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Adults Under 40: Engaging Young Adults to Invest in the Gospel
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Grace Duddy
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Studies show that adults under 40 want to be a part of the kind of congregation where they can engage and be involved in making a difference. This one-day event is designed for people who work with adults under 40 (or would like to!) and will help both pastors and lay leaders who are interested in new ways of engaging people, trends in giving and generosity, and fresh approaches to helping people live faithfully in all aspects of life.
Join us on Saturday, May 17, at Zion Lutheran Church in York to
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Chick Lane
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learn more about stewardship and mission in an ever-changing social, cultural and religious landscape. Keynote speakers for the event are Grace Duddy, author of the year-round stewardship resource recently published by the ELCA, Stewards of God's Love, as well as a blog on frugality called "Classy Frugalist," and the Rev. Charles "Chick" Lane, author of Ask, Thank, Tell: Improving Stewardship Ministry in Your Congregation.
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Sara Jane Baublitz
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Featured speakers Sara Jane Baublitz, Jason Chesnut, and Zach Weiss will share address ways to engage young adults though stewardship of story, global connection, creation, and much more.
The event is presented by the Delaware-Maryland and Lower Susquehanna Synods. The cost is $20 and includes lunch and resources. The first session begins at 9:00 a.m., and the event concludes at 3:30 p.m. For more information or to register, click here. The deadline to register is May 8. Connecting with people under 40 is crucial to the mission of the church, so bring an open mind and a willing spirit to learn and grow.
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On the Road to Detoit with LutheranHANDS
Young adults will be home from college within weeks. Shoot them an email or text, or post to Facebook or Twitter about our upcoming servant learning trip to Detroit! Departing on Sunday, May 18th, students will be driving from central PA to Salem Lutheran's Retreat Center in the heart of Detroit city. Our office is partnering with LutheranHANDS veteran trip leader Matt Johnson, to immerse participants in a cultural and poverty immersion, with opportunities to learn more about the city where the 2015 ELCA Youth Gathering will be held, along with serving local people in need! Costs for the trip are being offset by a generous grant from our synod Director of Evangelical Mission. Learn more and register at: http://lutheranhands.org/
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The Best Opportunity for Mission Redevelopment Training
Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary student Matthew Best feels a particular call to mission redevelopment. To learn more about this specialized ministry calling, Matthew and his family plan to spend a year in Finland at the University of Helsinki thanks to a longstanding seminarian exchange program between the Finnish university and our local Lutheran seminary.
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Matthew and Abby Best, along with their children (Emma, Mollie, Grant, and Drew) are ready for winter in Helsinki.
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When asked why go all the way to Helsinki, Best said "One of the reasons I feel called to study in Finland is to learn how the Lutheran church there has been handling the decline in its membership. What is the church doing about it? Are they changing? In what ways? I want to ask these questions and study this first hand so that I can learn and bring this knowledge back to the church here in America."
As a second-career seminarian with a background in politics, Best is well aware of the many challenges facing congregations in North America. He looks forward to serving as a pastor in our church that is always being made new.
His wife, Abby, grew up at St. John Lutheran Church in Boiling Springs and now serves as the organist at Zion Lutheran Church in Etters. Originally from upstate New York, Best is completing his teaching parish work at Memorial Lutheran Church in Shippensburg and just finished Clinical Pastoral Education.
A year of study overseas comes with significant cost, not the least of which is relocating the family of six from their home in Carlisle to a university across the Atlantic. Some of the costs are covered through the exchange program, with the University of Helsinki and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland assisting with housing and the Lutheran Seminary providing some support, but Best estimates the family will be responsible for about $30,000 in costs, including air and land transportation, passports and visas, food, modest furnishings, books, and insurance.
The family has rented their home in Carlisle next year and are hosting a mammoth yard sale in preparation for the year abroad. "We've received an outpouring of support," Best said, citing churches and individuals who have been incredibly generous. The family has set up a fundraising site online through Go Fund Me, and Best is writing a blog called "Laced Up Lutheran" (he's also a marathoner) to keep family, friends, and supporters updated.
Asked how individuals and groups can help, Best seeks prayers first. "Pray that this experience will be a blessing to our family and to the churches I will eventually serve," he added. Of course financial support is both needed and appreciated, as the family must raise the $30,000 by the end of June.
But Best is keeping everything in perspective. After all, his very first donation of four dollars came from a child in his teaching parish who handed a small wad of bills to him after worship one Sunday. "We'd gotten a lot of commitments but no actual donations, and I was wondering if we would ever see anything come through. When I received the four dollars, I had to laugh. It's almost like God saying, 'Oh really, you don't think the money is ever going to come? Oh, you need to see some cash in hand huh? Okay, here. Here's four dollars.' And then, bam, the money comes from a child. It's like saying have child-like faith, Matthew."
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...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 the family of Barbara (Glad) Edmiston, spouse of Bishop Emeritus Guy S. Edmiston. A celebration of her life was held at Trinity Lutheran Church, Camp Hill, Saturday, April 26.
...prayers for the family of Elizabeth Phillips, grandmother of the Rev. Jillian Riddle (St. Matthew, Lancaster). Services are planned for Saturday, May 3, 11:00 a.m. at Trinity, Steelton. Click here to access the complete obituary.
...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 (Zion, Enola) and Seminarian April Trout (Memorial services are scheduled for Saturday, May 3, 3:00 p.m. at United Methodist Church of Vista, 490 S. Melrose Drive, Vista CA. A local service will be at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 9 at Heidelberg United Church of Christ, 47 West Philadelphia Street in downtown York. A time of fellowship follows.); the Rev. Mark A. Heiney (retired); the Rev. Laverne Stough (retired); and 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 affected by the violent storms and tornadoes from Oklahoma to North Carolina.
...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
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Lutheran Men's Gathering Coming to Nashville in July
You've heard about the powerful speakers delivering life-changing messages we are going to have at "Guys, Guts and God's Glory" July 18-20 in Nashville. And you know we're going to have incredible music. But there's going to be so much more!
Our Saturday workshops will deal with your life. Our workshops will help you be the family man - husband, dad, grandfather- you want to be. We'll have workshops that will deepen your personal faith- and help you share you it! We will have workshops dealing with illness, death and other deep life issues. We will have workshops that will help you be a responsible steward of your finances. What does it mean to serve Jesus Christ at work- we'll have workshops for that! And, yes, there will be workshops on developing an effective men's ministry! There will be all this and much more!
And when you're not with your friends experiencing what God has for you at the event, there will be time for more fun! We'll not be far from the Ryman Auditorium- the original home of the Grand Ol Opry- and the fun of downtown Nashville.
The Gathering will start at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, July 18, at the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel in Nashville. It will conclude before noon on Sunday, July 20. Tickets to the 5:00 p.m. banquet on Friday are going fast and are limited to the first 200 who purchase them with their registration.
NOTE: There is still a need for delegates from the Lower Susquehanna Synod. Contact Fred Bohls at fcfp@ix.netcom.com.
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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.
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 Additional Opportunities for Education...
Visit our synod website for specific details about each event!
May 1, 2014
Medical Cannabis has been getting a lot of buzz lately. Here is an invitation to learn why.
Southeastern Adams Volunteer Emergency Services Building, 5865 Hanover Rd., Hanover
Senator Richard Alloway II is sponsoring a listening session on
SB 1182 - the compassionate use of Medical Cannabis. Senator Mike Folmer, who introduced the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Act, will attend and offer his perspective on the legislation. Pastor Shawn Berkebile (St. John's Lutheran Church, Abbottstown) has been invited to offer a pastoral perspective on the legislation. The forum will also feature testimony from members of the medical community, community support service organizations, and local individuals and families who could be impacted by the legislation.
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 12-16
Intentional Interim Training
Slots are still available for an Intentional Interim Training session at the St. Francis Retreat House in Easton, PA. Offered by the National Association of Lutheran Interim Pastors, the weeklong session is phase 1 of a 3-phase program that concludes in the fall. Learn more about the program by clicking here. If you are interested, register right away.
May 14
Bible Study Series at the Wittel Farm
The Psalms, led by AIM Judy Collins
Participants will gather between 9:00 - 9:30 a.m. at The Wittel Farm for study. Registration is limited. The cost is $15 per person and includes lunch. Click here for information and directions.
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
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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
 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.
BachFest from Music, Gettysburg!
Lutheran Seminary Chapel, 147 Seminary Ridge, Gettysburg
4:00 p.m.
Enjoy an all Bach program offers some of the most moving music from Johann Sebastian Bach's cantatas, motets and organ works, as the Schola Cantorum of Gettysburg brings vocal and choral masterpieces to life, with full instrumentation. Click here for more information.
Love's Greatest Story: Written in Red; An Easter Musical
Solomon's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 4856 Wayne Rd., Chambersburg
10:15 a.m. (during worship) and 7:00 p.m., All are welcome.
May 5
Commonwealth Interfaith Service: Prayers for Justice and Peace
Pine Street Presbyterian Church, 310 N. 3rd Street, Harrisburg
5:30 p.m.
Please join your friends and raise a collective voice for a more just and peaceful world. The service will be followed by a reception hosted by Pine Street Presbyterian Church. Click here for more information.
May 6 & 7
Hope and Connection: Suicide Prevention and Awareness
Church of the Apostles UCC, 1850 Marietta Avenue, Lancaster
The Tuesday evening session is designed to help create an atmosphere in our community that will encourage those suffering with suicidal thoughts to seek assistance. The Wednesday session will provide participants with an opportunity to create specific suicide awareness and prevention activities that can be incorporated into daily life and ministry. Click here for a poster with registration details.
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.
Music at Pine Street: Organ Recital featuring Dr. James Kibble
Pine Street Presbyterian Church, 310 N. Third St., Harrisburg
7:30 p.m.
This is Dr. Kibble's Harrisburg premiere. Don't miss the opportunity to hear one of the great organists of our time. A $10 donation is suggested. Childcare is provided, and free parking is available in the South Street Garage (exchange ticket at concert). Click here for information.
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 16
Lutheran Camping Night at the Harrisburg Senators
7:00 p.m.
Harrisburg Senators vs. New Britain Rock Cats, and a portion of each advance ticket benefits the Campership Fund. Group tickets are available through your congregation. Individual tickets may be purchased by calling the Senators box office at 717-231-4444. Deadline to order tickets is Friday, May 2.Enjoy a night out among the Lutherans and support a great cause!
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)
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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.
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| 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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