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 Tangle Free Ministry: Leading with Focus
Want to gather with other leaders for a two days of networking, sharing, learning, and worship? Want to hone your leadership skills or renew your focus? Need a break to recharge and refresh?
Join us on the campus of the Lutheran Seminary in Gettysburg for this winter gathering sponsored by the Women Clergy Leadership Colloquium with the Leadership Support Committee of the Lower Susquehanna Synod, ELCA. Lower Susquehanna Bishop Jim Dunlop will join the group on Tuesday morning and will be available for individual meetings and conversation.
The keynote speaker is the Rev. Sharon Vandegrift, Professional Certified Coach, ordained United Methodist minister, and author of Keeping Your Balance: Seven Strategies for Remaining Steady in the Midst of Hectic Church Life. Her organization, Bridge-the-Gap Life Coaching Services, LLC, is dedicated to empowering clergy to excel in life and ministry through the coaching process.
Cost of attendance is $90. Lodging is available at additional cost on the seminary campus or at Quality Inn-Larson's. A limited number of one-on-one meetings with Sharon Vandegrift are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. This event is open to any leader, male or female, any denomination. For more information, contact Pastor Liz Polanzke at lpolanzke@yahoo.com or visit our synod website for information and registration. Download a brochure here.
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Meetings & Gatherings
January 23
LSS Criminal Justice Ministries Meeting
Synod Office, 900 S. Arlington Avenue, Harrisburg
Noon (Bring lunch!) All are welcome.
January 27
On Leave from Call (OLfC)
St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 4200 Londonderry Road, Harrisburg
11:30 a.m.
Whatever the reason you find yourself on leave from call, if you have an interest in meeting with others to be of support to one another, your participation is welcome. We meet in the Bridal Room at St. Mark's Lutheran Church (across from our synod offices). Everyone is encouraged to bring a sack lunch along. Anyone interested in additional information or participating in the group may contact Pr. Hope Knobler at ClaypotMinistry@aol.com.
Note: Check the Synod Calendar on our website for a complete listing of meetings and gatherings.
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...prayers of joy and thanksgiving for the safe arrival of twins Daniel Jacob (6 lbs. 1 oz.) and Miriam Rachel (5 lbs. 11 oz.) Hipkiss, born yesterday evening (January 21). Congratulations to Pastor Sigrid Hipkiss (Trindle Spring), her husband Ed, and big brother Paul.
...prayers for the family of the Rev. Robert L. Baughan, Jr. (retired), who died January 8, at the age of 94. Click here to read the obituary. Condolences may be shared on www.Since1853.com.
...prayers for Joanne Wilhelm (synod staff, retired) and her family. Joanne's mother died January 8, 2014. Arrangements are still pending. Notes of care and concern may be addressed to Joanne at 894 Country Lake Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17111.
...prayers for the family of Richard "Dick" Hoffman (spouse of Pastor Cheryl Hoffman), who died December 30 following an extended illness. Services were this past Saturday, January 11, at Zion Lutheran Church in Marietta. Click here to read the obituary. Notes of care and concern may be addressed to Pastor Hoffman at 591 Blossom Trail, Mount Joy, PA 17552, or via e-mail pstrhffmn@comcast.net.
...prayers for the family of the Rev. William C. "Bill" Karns, Jr. (retired), who died December 29, at the age of 104. Click here to read the obituary.
...prayers for the family of Carla Spomer (spouse of Pastor Herb Spomer, retired) who died December 24. Click here to read the obituary. A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date. Notes of care and concern may be addressed to Pastor Spomer at 2751 St. Joseph Lane, Chambersburg, PA 17202, or via e-mail to hspomer@pa.net.
...prayers for healing and hope for Pastor Peter Kuebler (retired, serving St. John's, Barners), Pastor Brenda Kiser (Memorial, Shippensburg), Pastor Peter Perella, Pastor John Kammerer (retired), Pastor George Buechner (retired), Pastor Craig Dorward, Sharon Kaya (Latino Missioner, worship leader St. John's, Hampton), Glenn Snyder (spouse of Pastor Patricia Synder), Pastor Linda Trout, and Pastor Nancy Werner
...prayers for our bishops--Elizabeth, Jim, and Israel-Peter--and all who serve the church
...prayers for Pastor Chad Rimmer and family, serving as an ELCA missionary in Senegal, and for all serving as missionaries around the world. Click here to read and/or download the Rimmer's latest newsletter.
...prayers for Pastor Kate Warn, who left Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Lebanon, this month to serve through ELCA Global Missions in Rwanda.
...prayers for those who are hungry and without shelter in our midst.
Have a prayer request to share with others in our synod? Please contact Pr. Sharron Blezard at sblezard@lss-elca.org
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Lend a Hand. Make a Difference.
 PinnacleHealth's Pastoral Care Department is looking for qualified persons to join their team of volunteer chaplains who help to cover emergency on call times and assist with visits at the various campuses. If you or someone in your congregation has the desire to give a few hours per week/month to brighten someone's day, please contact Janet Anderson, Pastoral Care Secretary at 782-5220 or janderson@pinnaclehealth.org or Chaplain Ellen Doughty, Diaconal Minister at 782-4794 phone or edoughty@pinnaclehealth.org for more information.
(Photo: nojahn, Creative Commons)
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Give + Receive + Share = News to Use
Wheat Ridge Ministries invites initial proposals for its Grants Plus Program for new and innovative health and human care programs led by congregations and non-profit organizations affiliated with the Lutheran Community. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000 over two to three years. The deadline for initial proposals is February 2. For more information visit our synod website or www.wheatridge.org. Did Your Congregation Participate in the Dollars 4 Diapers Drive last Sunday? If so, please contact Sharron Blezard at sblezard@lss-elca.org so that we can provide a follow-up story to this important synod-wide offering. Calling All Rostered Leaders: The 2014 Go! Challenge is on. Have you completed your 2014 Mayo Clinic Health Assessment yet? If not please log in and do so. It only takes a few minutes of your time, does not require specific numbers if not known, and will net you a handy $150 in wellness dollars. Complete this year's follow-up activities and earn $350 more. It's healthy, AND it's good stewardship. Watch for more information in your mail box and from our synod office, or visit PorticoBenefits.org/go. Keep up-to-date on what's happening in the global church through the ELCA Global Links e-letter. Click here to directly download the current edition, or visit www.ELCA.org/resources/globalchurch for this and many more resources.
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 Additional Opportunities for Education...
Visit our synod website for details about each event!
February 9 - 11, 2014
Tangle-Free Ministry: Leading with Focus
Women's Clergy Leadership Colloquium
Lutheran Theological Seminary Gettysburg
February 15, 2014
"Hymns and Hymn Playing"
St. Peter's Lutheran Church, 10 Delp Road, Neffsville
9:30 a.m.
An event sponsored by the Lancaster Chapter, American Guild of Organists, held at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Neffsville (10 Delp Road), Saturday, February 15. Continental breakfast is served in the choir room at 9:30 followed by two sessions around the church's Schantz organ at 10:00 and 11:00. The presenter is Dr. Karl E. Moyer, retired from music faculty at Millersville University and previous music director in three local Lutheran parishes. The main focus is on how best to use the organ to lead and support the people's singing of hymns. Discussion will cover basic to advanced analyses and playing skills, and will include all ages and levels of skill. All interested persons are welcome.
February 22, 2014
Criminal Justice Systems Ministry Event: Forgiveness & Faith
9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Presenter: Terri Roberts, mother of the Nickel Mines perpetrator
Trinity Lutheran Church, 2000 Chestnut Street, Camp Hill
February 23-24, 2014
No Gimmicks: Back to the Bible on Money and Stewardship
A Rostered Leaders' Retreat with Mark Allan Powell
February 23-24, 2014
Camp Nawakwa, Arendtsville, PA
Registration Fee: $75.00
Online registration link: http://www.cvent.com/d/b4q9n0
March 2-4, 2014
33rd Annual Rural Ministry Conference: Revitalizing Rural & Small Town Ministries
Wartburg Theological Seminary, Dubuque, IA
This conference addresses issues and themes pertinent to the well-being of rural communities and the ministry of rural churches. The theme for 2014 is Revitalizing Rural & Small Town Ministries, and the keynote speaker at this year's conference is Rev. Nancy Nyland, Director for Evangelical Mission in the Indiana-Kentucky Synod of the ELCA. The conference will include worship, speakers, workshops, and Bible study, and offer participants a unique opportunity to network with others who are active in and concerned about rural ministry. Presenters come from a variety of denominations. Click here to learn more.
March 15, 2014
CTIM: Radically Authentic. Everyday Disciples.
St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Hanover, PA
9:00 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Click here for more information about registration and program.
July 7-11 and July 21-25
Summer Seminars at Calvin College
Grand Rapids, MI
Looking for a summer seminar opportunity? Check out the offerings at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI. Three seminars are available for leaders and teachers: "Leadership and Christian Formation in the Early Church" (July 7-11), "The Next Generation: World Christianity, Immigration, and the Transmission of Faith" (July 21-25), and "Cruciform Compassion in Christian Preaching and Worship" (July 21-25. Click here for more information about each program and how to apply for admission and funding.
August 4-14, 2014
"Lands of Luther Tour"
This tour, led by Pastor Ron Reaves and Bishop Wolfgang Herz-Lane, will include many of the landmark locations of the Reformation. Included in the $3559 cost is airfare from Washington, D.C., first class hotels, most meals, taxes and surcharges. For more information contact Pr. Reaves at (301) 663-9566 or ronrv@comcast.net.
Preparing to Preach Lent at Sea with the Rev. Dr. Craig Satterlee
Leave January 25, 2015 from New Orleans to cruise the Caribbean aboard the Carnival Dream. Click here for a brochure providing more details.
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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
February 9
Music, Gettysburg! Presents Felix Held, organist
Chapel of the Abiding Presence, Lutheran Theological Seminary
4:00 p.m.
The pride of Baltimore returns to the chapel for his annual performance - always a magnificent event!
Rejoicing Spirits Worship
St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 30 W. Main St., New Kingstown
4:00 PM (pre-worship singing begins at 3:45 PM)
 | | St. Stephen Rejoicing Spirits: Celebrating Three Years of Rejoicing Together |
February 15
"Hymns and Hymn Playing"
St Peter's Lutheran Church, 10 Delp Road, Neffsville
9:30 a.m - noon
Sponsored by the Lancaster Chapter, American Guild of Organists. All interested persons are welcome.
February 16 
Peter Griggs in Concert "500 Years of Music for Guitar"
Trinity Lutheran Church, 2000 Chestnut St., Camp Hill
4:00 p.m.
Captive Free in Concert
Evangelical Lutheran Church, 435 Church St., Waynesboro
6:30 p.m.
For more information call (717) 762-9151
February 23 Organ Dedication Concert: Todd David
St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 201 S. Main St., Spring Grove
4:00 p.m.
The concert is free; an offering will be taken for an honoraria for Mr. Davis. A reception will follow the concert.
Celebration of Youth! A Concert in Three Acts
Tree of Life Lutheran Church, 1492 Linglestown Rd., Harrisburg
4:00 p.m.
Featuring the Mechanicsburg Area High School Jazz Band, The Trust Company Singers, and the Rebel Heart Irish Dancers. Your freewill donation supports the St. Barnabas Center for Ministry's low-cost, seven-week summer camp for children in uptown Harrisburg.
March 2 Safari Supper
Tree of Life Lutheran Church, 1492 Linglestown Rd., Harrisburg
12:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Come any time throughout the afternoon and enjoy an ethnic African buffet, enjoy Malaria Fund and African Partner displays and learning experiences. All proceeds benefit the ELCA's Malaria Campaign. Adults: $15, Children 4-12: $5. Email office@tree-of-life.us to purchase tickets.
Sunderman Woodwind Quintet in Concert
First Lutheran Church, 21 South Bedford Street, Carlisle
3:00 p.m.
Sponsored by Fine Arts at First, the concert is free to all.A freewill offering will be received.Contact the church, 717-249-3310, or visit www.firstlutherancarlisle.org for more information.
Items to Share
Rubber Candle-holders and Burgundy Choir Albs
St. Peter Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg has available, free to a congregation in need, approximately 150 rubber candle-holders and approximately 25 burgundy choir albs. Interested persons can contact St. Peter at 717-766-2701 or by email at stpeter@epix.net.
Copies of the Lutheran Book of Worship
St. Matthew, York, has 309 copies of the green Lutheran Book of Worship to share with a congregation or congregations who might have use for them. Please contact Sue Folkemer at
717.845.2721 or e-mail her at office@stmatt.org.
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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 with more details.
Congregation: Christ Lutheran Church, Elizabethtown
Position: Director of Christian Education
Posted: 1/22/2014
Contact Patee Pizzirusso in person, by mail to Christ Lutheran Church, 125 East High St., Elizabethtown, PA 17022, or to office@christlutheran-etown.com, and write "DCE resume" in the subject line. Visit www.christlutheran-etown.com for a job description.
Congregation: St. Paul Lutheran Church, Spring Grove
Position: Choir Director (Part-Time)
Posted: 1/06/2014
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| 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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Stay connected to Lower Susquehanna Synod, ELCA
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