Holy Week,  2014

   Wishing you a Blessed Holy Week and Easter
 
Seated (L - R) Marty Shifflett, Pastor Thomas McKee, Bishop James S. Dunlop, Debbie Clark; Standing (L - R): Pastor Sharron Blezard, Linda Lubold, Cathy Deitrich, Cathy Paul, Charlie Roberts, Pastor Robert Blezard, Pam Drenner (Not Pictured: Pastor Richard Jorgensen)
Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid, go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me." Matthew 28:10 
 
The offices of the Lower Susquehanna Synod will be closed on Friday, April 18, 2014, in observance of Good Friday. We wish you a blessed Holy Week and Easter as we observe Christ's death and resurrection. 

                                              Discover a way to bring generations together 

with creative Sunday school classes!


The synod Learning Ministries Team is pleased to announce the second in our series of Ministry Tools Seminars will be offered on Saturday, May 3, at Zion Lutheran in Hummelstown. We will combine material from our February seminar that was snowed out, entitled "Fixing Sunday School," with presentations on "Remodeling Confirmation." To register, simply send an email with the names of those attending to [email protected]. A $10 donation will be taken at the door. To learn more about the schedule, presenters, and specific topics, visit us on the web at: http://www.lss-elca.org/ministry-tools-seminars-for-2014/.    


 An Easter message from Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton

    

 

An Easter message from Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton


prayers
Prayers and Updates 
 

...prayers for the family of Katherine A. Steward, spouse of the late Rev. Donald A. Steward. Mrs. Steward died Tuesday, April 8, at Hershey Medical Center. She was 88. Services were held, Tuesday, April 15, at Zoar Lutheran Church, Lebanon. Interment followed in the church cemetery. The complete obituary may be accessed by clicking here.

  
...continued prayers for the families of Tom Trout (father of the Rev. Gwenn Trout and Seminarian April Trout, the Rev. Mark A. Heiney (ret.), 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 Allan Minnich, Sr. (spouse of Pastor Tina Minnich, St. Paul, York St., Hanover)  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 medical leave in the U.S. while Natalie Rimmer receives oncological treatments, 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. Notes of encouragement may be sent to Natalie and the Rimmer family at 5109 Coronado Drive, Raleigh, NC 27609. 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 who lost loved ones, who were injured, or in other ways affected by the shooting at Ft. Hood in Texas, the school stabbing outside of Pittsburgh, and the shooting in Overland Park, Kansas.


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

 ...prayers for those who are victims of violence in South Sudan, Syria, the Ukraine, and other areas around the world. 

  

Have a prayer request to share with others in our synod? Please contact Pr. Sharron Blezard at [email protected]

   2014 Spring Conference Assemblies
 

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


Give + Receive + Share = News to Use

 

Request for Cards and Notes of Support in Aftermath of School Stabbing

 

Last week in the Southwestern PA Synod, 21 people were injured in a school stabbing spree at Franklin Regional High School in Murrysville. Click here for a news story and more information. Bishop Kusserow and members of his staff have been in contact with the pastor and leaders of Christ's Lutheran Church in Murrysville, the town where the event took place. Bishop Kusserow reports that Pastor Gillespie has one specific request: that congregations and individuals across the ELCA and the wider church send cards and notes of support. They are dedicating a bulletin board in

Jason Dean, Crea

their narthex to display these cards and notes. If you wish to send a message of support and hope to the congregation, the address is:


Pastor Wayne Gillespie
Christ's Lutheran Church
5330 Logan Ferry Rd.
Murrysville, PA  15668

Pastor Gillespie has also been in touch with the family of the alleged attacker, Alex Hribal. They live near the congregation's building, seem not to have any church connection, and are also in need of our prayers and support. Please keep the Murrysville community in your prayers for hope, healing, and peace.

 

ELCA Presiding Bishop Offers Prayers after Three Fatally Shot in Kansas   

 CHICAGO (ELCA) -- On behalf of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), the Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton offers prayers for survivors and families of the three people who were shot and killed April 13 when a man opened fire outside a Jewish community center and a nearby retirement community in Overland Park, Kan., a suburb of Kansas City, Mo.

 

 "In this week of holy days for Jews and Christians, our prayers surround those who are mourning the tragic loss of life," said Eaton, ELCA presiding bishop. 

 

"As the Jewish community prepares to commemorate their liberation from slavery in ancient Egypt in the festival of Passover, yesterday's shootings are a disturbing reminder of the depth of hatred and violence that still holds some captive today. Though the shootings have not yet been labeled a hate crime, their impact on the Jewish community is the same," she said.

 

"With all those who suffer, we cry out to God for mercy and healing. We pray for the victims and their families, including a not-yet-identified woman shot in the parking lot of Village Shalom, and for a grandfather and his grandson shot at the Jewish Community Center," said Eaton. "We pray also for the alleged shooter and his family."

 

"While the people of Overland Park, and for all those who live and work in communities marked by violence throughout this country and world, we grieve," she said. "Linked by our forebears in faith, as Jews and Christians we are bound together in our suffering and also in our God-given calling to bring healing to this broken world. May it be so." 

 

Eaton's statement is available to download here.

 

Break In at St. John Center

St. John Center Lutheran Church, East Earl, was broken into by thieves sometime between 2:00 PM Friday and 7:00 PM Saturday morning (April 11/12). Access was gained by breaking through the lock on the wooden front door. There was little physical damage, but many items that contained silver and brass were stolen. 

 

"As we mourn the violation of destructive behavior in a house of God and the loss of some valued items," said Pastor Bob Kramer, "we also pray for the thieves, for the profound brokenness in there lives that would prompt them to do such a deed, and for the hope that they may someday embrace what brings healing and a true abundance of life - a recognition of God's abundant love for us."

 

The break-in reminds us that even houses of worship can be targets for thieves and vandals, and church leaders should always be vigilant with building security.

  

Fill Your Easter Basket with Good Gifts from the ELCA Good Gifts Catalog!

Click here to browse ELCA Good Gifts for more than 50 different gift-giving options, each with the potential to transform lives. Print a card and tuck it into any child's basket to let them know about the gift you've given in their honor.

Ten chicks, for just $10, make a perfect addition to plastic eggs and marshmallow chicks - and they have the potential to make real, lasting change for a family in need. Nutritious eggs to eat and sell on the market help a family take one giant step toward ending hunger for good. Share God's love with the children in your life and those in need!

                        

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 [email protected].

 

Support Group of Hope

May 21, 2014

Synod Office, Luther Room, 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.

We invite all rostered leaders who are dealing with illness themselves or caring for a loved one, as well as those who are grieving or dealing with challenging life situations for this time of confidential sharing, prayer and support. For more information, contact Chaplain Sadie Pounder: [email protected]

 

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 specific details about each event! 
Click here to be redirected!

  

May 3, 2014

Ministry Tools Seminar: "Remodeling Confirmation" & "Fixing Sunday School"

8:30 a.m. - noon, Zion Lutheran Church, Hummelstown

For more information and a flyer, click here.

 

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.

 

May 17, 2014

Stewardship with Adults Under 40

Zion Lutheran Church, York

9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

This one-day event is designed for all who work with adults under 40, for congregational leaders, and for anyone who is interested in stewardship education, trends in giving and generosity, and fresh approaches to helping people live faithfully in all aspects of life. Keynote speakers Charles "Chick" Lane and Grace Duddy, along with local presenters, will equip you with fresh ideas and helpful tools to teach, lead, and practice year-round stewardship in your congregation. The cost is $20 and includes lunch and resources. Click here for more information or to register.

 

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 

  

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 18

We Were There Choral Cantata
 Zion Lutheran Church, 100 West Main Street, Hummelstown

7:00 p.m.

As part of the Good Friday worship service, the choir will present Pepper Chopplin's We Were There choral cantata. Inspired by the spiritual hymn "Were You There," this musical presentation incorporates monologues of biblical characters at the cross.     

 

April 19

Blessing of the Bikes
Sponsored by the Lebenon Lutheran Cooperative Ministry

Noon

Iron Valley Harley-Davidson, Rt. 72 just north of Exit 266 on the Turnpike. All makes and models (of both bikes and riders) welcome!


"Nobody Wants to Talk About It": End of Life Issues

Harbaugh-Thomas Library, Biglerville (Sponsored by St Paul Lutheran Church)

1:30 p.m.

Selene Scavitto, Director of Social Services at Utz Terrace and Sally Showers, Medical Social Worker for Lutheran Homecare and Hospice, will present information about end of life care options, hospice, advance directives, and more. Click here to download a flyer to share.  

  

April 21

Spaghetti Supper at Mt. Eden Lutheran Church

1241 May Post Office Road, Quarryville

4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Cost is $8.00 adults/$5.00 children 10 and under.  For more information, please call

the church at (717)786-7565.

    

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.

 

"Take Me Out to the Ballgame!" Men's Retreat

St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 30 W. Chestnut St., Hanover, PA

9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Cost: $10/person (includes presentation by Dr. Michael Long, a sports-themed Bible study, a showing of the movie 42, and a ballpark-style lunch). All are welcome. Bring your fathers, sons, nephews, brothers, neighbors, and friends. Contact Jan Davis 717-637-7301 or [email protected] for more information or to register (by 4/22).

 

Music at Zion Concert: featuring Ron Bellamy, Solo Handbells and Linda Young Lorgus

Zion Lutheran Church, 1905 Broad Street, East Petersburg

7:00 p.m.

Ron Bellamy began ringing handbells in 1979, and has been a performer and clinician for Handbell Exploration, the Handbell Musicians of America, and Solo/Ensemble Extravaganza. The concert will feature a combination of religious, contemporary, and more classical selections.

 

Sixth Annual PUREHope Coffeehouse

St. Peter's Lutheran Church, 240 Broad St., Highspire

6:30 - 10:00 p.m. 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). Click here to download a poster.

 

April 27 

Light and Music: A Springtime Concert by The Berkshire Chorale

Friedensaal Evangelical Lutheran Church, 9138 White Church Road, Seven Valleys

4:00 p.m.

The Berkshire Chorale has performed at the White House and on European Tour; directed by David Himes, a son of the congregation. For more information: call Church office at 717-428-34353.

May 3
The Harrisburg Singer present "Pops to Broadway"
Trinity Lutheran Church, 2000 Chestnut Street, Camp Hill
7:30 p.m.

Come along with us and The Harrisburg Singers' Trio - H.Timothy Koch, piano; Jim Miller, bass; and Dave Zygmunt, drums - on a journey from old to new, from Rodgers and Hammerstein's Carousel to The Beatles. You'll hear songs from ToTo, Les Mis�rables, and the motion picture Australia; music by Natasha Bedingfield, theme music from TV classics, and songs from the era of The Rat Pack to today's Broadway Stage. Tickets: $18 at the door; $15 in advance; $5 students. Contact www.harrisburgsingers.org for advance tickets. 

 

May 9

Memory Cafe

Trinity Lutheran Church, 2000 Chestnut Street, Camp Hill

4:00 - 5:30 p.m.

The Memory Caf� at Trinity is an event specifically designed for individuals with mild to moderate dementia, their caregivers, and anyone who worries about memory problems. The event will feature entertainment, stories, sharing, and a light meal. For more information call 717-737-9921 or e-mail [email protected]. Registration is limited to the first 50 people making reservations.   

  

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 Ministrystart  the 5 K Walk at 9:00 or start the One-Mile Fun Walk at 9:15. For details, contact Linda Cummings at [email protected]. 


 

  

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 [email protected].  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.

Organization: Luthercare, Lititz
Position: Public Relations Specialist
Posted: 4/4/14
This is a full-time position and requires a bachelor's degree in a related field, five years of experience in public relations, and utilization of graphic software (Office Suite and Adobe InDesign). Interested candidates should submit their resume, cover letter and references to:  Rev. William Snyder, Vice President Marketing, Luthercare, 600 East Main Street, Lititz, PA 17543.

Congregation: St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, York St., Hanover
Position: Director of Music Ministries
Posted: 4/4/14
This is a 25-hour week position. Send resume and salary requirements to St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 127 York St Hanover PA 17331 or [email protected]. Please, no phone calls.

 

Congregation: St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, York St., Hanover
Position: Custodian
Posted: 4/4/14
This is a 20-hour week position. Send resume to St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 127 York St., Hanover PA 17331 or [email protected]. Please, no phone calls.

 

Congregation: St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Highspire

Position: Organist, Part-time

Posted 4/3/14

Prospective candidates should send a letter of interest and resume with references to Judy Kunzman via [email protected] or mail to 2117 Market Street Extended, Middletown, PA 17057 by April 30.

 

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, [email protected].

 

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, [email protected], 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 [email protected]. 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, [email protected], 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 [email protected].

 

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 [email protected] or hard copy mailed to 100 West Main Street, Hummelstown, PA  17036 by April 15th. 

 

Congregation: Trindle Spring Lutheran Church, Mechanicsburg

Position: Organist/Choir Director

Posted 3/4/2014

Send r�sum�  and references to [email protected]

 

Congregation: First Lutheran Church, Carlisle

Position: Minister of Music

Posted 2/19/2014 

For job description or additional information contact Richard Bigelow at [email protected] 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,  [email protected].

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