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How to Earn $150 in 10 Minutes
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Photo: 401(k) 2013
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Hey Pastors, rostered leaders and everybody else who is on the ELCA health insurance plan, how would you like to receive $150 just for filling out a survey that takes about 10 minutes? And then another $350 for taking steps toward a healthier lifestyle?
It's not a scam, but part of the wellness program our denomination offers for those on the ELCA Health Plan and their spouses. The program, offered through the ELCA's Portico Benefit Services in partnership with the prestigious Mayo Clinic, enables members and spouses each to earn up to $500 a year to help pay for out-of-pocket medical expenses, such as eyeglasses, prescription copays, insurance deductibles and more.
 The first step is filling out the Health Assessment, which earns $150 and makes members and their spouses eligible to earn an additional $350.
There is also an important incentive for everybody in Lower Susquehanna to fill out a Health Assessment: If 65 percent of eligible members and their spouses complete it, their employers - our congregations and agencies - get a 2 percent discount in health insurance rates. Collectively this can save us tens of thousands of dollars. Last year, 59 percent of our members filled out the assessment. This year we can all save 2 percent if we can get just an additional 6 percent signed up!
For more information, go to this page on the website of Portico Benefits Services, and click on the "Earn $500" tab.
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 Dollars 4 Diapers Update
The disastrous chemical spill into a major water supply created an immediate need for relief aid in our neighboring West Virginia-Western Maryland Synod. When asked how we could best help, Lutheran Community Partners asked for diapers, an important (and expensive) staple item for many of the state's poorest workers and their families. Unfortunately, lower wage restaurant and service industry workers were among the hardest hit by the lack of water and reduced work opportunities.
Bishop Dunlop asked our Lower Susquehanna Synod congregations to help with a suggested special offering of $1 per worshiper. You responded with amazing generosity. Thank you! To date we know that at least $2584.69 has been raised by congregations who responded to our request for information. Others, such as St. Paul's (York St.) Hanover, have designated this effort as a special giving opportunity for the month of February.
Thank you to Brickerville United Lutheran Church, Christ Lutheran Church, Fileys; Mannsville Lutheran Church, Elliottsburg; Luther Memorial Lutheran Church, York; St. Stephen Lutheran Church, New Kingstown; and Trinity Lutheran Church, Camp Hill, for sharing above and beyond to love God and neighbor. Together Lower Susquehanna Lutherans are caring for and feeding others as we have been fed by Christ.
NOTE: It's not too late to help! If you haven't let us know that you participated or plan to do so, please contact Sharron Blezard. We want to make sure we thank you and share the good news of your ministry. Here's a link to a bulletin insert.
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...And the Pastor and Parishioners Wore Pajamas!
 Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Dauphin celebrated their first Pajama Sunday on January 26th. The congregation collected and blessed 102 pairs of brand new children's pajamas that have been donated to Hershey's Ronald McDonald House. The congregation was also invited to wear pajamas to worship and afterwards enjoyed a delicious pancake breakfast together. In addition to being a fun morning together, Pajama Sunday was a great way to support the incredible ministry that Ronald McDonald House provides. Some of the children were reported to request pajamas for Sunday attire every week! |
...prayers for the family of Frank Cover III, father of the Rev. Virginia Cover (Grace, Camp Hill). Mr. Cover died January 25, while in the care of hospice. Click here to be redirected to the obituary. Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 30th,11:00 a.m. at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 10625 Old Frederick Road, Thurmont.
Messages of care and concern may be sent to Pastor Cover at Grace Lutheran Church, 1610 Carlisle Rd., Camp Hill, PA 17011 or at pastorcover.gelc@gmail.com.
...prayers for the family of the Rev. Russell Louis Stewart (retired). Ordained in 1957, Pastor Stewart died on Friday, January 17, 2014, at the age of 92. Service and interment will be held in West Virginia at the convenience of the family. Click here to read the obituary.
...prayers of joy and thanksgiving for the safe arrival of twins Daniel Jacob and Miriam Rachel Hipkiss, born 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. 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. 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 healing and hope for Pastor Donald Warner (retired), 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, for Pastor Kate Warn, serving through ELCA Global MIssions in Rwanda, and for all serving as missionaries around the world. Click here to read and/or download the Rimmer's latest newsletter.
...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 717-782-5220 or janderson@pinnaclehealth.org or Chaplain Ellen Doughty, Diaconal Minister at 717-782-4794 or edoughty@pinnaclehealth.org for more information.
Lutheran Home Care & Hospice is in need of caring individuals interested in becoming hospice volunteers. Volunteers are needed to provide friendly visits, bake bereavement bread, share a special talent such as singing or playing music, and we are also in need of certified pet therapy volunteers. Free training is provided. Training classes will be held at Lutheran Home Care & Hospice, Inc. on March 12th, 19th and 26th, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. For more information about our volunteer opportunities or to register for upcoming training classes, please call Tammy Hawbaker, Volunteer Coordinator at 717-217-3520 or thawbaker@lutheranhomecare.org.
(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. Global Church PlaceMaps Available This FREE resource has been newly redesigned and made available for use as dinner place mats, displays or coloring sheets. Download an 11 X 17 copy at www.ELCA.org/resources/globalchurch. Request 100 or 200 in pre-printed pads with free shipping and handling at 800-638-3522 or RIS@elca.org. Order larger quantities at www.ELCA.org/globalmission-resources; shipping and handling charges will apply. NOTE: LSS Criminal Justice Ministries Meeting Rescheduled for January 30 Synod Office, 900 S. Arlington Avenue, Harrisburg Noon (Bring lunch!) All are welcome.
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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
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.
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.
Mental Health Awareness Seminar
Polk Assisted Living Facility, Millersburg
9:00 a.m.-noon
The Mahanoy Koinonia Ministerium will host a free training seminar for local pastors on the topic of mental health disorders (causes, symptoms, treatments). The purpose of the training is to help pastors identify serious mental health disorders, and refer to mental health professionals for appropriate treatment. The focus for this seminar will be on mood, anxiety, and psychotic disorders. The training will include Biblical-based therapies and how these can directly relate to psychological therapies in aiding the populations served by pastors. The seminar facilitator is Cody Geise, a local masters-level counselor who has a small private practice, where he provides mental health and Biblical counseling.
To reserve your spot for this free seminar, please contact Pastor Ray Holland at 570-425-3242, or email davidsucc-hebe@tds.net, no later than February 9. Refreshments will be provided. Admission is free, but there will be a love offering basket to help defray refreshment costs.
February 22, 2014
Criminal Justice Systems Ministry Event: Forgiveness & Faith
9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Trinity Lutheran Church, 2000 Chestnut Street, Camp Hill
Presenter: Terri Roberts, mother of the Nickel Mines perpetrator
February 23-24, 2014
No Gimmicks: Back to the Bible on Money and Stewardship
A Rostered Leaders' Retreat with Mark Allan Powell
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.
Note: Registrations are now closed. Information about live-streaming and resources will be posted soon.
April 5, 2014
Risk Assessment & Insurance Seminar
Tree of Life Lutheran Church, Harrisburg, PA
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
This seminar is sponsored by our Lower Susquehanna Synod Treasurer's Office and presented by representatives from James O. Bower Insurance Company. The event is free and open to anyone interested in the topic. Call Linda Lubold (ext. 108) or Cathy Paul (ext 107) in our synod office 717-652-1852 to reserve a place for this important event.
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 Hell, 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 p.m. (pre-worship singing begins at 3:45 p.m.)
 | | 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.
Closing Worship & Celebration of Ministry & History
St. Samuel's Lutheran Church, 5300 St. Samuel's Road, Newport
9:00 a.m.
All are welcome to attend this service, which will feature a liturgy of leave-taking, to celebrate the history and mission of the faithful members of this congregation over many years. The Rev. Gloria J. McPherson, St. Samuel's pastor since November, 2010, will preside and preach. For further information or directions, please contact Rev. McPherson at glom_2000@yahoo.com.
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 Davis
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. February 28 Captive Free in Concert Salem Lutheran Church, Grove Activity Building, Jacobus
There is a free will offering for the band. For more info call Ann Lyons 717-428-2550 or Salem church office 717-428-2811.
March 1
Clothing Give-Away & Meal
Trinity Lutheran Church, 47 W. Main St., Mount Joy
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
This event is free. Call (717)653-4168 for more information. Click here for a poster.
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. Supplemental funding provided by Thrivent. 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
Burgundy Choir Albs
St. Peter Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg has available, free to a congregation in need, 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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