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Here's to Your Health: We Did It! 
The final figures are in, and they look great. An impressive 73.98% of our rostered leaders, spouses, and other eligible Portico Health plan participants took the Mayo Clinic Health Assessment by April 30. We needed at least 65% in order to receive significant savings and a rebate, so we made it with 8.98% to spare! Last year only 59.33% participated, so this is a significant increase. Thank you!
Not only did everyone who completed the assessment earn $150 in wellness dollars, because more than 65% of us took the assessment we saved every congregation and agency in our synod 2% on healthcare premiums for the year. This means a total savings in our synod of some $48,000, plus we will receive an additional 1% (about $24,000) bonus for wellness-related activities for rostered leaders and plan participants. Look for more information this summer about our plans for this initiative.
Here's to your health, your overall well-being, and your faithful servant leadership! Thank you.
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 Kick Out Malaria (and have a lot of fun, too)
Come on out to Camp Nawakwa in Arendtsville on Sunday, May 18, to have a great time for a great cause. Registration begins at 12:30 p.m.
Everyone is invited, especially families and youth groups. Kick Out Malaria will be an afternoon of sports and games at Nawakwa: disc golf, gaga, kickball, and many others. Kick Out Malaria will end when the summer camp Kick Off begins at 3:30 p.m.
Congregations attending should get donation envelopes in advance for participants to sign-up sponsors, with proceeds going to our Lower Susquehanna Synod's participation in the ELCA Malaria Campaign. The top youth fund-raisers will win great camp-themed prizes. Envelopes are available for pick-up in our Synod Office Resource Center. Contact Pastor Beth Martini at bethgmartini@gmail.com with questions.
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Ambassador Daniel V. Speckhard Named LWR President and CEO
Ambassador Daniel V. Speckhard, of McLean, Va., will be the next president and chief executive officer of Lutheran World Relief (LWR), effective July 1. LWR's board of directors elected Speckhard in a special meeting Friday.
 "I am humbled and honored to have the opportunity to come to Lutheran World Relief and can't wait to get started," Speckhard said. "The organization is doing incredible work around the world to alleviate suffering and attack the root causes of poverty and it is inspiring to see how many Lutherans want to make a difference and are contributing to this great cause."
Speckhard succeeds the Rev. Dr. John Nunes, who served from 2007 to 2013. Jeff Whisenant, LWR's executive vice president, has led LWR as interim president and CEO during the search for Nunes' replacement. Speckhard will be the fifth president in LWR's 69-year history.
Currently a senior advisor at Palantir Technologies and a non-resident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, Speckhard has served in various high-level diplomatic roles in both Republican and Democratic administrations. Most recently, he was U.S. ambassador to Greece from 2007 to 2010. He has also served as deputy chief of mission at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, director of the Iraq Reconstruction Management Office, deputy assistant secretary general for political affairs at NATO, and the U.S. ambassador to Belarus. Earlier in his career he was an expert on foreign assistance programs and the challenges facing countries in transition. He speaks Russian and French and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the Atlantic Council.
Speckhard holds master's degrees in economics and in public policy and administration, and a bachelor's degree in economics, all from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
A descendant of a long line of Lutheran pastors, Speckhard currently attends the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in McLean, Va., where he lives with his wife Anne. They have three grown children.
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...continued prayers for the families of Elizabeth Phillips, grandmother of the Rev. Jillian Riddle (St. Matthew, Lancaster); Rev. Stanley M. Phillips (retired); Barbara (Glad) Edmiston, spouse of Bishop Emeritus Guy S. Edmiston; 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 (A memorial 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, 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 the return of the some 270 schoolgirls kidnapped in Nigeria on April 14 by the extremist group Boko Haram. Click here for information from ELCA Advocacy about what you can do in response. Click here for more information in this blog post/sermon by Tripp Hudgens and here for a New York Times column by Nicholas Kristof.
...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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Register Now for Adults Under 40:
Engaging Young Adults to Invest in the Gospel
It's only one week away, but there's still time to register for this important event co-hosted by our Lower Susquehanna Synod and the Delaware-Maryland Synod. This is an event that at least one person in your congregation should attend.
 | | Zach Weiss |
Why? Because how we understand, teach, and practice stewardship is rapidly changing. Adults under 40 have a passion for the gospel, but they view the sharing of their time, talents, and resources through a different lens than many of our traditional church models would have us see. Adults under 40 offer fresh perspectives, abundant energy, and passionate engagement in the things that matter to them--including the gospel. As J. Clif Christopher writes in Not Your Parents' Offering Plate, "people want to be a part of something that changes lives (13)."
Join us at Zion Lutheran Church in York on Saturday, May 17, for a refreshing and engaging look at investing in the gospel and partnering effectively with young adults. Keynote speakers Grace Duddy and Chick Lane, along with regional experts Sara Jane Baublitz, Zach Weiss, and Click here to register for the event and for more information.
Presenter Profile
Zach Weiss has a passion for environmental stewardship and outdoor ministry as the director of Camp Kirchenwald in Lebanon. He has also served on the Lower Susquehanna Synod's Eco-Justice task force and is certified as a trainer for Lutherans Restoring Creation. In his free time he enjoys hiking, biking, kayaking, and board games. He lives with his wife, Sara, in Mechanicsburg.
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Give + Receive + Share = News to Use
NEW WORSHIP OPPORTUNITY & HELP NEEDED
Christ Lutheran Church, 124 South 13th St. Harrisburg, has begun a weekly Service of Holy Communion in Spanish Sundays at 2:00 p.m., to which all are invited.
We are seeking musicians who play the piano to offer their gifts to help make this worship possible (we ask for only one hymn, but appreciate more if offered). Additionally, if anyone has percussion instruments (maracas, tambourines, bongo drums, etc.) that need a good home or that they'd be willing to loan us for a time, we'd love to have them.
Please contact Pastor Brian Biery at the church office, 717-236-8382, or e-mail him directly at biery.brian@gmail.com.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
Note: The May 21, 2014, Support Group of Hope meeting has been cancelled. The next meeting will be June 18, 2014.
Criminal Justice Systems Ministry
May 22, 2014
Synod Office, East Conference Room, Noon - 1:30 p.m.
Note: For the months of May and June, please direct all questions/inquiries to Pr. Hope Knobler at claypotministry@aol.com. Chaplain Sadie Pounder will be on medical leave for surgery during he months of May and June.
B.C. [Between Calls]
May 22, 2014
St. Mark 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.
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 Additional Opportunities for Education...
Visit our synod website for specific details about each event!
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
June 18, 2014
Financial Peace University
St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 839 W. Market St., York
6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
This class will meet for nine weeks on Wednesday in the Parlor. Dates are June 18 and 25, July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, and August 6 and 13. Childcare will be available in the Childcare Suite. Register online at http://www.daveramsey.com.
July 18-20, 2014
"Guys, Guts, & God's Glory" Lutheran Men's Gathering
Loew's Vanderbilt Hotel, Nashville, TN
Visit the Lutheran Men in Mission website for complete details and to register. Delegates from the Lower Susquehanna Synod are still needed. Contact Fred Bohls at fcfp@ix.netcom.com.
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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 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.
Free Bluegrass/Gospel Concert
Glen Rock Community Park, 5500 Fair School Rd., Glen Rock
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
The concert is sponsored by Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, and featuring the Carol County Ramblers and Set Free. Click here for an event poster.
May 20
Hops & Hymns
Appalachian Brewing Company, 50 W. Cameron St., Harrisburg
7:00 p.m. (Second floor banquet room)
Organized and sponsored by Tree of Life Lutheran Church, Hops and Hymns will be an ecumenical gathering of folks who like to sing Christian hymns, drink beer, and follow the Holy Spirit into table talk. Snacks are provided. You buy your own beverage. No reservations are required. Click here for a poster to share the news.
May 25
Rogation Sunday with Blessing of Seeds, Water, & Soil
Mannsville Lutheran Church, 2944 Mannsville Rd., Elliottsburg
May 29
Ascension Day Worship
Quickel Lutheran Church, 60 Canal Rd. Ext., York
11:00 a.m.
Ascension Day Worship & Potluck
Mannsville Lutheran, 2944 Mannsville Rd., Elliottsburg
A covered dish dinner begins at 6:00 p.m. followed by worship at 7:00 p.m. All are invited.
Ascension of Our Lord Eucharist
St. Michael Lutheran, 118 State St., Harrisburg
7:00 pm.
Celebrate the Festival of the Ascension with a Service of Word and Sacrament, followed by a time of refreshment and fellowship. Join us to celebrate this important event in the life of our Lord. For more information, 717-234-0092, or stmikehbg.com.
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.
June 7
Comedy Night at Christ
Christ Lutheran Church, 407 Lafayette St., Lancaster
7:00 p.m.
Come on out for a clean comedy show that's sure to tickle your funny bone. For more information or tickets ($20) contact Sue Maser at 717-397-9078.
June 8
"Karina Sings" Opera Concert and Fundraiser
Epworth United Methodist Church, 600 Warren Rd., Cockeysville, MD
4:30 - 6:00 p.m
The concert will feature arias and duets by Verdi, Puccini, and Donacetti, performed by Sara Person, soprano, Evelyn Thatcher, soprano, Edgar Jaramillo, tenor, Daniel Lickteig, baritone, and John Wilson, pianist. Admission is free. For more information visit www.karina-association.org.
Vacation Bible School
June 16-20
"Jungle Safari - Where Kids Explore the Nature of God"
Mannsville Lutheran, 2944 Mannsville Rd., Elliottsburg
9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. each day (for children and youth ages 2 through 8th grade)
Available to Share
Quickel Lutheran Church has the following items available to share:
Used processional cross, 1 box of many glass communion cups (not counted), 4 boxes of disposable communion cups (1,000 each), 1 box of old hymn numbers for a hymn board, 1 large round office clock (battery operated). Email Pastor Barb Berry at revbarb.barry@gmail.com if interested in any of these items.
Paradise Lutheran Church (Thomasville) has 10 16" (from floor to seat) wooden Sunday School chairs and 4 12" wooden chairs that are free to anyone who can use them. Please email paradise.lutheran@verizon.net.
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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: Trinity Lutheran Church, Mount Joy
Posted 5/814
Position: Organist/Choir Director: Accompanies traditional worship service each Sunday, leads Chancel and Festival Choirs (one rehearsal per week in school year), and recruits and accompanies musicians/singers to provide "special music" throughout the year.
Position: Children's/Youth Choir Director: Works weekly with Children's Choir (Wednesday night rehearsal) during school year and meets monthly with Youth Choir. (Both groups provide worship music once per month.)
Individuals may apply for both positions if desired. For more details, contact Pastor Mike Martine at 717-368-2791 or martine411@comcast.net.
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.
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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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