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Seen Around Our Synod
There's always a lot going on in congregations and among Lutherans around our synod. This week we're pleased to share some of the recent good news and events. Beginning next week, we'll take the harvest season as opportunity to highlight some more of our hunger ministries, including updates on several congregational/community garden projects, a long-running and highly successful community breakfast at Holy Trinity (Lancaster), and more meal-packing events, including one at Mannsville Lutheran (Elliottsburg) that was part of Sunday morning worship. "God's work. Our Hands." doesn't happen only one day each year; it's part of our Lower Susquehanna Synod Lutheran "DNA." Thanks to all of you who are feeding others as you have been fed by Christ and making a difference one act, one meal, one life at a time.
 Lutherans Can Hunger at the CapitolMiddle School youth attending Alive! challenged our synod to "Can Hunger" for the Central PA Food Bank. Pictured on the capitol steps surrounded by some of the cans are (from left) Kim Nightengale, Cecelia Nightengale, Sen. Mike Brubaker of Lancaster, Sarah DePasquale, and Tracey DePasquale. Moms and daughters are members of Christ Lutheran in York.
Working Ecumenically to Serve Others
On September, 28, Centerville Lutheran Church, ELCA, and Dickinson Presbyterian Church, PCUSA, worked together to provide sweatshirts and blankets  donated at "God's work. Our hands." Sunday and a host of personal care items to migrant farm workers in Adams County. The congregations shared a devotion, prayers, games, and a meal, with English-to-Spanish translators helping. Centerville ELCA provided sweatshirts and blankets. Dickinson PCUSA provided toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, and carrying bags. It was an afternoon of God's love and care, with a response of "Gloria a Dios."
Seminarians Benefit from Gift Honoring Retired Pastor
Members of Christ Lutheran Church, Linglestown, wanted to honor the Rev. William Stickley's long ministry with them by benefiting future rostered leaders studying at Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary, Pastor Stickley's alma mater. Through a special offering the congregation made a gift of $1900 to LTSG in his honor.
 Wheels for Kids is Part of his Mission
The Rev. Hal Fox recently retired from Trinity Lutheran Church, Steelton, but he hasn't retired from serving others. An avid cyclist, Pastor Fox believes bikes and children go together like peanut butter and jelly, so he takes great delight in pairing children with bikes to call their very own. Pictured at right, Pastor Fox shows a young Harrisburg resident, James, the fine points of his new bike. It's tough to tell who's happier--Pastor Fox giving a gift that has created much joy, or the young man who is finally receiving the bicycle he's wanted for so long.
Back to School with Smiles and Supplies
It's tough for many parents struggling to put food on the table also to provide school supplies and backpacks for youngsters headed back to school, and several of our congregations make a point to do something about it. Zion Lutheran Church, Marietta, and Zion Lutheran Church, Akron, both provided families in their communities with backpacks and school supplies. Suzette McCarty of Zion, Marietta, says the church served more than 150 children in the Donegal School District during the first year of this "Tools 4 School" ministry. This year they planned to serve more than 300 children by providing  backpacks, lunchboxes, pencils, pens, crayons, folders, and paper. They also provided luggage tags with a fun picture and a brief devotional reading.
An outgrowth of their Peter's Porch ministry, Zion, Akron, heard parents' requests for school supplies, and decided to provide those much needed items and a fun movie night, too.
Three years ago, volunteers distributed about two dozen backpacks during a Peter's Porch Saturday. Last year, the congregation expanded the event and offered an ice cream sundae party on a Sunday evening, where they distributed more than 60 backpacks. This year, Zion hosted 160 people for Sundaes on Sunday and provided backpacks to 97 local youngsters. About 40 people stayed to watch The Lego Movie on the big screen in the sanctuary. For both Zion congregations, hospitality and generosity open doors to build and bless community.
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Lancaster provides a bike clinic to make repairs and keep local children's bicycles in good working order. They also collected and distributed new athletic shoes for children in the local school district who otherwise would not have begun the school year with needed sports shoes. Several other congregations in our synod participate in Ruth's Harvest and Power Pack programs to provide food over the weekend for needy children in their local school districts. These tangible acts of love are feeding not only empty bellies but also the hearts, minds, and hopes of local school children. Thank you for caring! And thank you for sharing! (Thanks to Pastors Matt Lenahan, Rochelle Lewis, and Jerri Morton Carlin, and to Linda Bugden, Tracey DePasquale, and Suzette McCarty for contributing to this story.)
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You are Invited...
Please join us to celebrate the installations of the following pastors and the beginnings of these new ministries.
Saturday, October 11, 11:00 a.m.
Installation of the Rev. Joel Folkemer
Pastor Folkemer is called to serve Union Lutheran, 408 W. Market St., York
Sunday, October 26, 3:00 p.m.
Installations of Sister Dottie Almoney and the Rev. Sarah Teichmann
Pastor Teichmann and Sister Almoney are called to serve St. Peter Lutheran Church, 10 Delp Rd., Lancaster.
Sunday, November 16, 3:30 p.m.
Installation of the Rev. Alan Watt
Pastor Watt is called to serve Christ Lutheran Church, 29 S. George St, York.
Light refreshments will follow the service.
Sunday, November 16, Time TBA
Installation of the Rev. David Sensenig
Pastor Sensenig is called to serve Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Liverpool, PA.
Sunday, November 23, 10:45 a.m.
Installation of the Rev. Jane Nicholson
Pastor Nicholson is called to serve First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 43 W. Washington St., Chambersburg
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GLOBAL NEWS & CONNECTIONS
Mission of the Month in Zambia: 'Sometimes a church just needs bricks and mortar!'
 The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zambia is growing fast - so fast it needs more church buildings! Inspire your congregation with this story. For a colorful Word document to display on your congregation's bulletin board, or use in your bulletin or PowerPoint presentation, visit www.ELCA.org/resources/globalchurch.
The same thing sort of growth is happening in the Konde Diocese, as new church buildings are being raised with regularity. Watch for more news about these swiftly growing Lutheran churches in future issues of Carings and Sharings. Interested in learning more about how your congregation can partner with a congregation in the Konde Diocese or how you can support a new Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) program in Senegal that our friends Pastor Chad and Natalie Rimmer are helping to get started? Contact members of your Konde Diocese Committee and/or Global Missions Committee for more information.
Bishop Ambele Mwaipopo Consecrated 
On Sunday, September 21, Pastor Ambele Mwaipopo, was consecrated Bishop of the newly formed Rukwa Diocese, Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania (ELCT). Bishop Mwaipopo was the first Lutheran Pastor from Tanzania to study at Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary in 1993. He returned to Tanzania where he faithfully served as a parish pastor and in various offices of the ELCT with an emphasis in evangelism.
Bishop Mwaipopo's son, John, is a visiting scholar and lecturer from Tumaini University, Mbeya Center (SHUCo), Tanzania, currently pursuing graduate study at Harrisburg University. Please remember in your prayers Bishop Mwaipopo, his family, and the congregations, leaders, and people of the Rukwa Diocese.
Note: Pastor Chad and Natalie Rimmer, ELCA missionaries to Senegal and members of our synod, will be at Tree of Life Lutheran Church this weekend for all three worship services. They visited Union Lutheran in York on Wednesday evening, and Pastor Rimmer led worship and preached at our Synod Office on Wednesday morning.
Note: Do you have an idea from your congregation that you'd like to highlight? E-mail Sharron Blezard or contact any Global Missions Committee member. Thanks to Jim Druckenbrod for contributing this article.
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 2015 ELCA Youth Gathering Registration Opens October 15
Many congregations have been planning for months, promoting to families, fundraising, and praying for the young people who will gather next summer in Detroit, for "Rise Up Together," the triennial ELCA Youth Gathering! Registration opens next week. Are you ready?
Visit the ELCA Youth Gathering website resource page at:
http://www.elca.org/Resources/ELCA-Youth-Gathering, to download the youth or adult registration worksheet that will make assembling the information you need for the online registration process a breeze. You can actually access the registration site NOW, load your participants data, and then on October 15, just hit "send."
Additionally, you will want to register to receive the monthly "gNews," Gathering web newsletter delivered right to your inbox, also available on the resource page under the gNews tab. This month's communication features articles on what ministries Gathering offerings will support and the application process for young people wanting to serve as the Gathering mainstage MC!
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 What is Faith Formation?
Faith formation are the practices and opportunities-such as praying, worshiping, learning, celebrating, and serving--that engage an entire community in lifelong Christian formation and ongoing spiritual growth. It is not a trendy program, a one-stop-shopping curriculum, or a quick fix.
Most of our synod congregations regularly engage members spanning six or more generations in worship and Christian education. The realities of social, technological, cultural and generational forces make Christian faith formation for all ages and generations challenging, but certainly not impossible. New approaches are moving beyond traditional age segmentation and linear formatting to encourage vibrant faith and 24/7 lifelong engagement of all ages.
John Roberto of Lifelong Learning Associates is a cutting-edge practitioner and scholar in this discipline. In his book Faith Formation 2020: Designing the Future of Faith Formation, Roberto explains his initiative and new way of practicing faith formation by exploring three key questions:
1. What could faith formation in Christian churches look like in 2020?
2. How can Christian congregations provide vibrant faith formation to address the spiritual and religious needs of all ages and generations over the next ten years?
3. How can churches envision the shape of faith formation in the year 2020 and design initiatives to respond proactively to the challenges and opportunities in the second decade of the twenty-first century?
Our Synod Resource Center is an intentional Center for Faith Formation, equipping leaders and congregations to grow in Christ. Through workshops, resource café gatherings, brown bag lunches, online resources, and exciting events featuring keynote speakers such as John Roberto and other leaders/practitioners, we are preparing congregational leaders to adapt and retool Christian faith formation.
Won't you join us by discerning the future of Christian education and exploring new ways to address the spiritual needs in your context?
References:
Faith Formation 2020: Designing the Future of Faith Formation, John Roberto, 2010.
Generations Together, Lifelong Learning Associates, 2014.
*Please note these resources are available in our Resource Center.
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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)
We need healthy pastors in order to have a healthy church, right? But statistics show that, as a whole, clergy have become less healthy in recent years. Designed by the Great Plains United Methodist Conference for use by pastors and lay leadership (primarily Mutual Ministry Committees), this three-part series seeks to illustrate some of the unique issues clergy face in maintaining and improving their physical, emotional, social, financial, and spiritual wellbeing. Through video and discussion guides, it encourages congregations and pastors to share a ministry of health that benefits everyone. Why not make a covenant to work on this important issue? Click here to be redirected.
Don't miss this week's Brown Bag Leadership Lunch, set for Thursday, Oct. 9 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Lunchroom of the Synod Offices, 900 S. Arlington Avenue, Harrisburg. Rob Blezard , Assistant to the Bishop, will lead the discussion. Bring a lunch, your questions, and an open mind.
(To get to the lunchroom from the lobby of the Synod Office's main entrance, follow the corridor that goes off to the left. Just before the end, take the stairway at the left. On the ground floor, the lunchroom will be on your left.)
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Our synod prayer list is updated frequently and posted on the website. To be redirected to the complete prayer list click here.
This week's changes include the addition of Janet Johnson (wife of Pastor Henry Johnson, Second Lutheran, Chambersburg), who will be undergoing medical tests next week. 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 from our Synod Office
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.
Rostered Leaders Wellness Retreat Registration Opens
Looking for a way to beat those winter blahs? Want to enjoy a time of renewal that will help you integrate faith and help? Sign up now for "Renewing our Spirits: Jesus' Spirituality as a Model of Wholeness" at the Hotel Hershey, February 2-3, 2015. Click here for a flyer with details. Click here to register. This retreat is subsidized by the Portico Health Assessment rebate and Thrivent Financial. NOTE: The deadline to register for this event is December 1, 2014, AND all payments must be postmarked by December 31, 2014.
Conversations with Bishop Dunlop Scheduled
Bishop Dunlop is on the road again and coming to a congregation near you. This year, in addition to bringing you news about events and happenings across our synod, Bishop Dunlop will be leading a study on the ELCA document "The Use and the Means of Grace" and facilitating a conversation about communion practices in the ELCA and how that informs who we are as Lutheran Christians. You can find this document on the ELCA website here as a downloadable PDF and additional resources for study at www.elca.org/worship.
Join Bishop Dunlop at one of this year's Conversations to discuss this central issue of our faith and practice. The first event is scheduled for Sunday, October 19, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 132 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Check the Congregation Connections page on our synod website for additional dates, locations, and times.
Boundary Training for Rostered Leaders and Professional Ministry Workers
Three workshops are planned across our synod this year so that rostered leaders and professional ministry workers receive the necessary training and education hours required by many church insurance policies and by our synod guidelines. All leaders should complete this workshop at least once every three years. All rostered leaders are expected to attend one of these events. Compensated youth workers and musicians are encouraged to attend. To register, call Cathy Deitrich at 717-652-1852, ext. 104 or e-mail her at cdeitrich@lss-elca.org. There is no charge for the training. A free-will offering will be collected to defray lunch costs.
Saturday, November 1 (Deadline to register: October 29)
St. Paul Lutheran Church, 20 Franklin St., Biglerville
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Thursday, January 15 (Deadline to register: January 12)
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 3700 Rutherford St., Harrisburg
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 14 (Deadline to register: March 11)
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 750 Greenfield Rd., Lancaster
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Discounted Rate and Free Shipping for One Synod. One Book. Available Now!
 Hearts & Minds Bookstore in Dover is offering an extremely generous discount for Finding God in a Bag of Groceries, the first book in our One Synod. One Book. reading program. The normal retail cost is $15.99, but they are offering copies at $13.00 (for 1-4 copies), and $12 for 5 or more with FREE shipping. They expect the books to arrive in about two weeks. If you'd like to take advantage of this great offer, contact Hearts and Minds Bookstore at 717-246-3333.
About Willis' Finding God in a Bag of Groceries
The book describes how while working in a food pantry Willis "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, Willis 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. Please consider Finding God in a Bag of Groceries for your next study session.
Free Study Guides Available Online
The author's website contains free study guides that can help us wrestle with the issues (http://www.lauralwillis.com/#!studyguides/c1vv5).
More information about "One Synod. One Book": http://www.lss-elca.org/blog/one-synod-one-book/
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 and registration information about each event!
October 10 - 11
Lebanon Countywide Men's Overnight Retreat
October 18
Congregational Treasurers' Seminar
St. James Lutheran Church, 53 Chestnut St., Lebanon
October 25
Renewing the Church from the Inside Out: A Day with Dave Daubert
St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 839 W. Market St., York
Note: The event has filled and registrations are closed.
October 27
LARC Day of Dialogue
Cardinal Keeler Center, Harrisburg
NOTE: The registration deadline is October 17.
October 27-30
Fall Academy: Reforming! From Conflict to Communion and Reconciliation
Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary, 61 Seminary Ridge
October 30
Preaching Perspectives: From Cow Stall to Cosmos: Christ, Light for the World
Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary
November 10
Witness in Common: An Exploration of Full Communion Agreements
Trinity Lutheran Church, 2000 Chestnut Street, Camp Hill, PA
November 13-15
The Abundant Life: Empowering Youth as Agents of Change
Princeton Theological Seminary, Princeton, NJ
Check out the many education offerings at Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, VA. Events and conferences are sponsored by the Leadership Institute. Click here to visit their website for a complete listing.
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Visit the Congregation Connections page on our synod's website to keep up with the specific details of the many good things happening in the worshiping communities of our synod. We have so many wonderful events and activities taking place that we can't list all the details in this e-newsletter format!
Please keep us posted about what's happening in your congregation and community. We are able to post photos, pdf documents and flyers, and contact information on our Congregation Connections page. E-mail event information to sblezard@lss-elca.org.
October 8
Mitch McVicker in Concert
Zion Lutheran Church, 2215 Brandywine Lane, York
October 9
LYRA Vocal Ensemble Concert
Christ Lutheran Church, 125 East High St., Elizabethtown
October 10
2nd Annual Memory Cafe
Trinity Lutheran Church, 2000 Chestnut St., Camp Hill
October 11
65th Annual Apple Butter Boil & Dutch Dinner
St. John (Barner's) Lutheran Church, 5 Barner Rd., Liverpool
October 12
45th Annual York Metro Crop Walk for the Hungry
John Rudy Park
Rejoicing Spirits Worship (a disABILITIES Ministry)
St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 30 W. Main St., New Kingstown
October 18
St. Stephen's 44th annual Apple Festival
St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 30 W. Main St., New Kingstown
Rusty Banks in Concert
Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1905 Broad Street, East Petersburg
October 19
Conversations with Bishop Dunlop
Trinity Lutheran Church, 132 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg
October 25
Beyond Hunger, Communities of Change: Heifer International
Manheim Farm Show Complex, 502 East Adele Avenue, Manheim
Third 3rd of Life: Issues in Aging
Zion Lutheran Church, 85 Brandt Blvd., Landisville
October 26
SIMPLE GIFTS in Concert
First Lutheran Church, 21 S. Bedford St., Carlisle
November 1
Meal-Packing Event Sponsored by Youth Encounter
Solomon's Lutheran Church, 4856 Wayne Rd., Chambersburg
November 2
SERRV Fair Trade Fair - sponsored by St. Luke Women of the ELCA
St. Luke Lutheran Church, East Main Street, Schaefferstown, PA
"For Us the Living - A Requiem" Candlelight Vespers for the Festival of All Saints Trinity Lutheran Church, 2000 Chestnut St., Camp Hill November 9 Come Stew with Us! (To Benefit Tech4Tanzania)
Slate Hill Mennonite Church, 1352 Slate Hill Rd., Camp Hill
Sunderman Wind Quartet in Concert First Lutheran Church, 21 S. Bedford St., Carlisle November 16 The Grove Coffeehouse #15 (Located in the Grove Activity Building behind the church) Salem Lutheran Church, 99 York Rd., Jacobus
Thursday, November 20
Conversations with Bishop Dunlop
St. John's Lutheran Church, 175 East Main Street, New Freedom
November 23 Service of Healing with Bishop Dunlop LIFE Lutheran Services, 1920 Good Hope Rd., Enola
Thursday, December 4
Conversations with Bishop Dunlop
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1000 North Front Street, Liverpool
Wednesday, January 21
Conversations with Bishop Dunlop
Christ Lutheran Church, 30 Chambersburg St., Gettysburg
Sunday, January 25
Conversations with Bishop Dunlop
Zion Lutheran Church, 1905 Broad St., East Petersburg
To Share: Available to Church Quilting Group for making relief quilts, blankets, and/or school kits: several boxes of varied fabrics (scrap and yardage) that is all usable. If interested, please contact Lucretia Crum (Zion Lutheran, Dauphin) at lcapower@yahoo.com or 717-343-8612.
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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, contact information, 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.
Congregation: Joyful Noise Preschool at Zion Lutheran Church, York
Position: Director (Posted 10/8/14)
Congregation: St. Paul's Lutheran Church (Broadway) Hanover
Position: Part-time Church Secretary (posted 10/8/14)
Congregation: Trinity Lutheran Church, Arendtsville
Position: Organist (posted 10/2/14)
Congregation: Jerusalem Lutheran Church, Schuylkill, PA
Position: Music Director (posted 9/12/14)
Congregation: St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Highspire
Position: Part-time Organist (posted 9/4/14)
Congregation: St. Paul Lutheran Church, New Cumberland
Position: Administrative Assistant, part-time (posted 9/4/14)
Congregation: First Lutheran Church, New Oxford
Position:
Organist/Choir Director
(posted 8/20/14)
Congregation: Trinity Lutheran Church, Steelton
Position: Director of Music
(reposted 10/8/14)
Congregation: St. Stephen Lutheran Church, New Kingstown
Position: Youth and Family Ministry Director (reposted 10/2/14)
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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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