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First Sower's Initiative Grants awarded

Our synod's Innovation Team (part of the Gathered Committee of the strategic plan) recently awarded the first Sower's Initiative Grants. These are seed grants of up to $10,000 given to pilot projects for ministry in communities and groups of people which are not currently being served. One grant will be used to create an after-school Bible club for children, offering homework help, music, and art activities in Uniondale. Another grant was given to expand Latino ministry in the area of Wyandanch and Deer Park. In Kingston, a grant will help fund the "Faith, Food, and Community" project, gathering participants from around the region for Word in Action events such as environmental advocacy and service projects. Congratulations! Grant recipients agree to create a blog describing the progress of their projects, so we look forward to hearing more in the future. (Do you have an idea for The Sower's Project? Learn more here.)

 

Prayers for Southwest Queens

The congregations of the Southwest Queens conference have been engaged in a pilot project over the past year, and in dialogue for many years before that. Leaders who make up the Southwest Queens Exploratory Committee sought to find a way to best continue the mission of God and serve the future needs of their diverse and changing communities. The Exploratory Committee, with the guidance and support of our synod's strategic plan, has recommended that several congregations band together to create one regional congregation at a centralized location. Conversations and informational forums were held to share the processes and goals of this promising proposal with everyone. Now all participating congregations have called special congregational meetings on March 1 to vote on this ministry opportunity. Please hold our brothers and sisters in Southwest Queens in prayer and add this petition to your congregation's Prayers of Intercession on March 1:

You give unity, vision and purpose to those you call and gather. By your Spirit, guide the pastors and people of our congregations in Southwest Queens--Christ, St. James-St. Matthew's, St. Luke's/San Lucas and St. Philip's--as each votes today to complete their separate ministries, unite together and, nourished by Christ and strengthened by the Holy Spirit, form a new congregation to witness more faithfully to your love and serve together in Christ's mission to the city and to the world. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. 

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: St. Luke's/San Lucas, Woodhaven; Christ, Ozone Park; Christ, Islip Terrace; Good Shepherd, Plainview; Faith, Syosset; New Hope, Jamaica; St. Stephen's, Brooklyn; and St. Andrew's, Smithtown. Thank you!

Synod Assembly News

Synod Assembly registration

Registration for our 2015 Synod Assembly will be open soon! As we move to a new registration system, we appreciate your patience. Learn more about the deadlines and rates on our assembly webpage

Our Wider Church

Advent Mission Fund

Advent, Manhattan established a mission fund to provide support to church and community ministries, particularly those focused on poverty, education, Lutheran ministries, and crisis recovery. Learn more about the fund and download an application here. Proposals are due April 15.

For Rostered Leaders

Mutual conversation and consolation for the parish

The Hudson Conference invites all clergy to join with Dr. Timothy Wengert at St. John's, Poughkeepsie on Saturday, April 11 for "Living Like Abraham and Sarah: Luther's Insights into Mutual Conversation and Consolation for the Parish." Luther combined his good early experience of monastic living with his growing appreciation of life in the household and the congregation as a reflection on the nature of Christ's presence in the church--"where two or three are gathered"--and thus provided helpful insights on how we may live in Christ as church. Exploring how this may function in today's congregations is a great first step in preparing to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. Registration is now open.

Events

Discovering Jesus' Presence in our Conversations

The annual Deacons' Retreat and Study Day is an opportunity to more deeply explore this year's synodical emphasis on Mutual Conversation and Consolation, which Martin Luther lists as a means of grace alongside preaching, baptism, Eucharist and confession and forgiveness. Deacons are invited to "Where Two or Three are Gathered: Discovering Jesus' Presence in Our Conversations" on March 20. The cost is $25, which includes a light breakfast and lunch.   

Job Corner

 

Music director wanted 

Christ Lutheran Church in Freeport is looking for a music director on Sundays, 9-11am, and a number of additional services during year. The congregation would like someone who can assist with choir rehearsals one evening a week as well. Must be able to play a pipe organ and piano. Salary negotiable upon experience. Immediate start a plus. Submit your resume to [email protected].

Seeking Space

 

Office suite for rent

Our Saviour's Atonement in Manhattan is seeking a new tenant to rent part or all of a seven-room office suite in its building. The space would be a well-suited location for a Lutheran or social service not-for-profit organization wishing to increase their presence in Northern Manhattan. To inquire, contact Jaime Snyder at [email protected] or call 212-923-5757 (Tues-Sat, 8:30am-2:30pm).

Transitions

 

Pr. Stephen Hultgren was removed from the ELCA roster, effective January 1. He transferred to the Lutheran Church of Australia.

Calendar
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We're Praying

  • For the friends and family of Peter Mueller, son of Pastor Richard Mueller, who died in Christ on February 21
  • For the friends and family of Pastor Helmut Dietrich, who died in Christ on January 25
  • For the friends and family of Arthur Egensteiner, father of Pastor Paul Egensteiner, who died in Christ on February 5
  • For health and healing for Faith Ressmeyer, sister of Associate in Ministry Judy Ressmeyer Hinsch and daughter of Pastor 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 Michael Dickson, serving in Jerusalem
  • For ELCA missionary Pastor Anna Ballan, serving in Sweden
  • For Bishop Thomas Skrenes, the staff and people of the Northern Great Lakes Synod
  • 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.