|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Presiding Bishop Eaton Visits Christ, Gettysburg, on Palm Sunday
"I want us to understand that we're the church first," Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton told a gathering of Lutherans in Gettysburg. A lot of organizations do the same work that the ELCA  does - feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, caring for the sick, and so on - but we are first and foremost the church.
"As church, the center of our life is worship, and the center of our worship is the crucified and risen Jesus Christ," Bishop Eaton said.
Bishop Eaton, the fourth presiding bishop in the 25-year history of the ELCA and the first woman to hold that office, led in Palm Sunday worship at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, Gettysburg. Meeting people in between services she brought a message of hope and joy in her plainspoken, humorous manner.
 "We're Lutherans, doggone it," and Bishop Eaton said that means we are countercultural. For instance, the core Lutheran message of being justified by grace through faith acknowledges that we are people who are imperfect and in need God's justification.
"That's so un-American" Bishop Eaton said, in our society that values independence and glorifies self-reliance. "We are theology-of-the-cross people in a theology-of-glory culture."
Bishop Eaton was elected to a six-year term as presiding bishop at last summer's Churchwide Assembly in Pittsburgh. She had been bishop of the Northeastern Ohio Synod. Our denomination consists of 65 synods, each headed by a synodical bishop, and led by our presiding bishop, who is based in our denomination's Chicago headquarters.
|
Mark Your Calendars Now for the 2015 ELCA Youth Gathering!
 The 2015 ELCA Youth Gathering will be held in Detroit, July 15-19, 2015, but planning is well under way. I hope congregational leaders will seriously consider this wonderful service learning and faith formation event as a part of their 2015 calendar of events. The synod Office for CYFM will offer four pre-registration planning briefings over the next three months, to equip congregational leaders with resources for overcoming the apprehensions of families about Detroit, to discuss the synod travel options, to review the theme and curriculum, and to assist you in event management and registration prep. Visit the synod website at: http://www.lss-elca.org/youth-family/events/elca-youth-gathering-2015/ , to find the dates for our planning briefings, and to find links for the Gathering website and social media sites.
|
|
Are You Ready to Pack Meals and Multiply our "Loaves and Fishes"?
Be sure your congregation is involved in this amazing synod-wide event that will set the stage for this year's Synod Assembly. We need 900 volunteers and $75,000 total to pack at least 300,000 meals to feed hungry people in our area. But that's not all! We're making a video to share at assembly, AND we're partnering with Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania (LAMPa) to provide education about the root causes of hunger and poverty and what we can do once we finish setting the record for the biggest ever food-packing event undertaken by an ELCA synod! Click here to be redirected to our Synod's website for more information.
Need a video to share in your congregation that will help tell the story? Thanks to Pastor Caitlin Glass of St. Stephen, New Kingstown, for making this brief promotional video and for sharing it with all of us! The pictures are from last year's meal packing event at All Saints's Confirmation Camp. Use this URL to download the video (Click "download"):
ssyoutube.com/watchv=aWuYQTCir3M&feature=youtu.be
 | | Loaves and Fishes Promotional Video |
|
...prayers for the family of Barbara (Glad) Edmiston, spouse of Bishop Emeritus Guy S. Edmiston. A celebration of her life will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, Camp Hill, on Saturday, April 26. Visitation is 9:00 -11:00 a.m., worship at 11:00 am., with fellowship and food to follow. Click here to be redirected to the obituary.
...prayers for the family of the Rev. Stanley M. Phillips (retired). A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. at the Zion's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Jonestown. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the start of the service. Inurnment will follow at the Zion's Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery, Jonestown. Click here to be redirected to the obituary.
...prayers for synod staff member Cathy Paul and her family as they mourn the loss of her brother in California.
...continued prayers for the families of Katherine A Steward, spouse of the late Rev. Donald A Steward, Tom Trout (father of the Rev. Gwenn Trout and Seminarian April Trout, the Rev. Mark A. Heiney (retired), the Rev. Laverne Stough (retired), the Rev. Henry R. Early (retired), 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), Pastor Brenda Ferree (St. James, York), Pastor Don Gallion (retired), Chaplain Sadie Pounder (Criminal Justice Systems Ministry, serving at SCI, Camp Hill), Pastor Jay Bohn and his spouse Mary (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, Ukraine, and other areas around the world.
Have a prayer request to share with others in our synod? Please contact Pr. Sharron Blezard at sblezard@lss-elca.org
|
|
Remaining 2014 Spring Conference Assemblies
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
Share What you Have and Help a Mother in Need
Pack-n-Play cribs and car seats in excellent/very good condition are needed by Christ Lutheran Ministries, Harrisburg. Part of this ministry is a prenatal clinic for uninsured women run by Dr. Holly Hoffman, Diaconal Minister at St. Paul, Carlisle. These cribs are ideal for women and children who live in crowded inner-city apartments. Many of the women cannot afford these items. Donations may be provided by contacting Caroline Sheaffer at 243-9246 or Dr. Holly Hoffman at 240-357-1709. Please advertise.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors...
Hospice Volunteering can make such a difference not only in the lives of those needing support, but also in your life! Lutheran Home Care & Hospice is looking for caring individuals interested in serving our local community by becoming hospice volunteers. Our volunteers are part of the Lutheran Home Care & Hospice team and provide emotional support to clients and their families, relief to caregivers, and friendship at a time when companionship is needed most. Volunteer training is FREE and the next session is scheduled for June 5th, 12th and 19th from 10:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at our office located at 1651 Mt. Zion Rd, York, Pa. Please consider becoming part of this very important and life changing ministry by calling Missy Gladfelter at 717-757-0774.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
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: spounder718@yahoo.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!
April 29 - May 2, 2014
Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary Spring Academy
"Transformed People Being Made New"
For more information, click here.
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 26
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 jdavisaim@stmattlutheran.org 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 Misérables, 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 4
Rejoicing Spirits Worship
St. Luke Lutheran Church, 2695 Luther Drive, Chambersburg
4:00 p.m.
For more information, contact Jamie Trotty, Rejoicing Spirits Coordinator or Pastor Christopher Frye at rejoicingspirits@saintlukechambersburg.org or call the church office at 717-261-1213.
May 9
Memory Cafe
Trinity Lutheran Church, 2000 Chestnut Street, Camp Hill
4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
The Memory Café 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 Martha.Boyd@trinitycamphill.org. Registration is limited to the first 50 people making reservations.
May 10
Tree4Hope 8th Annual Silent Auction and Evening of Endless Desserts
Tree of Life Lutheran Church, 1492 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg
Doors open at 6:00 p.m. (Suggested donation $10)
This year's theme is "Building a Foundation for Their Future" as we begin raising awareness and funds to purchase the land and build a school for girls in Guatemala. Come enjoy delectable desserts while bidding on gift baskets of many varieties, handmade items, food offerings, and professional service and vacation possibilities. With the auction on the day before Mother's Day, it will be the perfect opportunity for you to find that last-minute gift you need for Mom or that special woman in your life!! Click here for a poster.
May 11
Rejoicing Spirits Worship
St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 30 W. Main Street, New Kingstown
4:00 PM (pre-worship singing begins at 3:45 PM)
For more information, contact Rose Hlavac at sslcRejoicingSpirits@gmail.com or 717.258.5666.
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.
May 25
Rogation Sunday with Blessing of Seeds, Water, & Soil
Mannsville Lutheran Church, Elliottsburg
May 29
Ascension Day Worship & Potluck
Mannsville Lutheran, Elliottsburg
A covered dish dinner begins at 6:00 p.m. followed by worship at 7:00 p.m. All are invited.
Ascension Day Worship
St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, Berrysburg
7:00 p.m.
Worship will include Holy Communion and the annual Blessing of Seed and Soil. All are invited.
Vacation Bible School
June 16-20
"Jungle Safari - Where Kids Explore the Nature of God"
Mannsville Lutheran, Elliottsburg
9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. each day (for children and youth ages 2 through 8th grade)
|
|
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. Matthew Lutheran Church Lancaster
Position: Part-time Administrative Assistant
Posted 4/24/14
Those who are interested in the position should contact Pastor Jillian Riddle at 717-394-9607.
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 stpaulsyorkst@comcast.net. 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 stpaulsyorkst@comcast.net. 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 judithkunzman@yahoo.com 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, 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 April 15th.
Congregation: Trindle Spring Lutheran Church, Mechanicsburg
Position: Organist/Choir Director
Posted 3/4/2014
Send résumé and references to office@trindlespringlutheran.org.
|
|
| 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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
