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"Living, busy, active, mighty thing"
 Martin Luther described faith as a "living, busy, active, mighty thing." Our 2016 Synod Assembly Reports show exactly what the faithful people of our church are up to:
- Section A provides welcomes and voting materials, including reports from Reference and Counsel and the Nominations and Elections Committee.
- Our assembly will be deeply grounded in worship and our schedule will be merged with the worship materials. See a basic schedule of our time together here.
- Section B offers reports from our Synod Council, staff, and Strategy Area Committees, as well as other committees and partner organizations.
- Finally, Section C includes financial reports such as audited statements, mission support totals, and proposed budgets.
 Taking things to heart "It was very important for us to hear from our pastors what breaks their hearts and brings them joy," said Bishop Robert A. Rimbo of last week's Synod Wide Ministerium. "We listened and are taking it all to heart." Eighty of our pastors joined together for worship and conversation. Prior to the event pastors submitted questions and topics that helped to inform the afternoon and were used to craft prayers of the intercession during worship. Bishop Rimbo also preached on the tension between grace and works. View photos from the day here.
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 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 week, our staff was warmly received by the following communities: Epiphany, Bronx; Ascension, Deer Park; Advent, Manhattan; First, Poughkeepsie; King of Kings, New Windsor; Redeemer, Kingston; and Redeemer, New Paltz. Thank you!
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 Guests at our assembly
Our 2016 Synod Assembly has an exciting group of speakers, preachers, and guests. Leading our worship throughout the assembly are the ELCA Glocal Musicians. Through its intentional diversity--including representation from many countries, denominations, and several cultures--the group embodies ways to stand in mutual solidarity while amplifying marginalized voices.
 Get connected
We are happy to use Guidebook for the second year at our Assembly. This is an app for desktops or mobile devices that allows you to have everything you'll need for right at your fingertips. It is available for those not attending assembly as well to follow along. Click here to get started.
 Alternate voting members
Alternate voting members can be swapped in for a lay voting member at the assembly (provided that they have either not shown or have checked-out). Alternate registrations are free and can be completed here.
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 Claim your tax creditWhen it comes to managing church finances, every dollar counts. The IRS recently issued a reminder that eligible small employers may still qualify to claim a tax credit offered by the Affordable Care Act prior to 2014 by amending prior year tax returns. Your congregation could recover up to 25% of premiums paid. Click here to learn more about how this tax credit works for church employers.
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 Lutheran Episcopal Volunteer NetworkLEVN, the Lutheran Episcopal Volunteer Network, is looking for young adults (age 21-30) with Bachelor's degrees for an 11-month program of non-profit volunteer work and learning about social justice. The corps members live in intentional community in a 4-bedroom apartment in Davis, CA. We're an ecumenical program in the Episcopal Service Corpe network; applicants needn't be either Lutheran or Episcopal to apply. Interest in Christian spirituality is the only expectation. For more information, visit levn.org or contact Casey Kloehn, program director.
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 Share some love
Recently a number of churches in the Northwest Diocese were damaged by radical non-Christian arsonists. Take a moment to watch and share this video or make a gift towards rebuilding these church communities.
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 Climate Change, Race, and Food: Forging a Just Future
Quadrant One and the Hudson Valley Cooperative invite you for an educational event with internationally renowned scholar Dr. Cynthia Moe-Lobeda and local race and food justice organizer Cheryl DeSanctis from Soul Fire Farm, Grafton, NY. The focus will be on what people of faith need to know about environmental injustice and racism in the food system through worship, music, workshop style activities, and presentations. This event is made possible by a Leadership Development Grant. Learn more here.
Responding to Domestic Violence in Our Parishes
Research shows that seven out of ten people seek help with domestic violence issues from their places of worship first. Join the Episcopal Diocese of NY for a one-day workshop for clergy and lay leaders on responding to domestic violence appropriately and effectively. There are two upcoming dates: May 18 and June 15. Registration is free, but required. Learn more here.
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Privilege in the land of Sojourner Truth's slavery
"The longer I have lived out east the more I have realized that my life both past and present has been informed by the events that have shaped the communities in which I live and serve," writes Pr. James Rowe for the Anti-Racism Task Force blog. "In other words, I am indebted to these communities and its peoples for my very life." Read the full blog post here.
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Disaster & Public Health Emergency Readiness Assessment
The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's (DOHMH) has contracted New York Disaster Interfaith Services (NYDIS) to assess and help improve the New York City Faith-Based Sector's disaster and public health emergency readiness. You are encouraged to participate by taking this survey before May 6. It will allow a better understanding of the capabilities and needs of NYC Congregations and Houses of Worship throughout the disaster lifecycle.
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Church Office Administrator
Our Savior, Port Washington is seeking someone to maintain an organized office and to assist the pastor in administrative matters. This position is part-time, 9:00am-1:00pm, Monday through Friday. The applicant must have attention to detail, good communication skills, and proficiency in Microsoft Office, Quick Books, and office equipment. Send resume to Martha Schweitzer or mail to LCOS, 12 Franklin Avenue, Port Washington, NY 11050.
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Pr. Wilbert Miller (Pacifica Synod) was called as pastor of Holy Trinity, Manhattan. He will begin July 1.
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- For comfort for those affected by the earthquakes in Equador and Japan, and strength for those who come to their aid
- For refugees and those who come to their aid
- For our Anti-Racism Task Force, as they plan trainings for leaders
- 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 Andrew Smith, serving in Cambodia
- For ELCA missionaries Tim and Diane Sonnenberg serving in Tanzania
- For Bishop Mary Froiland, the staff and people of the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin
- For the care of God's creation
- For the unity of this church and its mission
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