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 On the eve of an anniversaryMark your calendars and join Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton on Thursday, October 27, from 8-9 pm EST for a live webcast. This particular webcast will explore ecumenical and interreligious witness on the eve of the Reformation anniversary: What was the Reformation, and what does it mean for Lutherans and ecumenical partners? What is "Declaration on the Way," and why is it significant for Lutheran-Catholic relations? What might ecumenical and interreligious relationships look like in the future, and what does this mean for our faith community? Learn more about the webcast here and see what is happening in our synod here.  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.
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 Read how Eger Lutheran Homes and Services celebrated a century of caring with their Red Ball at SIlive.com. See Grace, Greenwood Lake blessing backpacks and the students who carry them in the Warwick Advertiser.
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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: Christ, Newburgh; Lutheran Social Services of NY; Parish Resource Center, Elmont; Holy Trinity, Bellerose; Our Saviour, Jamaica; Leif Ericson Day School, Brooklyn. 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! |
 National Voter Registration Day National Voter Registration Day is September 27. Voting is one way in which we live out our affirmation of baptism to "serve all people, following the example of our Lord Jesus," and "to strive for justice and peace in all the earth." As we approach the voter registration deadline on October 14 in New York State, you can put faith into action by hosting conversations and reminding people to register to vote. Find resources here.
 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 a ll proposals is November 1. Find more information here or by contacting Rosemary McNair at 516-626-1735.
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 Get your "Little Red Book"
"The Little Red Book" has served Lutheran leaders as a practical, handy, pocket-sized date-keeping reference. The print edition contains space for daily entries, festivals and commemorations with liturgical colors, and areas for notes and reminders. Scripture citations for each Sunday and festival are included, plus miniature calendars for 2016 and 2018. The 2017 book is available now; order here or download the free digital edition.
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Special Fall Assembly
As announced at our May assembly, the Synod Council has called for a special assembly on October 15, 2016 to address appeals of congregations. Our hope continues to be that we may find resolution early in the process, especially as our experience has been that time and financial resources are being expended at enormous rates. Click here to see more and confirm your attendance if you were a seated voting member in May. Once the Consultation Team completes their work, we will be able to provide further details about this special assembly.
 Register now for the (free!) Bishop's Retreat
Pastors and interns are invited to join us for the Bishop's Retreat, October 25-27. As we anticipate the 500th Anniversary of the beginning of the Reformation, what does Lutheran identity mean half a millennium later, now that Lutheranism has found its way from Europe to the rest of the world? What is it to be a Christian in a Lutheran key in our globalized, multi-cultural reality today? During this retreat, we will hear the testimony from some of our own pastors, representing the diversity that blesses our life together. The retreat is free, but participants must reserve a spot by October 16. Register here.
 Religious Corporations ConferenceThe Interchurch Center and Cappell Barnett Matalon and Shoenfeld LLP are joining to host a free educational conference to help equip pastors, administrators, and leaders on October 20. This year the Bronx Borough President, Hon. Ruben Diaz, will be the keynote speaker and feature presentations by the Office of the Attorney General, The New York City Department of Finance, as well as leading church administrators. A wide range of topics will be covered, including tax exemptions, selling or leasing properties, a panel with church administrators, and overall best practices. Learn more and register here.
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For Such A Time as This  |
 Generosity Rising Hosted by Practical Church Resources, this workshop will help you to understand in a clear and compelling way, why now is the time for a stewardship revolution and give specific guidelines and instructions for recruiting a team of revolutionary stewardship leaders. A Leadership Development Grant of our Strategic Plan is making it possible for MNYS members to attend at a discounted rate. Learn more here.
 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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Disaster Relief Committee
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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 organist.job@cclchurch.com.
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Pr. Nicholas Sollom has been called as Chaplain to Bellevue Hospital, effective August 15.
Prs. Carla Meier and Gaylon Barker have been called as intentional interims at Good Shepherd, Brooklyn. They began on August 1.
Pr. Arden Strasser has been called as interim pastor at St. Andrew's, Yorktown Heights, effective October 10.
Pr. Craig Miller has been called as Assistant to the Bishop in the Upper Susquehanna Synod, effective October 3.
Pr. Francis Bonadonna has retired as associate pastor at St. Luke's, Farmingdale, effective March 1.
Pr. Jerome Taylor is retiring as pastor at Good Shepherd, Roosevelt, effective November 1.
Pr. Michael Thomas has retired, effective September 1.
Pr. Diane Wildow is retiring, effective February 1.
Pr. Anna Rieke has been called as pastor to St. John United, Seattle, WA (Northwest Washington Synod), effective November 8.
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- With thanksgiving for the birth of Cian Carter, grandson of synod staff member Sue Brandt and Pr. Joel Brandt, on September 22
- For those affected by the earthquake in the Northwest Diocese of Tanzania and those who come to their aid
- For refugees and those who come to their aid
- For those attending and planning anti-racism trainings throughout our synod
- 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 Mackenzie Mackling, serving in the United Kingdom
- For ELCA missionary Kylie Whitehead serving in Japan
- For Bishop Jon Anderson, the staff and people of the Southwestern Minnesota Area Synod
- For the care of God's creation
- For the unity of this church and its mission
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