Prayers for healing are requested for the Rev. Jay Bohn (retired).  Pastor Bohn is a patient at Hershey Medical Center where he will be undergoing extensive treatment.

Workshop CANCELLED!

Due to the sudden unavailability of the guest speaker, the Criminal Justice System Workshop that was scheduled for Saturday, October 6, at Trindle Spring Lutheran Church is CANCELLED.  The Criminal Justice Ministry Task Force hopes to reschedule a workshop for the spring.  We thank you for your continued support of the work of the Criminal Justice Ministry Task Force in our synod.

Do You Have News to Share?

The good news is that congregations love to share their news about exciting ministries! The bad news is that, due to space limitations, it is a challenge to include all of the  great information within the confines of this space.  So, check out the new Congregation Connections page! The page will be updated on a weekly basis, posted on the synod website, with reminders and a click-through link in this e-newsletter.  And, it is easy to download and print.

Click here and read all about it...

• Blessing of the Animals
• Worship Opportunities
• Music and Concert Notes
• Fair Trade Event
• Servant Ministries
• Food, Fun, and Fellowship 

From the "Living Lutheran" blog site

Around the Synod

Best Practices Event

Saturday, October 13

9:00 AM - Noon

Trinity Lutheran Church - Camp Hill

Have you ever wondered where church leaders come from? Or marveled at what a big difference an effective committee chair can make in the effectiveness of a church committee? This workshop will explore the challenges of recruiting and developing future church leaders and and of assuring that committees are led in ways that tap into their fullest potential.

Through presentation and group discussions, participants will identify opportunities for leaving a legacy of future leaders in their own congregations and assuring effective and efficient church committees. Our workshop facilitator, Nancy Dering Mock, is widely recognized for her work in leadership development and her understanding of the unique leadership challenges of churches.

Click here to register.  Registration deadline is Friday, October 5!

Children, Youth and Family

Faith Formation Conference

November 16-17, 2012

Zion Lutheran Church

York, PA

Is your congregation looking to strengthen faith formation with children and their families? This two-day conference, designed for staff and volunteers including Sunday school teaching teams, will feature practical and theologically strong tools for creating ministries that invite and equip families to be partners in the faith formative process with their own children. Plus, it's affordable! Two-days of continuing edutcation featuring the teaching team from Vibrant Faith Ministries, lunch both days, and a networking reception on Friday afernoon...all for $25/person!  Read more, download a brochure, and register online.

An Important Event for Church Leaders

Faithful Response to Burning Issues in the Church

An event to help the Church better prepare for, and respond to, the presence of sexual offenders in the congregation as well as address pornography use by clergy.

Monday, November 12

9:00 AM - 3:45 PM

Camp Hill United Methodist Church

417 S. 22nd Street

Camp Hill, PA

Read more and download a registration brochure. 

News from the Mission Investment Fund

Is your congregation thinking of a renovation project?  Is the heater or air conditioner on its last legs?  Is it time for a ramp, lift or elevator?  Is it year 25 for your 25-year roof?  Is the property next door still available and could it help with parking or program needs?  Most of these projects will need financing.  Consider a conversation with the ELCA Mission Investment Fund (MIF) as one step in the process toward the completion of that renovation.  Loans to qualified minsitry applicants are available for capital projects such as those listed above.  Refinancing a current loan is also possible. 

For information on loan rates, terms and for investments as well, contact MIF regional manger Pastor Mark Wimmer at 267.203.1137 or mark.wimmer@elca.org. 

Lutheran-Anglican-Roman Catholic Day of Dialogue

Consider Hosting a Fair Trade Fair

Continuing Education Opportunity

Carings and Sharings is the e-newsletter of the Lower Susquehanna Synod. Its purpose is the sharing of news and events which raise up the mission and ministry of the synod and ELCA in our congregations, our synod, and the broader church. It is not intended to be an endorsement of every activity. Comments about this newsletter may be sent to Pam Drenner, editor, pdrenner@lss-elca.org.