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Finding the next steps 

Over the course of late winter and spring, almost 500 people from over half of our congregations participated in one of our Quadrant Visits. They spent time looking at the demographics of their community, setting priorities for mission, and asking where God is leading them. Some congregations have jumped in head first and begun strategic planning, others have hit roadblocks, and still others don't know where to start. Wherever you are, we want to help you along the way! Email [email protected] to ask questions, share experiences, and even show us your congregation's strategic plan. 

The next thing to do is to sign up for a workshop on September 19. We are inviting one person (typically a lay leader serving as the contact person) from each congregation to come for a morning with practical information and support. Reserve your spot today!

 

ELCA youth gathering

Rise up, MNYS!

Next week over 300 youth, adult leaders, and volunteers will be headed from our synod to Detroit, MI for the ELCA Youth Gathering. The Gathering, as it is known, is a triennial event that takes place over five days - Wednesday to Sunday - and includes opportunities for worship, service, fellowship, study, and holy play. Click here to learn more and support those who are going.  

 

In the news 

See how St. Peter's, Baldwin's renovations are helping them to move into a more welcoming future in the article "Reflecting on the past, preserving the future" from the Long Island Herald.

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: Our Saviour, Manhasset; Advent, Manhattan; Saint Peter's, Manhattan; Epiphany, Laurelton; Resurrection, St. Albans; St. John, Bellmore; St. John, Poughkeepsie; New Hope, Jamaica; and Christ, East Northport. Thank you! 

Synod Assembly News

 

Synod Assembly 2016

The dates for the next assembly have been set. The 2016 Synod Assembly will take place May 19-21 at the Melville Marriott. Please save the date. 
20/20 Focus

As part of the strategic plan, the Sent Committee highlights ministries and partnerships proclaiming the Gospel while responding to societal needs. 

  

Lutheran Schools Association

Lutheran School Association

Lutheran Schools Association (LSA) is a pan-Lutheran membership organization that seeks to support the ministries of Lutheran schools and early childhood centers in the Metro New York area, in its roles as facilitator, advocate, and partner. LSA offers regular, high-quality professional development in the form of conference days, regional cluster meetings of school leaders, on-site workshops, teacher resource emails, curriculum support, and most recently, its newly launched Future Leaders Academy. As a member of the Commissioner's Advisory Council and the NYC Division of Non Public Schools Standing Committee, LSA serves as an information source and a point of contact for policy clarification, and advocates for changes in the best interest of Lutheran schools. Members of LSA enjoy benefits of membership that include buying power with several businesses, and LSA continually seeks out opportunities for cost-savings and programming that allows for collaboration among schools and teachers. Learn more about LSA's ministry from their website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LSA Learnings blog

Disaster Relief

 

Seeking temporary rental space

To support the unmet temporary rental housing needs of Sandy-impacted homeowners who have had to leave their homes for repair, New York Disaster Interfaith Services (NYDIS) is piloting a temporary rental program to provide assistance with locating and securing housing. NYDIS is looking for potential spaces to rent including parsonages. Click here for more information on which areas are needed and how to apply. 

From our Committees

 

Pilgrimage to the Holy Land

The Mideast Relations Committee of the synod will be leading a trip to Israel-Palestine as part of our goals of awareness-raising and accompaniment. We will visit with Palestinians and Israelis living with the reality of occupation. As part of our support of our sisters and brothers in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land we will visit some of our schools and churches. We will also visit the holy sites of the Abrahamic faiths. Please save the dates, February 14-24, 2016, and prayerfully consider whether God is calling you to make this pilgrimage. If you would like to join the trip please email Pr. Amy Kienzle before November 2015.  

Job Corner

Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod staff position

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod is seeking an Assistant to the Bishop for Youth, Young Adult and Spiritual Formation. This staff member will provide leadership and support to the youth, young adult and spiritual formation initiatives of the synod. Click here for complete information and instructions for applying.

 

Part time custodian

Grace, North Bellmore has an immediate opening for a part-time custodian. Duties include setting up for Sunday school, preschool, outside group meetings, and special events. Custodian will also need to maintain tile floors. For more information or to arrange an interview, please call Grace's office at 516-785-5029.

 

School director sought

Director needed for St. Paul's Christian Day School, a ministry of St. Paul Lutheran Church, New City. St. Paul's CDS is a New York State-licensed preschool serving ages 2-4, with 30 staff and 170 students. Applicant should have early childhood education and teaching experience. Two years' administrative experience required. Master's degree preferred. Salary negotiable. Position commences August 1, 2015. Please send resume and cover letter to [email protected]. Contact Pastor Rhonda Hoehn at 845-634-5574.

Transitions

 

Rev. James Smith will be installed as pastor of Bethlehem, Baldwin on September 20 at 4 pm.

 

Pr. Barbara Lundblad has transferred to the Minneapolis Area Synod.

Calendar
New on www.mnys.org

 

Congregational Events: A Lutheran Methodist Summer Worship Series at Good Shepherd, Brooklyn; Making Peace with Your Past at Trinity, Long Island City 

We're Praying

 

  • For the friends and family of the nine shooting victims in Charleston, SC. Contact Pr. Linda Bell to be connected with a project for congregations to support Emanuel AME Church.
  • 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 Pr. Jerry Gaeta, who is recovering from breast cancer 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 Clare McElaney, serving in Jerusalem/West Bank
  • ELCA missionary Dr. Ambrose Moyo, serving in Zimbabwe 
  • For Bishop Terry Brandt, the staff and people of the Eastern North Dakota 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 Rebekah Thornhill.