T-E-N becomes N-E-T

On January 6, St. Stephen Church in New Kingstown celebrated Epiphany with a cross-generational event focused on the ELCA Malaria Campaign.  The Sunday school classes opened their "St. Stephen Boxes" (containers for weekly offerings designated for the ELCA Malaria Campaign) and counted $233.62 for the malaria project.  After a morning of interactive activities, participants learned that one of the best ways to prevent malaria is to provide bed nets to families in Africa.They also learned that it only costs $10 to supply a net and support to a family...T-E-N becomes N-E-T!  By the end of the event, additional monies were collected for a total of $361.62 - enough to purchase 36 nets! 

ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson will visit Quickel Lutheran Church on February 3 as part of the congregation's year-long 250th anniversary celebration.  Bishop Hanson will preach at the 8:00 AM and 10:30 AM services of worship, with Bishop Penrose Hoover, presiding.   Bishop Hanson will lead conversation in the sanctuary during the Sunday school session, 9:45 AM - 10:15 AM.  All are welcome to join the congregation for worship and fellowship!  Quickel Church is located at 60 Canal Road Extension, York, PA.  For more information, contact Pastor Barbara Barry at 717.266.4179. 

Around our Synod

Ordination Scheduled in York

Haley Vay Poynter will be ordained in the holy ministry of Word and Sacrament during a Celebration of Holy Eucharist on Friday, February 8, at 7:00 PM.  Bishop Hoover will preach and preside at the Eucharist and the rite of ordination which will take place at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, 947 N. George St., York.

Haley has been called to serve Zion Lutheran Church, York, as associate pastor for children, youth, and family ministry.

Clergy are invited to vest and process.  The color of the day is red.  A reception will follow the service.

Youth Encounter Captive Free Team

Family and Youth Night 

Salem Lutheran Church, Jacobus

and

Evangelical Lutheran Church, Waynesboro

Women's Retreat

Flohrs Church

Thiel College Choir Concert

St. Mark, Hanover  

St. Mark, Hanover

Read more on the Congregation Connections page.

Have an event, activity or idea to share?  Post your links, photos, events and thoughts on the synod Facebook page and spread the word about your congregation's ministries and outreach to the community! 

Souper Bowl of Caring

On February 3, over 100 million people will turn their attention to New Orleans for super Bowl XLVII.  On that same afternoon, almost one billion people will be hungry.  While some people will be sharing snacks and watching the Super Bowl, others will spend the time wondering where their next meal will come from.

Souper Bowl of Caring is a youth-led ecumenical movement to raise money to combat hunger.  Last year over 10,000 groups raised almost $10 million for charities across the country.

This consider splitting funds between a local charity and ELCA World Hunger, making a difference both locally and around the world.

Be part of something  big; see how much others have raised and make sure your group registers online at www.souperbowl.org. 

St. Barnabas Center for Ministry News

Nurturing the spiritual, educational and social development of children and youth in Uptown Harrisburg

A Celebration of Youth Concert

Sunday, February 10

3:00 PM

St. Andrew's in the Valley

4620 Linglestown Road

Harrisburg, PA

featuring

• The Laurel String Quartet
• Susquehanna Children's Chorale
• Vintage Brass Quartet

Please be generous with your freewill offering to benefit the St. Barnabas Center for Ministry's low-cost 8-week summer program for children in Uptown Harrisburg.

Rev. Dr. Martin Marty

Lutheran-Anglican-Roman Catholic (LARC) 

Day of Dialogue

Engaging the Word of God Ecumenically

Monday, February 11

rescheduled from October 29, 2012

Cardinal Keeler Center

4800 Union Deposit Road

Harrisburg, PA

NEW Registrations Only!  If you previously registered for the October date, you are still registered.  If you are unable to attend the new date, please use the contact information on the registration form to request a refund.  View and print a registration form...

  

  

  

Jewish-Christian

Dialogue Luncheon Series

Bread, Water and Light

A dialogue around imagery used in the Gospel of John

  

Luncheon Dates (Wednesdays)

February 20 - Bread (Gospel of John 6)

February 27 - Water (Gospel of John 4 & 7)

March 6 - Light (Gospel of John 1 & 8)

  

Location:  Temple Ohev Sholom, Harrisburg

  

Bonus Event

Workshop with Amy-Jill Levine

Friday, April 26

Silver Spring Presbyterian Church, Mechanicsburg

  

  

Learn more and download a print-friendly flyer.

Find Your Purpose by Helping Others

become a hospice volunteer with Lutheran Home Care and Hospice, Inc.

Is your New Year's Resolution to become more active in your community by helping others?  Consider becoming a hospice volunteer!  Lutheran Home Care and Hospice, Inc. has volunteer opportunities available for those who would like to make a difference in the life of another.

Volunteers provide companionship, make friendly visits or follow-up phone calls to family members who have lost a loved one, share a special talent such as music, art therapy, pet therapy, hairdressing, knitting or crocheting comfort shawls.  Volunteer hours are flexible and the work is meaningful.

Experience the joy and satisfaction of helping people in your community.  For information, contact Missy Gladfelter at 717.757.0774 or 800.840.9081.  Click here to learn more...

Job Corner 

Employment listings are provided to synod congregations and related agencies free of charge.  This service is made possible by your Mission Support of the Lower Susquehanna Synod and ELCA.  Please provide a brief position description and contact information (as below) and a link to a complete position description on your Website (if desired).  Send information to Pam Drenner at pdrenner@lss-elca.org.  Complete listings are posted on the Employment Opportunities page of the synod Website. Positions are posted for 60 days unless extended.

Congregation:  St. Stephen Lutheran Church, New Kingstown

Position:  Youth and Family Ministry Director

Posted:  1/28/13

St. Stephen Lutheran Church in New Kingstown is seeking applicants for the position of Youth and Family Ministry Director. The applicant should have at least three years experience developing and directing youth ministries. The applicant should have a certified lay professional degree or certificate issued by an ELCA-approved religious school; or be willing to obtain certification. A detailed job description is available on request or at the church web site, www.StStephenLC.org  Submit a resume to Tom Burson, Personnel Committee, c/o St. Stephen Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 266, New Kingstown, PA 17072, or email resume to employment@StStephenLC.org

Congregation:  Mt. Eden Lutheran Church, Quarryville

Position:  Organist/choir director

Posted:  1/22/13

Mt. Eden Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1241 May Post Office Road, Quarryville, is seeking a part-time organist/choir director. Responsibilities include planning and preparing music for both Sunday worship services and the choir. Hours are forty hours per month, with some flexibility depending on church activities. Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to "Organist Search Committee" at the above address.

Institution:  St. Barnabas Center for Ministry

Position:  Executive Director

Posted:  1/22/13

The Executive Director is the Chief Administrative Officer of the St. Barnabas Center for Ministry. The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and is responsible for the organization's consistent achievement of its mission and financial objectives. In program development and administration, the Executive Director will:

Specific committee responsibilities:

1. Assure that the organization has a long-range strategy which achieves its mission, and toward which it makes consistent and timely progress.
2. Provide leadership in developing program, organizational and financial plans with the Board of Directors and staff, and carry out plans and policies authorized by the Board.
3. Promote active and broad participation by volunteers in all areas of the organization's work.
4. Maintain official records and documents, and ensure compliance with federal, state and local regulations.
5. Maintain a working knowledge of significant developments and trends in the field.
6. Assist in fund raising by writing grants and soliciting funds from other sources.

In communications, the Executive Director will:

1. See that the Board is kept fully informed on the condition of the organization and all important factors influencing it.
2. Publicize the activities of the organization, its programs and goals.
3. Establish sound working relationships and cooperative arrangements with community groups and organizations.
4. Represent the programs and point of view of the organization to agencies, organizations and the general public.
5. Building concerns are to be put in writing and submitted to Board Chair who will submit to St. Paul's Property Committee for evaluation and resolution.
6. All incidents, concerning accidents, complaints or any other situation that would reflect negatively on the Program must be reported immediately to the Board Chair.

In relations with staff, the Executive Director will:

1. Be responsible for the recruitment, employment and release of all personnel, both paid staff and volunteers.  
2. Ensure that job descriptions are developed, that regular performance ' evaluations are held, and that sound human resource practices are in place.  
3. See that an effective management team with appropriate provision for succession is in place.
4. Encourage staff and volunteer development and education, and assist program staff in relating their specialized work to the total program of the organization.
5. Maintain a climate which attracts, keeps and motivates a diverse staff of top quality people.

For more information, contact Carol Witzeman at 717-763-9276 or cwitzeman@aol.com.