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Helping the Lutheran church reach the world

"This was very useful," said participants at the conclusion of the first Quadrant Visit workshop. Strategic planning may not sound very exciting, but in a world of limited resources, it's a valuable process for churches to discern their priorities. Congregational teams from Manhattan, Staten Island, and the Bronx gathered at the end of January to learn how to begin strategic planning for their parishes and how to build relationships through intentional conversations. Read more about what to expect at the quadrant workshops in the most recent News article and make plans for your congregation to be a part of your Quadrant Visit.

 

Cross Talk

Are you looking for resources for midweek or Sunday morning Bible studies for Lent? Cross Talk, a five-week Bible study
series based on the Sunday lectionary texts for Lent, also serves to unfold meanings of this year's synodical emphasis on Mutual Conversation and Consolation in our life together. The materials are ready for you to use or adapt. A goal of this resource is to create occasions to be engaged in the scriptures so that we may come to better understand conversational encounters as times when God communicates grace to us. Download Cross Talk here.  

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 week, our staff was warmly received by the following congregations: Faith, Syosset; St. Phillip's, Brooklyn; Hope, Selden; Good Shepherd, Bay Ridge; Emanuel, Pleasantville; Good Shepherd, Pearl River; and Holy Redeemer, Brooklyn. Thank you!

Going Global

Pilgrimage to China
Pastor Mary Chang of Incarnation, Cedarhurst invites clergy and lay people on a 16-day November pilgrimage to China, including Beijing, Taipei, the Great Wall, and more. Besides beautiful scenery, the group will see 100-year-old Lutheran mission churches and newly-developed ministries reaching a new generation of Chinese Lutherans. A bilingual version of Holden Evening Prayer will be used as a devotional aid during the trip. Participants must register with a $500 payment by March 31. Clergy can apply for Trexler Travel Grants for financial support. For further information, contact Pastor Chang at 917-572-5181. 
Our Wider Church

St. Peter's Fund for Special Ministry

The St. Peter's Fund for Special Ministry invites interested persons to submit grant proposals for the 2015 fiscal year that begins July 1, 2015. The Fund supports significant ministry extensions that the congregation could not support through regular benevolence. These broad categories of ministry are supported: Proclamation, Worship, Educational Ministry, Service. Learn more here. Proposals are due by April 21.

Events

 

Lutheran Men in Mission Annual Meeting

The Metro New York Synod Lutheran Men in Mission invite men from all congregations to their annual meeting on March 14 at Prince of Peace, Cambria Heights. LMM will be finalizing its strategic plan and, together, deciding upon a year-long project for 2015. The required business portion of the meeting will be kept to a minimum--most of the time will be spent on strategic planning and listening to reports of active men's ministries in congregations. Please attend and bring a friend.

 

Rite of Ordination: Chryll Crews

Everyone is invited to the synodical celebration of Holy Communion with the Rite of Ordination, taking place on Saturday, February 21 at 10:30am at St. Stephen's, Brooklyn where Chryll Crews, recently called as pastor, will be ordained. Bishop Rimbo will preside and preach. All rostered ministers of the synod are invited to vest and process. The color of the day is red.

 

Rite of Ordination: Justin Kosec

Everyone is invited to the synodical celebration of Holy Communion with the Rite of Ordination, taking place on Sunday, February 22 at 3pm at St. Andrew's, Smithtown. Justin Kosec, recently called as pastor, will be ordained. Bishop Rimbo will preside and preach. All rostered ministers of the synod are invited to vest and process. The color of the day is red.

Special Recognition

 

Parsons shares sabbatical benefits

MNYS Pastor David Parsons is currently featured as one of Portico's Wellness Voices in the online article "Taking Time to Renew." He shares the story of the benefits of his sabbatical: physical well-being (exercise, healthy eating, weight loss), spiritual renewal (time for meditation, prayer, reading, retreats, and spiritual direction), and an empowered congregation. "A time away for rest and rejuvenation can benefit both pastor and congregation," wrote Pr. Parsons.

Job Corner

 

Congregation-based community organizer

The Sent Committee is looking for an experienced community organizer who can help our congregations learn community organizing as we try new ways of advocating for the betterment of our towns, villages, and urban neighborhoods. The fundamental responsibility of the community organizer will be to train others in the principles, tactics, and methods of congregation-based community organizing. The community organizer will identify leaders, both clergy and lay, and teach them how to organize their congregations to better engage the pressing issues their communities confront. Find the full job description and application here.

 

Organist wanted

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Marine Park, Brooklyn is looking for an organist for one service on Sundays at 11am (10am in summer) from Evangelical Lutheran Worship and a number of additional services during year. The congregation seeks someone who can assist with special music, choir development, and accompany the band which leads worship once per month. Holy Trinity desires someone who can bring musical knowledge to the position, as well as the spiritual and devotional sensitivity to their public worship. Salary: $11,500. Submit your resume to [email protected].

Transitions
  • Pr. Kipp Zimmermann is retiring as pastor of Holy Trinity, Brooklyn, effective June 1.
  • Pr. Margay Jo Whitlock (retired) transferred to our synod from New Jersey Synod.

  • Pr. Gary Mills was called as pastor to the Latino ministry at Advent, Manhattan on January 25.
  • Emily Trubey-Weller, recently called to St. Stephen's, Hicksville, was ordained on January 31 at St. Matthew's, Lima (Ohio).
  • Dr. Andrew Gove was called as the next Head of School at Long Island Lutheran Middle & High School. He begins in July.
Calendar
New on www.mnys.org
We're Praying

  • For health and healing for Pastor William Paulsen, who is recovering from knee surgery
  • For health and healing for Faith Ressmeyer, sister of Associate in Ministry Judy Ressmeyer Hinsch and daughter of Bishop Rudy Ressmeyer, who is battling aggressive cancer
  • 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 Ira Nebrasky, husband of Pastor ElizaBeth Nebrasky, who is undergoing treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma
  • For ELCA Young Adult in Global Mission Justin Daleiden, serving in the United Kingdom
  • For ELCA missionaries Pastor Tessa Leiseth-Moon and Jon Leiseth, serving in South Africa
  • For Bishop Gerald Mansholt, the staff and people of the East-Central Synod of Wisconsin
  • For the care of God's creation
  • For the unity of this church and its mission


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.