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Are You Ready to Fight Hunger?
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Bishop Dunlop is ready to pack meals!
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The bags and boxes of food are in place, the assembly tables are ready, and within hours some 900 volunteers will descend on Messiah College to pack 300,000 or more tasty and nutritious meals to be distributed right here in central PA. In addition to packing meals, volunteers will have an opportunity to learn more about the root causes of hunger and what they can do about it. Representatives from Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania (LAMPa) and our synod's World Hunger Committee will be on hand to provide interactive educational opportunities.
This record-breaking event will kick off our 2014 Synod Assembly with the theme "Feeding the Hungry." Lower Susquehanna Lutherans are already engaged in many congregational and community-based feeding and poverty-relief efforts. From food pantries to backpacks for food-insecure school children, and from community gardens to weekly dinners, our synod is indeed the place "where the hungry are fed as we have been fed by Christ."
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Rick Baldwin of Thrivent Financial and Allen Stump of St. David's, Hanover, invested hours in set-up.
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With leadership and support from Thrivent Financial, Messiah College, and End Hunger NE (Outreach, Inc.), we have the opportunity to see in a tangible way just how much we can accomplish together when we combine our "loaves and fishes," our gifts of time, talent, and resources, for the good of all God's people.
NOTE: Check our website, or find us on Facebook, and Twitter for more information about Synod Assembly. Our hashtag is #LSS14.
We'll be livestreaming the event so that you can watch from wherever you happen to be. Just go to the website for the embedded viewer.
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St. John, New Freedom, Provides Gift to Lutheran Camping Corporation
On Sunday, April 27th St. John Lutheran Church, New Freedom, celebrated their gift of $18,777 to the Lutheran Camping Corporation's Seeding the Future Campaign. The congregation's gift in memory of Marie Hoshall will help Camp Nawakwa retire their mortgage debt, so that they may devote more resources to their youth camping ministry. The Rev. Richard Jorgensen, Director for Evangelical Mission for our synod and Mr. Michael Youse, Executive Director of the Lutheran Camping Corporation, were present for worship and  the celebration. Click here to be directed to the congregation's website and a video of the event. At right, Rev. George Schneider, (center) presents the check to Mike Youse. The Rev. Richard Jorgensen looks on.
Lutheran Camping Corporation helps train young leaders, provides lasting faith education in creation's classroom, helps campers forge strong relationships with mentors and peers, and has made a real difference in thousands of young lives. If your congregation has not yet participated in the Seeding the Future Campaign, click here for more information.
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ALiVE 2014: Save the Date! 
ALiVE 2014 is our annual synod-wide middle-school youth event, scheduled for Sept 19-21, 2014, at Camp Nawakwa. Students in entering grades 6-8 this fall, plus advisors are encouraged to attend. Registration materials are now available on the synod website at www.lss-ELCA.org/youth-family. Registration opens June 15!
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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. Check here each week for 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.
Use 'The Box' Method to Prioritize and Get More Done
Lots of us busy pastors and church leaders become stuck because our "to do" lists grow impossibly long and our workdays seem impossibly short. From Entrepreneur magazine, here's a simple idea that can help you manage your time, prioritize tasks and improve productivity. Click here to be redirected to the article.
Photo: Chris Carter, Creative Commons
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... prayers for the family of Warren C. Heintzelman, Sr., father of the Rev. Warren C. Heintzelman, Jr. (St. Thomas), who died Sunday, June 1, at the age of 90. A memorial service is planned for Saturday, June 14, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Chambersburg.
...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); and Barbara (Glad) Edmiston, spouse of Bishop Emeritus Guy S. Edmiston, 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 May/June issue of the Rimmer family's 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 of our ELCA synods who will gather in assembly this weekend, especially those who will be electing bishops, and for our own Lower Susquehanna Synod as we gather at Messiah College beginning Thursday with the Loaves and Fishes meal-packing event.
...prayers for our Lutheran Camping Corporation, the staff who are preparing for the season, and for the campers who will soon run, laugh, play, and worship at Nawakwa and Kirchenwald. Click here for prayer petitions to use in your congregational and personal prayers.
...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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WORLD MALARIA DAY 2014: WE DID IT! Thank you!
Dear friend,
Thanks to you and thousands of supporters like you, together we surpassed our goal of $250,000 for World Malaria Day. Because of your overwhelming generosity, gifts for this initiative  totaled $300,000, given in addition to $100,000 of matching funds. We are able to launch malaria work in Namibia this year. Thank you! In Namibia, our primary companion in malaria work is the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia. The church is present mainly in the northern part of Namibia, where the threat of malaria is most severe. Right now, start-up plans are being finalized, and thanks in part to your gifts, these plans are able to become reality.
Starting work in Namibia is just one example of the amazing things our church can accomplish together. When each of us contributes toward a shared purpose, our gifts are multiplied and magnified. I can't say it often enough - thank you!
In Christ's service,
Jessica Nipp Hacker
Coordinator, ELCA Malaria Campaign
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
P.S. Please use this bulletin insert to share this good news! Moving forward in faith together, we are well on our way to meeting our 2015 goal of $15 million to support ongoing malaria programs of our Lutheran brothers and sisters in Africa. Your gifts of any size, at any time, make a big difference.
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Give + Receive + Share = News to Use
Click to Give to our Synod
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.
Here's the Lower Susquehanna Synod Women's Organization Convention Newsletter! It's hot off the presses and contains important information about this summer's gathering in Hanover. Click here to download a PDF copy and here to be directed to the website.
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 located at 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. .
Thanks for the Music, Sue!
Help Honor Sue Hoffheins for her 38 years of music and faithful service at Mount Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church. She is retiring as Minister of Music effective July 1. The congregation will host a reception in Sue's honor after worship on June 29. Send cards and notes to her in care of Mount Zion, 2164 Mt. Zion Road, York, 17406
Synod Office Begins Summer Hours
Beginning the week of June 8, a summer schedule of office hours will go into effect for our synod's offices and Resource Center. Those hours will be 8:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday. The offices will be closed on Friday during the summer. In the event of an emergency occurring on a Friday, the telephone message will direct you to a member of the pastoral staff who is serving on call that day. This summer schedule will conclude on Friday, August 29. The Monday through Friday schedule will resume the following week.
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, 2014
A Day of Praying with the Scriptures
Kentland Retreat Center
1024 East Winding Hill Road, Mechanicsburg, PA
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
This event, sponsored by the diakonia Program in the our Lower Susquehanna Synod, will be led by Sister Davia Baldauf Evans. Lunch is included in the $25 registration fee. Make checks payable to "Perry Conference and note "Diakonia Retreat." Contact Pastor Bob or Carolyn Yankovitz at 258-4216 for more information.
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 9-13
Spanish Language and Ministry Intensive
Koinonia, Highland Lake, NY
This Wednesday-Sunday workshop for both clergy and lay leaders offers strategic language
instruction along with visual and oral presentations on theological and cultural aspects that
affect ministry with Spanish speaking people. Click here for more information.
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.
July 19, 2014
Congregational Treasurer Seminar
St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Hanover
9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Discussion topics will include Synod finances, congregational audits, congregational best practices, fidelity bonding, sales tax issues, etc. This is also an opportunity for conversation and networking. For more information contact Linda Lubold by email at llubold@lss-elca.org.
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.
October 24-26, 2014
"Café Chocolat" Women's Spiritual Retreat
Mt. Asbury Camp, Newville, PA
This event is an all-inclusive three day/two night spiritual retreat for all women and a weekend filled with relaxation, laughter, learning, peace, spiritual growth, connection and rest. Pastors Susan McCarthy and Margie Lauver are two of the leaders on the roster for the retreat. Please contact Liz (778-7038) or Brenda (321-5482), event coordinators, for more information and/or to register.
November 10, 2014
Witness in Common: An Exploration of Full Communion Agreements
Trinity Lutheran Church, 2000 Chestnut Street, Camp Hill, PA
9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
This event will explore our Full Communion Agreements and how they are impacting our common witness as the missional Church. The plenary speaker is the Very Rev. Dr. Tom Ferguson, former ecumenical officer, the Episcopal Church. Bishop James S. Dunlop, Lower Susquehanna Synod, ELCA, will preside at worship, and Bishop Peggy Johnson, Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, United Methodist Church, will preach. Click here for a save-the-date card/bulletin insert.
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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
Combined Pentecost Worship featuring Combined Choirs and Youth
St. Peter's Lutheran Church (Highspire)
10:15 a.m.
Please join us in celebrating the Day of Pentecost with the combining of Trinity (Steelton) and St. Peter's (Highspire) congregations led by our pastors and our youth as the Holy Spirit enters our lives in this worship experience. The vocal choirs of both churches plus handbells and chimes under the direction of Stephen Strauss will combine in Patrick Dill's arrangement of Praise to the Lord.
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 19
Jubilee Day Chicken and Waffle Dinner
Trinity Lutheran Church, 132 E. Main St., Mechanicsburg
11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Click here for details and a downloadable flyer to share. All proceeds benefit charity.
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.
June 22
St. Peter's (Middletown) Benefit Golf Tournament
Sunset Golf Course (Middletown)
Registration form, Business Sponsor Forms, and additional information are on line at the
http://www.stpetersmiddletown.org, or contact Jim Manfred at 939-0812, 919-1668 or manfred840@comcast.net.
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
"Weird Animals" & "Real Conversations with Real People"
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Hershey
6:00 - 8:15 p.m.
Festivities start with a family picnic and ZooAmerica program on June 22 from 3:00 -6:00 p.m. at Memorial Field in Hershey. "Weird Animals" is for children ages 3 - grade 5. Real Conversations with Real People is for adults and will tackle topics such as overcoming hardship, amazing grace, and making a difference. Speakers include a family with a severely autistic child; Terri Roberts, survivor of an unthinkable tragedy; and Tara Leo Auchey, columnist for the Patriot News and author of PennLive's blog "today's the day." For more information or to register, call the church office at 533-2467.
"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
St. Luke Lutheran Church in Schaefferstown has 6 pews ready for adoption. 4 pews measure 153" x 24" and 2 measure 145" x 24" Transportation to a good home is the only cost involved for the individual or congregation interested. Arrangements can be made through the church office: 717-949-3375 or churchoffice@stlukelutheran.comcastbiz.net.
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.
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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.
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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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