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In Case You Missed It
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Reaching out for racial justice
How will you reach out and make a difference with racism and social justice? Will you share God's peace and understanding? As we near our 2016 Synod Assembly, we will continue to be sharing ways to learn more about the theme and what to expect. A cornerstone of our time together will be conversations around racism in our church and society. Begin the conversations in your congregation now using resources on our anti-racism webpage. View and share our assembly videos here and here.
 Supporting healthier leadersYou already know this is true: Ministry is more demanding than ever, budgets are tighter than ever, and the cost of health coverage is higher than ever. In the ELCA, it's critical that we pay attention to our health together, strengthen ourselves for ministry, and work in our congregations and organizations to create places of healthy culture. It's time to put the "we" in wellness. Our goal isn't just earning a discount by April 30, but to create healthier leaders and a church culture supporting healthy lifestyles for all its members.
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Multiple churches and organizations, including MNYS, came together for #WeWalkTogether, an inter-faith service for victims of violent extremism in the Tarrytown-Sleepy Hollow Patch.
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 Register now for synod assembly
Register for our 2016 Synod Assembly before April 15 to receive the discounted registration rate. Even better, the first 50 voting members to register with the Guidebook discount will receive express registration and a free portable battery charger from Portico Benefit Services. Learn more here.
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 Synod staff transitions Bishop Rimbo and the Executive Committee are pleased to announce new staff transitions. Deacon Gayle Ruege has been named Senior Assistant to the Bishop, providing even greater support to Bishop Rimbo and being a communication and coordination link to all of the staff. With this she is taking on the administrative role that had previously been fulfilled in the Chief of Staff position. Rebekah Thornhill has become the Assistant to the Bishop for Communications and Events. She has been filling this position since last June and will continue to develop and manage our overall synod communication while overseeing major synod events. Read more in a letter sent to rostered leaders here.
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Lutheran Summer Conference
Looking for a family or individual vacation experience this summer that will draw you back time and again? For over eight decades, Lutherans have found that experience at the Lutheran Summer Gathering--a program of the Metro New York and Upstate New York Synods. This gathering, July 16-22, 2016 offers opportunities for study, daily chapel, arts and crafts, outdoor activities, fellowship, and children's programs, all at Silver Bay on Lake George. Find more information here. First-time participants save 10%.
Faith Formation Day with John Roberto Mercer School of Theology is hosting their annual Faith Formation Day that will feature John Roberto on May 14. Much has been written about the challenges facing Christianity, but how can we address the big challenges? How can we reimagine education in faith with a vision that honors the past and is open to the future? How can we build a new faith-forming ecosystem that supports faith growth? Join innovative educator John Roberto in finding the answers. Learn more here.
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 As part of the strategic plan, the Sent Committee highlights ministries and partnerships proclaiming the Gospel while responding to societal needs.
Worker's Justice Project
Last year we let you know about an emerging partnership between St. Paul's, Brooklyn and the Worker's Justice Project (WJP). This partnership started as Pastor Ben McKelahan and his congregation reacted to the way some people in the neighborhood were treating immigrant workers. At first, the congregation and the WJP made a deal that if the WJP renovated the church's decrepit theater, then they could use the space to gather. That deal worked out so well, that there were often times when the theater was being used at the same time as the parish hall beneath it, with noise from each event affecting the other. The WJP was able to help reduce costs for the congregation to make the ceiling separating the two floors soundproof, reducing the sound from each of the two spaces. Along with the soundproofing, they were able to put in a new lighting system as well. Because the people involved with the WJP have become such a large part of the community at St. Paul's, they were able to volunteer their time and energy into what has become their home congregation.
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Associate Director for Philanthropy for the Fund for Leaders
This position increases the financial support for Fund for Leaders through major and transformational gifts. Working in a team effort and consulting with key leaders, its focus is on strengthening giving to the work of building ELCA Seminary Scholarships and the Endowment for that purpose through the ELCA. This position could be a deployed position with the professional working from his/her home office, and may not require relocation to Chicago. The position requires up to 60-70% travel. Learn more here. Applications and inquiries may be directed, in confidence, to Gaye Lindfors.
Manager for Donor Relations for the ELCA Campaign
This position secures gift revenue in support of the priority fundraising objectives of the ELCA as outlined in its case statement for Always Being Made New: The Campaign for the ELCA. It is responsible for identifying, cultivating and soliciting individuals with capacity for leadership gifts to the ministries of the ELCA, and will maintain a portfolio of major donor prospects. This position could be a deployed position with the professional working from his/her home office, and may not require relocation to Chicago. The position requires up to 60-70% travel. Learn more here. Applications and inquiries may be directed, in confidence, to Gaye Lindfors.
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Ross Murray, Diaconal Minister, has been called as Director of Programs for GLAAD, effective January 19. His consecration service will be held April 30 at Advent, Manhattan.
Pr. William Eggers is retiring as interim pastor of Trinity, White Plains, effective March 31, 2016.
Harriet Wieber will be installed as pastor at Holy Trinity, Brooklyn on April 17 at 4 pm.
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- For health and healing for Pr. Jack Traugott
- For health and healing for Pr. Raymond Birkel
- For refugees and those who come to their aid
- For our Anti-Racism Task Force, as they plan for our synod's involvement
- 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 Michael Boyd, husband of Pastor Jennifer Boyd, who is awaiting a lung transplant
- 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 Tori Hansen, serving in South Africa
- For ELCA missionary Rev. Wal Luot Reat, serving in South Sudan
- For Bishop John Macholz, the staff and people of the Upstate New York Synod
- For the care of God's creation
- For the unity of this church and its mission
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