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Chicken Noodle Was Victorious (But Everybody Wins!)
 Every year the challenge begins on the first Sunday of January, when members of Trinity Lutheran Church, Mechanicsburg, choose between Team Tomato and Team Chicken Noodle. More and more cans arrive as each team tries to best the other for the coveted title of SOUPER BOWL Champion. Just like any successful team, different strategies are employed to lead to a huge final collection on "Souper Bowl Sunday."
When Pastor Joel Folkemer arrived, the congregation was already participating, and his first year they collected a record 895 cans of soup. The next year the total jumped to 2,893 cans. This year, the congregation set the bar even higher with a total of 4,585 cans of soup. But  that's not all. Good fun for a great cause is contagious. This year four other area Lutheran congregations joined Trinity in the challenge, and the result was an amazing total of 9,647 cans of soup.
While Trinity Mechanicsburg again took home the "canny" win, Trinity Lemoyne came in second with 2,230 cans. St. Mark came in third with 1,817 cans, Trindle Spring came in fourth with 625 cans, and St. Peter put forth a valiant effort totaling 406 cans. Chicken Noodle defeated Tomato with a close but sound total of 5,112 to 4,535.
 So who really won this competition? It all depends on who you ask, and there's always a little controversy, according to Pastor Folkemer. "In terms of cans present at Trinity, Tomato won, but Bishop Dunlop read a letter prior to worship stating that a purchase of 480 cans of Chicken Noodle Soup has been pre-ordered from Wegmans, but Wegmans had to ship the order from a warehouse. Because of this delay, these cans did not arrive until later Sunday afternoon."
The Soup was donated to New Hope Ministries of PA and to the food pantry at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg. So who won? Everybody! It was good fun, a great competition, and a tangible way to make a difference. The real winners, of course, are those who are hungry and who are fed by the generous people of these congregations and others across our synod. We are the Lower Susquehanna Synod: Feeding others as we have been fed by Christ.
(Note: Did your congregation participate in Souper Bowl Sunday? Send Pr. Sharron a photo and a some information about what you did and how many cans of soup and/or dollars raised. Let's share the good news!)
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 Dollars 4 Diapers Update
Thank you for your continued generosity and support of our neighbors in the nearby West Virginia-Western Maryland Synod. To date at least
$3,843.69 has been raised by congregations that responded to our request for information. Others, such as St. Paul's (York St.) Hanover, are working all month to support this designated need.
Thank you to Brickerville United Lutheran Church, Christ Lutheran Church, Fileys; Mannsville Lutheran Church, Elliottsburg; Luther Memorial Lutheran Church, York; St. David, Hanover; St. Mark, Mechanicsburg; St. Stephen Lutheran Church, New Kingstown; Trinity Lutheran Church, Camp Hill; and Quickel Lutheran Church 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 still 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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Lutherans Help Rehab Rowhouse
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On the porch of the house to be rehabilitated are (from left) Rev. Andy Evenson of Zion Lutheran Church, Lebanon; Rich Perlaki, St. James, Lebanon; Anita Frey, Zion; Dave Machamer, St. James; Robin Rinier, St. James; and Jim Fowler, Zion.
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Last summer an accidental fire damaged the three-bedroom rowhouse at 52 Lehman St., Lebanon, displacing a family and leaving an eyesore in the neighborhood. But with the help of Lower Susquehanna Synod Lutherans, the rowhouse will become a safe, decent and affordable home for a deserving family by this summer.
The renovation project, kicked off Saturday, brings together Habitat for Humanity of Lebanon County, Thrivent Financial and local Lutherans who will join the volunteer crews to renovate the house.
"It's a joy to know that somebody's going to get a nice house to live in," said Dave Machamer, a member of St. James Lutheran Church, Lebanon, who has worked on many Habitat projects over the years.
Following the fire, the owners donated the home to Habitat for Humanity for rehabilitation. Thrivent Financial will provide about half the $30,000 project cost through its Thrivent Builds program, said Jim Gill, a Thrivent representative out of Hershey. Habitat keeps its projects affordable by recruiting volunteers to do the work. About half the volunteer hours for the Lehman Street project are expected to come from the Lutheran community, Gill said.
The Lebanon Habitat for Humanity project is just the latest of dozens that Lutherans across the synod have assisted in over the years. Habitat, which started as a Christian ministry, remains one of the most popular and effective ways that followers of Christ can help provide families with good, affordable housing.
"I just like doing it," said Robin Rinier, a member of St. James, Lebanon, who has worked on Habitat projects since 2007. It is especially gratifying to work with the families and see their excitement at becoming home owners. "It's a wonderful feeling," Rinier said.
Joy in helping neighbors in need keeps Mike Reber, a member of St. James, Schaefferstown, coming back to volunteer on Habitat projects. "If you can help people out who are less fortunate than you are, it's a good thing," Reber said.
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...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. 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 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.
...continued prayers for those who mourn, including the families of the Rev. Robert L. Baughan, Jr. (retired) and the Rev. Russell Louis Stewart (retired), Joanne Wilhelm (synod staff, retired), and the Rev. Cheryl Hoffman.
...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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Lutheran Church History Contest for Middle & High School Youth
 Hey, confirmation and youth group leaders! Be sure to tell your students about this opportunity!
The Lutheran Historical Society of the Mid-Atlantic invites youth to submit a multimedia presentation (e.g. DVD, Power Point, etc.) 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. A $250 prize will be awarded in both the middle school and high school categories. Deadline for submissions is June 30. Contest rules and details can be found at the society's webpage www.lhsmidatlantic.com. Email info@lhsmidatlantic.com with questions or contact Pastor Stephen Herr at 717-334-5212. Click here to download a flyer.
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Give + Receive + Share = News to Use
Attention all Lower Susquehanna Synod Women of the ELCA!
The Annual "Day of Renewal" is open for registration. This is an event you will not want to miss, so mark Saturday, April 5, on your calendar and join us at First Lutheran Church in Chambersburg. The theme is "Peace and Justice," with
The Reverend Robin Jarrell, author and Episcopal Priest serving in Sunbury, PA. Click here for a registration form and detailed information.
Looking for a Lenten Resource?
Here's a wonderful Lenten Calendar Resource adapted by Pastor Caitlin Glass (St. Stephen). It is designed to be printed two-sided on legal paper. The scripture readings are from the daily lectionary. It works well with the ELCA World Hunger cardboard coin banks. If you need it as a MS Word document that can be edited, please contact Pr. Sharron Blezard . Click here to download the PDF version. Thank you, Pastor Glass!
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.
Tax Assistance for York County Residents
On average York County residents pay $187 for tax preparation and filing services. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program once again seeks to keep those dollars in your pockets by offering free tax preparation and filing assistance throughout the community during this tax filing season.
Click here for a flyer with more information to post and share
Thrivent Members: Make a Difference with Your Choice Dollars
Eligible members may direct their Choice Dollars to non-profit organizations including our synod and congregations. Thrivent Benefit Members with Choice Dollars have until march 31 to direct their Choice Dollars from 2013. If you have questions, please contact your Thrivent Representative.
Check the Synod Calendar on our website for a complete listing of meetings and gatherings. Inclement weather closings of our office are announced on the answering machine (ext. 100) and our Facebook page.
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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 11
Preaching on the Gospel and Climate Change
The annual "Preach in on Climate Change" takes place February 14-16 every year. Join LAMPa and PA Interfaith Power and Light for a preaching preparation event in February 11 at 1:00 p.m. (call in or in person!), led by the Rev. Dr. Karyn Wiseman, Associate Professor of Homiletics at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia. Register here.
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
February 27
Learn About Immigrant Detention in PA
Approximately 1,000 people are held in immigration detention in Pennsylvania every day. Some are seeking asylum. Some are facing deportation because they lack current documents. Some are Legal Permanent Residents for whom anything from a misdemeanor to a major crime results in deportation.
To learn more, join the LAMPa Immigration Leadership Circle for a briefing at noon on Thursday, Feb. 27. Attend by conference call or online. Register here.
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.
Day of Renewal
LSS Women of the ELCA
First Lutheran Church, Chambersburg, PA
9:15 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (Registration opens at 8:45 a.m.)
This year's theme is "Peace and Justice." The cost is $12 and includes the program and lunch. Click here for detailed information about the day and registration.
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
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Tyler Canonico
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February 9
2nd Sundaes Presents
Rising Star Recital featuring Organist Tyler Canonico
St. Matthew Ev. Lutheran Church, 839 W Market Street, York
3:00 p.m.
For more information, call (717) 845-2721.
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.)
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St. Stephen Rejoicing Spirits: Celebrating Three Years of Rejoicing Together
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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.
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Peter Griggs
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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
Concert Pianist Jim Hendricks in Concert
Zion Lutheran Church, 2215 Brandywine Lane, York
3:00 p.m.
The concert is free. For more information, call Jeffrey Cogan, Zion's Director of Traditional Music at 717.767.4673 ext. 243 or email NotesofGrace4u@yahoo.com.
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.
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Olivier Latry
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March 2
Service of Dedication and Dedicatory Recital
St.. Matthew Lutheran Church, 839 Market St., York
The new organ will be dedicated during the 11:00 a.m. worship service. The service will feature a festive arrangement of a hymn for organ, brass, choir and congregation commissioned from the Rev. Dr. Stephen P. Folkemer, Professor of Church Music and Seminary Cantor, Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg.
The 3:00 p.m. recital featuring the internationally acclaimed recitalist Olivier Latry, organist of the Cathedral of Notre-Dame, Paris and Professor at the Paris Conservatory.
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. Click here to download a poster.
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
Hammond Organ
This organ is available at no cost to any church that might need it and put it to good use. It is in perfect condition, about 50 years old, about 4 feet long x 2 ft.5" wide x 3 ft. 4" high, with two ranks and a 3 foot bench. Contact Martha Baranek at (717) 652-9435 if interested.
Books Ideal for Group Study
Unbinding Your Soul (9 copies) and Unbinding Your Heart (3 copies) all free to a good home. Contact Pastor Cynthia Chambers at cynthiachambers@embarqmail.com.
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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