|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
St. Barnabas Center Needs You!
 Want to make a real difference in the lives of local Harrisburg youth? Become involved NOW and support the St. Barnabas Center for Ministry, a joint program of Lower Susquehanna Lutherans and our Episcopalian sisters and brothers.
The need has never been greater to keep this important program in operation, yet full funding is not in place for this summer's ministry. For 21 years, St. Barnabas Center for Ministry has provided for eight weeks each summer an all-day faith-based Summer Program for children ages 7-12 in Uptown Harrisburg. Without additional financial support and sponsorship, the board faces making difficult decisions about cuts to programming or elimination of services. At a time when so many resources and opportunities are out of reach for the most vulnerable of our neighbors, the St. Barnabas Center has been a critical place of nurture, instruction, and community for today's children and tomorrow's future leaders.
How can you help?
-
Sponsor a Child (or children!): Your generous gift of $100 sponsors a child for one week; $800 will sponsor a child for the summer.
- Pray: Commit to regular prayer for the success of the ministry and for the young children the St. Barnabas Center serves.
- Share: Tell your congregations, community groups, and friends about this need. Ask your congregation to consider a special offering. Pass a colorful plastic sand pail to collect gifts on a Sunday morning. What you would spend for a movie ticket and concession-stand snacks, for example, will provide a full day of programming and lunch for a child.
- Give: Donations in any amount are welcome and needed.
Make checks payable to "St. Barnabas" and mail to 248 Seneca Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110.Thank you for helping to keep our precious children safe this summer.
|
ELCA World Hunger Education and Networking Grants Available
ELCA World Hunger Education and Networking grants are available to support local efforts to educate and mobilize ELCA congregations, groups, and/or synods. This grant  program supports engaging educational and networking opportunities focused on the root causes of and solutions to hunger.
For the 2014 year, a particular interest is directed to education proposals that focus on increasing youth and young adult engagement; address racism, sexism and classism within domestic poverty; and increase awareness of the experience of domestic poverty. Education funding can be used for events, educational programs or the development of shareable resources. For networking proposals, congregation-based and synod-based hunger leader trainings will be prioritized.
For details about submitting proposals and who may qualify, click here. Proposals will be reviewed throughout the year. All proposals must be received by December 31, 2014 to be considered for funding. Direct additional questions to hunger@elca.org.
(Photo: Kris, Creative Commons)
|
|
Summerfest: Sing. Play. Worship. Eat. Enjoy.
 Summer is coming ,and the Office for Children, Youth & Family Ministry invites you to our second annual Summerfest event on Saturday, July 26, at Camp Nawakwa's Upper Camp Pavilion. A multi-generational event, the day includes a full picnic meal, games, crafts, hikes, prayer and labyrinth walks, and this year water games and the pool, all for only $10 per person. The whole day culminates in a mini-concert and worship, led by Pastor Dana Bloch-Hanson. Our musical guest is Jonathan Rundman, a singer/songwriter, whose unique blend of pop/rock is cool and easy. Jonathan will also be appearing at next summer's ELCA Youth Gathering, so meet and hear him at Summerfest first! Click here to check out Jonathan's music. To register, click here to print a registration form from the synod website. |
|
Training/Education Link of the Week
Our synod grows stronger because its dedicated leaders continue to learn new ways of approaching ministry and serving God's people. This week Carings & Sharings is launching a new weekly feature -- a link to a video, article, podcast, powerpoint presentation or other media that will help our leaders embrace new ideas and learn new insights into ministry.
 This Week: Web videos of talks that Peter Steinke gave on the topic The Balancing Act: The Congregation As A Healthy Emotional System to ministers in California. A Lutheran pastor, Steinke is a speaker and author whose field of expertise is how emotional systems can keep a congregation stuck in unhealthy patterns. His books include "Healthy Congregations: A Systems Approach," "How Your Church Family Works: Understanding Congregations as Emotional Systems," and "Congregational Leadership in Anxious Times: Being Calm and Courageous No Matter What."
|
...continued prayers for the families of Rev. Dale S. Bringman, D.D. (retired), father of Daniel M. Bringman, Board Chair of the Mission Investment Fund, ELCA, and father-in-law of Dan's spouse, Lucinda Bringman, Vice President of our Lower Susquehanna Synod; 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); 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
|
|
Mission of the Month: International Leader in Cameroon
 Nathalie Lassang from Cameroon feels called to become a doctor to provide care for the sick in her home country. She's attending medical school with the help of an ELCA International Leaders scholarship, which she calls "a priceless gift." Share this story with your congregation! For a colorful word document you can print for your congregation's bulletin board or edit for use in your bulletin or PowerPoint presentation, click here. For more stories like Nathalie's and information about how you can join in mission with our ELCA global partners, click here (look under the "stories" tab).
|
|
Give + Receive + Share = News to Use
 Refugee Sunday is June 22!
This year marks the 75th anniversary of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS). What better way to recognize this ministry's important impact than by honoring the work of this organization with a special offering and with prayer and education on Sunday, June 22, 2014? Click here to access a comprehensive resource kit. You can also order a video, sermon notes, and Bible studies. Can't include LIRS on June 22? Not to worry! Simply choose another date to remember that we all hunger for a home.
Click to Give to LSS
It's easier than ever to make a gift to support the mission of our Lower Susquehanna Synod. All you have to do is visit our website (www.lss-elca.org) and click the "Donate Now" button on the bottom right side. It will take you to our secure donation site (the same one that hosts Thrivent's Simply Giving) so that you can easily support our work together. You can make a one-time gift or set up a regular giving schedule. Together we are stronger and better able to feed others as we have been fed by Christ.
NOTE: Our Synod Office will be closed on Monday, May 26, in observance of Memorial Day.
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!
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.
|
|
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 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), 215 St. John Rd., Elizabethville, PA 7:00 p.m. Worship will include Holy Communion and the annual Blessing of Seed and Soil. All are invited.
Ascension Day Joint Worship (Zion and Trinity Congregations)
Trinity Lutheran Church, 415 N. West St, York 7:30 p.m. Led by The Rev. Dr. Janyce Jorgensen, the service focuses on a time of celebration, joy and renewed mission in the life of the church, and will feature the choirs of Zion, Trinity, and other area churches. Fellowship with an ice cream social will follow. All are welcome. 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. June 11 Strawberry Festival
St John Evangelical Lutheran Church (The Hill Church) 215 St. John Rd., Elizabethville, PA
1:00 PM - ??? Come and enjoy!
June 14
Pulled Pork Dinner and Car Cruise
Mt. Eden Lutheran Church, 1241 May Post Office, Quarryville, PA
11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Tickets are $8.00 adults, children 10 and under are $5.00 each. The meal will include pork bbq sandwich, potato and macaroni salads baked beans, beverage, and dessert. Take out will also be available. Call the church office (786-7565) for more information.
June 15 Mission Partner Sunday Worship Service of Gratitude Christ Lutheran Church, 124 South 13th St., Harrisburg Come worship and celebrate the Health Ministries of Christ Church that provided 20,000 free patient visits to poor, uninsured neighbors last year in the medical, dental, and nursing clinics. Music by Amanda Silliker and the Accidental Chorists. Worship will be followed by an ethnic buffet prepared by members and community neighbors. 250th Anniversary Celebration Worship Trindle Spring Lutheran Church, 14 State Road, Mechanicsburg 10:30 a.m., Bishop Dunlop preaching 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. June 23-26 "God's Work - Our Hands," Stories of Service in the Bible Concordia Evangelical Lutheran Church, 3825 Concordia Rd., Columbia, PA 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. (Ages 3-11) Call 717-285-4626 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.
|
|
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.
|
|
| 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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
