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Planting Hope in Lebanon
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Roger Bucy and Nico Toe get ready to plant tomatoes.
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They spent all day last Saturday measuring and cutting wood, fastening boards together, shoveling soil, leveling it off, using string to mark off one-foot squares and, finally, planting!
And when those several dozen volunteers were finished, 400 square feet of new raised-bed gardens graced the lawn outside St. James Lutheran Church, Lebanon. These high-yield gardens will provide fresh, nutritious produce for the community, including families of children who attend St. James Child Care and Learning Center.
The gardens provide a productive use for the property outside of the church, said the Rev. Bob Ierien, a pastor in Lebanon Lutheran Cooperative Ministries, of which St. James is a congregation.
St. James is just one of the many congregations in our synod that uses its land to grow food to
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Adi Toe and Christopher Reifsnyder fill a wheelbarrow with soil for the raised beds.
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help feed the hungry in our midst. Studies show that many of the neediest people cannot afford fresh fruits and vegetables, which tend to cost more than other food products. As a result, their nutrition may suffer.
A garden provides high-quality, fresh produce at a very low price, and it also gives members of the community a place to gather as friends, to learn about growing food, and to have a hand in feeding themselves and their family as they weed, water and tend to the soil.
Community gardens, along with food pantries, meal programs, "food backpacks" and other ministries are certain evidence that the Lower Susquehanna Synod is "Feeding others as we are fed by Christ."
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Kick Out Malaria is Cancelled, but you can still...
"Catch the Buzz"
NOTE: The "Kick Out Malaria" Event scheduled for this Sunday, May 18, at Camp Nawakwa in Arendtsville has been CANCELLED. All other camp events will continue as scheduled, so come on out for great worship, awesome camp food, and a fun time.
BUT...
You can still "Catch the Buzz!" and make a difference with this new VBS resource that teaches children about Malaria and about God's work and our hands in this world with an engaging and meaningful curriculum. Best of all it's FREE, so you can put those curriculum funds you'll save into helping eradicate malaria for good.
This new program invites children to add their hands, voices, minds and hearts to being a part of God's work in the world. The easy-to-use-and-adapt curriculum features Bible stories, games, crafts, snacks, stories, songs and more that teach children about malaria and how it is affecting children around the world. To order printed copies click here, or click here to download a free copy now.
And while you're at it, visit the ELCA Malaria Campaign website for the latest news, blog updates, and new resources to use and share!
Here are links to two stories to read and use to help educate others in your congregations and communities about this deadly disease, about what we are doing together to make a real difference, and why every dollar contributed toward our goal is critically important:
http://www.elca.org/News-and-Events/blogs/ELCAMalariaCampaign/220
http://www.elca.org/News-and-Events/blogs/ELCAMalariaCampaign/213
Our Lower Susquehanna Synod total raised is now at $221,259.69 or $2.17/baptized member. Let's make it $5.00/baptized member and meet our goal! That's less than a fast food meal, and a child's life is certainly worth a lot more than that. $10 (less than a large pizza) can save an entire family by providing a mosquito net.
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Pastor Jodi Silliker to Receive 2014 Award for Servant Leadership
Leadership Harrisburg Area will present the 2014 Platinum Award for Servant Leadership to the Rev. Jody Silliker at their annual awards luncheon at the Radisson Hotel, Camp Hill, on May 21.
Pastor Silliker, who serves Christ Lutheran Church (Allison HIll), Harrisburg, and also serves as Director of Medical Outreach for Holy Spirit Hospital, has been an instrumental part of this important community leadership learning programming for over 10 years.
During Pastor Silliker's tenure at Christ, the church has developed a health ministries program to provide much needed care for area residents. Christ owns and operates a dental clinic, a prenatal care clinic and an urgi clinic within its buiiding. Additionally, the Health Ministries program at Christ provides ESL classes and literacy classes, and it supplies patients with durable medical goods, orthopedic equipment, baby furniture and many small items necessary to facilitate health and dignity. In collaboration with Holy Spirit's Medical Outreach Service the program also provides a nursing clinic and a drop-in hospitality center open every weekday for the homeless. All services are offered free of charge to the congregation's uninsured neighbors in Harrisburg. Last year alone, this important ministry offered some 20,000 patient visits within its walls.
Click here for more information about Leadership Harrisburg Area and the Awards Luncheon where Silliker will receive this award.
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...prayers for the family of Nora Catherine Hugh (Kay) Brown, mother of the Rev. Tim Seitz-Brown (Paradise Lutheran) and mother-in-law of Associate in Ministry Ann Seitz-Brown (Paradise Lutheran), who died May 12, 2014, following a massive stroke . Funeral services were scheduled for May 15 at Mt. Moriah Cemetery Chapel in Smithfield, PA. Click here for the complete obituary.
....prayers for the Rev. Herb Spomer (retired) and family as they celebrate the life of his wife, Carla Spomer, at a 3:00 p.m. memorial service on Saturday, May 17, at St. Luke Lutheran Church, Chambersburg. Carla died December 24, 2013. Click here for the complete obituary. ...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), 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 the more than 280 miners who lost their lives in a coal mine fire near Soma, Turkey, for their families, and for those rescued but injured.
...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 Open for Summerfest 2014!
 Summer is just around the corner, so gather your families and members from all generations for a day of fellowship, food, fun and worship at Summerfest 2014! Our annual cross-generational Lutheran "revival" will be held at Camp Nawakwa in the Upper Camp Pavilion on Saturday, July 26.
Only $10 per person, a $5 REDUCTION in price over last year's event but offering MORE activities, this year again features a barbecue meal, games, hiking, crafts and live music. We welcome Jonathan Rundman to the music stage, and Pastor Dana Blouch-Hanson as our worship leader. For more details or to download a registration form, visit: http://www.lss-elca.org/youth-family/events/summerfest/.
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Give + Receive + Share = News to Use
HERE'S THE LATEST FROM OUR SYNOD'S WOMEN OF THE ELCA:
Check out the May/June issue of the News & Views newsletter by clicking here.
It's also time to think about this year's Camp Hebron retreat. Click here for more information. You won't want to miss this year's event!
Be sure to check the website soon for additional updates and new information.
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!
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.
August 25-29, 2014
Mediation Skills Training Institute
St. Luke's Lutheran Church, Bloomsburg, PA
The Upper Susquehanna Synod Reconciliation Team will host an intensive continuing education event for church leaders led by Staff of the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center (Lombard, IL). The institute is designed to equip church leaders with the skills necessary to deal effectively with interpersonal, congregational, and other forms of group conflict.
The five-day institute also includes a component on congregational mediation and consultation, placed within the context of family systems theory. The institute includes lectures, discussion, and guided practice in role-plays. Active and practical in focus, the sessions emphasize hands-on skills training and real-life role-plays based on the kinds of conflicts faced by participants.
Tuition is $695 when paid by July 25, 2014, and $770 if received after that date. Enrollment is limited. For registration information, call the Rev. James Bricker at 717-512-1026, or e-mail gymbri@embarqmail.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 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. Enjoy a night out among the Lutherans, support a great cause, and watch Bishop Dunlop throw out the first ball!
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 & "A Lunch-out"
St. Paul's Lutheran Church 1240 Broadway, Hanover
Worship with Holy Communion to remember & celebrate our Lord's Ascension, followed by a lunch-out at Ryan's Buffet on Eisenhower Drive in Hanover 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
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. "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 Opportunities 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) June 22-26 "Wilderness Escape: Where God Guides and Provides" Zion Lutheran Church, 100 West Main Street Hummelstown 6:00 - 8:15 p.m. each day (for ages 3-11), register online at www.zluth.org. Call 717-566-2589 for more information. 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.
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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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