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 "In the Right Hands, Hope Brings Health"
Fall routines swiftly replace summer rhythms, and we find ourselves anticipating a new year of spiritual growth through faith formative practices. Faith formation comes in many different shapes and sizes throughout our Synod: Sunday school, confirmation, bible studies, youth ministries, service projects, retreats, special events, book reflections, church family movie nights, vacation bible school, mission trips - endless opportunities. As the new Director for Resource Ministries in the Lower Susquehanna Synod, I welcome the opportunity to learn more about your congregation.
- What resources wouldn't you live without?
- How might our Resource Center help equip and support the ministries of faith formation leaders?
Regardless of church size or number of classes and programs offered, faith formation is a critical responsibility we share together. Forming our lives of faith never ends. At times, we grow weary from the challenges of declining trends, fewer volunteers and spiritual burnout. This isn't the end. We are Easter people - trusting that death does not have the last word. Opportunities to quench spiritual thirst might need to be repackaged, expanded, or created. Rethinking faith formation is not easy work, especially when undertaken alone. Along I-83 South a Holy Spirit Hospital billboard reads, "In the right hands, hope brings health." In whose hands have we placed our hope? Christ's hands reach out to help. When we accept God's gifts, health abounds.
As a Synod, we "come together" to share in the ministry of the Gospel. Together, let's focus on deeply influencing our congregations' lives of faith.
Yours in Christ,
Deacon Marsha Roscoe
Director for Resource Ministries
Email: mroscoe@lss-elca.org
Want to hear more?
- Like the Lower Susquehanna Synod Resource Center Network page on Facebook.
-Subscribe to our Synod's eCommunications newsletters.
-To continue this dialogue, look for upcoming gatherings in the Synod Resource Center.
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Don't Miss Out: Register Today for Bishop's Convocation
 Only a few days remain to register for this year's Bishop's Convocation on September 18 at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in York. Don't miss this opportunity to deepen the conversation about public witness and public discipleship. Keynote speaker Dr. Jennifer McBride, the Board of Regents Endowed Chair of Ethics and assistant professor of religion at Wartburg College, Waverly, Iowa, will share reflections on the lives, writing, and witness of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Martin Luther King, Jr., and explore how all Christians can heed Jesus' call to radical discipleship. The event begins with check in at 8:30 a.m. and concludes at 3:30 p.m.  Worship with communion will include leadership by a team of talented musicians including Elayne Olson, Marianne Brock, Gwenn Trout, Tara Beitzel, Shawn Berkebile, Bo Weaver, Debra Wilson, Jessica Kling, Michelle Barraclough, Keith Fair, and Michael Martine. There will be time with Bishop Dunlop, two interactive sessions led by Dr. McBride, along with lunch and light breakfast provided by the excellent in-house catering skills of St. Matthew's hospitality team. All congregational leaders are invited to attend, particularly any who are interested in witness, evangelism, outreach, social ministry, congregational renewal, and advocacy.
NOTE: Registration closes September 8, so don't delay. Attendees will be eligible to receive a certificate awarding CEU credits.
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 Nuggets: Practical Resources for Sharing
Many congregational leaders come to The Office for Children, Youth & Family looking for some practical help with leading a youth night, or for getting children to open up in a Sunday school class, or even to help parents and their children talk
together about their faith. So we've begun compiling what we call "Nuggets," little tried and tested gems that you use in your ministry that we can share with others. You can find one of these gems on our website at: http://www.lss-elca.org/youth-family/resources/best-practices-nuggets/. Or, if you'd like to contribute one, send it to: croberts@lss-elca.org, and we'll add it to our growing repository of best practices.
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GLOBAL NEWS & CONNECTIONS
Get ready for Global Church Sunday!
The toolkit for this year's Global Church Sunday is now available at www.ELCA.org/resources/globalchurch, along with stories, posters, a bulletin insert and other resources. Sign up for the Global Church Sunday "event" at www.Facebook.com/GlobalLinks. Learn more at http://bit.ly/1zrqVFC.
Looking for great stories to inspire and connect your congregation to global ministries and mission? Be sure to check out this month's ELCA Global Links newsletter. You'll also find a host of other useful resources to use.
In Bangledesh Education is Key to Longterm Success
 Ontor, Provati (girl in the middle) and Aldrin recently graduated from high school. All of them come from extremely poor families whose parents depend on work as daily laborers or rickshaw pullers earning $1.00 or $1.50 a day. There are times they go without any income.
Richard Sarker, former ELCA missionary in Southeast Asia, initiated a project in his home village in Bangladesh to support these three children through a high school scholarship program. Now they have are enrolled in a local college. Sarker's goal is to continue to help educate these young people and others like them. "Education will empower them to take leadership in the community and to take care of their future economic and social well being," he said.
Many challenges face these young people, including the constant risk that they will drop out when their parents don't have income to feed their families, let alone provide funds for education. It takes only $50 per month to cover a student's college expenses, according to Sarker. For only $1800 a year, three students can receive a year's worth of higher education. If you would like to help these students or others like them, contact Richard at 717-271-1585 or e-mail him.
Note: Our synod's Global Mission Committee plans to highlight various global mission activities and opportunities from around our synod and beyond. This week we share news from committee advisor and former ELCA missionary Richard Sarker. Do you have an idea from your congregation that you'd like to highlight? E-mail Sharron Blezard or contact any committee member.
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YELLOW: WEAR IT. SHARE IT. SOON.
Sunday, September 7, the second "God's work. Our hands." Churchwide service and outreach event, is almost here. Congregations all across our synod are cooperating, collaborating, and getting ready to serve creatively and faithfully in their local communities. Some congregations have events scheduled for other Sundays, too. Among the many events planned:
Quickel Lutheran (York) is celebrating Barefoot Sunday, where worshipers will be attending worship in bare feet or socks (for those too shy to show their feet) in solidarity with those who don't have enough. Everyone is invited to bring socks to donate to the local Northeastern Clothing Bank.
Big Spring United, Center, and Zion Lutheran Churches (Newville) will gather together for an outdoor service and picnic at the Newville Borough Park, followed by an afternoon of community service. At least twelve projects are planned, for all ages and abilities. They include: kitchen improvements at the Big Spring Senior Center, clean-up on the Cumberland Valley Rails to Trails trail, house painting, painting, repairs, yard work and chores for several Newville residents, preparing fire safety education packets for the local fire company, harvesting corn and potatoes at the Big Spring United church garden, painting playground equipment at the community park, weeding and mulching garden beds at the local library, and writing cards for nursing home residents, military personnel, and college students.
Lutheran Churches in the Gettysburg area are planning a day of service in Gettysburg entitled "God's Work, Our Hands, Our Voices." Participants will gather at St. James Lutheran Church, 109 York Street, Gettysburg, at 1:00 p.m. for orientation for a variety of service projects and will also have an opportunity to learn more about how to use their voices to advocate for those in need.
St. Paul, Millersville is using "God's Work, Our Hands" as a global and local outreach theme for September and October, during which time LWR Personal Care Kits will be assembled and a work day at New Windsor is scheduled. A generous Outreach Ministry fund, established by a member of the congregation will be used - along with congregational matching funds - for work in the Konde Diocese.
St. Matthew (Hanover) will highlight will many of the congregation's ministries, including Sunday School classes, Ruth's Harvest and On Eagle's Wings. Participants will be able to tie a quilt, decorate a quilt square, roll a personal care kit for Lutheran World Relief and decorate a hand print for display. Sign up sheets will be available for our emergency medical team, our SAW supper chefs, the CROP Walk and Stop Hunger Now Meal Packaging Event coming in October. The congregation's Discovery Place Pre-School and several committees such as Stewardship and Christian Family will be there, along with our youth. Corn Hole and Ladder games will allow all ages to challenge their tossing skills. Everyone is welcome on Sunday, September 7, 9:15 to 10:15 a.m.
St. Matthew (York) also has a variety of ways for members to serve, including playing games in a retirement center, picking up trash on area streets, praying with neighbors, building a Habitat for Humanity house, and more. Bagged lunches will be provided so that participants can be sent from the 11:00 worship service to be God's hands in York.
Mannsville Lutheran Church (Elliottsburg) is ready to "Feed the 15,000" on Sunday, September 28, during the 9:00 a.m. worship service. The congregation, through the help of Outreach, Inc., plans to put together 15,000 nutritionally complete macaroni and cheese meals for distribution to regional food banks. All are welcome to help!
Former Secretary of the ELCA The Rev. Lowell Almen will be preaching at Union Lutheran (York) on Sunday, September 7, at the 9:30 a.m. worship service. The address is 408 W. Market St. Parking is available in a lot behind the church, the Market and Penn Farmers Market Lot, as well as free street parking.
Share the Stories!
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Introducing "One Synod, One Book"
When it comes to studying and learning how to be a better church, wouldn't it be great if everybody in the synod was on the same pages - literally? That's the idea behind "One Synod, One Book" - to lift up thought-provoking books that we can all look at together. Quarterly throughout the year we will suggest a book that challenges us to grow. Book groups and congregational classes may want to take on the book, as may colleague groups or just faithful disciples looking for new ideas.
This quarter's book is Finding God in a Bag of Groceries, by Laura Lapins Willis. The book describes how while working in a food pantry she "discovered a world of neighbors she never knew: the lonely, unemployed, chronically poor families, and middle-class folks surprised to be struggling in a great recession. To each, she offered a bag of groceries, a compassionate ear, and a heart of love. And from each, Laura learned about her own hunger for God, realizing her calling card--a bag of groceries--could change lives, including her own."
The book challenges us all to see our faith in new ways. The author's website contains study guides that can help us wrestle with the issues. Please consider Finding God in a Bag of Groceries for your next study session. Copies will be available for purchase at the Bishop's Convocation, Sept. 18 at St. Matthew, York. Watch a video about the book below.
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Finding God in a Bag of Groceries by Laura Lapins Willis
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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)
Self-Care is Not Self-ish
Even with the best intentions and all the knowledge and advice in the world, clergy of all ages often find it difficult to take care of themselves. On the long list of items that must be done every day, they often put self-care last, with unhealthy results for ministry. But churches are increasingly working to encourage and equip their leaders to take better care of themselves. This insightful article from Duke University's "Faith & Leadership" talks about the Duke's Clergy Health Initiative and provides helpful links to other resources about clergy wellbeing.
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...continued prayers for the families of the Rev. Wilson R. Hoyer, Rev. James R. Bramer, Clover Jean Fearer, wife of Pastor William Ron Fearer (who supplied frequently in our synod), Rebecca L. "Bebe" Jenkins, mother of the Rev. Jonathan Jenkins (St. Michael and Zion [Erdman], Klingerstown), Pat Eckman, mother of Debbie Clark (synod staff), and the Rev. James R. Nace (retired).
...prayers for peace, healing and hope for Pastor Erasto Mwiapopo (Konde Diocese), Chaplain Karen Minnich-Sadler (Lancaster, Hospice & Community Care), 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 battling depression, and for the families of those who have died by suicide.
...prayers for those affected by the recent Ebola virus outbreak in west Africa. Visit https://community.elca.org/lutherandisasterresponse to give to Lutheran Disaster Response. Click here for more information about the outbreak.
...prayers for those who are hungry and homeless in our midst.
...prayers for those who are victims of violence in Iraq, South Sudan, Syria, Israel, Gaza, Ukraine, and other areas around the world, including Ferguson, Missouri, and other places across 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: It's Easier Than Ever to Make a Difference with your Mission Support!
 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.
CONGRATULATIONS TO...
Pastor Gwenn Trout (Zion, Enola), who was awarded a J. Randolph Taylor Fellows scholarship to attend "More than None: Engaging the Religiously Unaffiliated" at Montreat in North Carolina as part of her sabbatical.
Pastor Ursula Schreffler, who will be installed as pastor of Zion Lutheran Church, Union Deposit, on September 21 at 2:00 p.m. Clergy are invited to vest and process. The color of the day is green. A congregational picnic will follow.
Kyra Buettner and Hannah Kuntz of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church (Elizabethtown) who were selected to attend the 2014 Lutheran Summer Music Academy, a four-week residential camp for talented high school musicians, that was held at Luther College in Decorah, IA, from June 22 to July 20.
Pastor Lois Van Orden and the congregation of St. Paul's (Dillsburg), recently featured on ABC News 27 about the renovation of the chancel and nave.
LSS Women of the ELCA News
The new issue of the News and Views newsletter is now available. Click here to access a downloadable copy or visit our synod's website. It's also time to register for the 25th Annual Camp Hebron Retreat, scheduled for Friday - Sunday, October 31 - November 2.
This year's retreat will be led by Reverend Martine Joseph, Pastor of Simeon United Lutheran Church (Gratz) - Upper Dauphin Conference. Registrations must be postmarked by Saturday, September 13. Visit our synod's website, www.lss-elca.org, and under "Congregations" see down the list to the fourth option: "Women of the ELCA". If you misplaced your registration form, the registration is located at the site.
If you are planning on attending Friday night, we are going to have a "dress as your favorite Bible character". This will be an optional activity for those who wish to participate. It promises to be a lot of fun. Also, we will have a book exchange. Bring your well-read books, and then take a few new ones home. The wagon ride will take place on Saturday afternoon, (Peggi Norman will be the reservationist for this activity) and there will be an optional craft in the afternoon, led by Sue Miller. Also, if you have clothing or jewelry with butterflies, please bring it to wear on Saturday. As usual, for those who wish to participate, the gift exchange will take place on Sunday morning. For more information, please refer to your confirmation letter - driving directions will be included along with the letter. Please share this information with the other women in your congregation.
 2014 LWR In-Gathering
Autumn is on its way, and it's time once again for our synod's Lutheran World Relief In-Gathering. Click here to access this year's resource kit. You'll also find it on our synod website at www.lss-elca.org. This resource kit contains everything you'll need to know to participate, including how to track your quilts and kits to their final destination. Kit making and quilt-tying are wonderful inter-generational activities for your God's work. Our hands. Sunday service options.
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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 Opportunities for Education...
Visit our synod website for specific details about each event!
September 11
"Brown-Bag Leadership Lunch" on Stewardship
Lower Susquehanna Synod Office Building Cafeteria
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
"Last-Minute Stewardship Ideas" is designed for leaders who are still deciding what to do for a fall stewardship emphasis for their congregations. We will explore our denomination's comprehensive web-based program, "Make It Simple," and review several others. It will be led by Assistant to the Bishop Rob Blezard, who is also web-content editor for the Stewardship of Life Institute and study guide editor for The Lutheran magazine. No sign up is needed. Just show up - and bring a lunch. Questions? rblezard@lss-elca.org.
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 16
2014 Norma Schweitzer Wood Lecture: Rev. Paul Déouyo
Chapel of the Abiding Presence, Lutheran Theological Seminary, 61 Seminary Ridge, Gettysburg
10:15 a.m.
The lecture is free and open to the public. Déouyo teaches at the Lutheran Theological Institute in Meiganga, Cameroon. His lecture is titled "When a Church Finds Itself Entangled within a Secular Leadership and Becomes Powerless and Voiceless: the Challenge of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Cameroon within the Mayo-Rey Division in the Northern Cameroon."
The Norma Schweitzer Wood lecture is an occasional offering of Gettysburg Seminary, in honor of the Dean Emerita, on topics exploring social justice. Rev. Déouyo's M.Phil. is from the School of Mission and Theology in Stavanger, Norway. His doctoral studies were done in South Africa. He was ordained in 1996.
September 18, 25, and October 2
Biblical Approach to Managing Your Finances: Three Part Series
Quickel Church, 60 Canal Rd., Ext., York
7:00 p.m.
Presenters: Andrew Sedora and A. Wesley Carr, Jr. ChFC, Financial Advisors with U Financial Group; Jeff Bellomo, Esquire, CELA*
1. Sept 18: Basic Financial Management for beginners
2. Sept 25: Financial Management for those beginning to think about retirement
3. Oct 2: Estate Planning for those in retirement
Everything we have belongs to God. Come and learn effective and responsible ways to manage your financial resources that help you provide for your family and gives glory to God.
Open to the community
* Certified as an Elder Law Attorney by the National Elder Law Foundation under authorization of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.
September 20
"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
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.
September 27
Healing Communities Training
New Hope BIC Church, Harrisburg, PA
Don't miss this valuable opportunity to increase local church capacity for "transitional congregation" and worship outreach for residents in County Work Release facilities, their families and others making the transition under the auspices of Christian Churches United. Any congregation interested should contact Pastor Rochelle Lewis at St. Paul, Carlisle (717-243-2319 or 717-579-5209). Teams of 3-5 individuals per congregation are recommended. Click here for additional information.
October 3-4
Youth Ministry in Small Churches
Carmel Presbyterian Church, 100 Edge Hill Rd, Glenside PA
This is a two-day event for volunteers and church leaders to engage in the joys and challenges of youth ministry in small churches. This event is $50 (meals included). The event is presented in partnership with Princeton Theological Seminary's Institute for Youth Ministry and the Presbytery of Philadelphia. Click here for more information and to register.
October 4
"TRADITION OR CONTEXT? German Lutheran Congregations Confront the Melting Pot"
Lutheran Historical Society of the Mid-Atlantic Fall Program
Paul's Run Liberty Lutheran Campus, 9896 Bustleton Ave., Philadelphia
9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Dr. Friederike Baer, Assistant Professor of History, Pennsylvania State University, Abington will present on "The Trial of Frederick Eberly: Language, Patriotism, and Citizenship in Philadelphia's German Community, 1790-1830." Dr. John Frantz, Professor of History, Emeritus, Pennsylvania State University will make a presentation on "The Ecumenical Henry Melchior Muhlenberg." The Rev. Dr. Karl Krueger, Library Director and Professor of History of Christianity, Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia will address the program theme with a paper entitled "What Goes Around Comes Around: The Language Wars at Philadelphia Lutheran Seminary, 1885-1895." The day will conclude with a tour of the Lutheran Archives Center on the campus of the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, 7901 Germantown Pike, Philadelphia. The cost is $40 and includes lunch.
Visit the society's webpage www.lhsmidatlantic.com for a registration form and mail a check payable to LHSMA to: Lee Knepp, PO Box 76, McClure, PA 17841.
October 10 - 11
Lebanon Countywide Men's Overnight Retreat
7:00 p.m. Friday - lunch on Saturday
The Lebanon Conference is organizing a Men's Retreat from Friday, October 10, to Saturday, October 11. We will spend a great night at Camp Kirchenwald on Friday, and then on Saturday head to Lebanon to work on a local Thrivent-sponsored Habitat for Humanity house. Men of all ages (including youth!) are welcome. Contact Pastor Rob Myallis (Zion's Jonestown), rev.rob@comcast.net, or 865-3652. Cost: $25/person. If this cost limits your interest, let us know.
October 27
LARC Day of Dialogue
Cardinal Keeler Center, Harrisburg
The speaker for this event will be Massimo Faggioli, PhD, Assistant Professor of Theology University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis/St. Paul MN. The topic will be the 50th Anniversary of the Vatican II Decree on Ecumenism. The morning will focus on a brief historical overview of the Council. The afternoon talk will cover the document. Click here for registration information.
October 30
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
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.
November 13-15
The Abundant Life: Empowering Youth as Agents of Change
Princeton Theological Seminary, Princeton, NJ
Young people deepen their faith through living it, and The Abundant Life is about how youth ministers can empower their youth as agents of change. Participants will engage leading philanthropists who want to help Christian youth make the world a better place. Three-day conference for only $90, meals included. Lodging available for $55 per night. Click here for more information and to register.
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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.
September 5 
An Evening with Author and Activist Jeremy Courtney
First Presbyterian Church, 225 East Market Street, York
7:00 p.m.
Hearts & Minds, a bookstore in Dallastown, is sponsoring this event, where Courtney will speak about his book Preemptive Love: Making Peace One Heart at a Time. Courtney's 2013 book documents his move from being an aid worker with an NGO in Baghdad to starting and managing an innovative, faith-based non-profit, Preemptive Love, that is responding to the extraordinary need for pediatric heart surgeries for impoverished Iraqi children. The event is free and open to the public. Click here for a poster to share.
September 6
33rd Annual Country Fair
Trindle Spring Lutheran Church, 14 State Rd., Mechanicsburg
8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (Rain or Shine)
All craft items are handmade by church members and will be sold for half price. This is our last year so all craft making supplies will be sold as well. In addition, a large variety of home baked and home canned items and homemade chicken corn soup will be available for purchase. The Central PA Blood Mobile will be accepting blood donations between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm. For more information or questions, contact the church at 766-7091.
September 7
Rejoicing Spirits Worship
St. Luke Lutheran Church, 2795 Luther Dr., Chambersburg
4:00 p.m.
For more information contact Jamie Trotty, Rejoicing Spirits Coordinator, at rejoicingspirits@saintlukechambersburg.org or call the church office at 717-261-1213.
September 14
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.
September 17
"THE MATTS" Youth Center Opens and Celebrates 47th Anniversary
St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 839 West Market St., York
The Center (for youth in grades six - 12) is open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. and Fridays from 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. Registration for the year is $5. The MATTS offers basketball, arcade games, a lounge area with big screen TV, WIFI, pool tables, ping pong, air hockey, and snacks & beverages sold at cost.
September 20
"Hymn Styles and How to Play Them: Hymnody vis-a-vis Theology" with Dr. Karl Moyer
St. Peter's Lutheran Church, 10 Delp Rd., Lancaster
9:00 - noon
Spaghetti Dinner to Benefit Helping Hands Ministries
Camp Hill United Methodist Church, 417 S. 22nd Street, Camp Hill
4:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Helping Hands Ministries has been providing food, clothing, and other assistance to those in need in the Harrisburg area for 20 years. Helping Hands Ministries currently serves meals three days each week at St Michael's Lutheran Church in Harrisburg. The benefit meal will include all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner with meatballs, tossed salad, rolls, drinks, and ice cream bar. A gluten-free meal will be available, as will take-out service. The cost is $8 for adults and $4 for children ages 3 through 12. Children ages 2 and under eat for free!
September 21
Highspire Bicentennial Chorus Concert: Music from 1814 - 2014
St. Peter's Lutheran Church, 240 Broad St., Highspire
3:00 p.m.
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
September 28
Pet Sunday
Mt. Carmel Lutheran Church, 1398 Moulstown Rd. N, Hanover
1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
The event will be held rain or shine and will include a Blessing of the Pets, food, a pet costume contest, and many pet-related vendors. Also available for a small cost are pet pictures and rabies clinic. All are welcome! Click here for a flyer. Click here for a bulletin insert.
October 2
Golf Scramble
Tree 4 Hope will hold its 1st Annual Golf Scramble at the Colonial Country Club in Linglestown. Cost is $90 per golfer. A variety of sponsorship opportunities are available. The proceeds from the event will help to purchase a new marimba for the children at Hogar Miguel Magone orphanage in Guatemala. Click on the link for more information and registration instructions
October 6-8
Archeological Dig at Trindle Spring Lutheran Church
Trindle Spring Lutheran Church will team with Dr. David Pettegrew, Messiah College Associate Professor of History, to conduct an archeological dig on the church grounds in an attempt to locate historical artifacts associated with the foundation of the original log church building, which was erected in 1765. Click here for complete details.
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 its start in York, PA!
October 22
65th Annual Apple Butter Boil & Dutch Dinner
St. John (Barner's) Lutheran Church, 5 Barner Rd., Liverpool
In addition to homemade apple butter, there will be crafts and cookbooks. From 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. a dutch dinner will be served, and take-out is available. Click here for a flyer with complete information.
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.
REGISTER NOW for St. Mark's Nursery School (2, 3, and 4-year old classes). Call 717-671-4855. St. Mark's is located at 4200 Londonderry Rd, Harrisburg.
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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. Peter's Lutheran Church, Highspire
Posted: 9/4/14
Position: Part-time Organist
Play for one choir rehearsal and one church service weekly with occasional added services throughout the year. Knowledge of liturgy helpful. Candidates apply by sending a letter of interest and resume, with references, to JudithKinzman@yahoo.com by 9/30/14.
Congregation: St. Paul Lutheran Church, New Cumberland
Posted: 9/4/14
Position: Administrative Assistant, part-time
This position provides essential clerical, organizational, communication, and administration support to the Pastor and other staff on a part-time, hourly, set schedule. The ideal candidate is a self-starter with excellent computer, organizational and interpersonal skills. Send a letter of interest and resume to James Fulkroad at fulkroadj@comcast.net or mail to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 530 Bridge Street, New Cumberland, PA 17070, c/o James Fulkroad. Questions should be directed to the same email address. Apply by September 30, 2014.
Congregation: First Lutheran Church, New Oxford
Posted: 8/20/14
Position:
Organist/Choir Director
Organist/Choir director for two Sunday services using a two manual Mohler organ. Please send resume to First Lutheran Church, 200 Lincoln Way East, New Oxford, PA 17350.
Congregation: St. Stephen Lutheran Church, New Kingstown
Posted: 8/6/14
Position: Youth and Family Ministry Director
St. Stephen Lutheran Church is seeking applicants for the part-time position of Youth and Family Ministry Director. The applicant should have at least three years experience developing and directing youth ministries. The applicant should have a certified lay professional degree or certificate issued by an ELCA-approved religious school; or willing to obtain. A detailed job description is available on request or at the church web site, StStephenLC.org. Submit resume to Tom Burson, Personnel Committee, c/o St. Stephen Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 266, New Kingstown, PA 17072. It may also be emailed to employment@StStephenLC.org.
Congregation: Union Lutheran Church, York
Posted: 8/6/14
Position: Soprano Soloist
Union Lutheran Church is looking for a SOPRANO to serve as PAID SOPRANO SOLOIST & Section Leader for the Adult Choir. Choir sings traditional, classic, SATB choral music from September - Trinity Sunday. For more information and to schedule an audition (sing a solo of your choice), contact Director of Music: Jennifer Noel, at Union Lutheran Church, 408 W. Market St. York, PA 17401 @ 717-843-7897 or unionmusic@verizon.net.
Congregation: Advent Lutheran Church, York
Posted: 8/6/14
Position: Part-time Secretary (2 Positions)
Due to upcoming retirements, Advent Lutheran Church has immediate opening for two part-time Church Secretaries. These positions will perform routine clerical and administrative support to the Pastors, Church Council and church office. These positions offer a flexible work schedule of 15-30 hours per week. The successful candidates will possess strong Microsoft Office skills, excellent verbal and written communication skills, well developed inter-personal skills, strong organization and prioritization skills and be detail oriented. Must possess the ability and desire to work independently and as a member of a team. Qualified candidates may submit a resume, including salary requirements to: Advent Lutheran Church, 1775 E. Market Street, York, PA 17402 or advent@comcast.net.
Congregation: St. Paul Lutheran Church, Hametown
Posted: 8/6/14
Position: Part-time Sexton
Call the church office at 717-235-1841 for more information or click here.
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.
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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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