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Wednesday, September 25, 2013


Bishop James S. Dunlop Installed September 28 in York

Last Saturday, September 28, was a day filled with anticipation, joy, laughter, and celebration, but most of all it was a time of thanksgiving and worship as ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson installed The Reverend James S. Dunlop as Bishop of our Lower Susquehanna Synod. Hundreds of family, friends, rostered leaders, bishops, and ecumenical representatives filled the pews of the cavernous sanctuary of St. Matthew Lutheran Church in York for the service of Holy Eucharist that included a stirring message from Bishop Hanson.

 

"Do not fear," said Bishop Hanson, addressing Bishop Dunlop. "There are the three most important words in your ministry." Urging all the baptized to remember their call to share the good news, Bishop Hanson asked all who had them to turn on their cell phones and call or text someone to tell them the good news and that Jesus loves them. "Our baptismal calling is to serve all people," the Presiding Bishop stressed.

"O, Bishop Dunlop, be a midwife for the gospel. Remind people of what they already know, encourage them," he added. "I pray for the anointing of all of you."

Special music was provided by the St. Matthew Praise Band, Katelyn and Megan McClinton, and members of the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg and St. Matthew's choirs, St. Matthew Reformation Brass, and St. Matthew Jazz Ensemble. The Rev. Dr. Stephen P. Folkemer and Jonathan Noel were directors of music and organists.


Friends and family of Bishop Dunlop also took part in the service as cantor, lectors, communion assistants, and flagon bearers. Retired Lower Susquehanna Synod Bishop B. Penrose Hoover served as Gospeller, and Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson preached. Twelve bishops participated in the laying on of hands, and the congregation was invited to lay hands on one another and offer a blessing.

Following worship, those present were invited to continue the celebration at a reception sponsored by Lutheran Social Services of South Central Pennsylvania and coordinated by Sodexo Food Services. The invitations and worship booklets were made possible through generous financial support by Thrivent Financial. The congregation of St. Matthew worked tirelessly to make the event run smoothly, and many other volunteers gave significant amounts of time and talent to this effort.

Words from the third verse of the sending hymn, "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty," provide a fitting reminder for our Lower Susquehanna Synod as we continue this journey under the guidance and leadership of Bishop Dunlop:

"Praise to the Lord; who will prosper your work and defend you;/surely his goodness and mercy shall daily attend you. Ponder anew what the Almighty can do/if with his love he befriend you."

May God be ever with us as we go out to serve and feed others as Christ has fed us.

 

To watch the service in its entirety,  Click here to be directed to our synod's website. 

 


Thanksgiving and Prayers for Bishop Israel Peter Mwakyolile and Pastor Ngulonda Peter  

 

Hopefully you had the opportunity to visit with Bishop Israel Peter Mwakyolile and his spouse Pastor Ngulonda Peter during their visit to our Synod. Bishop Israel Peter participated in Bishop Dunlop's installation, and laid hands on him. Both Bishop Israel Peter and Pastor Ngulonda spent time in the Harrisburg office and at St. Paul, York, St. Paul, New  Cumberland, and St. Peter, Lancaster, sharing information about the Konde Diocese, its mission and ministries, and our companion relationship. 

 

Please keep our companion diocese in your regular prayers and offer special petitions for safe travel for Bishop Israel Peter and Pastor Ngulonda as they return to Tanzania. 

 

Want to learn more about the Konde Diocese and our companion relationship? Click here to visit our Synod's website, where you'll find a wealth of resources and information. If you would like more information about becoming a companion congregation, click here


Don't Miss Out on "Technology: Tools for MIssion"
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Eric C. Shafer - Senior Vice President, Odyssey Networks
 
The way we communicate has changed more in the last decade than ever before. Christians need to learn about, understand, and harness these new tools and media for the sake of the gospel.

As Meredith Gould, author of The Social Media Gospel: Sharing the Good News in New Ways, writes: "Christ has no online presence but yours,/ No blog; no Facebook page but yours,/ Yours are the tweets through which love touches this world, /Yours are the posts through which the gospel is shared,/ Yours are the updates through which hope is shared" (p. 8). Don't miss this morning of discovery and discussion about the new media "space" that congregations can use for ministry and mission. Through presentation and group discussion participants will identify new ministry practices that are relevant and do-able! 

Keynote presenter, Eric C. Shafer, is widely recognized for his work in communications ministry. Breakout sessions will provide practical tips and suggestions for integrating media and ministry in a variety of settings. Join us for a productive and informative morning at Trinity Lutheran Church, Camp Hill. For only $10, you'll learn how to advance and optimize your congregation's digital ministry and enjoy fellowship with folks from around our synod.

Time: 8:45 a.m. - noon

You may pay either by credit card or by check.  If paying by check, after completing the online registration process, please make checks out to the LOWER SUSQUEHANNA SYNOD and mail with a copy of your registration confirmation email to:

Lower Susquehanna Synod
ATTN:  Cathy Deitrich
900 S. Arlington Ave., Suite 220B
Harrisburg, PA 17109 
 

Click here to register and access details.  Click here to a PDF bulletin insert. 

 

REGISTRATION CLOSES ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 7th!  
  
Presented by the Leadership Support Committee and Resource Network Office of the Lower Susquehanna Synod

You are Invited...null
    
 

Pastor Virginia Cover will be installed as Senior Pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Camp Hill, PA on Saturday evening October 12 at 6 p.m. Preaching will be the Rev. Andrew Evenson, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church, Lebanon, and Installing will be Pastor Lois Van Orden, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Dillsburg. A reception will follow the service. Rostered Leaders are invited to vest and process; the color of the day is green.

  

Pastor Lisa M. Leber will be installed as pastor of First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 21 S. Bedford Street, Carlisle (corner of High and Bedford streets) on Sunday, October 13, at 4:00 p.m. The Rev. Jean Kuebler, dean of the West Cumberland Conference, will preside at the installation, and the Rev. Glenn Ludwig, vice president, seminary advancement, Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, will serve as preacher for the service. Rostered leaders are invited to vest and process. The color of the day is green.

Pastor George Scott will be installed as pastor of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, East Berlin, PA on  Saturday, October 19, at 7:00 p.m. The Reverend LaDonna Thomas will preside, and the Reverend Craig Ross will preach. Rostered leaders are invited to process; the color of the day is green. 

Reminder: Conversations with Bishop Dunlop

To continue the dialogue begun during last year's Synod Listening Posts, Bishop Jim Dunlop has scheduled a series of five opening conversations around our synod.

Events will be held from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. and are scheduled for:
  • October 20, St. James Lutheran, 109 York Street, Gettysburg
  • November 3, Grace Lutheran, 1610 Carlisle Road, Camp Hill
  • November 10, St. Paul Lutheran, 200 W. Orange Street, Lititz
  • November 24, Our Saviour Lutheran, 420 N. Progress Avenue, Harrisburg
  • December 1, St. Peter Lutheran, 947 N. George, Street, York

Click here for a PDF bulletin insert. 


Prayers and Updates 
  
... prayers for Pastor Carolyn DeStephano (St. John, Boiling Springs) and family.  Carolyn's eleven-year old grandson, Wyatt DeStephano, died on September 27.  Wyatt, also, was the nephew of Pastor Douglas DeStephano (Christ, Loganville). Click here to read the obituary. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 4, at Upper Octorara Presbyterian Church, 1121 Octorara Trail, Parkesburg. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 3, at the Shivery Funeral Home, 111 Elizabeth St., Christiana, Pa., and again from 10 a.m. until time of the service on Friday at the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Wyatt's memory to the Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, 1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE 19805.

Note of care and concern may be sent to Pastor Carolyn DeStephano at robdstphn@aol.com and to Pastor Douglas DeStephano at pastor_douglas@juno.com.

  ...prayers are requested from Pastor Chad Rimmer, serving as an ELCA missionary in Senegal:
An update on Dakar Water...   First of all, I thank you, friends for your thoughts and prayers that many of you have shared over these past two weeks concerning the water situation in Dakar.  I am happy to update some positive news, after almost 19 days now of the water shortage. Evidently, the replacement pipe is on site. That means the installation could happen in a day or two and schools in Yoff are planning to open tomorrow. Now, this comes with caution regarding the water pressure returning to the old pipes downstream that have sat empty for two weeks, as well as the flushing of stagnant water into homes. So, please continue to pray as we are not quite out of the woods yet. I also give thank for the season of Creationtide that is taking place in many congregations during these weeks of Autumn. Please remember to give thanks for the basic elements that sustain life, to pray for the humble care and conservation of God's creation, and for justice to roll down like streams in the way we steward this gift of life.

 ... prayers for Pastor Cliff Eshbach (Holy Spirit, Lancaster), who continues to recover from surgery. Please pray for healing and full recovery. Messages of care and concern can be sent to Pastor Eshbach at ceshbach@hotmail.com.  
 
... for Pastor Betsy Lartz, who is now a resident at Hamilton Arms in Lancaster. The address for those who are able to visit is 336 South West End Avenue, Lancaster, 17603.

Have a prayer request to share with others in our synod? Please contact Pr. Sharron Blezard at sblezard@lss-elca.org

LUTHERAN CHURCH HISTORY CONTEST FOR MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH 

 

The LHSMA sponsors this contest for students in grades 6 through 12 to foster awareness of the importance of local history and culture in the life of their congregation. It seeks multimedia projects that tell a story either about the history of their congregation, a particular person in the congregation who has played a significant role in its life, or an important event, mission or ministry that has shaped the congregation. For the year 2014 entries must be submitted no later than June 30, 2014. Entries are to be submitted in a digital format and will be judged by a panel of persons selected by LHSMA. Winners will be announced in the fall of 2014.

 

Awards:  A prize of $250 will be awarded to a winner in both the middle school and high school group. Individual and team entries welcome

 

How to Enter:  Applications can be found on line, www.lhsmidatlantic.com along with other information about the contest.

 

Further questions can be directed to Pastor Stephen Herr, president of the LHSMA at info@lhsmidatlantic.com. Click here for a flyer.    


Additional Opportunities for Education... 
Visit our synod website for details about each event! 
 
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October 5, 2013 
One Creation, Many Faiths: A Call to Action on Climate Change 
Colonial Park United Church of Christ, 5000 Devonshire Rd., Harrisburg
Click here for a PDF bulletin insert and here for a PDF flyer.   

October 5 and 6
Financial Peace University, the full 9-week course, starts 

 Saturday, Oct. 5 at 6 pm at Paradise Lutheran Church, Thomasville, and Sunday Oct. 6 at noon at St. John's Lutheran Church, Abbottstown. For more information or to register, go to www.daveramsey.com/fpu 

 
October 28 
null LARC Day of Dialogue: "A Pastoral Approach to Interreligious Marriage"

Cardinal Keeler Center, 4800 Union Deposit Road, Harrisburg, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Cost: $25, includes lunch ($45/two registrations from the same parish, $20 each/three or more registrations from the same parish). Click here to access the registration form.  

 

November 6

One-Day Emotional Intelligence Introductory Workshop

United Church Center, 900 S. Arlington Avenue, Harrisburg

9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 

This workshop, facilitated by Roy M. Oswald, is designed to introduce participants to the world of emotional intelligence (EQ) and its potential for greater personal and professional effectiveness. 
Tuition: $155.00 which includes lunch (Participants complete a personal EQ survey during the event.) 
Click here for a flyer containing more information.  

 

Bible Study Series at The Wittel Farm

Our Favorite Books (of the Bible)

A Monthly Bible Study Series at The Wittel Farm.

Rostered leaders will offer a study on their current favorite book of the Bible.

 

·         Wednesday, October 16 - Rev. Drahus Oslik

·         Wednesday, November 13 - Revs. Jason and Amy Northridge

·         Wednesday, January 15 - Rev. AJ Domines

·         Wednesday, February 12 - TBA

·         Wednesday, March 12 - TBA

·         Wednesday, May 14 - Judy Collins, AIM - Psalms

 

Participants will gather between 9-9:30 AM at The Wittel Farm for study. Lunch will be served at noon. Registration is limited. Cost: $15

 

For more information and to register, visit


 



Visit the Congregation Connections page on the synod website to keep up with the specific details of the many good things happening in the worshiping communities of our synod. Please keep us posted about the events and activities taking place in your congregation.  

October 6 
Fourth Annual "Blessing of the Animals"
Trinity Lutheran Church, Chambersburg
3:00 p.m.

Blessing of the Animals
Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church

12043 Old Route 16, Rouzerville, PA
3:00 p.m.

October 12 
"Trunk-or-Treat" in North York
St. Peter's Lutheran Church
947 N. George St., York
6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

  

October 13

Rejoicing Spirits Worship

St. Stephen Lutheran Church
30 W. Main St.
New Kingstown, PA

4:00 PM (pre-worship singing begins at 3:45 PM)  

 
"Toccatas: Scary and Joyful! A Pre-Halloween Concert
Trinity Lutheran Church
2000 Chestnut Street, Camp Hill
4:00 p.m.

Lyra, Russian Singers

Grace Lutheran Church 
517 N. Queen Street
Lancaster, PA
7:00 p.m.

October 18-20 

"A WING AND A PRAYER": A play by Craig Sodaro

"Produced by special arrangements with Eldridge Publishing Co."

St. David's Evangelical Lutheran Church

1042 Musselman Road, Hanover

Friday, 6:30 p.m.; Saturday, 5:30 p.m.; Sunday, 2:00 p.m.  

 

October 19 
43rd Annual Apple Festival 
St. Stephen's Lutheran Church

30 West Main Street, New Kingstown, (off the Carlisle Pike)

9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

 

October 20 
Dearest Home in Concert
First Lutheran Church
21 South Bedford Street, Carlisle
3:00 p.m.  

Hymn Festival, Concert, and Free Dinner
Mellingers Lutheran Church
80 Gockley Road, Schoeneck, PA
4:00 p.m. 

October 21 - 22 
St. Peter's Lutheran Clothing Drive
St. Peter's Lutheran Church
947 N. George Street, York
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. on Friday
9:00 a.m. - Noon on Saturday
 
October 26 
Clothing Giveaway and Tag Sale
St. Peter's Lutheran Church 
947 N. George Street, York
8:00 a.m. - Noon

Family Health & Safety Fair
Holy Spirit Lutheran Church

3131 Columbia Avenue, Lancaster
12:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

A Reformation Evening with Katie Luther
St. Peter's Lutheran Church 
947 N. George Street, York
6:30 p.m.

Trunk or Treat

St. Paul Lutheran Church
201 W. Louther Street, Carlisle
7:30 - 9:00 p.m.

 

October 27 

Reformation Day Choral Concert

St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church

524 Bridge St., New Cumberland 

3:00 PM

  

November 2

 SERRV Fair Trade Fair - sponsored by St. Luke WELCA

St. Luke Lutheran Church, Schaefferstown, PA
9:00 am - 12:00 pm

November 3

Candlelight Vespers for the Festival of All Saints 

Trinity Lutheran Church

2000 Chestnut Street, Camp Hill

4:00 p.m.

 
November 17 
Taylor Mason, Ventriloquist, Comedian, & Musician
Grove Coffeehouse behind Salem Lutheran Church
99 York Road, Jacobus

Wanted 
Pastor Hope Knobler is looking for a copy of the accompaniment version of the Lutheran Book of Worship, preferably with guitar chords. If you have one to pass along, please contact her at claypotministry@aol.com.

Mt. Eden Lutheran Church, Quarryville, is looking for a slightly used Organist Hymn Edition of the Lutheran Book of Worship.  Free or low cost greatly appreciated.  For more information, please contact the church at 786-7565. 
 

 

  

Employment listings are provided to synod congregations and related agencies free of charge.  This service is made possible by your Mission Support of 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 web site (if desired).  Send information to Sharron Blezard at sblezard@lss-elca.org.  Positions are posted for 60 days unless extended.

  

Visit the Employment Opportunities page on the synod website for a complete list of current job openings.

 

 

 

Congregation: Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, East Berlin  

Position: Church Secretary (Part-time)  

Posted: 9/30/2013

20-25 hours/week at Trinity Lutheran Church in East Berlin, PA.  Works in church office Monday through Friday.  Competitive pay with vacation.  See full job description under at
www.trinitylutheraneb.org under "Special Announcements."    Interested parties should apply to resumes@Trinitylutheraneb.org
 

 

Congregation:  Grace Lutheran Church, Camp Hill
Position:  Part time bookkeeper/admin assistant
Posted: 9/30/2013
This position is M-Th mornings, 20 hours a week, possibly more some weeks. The applicant must have an understanding of bookkeeping practices and experience with bookkeeping software. Knowledge of PowerChurch or Shepherd's Staff a plus. Other office duties require use of MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.  Excellent customer service skills and confidentiality must. Please send cover letter and resume to

 

 

 

Congregation: St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lititz 

Position: Part-time Director of Traditional Church Music (25-30 hours) 

Posted: 9/11/2013

The director of Traditional Church Music is responsible for planning all facets of the musical portion of the traditional worship service.This includes organ,adult choir,and the handbells.A bachelors's degree is preferred/or equivalent experience.Knowledge of Lutheran theology and liturgy is desired.Will train if necessary.Two manual,38 rank Casavant pipe organ,Yamaha grand piano,and Schlmerich hand bells.Send resume to St.Paul Evangelical Church,Attn:Pastor James Gable,200 West Orange Street,Lititz,PA 17543 or e-mail-jgable@ stpaullititz.org or call 717-626-4709.Deadline is September 30th.

 

 

Congregation: Mt. Carmel Lutheran Church, Hanover

Position: Groundskeeper

Posted: 9/9/2013 


Mt. Carmel Lutheran Church, Hanover is in search for a groundskeeper to mow church property and adjoining cemetery. Working knowledge in the use of a zero turn mower is a MUST. This is a seasonal part-time position of 6 to 8 hours per week during the mowing season. Salary is negotiable. If you are interested, please send your resume to Mt. Carmel Lutheran Church, 1398 Moulstown Rd N., Hanover PA 17331, and resumes can also be faxed to 717-632-8304, or emailed Helen@mtcarm.net. no later and September 20, 2013.

 

Position: Sexton

Posted 9/9/2013

 Mt. Carmel Lutheran Church, Hanover is in search for a sexton to clean and maintain the church and office buildings. This is a part-time position of 8 to 10 hours per week, with the possibility of more hours during busy seasons. Salary is negotiable. If you are interested, please send your resume to Mt. Carmel Lutheran Church, 1398 Moulstown Rd N., Hanover PA 17331, and resumes can also be faxed to 717-632-8304, or emailed Helen@mtcarm.net. no later and September 20, 2013.

 

Position: Director of Choirs/Organist

Posted 9/9/13

Mt. Carmel Lutheran Church, Hanover, is in search of a part time Director of Choirs to plan and coordinate the Music Ministry of the church, which includes a chancel choir and bell choir. We hope to be able to organize a children's choir and a chime choir in the future. Prior experience is necessary. We are also seeking a part-time Organist/Pianist to play piano and organ for all regularly scheduled worship services and choir rehearsals. If interested please email or call for a job description, salary scale and requirements. We are flexible and open to this being one or two positions.We are especially interested in applicants who have a vision for using their talents to enhance the music program at Mt. Carmel. If you are interested, please send your resume and cover letter to Mt. Carmel Lutheran Church, 1398 Moulstown Rd N., Hanover, PA, 17331, and resumes can also be faxed to 717-632-8304, or emailed to Helen@mtcarm.net. no later than September 20, 2013.

 

Congregation: Evangelical Lutheran, Greencastle, PA

Position: Part-time Organist/Choir Director

Posted: 9/5/13 

 

Contact Evangelical Lutheran Church, 130 N. Washington St. Greencastle Pa  17225 or email:elcsec@embarqmail.com
 
 

Congregation: St. John's Lutheran Church, Springfield, IL

Position: Full-Time Director of Youth and Family MInistries

Posted: 8/21/13 

 St. John's Lutheran Church is a dynamic ELCA church with over 2000 disciples in Springfield, Il. We are seeking a full-time Director of Youth and Family Ministries who provides leadership, vision, and support in developing programming to help youth, 7th grade through college age, and their families grow in faith and discipleship to Christ by connecting youth and their families to Christ, to each other, and to the world.  This position requires a faith-filled, enthusiastic, nurturing, caring individual with excellent relational skills, a passion for sharing the story of Jesus' love and, a strong ability to recruit, train, and equip others in the congregation to join in ministry both to and with youth and their families. In addition to these requirements the applicant should possess the following skills: high energy, outgoing, flexible, organized, fun, Biblically confident, proficient in the use of technology, and effective in communication. For more information and to view the complete job description, please visit our website at www.stjohns-springfield.org 

and click on "Resources" and then click on "Jobs at St. John's."


 

Organization: Luthercare, Lititz

Position: Marketing Assistant, Full-time.
Posted: 8/21/13

This position will provide advanced administrative support to the Marketing, Philanthropy and Public Relations departments, coordinate and support of special events & functions, provide administration of the computer database systems Raisers Edge and REPs, and serving as the office receptionist to greet and direct clients, visitors, guests  and business representatives. Requirements include a High School Diploma and demonstrated proficiency with the Microsoft office suite. The following are preferred: Associate Degree, experience working in the senior living setting, experience using REPs or Raisers Edge software, and three years of experience providing advanced administrative support in a professional office setting. 


Interested candidates should send their Employment Application, Resume and Cover Letter to: Attn: Amanda Cassel, Human Resources Generalist 250 St. Luke Drive, Lititz PA 17543;  acassel@luthercare.org.

 


Carings and Sharings is the e-newsletter of the Lower Susquehanna Synod. Its purpose is the sharing of news and events which raise up the mission and ministry of the synod and ELCA in our congregations, our synod, and the broader church. It is not intended to be an endorsement of every activity. Comments about this newsletter may be sent to Sharron Blezard, editor, sblezard@lss-elca.org.

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