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 God's work. Our hands. Our voices.
Are You Ready?
Sunday, September 7 will be the second "God's work. Our hands." churchwide service and outreach event. Across our synod, congregations are planning, cooperating, collaborating, and coming up with creative ways to serve in their local communities.
"When one congregation or a group of congregations gather for service in their local communities, they are the church in that place, taking care of that part of God's vineyard,"says ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton. "But this is all work that we do together. When one congregation works to feed people who are hungry, that is also the entire church coming together."
 Need some ideas or a "ready-made" activity/event for your congregation? Consider joining Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pa (LAMPa) for God's Work. Our Hands. Our Voices.--a dedicated day of service and advocacy. From hunger to housing, education to stewardship of creation, LAMPa can help you broaden the impact of your ministry. Call 717-545-3500 or e-mail Tracey DePasquale at LAMPa@lutheranadvocacypa.org.
Looking for resources or ideas? Click here to visit the ELCA churchwide website and access a toolkit, bulletin inserts, other resources, and register your congregation's participation for "God's work. Our hands." Sunday 2014.
How does your congregation plan to celebrate? Please e-mail Sharron Blezard at sblezard@lss-elca.org so that we can share the good news about the exciting ministries and activities that will be happening that weekend across our synod.
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Confirmation Campers go to D.C. to put their Faith in Action
 On June 25, twenty 9th and 10th graders from All Saints Confirmation Camp traveled to Washington, DC to participate in advocacy work and practice putting their faith into action. Together with Pastor Steve Herr, Pastor Caitlin Glass, Pastor Eric Anderson, Jeremy and Pastor Tim Seitz-Brown, these teens met with legislative aides of Senators Toomey and Casey, and introduced their offices to a new bill on Food Aid Reform, asking for their votes. Earlier in the week, Pastor Tim Seitz-Brown and Tracey DePasquale (from Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in PA) had taught "Advocacy 101" as part of the camp curriculum. This was the first time any of the youth had participated in advocacy work, and many commented that it was a remarkable experience, and something they are interested in learning more about. Some of the youth took their learning back to their home congregations, encouraging members to write and mail letters to their senators as a follow-up to the group's work.
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ELCA Youth Gathering Registration to Open October 15
Registration for the 2015 ELCA Youth Gathering, "Rise Up Together," will open on October 15, with a soft opening beginning September 15. The "soft opening" means that the registration website will become available to congregational youth leaders to begin entering participants' information, so that on the actual registration opening date, that information can be sent off to the Gathering registrar. Once again our synod is partnering with LutheranHANDS to provide bus transportation to and from the Gathering in Detroit, and a pre-trip that includes two additional days of service in the city of Detroit prior to the opening of the Gathering on Wednesday, July 15, 2015. To learn more about the Gathering or for assistance with planning, contact Charlie Roberts; at croberts@lss-elca.org, or visit: http://www.lss-elca.org/youth-family/events/elca-youth-gathering-2015/.
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 Interested in Criminal Justice System Ministry?
Want to learn more about the topic and our synod's Criminal Justice System Ministry (CJS)? The CJS Ministry of our synod will be holding a mini-retreat at St Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church on Londonderry Road (directly across from our Synod's Offices), Thursday Aug. 21, from noon to 3:00 p.m. We invite you to come for all or part of it to see what this ministry is all about. Bring a sandwich and a drink as we begin with lunch. We look forward to getting to know each other better, and then to prayerfully seeking God's vision for ministry for the last months of 2014 and into 2015.
(Photo: Kate Ter Haar, Creative Commons)
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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)
When Faith & Creativity Collide
What can happen when we stretch our imaginations to engage the world in a new way? The creative director of the Willow Creek Community explains how creativity can help church leaders to tell the story of Jesus more clearly, reach people and energize the congregation. "The real problem with how faith and creativity intersect practically is that we have some terrible storytellers," says Blaine Hogan. Interview conducted by Religion News Service columnist Jonathan Merritt. Click here to be redirected to the website.
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...continued prayers for the families of Rebecca L. "Bebe" Jenkins, mother of the Rev. Jonathan Jenkins (St. Michael and Zion [Erdman], Klingerstown), Pat Eckman, mother of Debbie Clark (synod staff), the Rev. James R. Nace (celebration of life planned for August 2 at 11:00 a.m., Trinity in Wrightsville), Patricia S. Yeiser, mother of the Rev. Daniel Yeiser (St. Matthew, Hanover), and Warren C. Heintzelman, Sr., father of the Rev. Warren C. Heintzelman, Jr. (St. Thomas).
...prayers of joy and thanksgiving--and congratulations--to Pastor Virginia Cover (Grace, Camp Hill) and Curtis Glidewell on the birth of their son, Miles Christopher, on July 16. Miles joins big sister Maddie in the Cover/Glidewell family.
...prayers for peace, healing and hope for Pastor Brenda Kiser (Memorial, Shippensburg), Gloria Dorsett (spouse of Pr. Steve Dorsett, retired), Allan Minnich, Sr. (spouse of Pastor Tina Minnich, Salem, Jacobus), 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. Notes of encouragement may be sent to Natalie and the Rimmer family at 5109 Coronado Drive, Raleigh, NC 27609.
...prayers for our bishops--Elizabeth, Jim, and Israel-Peter--and all who serve the church.
...prayers for the unaccompanied children being detained as they cross our southern U.S. borders and for humane and just solutions that will protect these vulnerable ones.
...prayers for those who are hungry and homeless in our midst.
...prayers for those who are victims of violence in South Sudan, Syria, Israel, Gaza, 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. 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.
Apply Now for LSS Legacy Fund Hunger Ministry Grants
The World Hunger Committee of our Lower Susquehanna Synod is now accepting applications for Legacy Fund Hunger Ministry Grants. Click here to access a copy of the fillable PDF form with instructions. Please note that grant applications must be returned electronically or by postmarked by August 30, 2014.
Installations: You are Invited
Pastor Nancy Knol will be installed as pastor of St. John (Barner's) Lutheran Church, Liverpool, on Sunday, August 3, at 2:30 p.m. Clergy are invited to vest and process (meet in the office at the back of the church building). The color of the day is green.
Pastor Ursula Schreffler will be installed as pastor of Zion Lutheran Church, Union Deposit, on September 21. More details to follow.
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!
August 20
The Wrath of God x 3:
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.
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 11, 2014
Preaching Perspectives: Keeping it Biblical and Keeping it Real: Proclaiming God's Promises through Pentecost
Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary
9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
The Rev. Dr. Derrick Fallon, Pastor, St. John's Lutheran Church, Randolph, Nebraska
The Rev. Dr. Richard P. Carlson, Glatfelter Professor of Biblical Studies, Gettysburg Seminary
See detailed schedules, times and registration information at http://www.ltsg.edu/Lifelong-Learners/Preaching-Perspectives or contact Michelle Carlson atmcarlson@LTSG.edu.
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/
September 13, 2014
Boundaries Workshop for Rostered Leaders
Location: TBA
9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
This is the first in a series of updated training events for all rostered leaders in our synod.
September 20, 2014
"Leading the Church's Song"
Sharon Lutheran Church, 120 S. Market St., Selinsgrove, PA
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
If you have a role in leading your assembly's song in worship, you will want to attend this workshop on congregational singing, underwritten by a Worship Grant from the ELCA. Singing together, discussion, and opportunities to explore different playing techniques will engage presenters and participants alike. Anyone who leads assembly song will gain practical tips for what you do Sunday after Sunday. Workshop leaders Jennifer Baker-Trinity and Valerie Lefever Hughes will share presentations, lunch and fellowship, and break-out sessions on music planning and leading assembly song with children. Cost is $26, and includes lunch and materials. Register by September 1. For more information and registration, visit:
September 23-25, 2014
Faith in our Music: Many Voices, Diverse Chords, Common Hopes
Union Presbyterian Seminary, Richmond, VA
This ecumenical and diverse event features John Bell from the Iona Community in Scotland, and other fine musicians helping us to learn about new forms of congregational music for folks of all denominations, abilities, and ages. Early bird registration ends July 31. Click here for more information.
October 20, 2014
Preaching Perspectives: From Cow Stall to Cosmos: Christ, Light for the World
Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary
9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
The Rev. Dr. Pamela Cooper-White, Ben G. & Nancye Clapp Gautier Professor of Pastoral Theology, Care & Counseling, Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, Georgia, and
The Rev. Michael Cooper-White, President, Gettysburg Seminary
See detailed schedules, times and registration information at http://www.ltsg.edu/Lifelong-Learners/Preaching-Perspectives or contact Michelle Carlson atmcarlson@LTSG.edu.
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.
August 3
Rejoicing Spirits Worship
St. Luke Lutheran Church, 2795 Luther Drive, Chambersburg
4:00 p.m.
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.
August 10
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.
August 22
Family Promise Night at the Harrisburg Senators
Contact Krissy Marshall for tickets by August 17th at (717) 737-1100 or fphcrdirector@gmail.com. The $15 cost includes ticket, Family Promise t-shirt, fireworks, and the knowledge that you're helping families in your community.
September 21
Evangelism Discussion Group
St. John's Lutheran Church, 44 W. Main Street, Shiremanstown
4:00 p.m.
Pastors and members from Trinity, Lemoyne, and St Johns, Shiremanstown, have been getting together to share thoughts and ideas about evangelism in our churches. We invite anyone else (clergy or lay) to come join us at our next meeting. For more information call Pastor Mike Seifried (761-5121) or e-mail him at pastors@stjohns1787.org
October 12
45th Annual York Metro Crop Walk for the Hungry
John Rudy Park
Click here to download a flyer. Click here to learn about the history of this event that got it's start in York, PA!
October 25 Beyond Hunger, Communities of Change: Heifer International Manheim Farm Show Complex, 502 East Adele Avenue, Manheim 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Click here for a PDF flyer with complete information about the event.
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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, York
Posted: 7/17/14
Position: Traditional Music Director
Zion Lutheran Church is looking to fill the position of Traditional Music Director. The position would be part-time 20 hours a week; hourly rate would be determined based on education and experience. For more details go to http://www.zionyork.org/staff-contact-page/zion-employment-opportunities/or visit our synod's website. If you have strong skills in the above and are looking to join a dedicated staff and exciting congregation submit your resume by August 11, 2014 to the attention of Denise Moyer, Parish Administrator, via mail (Zion Lutheran Church, 2215 Brandywine Lane, York, PA 17404) or E-Mail: dmoyer@zionyork.org. Zion Lutheran Church is an equal employment opportunity employer.
Congregation: Trinity Lutheran Church, Steelton
Posted: 7/16/14
Position: Director of Music
This is a part-time position (approx 18 hours) and includes preparation and playing of the organ/piano in Sunday morning worship as well as special services (e.g. Ash Wednesday, Christmas Eve, etc), and direction of the sanctuary choir and chime choir. Additionally, the director of music may be asked to accompany for weddings and funerals. Trinity holds one service on Sunday morning at 10:15 a.m. For a complete job description or to apply, contact
trinitysteelton@yahoo.com.
Organization: ELCA Churchwide
Posted 7/8/14
Position: Director for Budget Planning
Located at the ELCA churchwide organization in Chicago, IL, the Director for Budget Planning is responsible for assisting the Treasurer and Executive for Administration in the development and management of the churchwide organization budgets. This includes income and expense analysis. This senior leader will supervise and direct the activities of staff servicing the units of this church in their budgeting and accounting responsibilities. The complete position profile can be accessed here: http://bit.ly/1pZy4I3.
Resumes, cover letters, and question, can be emailed to Gaye Lindfors, the consultant assisting with the search: Gaye@SignificantSolutionsInc.com. Gaye can also be reached at 651-490-9550.
Organization: Luthercare, Lititz, PA
Posted 7/8/14
Position: Marketing Representative
Interested candidates should submit their resume, cover letter and references to Jodi Weaver, Human Resources Generalist, Luthercare, 600 East Main Street, Lititz, PA 17543 or via e-mail to jweaver@luthercare.org. Click here for a complete position description.
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.
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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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