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Providing safe and welcoming spaces
Now in its third year, the Capital Improvement Challenge Grant initiative from our Strategic Plan continues to help our congregations provide safe and welcoming buildings. Between a reallocation of unused funds within the Gathered Strategy and almost $8,000 returned by congregations whose projects came in under budget, every congregation that applied was awarded funding. Thirty-six congregations are receiving matching challenge grants totaling over $532,000 that will fix boilers, windows, and bathrooms. Congregations will be able to welcome people with safer sidewalks, stairs, and new chair lifts. See the full list of grant recipients here. Congratulations!
 For such a time as thisIn the wake of the recent election, Bishop Rimbo writes, "No matter where you are, remember that we are a people of faith not fear. I pray that as leaders of our church you will continue to minister to those in need and gather locally as God's people for such a time as this." He also shared a message from Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, ELCA Advocacy, and prayer resources. Read the full message here.
Exploring Lutheran Identity for the 21st Century
"At our Bishop's Retreat 2016, six of our pastor colleagues offered their stories, their faith journeys that give voice to their Lutheran identity. Even this small group embodied a rich diversity, revealing that there is no longer a "typical" way of becoming or being Lutheran. Yet amidst this diversity, there were a number of recurring, common theological themes which arguably transcend cultural, ethnic, gender, contextual, and other particularities." Continue to read the common themes from Pr. Jonathan Linman, find photos from the retreat, and watch these Lutheran stories unfold 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: Wartburg, Mt. Vernon; Grace, Yorktown Heights; St. John, Poughkeepsie; Holy Trinity, Manhattan; and Good Shepherd, Roosevelt. Thank you!
 20th Anniversary Reception
This year marks 20 years of a synodical diaconate. Over 100 synodically rostered deacons visit the sick; teach Bible study, confirmation and Sunday School; manage food pantries; and support the many ministries of their congregations. We recently invited them to come together for a reception in their honor. The reception included a time of worship -- to recognize our Christian calling to service and for deacons to reaffirm their vows. See photos from the event here.
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 Save the Date
The dates for the next assembly have been set. The 2017 Synod Assembly will take place May 11-13 at the Westchester Marriott. Please save the date and stay tuned for more information.
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 Absentee and proxy voting
We recently had a question about absentee and proxy voting in congregations and whether or not the model constitution might leave room for such voting to happen. We asked both Rev. Chris Boerger, Secretary of the ELCA, and our own legal counsel to give guidance. The provision C10.05 in the model constitution (Voting by proxy or absentee ballot shall not be permitted.) is not required because some non-profit statutes may allow for absentee voting in specific situations. The practice is not advised and not allowed in New York state.
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 Leadership development grants deadline
Our Leadership Development grant program offers up to $100,000 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 today--November 15. Learn more and download the application here. |
 Lutheran solasAt the 2016 Bishop's Retreat, Bishop Rimbo preached on the Lutheran solas. Hear why Luther says reading the bible should make us sing, shout, and leap for joy in the blog post Scripture Alone. See how Luther's understanding of grace as a free gift has life-changing consequences in the post, Grace Alone. And in the final blog post, Faith Alone, read why in the Christian life, faith never is alone.
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Church Musician
Zion, Staten Island seeks a church musician to play organ and piano. This person would provide music for a small Sunday School and one worship service weekly, plus occasional weddings, funerals, and other services. They would also direct a small choir, start a children's choir, and coordinate with the pastor and music committee. Experience with church music desired. Apply by email only by sending your cover letter and resume here.
Church Organist and Choir Director
Trinity, Staten Island is accepting resumes for a half-time Organist/Choir Director. The salary is negotiable and commensurates with experience. Responsibilities include one service on Sunday plus holiday services, weekly choir rehearsals, and making music selections in consultation with the pastor. This congregation places a high value on music and are seeking a musician that can continue to develop the musical ministries of the congregation. Someone familiar with Lutheran liturgy is preferred. For more information, contact Pr. Jennifer Richards.
Part time bookkeeper
St. Peter's Business Services, Huntington Station is seeking a part-time bookkeeper for about 6-8 hours a week to work on church accounting. Hours are very flexible. Contact John Litke in the church office at 631-423-1013.
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- For the friends and family of W. Sahat Silaban, father of Pr. Samuel Silaban, who died in Christ
- With thanksgiving for the birth of Olivia Nicole, granddaughter of synod staff member Gayle Ruege, on November 6
- For health and healing for Pr. Winston Bone
- For our country after the most recent election
- For refugees 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 Heidi Gerrish, serving in Uruguay
- For ELCA missionary Rev. Phillip Baker serving in Thailand
- For Bishop Stephen Talmage, the staff and people of the Grand Canyon Synod
- For the care of God's creation
- For the unity of this church and its mission
Download the synod prayer calendar here.
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Read about the recent Reformation 500 Kick-Off Event in 