logo

News

Events

Find a Church

In This Issue
We are not dying. We are changing.
Since the ELCA began in 1988, more than 500 new congregations have been "planted, organized, and [have] joined the ELCA. That is a milestone worth celebrating," says Ruban Duran, Director of ELCA New Congregations. We are not dying. We are changing. The "changing part" he added, is that 56 percent of all ELCA new starts are in ethnic-multicultural communities, and 27 percent in communities where people are living in poverty or low income. Put that all together, he said, and "we have 10 percent of the denomination in the growing stages. This is a good moment to celebrate."
            Learn more about the variety of ways our church is changing through congregations, leadership, and our global church in the latest issue of Stories of Faith in Action. Click here to order full copies (and only pay shipping) or download printable inserts and posters. 

A journey of faith 
"What does it mean that my faith has come to me not as I imagined-a cherished inheritance handed down from generation to generation-but through a trail of terror?" writes Pr. Heidi Neumark in a recent article. In Pr. Neumark's new book, Hidden Inheritance: Family Secrets, Memory and Faith, she shares her journey of discovering her Jewish heritage and her grandfather's death in a concentration camp. "Within months of my discovery, I began a journey that took me to Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, Brazil and a Passover table in Los Angeles with some newfound second cousins." Read more in the most recent issue of The Lutheran.
In the News...
 
NYU Lutheran Health Care has been awarded Affordable Care Act funding to expand their facilities in The Brooklyn Daily.
Trinity, Astoria began celebrating their 125th anniversary in The Queens Gazette.
            Pr. Khader El-Yateem responds with others to anti-Muslim comments in NY City Lens.
            Grace, Uniondale starts a new inclusive ministry for people with disabilities in The Uniondale Beacon

Out and About
 
Warm welcomes 
Bishop Rimbo and the synod staff appreciate the welcome hospitality provided by our local congregations and partner organizations 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 communities: Good Shepherd, Plainview; St. John's, Mamaroneck; First, Throggs Neck; Immanuel, Manhattan; Trinity, Manhattan; Ascension, Deer Park; St. John's, Lindenhurst; Mill Neck Manor Lutheran School for Deaf, Mill Neck; and New Hope, Jamaica. Thank you! 
Business Matters
 
Anti-Racism Task Force
We are looking for persons interested in helping to lead our anti-racism efforts through a newly formed task force. This task force is a part of the 2015 Synod Assembly Resolution calling for a continued commitment for addressing racism in church and society. Download the nomination form now.
 
Strategic Plan Applications 
The strategy area committees are each accepting applications for new members. Members are appointed to a 3 year term on the committee and work with policy and implementation of our Strategic Plan. If you would like to be considered for membership on one of these committees, please download and complete an application by October 25.  
Our Wider Church 
 
Wider Church Fund grants available
In 2014, it was our joy to give away over $200,000 to 12 well-deserving non-profits, supporting our partners in ministry. Do you know of a 501(c)3 organization that could benefit from a Wider Church Fund grant?  These grants are intended to help fund programs outside of our synod's regular operating budget. The application deadline for 2016 grants is November 30. Find the application here.
For Rostered Leaders
 
Register now for the (free!) Bishop's Retreat
Join us for the Bishop's Retreat, November 3-5, where we will focus on confession, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Professor Michael Battle, recently appointed Director of the Desmond Tutu Center at General Theological Seminary, will be with us to provide a keynote presentation entitled, "Restorative Justice: the brilliance of Christian spirituality." The retreat is free, but participants must reserve a spot by October 25. Register here.

Leadership Development Grants deadline
Our Leadership Development grant program offers up to $50,000 a year in grants to individuals and groups of rostered leaders to further their lifelong learning and formation for leadership in mission. The next quarterly application deadline for leadership development grants is October 31. Learn more and download the application here
Events
  
Religious Corporations Conference
The Interchurch Center and Cappell, Barnett, Matalon, and Shoenfeld LLP are joining to host a free educational conference about changes to religious laws. Topics range from property use to charitable donations, to payroll and insurance. This free event will provide useful information for pastors and church leadership alike. Register here or download the flyer.
 
Communicating the Good News 
Ideas travel faster than ever, but it is harder than ever to be heard among the thunderous voices calling for the attention of our audience. In this rapidly changing world of communication and community, how can the voice of the church be heard over the noise? Rev. David Hansen helps congregations & leaders to use new tools to share the Good News and build community. He will be leading a workshop hosted by the Hudson Conference and made possible by a Leadership Development Grant from the Metropolitan New York Synod. Learn more about this October 24 event and register.
 
Preaching Days at LTSP  LTSP logo
Preaching Days returns to Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia with lectures, workshops, and worship opportunities, and with ample time for conversation, fellowship, and reflection. Five outstanding preachers will be the presenters, including Thomas Long, Audrey West, and Paul Scott Wilson, along with LTSP's own Karyn Wiseman and Wayne Croft. Learn more about the October 19-21 event here.
Job Corner

Executive Director
New York Interfaith Power and Light is seeking an Executive Director. This is a part-time position with mostly remote work from home. To learn more, please see the full job description.
 
Parish Administrator
Redeemer, Kingston is hiring a new parish administrator for 20 hours a week to support the pastor and volunteers in the ministry of the congregation. Please email [email protected] to receive a copy of the job description, to submit your r�sum�, or ask any questions.
Seeking Space

Parsonage available
Our Saviour, Manhasset has a vacant parsonage available for rent. It is a 4 bedroom, 3 full bath, center hall colonial with attached garage. The rent is $2950 plus utilities. Call 516-627-2430 for more information.
Calendar
New on mnys.org
We're Praying
  • For the friends and family of Norma Hendrickson, Principal Emerita of Leif Ericson Day School, who died in Christ on September 30
  • For the friends and family of Ryan Faret, son of Deacon Eric and Lisa Faret, who died in Christ on September 30
  • For health and healing for Pr. Dennis O'Rourke and Elizabeth O'Rourke, as they recover from a car accident
  • For refugees, especially those from Syria, and those who come to their aid
  • 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 Madeline Thomas, serving in Madagascar
  • For ELCA missionary Rev. Michael Parker, serving in Egypt
  • For Bishop Felipe Lozada-Monta�ez, the staff and people of the Caribbean 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 Rebekah Thornhill.