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Lebanon Conference Lutherans Participate in Mission Building Blitz
On Sunday June 15, 67 Lower Susquehanna Lutherans traveled to Pendleton County, West Virginia, to work for Almost Heaven Habitat for Humanity. This group, known as the Lebanon Lutheran Mission Team, includes members from Holy Trinity Lutheran, Lebanon; St. James Lutheran, Lebanon; Zion Lutheran Lebanon; Salem Lutheran Lebanon; Trinity (Colebrook), Manheim; and Zion's Lutheran, Jonestown.
 "This is our sixth year taking youth and adults to work for Habitat," said Joette Hollinger, one of the trip's organizers. "We are doing a blitz build, which means the foundation is there and we will put up the walls, roof, put in windows, and do some framing inside the house."
The congregations raised $25,000 to be able to perform this blitz build, providing a strong witness to the possibilities and great results of building cooperative ministry and mission among congregations and conferences in our synod.
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News from our Global Partners...
 Save the Date for Global Church Sunday!
On World Communion Sunday, Oct. 5, 2014, congregations are invited to celebrate our church's connection and common mission within Christ's global church by sponsoring a Global Church Sunday. Celebrate by taking a special offering for an ELCA missionary or global ministry, hosting a coffee hour with treats from around the world or including global songs in your worship service. A toolkit of these and other ideas for congregations will be released this August. For more information, contact globalchurch@elca.org.
 Mission of the Month:
Supporting Sunday schools in Bolivia
Kari Eller worked with a team to create a Spanish Sunday school book for students in many countries including Bolivia, where she served as an ELCA missionary along with her husband, the Rev. Justin Eller. The book is widely distributed both online and in print. 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 and news from around the world check out monthly ELCA Global Links by clicking here.
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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. (Photo: Chris Carter, Creative Commons)
Bill Hybels: The Work Habits of a Leader
What do you think is the most important asset for a congregational leader to possess? Time? Money? Intelligence? Compassion? The founder and senior pastor of the Willow Creek Community Church says it is none of those things, as vital as they may be to the work of the church. In this brief video from churchleaders.com, Bill Hybels says he discovered one quality that has turbocharged the effectiveness of his ministry.
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...continued prayers for the families of Warren C. Heintzelman, Sr., father of the Rev. Warren C. Heintzelman, Jr. (St. Thomas); 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 Gloria Dorsett (spouse of Pr. Steve Dorsett, retired), 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 June newsletter.
...prayers for our bishops--Elizabeth, Jim, and Israel-Peter--and all who serve the church.
...prayers for our synod's delegation to the Konde Diocese leaving Monday for a two-week visit: Bishop Dunlop, Connie Dunlop, Pastor Cliff Eshbach, and Pastor Kate Schroeder. Note: We did receive word that they have arrived safely.
...prayers for Tree of Life Lutheran Church member Tom Feldbauer, who is sharing his expertise as a pharmacist at Karatu Hospital in northern Tanzania. Follow his story by clicking here to be redirected to the Tech4Tanzania website. To send him an e-mail of prayerful support, click here.
...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, including the United States.
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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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.
Time to Think about the 2014 LS SWO Convention!
The newsletter is on the LSS website 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.
Volunteer Chaplains Sought
The Visiting Nurse Association of Central Pennsylvania seeks volunteer chaplains to work with hospice patients on an as-needed basis. Orientation and training are provided. This opportunity is a particularly good one for retired pastors who wish to remain active in ministry. For more information call Dee Rhoads, R.N. at 717-233-1035.
REMINDER: Synod Office Observing Summer Hours
Our Synod's offices in Harrisburg are now on summer hours: 8:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday. The offices are 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 18, July 16, August 20
The Wrath of God x 3:
June 18: The Wrath of God in Paul's letter to the Church in Rome
July 16: The Wrath of God in the life of Jesus
August 20: The Wrath of God in the Hebrew Scriptures
St. Michael Lutheran Church, 118 State Street, Harrisburg
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
What are your questions about the wrath of God? What does the Bible say about the Wrath of God? Is the God of the Hebrew Scriptures and the God of the New Testament even the same God? What about all that violence in the Hebrew Scriptures? Does the wrath of God afflict people with sickness or bad fortune when they sin? Come discuss, converse, and learn.
After a light summer supper and our time of study and conversation we will conclude the evening with worship round the table. For more information call (717) 234-0092 or visit the St. Michael website at www.stmikehbg.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 14-18
Adult VBS is back at Trindle Spring Lutheran Church, 14 State Road, Mechanicsburg. Have you ever wondered what is the meaning of life? Have you sought answers to the questions of why wine, money and song are not ultimately fulfilling? Come to our Adult VBS program for the answers to these questions and many more as we explore the wisdom of Ecclesiastes. Classes start at 6:30 and will last about an hour. For more information call Joe Ricci at 766-9078 or the Church Office at 766-7091. (Note: VBS for children runs concurrently.)
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 7-8, 2014
"Welcome to my World" Annual Parish Secretaries Seminar
Doubletree Resort by Hilton Hotel, Lancaster, PA
Workshops will be interspersed with devotions, meals, and free time. Our workshops this year include Who Takes Care of You, meditation and inspiration for the church office; "Share, Like, and Tweet?", how to engage and how they interact with the congregation for Evangelism, Stewardship, education, and worship. Our Spiritual Leader this year will be the Pastor Lori Kochaniski.
The cost of the Seminar is $250.00 which includes five meals, presenter fees, workshop materials, and one-night's lodging, double occupancy. Congregations and agencies of the Church are encouraged to provide this event as continuing education for their support staff. The Seminar is designed to provide opportunities to strengthen work skills needed in the modern office, to network with other secretaries/ administrators, and to grow spiritually. Secretaries/administrators are encouraged to bring multiple copies of job descriptions, newsletters, bulletins, guidelines, office manuals, etc. to share with others who will attend. The event is open to all denominations.
To register, go to www.LutheranCongregationalServices.org and click the link for Parish Secretaries under the Congregations column. Registrations are due August 23, 2014. Click here for a brochure.
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. Click here for a registration form.
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 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.
Summer Solstice Concert with Corinne Adkins
Grace Lutheran Church, 220 North Charles Street, Red Lion
3:00 p.m.
There is no charge for this concert, and all are welcome. Click here for a PDF brochure with complete information.
Summer Sundae Concert
Trinity Lutheran Church, 2000 Chestnut Street, Camp Hill
6:30-7:30 p.m.
The first of three free concerts, held outdoors on the church grounds. Trinity's praise band, FaithX, will perform familiar music from the contemporary Christian repertoire. Free ice cream sundaes will be served to enjoy during the concert. Bring your friends and lawn chairs. The concert will be held indoors in the event of inclement weather. Remaining concerts in the series are on Sunday, July 27 and Sunday, August 24.
July 1
Tent Troupe Family Entertainment
Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 750 Greenfield Road, Lancaster
Children's Matinee at 1:30 p.m. and Family Show at 7:30 p.m.
There is no charge for either show. Click here for a downloadable brochure.
July 12
Fresh Maine Lobster Dinner
St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, Carlisle
4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Dinner includes a 1 1/8 to 11/4 lb. Maine lobster, 10 clams (if unavailable due to weather, 1 lb. of mussels will be substituted), butter, lemon wedges, corn on the cob, cole slaw and dessert, all for just $22. (All seafood is being provided and prepared by J.B. Kelly Lobster & Quahog Connection.)
Purchase your tickets at the office during the week, 9 -12 & 1 - 4, or after all weekend worship services, before July 11th (tickets will not be available for purchase at the door). Proceeds will help youth attend the 2015 ELCA National Youth Gathering in Detroit.
July 13
Rejoicing Spirits Worship
St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 30 W. Main St., New Kingstown
4:00 PM (pre-worship singing begins at 3:45 PM)
The Rejoicing Spirits ministry reaches out to enrich the spiritual lives of individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities along with their families, friends and other supportive community members. God's message of love is shared through a meaningful and adapted Christian worship service and fellowship time. Individuals are free to be themselves while actively participating as contributing members in an inclusive faith community. For more information, contact Rose Hlavac at sslcRejoicingSpirits@gmail.com or 717.258.5666.
July 23
Music and Comedy Café with singer-songwriter Mark Cable
St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 839 W. Market Street, York
6:15 - 7:30 p.m. in the Parlor
There is no charge, but a free-will offering will be taken. Refreshments and beverages provided. VBS parents are encouraged to attend. No registration is required. Open to the public.
August 9
195th Worship Celebration and Dinner
Centerville Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1874 Walnut Bottom Road, Newville
5:00 p.m.
You are invited to worship and casual dinner in celebration of 195 years in ministry and mission. Please RSVP Shannon Grippin, (717)265-4443, or Sally Kann, (717)776-5789, if you plan to attend. This will be an evening of worship, dedication, fellowship, entertainment, and fun.
Vacation Bible School
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.
July 6-10
"Weird Animals - Where Jesus' Love is One-of-a-Kind"
St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Plainfield
6:45 - 9:00 p.m. Contact Peg Bower (717) 580-1296 for more information. The VBS service project is collecting canned goods for Project Share.
July 13-18
"Weird Animals - Where Jesus' Love is One-of-a-Kind"
Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church, 9 North Main Street, Dover
6:00 - 8:30 p.m. For more information visit www.calvarylutherandover.org or e-mail calvarydover@verizon.net. Classes are available for children and adults.
July 14-18
"WOW VBS -- Workshop of Wonders"
7th Annual Joint VBS Program: Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, St. James Lutheran Church and Prince of Peace Episcopal Church
Christ Lutheran Church, 44 Chambersburg Street, Gettysburg
9:00 -11:30 a.m.
Online registration available by clicking here. The kickoff event is Sunday, July 13 at 3:00 p.m.
"Weird Animals - Where Jesus' Love is One-of-a-Kind"
Trindle Spring Lutheran Church
14 State Road, Mechanicsburg
5:30 p.m. (Begins with light supper). The kick-off event is scheduled for June 13th. For more information, contact Deb Bender at Dabluvs2cook@gmail.com.
July 20-24
WEIRD ANIMALS -Where Jesus' Love is One-of-a-Kind
St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 839 W. Market Street, York
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Classes for preschoolers, age 3-5 years, elementary children, youth 7th-12 grade and adults.
Light supper will be provided at 5:30 p.m. To register, stop at the church (back entrance) between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. No telephone reservations will be accepted.
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: Zion Lutheran Church, Glen Rock, PA
Posted 6/12/14
Position: Organist/Music Director
Contact the church office at 717-235-3276 for additional information or click here for 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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