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Bishop's Convocation 2016
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| | Rev. Kevin Strickland |
Approximately ninety people attended the second annual Bishop's Convocation. The focus of the convocation was the Use of the Means of Grace, setting a base line for our approach to Worship and Word and Sacraments.
Pastor Kevin Strickland, Assistant to the Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and Executive for Worship for the ELCA, led the group through a visual presentation, conversation, small group discussion and hymn singing to ground those present in a deeper understanding of what it is we do as the church when we gather for worship.
A word of great thanks to all of the people at St. Michael's and Pastor Janet Fechner for hosting us and for providing us with a lunch enjoyed by all on such a beautiful spring day.
Plans are already under way for the 2017 Bishop's Convocation which will occur at approximately the same time on the calendar. Watch the Upstate Update for further details.
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The Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Redeemer
Rochester, NY
About the fire that happened on February 18, 2016
by: Mr. Gary Roller
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On Thursday morning, February 18, 2016, at approximately 11:00 am, our church
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Mr. Gary Roller
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building suffered the effects of a fire. The fire began in the church nursery, and flames were contained to that room. However, smoke, heat and water damage can be found in all the areas of the facility. Our sanctuary suffered minimal damage. Our education wing has extensive smoke, soot, water and structural damage.
Clean up operations have begun by a professional cleaning company who have experience in dealing with these kinds of disasters. It is anticipated that the clean-up will take about 30 days.
In order to properly clean the facility, all the damaged items have been moved to our fellowship hall. It will be inventoried and a decision will be made whether to have the item cleaned and restored or disposed of.
As stated earlier, there was minimal damage to our sanctuary and in order to have it cleaned, all of the church pews, the altar area, carpeting, and sub-flooring needed to be taken out. Again, a professional company is doing this task. Once the cleaning is completed, painting contractors will put a sealant on all of the walls and then two coats of paint will be placed on all of the sanctuary walls. It is hoped that we will be able to be back using our sanctuary within a few months.
While all of this work goes on, our congregation continues to meet weekly for worship and Christian education. We are thankful to our Parish partner, St. John's Lutheran Church on East Ridge Road for their open arms in assisting us during our recovery period. We gather as a Parish on Sunday mornings at 9:30am for Sunday School and at 10:00am for worship.
We have been asked many times what people can do to assist us. First, you can PRAY for our congregation. Pray for the cleaning crews assisting us. Pray for those whose responsibility it will be to get us back to "pre-fire" status. In the future, not sure when, but we very well may need some assistance with painting the many walls of our education building. Consider helping us when the plea goes out.
We may not be operating out of 1549 Dewey Avenue right now, but we are operating and proclaiming God's good news to our community. Your continued overall support is appreciated.
A fire is never a thing one anticipates going through. Its effects are HUGE! But, God is bigger. We will rise from the ashes with God's help. Many of our prayers have already been answered. Others may take a little longer, but we know that God will lead us each step of the way.
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StewardCast 2016
by: Denise Ballou
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Denise Ballou
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The first ELCA StewardCast, a webcast focusing on stewardship, took place on Saturday, February 27. A series of speakers covered topics ranging from stewardship across generations to online giving to the spirituality of money. The day began with Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton passionately talking about why she gives of her time and money to God's work through the church. In a nutshell, she gives because it sets her free; when we give all God has entrusted to us, we are set free to see a God of abundance.
Pr. Bob Davis gave an update on the Macedonia Project that 60 of 65 synods, including Upstate NY Synod, across our ELCA participated in. One of the most significant findings was the power of storytelling; taking time to tell the many stories of what God is doing through us and with us in our lives, congregations, synod and the church at large encourages people in their discipleship and stewardship.
In 2014 a grant allowed 130 congregations to experiment using some form of electronic giving for the first time. Steven Oelschlager message was simple, "If you don't have an electronic option for giving financially, do it ASAP."
Rev. Charles "Chick" Lane and Grace Duddy Pomroy spent a few minutes talking about their new book "Embracing Stewardship." Grace talked about congregations taking the time to be in conversation around stewardship; to ask questions and to listen, really listen. Grace believes that a stewardship committee is called to accompany the congregation and walk alongside disciples in talking about financial giving. Chick's approach to embracing financial stewardship is to focus on discipleship and mission, not paying the bills and meeting the budget. People are not generally motivated to give financially in order to pay the bills but they are motivated when they believe in the mission and ministries of the congregation and trust that they are being done faithfully in Jesus' name.
The morning ended with Rev. Dr. Stephen Bouman, Executive Director of the CSM unit of our ELCA reminding those gathered that our faith and finances collide regularly in daily life. God spoke of abundance and generosity using the words, "let there be". In your congregation do you talk of survival or of abundance? God draws us into the community of the cross so "we are in this together."
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Get Moving for LCLC! is a fundraising event that encourages people of all ages to get physically active while at the same time supporting the ministry at LCLC. If you're unable to make it to LCLC the weekend of June 4th, be a "Remote Participant" by doing your activity in your home town on a date that's best for you.
Get Moving for LCLC! is a "multi-thon" fundraiser which includes the following activities:
*Bike Ride Around the Lake (full or half loops)
*Swim Across the Lake (from the Chautauqua Institution)
*Walk-a-thon (on the LCLC trails and roads)
*Run-a-thon (on the LCLC trails or local public roads)
Participants are asked to solicit donations for all the biking, swimming, walking and or running they do for LCLC. Our goal this year is to raise $10,000.
WHEN: Saturday, June 4 from 8:00-1:00 for the fundraising event. Or join us for the Retreat Weekend.*
*Optional Retreat Weekend from Friday night through Sunday morning. Lodging will be available in our Cabins, Redeemer Lodge, and the Retreat Center depending on your comfort needs. This retreat will include such family friendly camp activities as worships, campfires, Gaga Ball, 9-Square, fishing, plus delicious meals served in St. John's Hall.
Thanks to the kind support of the St. John's Home Board, all meals will be free of charge.
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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.
- Church History: the first 5 centuries - Pr. William Hodgetts, Trinity Lutheran Church, Amsterdam
- The Art of Preaching - Pr. John Medwid
Classes will be Friday evening and Saturday morning and early afternoon. They count as continuing education required of all UNYS recognized deacons. Cost: $100. (includes overnight, 3 meals and both classes). Make Checks payable to: Hartwick Seminary Institute of Theology. Payment may be brought to the retreat. Bring Bibles and personal items (linens provided). Register now with Pr Paul Messner (607-287-4534) or write to Hartwick Seminary Institute of Theology, 1 Hartwick Dr., Oneonta NY 13820.
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
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 IN OUR PRAYERS
- all of the innocent victims killed and injured in the terrorist attack in Brussels on March 22nd
Prayers of Healing:
- for Redeemer, Rochester as they continue their recovery work following their February building fire
- Paula Terrell, Synod Administrator, Synod of the Northeast
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 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).
World Water Day
Water changes everything!
During Holy Week, we give thanks to God for one of the most sacred resources on earth: water.
Organic Youth Volleyball Marathon 2016
Read recap, view pictures and see upcoming programs
2016 Lutheran Summer Gathering at Silver Bay
July 16-22, 2016
All day convocation!
Timely topic! Online and on campus! Register now!
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Rev. Sara Ciavarri
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The Daring Way™ for Faith Leaders
(based on the research of Brené Brown)
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
8:30 am-4:30 pm | LTSP campus
Presenter: The Rev. Sarah Ciavarri, Certified Daring Way™ Facilitator-Consultant
In this all-day convocation, we experience the Daring Way™ curriculum developed by Dr. Brené Brown. We will learn with and from each other, create sacred ground where our stories are honored and where you can explore how your faith and ministry connect. - See more
Reminder from Portico Benefit Services - When it comes to managing church finances, every dollar counts. The IRS recently issued a reminder that eligible small employers may still qualify to claim a tax credit offered by the Affordable Care Act prior to 2014 by amending prior year tax returns. As your partner in navigating the ACA, we want to bring this financial opportunity to your attention.
Who can claim this tax credit? The ACA offered the small business health care tax credit from 2010 - 2013 to small employers that provided health insurance for their employees. Many ELCA organizations claimed this credit - some saving thousands of dollars. Organizations that did not claim this credit may still be eligible if, during 2010 - 2013, they:
- Had fewer than 25 fulltime equivalent employees
- Paid an average wage of less than $50,000 a year
- Paid at least half of employee health insurance premiums
Instructions about how to amend your organization's tax returns for years prior to 2014 can be found at amending tax returns. Portico (then called the Board of Pensions) provided an Overview of how this tax credit works for church employers in 2011. Get More information on Portico's website.
Read Administration Matters
A bimonthly e-newsletter for ELCA congregational and synodical leaders. It addresses common, practical issues including finance, governance, risk management, tax, legal concerns and topics of interest about day to day operations and management in church settings.
Spiritual Journeys
Exploring Faith in Our Lives as We Change and Grow
Saturday, April 23, 2016
9:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Registration and coffee 9:00 to 9:30 AM
Atonement Lutheran Church
1900 Westfall Road, Rochester, New York 14618
585-442-1018
Watch for the April 6 Upstate Update for more information.
Does Your Church Understand Its Federal Tax Reporting Requirements? To help you tend to your congregation's financial well-being, Portico offers the annual Federal Reporting Requirements for Churches by Richard R. Hammar at no cost to you. This resource can help you understand federal tax reporting requirements.
Registration for the 2016 Synod Assembly will open on Friday, April 1.
The synod office will be closed on Good Friday, March 25th.
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