The interested pastor "should have - or be willing to obtain - a working knowledge of the context here and a deep compassion for the Palestinian people," writes Rev. Zimmann. "This may be a lovely opportunity for all or part of a sabbatical or continuing education."

The pastor's housing would be furnished at no cost in the parsonage. Coverage is needed from June 29-August 10. For more information, email Rev. Zimmann at azimmann@elcjhl.org.

In 2013, Portico introduced a new Pre-Retirement Seminar in collaboration with Ernst & Young Employee Financial Services. The seminars are hosted by a certified Ernst & Young planner, who answers your questions about retirement planning, such as:

• How much money will I really need in retirement?
• How can I avoid common retirement traps?
• How can I protect my assets to ensure the money is there when I need it?
• How can I create lifetime income?
• What steps can I take to ensure a smooth transition into retirement?

The seminar is most relevant to people age 50-plus or who are within 15 years of retirement. It's designed to show retirement in a whole new light. All seminars are day-long events that run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cost: $35 per person, which includes breakfast, lunch, and snacks.

 

For more information and to register, click here. 

The New England Synod is planning two mission trips to Honduras next year - February 12-19 and April 22-29. Below are brief descriptions of the projects. 

 

For more in-depth information, and to begin the registration process, click here.

 

February 12 - 19, 2014 Omoa, Honduras

Leaders: Ed & Nancy Martin

Estimated Costs: $995 plus airfare (approx $850.00) from Boston to San Pedro Sula

This weeklong trip includes service projects in the communities of Omoa and Chachagualla, which are about 1½ hours from the airport along the North coast of Honduras. Accommodations are in a motel with shared rooms with private baths - similar to a Motel 6 in the US. (Hotel costs are the reason for the higher charge) Breakfast is served at the hotel and typically lunch and dinner are served at the host church. You will be working alongside Hondurans to improve their Health infrastructure.

 

For more information, contact Ed and Nancy Martin at EMartin@FifieldFabrics.com

 

April 22 - 29, 2014 Yuscaran, Honduras

Leader: Pastor Dave Rinas

Estimated Costs: $795 plus airfare (approx. $850.00) from Boston to Tegucigalpa 

After flying in to the Capital we will take a one-hour bus ride to our living quarters which are located on the mountains overlooking the town of Yuscaran. The work in Yuscaran has centered on three projects, and each person finds their own place in one or more of these projects:

1) Construction on the church building through cement and rebar work. We have nearly completed this project.  Other projects will be presented

2) Spontaneous after school children's VBS - crafts, games & singing in the town square.

3) Women's sewing clinic. We have brought sewing machines and provided an opportunity for women (though a few men come) to sew. We leave the machines and they are used in a nearby church as a resource to the community.

 

For more information, contact Pastor David Rinas at prdrinas@yahoo.com.

After a successful communications seminar earlier this year, the Synod once again invites you to join us for a day spent discussing strategies and tips to help congregations better communicate - with their members and with the outside world. Speakers at CommFest 2014 include Pastor Keith Anderson (Upper Dublin Lutheran Church, Ambler, Pa.) and Elizabeth Drescher, co-authors of Click 2 Save: The Digital Ministry Bible. 

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