March 13, 2014

The Fine Art of Appreciating Volunteers

by Pastor Kate Shroeder

Bob and Jan Marten are a force to be reckoned with! Active in mission, stewardship, as Sunday School teachers, and faithful members of St. Matthew, Hanover, they also lead the congregation's Thank You ministry. Four to six times per year they place framed signs on easels throughout the frequented areas of the church, thanking various people, groups and ministries for their service, participation and support.

With a new Hospitality Desk in place (built by one of our fine members), they have helped to make our Gathering Place more friendly and welcoming -- complete with framed pictures outlining how people can volunteer. Most recently, they filled a jar with candy featuring labels with slogans such as "Our CUP Runneth Over with Great Volunteers Like You!" (Peanut Butter Cups) and, "You Bring Great JOY to our Volunteer Ministry" (Almond Joy), for volunteers to enjoy! While the members of St. Matthew are, indeed, grateful for all of our volunteers, we are also grateful for Bob and Jan's witness and lessons in appreciating those who serve!

Editor's Note: St. Matthew, Hanover, is welcoming more than 600 guests for CTIM this Saturday. Be sure to check out their new Hospitality Desk. Thank you for the warm welcome and gracious hospitality!

World Malaria Day -- Save the Date!

World Malaria Day is coming up on April 25, and it's another great opportunity to do something big for the ELCA Malaria Campaign. Thanks to the folks at our churchwide office, we have all the resources you need to celebrate World Malaria Day in your congregation.

For the last several years, the ELCA observed World Malaria Day by dedicating an entire week to raising funds and awareness for our companions' programs. To date, we have joined hands in 12 African countries to help fight malaria, and we have seen great progress. This year, let's make it 13.

We are looking to our Lower Susquehanna Synod congregations to join with other synods and help take the ELCA Malaria Campaign work into the next country - Namibia. If we raise $250,000 across the ELCA, we'll have enough to kick-start programing in Namibia, the last country in the Malaria Campaign rollout plan.

Join thousands of ELCA members across this church and millions of people around the world in taking action in April. Please consider observing this day by taking a special offering for the ELCA Malaria Campaign on Sunday, April 27, 2014. Click here for special World Malaria Day resources that will help you activate your congregation to learn about malaria, the ELCA Malaria Campaign, our work in Namibia and more.

Together we are making great strides and saving precious lives. Thank you for making a difference.

Note: Don't forget about March Mania! It's not too late to plan a "net" event to raise awareness and funds for our Malaria Campaign. Visit our synod's website and the ELCA website for more ideas.

You are Invited to Celebrate!

You are cordially invited to attend a Worship Service of Holy Communion with the Installation of Pastor Susan McCarthy at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, 25 Franklin Street, Biglerville, PA on Sunday, March 23, at 4:00 p.m. Rostered leaders are invited to vest and process; the color of the day is purple.

Following the service you are invited to share in a covered dish supper at the church; meats and beverages will be provided by the congregation at St. Paul's. Please bring a dish or dessert to share and join us for fellowship.

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You are cordially invited to attend a Worship Service of Holy Communion with the Installation of Pastor Robert Swartz at Mannsville Lutheran Church, 2944 Mannsville Road, Ellottsburg, PA on Sunday, March 23, at 2:00 p.m. Light refreshments will follow.

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You are cordially invited to a Celebration of Campus Ministry and the Installation of the Rev. Jayne M. Thompson as Campus Pastor of Thiel College, on Sunday, March 30, at 2:00 p.m. in the David Johnson Memorial Chapel. A reception will follow the service. On Saturday night, March 29, Lost and Found will perform in concert at 7:00 p.m. in the William Passavant Memorial Center. The concert is free; donations to the ELCA Malaria Campaign and Thiel College campus ministry are welcomed. Click here to download an invitation.

Prayers and Updates

...prayers for Pastor Beth George (Millersburg Salem and Zion) whose mother died March 11 following an extended illness. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

...prayers for Natalie Rimmer, her spouse the Rev. Dr. Chad Rimmer, and their sons. The Rimmers have returned to the U.S. on a medical evacuation in order for Natalie to have a tumor removed from her leg. They now await pathology results to determine treatment. Cards and notes of encouragement would be welcomed. Send them to Natalie at 5109 Coronado Drive, Raleigh, NC 27609.

...continued prayers for leaders in our Synod who continue to grieve the loss of family members, including the Rev. Judith and the Rev. Thomas McKee, the Rev. Michael Cooper-White, the Rev. Virginia Cover, Joanne Wilhelm, the Rev. Cheryl Hoffman, the Rev. Herb Spomer, and others we name in our hearts.

...continued prayers for the families of the Rev. Peter Perella, the Rev. Rose Marie Benedict, the Rev. John Kammerer, the Rev. Russell Louis Stewart, the Rev. Robert L. Baughan, Jr., and the Rev. William C. "Bill" Karns, as they mourn the loss of their loved ones.

...prayers of thanksgiving for the safe arrival of Theodore Joseph (Teddy) Swartz, son of Pastor Robert (Mannsville) and Katie (Trinity, Mechanicsburg), and brother of big sister Penny. Teddy was born February 19, 2014.

...prayers for peace, healing and hope for Chaplain Sadie Pounder (Criminal Justice Systems Ministry), Pastor Jay Bohn (retired, serving Center Lutheran), Pastor Donald Warner (retired), Pastor Peter Kuebler (retired, serving St. John's, Barners), Pastor Brenda Kiser (Memorial, Shippensburg), Pastor George Buechner (retired), Pastor Craig Dorward, Glenn Snyder (spouse of Pastor Patricia Synder), Pastor Linda Trout, and Pastor Nancy Werner.

...prayers for Pastor Chad Rimmer and family, serving as ELCA missionaries in Senegal, for Pastor Kate Warn, who is serving in Rwanda, and for all other missionaries serving around the world. Click here for the Rimmer family's latest newsletter.

...prayers for our bishops--Elizabeth, Jim, and Israel-Peter--and all who serve the church

...prayers for all affected by natural disasters and winter storms in the U.S.

....prayers for those who are hungry and homeless in our midst.

...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, Syria, the Ukraine, and other areas around the world.

...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

Photo: Pr. Kate Warn

GLOBAL CONNECTIONS

Tanzania: Water, precious water
In some places in the world, such as the semi-arid regions of Tanzania, life revolves around getting water. Fetching water can consume much of a day, and too often the water isn't clean. ELCA missionaries in Tanzania, Joe and Deborah Troester, are working to help change that. See www.ELCA.org/News-and-Events/blogs/HandInHand/404.

Teachers needed in Eastern Europe

Volunteer to teach English language, literature or other subjects to students in 8th to 13th grades in one of several church-affiliated schools in Slovakia or Poland. See http://download.ELCA.org/ELCA%20Resource%20Repository/Teach_in_Central_Europe.pdf.

News from Rwanda

Pastor Kate Warn, who most recently served as interim at Holy Trinity (Lebanon), is now coordinating a new site for ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission in Kigali, Rwanda. Here's her latest newsletter for you to download and share. Please keep Pastor Kate and all of our ELCA missionaries and their families in your prayers.

NEWS FROM ST. BARNABAS CENTER FOR MINISTRY

Want to make a real difference in the lives of local Harrisburg youth? Consider becoming involved with and supporting the St. Barnabas Center for Ministry, a joint program of Lower Susquehanna Lutherans and our Episcopalian sisters and brothers. Here are three ways you can be involved now!

Luncheon and Fashion Show

Sunday, March 30, 2014, at 2:00 p.m. at the Radisson Hotel Harrisburg, 1150 Camp Hill Bypass. The event will feature a silent auction and fashions by Chico's. Tickets are $30 and available from Pastor Tom McKee, at the synod office, 800-692-7282, ext. 111, tmckee@lss-elca.org.

Highmark's Walk for a Healthy Community

Form a walking group. Be a solo walker. Walk to support the St. Barnabas Center for Ministry. Join in the Highmark Walk for Healthy Communities, Saturday, May 17, 2014, at Harrisburg Area Community College. Registration at 7:45 a.m.; start the 5 K Walk at 9:00 or start the One-Mile Fun Walk at 9:15. For details, contact Linda Cummings at dalkcummings@comcast.net.

Sponsor a Child in the St. Barnabas Center for Ministry Summer Day Camp

For 21 years, St. Barnabas Center for Ministry has provided for eight weeks each summer an all-day faith-based Summer Program for children ages 7-12 in Uptown Harrisburg. Help this program to continue by sponsoring one child. $100 sponsors a child for one week; $800, for a summer. Donations in any amount are welcome and needed. Make checks payable to "St. Barnabas" and mail to 248 Seneca Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110. Thank you for helping to keep one child safe this summer.

Give + Receive + Share = News to Use

CSLL FOR CONGREGATIONAL ARCHIVISTS

As part of its mission in ELCA Region 8 the Lutheran Historical Society of the Mid-Atlantic provides event, support, and networking for congregational archivists. Congregational archivists are encouraged to contact the society at info@lhsmidatlantic.com or by mail LHSMA, 61 Seminary Ridge, Gettysburg, PA 17325

RETREAT FACILITY AVAILABLE

The Berg Haus Retreat Center is available for rental by congregations and groups within Lower Susquehanna Synod. The retreat center accommodates up to 36 guests for overnight stays, and is also available for day or evening use. For more information, to make reservations or to see photos of the facility, please visit http://lebanonlutherans.org/congregations/hill/berghaus/.

DIVEST AT THE OUTLET
Do you want to lower your congregation's energy costs and protect God's creation at once? Consider the joining the Community Power Project, a joint effort of Pennsylvania Interfaith Power & Light and Groundswell. Through this project faith communities, community organizations, schools, and even small businesses can buy 100% clean electricity in their existing budgets. Groundswell joins congregations together to create a large electricity-buying group. Each congregation still gets its own electricity on its own bill, but because they joined the same purchasing group, they can get a good deal on electricity and insist that the electricity they buy supports their values - that it doesn't pollute the air or water we all share with each other and with future generations. For more information, follow this link:

http://www.paipl.us/2014/01/15/divest-at-the-outlet

INTERESTED IN LEGISLATION AND JUSTICE ISSUES?

Here's an opportunity to learn more about new legislation being introduced that will require bills moving through the Pennsylvania state legislature to amend the Pennsylvania Criminal or Sentencing Code to be accompanied by a racial impact statement. Debating legislation with a racial impact statement can provide greater insight for legislators as to the bill's benefits and problems as well as provide more transparency for Pennsylvanians to know how legislation will impact their lives. You can read more about racial impact statements here.

Join our United Methodist friends and other faithful Pennsylvanians for a conference call on Wednesday, March 19, at 3:00 p.m. EST. The number to call is 605-475-4800, and the code is 540390. The purpose of the conference call is to discuss the legislation and talk about strategy for supporting and moving this positive legislation forward. The call is hosted by the General Board of Church and Society, United Methodist Church.

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Support Group of Hope

March 19, 2014

Synod Office, Luther Room

1:30 - 3:00 p.m.

This group is for any rostered leader dealing with illness, caregiving or any situation where the support of other rostered leaders would be helpful.

Criminal Justice Ministry Meeting

March 27, 2014

Synod Office, Noon - 1:30 p.m.

This meeting is open to all who are interested in learning more about and working with this ministry.

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.

Additional Opportunities for Education...
Visit our synod website for details about each event!

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!

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.

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 that recall events from the life of Christ. Each stop includes silent reflection on a verse from scripture, a question for 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

May 6, 2014

Lutheran Day at the Capital

10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Meet at Trinity Lutheran Church, Camp Hill

This inspiring day of activities will help connect and educate and equip your congregation for advocacy in issues of justice. A reception and banquet are scheduled for the evening to mark LAMPa's 35th anniversary. For more information and to register, click here.

June 9-11

"Life Amid the Principalities" Pro Ecclesia Conference

Loyola University, Baltimore, MD

This event is sponsored by the Center for Catholic and Evangelical Theology, and speakers include Paul Hinlicky, Daniel Bell, Beverly Roberts Gaventa, and others. How does the Christian address the powers and principalities of our time as realities created, fallen, but conquered in Christ? Lutheran, Reformed, Catholic, Orthodox, and other traditions will be represented. The conference is particularly aimed at pastors. Further information can be found at the Center website www.e-ccet.org. Online registration is at www.regonline.com/CCET2014.

May 12-16, 2014

Basic Education for the Practice of Intentional Interim Ministry (Phase 1)

St. Francis Retreat House, Easton, PA

The National Association of Lutheran Interim Pastors (NALIP) will offer Basic Education for the Practice Intentional Interim Ministry in our area. Phase III will occur during the week of November 3-7, 2014. Phase II is approximately six months of fieldwork at the participant's home site. Cost is $1,045.00 for the complete course (includes all three phases totaling 60 contact hours of CE). Lodging and meals are extra but very reasonable at St. Francis. For more details and registration, go to http://www.nalip.net/education.asp. This is a great chance to participate in valuable training while saving a great deal of money in travel costs.

Questions or concerns? Call Pr. Ray Hittinger at 610-866-1931 or Pr. Ken Ruppar, Ex. Dir. of NALIP at 804-564-5389. Trainers for this event include: Pr. Andy Carlsson (ELCA); Pr. Peter Alexander (LC-MS); and Pr. Ray Hittinger (ELCA).

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

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.

The Joy of Easter Bazaar

St. David's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1032 Musselman Road, Hanover, PA

8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

The annual bazaar features an Easter parade of unique crafts and homemade goodies. For more information call 717-632-1922.

March 16

Organist Stephen Distad in Concert

Grace Lutheran Church, 517 N Queen Street, Lancaster

3:00 p.m.

Distad is organist at Houston's Memorial Drive United Methodist Church and a graduate of Eastman School of Music. His program includes works by Bach, Scheidt, Eben, Widor, and Liszt. A Pachelbel setting of "Ein Feste Berg" will follow congregational singing of that hymn, "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God." An offering helps support this series and two music scholarships. Parking is available in the LGH Pavilion garage (follow signs) and at the former YMCA lot at Queen and Frederick Streets.

March 22

Ultimate Wellness Event, Connecting the Dots: Body, Soul, and Spirit

St. David's Lutheran Church, 1032 Musselman Road, Hanover

8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Ultimate Wellness's educational, interactive sessions include teaching on spiritual wellness,

transformed thinking, toxicity, exercise, nutrition, releasing stress God's way, relaxing with massage, and how to develop a wellness plan. A natural chef will be on hand providing a nutritious, real-food lunch and food preparation demonstration. Advance registration is required by March 8. Cost: $25/person that includes all sessions, catered lunch, healthy snacks, resource booklet, and food demo. For more information, call 717-632-1922, email ultimatewellness@embarqmail.com, or register online at UltimateWellness.jigsy.com.

March 30

Cellist Emilio Colon in Concert

Grace Lutheran Church, 517 N Queen Street, Lancaster

3:00 p.m.

Colon is Professor of Violoncello at Indiana University (IN) Jacobs School of Music. He maintains an active international career as performer, conductor, composer, and pedagog. He is joined by cellist, Cara Colon, and Grace organist, Murray Foreman, in works by Handel and Saint-Saens, and also plays two of Bach's unaccompanied suites for cello. Parking is available in the LGH Pavilion garage (follow signs) and in the former YMCA lot at Queen and Frederick Streets.

York County Junior Honors Choir Performance

St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 839 W. Market Street, York

7:00 p.m.

Click here to download an event poster. This is an amazing group of talented young people and an event you won't want to miss.

April 13

Rejoicing Spirits Worship

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

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

The Rejoicing Spirits ministry reaches out to enrich the spiritual lives of individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities along with their families, friends and other supportive community members. For more information, contact Rose Hlavac at 717-258-5666 or sslcRejoicingSpirits@gmail.com.

The Seven Last Words of Christ: Spoken & Musical Meditations

First Lutheran Church, 21 S. Bedford Street, Carlisle

4:00 p.m.

A freewill offering will be received to benefit Central PA Lutheran Camping in support of Camp Nawakwa. Proceeds will be supplemented by Thrivent Financial. First Lutheran Church is handicapped accessible. For more information, call the church, 717-249-3310, or visit www.firstlutherancarlisle.org .

April 26

Lemonade Women's Gathering

Fellowship Hall, Lutheran Retirement Village, 1075 Old Harrisburg Road, Gettysburg

9:00 am. - 3:00 pm.

Cost: $15/person (Includes continental breakfast, light lunch, and activity)

This event is hosted by the women of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, Gettysburg. Click here to download a bulletin insert, and click here for a printable invitation with detailed information.

Items to Share

Nortel Phone System

Available for donation. The system can handle 4 incoming lines and 16 handsets. It is in good working order - no issues. Contact Donald Main at MM Architects, Inc., Lancaster, 717-393-3211.

NRSV Pulpit Bible

St. Samuel Lutheran Church has available an almost new pulpit Bible for a church that needs one. If you are interested, contact Pr. Gloria McPherson at glom_2000@yahoo.com.

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: Our Saviour Lutheran Church, Harrisburg

Position: Organist/Choir Director

Posted 3/13/14

This is a part time position (15 hours) and would include preparation, and involvement in the Sunday worship, choir practice, and occasional special services, (e.g. Ash Wednesday, Holy Week, and Christmas Eve). The Organist/Choir Director may be asked to accompany for weddings and funerals, as available. Our Saviour Lutheran is an a caring congregation dedicated to the Word of Christ that welcomes all people to worship and grow with us as we share His love and salvation with our neighbors, our children and ourselves. Interested persons should send their letter of application and resume including references to Our Saviour Lutheran Church at 420 North Progress Ave, Harrisburg PA 17109, or email to webmaster@oslutheranharrisburg.org. Resumes received by March 31 will receive priority.

Congregation: Zion Lutheran Church, Enola

Position: Organist/Adult Choir Director

Posted 3/4/2014

For a complete job description or to apply, contact Pastor Gwenn Trout at 717-732-9652 or pastorgwenn@verizon.net.

Congregation: Zion Lutheran Church, Hummelstown

Position: Part-time Church Secretary

Posted 3/4/2014

Interested candidates should send a letter of interest and resume with three references to Pastor Wayne Moritz via e-mail at waynemoritz@zluth.org or hard copy mailed to 100 West Main Street, Hummelstown, PA 17036 by Friday, March 14th.

Congregation: Trindle Spring Lutheran Church, Mechanicsburg

Position: Organist/Choir Director

Posted 3/4/2014

Send r�sum� and references to office@trindlespringlutheran.org.

Congregation: St. John's Lutheran Church, Abbottstown

Position: Live-In Caretaker

Posted 2/19/2014

Submit resume with references by mail or email only to: stjohnsatown@comcast.net or St. John's Lutheran Church, 100 E. Water St., Abbottstown, PA 17301

Congregation: First Lutheran Church, Carlisle

Position: Minister of Music

Posted 2/19/2014

For job description or additional information contact Richard Bigelow at zakeyus@comcast.net or by telephone at 717-439-9818.

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.

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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