 |
|
Voices in a Flood
Rev. Ann Zimmerman, Trinity, Herkimer
|
| |
Volunteers removing wet kitchen floor
|
The voices of Trinity Lutheran Church members in Herkimer, New York are currently full of joy, telling God's story of faith, friendship, renewal and rebirth in a time of crisis. When the lower level of their church was destroyed by flood waters in June 2013, it was initially difficult to see joy in the situation. But from that unexpected natural disaster, friendships with other congregations emerged and generosity of time, talent and shared resources have overcome adversity. Saturday "work days" became times of physical labor and lunchtime fellowship. Fundraisers connected the church and the community in new ways. The story has had its dark moments and complicated plot twists, but in less than two years, a complete renovation of the flooded space has been completed. In May 2015, a rededication service was held in the renovated fellowship hall in conjunction with a dinner prepared in their brand new kitchen. Breaking bread with the volunteers who gave so generously during the recovery period was a satisfying conclusion of the recovery chapter of this story.
But God's new story for Trinity's mission has only just begun. Prince of Peace Lutheran Church's (Clifton Park) model of outreach and mission to help others is one that Trinity hopes to emulate. Using Zion Lutheran Church's (New Hartford) example of making financial grants in times of crisis, Trinity's Endowment Committee has established a "DO-IT Fund" (Disaster Outreach in Trinity) that will provide support for others as they received. A new ministry called "Feed My Sheep" has begun to provide meals prepared in the new kitchen to those who need short-term meal support.
Trinity Lutheran Church has a rich history of 125 years in the Mohawk Valley, and clearly its story has many chapters yet to be written. God's grace and love will continue to be the central theme, and it is exciting to consider what is yet to come.
|  |
|
|
 PRAYERS of HEALING
- for Rev. Roger Beiswenger
PRAYERS OF THANKSGIVING
- for those elected to represent the Upstate New York Synod at the 2016 Churchwide Assembly
WE HOLD IN PRAYER
- Retired pastors of the Upstate New York Synod
- Bishops and synods of Region 7 along with others in their region
- Christ the King Lutheran Church, Vestal as their pastor, Norma Malfatti, prepares to leave to begin a new ministry
- Pastor Judith Vanosdol as she awaits God's next call to ministry
|
 TheUpstate New York Synod, ELCA welcomes Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton for a time of mutual reflection on the life of the Church at this year's Synod Ministerium, September 21 - 23, 2015 at Notre Dame Retreat House in Canandaigua, NY. We will join in conversation with Bishop Easton around the theme: What does it mean for the ELCA to say: - We are church * We are Lutheran
- We are church together
- We are church for the sake of the world
|
|
DISASTERS NEAR AND FAR
by Marcia Brown
|
|
 Lutheran Disaster Response, a ministry of the ELCA, is all over the world these days, but that is nothing new. Tornadoes in the central US, earthquakes in Nepal, humanitarian crises in Gaza, war-torn areas in Ukraine. In fact, the Lutheran World Federation, of which the ELCA is a member, was chosen by the people of Nepal to organize all the various relief efforts coming in from around the world. The Lutherans have a reputation of not only helping, but staying till the work is done. ELCA funds, through LWF, support the establishment of shelters and camps and the distribution of clean water, food and sanitation supplies. Active in Nepal since 2009, Lutheran World Relief is distributing quilts, water filtration systems and other emergency relief supplies.
In the US where tornadoes have ripped through areas of Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas, Lutheran Disaster Response is at work, assessing the immediate and long-term needs of those affected. Through the extensive network of ELCA members, local congregations, synods and Lutheran Social Service affiliates in the affected areas - Lutheran Disaster Response will help wherever there is need.
100% of donated funds are used directly for disaster relief. Very few organizations can claim that. Your mission support funds LDR, and donations may also be made to a specific effort. See more at www.ELCA.org/en/Our-Work/Relief-and-Development/Lutheran-Disaster-Response. Thank you!
We are church together for the sake of the world. God's Work. Our Hands.
|
|
|
SA Assembly Aluminum Can Tab Collection Results
Gary Roller, Chair 2015 SAPT
|
 The Aluminum Can Tab collection project that was conducted for the 2015 Synod Assembly is considered to be a success. I need you to use your imagination and picture this: - A metal container that is 4 feet long, 2 feet wide and 3 feet high - This metal container weighs 280 pounds without anything inside of it - Our collection of can tabs filled this container to within 4 inches of the top resulting in 306 pounds of aluminum - Picture another plastic container that is similar to a home recycling "blue box" - The "blue box" ended up containing 25 pounds of "other" metal Now that you have these images in your mind, picture a check being written to the Upstate NY Synod for the amount of $154.81. The proceeds will be forwarded to the ELCA World Hunger's WALK FOR WATER campaign. There were some inquiries on the Synod Assembly evaluation forms as to whether or not there would be another collection event for the 2016 Assembly. At our Synod Assembly Planning Team meeting that we had last week, it appears that the answer to that question is "YES." So, if your congregation is interested in participating in this event, start collecting your can tabs now. As we have done in past years, a decision will be made by the Synod Assembly Planning Team as to what charity will be supported by the proceeds received. Many thanks to all of the congregations that supported this collection event. |
|
2016/17 (World Hunger funded) Domestic Hunger Grant application
|
|
The domestic hunger grant application will become available May 8th , and close on July 10, 2015. Applicants can access the application at www.elca.org/domestichungergrants May 8, 2015. Information regarding the application criteria and process can also be found at the above address.
Please feel free to share these important dates and the email address with synod staff, hunger leaders, DEM's and synod communicators so that they can share this information with congregations and social ministry organizations throughout the synod.
Please feel free to contact Joe Young, Program Director for Community Development at 800-638-3522 ext. 2683, or Ms. Johnnie Thompson, Sr. Administrative Assistant at 800-638-3522 ext. 2693 with any questions concerning the Domestic Hunger Grant process.
|
CONGREGATION-BASED CPE CLASS IN BINGHAMTON, NY
AUGUST TO DECEMBER 2015
Congregation-Based Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) teaches pastoral care, pastoral leadership, and systems theory for clergy, seminarians, and lay ministers in the church. It is designed for experienced pastors, lay workers, and seminarians new to pastoral work. Clergy and lay ministers strengthen pastoral and leadership skills, address tension and conflict in the church, and work on their own personal growth in ministry. The program focuses on in depth systemic change and leadership development that reduces pastoral and congregational anxiety and addresses long-term issues in the church.
CPE Class Location - Binghamton, NY - Broome County Council of Churches
Dates - August to December 2015 - Two days every other week.
The application form can be found on the CPE web site listed above.
Congregation-Based CPE includes three creative components:
- Focus on pastoral and leadership issues and use of self in ministry.
- Consultation on ministry and theological reflection using the case study CPE format.
- Application of Bowen Family Systems Theory to congregational life.
Participants use their current experience in the congregation and other settings as the "clinical material" for learning in the small group process of five to eight students under supervision. The program explores the dynamics of the congregation using the systems theory developed by Dr. Murray Bowen and applied to church leadership by Dr. Edwin Friedman. Participants explore how their position in their family of origin impacts their use of self in ministry, and they work to manage anxiety and maximize strengths.
The CPE program curriculum includes (1) case material from congregational
ministry, (20 family or origin work, (3) presentations and discussions on
systems theory, theology, and pastoral ministry, and (4) consultation with the
supervisor and group reflection time designed to strengthen ministry.
Contact Rev.Robert Spilman for further information. The Rev. Robert C. Spilman
363 Darwin Drive, Amherst, NY 14226, (Tel.) 716-479-7933 (cell); 716-743-9117 (Samaritan Center office) E-mail: rcspilman@roadrunner.com
|
|
Train the Trainer Event Postponed and Rescheduled
Due to limited registrations the Lutheran Disaster Response June 23, 2015 Train the Trainer event to be held at Trinity Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Rochester has been postponed and rescheduled for Saturday, October 24, 2015. We apologize for any inconvenience.
2016 Minimum Compensation Guidelines
The 2016 Minimum Compensation Guidelines for Clergy was approved by the Synod Council at their May 2015 meeting. It is now posted on the synod website under "documents". Please take time to review this document and use it as your guideline in calculating compensation for your pastor in the coming year. A guideline for Lay Rostered leaders including Associates in Ministry and Diaconal Ministry is also available.
Prepare for Severe Weather Threats
Summer brings an increased threat for severe weather. While it is true that you can't stop severe weather from coming, there is a lot you can do in preparation to help minimize damage and injury. Read more in this Church Mutual article.
Hartwick Seminary Summer Institute of Theology
This year celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Hartwick Institute of Lay Theology. Dr. Frank Senn, scholar and teacher, will be the 2015 Theologian in Residence. Pr. Grecious Moyo, ELCZ (Zimbabwe), will also be with us. Bishop John S. Macholz will speak at the Anniversary Banquet held on Wednesday evening, July 29 at 5:30 p.m. (Dinner cost will be $25 per person). If you are unable to attend the banquet, consider making a 25th anniversary gift in honor of the many deacons and students who have shared learning and fellowship in these 25 years.
The Institute is an inexpensive offering of learning opportunities offering high quality continuing education for clergy and lay folks. Choose a whole week of courses, or come for just a day and take two seminars (afternoon and evening). For information and a brochure contact Pr. Paul Messner at prpaul_theoinst@hotmail.com.
Earn More Wellness Dollars
Complete a 2015 GO! wellness activity. Portico's featured activity, Be Still, is a daily prayer and meditation guide that can be used alone or with a group. Learn more by visiting Portico Benefits
New Members of the ELCA Global Church Sponsorship team! Help people to stay informed, be inspired and get involved. 
Looking for a new home:
 Century-old Mason and Hamlin Reed Organ in Cheektowaga, New York, in the home of a retired organist and Lutheran pastor who had it for decades (originally in a church).
Beautiful oak wood throughout; two manuals; thirteen stops; has working foot pedals and original bench. Has been updated for electric blower.
Beautiful, ornate wood carving; appraisal puts wood value at perhaps $10,000 alone, as a work of art. Professional organist rates the organ in excellent working condition... Perfect for an organist to have at home, or for a small church.
Measurements: 56 inches high (including wheels), 36 inches deep (with foot-pedals removed), and 90 inches wide. Weight guessed at about 2,000 pounds (not including heavy foot-pedal unit and heavy bench). The foot-pedal unit is 47 inches wide by 28 inches deep. The bench is 42.25 inches long, 13.5 inches wide, and 27 inches high.
You take care of moving: house is being sold, so need to get rid of soon!
Total cost to new owner: moving costs, and the promise of a loving home, preferably directly or indirectly for Christian worship, in the spirit of Rev. Lowell Green, who owned it since the 1950s and played it nearly daily for most of that time.
|
|
|
|
|
