What is your congregation planning for the second annual "God's work. Our hands. Sunday" day of service on Sept. 7? Let us know what is going to be happening in your neighborhood as our church moves out into the community in service. Send information about your plans to Bob Fisher by email or call 267.323.3743.

Because many people experiencing food insecurity have a difficult time accessing healthy foods, such as fresh produce, a group of gardeners at Lutheran Church of the Resurrection in Yardley are tending a "Resurrection Garden." Produce from this garden supplement the congregation's donations of tuna, pasta, peanut butter and other staples. So far, the garden has yielded 17 lbs of fresh strawberries for a Lower Bucks food pantry. To learn more about this effort, contact LCR at 215.493.2018 or office@lcr-yardley.org.

What is your congregation doing to help fight hunger in your community? Share your story by sending information and photos to Bob Fisher by email.

Dr. Phillip Cary, author of "Good News for Anxious Christians," will lead the annual diakonia™ retreat on Saturday, July 12 at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Devon. The theme is "How the Gospel Forms Us," a day of learning, worship and fellowship. Cary is professor of philosophy and Christian studies at Eastern University. The retreat runs from 9 am to 3 pm at St. Luke's, 203 N. Valley Forge Rd., Devon, PA 19333. Cost of $25 per person includes materials, refreshments and lunch; financial aid is available. Bring your Bible! This event is open to all, not just diakonia students and graduates. 

Download a registration from at http://ministrylink.org/?p=2700 or contact John Thebus for information at jthebus227@msn.com. 

Consider Lutheran Marriage Encounter This Fall

ATTENTION MARRIED COUPLES:  Fall is the perfect time to fall in love with your spouse all over again!  That is what couples overwhelmingly report is the result of attending a Lutheran Marriage Encounter Weekend, whether you have been married a year or 50 years!  Weekends run from Friday at 8 pm to Sunday around 4 pm, and you can reserve your spot by paying a $45 per couple registration fee.  Toward the end of the weekend, you will then be given an opportunity to make a confidential contribution of whatever amount you wish toward continuation of the program.  Two nights lodging, 5 meals for each of you, and all supplies are included.  Sign up now to get the 2014 Fall Weekend of your choice:   

• September 12-14 at Spruce Lake Retreat Center, Canadensis, PA
• September 26-28 at the Olmsted Retreat Center in Ludlow, PA

To sign up for a Weekend, simply go to the website: http://godlovesmarriage.org/, fill out the form, and pay the registration fee with a credit card, or select the option to mail a check.  For questions, or if you would like a brochure with registration form mailed to you, contact PA Directors of Lutheran Marriage Encounter, Fred & Julie Schamber, at: fjschamber@comcast.net  or 724-325-3166.

Dig In To Service Learning With This Guide

Looking for a leader's guide for your next service trip? "Digging In: A Leader's Guide to Service Learning" is designed to help you plan your next service opportunity. It's organized into four steps (Preparation, Action, Reflection and Celebration) and will walk you through how to make the most out of your service opportunity. In addition to the leader's guide, placemat resources have been developed that act as a worksheet and summarize the work of ELCA World Hunger. Download a PDF or order printed copies.

GrantsPlus Funds Health and Human Care Programs

Have an idea for a new health and human care program in your congregation? Wheat Ridge Ministries' GrantsPlus program supportsnew and innovative programs led by congregations and Lutheran-affiliated non-profits. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000 over two to three years. Initial proposals for the next round are due July 15. Learn more at http://www.wheatridge.org/grantsplus/

ELCA advocates for unaccompanied children entering the United States

As a church that pursues justice, peace and human dignity for all people, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is committed to helping the thousands of unaccompanied children coming to the United States to escape violence and difficult situations in their home countries. To address this crisis, ELCA members are working through Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service to help find foster care for these children.   Read more at http://www.elca.org/News-and-Events/7677

ELCA, Episcopal leaders support proposed rule on carbon emissions

In support of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's proposed rule on carbon emissions, the presiding bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and The Episcopal Church said in a June 5 joint statement that the rule is a "critical step toward safeguarding the lives and livelihood of future generations." Read more at http://www.elca.org/News-and-Events/7676

Download the toolkit and start planning today!