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Prayers for Ferguson
Multiple Staff Workshop
Witness newsletter
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Witnesses to the love of God

Whether we clean up local parks, offer free health screenings, or serve at food pantries, we dedicate "God's work. Our hands." Sunday to be church together--as the ELCA--for the sake of the world. It's not too late to plan your participation! Download a toolkit, bulletin insert and flyer here. Excited about your congregation's service activities? The toolkit offers a special media outreach section to pitch your story with local newspaper, television, and radio outlets. Shortly after September 7, share stories about your congregation's participation with [email protected] so that together we can celebrate what God accomplishes through you.

 

Extending hospitality to those in need

The issue of high numbers of children and families crossing the border to flee violence and insecurity in Central America has gripped the conscience of the nation. More than 60,000 unaccompanied children have come to our nation seeking protection this fiscal year. All have made the long and perilous journey to escape violence and despair in their home countries. As Lutherans, we are called to extend hospitality to those in need. Though Congress is now in recess, the ELCA continues to advocate for addressing the unaccompanied minor crisis with dignity and compassion. In light of the present situation, we urge you to:

Out & About

Warm welcomes

Bishop Rimbo and the synod staff appreciate the welcome hospitality provided by our local congregations as we visit and help proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ and share the mission of our ministries each week. In the past two weeks, our staff was warmly received by the following congregations: Good Shepherd, Plainview; Our Saviour, Manhasset; Immanuel, Manhattan; Trinity, Manhattan; St. Stephen's, Hicksville; Holy Cross, Commack; Our Redeemer, Seaford; Gloria Dei, Huntington Station; United, Mount Vernon; and Parables, Brooklyn. Thank you!

Our Wider Church

 

Prayers for Ferguson

ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton recently released a statement in response to the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo. "We are at greatest risk when we divide into 'us' and 'them.' Then, we are unable to see each other's humanity," said Eaton. "In Christ, there is no 'them,' not Michael Brown, not the community, not the police. All are one. All are 'us' and all are Christ's." She called for prayers and peace amidst the unrest. Read the full statement here.

 

Stewardship education grants  

Stewardship of Life Institute (SOLI) is requesting grant proposals from ELCA seminaries, synods, congregations and other ministries for projects, workshops or events that encourage stewardship growth. Proposals of primary interest will be those which assist in seminarian education or first call theological education. Proposals that assist in stewardship leadership education among laity and clergy will also be considered, and those that involve collaboration between groups of congregations or ministries within the ELCA will be viewed favorably. Learn more here.

For Rostered Leaders

 

Multiple Staff Workshop

The dynamics of multiple staff ministry is something one learns after leaving seminary. Although multiple staffs are present in a minority of congregations in the ELCA, they tend to be highly visible ministries. Led by Region 6, the Multiple Staff Workshop helps participants learn about their own leadership style and that of others on the staff, explore implications for teams, and develop ways to work together. The Multiple Staff Workshop takes place September 8-10 in Columbus, OH. Learn more here.

From Our Committees

 

WELCA Witness newsletter

The August 2014 Witness is available from the Metro New York Synod Women of the ELCA. Download the newsletter here to read about the ELCA triennial gathering, ministry with Susan's Place, and plans for the annual fall gathering on September 20.

Special Recognition

 

Neumark named as an influential leader

MNYS Pastor Heidi Neumark was named as one of "15 Christian women who are changing the world," along with two other ELCA pastors. Congratulations! (Apologies for the incorrect link last week.)

 

Wagner a "best value" college

In late July, Money magazine released its first-ever national ranking of best-value colleges and Wagner College ranked in the top third among all colleges and universities across the country, big and small, public and private, Ivy and otherwise. Congratulations!  

Job Corner

 

Koinonia staff positions available

Full-time, compensation includes housing. Become part of the Koinonia community of faith. Lead groups, provide hospitality for general retreat and summer program services. Seeking particular skills in internet communication, teaching, hospitality, and outdoor activities. Download position descriptions here. Send resumes to [email protected].

 

Children, Youth and Family Ministries Coordinator

Good Shepherd, Bay Ridge, Brooklyn is looking for a part-time coordinator for a growing, dynamic, and diverse youth population. Starting by September or sooner, the coordinator will assist in organizing recreation, study, and trips, among other activities. Most importantly the coordinator will help to develop our culture of biblical hospitality and radical belonging among local youth. Find the job description here and contact Pastor David Rommereim at 347-461-8735 if interested.

 

UPK teacher sought

St. Luke's, Woodhaven is in need of a half-day UPK teacher beginning in September for the start of the new school year. All applicants need to be NYS Certified in Early Childhood Education.

Transitions 
  • Gary Schaeffer was called as the executive director of Koinonia. Pr. Kristina Schaeffer (Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod) was called as Koinonia pastor. They begin September 1.

  • Pr. Martin Malzahn was called as chaplain to Wagner College. He begins immediately. Read the press release here.
  • Pr. Robert Vogl resigned as pastor of Zion, Staten Island, effective September 7.
  • Pr. Katherine Shaner transferred to the North Carolina Synod.
We're Praying

  • For peace in Ferguson, Missouri, and for the friends and family of Michael Brown

  • For our partners in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land as they live amidst the continued Israeli-Palestinian conflict
  • For health and healing for Steve Strunck, husband of former synod staff member Joanne Strunck, as he recovers from a serious medical incident
  • For health and healing for Pastor Michael Thomas as he recovers from kidney transplant surgery
  • For health and healing for Ira Nebrasky, husband of Pastor ElizaBeth Nebrasky, who is undergoing treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma
  • For ELCA Young Adult in Global Mission Emily Kimball, serving in the United Kingdom

  • For ELCA missionaries Pastor Brian and Christine Palmer, serving in Liberia

  • For Bishop Ralph Dunkin, the staff and people of the West Virginia-Western Maryland Synod

  • For the care of God's creation
  • For the unity of this church and its mission

  Download the synod prayer calendar here.

This e-letter is intended to convey information from synod staff, committees or auxiliaries, and we reserve the right to edit all submissions. All items must be received by the Friday before publication. Items normally run for two weeks. Send submissions to Sarah Gioe.