Prayer Requests 

We pray for God's healing and comfort for the Rev. Linda Trout (Brogue and Felton).  Pastor Trout was involved in an auto accident on her way to Lenten services last Wednesday evening.   She is undergoing treatment for a crushed right arm and compression fractures in her back.   Messages of care and concern can be sent to Pastor Trout at lindastrout2@gmail.com.    

Ministry Resources

Worshiping with Children

Check out this blog site devoted to providing specific resources to worship leaders who want to include children in the congregation's worship. There are two kinds of posts:
 

•  Lectionary -based posts offering suggestions for each text of a given week. (These are generally in chronological order except for major seasons which are posted with a long lead time for seasonal planning.)
•  Short articles about some aspect of including children in the congregation's worship.  

Visit the site...

Available in the Synod Resource Center

• "Before and After Easter: Activities and Ideas -  Lent to Pentecost" by Debbie Trafton O'Neal features crafts, actvities and recipes for families.
• "Worship Matters: an Introduction to Worship" - This five week group study resource offers an excellent insight into the practice of Lutheran worship for both newcomers to the church and for those who simply want to know more about their Lutheran heritage.
• "Making Sense of the Cross" by David Lose - Written as a conversation between a teacher and student, the book delves deep into what the cross means for Christians.  A six-section DVD study is also available.

Check out these resources and more!  Search the Resource Center catalog or contact Marty Shifflett at 800.692.7282 ext. 115 or mshifflett@lss-elca.org.

Beyond Our Synod

Revitalizing Your Congregation

Four Approaches in One Conference

April 11-13, 2013

Chicago, IL

• Engaging the Uninvolved
• Empowering the Unknown
• Energizing the Unclaimed
• Enlisting the Unafraid

Keynote presentations by:

• The Rev. Dr. Stephen Bouman
• The Rev. Neal Boese
• The Rev. Dr. William Steadman
• Dr. Ed Kruse

More information...

National Association of Lutheran Interim Pastors Conference

June 6 - June 8, 2013

Indianapolis, IN

This year's annual conference will feature the Rev. Dr. Craig Satterlee, Professor of Homiletics and Dean of the ACTS D.Min. in Preaching Program at Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago.

 Learn more...

Trinity, Camp Hill

The Spring Garden Band

St. Matthew, York

Susquehanna University Choir and Chamber Singers

St. James, Gettysburg

Women's Retreat

Flohrs Church

Thiel College Choir Concert

St. Mark, Hanover  

St. Mark, Hanover

Read more on the Congregation Connections page of the synod Website.

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! 

Portico Launches New Website

On February 27, 2013, PorticoBenefits.org becomes the online destination for Portico plan members, employers, and visitors.  The previous Website, elcabop.org, will be retired.

Portico designed the new Website to provide a modern user experience, enabling plan members and employers to access information, transact online, and receive timely email updates and reminders specific to their needs.  While visitors can view general information, members and employers are required to register and sign in.

For questions about the new Website or help with any technical issues, contact Portico at 855.658.4637.

Resource Exchange

Need a piano?

Trinity Lutheran Church, Steelton, has an upright piano (good condition) available, free of charge.  New owner will be responsible for moving the instrument.

For more information and to arrange for pick-up, call the church office at 717.939.4998. 

Need some music to play on your piano?

St. Matthew Lutheran Church, York, has 300 copies of the Lutheran Book of Worship (green hymnal) available, free of charge.  Interested?  Contact the church office at 717.845.2721.

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. Peter's Lutheran Church, Middletown

Position:  Facilities Manager

Posted:  2/26/13

St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Middletown is seeking applicants for the position of Facilities Manager. The Facilities Manager is responsible for completing work related to the cleaning and maintenance of the interior and exterior areas of the church, the Kierch, and the parking lot. This is a 20 hour per week position. Salary: $12.00 per hour. Please provide letter of interest and resume to St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Spring and Union Sts., Middletown, PA 17057, c/o Mutual Ministry Committee, or e-mail Parish.Secretary@stpetersmiddletown.org  by March 13, 2013. A full job description can be accessed at www.stpetersmiddletown.org.  

Congregation:  Zion Lutheran Church, Harrisburg (Penbrook)

Position:  Organist/Choir Director

Posted:  2/26/13

Zion Lutheran Church, Penbrook, is seeking a part-time organist/choir director. The responsibilities include: playing organ for one Sunday morning worship service, special seasonal servces during the year, and rehearsing the adult choir. The church's organ is a three manual, 47 rank Moller. Interested applicants should e-mail resumes to zionpenbrook@verizon.net or mail to Zion Lutheran Church, 2730 Booser Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17103.

Other Job Listings

• Youth and Family Ministry Director - St. Stephen, New Kingstown
• Organist/Choir Director - Mt. Eden, Quarryville
• Executive Director - St. Barnabas Center for Ministry
• Director of Music - Zion, Dauphin
• Organist/Music Director - St. Michael, Strasburg