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The two vital reports below contain important data used in planning not only for congregational mission and ministry, but also for the collective mission of our synod and the whole church. Data compiled from these reports over a period of time reflects trends in the congregation, trends in society, and opportunities for ministry and spreading the good news of Jesus Christ. In addition, maintaining and filing accurate reports is a requirement of the synod and congregational constitutions as outlined below:
S14.05. Each ordained minister on the roster of this synod shall
submit a report of his or her ministry to the bishop of the synod by
March 1 each year.
- Congregational Constitutions:
C9.13. The pastor shall submit a report of his or her ministry to the Bishop of
the Synod at least 90 days prior to each regular meeting of the Synod
Assembly.
1) 2015 Rostered Leader Reports are now available and are due to the synod office. Access all report forms by going to Annual Rostered Leader Reports and clicking on "Synods" For assistance with the forms on the website, please contact by e-mail Kathy Neugent or by phone at 315.299.4955.
2) Congregational reports can be filed online. Please send a copy of your Annual Congregational Report (both the reports from your annual congregation meeting as well as Churchwide forms A and C) to Karen Brundige at the Synod office.
Reports are now due. Please make submitting these forms a priority.
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2016 Lutheran Summer Conference at Silver Bay
July 16-22, 2016
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We invite you to join three hundred others this summer at the annual Lutheran Summer Gathering on the YMCA's spectacular campus at Silver Bay on beautiful Lake George in the Adirondacks.
Included in your vacation package at Silver Bay, you will find kayaking, sailing, tennis, crafts, swimming, hiking and most every other land and water activity, all in a safe environment for children. The Lutheran Summer Gathering offers many opportunities for worship; family Eucharist, morning matins, and evening vespers by the lake. The Gathering also offers engaging weekday morning courses to inspire, renew and expand your mind, as do rocking chair chats on the Inn porch with family and friends, old and new. Be uplifted, find grounding, relax, have fun, engage the body, engage the mind, make new friends, play. It's your choice. An all-inclusive, Christian getaway with fun for every age. Visit Silver Bay Brochure for information on rates, registration, course descriptions and activities.
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The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (LTSP) and the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg (LTSG) today announced a dramatic increase in the amount of financial aid each school is giving students, including making full-tuition scholarships available to all new full-time, ELCA rostered leader candidates studying in residence. "In partnership with the ELCA, our supporting Synods, and many faithful congregations and individuals, we decided the time is right to make seminary education far more affordable for our students," declared Presidents Michael Cooper-White (LTSG) and David Lose (LTSP). In addition to this generous offer for new students, the schools also expect to increase scholarships for all current full-time enrollees.
Moreover, the two schools have also committed to supporting all other students from any denomination enrolled at least half time in a first theological degree program by matching dollar-for-dollar all support made to students from sponsoring congregations and church bodies up to the amount of full tuition. "Our goal," the presidents said, "is to make it possible for any student to receive a superior education tuition free." This significant increase in financial aid comes as the first major initiative of the new school of theology and leadership formation the two schools plan to start. "By making more robust financial aid a central commitment of the new school," the presidents continued, "we can build a new budget with that level of aid as the fixed commitment."
"What is the total cost of attendance for graduates from West Point or the Naval Academy?" the presidents asked, and then answered, "Nothing. Because the graduates of those schools will pay back their education through at least five years of service to their country. Our students," they continued, "will also repay the gift of their education through a lifetime of service to the church." The goal, the presidents explained, is to create a more cooperative approach to theological education. "Students don't simply pay for or earn their degrees," they said, "they receive them as a gift of the church they will be serving. And congregations don't merely sponsor 'their' student but are investing in the future leadership of the whole church."
While this decision stems from the creative work to fashion a new school, each seminary will begin awarding these full-tuition and other scholarships immediately to students entering in the fall of 2016 as well as increasing aid to those eligible who are already studying at the school. "We're not leaving anyone out," the presidents said.
The presidents stressed that current and on-going gifts from congregations and individuals, as well as the support of synods and the ELCA, make this dramatic increase in aid possible. "We cannot do this alone," they stated. "Our responsibility is to come up with an educational structure and budget that is efficient and responsible, and we are grateful for the support of so many faithful and generous people to make the dream of a fully-supported seminary education a reality."
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Retrouvaille
(rediscovery)
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The word Retrouvaille™ (pronounced re-tro-vi with a long i.) is a French word meaning rediscovery. The program offers tools needed to rediscover a loving marriage relationship. Thousands of couples headed for cold, unloving relationships or divorce have successfully overcome their marriage problems by attending the program.
The Retrouvaille Program consists of a weekend experience combined with a series of 6-12 post-weekend sessions over 3 months. It provides the tools to help put your marriage in order again. The main emphasis of the program is on communication in marriage between husband and wife. It will give you the opportunity to rediscover each other and examine your lives together in a new and positive way.
You Can Help Your Marriage - Do you feel alone? Are you frustrated or angry with each other? Do you argue or have you stopped talking to each other? Does talking only make it worse? Retrouvaille helps couples through difficult times in their marriages. So many couples struggle alone with their difficulties. Retrouvaille offers those in troubled and painful marriages the chance to rediscover a loving relationship in their marriage. You are NOT alone. This program has helped tens of thousands of couples experiencing difficulties in their marriage. For confidential information about or to register for the Spring program beginning with a weekend at Notre Dame Retreat House on March 18-20, 2016, please call 585-293-1552 or visit the web site at www.HelpOurMarriage.com
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IN OUR PRAYERS
Prayers of Healing
for Barry Murdock (husband of Rev. Ernie Varga)
for Sarah and Sawyer (daughter and grandson of Pr. Chuck and Mary Schwartz)
Prayers of Comfort
for Pr. Chuck and Mary Schwartz and Family at the death of Mary's mother, Bette
Prayers of Comfort, Healing and Thanksgiving
for Redeemer, Rochester as they recover from their fire. Thanks be to God that no one was hurt.
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Congregation Report Covers
Women of the ELCA celebrate Bold Women's Day, February 28. Learn more about this and other programs and resources of the Women of the ELCA at WELCA
Jumpstart! CNY/Upstate
Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the DoubleTree Hotel, East Syracuse from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Arrive at 8:30 a.m. to enjoy a continental breakfast and conversation. Cost is $25 per person including breakfast, lunch and all materials. The event will be presented by Julia M. Groom and Sally Dresser
O'Brien, the president and vice-president of the Episcopal Church Building Fund (ECBF).
Remember to send your annual report for the 2016 Pre-Assembly Book by e-mail to Caitlin Donovan or Kathy Neugent by March 10. They can also be mailed to 5811 Heritage Landing Drive, First Floor, E. Syracuse, NY 13057. We ask that you keep your report as concise, clear and brief (no more than one page 12 pt font) but as informative as possible.
ELCA to join International Women's Day celebration On Tuesday, March 8, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) will be joining with people around the world to celebrate International Women's Day. We celebrate this day knowing that the work toward gender equality still remains. Through ELCA Global Church Sponsorship's International Women Leaders initiative, we are boldly investing in the education and future of women. In addition to a $100,000 matching challenge on International Women's Day to support the International Women Leaders initiative, we have also created worship resources to use during services. Click here and find them under the "General" tab.
ANNOUNCING OUR NEWEST ADULT PROGRAM:
"Taste of Chautauqua"
June 26-30, 2016
LCLC's "Taste of Chautauqua" is an affordable way to experience what the renowned
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Chautauqua's Athenaeum Hotel
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Chautauqua Institution has to offer, in an abbreviated week. Participants will reside at the comfortable LCLC Retreat Center and spend their days learning and exploring at Chautauqua. Gate Passes will include access to such notable places as the Hall of Philosophy, the Amphitheater for lectures, public spaces of the Athenaeum Hotel, and the Victorian charm of the residential area.
This is a great way to learn what the Chautauqua Institution is all about while enjoying the beauty and peace of LCLC. Click here for a registration form or call 716-386-4125 for more information.
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