Virginia Synod - ELCA

Virginia Synod - ELCA We are the unified 145 churches of the Virginia Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) sharing Christ's love through word and deed.

Statements of Belief

Lutherans believe in the Triune God. God created and loves all creation - the earth and the seas and all the world's inhabitants. We believe that God's Son, Jesus Christ, transforms lives through his death on the cross and his new life, and we trust that God's Spirit is active in the world. We are part of God's unfolding plan. When we gather for worship, we connect with belie

vers everywhere. When we study the Bible or hear God's word in worship, we are drawn more deeply into God's own saving story. The convictions shared by Christians from many different traditions are expressed in statements of belief called creeds. These ecumenical creeds that Lutherans affirm and use in worship confess the faith of the church through the ages and around the world.

06/03/2026

Around the Virginia Synod: May 2026 💙💛💚❤️

Each month, our Office of the Bishop staff has the joy of connecting with congregations and ministry sites across the Virginia Synod, gathering for worship, conversation, and shared ministry.

Take a look at some of the moments from May and the communities we’ve been blessed to visit. ✨

06/02/2026

Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry has issued his first in a series of monthly messages that will continue through the end of this year under the title "All Together in One Place."

Each message will share a pastoral word, rooted in Scripture, that witnesses to God’s presence today, our rich theological tradition and the social teaching that connects us.

Read the full message through the link in the comments below.

✨ 40 Years of Power in the Spirit ✨This year at Power in the Spirit 2026, we’ll gather at Roanoke College, July 16–18, f...
06/02/2026

✨ 40 Years of Power in the Spirit ✨

This year at Power in the Spirit 2026, we’ll gather at Roanoke College, July 16–18, for worship, learning, community, and a special celebration of 40 years of ministry together! 🎉

Scroll through the photos to take a look back at moments from Power in the Spirit across the past four decades. 📸

This year, we’ll also honor the retirement of the Rev. Dr. Dave Delaney and recognize our new commissioned lay ministers as we celebrate all that God continues to do through this ministry.

🔗 Register and learn more: https://vasynod.org/power-in-the-spirit/

🌈 PRIDE Month 🌈June is PRIDE Month, a time to celebrate the beauty, gifts, leadership, and belovedness of our LGBTQIA+ s...
06/01/2026

🌈 PRIDE Month 🌈
June is PRIDE Month, a time to celebrate the beauty, gifts, leadership, and belovedness of our LGBTQIA+ siblings and communities.

Throughout this month, we’ll be sharing on our social media, resources and ways to celebrate and support LGBTQIA+ inclusion and affirmation across the Virginia Synod and beyond.

This week, we’re highlighting PRIDE gatherings and celebrations connected with Reconciling in Christ and inclusive congregations throughout the Virginia Synod.

Find the list here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HjwhyhRkP-WsYe0SJjHbkxBxFakY8v2nbS72A9ROLaQ/edit?usp=sharing. Please comment below to share an event your community is planning to be a part of!

Join us throughout June as we learn, celebrate, affirm, and grow together. 🌈

06/01/2026

Called to meeting God in messy moments. ❤️ 🎨 🖍️ 🕊️ 🌟

In 2026, the Virginia Synod is exploring all that is Spirit Given! In this short video, Natalie Rowland from Holy Communion, Portsmouth shares about her congregation's Messy Church ministry and how they are sharing faith in authentic and Christ-centered ways with families.

🌊 At the Water’s Edge Registration is Open!Youth who’ve completed 6th–8th grade are invited to the Junior High Servant E...
05/28/2026

🌊 At the Water’s Edge Registration is Open!

Youth who’ve completed 6th–8th grade are invited to the Junior High Servant Event in Virginia Beach for worship, service, fellowship, fun, and time at the ocean with youth from across the Virginia Synod. ☀️

We encourage youth to register through their congregation so groups can attend and grow in faith together!

💲 $125 per youth | Adult leaders attend FREE
📅 Group Registration Deadline: June 22
Learn more & register: https://vasynod.org/event/junior-high-servant-event/

📚This winter and spring the Lay Ministry Academy offered a variety of classes for the Part 1 and Part 2 students.📖 Pasto...
05/27/2026

📚This winter and spring the Lay Ministry Academy offered a variety of classes for the Part 1 and Part 2 students.

📖 Pastor Kelly Bayer Derrick taught courses on the Hebrew Bible and New Testament.
📚 Pastor James Henricks taught Whole & Healthy Leaders.
⛪ Pastor Mark Fitzsimmons taught Advanced Parish Leadership.

The LMA Teams give thanks for the teaching, learning, and mutual growth that happened through these courses.

We forward to commissioning new lay ministers at Power in the Spirit in July. More details to come!

🎶 Power in the Spirit 2026 Spotlight: Music Leader Michael Benshish 🎶We are thrilled to welcome back Michael Benshish as...
05/26/2026

🎶 Power in the Spirit 2026 Spotlight: Music Leader Michael Benshish 🎶

We are thrilled to welcome back Michael Benshish as the music leader for Power in the Spirit 2026 at Roanoke College, July 16–18.

Michael has been sharing his musical gifts on piano, organ, and synthesizer since 1988 across the U.S. and internationally. He currently serves as Director of Worship and Music at Lutheran Church of the Master in Carol Stream, IL, and also serves congregations in Southeast Virginia while performing and recording as a collaborative musician.

From Bach chorales to contemporary praise music and everything in between, Michael brings a rich diversity of musical expression that helps lead vibrant and Spirit-filled worship. 🎹✨

🔗 Register and learn more: https://vasynod.org/power-in-the-spirit/

The Virginia Synod Offices of the Bishop will be closed on Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day. Regular office...
05/25/2026

The Virginia Synod Offices of the Bishop will be closed on Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day. Regular office hours will resume on Tuesday, May 26.

As we pause to remember and give thanks for those who have died in service to our country, we invite you to join us in prayer:
“Mighty God, this Memorial Day, we remember all who have died in military service. Soothe loved ones who mourn, and strengthen support systems for veterans and their families. Bring peace among nations, that war and conflict around the world might cease. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.”
(Prayer adapted from Sundays & Seasons)

Today we join with our siblings in PNG for Prayer Partnership Sunday. The Virginia Synod is blessed to be in a companion...
05/24/2026

Today we join with our siblings in PNG for Prayer Partnership Sunday. The Virginia Synod is blessed to be in a companion synod relationship with the New Guinea Islands District of Papua New Guinea. We support one another in sharing the gospel, praying for God’s people, sharing the sacraments, and living as disciples.

On this Pentecost Sunday we encourage you to pray for the Holy Spirit to lead us and guide us in our ministries. From one side of the world to another, we will pray for each other!

Come Holy Spirit – as we journey this road together!

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Salem, VA
24153

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