February 12, 2014

 Souper Bowl Sunday Efforts Feed and Help Others
 
Last week we shared with you the story of the wonderful competition amongst Mechanicsburg area congregations (and one in Lemoyne, too!) to collect soup for local food ministries as part of Souper Bowl Sunday. We asked for updates from across our synod, and we're happy to report that other congregations took a real bite out of hunger, too.
  
Youth at Christ Lutheran in Gettysburg raised $1,036.08 and collected 458 food items for the Gettysburg Community Soup Kitchen.  (The local chapter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans supported the congregation's efforts by pledging to donate $175 of that total.)  Carol Cogliano reports, "Each year our collection grows, and this ministry has been a blessing to both our congregation and community." 
  
St. James Lutheran Church in Gettysburg collected dollars during all services for their Souper Bowl competition. The results totaled more than $1,000--a  big win for the hungry! 
  
Mannsville Lutheran Church in Elliottsburg also participated in Souper Bowl of Caring and collected $135.00 cash for Join Hands Ministry in New Bloomfield, and 150 food items, valued at $275.00, for the Perry County Food Bank.
  
St. John's Lutheran Church, Abbottstown, participated in the 2014 Souper Bowl of Caring, too.  The congregation collected more than 1,200 cans for the Abbottstown/East Berlin Food Pantry and New Hope Ministries.
  
St. Michael Lutheran Church, Harrisburg, celebrated Souper Bowl Sunday with a delicious post-worship lunch of homemade soups, salad, bread, desserts, and drinks. Those who attended were invited to bring some bills, coins, or their checkbook! 100% of the money collected was given to the Outreach Clinic at Christ Lutheran Church in Allison Hill.
  
Thank you to all who participated in these congregational events! Together as Lower Susquehanna Lutherans we are feeding others as we have been fed by Christ!

Dollars 4 Diapers Update  

 

This week we received the following letter from Community Lutheran Partners:
  
February 7, 2014

Dear Bishop Dunlop and the congregations of the Lower Susquehanna Synod,
  
As the Executive Director of Community Lutheran Partners and a member of WV VOAD, I would like to say "Thank You" to you and the congregations of your synod for your "Dollars 4 Diapers" drive. As of today, we have received over $5,000 in financial donations from your synod.
  
Although the media is reporting that the water flow has been restored to the southern WV communities, many people are still being affected by the chemicals in the water. Many businesses continue to use bottled water for cooking and schools are still closed in some areas due to contamination. Every day there are conflicting reports from state officials and outside investigators as to how much of the chemical remains in the drinking water. This morning it was reported that an outside testing agency measured the chemical at 9X what the state was reporting. There is currently a bill before the House which would require the inspection of all above ground storage tanks but there is concern that by the time it passes it will be less than what it needs to be due to weakening amendments.
  
Thank you again for supporting us in our effort to help the working poor who are being hit so hard by this disaster. Please continue to pray for our people and our water.
  
God's blessings,
  
Sherri Schafer
  
+ + + + + + +
  

Thank you to Brickerville United Lutheran Church, Christ Lutheran Church, Duncannon; Christ Lutheran Church, Fileys; Mannsville Lutheran Church, Elliottsburg; Luther Memorial Lutheran Church, York; St. David Lutheran, Hanover; St. James Lutheran, Wenksville, Bendersville Parish; 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.


 Looking for a Lenten Practice for Your Congregation?

 

Consider Make or Break for Lent - a Wellness Activity from Portico

 

During the six weeks of Lent, you and your congregation are invited to focus on your habits around food. With this activity, you'll encourage one another to make a healthy eating habit or break an unhealthy one. By taking an intentional step toward better health, you'll help each other reflect God's many gifts to you and live as whole and holy people of God.

 

Participants will:

- Choose one eating habit to change during Lent

- Identify potential barriers using the Lazarus scripture

- Commit to change using a finger labyrinth

- Practice the habit for six weeks

 

You might recognize Make or Break from this year's ELCA-Primary health plan challenge. Portico developed this special Lenten version for anyone, whether or not you have ELCA health benefits. Consider practicing with friends, ministry teams - or even as a whole community of faith!

 

Get Make or Break for Lent, at no charge, for your congregation.

 

If you have any questions, email livewell@PorticoBenefits.org or call the Portico Service Center at 800.352.2876.

 

Sincerely,

Tammy Devine

Diaconal Minister and

ELCA Wellness Manager

 

P.S. Please let us know how it goes! Drop an email to livewell@PorticoBenefits.org or post on facebook.com/livewellelca and tell us how you used this activity and what you found valuable. Your feedback helps us shape future wellness offerings for the ELCA.


You are Invited to Celebrate!
  
The Rev. Brian Biery will be installed as the Associate Pastor of Christ Lutheran Church, 124 South 13th St. Harrisburg, PA, during a Service of Holy Communion on March 2nd at 2 PM.
The color of the day is green.
  
Rostered leaders are invited to dress and process.
  
+ + + + + + +
  
Robert Schwartz will be ordained in the ministry of Word and Sacrament, Douglas Price will be commissioned to serve, and the Revs. Robert and Sharron Blezard will be installed during a Celebration of Holy Eucharist on Sunday, March 9, at 7:00 p.m. Bishop Dunlop will preach and preside at the Eucharist and the rite of ordination  which will take place at First Lutheran Church, 21 S. Bedford St., Carlisle, PA.

 

Robert has been called to serve as  pastor at Mannsville Lutheran, Elliottsburg, in the Perry  Conference. Douglas has been called to serve as an Associate in Ministry at Trinity Lutheran Church, Chambersburg, in the Chambersburg Conference. Robert and Sharron have been called to serve as Assistants to the Bishop.

 

Rostered leaders are invited to vest and process. The color of the day is red. A reception will follow the service in the church Fellowship Hall.


prayers
Prayers and Updates 
 
...prayers for the family of the Rev. John Kammerer (retired), who died February 5, 2014. A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, February 22, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 10 Delp Rd., Lancaster, 17601. The family will receive friends at the church from 10:00-11:00 a.m.
  
...prayers for the family of the Rev. Rose Marie Benedict (retired), who died February 7, 2014. Services will be held on Thursday, February 13, at 11:00 a.m. at Cross of Life Lutheran Church, 1000 Hembree Road, Roswell, Georgia 30076. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to her daughter Robbin Duren at 110 Babcock Court, Roswell, Virginia 30075 or via e-mail at robbinduren@gmail.com.
  
...prayers for the family of Frank Kennedy, who died February 7, 2014, in Florida. Mr. Kennedy's sister is the Rev. Judith McKee (Union, York) and brother-in-law is the Rev. Thomas McKee (Assistant to the Bishop and Synod Secretary). Arrangements are pending at this time. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to Pr. Judith McKee at 353 E. Market St., York, PA 17403.
  
...prayers for the family of Alice Florence Biss Cooper, who died February 5, 2014. Mrs. Cooper's son is the Rev. Michael Cooper-White (Lutheran Theological Seminary, Gettysburg). Expressions of sympathy may be sent to Rev. Cooper-White c/o Lutheran Theological Seminary, 61 Seminary Ridge, Gettysburg, PA 17325.

 

...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), the Rev. Virginia Cover (Grace, Camp Hill), 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 PerellaPastor 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.
  
...prayers for those who are hungry and without shelter in our midst and those affected by the winter storms across the U.S.
 
...prayers for those still suffering the effects of the chemical spill into the water systems in West Virginia.
 
...prayers for those who are victims of violence in the Sudan.
 
...prayers for women who are victims of violence and abuse.

  

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

Faith and Forgiveness Event:
 It's Not Too Late to Register
 
Imagine finding out that one of your own children has done the unthinkable-taking the lives of innocent children. Such was the news that greeted Strasburg resident Terri Roberts on October 2, 2006. Join us to hear Roberts and learn more about Faith and Forgiveness on Saturday, February 22.
 
Terri's son, Charles Carl Roberts IV, entered the Nickel Mines one-room school, and at the end of that fateful day, 10 young Amish girls ranging in age from six to 13 had been shot, and Roberts had committed suicide. Five of the 10 girls died as a result of the attack.
 
Terri Roberts brings her story to our synod on Saturday, February 22, in an event hosted by the Lower Susquehanna Synod Criminal Justice System Ministry. We hope that you will join us to hear this story of walking through unthinkable circumstances, and by the grace of God and the love of family, friends, and neighbors, finding strength and even joy along the journey to forgiveness and healing.
  
This is an event you will not want to miss. Invite your entire congregation, your friends, and anyone who wonders about issues of faith and criminal justice. There is no charge, but we ask that you r.s.v.p. by e-mailing Chaplain Sadie Pounder at spounder718@yahoo.com. The event will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2000 Chestnut Street, Camp Hill, PA, 17011. Registration will open at 8:30 a.m., and the event will end around 11:30 a.m.

Give + Receive + Share = News to Use
  
Lutheran Disaster Response: Help Those Affected by Violence in the South Sudan
Thousands of people have been killed and more than 800,000 have fled their homes since fighting erupted in South Sudan in December 2013. While neighboring countries have opened their borders to receive refugees, resources are running thin.
  
"We do not have any water for cooking or bathing," says one woman living in the Nyumanzi Settlement in Uganda.
  

We are a church that rolls up our sleeves and gets to work. Providing water is just one of the ways Lutheran Disaster Response is committed to walking with our brothers and sisters affected by this crisis. We are assisting people fleeing from the violence within South Sudan and those who have reached neighboring countries of Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya and Chad. Consider making a gift today and sharing this bulletin insert with your congregations.

 

"For God so loved the world..." Global Resources for Lent

Resources are now available for Lenten suppers, services, classes, events and offerings. See the attached pdf or find it and more at www.ELCA.org/resources/globalchurch or www.ELCA.org/globalmission-resources.

 

Three new stories from the Global Church

Check out these stories in the newest issue of Hand in Hand:

+        Warm sweaters and valuable skills from ELCA missionaries in Kenya, Africa.

+        Light shines in the darkness in Cairo, Egypt, about a Christmas service involving people from different ethnic groups in South Sudan.

+        Building relationships in Hungary from a Young Adult in Global Mission.

They are available as a downloadable newsletter or bulletin inserts at www.ELCA.org/resources/globalchurch. Request 1-10 printed copies of the newsletter at 800-638-3522 or RIS@elca.org. Order larger quantities at www.ELCA.org/globalmission-resources.

  
Looking for a Congregational 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!
  

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.

 

News from the Mission Investment Fund

Talking about church building repairs or renovations is always a challenge.  Perhaps the roof is on its last shingle; or the boiler won't boil any more.  Do you fear the air conditioning will fail once summer starts?  The ELCA Mission Investment Fund can help.  We can offer building reviews through the services of an ELCA building consultant and we can assist  in helping you make decisions about the possible need to finance repairs.  The Fund is a partner in your ministry.  If you wish to learning more about a building consultation, financing a loan and how congregations and individuals can invest in the Fund, please contact Pr. Mark Wimmer, Regional Manager, Mission Investment Fund, ELCA:  mark.wimmer@elca.org or 267-203-1137.

 

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.

 

Upcoming Meetings

Support Group of Hope

February 19, 2014

1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

This group is for rostered leaders who are dealing with serious illness or caregivers for a loved one but also those dealing with grieving or chronic conditions. Meet at synod offices.All are welcome.

 

B.C. [Between Calls]

February 27, 2014

St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Harrisburg (across from our synod offices)

2:00 p.m.

Whether you are a candidate; AIM; Deacon; Deaconess; Psalm; Lay-Pastor; etc. you are invited. Maybe you are fresh out of seminary; recently retired; searching; filling a pulpit pending a next call; completing a call? You are welcome.  We are here for one another. Interested in more details or information, please contact Pr. Hope Knobler at ClaypotMinistry@aol.com.

 

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.

books
Additional Opportunities for Education... 
Visit our synod website for details about each event! 
 
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 people to mental health professionals for 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
 Click here for a brochure. Click here for bulletin inserts. Click here for a poster. Please share this information widely!

  

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 8, 2014

Lenten Day Apart at The Wittel Farm

Begins with registration and gathering at 9:00 AM

Led by Pr. Jean Kuebler, the focus of the day will be on the book of Jonah as a fun way to think about Lent and the Pascha. Registration includes lunch and is $15 per person.

More Information at http://www.lutherancamping.org/events/lentdayapart.php

  

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.

 

March 24, 2014

Thinking about Jesus in a Post-Christian World

The 2014 Alice Pope Shade Presentation by the Rev. Dr. William H. Willimon

Susquehanna University

Degenstein Campus Center Theatre

7:30 p.m.

Note: Free and open to the public. No tickets required.

 

March 29, 2014

Group VBS FunShop: "Weird Animals" 
Zion Lutheran Church, 2215 Brandywine Lane, York
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 P.M.
Hosted by the VBS team at Zion. Bring your VBS teams for VBS freebies! Hands-On Training! Teambuilding! 
Register online TODAY! @ Group.com/VBSFunShop
Early registration is $20. Click here for a flyer.
Questions? Contact Pastor Haley Vay Poynter at hpoynter@zionyork.org or call the office: (717) 767-4673.

 

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.

 

April 12, 2014

Lenten Pilgrimage at the Wittel Farm

1:00 p.m.

Join us for a contemplative walk, using the "Resurrection Trail" at The Wittel Farm. Similar to the Stations of the Cross devotion, the trail at The Wittel Farm has 32 stations which include events from the life of Christ. Each stop along the way will include silent reflection on a verse from scripture, a question for personal reflection, and silence. The entire walk should take about an hour and 15 minutes. This event is free, but please register online at:

http://www.lutherancamping.org/events/lentenpilgrimage.php

  

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. 


  




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 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
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
Peter Griggs in Concert "500 Years of Music for Guitar"

Trinity Lutheran Church, 2000 Chestnut St., Camp Hill

4:00 p.m.
For more information: Call (717) 737-8635 or visit  www.trinitycamphill.org  
 
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
Jim Hendricks
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
6:30 p.m.
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.

 

Olivier Latry
March 2
 

Dedication of New Parish Life Center

Christ Lutheran Church, 125 East High Street, Elizabethtown

Following the 11:00 a.m. Liturgy

The congregation wishes to invite you to join in their joy upon the Dedication of the Parish Life Center on Transfiguration Sunday, March 2, 2014, following the 11:00 AM Liturgy.  Following the service of Dedication a lunch will be served in the Social Room and the Parish Life Center will be open until 4:00 PM for tours.  Please let the office know if you plan to attend: 367-2786 or office@christlutheran-etown.com.

 

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. 
  
March 9
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.)
 For more information, contact Rose Hlavac at sslcRejoicingSpirits@gmail.com or 717.258.5666.
  
March 15
Lutheran Men in Mission Pancake Breakfast
St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 127 York Street, Hanover
7:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Proceeds will benefit camperships for children attending

St. Paul's Day Camp week, June 16 - 20, 2014. Click here for a flyer to share.

  

Items to Share

Church Pews

St. James Lutheran Church has approximately 200 pews free for the taking. They need to be  removed between March 6-9. Some do need some work, especially re-padding, bolstering hymnal racks ,and securing trim work. Dimensions are: Width 49", back  height from seat 19", seat depth (front to back) 15", seat height from floor 16".  Pencil/card holder on each back as well as hymnal rack - see note above. Interested parties may contact Timothy E. Braband, Minister of Music, at 717.334.2012 ext. 209, or via e-mail at tbraband@stjamesgettysburg.org.

 

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. 


 

  

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: Luther Memorial, York

Position: Administrative Assistant

Posted: 2/13/2014

To acquire a full position description or to send a resume and cover letter, please e-mail Pastor Liz Polanzke, at lpolanzke@yahoo.com.

 

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 
Contact Pr. Dan Biles, 717-968-7741; danbiles@pa.net 

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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