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Summer Video Message from Bishop Dunlop
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The Gift of Sabbath Rest
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Here's a summer message from Bishop Dunlop that draws on the first chapter of Genesis and God's gift of Sabbath. Please watch and share in your congregations and with your family and friends. How are you living into God's gift of rest this summer? (Note: A PDF version of this message will be available for download on our synod's website on July 3.)
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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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Summerfest Gathers all Ages for Fun, Faithful Fellowship
 We invite you to participate in a day of fun and faith for ALL ages! We call it "Summerfest," a multi-generational gathering at Camp Nawakwa, scheduled for Saturday, July 26, 2014, from 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.. The day includes a full picnic-style meal and snack, games and activities for all ages, hikes and prayer labyrinth walks, live music including an appearance by Lutheran singer/songwriter Jonathan Rundman, and worship with Holy Communion, led by Pastor Dana Blouch-Hanson. The registration is ONLY $10/person for this full day of food, fun and fellowship, but we do ask for reservations in advance. Print a copy of the registration form (click here) and mail it to the synod Office for Children, Youth & Family Ministry. Names are less important than an approximate count, and the registration fee is payable at the door if you'd prefer.
Since our theme is "Washed by the Water," the day will feature some water-themed games and the pool will be open, so bring a bathing suit if you'd like. Additionally, our worship will include a reaffirmation of Baptism and a blessing with oil. Plus this year, all generations may enjoy the "Cranberry Jam," a contemporary twist on a traditional hymn sing featuring music from the cranberry hymnal, the ELW, alongside of the original music of Jonathan Rundman. So hang a copy of our color flyer (click here) on a church bulletin board, gather some families, and register today!
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Rev. John G. Bernheisel Honored on 65th Anniversary of Ordination
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L to R: Robert Rundle, Rev. & Mrs. Bernheisel, Rev. Kevin Shively, and Rev. Thomas McKee
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The Reverend John G. Bernheisel was ordained on May 24, 1949, by the Central Pennsylvania Synod of the former United Lutheran Church in America, at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in York. On May 25th, 2014, Pastor Bernheisel was honored with a brief celebration of his 65th Ordination Anniversary. Lower Susquehanna Synod Secretary, the Reverend Thomas McKee brought greetings from the wider church and a letter from synod Bishop James Dunlop. Mr. Robert Rundle, CEO of Lutheran Social Services, South Region shared a resolution of that organization's Board of Directors acclaiming Pastor Bernheisel's early leadership in the formative years of Lutheran Social Services in our synod. Pastor Bernheisel remains an active member of St. Matthew church.
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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)
Clergy Burnout and Fatigue
Despite prayerful and devoted service in the name of Christ, we all know that long hours, unrelenting pressures and constant exposure to the unrelenting problems of humanity takes a heavy toll on ministers. Burnout and fatigue can sap the energies of the best pastor. This excellent article, explores the causes, symptoms -- and help! -- for burnout. It was written by the Antiochian Orthodox Church for its leaders, but its wisdom and advice are universal. Click here to be redirected to the article.
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...prayers for the family of Patricia S. Yeiser, mother of the Rev. Daniel Yeiser (St. Matthew, Hanover), who died Thursday, June 26. She was 86. The family will receive friends tonight (July 1) from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Wetzel Funeral Home in Hanover, and tomorrow (July 2) at St. Matthew from 10:00 until the 11:00 a.m. service. Click here to be redirected to the obituary.
...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 of thanksgiving for the safe travel and return of our synod's delegation to the Konde Diocese who came 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.
Correction: Last week we incorrectly listed Pastor Barbara Barry of Quickel Lutheran Church as Pastor Barbara "Berry." We are berry sorry for the typo!
REMINDER: Synod Office Summer Hours
Summer office hours are 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.
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.
September 12-13, 2014
"New Visions" Seminar with Peter Steinke
St. Paul Lutheran Church, 201 S. Main St., Spring Grove, PA
New Visions is a training program for congregational leaders. Its primary purpose is to prepare these leaders in establishing a mission school within the congregation, with the intent of raising awareness about mission vitality and action among church members. Using Dr. Steinke's book,
A Door Set Open, study guides, a training manual, three DVDs and about 12 hours of training, the program will prepare leaders for mission. The desired outcomes include turning congregations suffering "mission drift" to a mission direction and to influence the mission of the congregation by exercising faith active in love and proclaiming the Gospel.For more information and to register, go to the New Visions website http://newvisions.us/about/
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 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.)
For more information, contact Rose Hlavac at sslcRejoicingSpirits@gmail.com or 717.258.5666.
July 19
Trindle Spring Heritage Day
Trindle Spring Lutheran Church, 44 State Rd., Mechanicsburg
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Click here for complete details of the day's many events. Proceeds from Heritage Day will go toward the congregation's efforts to provide a $25,000 endowed scholarship at Lutheran Theological Seminary, Gettysburg, in honor of the congregation's 250th anniversary.
July 20
150th Anniversary Commemorative Worship
St. Mark Lutheran Church, 129 Charles St., Hanover
On July 20, 1864, the English-only-speaking Lutheran church dedicated its new structure on Carlisle Street, near Chestnut Street. In 1958, after outgrowing that facility, the congregation moved to its current location on Charles Street. A special worship service is planned, with Bishop James Dunlop reaching and Pastor Kirk Griffin presiding. All are welcome. Handicap parking and entrance is available on the Willow Street side of the church. (717) 637-8904
July 23 Music and Comedy Café with singer-songwriter Mark Cable St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 839 W. Market St., 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 7 King's Brass in Concert Trindle Spring Lutheran Church, 44 State Rd., Mechanicsburg 7:00 p.m. The King's Brass, formed three decades ago, is comprised of professional musicians from across the country, who desire to use the instruments they love to lead others in praise and worship. Based out of Fort Wayne, IN, the group plays over 120 concerts per year in the U.S. and internationally. Click here for complete information. Vacation Bible School Opportunities July 7-11 "Weird Animals" VBS St. John's Lutheran Church, 44 W. Main Street, Shiremanstown 9:00 a.m. - Noon All children ages 4 - 6th grade are welcome to join us for the week of crazy, weird fun! Register at www.stjohns1787.org Special guests on Friday - ZOO AMERICA!!!! Call 761-5121 for more info. "God's Backyard Bible Camp--Under the Stars" Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Liverpool, PA 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. (Call the church office, 717-444-2167, for more information.) July 13-17 "David - Hero of God" VBS St. Peter's Lutheran Church, 947 N. George St., York Children will make a difference in the wider community and connect with others in need by filling backpacks with school supplies to be used by Bell Family Shelter. This is a joint program with Messiah UMC for children ages 3 to those who have just completed sixth grade. Register online at www.StPetersLutheranYork.com. For more information, call Messiah UMC at (717)843-4574 or St. Peter's Lutheran Church at (717) 854-0589. July 13-18 "Weird Animals - Where Jesus' Love is One-of-a-Kind" Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church, 9 North Main St., Dover Visit www.calvarylutherandover.org and click on VBS link to register online. New for this year is adult VBS! Check out all the exciting news on our website. 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 Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church of Penbrook has a long Easter Banner to share. Size is 16 feet long by 4 feet wide. Wording reads: LIFE / He is Risen Indeed (SEE PHOTO at right). We are willing to give it to a church that has space for it. Contact: zionpenbrook@verizon.net or telephone (717) 233-0776.
Christ Lutheran Church of Spry has two copiers to share. Call 717-741-4639 for more information. The first is a Gestetner SPC 210 SF Color multifunction copier purchased in 2007 that comes with three extra color cartridges (yellow, magenta, cyan). It needs a new fuser (apx. cost $300). The second is a Lanier LDD120 Printer that includes three extra ink boxes, one master roll, and a base storage unit. It needs a service call for intermittent hiccups, and pulls multiple pages on occasion.
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.
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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.
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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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