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Ascension Day Worship Services Planned Across our Synod
 On Thursday, the 40th day of Easter, the church celebrates the Festival of the Ascension, celebrating Jesus' ascension into heaven. This day marks the beginning the time in-between the season of Easter and the Festival of Pentecost. For more information, check this article by the Rev. Delbert Chilton from "Living Lutheran."
Many congregations across our synod will celebrate with worship services. Those who have shared their plans with us are listed below. If your congregation is not listed, be sure to check your church calendar to see if an opportunity to worship is available. Retired rostered leaders will gather with Bishop Dunlop and our synod's staff at St. Peter in Middletown for a worship service and luncheon.
Quickel Lutheran Church, 60 Canal Rd. Ext., York
11:00 a.m.
St. Paul 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.
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.
St. Michael Lutheran, 118 State St., Harrisburg
7:00 p.m.
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.
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.
Trinity Lutheran Church, 415 N. West St, York (Joint worship with Zion and Trinity)
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.
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St. Paul Konde Scholarships: Investing in Lives
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Manow Secondary School Students
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St. Paul Lutheran Church in York has a long history of supporting the education of students from the Konde Diocese. The scholarship program began in 2006 with the idea of providing educational opportunities to the children of pastors, evangelists, and in some cases employees of the Konde Diocese. The seeds of this program were planted by Pastor John Wenzke, who retired as St. Paul's senior pastor in 2002, and were nourished by Rev. Stan Reep, the current pastor of St. Paul since 2004.
St. Paul's scholarship program, begun in 2006, committed to providing tuition to 35 young men
and women who were selected in the first year of their secondary education. The students were expected to maintain a high level of competence. From those original students, nine passed each of their successive exams and graduated from secondary school in 2012. As a result these students are now pursuing further studies on the college level or working in responsible positions in the the church of private sector. St. Paul was able to provide funds for the entire education of those students throughout their secondary school years.
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Pam Drenner and Omega Allen at Camp Kirchenwald
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One of the students who completed secondary education through St. Paul's scholarship program was Omega Kenan Allen, a 2013 International Camp Counselor at Kirchenwald. Omega achieved outstanding scores on his national examinations, and as a result is now enrolled in a three-year medical program in Tanzania. He has now completed most of his first year of medical studies with outstanding proficiency. St. Paul committed to support, in conjunction with the Konde Diocese, his advanced education through a special scholarship fund, covering the annual cost of approximately $2,100 per year. If all goes well, Omega will graduate from medical school at the conclusion of the 2016-2017 academic year.
In return for his scholarship support, Omega has agreed to serve the Konde Diocese for five years following his graduation from medical school, returning to work at Matema or Itete hospitals or other medical facilities within the diocese. He will undertake this work in appreciation of the medical school scholarship funded by St. Paul in conjunction
with the Konde Diocese.
Omega's future presence as a medical resource within Konde is invaluable. Presently,
there is only one licensed physician to provide medical services at the Itete and Matema
hospitals. Omega's willingness to serve his fellow citizens will truly be a blessing to the
families residing in the southern highlands region of Tanzania.
St. Paul's investment in both the support of scholarships as well as the important work
of relationship-building is truly an inspiration to all those seeking to advance the
companionships with the Konde Diocese and their partner congregations.
(Thanks to Joe Moyer for contributing this story. To read more about St. Paul's scholarship program, visit the Lower Susquehanna Synod website by clicking here.)
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We Need YOU to Help US Identify Young Leaders!
 The Office for Children, Youth & Family Ministry wants to remind you to help us identify and train young leaders for discipleship and service in Jesus' name by nominating youth to attend our 22nd annual Leadership Training Camp (LT Camp). If you have emerging young leaders in grades nine or higher, consider recommending them for LT Camp, July 27-August 1, 2014, at Camp Nawakwa. First year participants attend for free thanks to generous financial support from the Lamb's and the Grant's. There are only a few spots left for this summer's camp, and youth must have the recommendation of a pastor or youth leader. To learn more or to make application, visit: http://www.lss-elca.org/youth-family/events/leadership-training-camp/.
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Leadership 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. Last week Carings & Sharings launched this 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.
A congregation's stewardship efforts may reach a crescendo every fall, but planning and running an effective financial program requires year-round effort. This week's link provides comprehensive guidance on how to do exactly that. Stewardship Manual: A Guide for Year-Round Financial Stewardship Planning is a 46-page resource prepared by our full-communion partners, the Presbyterian Church (USA). And it's free for PDF download. Written with Presbyterian congregations in mind, the guide is easily adaptable to a Lutheran context. It provides solid information on how and why to make financial stewardship a priority ministry.
Photo: Chris Carter, Creative Commons
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...continued prayers for the families of the 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); the 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; 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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Summer Youth Mission Opportunity in Philadelphia
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Broad Street Ministry Youth Initiative
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Youth Initiative Summer Mission Slots available at Broad Street Ministry, Philadelphia. Several slots for youth and adults are available for this urban service immersion experience the week of July 20 - 26. The summer experience begins with Broad Street Ministry's regular Sunday evening worship service and community meal. Groups should arrive by 4:00 p.m. We provide several days of service learning and opportunities for relationship building with the people of Philadelphia. An effort is made to take groups to different neighborhoods in the city and discuss poverty, homelessness, hunger, and education -- all grounded in a theological framework. A particular goal will be to engage youth with the poor and disadvantaged who are trying to make a difference in their community through social action. Stereotypes will be broken, not reinforced. The week will end with a service of commissioning to send students back to their own communities where faithful transformation may continue.
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Give + Receive + Share = News to Use
Bread for the World National Gathering
Want to learn more about hunger, justice, and hunger advocacy? Consider attending the Bread for the World National Gathering and Lobby Day. Click here for more information about the event. To register, click here. If you would like to learn more about Bread for the World and/or what's involved in Lobby Day, contact Pastor Tim Seitz-Brown at timothy.seitzbrown@gmail.com.
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.
Grace Lutheran Church Honors Pastor
On Sunday, May 18, Grace Lutheran Church in Lancaster honored Pastor Stephen Verkouw with a surprise congregational luncheon in honor of his graduation from The Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia with a Doctor of Ministry degree. Besides the luncheon, the congregation presented Pastor Verkouw with various gifts and a monetary donation to a cause of his choice. Grace Lutheran is locatedat Queen and James Streets in Lancaster.
Send a 55th Ordination Greeting to Pastor Walter Hafer!
Rev. Walter Hafer will be celebrating his fifty-fifth ordination anniversary on June 29. If anyone would like to send greetings to him please email or mail them to Zion, Penbrook by June 20, 2014. The email address is zionpenbrook@verizon.net, and the mailing address is 2730 Booser Ave. Harrisburg PA 17103.
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
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
June 21
"Refuse to be a Victim"
Faith United, 6968 Veterans Way, Ickesburg
This program, designed by women for women, will provide logical solutions for personal safety and to avoid becoming a victim. For additional information, contact Pastor Elaine Moyer (717) 438-3714.
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)
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
First Lutheran Church, Chambersburg has about 40 beige choir gowns with liturgical colored stoles in good condition. If interested or if you have questions, please contact Freda Dorand at fjdorand@gmail.com.
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 ten 16" (from floor to seat) wooden Sunday School chairs and four 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: St James Lutheran Church, Gettysburg, PA
Posted 5/28/14
Position: Visitation Minister
St. James, Lutheran Church, Gettysburg, is looking to hire an individual for the position of Visitation Minister. This is a 10 hour/week position, whose primary responsibility will be visiting homebound members of the congregation as well as those in hospitals. If interested, please contact Pastor Michael Allwein at mallwein@stjamesgettysburg.org or 717-334-2012.
Congregation: Bendersville Lutheran Parish, Bendersville
Posted 5/28/14
Position: Organist
We have 3 services most Sundays - 8:25 a.m., 9:45 a.m., and 11 a.m. This position would include preparation for Sunday worship services and other special services. Position opening in July.
Position: Choir Director
We have 3 services most Sundays --
8:25 a.m., 9:45 a.m., and 11 a.m.
This position would include preparation for weekly anthems and weekly rehearsals.
For information about either or both positions, contact cbaugher@embarqmail.com or by phone (717)873-8200 for more details.
Congregation: Trinity Lutheran Church, Mount Joy
Posted 5/8/14
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. 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.
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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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