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Lower Susquehanna Synod Lutherans in the Halls of Congress
 | | 2014 Bread for the World Pennsylvania Delegation |
Fresh from our Synod Assembly with its focus on addressing hunger, Pastors Barb Berry (Quickel Lutheran) and Tim Seitz-Brown (Paradise Lutheran), along with Pr. Berry's daughter, Kristen, and Pr. Seitz-Brown's son, Jeremy, attended Bread for the World's 2014 DC Lobby Days as part of the PA Delegation. Together with other Christians from across Pennsylvania, their group lobbied for food aid and comprehensive immigration reform with leaders elected from our commonwealth. The group also had the opportunity to attend briefings to learn about justice issues before meeting with legislative aides.
Bread for the World is an ecumenical group that aims to eliminate hunger by 2030. ELCA Pastor David Beckmann has served as its president since 1991. For more information about Bread's programs, educational offerings, and advocacy opportunities, click here. This is one more way we can feed others as Christ has fed us.
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 Installation & Ordination: You are Invited
Pastor Beth George will be installed as pastor of First Lutheran Church, New Oxford, on Saturday, July 19, 2014, at 6:00 p.m. Clergy are invited to vest and process (plan to arrive by 5:45 p.m.).
David Sensenig will be ordained into the office of Word and Sacrament on Sunday, July 20, 2014 at 6:30 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church, 1214 Crosby Street, Linglestown, PA 17112. A reception will follow worship with Holy Communion. Clergy are invited to vest and process. The color of the day is red. David is called to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Liverpool.
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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)
10 Most Common Mistakes in Church Finance
It's not maliciousness that leads many congregations into financial trouble, but often just a lack of awareness and sound practices concerning money. Here is a must-read article for church finance committees and related church leaders. Written by Richard W. Hill, CPA and published in The Call, a publication of the Holston Conference of the United Methodist Church, this article provides important information in a succinct and understandable format.
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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; and 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).
...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 who come home on Monday, June 30, after a two-week visit: Bishop Dunlop, Connie Dunlop, Pastor Cliff Eshbach, and Pastor Kate Schroeder. Note: Check out Pastor Cliff Eshbach's short videos (designed for Weird Animals VBS) by clicking 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.
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!
July 16 and August 20
The Wrath of God x 3:
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 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 p.m. 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.
July 20-26, 2014
Youth Initiative Summer Mission Slots available at Broad Street Ministry, Philadelphia.
There are still some youth and adult openings for this unique immersion experience. The mission begins with Broad Street Ministry's regular Sunday evening worship service and community meal. Groups spend several days of service learning and opportunities for relationship building with the people of Philadelphia and discuss poverty, homelessness, hunger, and education--all grounded within a theological framework. A particular goal is 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 re-enforced. The week ends with a service of commissioning to send students back to their own communities where faithful transformation may continue. If you are interested in learning more contact Lynn Fry at St. Luke, Chambersburg - kfcslyyouth@centurylink.net, 717-261-1213 or Sharon McCall, Trinity, Chambersburg - youthrock9@comcast.net, 717-263-8156.
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. 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
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 6
Rejoicing Spirits Worship
St. Luke Lutheran Church, Chambersburg
4:00 p.m.
July 9
Hops & Hymns 2
Appalachian Brewing Company,50 North Cameron St., Harrisburg
7:00 pm.
This event, sponsored by Tree of Life Lutheran is not just for TOL members or Lutherans or even Christians. It is a fun time out to meet new people and have some fun singing together. More than half of the folks were under forty and non-Tree of Life folks...brought by TOL members and friends! We'll have a buffet of appetizers (with a bucket for free will offerings) set in a room for us, adjacent to the Abbey Bar on the second floor. More hymns have been added. Plan to buy your own beverage, and share this news via social media with all your friends. tweet and email and Facebook friends for a night of awesome fun and relationship building.
Note: Dinner will be available only on the first floor. For more details contact Pastor Richard Geib at 717-238-8733.
July 13
Rejoicing Spirits Worship
St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 30 W. Main St., New Kingstown
4:00 p.m. (pre-worship singing begins at 3:45 p.m.)
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.
Vacation Bible School
July 7-11
"God's Backyard Bible Camp--Under the Stars"
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Liverpool, PA
6:00 - 8:00 p.m. (Call the church office for more information.)
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: Grace Lutheran Church, Camp Hill, PA
Posted 6/12/14
Position: Children's Choir Director
Congregation seeks enthusiastic Children's Choir Director, 3 yr. olds to 6th grade, to supplement learning and worship opportunities with choral and Orff instrumental music. Sunday mornings during the school year primarily; choir rehearsals may be scheduled at another time. Approx. 5 hrs/wk, salary negotiable. Send interest to: gelcresume@comcast.net.
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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