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Annual Fall Retreat Brings Together Women from Across our Synod
 Seventy-five women gathered for a time of spiritual renewal and fellowship at the annual Lower Susquehanna Synodical Woman's Organization fall retreat at Camp Hebron on October 31 - November 1. Pastor Martine Joseph (Simeon United, Gratz), pictured at left, presented a program entitled "The Butterfly Cycle: From Death to Life" based on Ephesians 2:1-11. On Saturday evening (Halloween) several women dressed up as their favorite Bible character. Karen Poe, pictured below, provided everyone with a new visual for Bathsheba!
 Crafts, hayrides, games and lots and lots of food made this a delightful weekend. Most importantly it was about sisters-in-Christ supporting, encouraging, and strengthening each other. Pastor Joseph reminded participants that butterflies are beautiful winged insects whose life cycle parallels Christian spiritual formation. Like the caterpillar going through a "metamorphosis," we left the retreat as beloved children of God, transformed and made new - free to share God's gift of grace and love with the world through word and deed. Mark your calendars - October 30-November 1, 2015, and join us next year for a wonderful experience.
Thanks to Linda Lubold for contributing this article and photo.
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GLOBAL NEWS & CONNECTIONS
November ELCA Global Links Now Available!
Click here to be redirected to the ELCA Global Church Sponsorship page where you can download PDF documents. Highlights of this month's edition include:
ELCA provides $100,000 to help contain Ebola
Thanks to generous gifts from ELCA members like you to Lutheran Disaster Response, the Lutheran Church in Liberia and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sierra Leone are training health care workers, providing Ebola education about prevention, and distributing food to the many people isolated by the outbreak. See www.ELCA.org/News-and-Events/7699.
East Jerusalem: Documentary features ELCA supported hospital
"Healing in a Holy Land," a film about Augusta Victory Hospital, offers "a stark contrast to the images of war and death by holding up tangible evidence of positive work being done on the behalf of ELCA members," says the producer of the film, Tim Frakes. See www.ELCA.org/News-and-Events/blogs/NewsBlog/58. Central America: Ministry is a team effort
Through the universal priesthood of all believers, the churches in Central America are getting God's work done. Teams of volunteer lay leaders are assuming roles that have been reserved for a paid pastor in more traditional church settings. See www.ELCA.org/News-and-Events/blogs/HandInHand/442. The ELCA Malaria Campaign has three new short videos that help demonstrate the impact of your gifts. Share these videos with your family, friends and people in your congregation. View and download each at http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNDmVwhz-M34LjJ69ByRllqmQcyGc3Ykn.
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.
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New Child Protection Laws Will Impact Synod Congregations
Our goal in the church has always been to create a safe and healthy environment for the spiritual and emotional development of our children, and that includes God's children of all ages. Heightened awareness of and response to limiting the risk of children placed in the  care of adult leaders--whether professionals or volunteers--in public settings like schools, churches, clubs and other organizations is leading to better practices, and congregations have responded by implementing policies and training volunteers and professional church workers.
A recent change in Pennsylvania state law will likely affect child protection policies many congregations currently have in place and require other congregations to adopt policies around the way adult volunteers and staff interact with children. Click here to download a copy of the "Children's Justice and Advocacy Report" in PDF format for congregations to use as a resource.
The new legislation just signed into law by Gov. Corbett, known as House Bill 435, along with other security measures calls for ALL volunteers working with children to have three standardized backgrounds checks. This may be a new practice for some congregations. Our synod's Office for Children, Youth and Family Ministry realizes the far-reaching implications of this new bill and the impact on our congregations, so we are developing strategies in cooperation with our synod pastoral staff and Bishop Dunlop that we hope will assist congregations as they bring their ministries with children and youth into compliance. For now, please review the report and begin to do an inventory of the ways your congregation is already in compliance, as well as the steps you may need to take if you are not currently compliant. Look for more information soon in Carings & Sharings and on our synod's website.
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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)
Leaders Believe in Possibilities
One of the most important contributions a leader can make is simply to believe that things can happen in the congregation. When we do not, they will not. It is that simple. It is also essential that you believe God can make things happen. This article from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership, explores how confident leadership can bring a project from plans to prosperity. How's your attitude?
Upcoming Brown Bag Leadership Lunches:
November 13 - Talking About Same-Sex Marriage
This year Pennsylvania became another state where same-gender couples may tie the knot. For many of our congregations this has stirred old controversies and raised new questions. The November Brown Bag Leadership Lunch will explore raising and handling the issue within a congregation. In our discussion we'll review the Guidelines on Same-Gender Marriage adopted by our Synod Council, as well as our denomination's 2009 Statement on Human Sexuality. Led by Assistant to the Bishop Rob Blezard.
December 11 - The Use and the Means of Grace & Eucharistic Practice
The December Brown Bag Leadership Lunch will discuss the ELCA document, "The Use and the Means of Grace" that addresses communion practices in the ELCA and how that informs who we are as Lutheran Christians. Looking for tips on how to facilitate conversations in your congregation? Want to talk with others and share ideas? Join us on December 11. You can find this document on the ELCA website here as a downloadable PDF and additional resources for study at www.elca.org/worship.
Brown-Bag Leadership Lunches take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Lunchroom of our Synod Offices. Bring lunch and we'll have discussion and a meal together. Registration unnecessary.
(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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You are Invited...
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. Rostered leaders are invited to vest and process. The color of the day is green.
Sunday, November 16, Time 2:00 p.m.
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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 Feedback Sought on ELCA
Gender-Based Violence Message
The ELCA Church Council has authorized a social message on gender-based violence. Messages are adopted by the Church Council as a means to encourage learning and moral discourse. A draft social message on gender-based violence is available for comment and response through November 26th online by printable form or email.Have questions? Pastor Hayley Vay Beaman (Zion, York) is our synod's representative to churchwide for this social message. If you have questions or would like more information, contact her via email or by phone at 717-767-4673.
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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. Updates to this week's prayer list: We pray for our sisters and brothers in Nigeria who are facing persecution from extremists, particularly the Nigeria Brethren church, whose headquarters property has been overtaken by Boko Haram extremist insurgents. It's time to plan for the 2015 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (January 18-25). The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is a longstanding expression of the ecumenical movement -- a worldwide movement to heal divisions within the Church, to promote dialogue among churches and Christian communities, and to encourage Christians everywhere to better understand and reflect the implications of "one Lord, one faith, one baptism." Visit the Week of Prayer website by clicking here. You may also wish to visit our ELCA Ecumenical and Inter-Religious website here.
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.
Boundary Training for Rostered Leaders & Professional Ministry Workers
ALL LEADERS should complete an approved boundary workshop every three years and are expected to attend one of these workshops or provide verification of comparable training received elsewhere. 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.
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.
Tuesday, May 5
(Deadline to register: April 30) St. Paul Lutheran Church, 20 Franklin St., Biglerville
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Reminder: Rostered Leaders Register for the Wellness Retreat by 12/01/14
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: November 20 at St. John's, New Freedom
Join Bishop Dunlop for a brief Bible study, updates about exciting events across our synod, and a conversation about the ELCA document, "The Use and the Means of Grace" that addresses 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. Check the Congregation Connections page on our synod website for dates, locations, and times.
Discounted Rate and Free Shipping for "One Synod. One Book." Available Now!
 Hearts & Minds Bookstore in Dallastown 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 regular 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. If you'd like to take advantage of this great offer, contact Hearts and Minds Bookstore at 717-246-3333.
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!
November 7
An Evening with Christopher Smith (co-author of
Slow Church: Cultivating Community in the Patient Way of Jesus) Living Word Community Church, 2530 Cape Horn Rd., Red Lion, PA
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
November 17-19
Clergy coaching for change and resilient leadership: A Pastoral Excellence Network training for new & experienced clergy coaches
The Retreat Center at Bon Secours, Marriottsville, MD
January 31 - February 1, 2015
Grace in Wellness Women's Retreat
The Hotel Hershey, Hershey, PA
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.
November 7-9 Women's Craft Retreat Camp Nawakwa, Arendtsville, PA 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 Rejoicing Spirits Worship (a disABILITIES Ministry)
St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 30 W. Main St., New Kingstown
November 12 Bible Study at the Wittel Farm November 13-14 Annual Bazaar Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 723 Lehman St., Lebanon November 15 Adoption Awareness Event (Information about adoption and free skating party) Sponsored by the Capital Region Adoption Coalition (and partner Diakon) Click here for a flyer. November 16 The Grove Coffeehouse #15 (Located in the Grove Activity Building behind the church) Salem Lutheran Church, 99 York Rd., Jacobus November 18 Service of Hope and Healing Zion Lutheran of Union Deposit (Hershey)
November 20
Conversations with Bishop Dunlop
St. John's Lutheran Church, 175 East Main Street, New Freedom
November 27
Tree 4 Hope Turkey Day 5K
Harrisburg Hospital Grounds
December 4
Conversations with Bishop Dunlop
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1000 North Front Street, Liverpool
December 6
Advent Day Apart
The Wittel Farm
December 12-13
Advent Family Retreat
Camp Nawakwa, Arendtsville, PA
January 2-4
Winter Youth Retreat at Camp Kirchenwald
January 21
Conversations with Bishop Dunlop
Christ Lutheran Church, 30 Chambersburg St., Gettysburg
January 25
Conversations with Bishop Dunlop
Zion Lutheran Church, 1905 Broad St., East Petersburg
To Share:
Free to a Good Home: Hammond Chord Organ with Stage II Rhythm. Excellent condition, with auto chords and various rhythm settings. One octave pedals. Sounds great! Contact Cindy Brookhart at brookha@embarqmail.com or by phone at 717-582-8150. The organ is currently at Christ Lutheran, Duncannon.
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: First Lutheran Church, New Oxford
Position:
Organist/Choir Director
(reposted 10/20/14)
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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