November 13, 2014

Music that Feeds Body & Soul

 

We all know music feeds the soul, but music can also help feed the hungry. Last year, musician and songwriter Jonathan Rundman donated a portion of the proceeds from his PledgeMusic campaign to ELCA World Hunger. This year, Christian rap and hip hop artist AGAPE* (aka Dave Scherer) is also pledging 10% of proceeds from pre-orders of his new album to ELCA World Hunger. Visit AGAPE* on PledgeMusic to watch a video about the album, get some great new music, and support the work of ELCA World Hunger!

AGAPE* went on the road with fellow artists Rachel Kurtz and Lost And Found for the "100 Wells Tour" following the 2012 ELCA Youth Gathering. He talks about his commitment to raising awareness about water access issues as well as his support for ELCA World Hunger in a blog post featured on his website. He says,"The reason I chose ELCA World Hunger is because they don't solve problems for communities, they allow the community to come up with their own solution to this crisis." As excitement builds toward the next  ELCA Youth Gathering this summer, ELCA World Hunger continues to be committed to partnering with communities around the world to solve issues of water access through your gifts and participation during ELCA World Hunger's Walk for Water. AGAPE* brings the word of God to his listeners through relational ministry called "Hip Hop Outreach." His work doesn't stop with the music. In addition to performing on stages across the US and in eight different countries, AGAPE* is co-founder of JUMP (Joint Urban Ministries in Praise), a program for urban youth.  He's also the founder of AMP (All Metro Praise), a youth-led worship service in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area. To learn more about the music and mission of AGAPE*, visit www.hiphopoutreach.com.

GLOBAL NEWS & CONNECTIONS


Training global church leaders in Hong Kong 

Church leaders are now serving throughout Southeast Asia, in China and even in Europe thanks to training they received from teachers at the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Hong Kong, including ELCA missionary teachers such as the Zimmermans. Share this inspiring story with your congregation. Click here for a colorful Word document to display on a bulletin board or use in a newsletter or PowerPoint presentation (as well as a wealth of other resources!).

 

Interested in Global Missions?

Wondering how you can make a difference right here in our Lower Susquehanna Synod? Join our Global Missions Committee and help tell the stories and share the good news about the work God is doing through our hands and those of missionaries like the Zimmermans, the Rimmers, Kate Warn, and many more. E-mail Pastor Sharron Blezard or any member of the committee for more information.

 

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. 


Faith Formation Learning Exchange

 

Vibrant Faith Ministries has been in the business of intentional faith formation since before the language of faith formation was popular. In fact, the "Child in our Hands" research and initiative of the late 1990s was foundational for much of the research undertaken in the early 2000s to explore how children and youth learn and the sources from which they draw their ideas about faith and faith in daily life. The Youth & Family Institute, as Vibrant Faith Ministries was once known, helped research and publish volumes of material but also began creating their own resources to equip congregational youth leaders, volunteers, pastors, and parents for intentional faith formation in the congregation and home.

 

Now you can access many of their resources in a variety of formats (electronic, multi-media, or print through the Vibrant Faith "Faith Formation Learning Exchange. Check it out here.

 

Vibrant Faith also offers a series of two-day training events called "Do What Matters! Faith Formation for a New Age." To learn more about the seminars, or to register, visit the Vibrant Faith website here.

 

Need help evaluating or choosing the right faith formation resources for your congregation? We can help through the combined resources and expertise of our Lower Susquehanna Synod Center for Faith Formation, a partnership of our synod's Resource Network, Office for Children, Youth, & Family, and Resource Cafe.


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)

 

 10 Keys to Being a Healthy Leader

It takes a healthy leader to guide, nurture and grow a healthy church, but we all know that the demands of ministry are great and many rostered leaders and church workers  do not take the time or effort that can optimize their wellbeing.  Here are some keys to being a healthy leader. How many can you begin working on this week?  From ChurchLeaders.com. (While you're there, check out the other related articles linked to on the menu bar on the right column.)
 
 

Upcoming Brown Bag Leadership Lunch: 

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.)

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.


Conversations with Bishop Dunlop Continue November 20

 

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. Events remaining in 2014 are Thursday, November 20, at St. John's Lutheran Church, 175 East Main Street, New Freedom, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. and Thursday, December 4, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1000 North Front Street, Liverpool, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Check the Congregation Connections page on our synod website for additional dates, locations, and times. The photo above was taken at Trinity in Mechanicsburg, the site of this year's first event.


prayers
Prayers and Updates 
  
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 the family of the Rev. Roderic N. Senft (retired), who died Monday, November 10, at the age of 98. Click here to be redirected to his obituary.

We pray for the family of Ferd C. Bikle, Jr., uncle of the Rev. Kathleen Kuehl (St. Christopher, Lykens and Immanuel, Williamstown), who died November 6. Click here to be redirected to his obituary.

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 [email protected].

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.

 

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.


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.

books
Opportunities for Education... 
Visit our synod website for specific details and registration information about each event! 
Click here to be redirected!

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

November 29
Advent Waiting: 
Mary as a Model for the Church
St. Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2695 Luther Drive, Chambersburg (beside Luther Ridge Community)

 

January 31 - February 1, 2015

Grace in Wellness Women's Retreat

The Hotel Hershey, Hershey, PA

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 [email protected]. 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.


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.

 

  




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 [email protected].

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 26

Thanksgiving Eve Worship Service

Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church, 9 N. Main St., Dover


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

1st Annual Cookie Walk (to benefit "Companion in Christ" congregation in Mbeya, Tanzania)

St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 30 West Chestnut St., Hanover

Richard A Sultner, Sr. Music Scholarship Concert ("Twas the Night Before Christmas")

Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church, 9 N. Main St., Dover

 

December 12-13

Advent Family Retreat

Camp Nawakwa, Arendtsville

 

December 14

Rejoicing Spirits Worship (a disABILITIES ministry)

St. Stephen Lutheran Church, New Kingstown

 

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: 

Zion Lutheran Church, Hummelstown recently converted the lighting in the sanctuary to LED. Subsequently, they have 29 GE Incandescent Lamp bulbs with a Mogul screw base, 300 watts, 130 volts, 5200 lumens, 1000 hours. Please contact Zion's church office 717.566.2589 if you are interested. 


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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] or 717-343-8612.

 

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 [email protected]. Positions are posted for 60 days unless extended.

  

Visit the Employment Opportunities page on our website for a complete list of current job openings with more details.

Congregation: Trinity Lutheran Church, Arendtsville
Position: Organist (posted 10/2/14)

 

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)

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,  [email protected].

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