The Upstate Update for Wednesday, March 9, 2016

A VOICE ON TIMELY TOPICS
DID YOU KNOW that your church has an opinion on current issues like the presidential campaign and the water crisis in Flint, Michigan? Of course, the ELCA won't tell you who to vote for, or lay blame for the tainted water supply, but it continues to strive for public policies that embody the biblical values of peacemaking, hospitality to our neighbors, care for creation, and concern for our brothers and sisters facing poverty and struggling with hunger and disease, no matter what the issue, or where. Some examples:

 #ELCAvotes: We are called to conversation and prayer around our role as U.S. residents and as people of faith in ensuring our election systems promote dignity and respect for all. We are called to act by speaking out as advocates and engaging in local efforts to guarantee the right to vote to all citizens. ELCA Votes is an initiative created in collaboration with ELCA Racial Justice Ministry, ELCA Young Adult Ministry, Lutheran Advocacy offices, and synods throughout the country.

DHS RAIDS: As a church with faith partners that work directly with deported children and families in El Salvador and Honduras, we know that deportation does not deter children and families from leaving their communities. We join Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) in our concern for ensuring access to justice in the U.S. for Central American families that arrived in the U.S. after Jan. 1, 2014 who now face deportation and who must navigate a complex legal system, often without necessary support. LIRS

JUSTICE FOR FLINT, MI.: Many residents in Flint, Michigan are unable to access safe water to drink, do their laundry, wash their dishes, or bathe. Lutheran congregations, volunteers, and local leaders are now working in Flint to help provide clean water for those in need. As ELCA World Hunger prepares to fund relief efforts, federal funding is critical to replace Flint's toxic water pipes. 

THE HUMAN RIGHTS UP-FRONT INITATIVE: the initiative hopes to guarantee early and effective action on behalf of the U.N. system to prevent or respond to "large-scale violations of human rights or international humanitarian law."

A monthly Advocacy Update can be found on the ELCA website. It is refreshing to belong to a church that doesn't bury its head in the sand about important current events, but tries to find justice for all. Through your mission support, it can continue to do so. Thank you!

We are church together for the sake of the world. God's Work. Our Hands.
 
Did your pastor take the Mayo Clinic Health Assessment yet?  

Let's meet the goal for a 1% discount and be on the road to better health BEFORE the April 30 deadline.  Portico offers the 1% discount on health contributions to reward employers (that includes all congregations and synods) for encouraging their sponsored plan members and their spouses or eligible same gender partners with ELCA-Primary health benefits to take the Mayo Clinic health assessment.
 
What does it mean to you? If your congregation, synod, seminary, or churchwide ministry earns the health discount, you'll save 1% on your ELCA health contributions for the entire year.  To avoid higher contribution rates, this year's discount is lower than the 2% previously offered. Still, significant savings are on the table - $10,000 in the Upstate NY Synod. Collectively, the ELCA can save more than $1 million if all eligible employers participate. 
 
Additionally, there are many ways that can start you down the path of a healthier you and resources are available through Portico's GO! Challenge to help support your efforts.  Don't delay - take your health assessment TODAY!
 
TIE DYE and PEACE SYMBOLS are back!

Your Upstate NY Synod World Hunger Team invites you to participate in the 17th annual appeal June 5-7, 2016, at the Synod Assembly in Rochester.  The theme of this year's campaign is GOD'S PEACE, YOUR PIECE.
 
We long for world peace, yet we are bombarded daily with news of escalating conflict and violence. What can we do? Some say a world without hunger would be a world at peace. True or not, a world without hunger is a goal worth pursuing. ELCA World Hunger provides help and hope for millions of people in the U.S. and worldwide. You are a vital part of that effort.
 
Still, many of our neighbors around the world and in our local communities lack the basic necessities of life: nutritious food, clean water, adequate shelter, access to health care, and opportunities for quality education and employment.
 
We hope you will participate in this special synod-wide appeal to raise $45,000 to address these needs.  In order to accomplish the goal, each congregation is challenged to bring at least $450. The instructions are simple: collect donations from members of your congregation and bring one check along with the attached tally sheet to the hunger table at the Synod Assembly. (Make checks payable to Upstate NY Synod.)
 
Materials to support your fundraising efforts are available:
 
 
 

By: Sarah Goodrich, Executive Director for SALT

Communication is a word that is used frequently.  Relationships of all kinds depend upon effective communication. In fact, the topic has been discussed in past issues of Snippets. However, several times in the past week I was reminded again of the importance of communication.

"The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place." (George Bernard Shaw) Unless the words used are heard and understood with the same intent with which they were spoken, communication hasn't happened. Take the simple phrase "pick-up". Over the weekend these two simple words caused quite a bit of distress. The phrase was used by Grandpa asking our 10 year old granddaughter to pick-up her craft area. At the time she was mid-way through a project and objected to putting it all away. However, that wasn't the request made. Grandpa wanted the floor cleared of numerous scraps of paper, foam, and cardboard so others could walk in the family room where the project was taking place. Since there is a crafting desk located in the room, it seemed like a reasonable request.  After a minor uproar, the situation was saved by sharing the intended meaning with different words. New words changed the exchange into effective communication.

Recently a long-time volunteer and SALT supporter shared that she is having trouble with SALT's new mission and would like to discuss it. If we have tried many ways to communicate the next phase of recovery and our transition into this work but she is still confused, then effective communication has not occurred. Our message has been lost in the in-between.

Also last week, a guest workshop leader emphasized the importance of focused messaging when writing and talking about SALT's vision for the organization and the work to achieve that vision. It is the goal of staff to focus on our communications and become more proficient at our word choices to ensure that the correct messages are being shared.  Sydney J. Harris said: "The two words 'information' and 'communication' are often used interchangeably, but they signify quite different things. Information is giving out; communication is getting through."

SALT's communication goal is to "get through" effectively.
 
2016 National Gathering
5th National Gathering of Cherish All Children!

"You and your children can live..."2 Kings 4:7b

You will have an amazing time of learning, spending time with other leaders, prayer - all for the purpose of equipping you and your congregation to prevent child sexual exploitation.
Date:     October 20-23, 2016
             We start at 7:00 pm on Thursday, October 20.
             We end after lunch on Sunday, October 23.
Place:    Christ the King Seminary in East Aurora, NY, just outside of Buffalo.
 
We will have a very full schedule, including:
  • Morning and evening prayer, led by Pastor Joanne Stewart;
  • Sharing of ministry best practices;
  • Community organizing training, specifically designed for Cherish All Children, led by Pastor Susan Engh; and
  • Sunday worship at Buffalo area ELCA churches.
Cost:   $250.00/person (includes lodging, food, and learning sessions)
                       After August 1, the price increases to $300.00/person
              $115/person (learning sessions and food only)
                       After August 1, the price increases to $165/person
              $11.95/person (Thursday dinner at 5:45 pm, by reservation)

Lodging at the Seminary will be in a dormitory, with single rooms and a shared bathroom on each floor. Linens and towels are provided. There is limited availability of dorm rooms, so make your reservation early to obtain this inexpensive lodging option.
For more information or to register, call 612.280.1259 or go to www.cherishallchildren.org/2016-national-gathering.
 
March for $15 for all New Yorkers
March 15th - 12 Noon, New York State Capitol Building

As the budget negotiations approach conclusion, workers and people of faith from across the state will be coming to Albany for a final push to raise the minimum wage.  
We invite you to join us in our ongoing work to secure a living wage for all New Yorkers.    

"Speak up for the voiceless, for the rights of all who are left desolate.  Open your mouth, judge righteously, maintain the rights of the poor and needy."  Proverbs 31:8-9

For more information, and to RSVP, contact Rev. Brooke Newell, Director of Social Witness at brooke@cjgreen.net or 315-274-0224.
IN OUR PRAYERS
  • Genesee Finger Lakes Conference Congregations and Leaders
  • ELCA Region 6 Synods and Bishops
Prayers of Healing:
  • for Redeemer, Rochester as they continue their recovery work following their February building fire 
 
TIDBITS
2016 Bishop's Convocation
March 12, 2016 
Rev. Kevin Strickland
We will gather at St. Michael's in Camillus on Saturday, March 12.  On-line registration is closed.  On-site registration will begin at 9:30 with the morning session starting at 10:00 am. Cost is $10, lunch is included.  All are invited to attend. This is for lay leaders as well as rostered leaders so that together we may learn and grow and strengthen the witness of the church in this place.

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). 
Register at Jumpstart! Questions may be directed to Kathy Neugent

Vital Reports are now past due:
Please make submitting these forms a priority.
  • 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. 
  • 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.  
2016 Lutheran Summer Conference at Silver Bay
July 16-22, 2016
Visit Silver Bay Brochure and Registration for information on rates, registration, course descriptions and activities.

Pre-Assembly Book Reports Due by Tomorrow
Remember to send your annual report for the 2016 Pre-Assembly Book by e-mail to Caitlin Donovan or Kathy Neugent by MARCH 10. 

Hold the dates!
+A Continuing Education retreat for any and all Commissioned Deacons of the UNYS at St Margaret's Retreat Center, New Hartford, NY Friday (5pm)- Saturday (3pm) April 15-16.  Cost $100 (includes classes, 3 meals and overnight accommodations).

+The 26th annual Hartwick Seminary Summer Institute of Theology at Hartwick College, Oneonta NY July 24-29. Continuing education for deacons and clergy, personal enrichment for anyone, and the required courses for Deacon Candidates.  Theologian in Residence will be the Rev. Mark Bartusch, Professor of Biblical Studies, Valparaiso University, Valparaiso IN.
Details to follow.
Contact: Paul Messner (607-287-4534) or write to Hartwick Seminary Institute of Theology, Hartwick College, Oneonta NY 13820

Please visit our website upstatenysynod.org
 
Thank you for spending some time reading this edition of the Upstate Update. We hope, and pray, that you found it useful. If you know someone who could benefit from the Upstate Update, please forward it to them and ask them to sign up directly.
 
Kathy Neugent
Executive Assistant to the Bishop
Upstate New York Synod of the 
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America 
kneugent@upstatenysynod.org
Phone: 315-299-4955 Fax: 315-299-4981 
 
 Resurrection people who pray first, walk together and change lives.   
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