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At the ready
On September 10 our companions in the North Western Diocese and the surrounding Kagera region was hit by a 5.7 magnitude earthquake. Working with the Lutheran World Federation and Red Cross, the North Western Diocese is looking to address immediate needs of individuals affected by the earthquake through counseling, medical supplies, and food. Learn more about the earthquake recovery and make a gift to help support our companions.
Praying Together
As we draw closer to 2017 there will be multiple opportunities for us to mark the 500th anniversary of the reformation. This year on October 31, we will begin our own synodical commemorations by joining the Catholic Archdiocese of New York for a Reformation 500 Kick Off Event. Hosted at the Sheen Center and Old Saint Patrick's Church, there will be opportunity to watch the joint ecumenical commemoration between the Lutheran World Federation and the Catholic Church live from Sweden before worshiping together and joining for a reception.
Especially as we near 2017, we are encouraging congregations to build relationships with local Catholic parishes. To help you to get started, we have created a toolkit with resources, tips for planning a common prayer service, and help in sharing the news. Learn more about the Reformation 500 Kick Off and accompanying toolkit here.
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Read how Trinity Place Shelter, an LGBTQ-focused youth and young adult transitional shelter, is helping to meet the critical needs of its LGBTQ residents in and around Harlem on Medium.
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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 two weeks, our staff was warmly received by the following communities: Advent, Manhattan; St. Andrew's, Yorktown Heights; Good Shepherd School, Plainview; St. Paul's, Manhattan; Wartburg, Mt. Vernon; St. Stephens, Brooklyn; Cross of Christ, Babylon; St. Peter's, Manhattan; and Holy Trinity, Manhattan. Thank you!
2016 Deans Retreat
Our conference deans and staff met for their annual retreat on September 14-15. The retreat theme, "Revisiting the 95 Theses Today" was the first of many events centered on the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation. Participants were each sent Martin Luther's 95 Theses to read and study in advance, which gave room for deep and engaging conversations on both what was happening in 1517 and what we are experiencing now. Look for a resource to be developed from this retreat for your own congregation and ministry use!
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Lutheran Crusader Fund
The Grant Selection Committee for the Lutheran Crusader Fund is pleased to announce we are now accepting applications for the 2016-2017 grant cycle. The deadline for all proposals is November 1. Find more information here or by contacting Rosemary McNair at 516-626-1735.
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Strong Center. Open Door.
In this 10th anniversary year of the publication of Evangelical Lutheran Worship you are invited to attend an event focusing on Lutheran worship in our current context. Pastors, musicians, lay leaders, and worship committees: whether you have extensive experience with ELW, are exploring it for the first time, or use other materials for your community's worship, you will find a place at these gatherings. Learn more and register here.
Word and Image
Join Lutheran Social Services of New York in commemorating the 500th anniversary of the Reformation with an exclusive first viewing of "Word and Image: Martin Luther's Reformation" at the Morgan Library and Museum. This exhibit includes ninety works of art and objects, the majority of which are from museums in Germany that have never been seen before in North America. We invite you to celebrate this historic milestone by joining us on October 5, 2016 for this world premiere exhibit and VIP cocktail reception. Learn more here.
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For Such A Time as This |
What are you being called to? Our Strategic Plan asks congregations, individuals, and organizations: What are you being called to do "for such a time as this?" When congregations aren't trying to fix a building, they can be freed for mission. Through Capital Improvement Challenge Grants, congregations have been awarded matching grants for roof work, new windows, parking lots, repointing, masonry, boilers, bathroom renovations, kitchen renovations, and chair lifts. Download the new application.
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When the love is lacking
"The love that Jesus commissioned with his dying breath must appear in our pulpits and pews," writes Pr. Marcia Parkinson-Harrison on the Anti-Racism Task Force Blog. "We, the Christian remnant in a post-Christian age, cannot stand divided. We must confess. We must repent. We must joyfully give the abiding grace that we have received. The blood of Jesus is sufficient." Read more here.
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Udugu Sunday
Udugu means brotherly or sisterly relationship. It is an apt way of describing our relationship in Christ with the North Western Diocese of Tanzania. We invite congregations to celebrate our companionship on September 25, or any fall Sunday you choose. This year's Udugu Sunday continues the ongoing goal of growing our support of students at KEMPS and continuing in secondary education through scholarships. Udugu Sunday celebrates our walking in faith together as God's family in Christ! Find resources for the day here.
ELCA Youth Leadership Summit
The ELCA Youth Leadership Summit is an annual gathering of youth and adult leaders from across our church that focuses on leadership development, faith formation and building connections. Watch a video invitation here. Held at Lutheridge Camp and Retreat Center, Asheville, NC, the summit will be November 3 to 6. If you have someone you would like to nominate to attend, please send their name, contact information and a short paragraph explaining the nomination to Dcn. Charlie Germain by September 23. Click here for more information.
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Organist and Choir Director needed
Cross of Christ, Babylon is looking for a part-time Organist/Choir Director. It is a salaried position starting at $15,000, which will commensurate with experience and capabilities. Responsibilities include Sunday service at 9am, closing hymn for the 8am service, and other Holy days. The choir meets on Wednesdays at 8pm. There are other optional musical duties for additional compensation. Cross of Christ has a well-maintained, 2 manual, 16 rank pipe organ with a recently rebuilt console and new electronics. Please email resumes to [email protected].
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Pr. Anna Rieke has been called as pastor to St. John United, Seattle, WA (Northwest Washington Synod), effective November 8.
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