|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kick Out Malaria and Enjoy a Day at Camp!
Congregations, families, and youth groups are invited to come
Kick Out Malaria on Sunday, May 18 at Camp Nawakwa in Arendtsville, PA. Registration begins at 12:30 p.m. Kick Out Malaria will be a fun afternoon of sports and games at camp. You'll be able to try your hand or show your expertise at disc golf, gaga ball, kickball, and other fun and inventive outdoor games.
The games will end when the Summer Camp Kick Off begins at 3:30 with worship and a picnic, so plan to stay and make a day of it. Click here for more information about this fun companion event.
The Kick Out Malaria event is free and is offered as one more fun way for communities to gather AND support our synod's Malaria Campaign. Congregations interested in attending should pick up donation envelopes at our Synod Office Resource Center, or call to make arrangements to receive them. Participants are asked to secure sponsors for the day (they pay/you play), with all proceeds going to the Lower Susquehanna Synod Malaria Campaign. The three youth who raise the most money will win great camp prizes! Contact Pastor Beth Martini with questions at bethgmartini@gmail.com.
And Here's Some More Information about Summer Camp Open House..
You're invited to visit Kirchenwald or Nawakwa on Sunday, April 6. Take a tour of camp with members of our summer staff and see what camp is all about. As a bonus, we will give a $10 gift certificate for the camp store to every brand new camper! Click here for more information.
|
|
PUREhope Coffeehouse: Saving Lives & Offering Hope One Cup at a Time
 College student, Synod Council member, and force of nature Stephanie Strauss is passionate about her faith and about the lives of her neighbors around the world. For five years, Strauss has planned, promoted, and produced the annual PUREhope Coffeehouse to help eradicate human trafficking.
The Sixth Annual PUREhope Coffeehouse will take place on April 26, at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, 240 Broad Street, Highspire from 6:30 - 10:00 pm. The evening event will feature entertainment by local musician Jonathan Frazier; Seasons, a local band of siblings; the Elizabethtown College Clarinet Ensemble; and family and friends. Admission is free, but  a $5 donation gives patrons access to a bottomless cup of organic fair trade coffee (donated by St. Thomas Roasters), fair trade tea, hot chocolate, and other beverages. For a $10 donation, patrons receive bottomless beverages plus a PUREhope mug to keep. Baked goods and snacks will be sold. The evening also features a silent auction. For six years, the coffeehouse has supported Abolition International (fighting sex trafficking and HIV/AIDS) and Blood:Water Mission (battling the water crises in Africa).
Says Stephanie, "For an evening, you can step out of your comfort zone and step into someone else's shoes and leave ready to shake things up." Enjoy some good food and drink, some fine entertainment, and learn how even something as simple as a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate can make a difference.
Click here to read an article about PUREhope in PennLive, and click here to download a letter from Stephanie for your congregation's publications.
|
 You are Invited to Celebrate!
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.
+++++++
 Renewal of Vows
April 15, 2014
St. Peter Lutheran Church, 10 Delp Road, Lancaster
10:30 a.m. liturgy and noon luncheon
As in past years, the liturgy will include the blessing of oils. There is no fee; however, a free-will offering will be taken to defray the cost of the lunch prepared by members of St. Peter. Please RSVP to Cathy Deitrich at 800-692-7282 ext. 104 or cdeitrich@lss-elca.org by April 8, 2014.
|
...prayers for Natalie Rimmer, her spouse the Rev. Dr. Chad Rimmer, and their sons. The Rimmers returned to the U.S. on a medical evacuation in order for Natalie to have a malignant tumor removed from her leg. Natalie began chemotherapy treatments this week. 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. George Scott, the Rev. Beth George, 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. Laverne Stough (ret.), the Rev. Henry R. Early (ret.), 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 for peace, healing and hope for Chaplain Sadie Pounder (Criminal Justice Systems Ministry, serving at SCI, Camp Hill), Pastor Jay Bohn (retired, serving Center Lutheran), Pastor Donald Warner (retired), Pastor Peter Kuebler (retired, serving St. John's, Barners), Pastor George Buechner (retired), Pastor Craig Dorward, Glenn Snyder (spouse of Pastor Patricia Synder), and Pastor Nancy Werner.
...prayers for Pastor Chad Rimmer and family, ELCA missionaries in Senegal currently on leave in the U.S., 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. Click here for Pastor Warn's newsletter.
...prayers for our bishops--Elizabeth, Jim, and Israel-Peter--and all who serve the church.
... prayers for all affected by the mudslide in Washington state and other natural disasters and storms.
....prayers for those who are hungry and homeless in our midst.
...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
|
|
2014 Spring Conference Assemblies
3/27/14
Lebanon Conference: 7:00 PM, St. Luke, Shaefferstown
3/30/14
Gettysburg Conference: 2:00 PM, St. Paul, Biglerville
North York Conference: 3:00 PM, Calvary, Dover
Hanover Conference: 4:00 PM, St. David, Hanover
4/6/14
South York Conference: 2:00 PM, Grace, Red Lion
York Conference: 3:00 PM, Zion, York
West Shore Conference: 3:00 PM, Zion, Enola
4/10/14
Harrisburg Conference: 7:00 PM, Epiphany, Harrisburg
4/23/14
Perry Conference: 7:00 PM, St. Paul, Newport
4/24/14
North Lancaster Conference: 7:00 PM, Holy Trinity, Ephrata
West Cumberland Conference: 7:00 PM, St. Paul, Carlisle
4/27/14
Lancaster Conference: 3:00 PM, Holy Trinity, Lancaster
4/28/14
Upper Dauphin Conference: 7:00 PM, St. Paul (Enterline), Halifax
|
|
REGISTER NOW FOR LUTHERAN DAY AT THE CAPITAL
 You are invited to Lutheran Day at the Capitol and LAMPa's 35th Anniversary Celebration on Tuesday, May 6. Join Lutherans from around the state to focus on our baptismal call to ministry in the public square and the unique voice of Lutheran Christians addressing hunger and poverty. The day will include worship with Lower Susquehanna Synod Bishop James S. Dunlop, a keynote address, a legislative briefing and visit training, workshops, a continental breakfast and lunch. Come to be inspired, prepared and equipped to act on issues that matter.
Early Bird registration is $20.00 through April 15. April 16 - May 1 registration is $25.00. Online Registration closes on May 1. The student fee is $15.00. LAMPa's 35th Anniversary Celebration will include a reception and banquet, sponsored by Lutheran Services in Pennsylvania, held in the Capitol Rotunda. Cost is $35.00 per person. There is a discount for early bird registrants attending both Lutheran Day and the Banquet.
The keynote speaker is The Hon. Dave Reed, Chair of the House Majority Policy Committee, PA House of Representatives, on the recent study and report on "Empowering Opportunities - Gateways out of Poverty". The evening banquet in the State Capitol Rotunda will include an address by The Rev. Dr. Timothy Wengert, Ministerium of Pennsylvania Professor of the History of Christianity, Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (retired) on "God's Two Hands and the Christian's Undivided Heart" and features music by "Them Preachers." Lutheran Day is sponsored by Lutheran Services in Pennsylvania and Thrivent Financial.
Don't miss this important event! As part of the synod that feeds the hungry as we have been fed by Christ, you'll be equipped to serve, advocate, and lead to help those who hunger.
Click here to be redirected to LAMPa's website for registration. Click here for a flyer to share in your congregation or with interested friends.
|
|
Give + Receive + Share = News to Use
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.
HISTORICAL SITE NOMINATIONS SOUGHT
The Lutheran Historical Society of the Mid-Atlantic (LHS-MA) seeks nominations for its Historical Site Recognition Program. The program recognizes individuals, congregations, and other institutions in Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Region 8 whose history or biography bears witness of their baptismal covenant to present and future generations.
Recognition consists of a commemorative essay prepared by the Site Recognition Committee; appropriate images of the site added to the LHS-MA website; presentation of a plaque for mounting at the site itself; and a $750 grant for preserving the site's historical records, or for disseminating knowledge of the site's history. The deadline for nominations is August 31, 2014.
Details about the program and instructions for submitting nominations appear on the Society's web site. Click here to be redirected. The LHS-MA has recognized these seven sites already: 1. Zion Lutheran Church, Baltimore, MD 2. David Day Gravesite, Union Cemetery, Selinsgrove, PA 3. William A. Passavant Home, Zelienople, PA 4. Greenville Hall, Thiel College, Greenville PA 5. Luther Place Memorial Lutheran Church, Washington, DC 6. Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Holy Trinity, Lancaster, PA 7. Christ Lutheran Church, York, PA To contact the Site Committee with questions, or for additional information, email phil41@icloud.com.
CALL 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
SIGN UP YOUR CONGREGATION NOW FOR LUTHERAN ENERGY STEWARDS INITIATIVE
ELCA congregations and camps can apply now ( application deadline is May 1, 2014, with the program to begin in June) for the Energy Stewards Initiative, a one- to two-year national program beginning this June through Lutherans Restoring Creation. The program helps congregations track and reduce energy use on an online platform, lower their carbon footprint with the help of an action plan, and free up funds for other ministries. For $10.00 a month (scholarships available), the program offers an online platform and bi-monthly webinars to make available the shared wisdom of program leaders and other participants. Apply, learn more, or sign up for a Tuesday, March 25, 2014 (7:00 p.m. CT) informational webinar at www.lutheransrestoringcreation.org. Lutherans Restoring Creation is a grass roots organization devoted to promoting care for creation in all institutions and organizations in the ELCA: congregations, seminaries, colleges, synods, and outdoor ministries. LRC sponsors Energy Stewards Initiative. The modest fee covers the cost of the online platform to track energy use and follow an action plan.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
Criminal Justice Ministry Meeting
April 24, 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]
April 24, 2014
St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Harrisburg (across from our synod offices)
2:00 p.m.
Whether you are a candidate, AIM, Deacon, Deaconess, 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 specific details about each event!
March 29, 2014
Group VBS FunShop: "Weird Animals"
Zion Lutheran Church, 2215 Brandywine Lane, York
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 P.M.
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.)
April 12, 2014
Lenten Pilgrimage at the Wittel Farm
1:00 p.m.
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. For a flyer to use in your congregation, click here.
June 9-11, 2014
"Life Amid the Principalities" Pro Ecclesia Conference
Loyola University, Baltimore, MD
June 9-13, 2014
The Safe Church Intensive: Protecting Children and Youth from Sexual Abuse
Lancaster Theological Seminary
May 12-16, 2014
Basic Education for the Practice of Intentional Interim Ministry (Phase 1)
St. Francis Retreat House, Easton, PA
|
|
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 29
American Composers Choral Festival
Trinity Lutheran Church, 2000 Chestnut St., Camp Hill
7:30 p.m.
Jointly sponsored by Trinity Lutheran Church and the Harrisburg Singers, The American Composers Choral Festival will welcome Central PA's own Dr. Robert Lau as its guest director. A distinguished composer and conductor, Dr. Lau will conduct the Festival Choir of over 200 voices. Participating will be members of local church choirs, and instrumentalists from the Harrisburg and Lancaster area. Tickets are $10. Call (717) 737-8635 for more information.
March 30
Luncheon and Fashion Show to Benefit the St. Barnabas Center for Ministry
Radisson Hotel Harrisburg, 1150 Camp Hill Bypass.
2:00 p.m.
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.
Visual Tour of Jerusalem
St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 320 Market St., Newport
1:30 p.m.
Enjoy Pastor Dan Shutters' 45-minute slide series of scenes from Jesus' last days compiled during his trip to Jerusalem. For more information call 567-6333.
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 2
10th Annual Dining with Diakon at the Hilton Harrisburg
For more information, contact Dawna Trump at 717-795-0464 or TrumpD@diakon.org. Click here to download a save-the-date brochure.
April 5
Spring Vendor & Craft Show
St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 1240 Broadway, Hanover
8:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.
Shop for jewelry, home-crafted clothing and accessories, fair trade coffee and chocolate, and a bake sale (benefitting our confirmation ministry), along with homemade soups, baked goods and much more.
April 13 Rejoicing Spirits Worship St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 30 W. Main Street, New Kingstown, PA 4:00 p.m. (pre-worship singing begins at 3:45 p.m.) 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 free-will 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 14
"Palms and Prayer To Go" at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 1240 Broadway, Hanover
2:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Do you work on Sunday mornings or have other commitments that make it impossible for you to attend church on Sun. morning April 13th? Will you be in the Hanover area on Monday afternoon April 14th? Come and receive a Palm Cross and a prayer and a prayer resource for Holy Week, right in front of our church on Broadway ( Route 194) in Hanover, as we invite you to a blessed and transforming Holy Week and Easter celebration. April 17 Seder/Passover Meal Salem Lutheran Church, 99 York Road, Jacobus 6:00 p.m. (worship following at 7:00 p.m.) This is a symbolic service of the Last Supper requested by Christ as noted in Luke 22:15. "I have eagerly desired to eat This Passover with you before I suffer." Make reservations via 428-2811, indicating preference for wine or white grape juice. Additional questions phone 428-2550. April 26 Lemonade Women's Gathering Fellowship Hall, Lutheran Retirement Village, 1075 Old Harrisburg Road, Gettysburg 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 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. May 17 Highmark's Walk for a Healthy Community Harrisburg Area Community College Registration at 7:45 a.m. Form a walking group. Be a solo walker. Walk to support the St. Barnabas Center for Ministry. 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.
Items to Share
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: St. Paul Lutheran, Spring Grove
Position: Choir Director, Part-time
Posted 3/18/14
This is a part-time position and would include preparation and involvement in the Sunday worship and occasional special services, and choir practice. Contact Pr. Dan Biles, danbiles@pa.net.
Congregation: Advent Lutheran Church, York
Position: Part-time Technology Outreach Coordinator
Posted 3/18/14
Position: Part-time Faith Formation Coordinator
Posted 3/18/2014
Position: Part-time Good Neighbor Evangelism Coordinator
Posted 3/18/14
Position: Part-time Servanthood Ministries Coordinator
Posted 3/18/14
If interested in applying for any of the above positions, please contact Pastor David L. Ritterpusch, revdlr@comcast.net, for further information and potential consideration.
Congregation: Our Saviour Lutheran Church, Harrisburg
Position: Organist/Choir Director
Posted 3/13/14
Send 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: St. Matthias Lutheran Church, Carlisle
Position: Organist
Posted: 3/7/2014
9 a.m. Sunday service. Currently looking for someone full or part-time (about 6 months of the year). Email Dave, lightstreet@comcast.net, with any questions.
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 résumé 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.
|
|
| 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. |
|
Stay connected to Lower Susquehanna Synod, ELCA
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
