neighborhood nourishes its neighbors, body and spirit.

10/16/2026

Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry has issued a statement on the recent proposal to livestream an ex*****on in the United States.

"As a church, we are not strangers to the mournful effects of violent crime. Our congregations minister to victims, to offenders and to communities that experience the ripple effects of its trauma. We recognize the need to protect people from violence, to call perpetrators to repentance, and to seek restoration for victims. United in our resistance to hate and in our joy over the good news of God’s grace, we minister to an often-vengeful society with words and actions of hope, justice and healing."

Read the full statement: elca.org/news/bishop-curry-issues-statement-on-the-death-penalty

10/15/2026

We’re wrapping up our “God’s work. Our hands.” series with one more look at the incredible ways congregations across the Virginia Synod served their neighbors during September’s “God’s work. Our hands.” days of service! Thank you for sharing your photos and stories with us and helping us celebrate the people, projects, and ministries that make God’s love visible in our communities.

Because sometimes, sharing God’s love looks like hands-on projects that support children, care for creation, and build hope for the future.

🎒 Hebron, Madison gathered after worship to pack school backpacks filled with essential supplies for local children in need.

🌿 Holy Trinity, Wytheville has been weeding and spreading mulch at the Minnick Center since 2018. Their ongoing commitment brings together volunteers young and old!

🐾 Zion, Floyd partnered with the Floyd County Humane Society. Volunteers repaired the dogs' play area, organized supplies, and sorted and tagged dog harnesses, collars, and leashes.

🏡 Christ, Roanoke offered several ways to serve through RAM Care Packs for unhoused neighbors, playground mulching, and “plawking”—walking through the neighborhood while picking up litter. The congregation also dedicated a new Blessing Box to provide free nonperishable food, snacks, and essentials to neighbors.

🏠 Christ, Fredericksburg celebrated God's Work. Our Hands. with a blessing of a model house for Micah's Jeremiah Community.

🤝 The Village at Orchard Ridge in Wi******er collected school supplies for Bright Futures, which provides supplies year-round to students in Frederick County and Wi******er City. The community also partners with First United Methodist Church in Wi******er, supporting its building campaign and hosting the congregation's weekly worship in its chapel.

Thank you to everyone who gave their time, shared their gifts, and worked alongside their neighbors!

10/14/2026

We continue celebrating the many ways congregations and ministry partners across the Virginia Synod put their faith into action during “God’s work. Our hands.” days of service this past September!

Through photos and stories you shared with us, we’re highlighting the people, projects, and ministries that show God’s love in our communities. Because sometimes, sharing God's love looks like our hands creatively making connections and encouragement.

🧵 Christ the King, Richmond blessed handmade quilts before sending them through Lutheran World Relief.

🎨 Holy Communion, Portsmouth explored faith through Messy Church, creating community art, reflecting on spiritual gifts, making cards and Blessings Bags, and tying a fleece blanket. The gathering ended with a hand blessing and a shared meal.

💌 St. Timothy, Norfolk wrote personal scripture greetings for homebound members and friends. The congregation also packed school supplies for children served by its food pantry and restocked pantry shelves.

🍞 Reformation, New Market welcomed the fall program year with Sunday School participants learning about and baking the communion bread used in worship that morning.

🌞 Peace, Charlottesville volunteers improved the grounds at Camp Holiday Trails, which serves children with medical needs. Others wrote birthday postcards for children who have attended the camp.

Thank you to all who stitched quilts, made blankets, wrote messages, and made community art!

10/13/2026

We’re celebrating the many ways congregations and ministry partners across the Virginia Synod put their faith into action during “God’s work. Our hands.” days of service that occurred back in September!

Through photos and stories you shared with us, we’re highlighting the people, projects, and ministries that show God’s love in our communities. Because sometimes, sharing God's love looks like our hands offering comfort, dignity, and support.

🧼 Epiphany, Richmond assembled 750 personal hygiene kits for Lutheran World Relief in celebration of its 75th anniversary.

🪥 Good Shepherd, Galax gathered towels, toothbrushes, combs, and soap to assemble Personal Care Kits for Lutheran World Relief, sharing care with neighbors near and far.

💛 Grace, Wi******er prepared Cold & Flu Care Kits for residents of Wi******er House, a subsidized senior apartment community. The bags included soup, tissues, personal care items, tea, and a prayer square.

🧤 Luther Memorial and The Well Campus Ministry, Blacksburg prepared Winter Welcome bags for clients of the To Our House winter shelter program. Sewn by members of the Blacksburg Quilt Club, the bags included warm clothing, hand warmers, hygiene supplies, and more.

🎒 Grace, Chesapeake packed 40 Blessings Bags with water, snacks, hygiene products, socks, and information about local assistance.

Thank you to everyone who gathered supplies and packed these thoughtful gifts!