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And a Little Child Shall Lead Them
A few Sundays ago, Pastor Scott Davis of Brickerville United Lutheran Church (BULC) was
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Kylie paints a mug for BULC's Souper Bowl Sunday event.
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handed an envelope addressed to "Rosie." The donor instructed Pastor Davis to make sure that Rosie and others like her got the gift.
"When I opened the envelope on Tuesday, I was stunned to find $10 inside," Davis said. "Okay, not a bountiful gift...except this is a primary-school girl who was the donor. And her motivation arose from her profound understanding of the Gospel from two children's messages she'd heard me preach."
In October 2013, BULC was visited by a disheveled unwashed homeless woman (a member, following through on the youth's outside homeless experience the previous month), complete with shopping cart and her favorite stuffed animal. At the time of the children's message, she came forward with the children. Sensing their fear, Rosie introduced herself and shared her pet stuffed animal. Unknown to any of of the congregaion, Rosie's tender vulnerability touched Kylie, one of the youngsters who had come forward, in a very special way.
Fast forward to a Sunday last November. Pastor Davis shared the Parable of the Talents in the children's message, giving each of the children a one-dollar bill with the instruction to invest the money in some ministry that might benefit someone else. Three visiting grandsons donated their dollars to Toys for Tots. Kylie's brother gave his to the Ephrata Public Library.
Kylie took her dollar, and with a "match" given by another benefactor, made and sold bracelets. And like the servant in the parable, she returned the investment multiplied! Her gift was to the one she remembered needed her love...Rosie. Pastor Davis sent Kylie's gift to Lancaster's Water Street Ministries, "for those who like 'Rosie' are homeless and hungry in our community."
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GLOBAL NEWS & CONNECTIONS
Save the Date for World Malaria Day 2015!
From the beginning, the ELCA Malaria Campaign has had a goal to raise $15 million by 2015. Can you believe that 2015 has begun? Now is the time to mark your calendars for World Malaria Day 2015! World Malaria Day is observed internationally on April 25, which happens to land on a Saturday this year. We are encouraging congregations to commemorate World Malaria Day on Sunday, April 26, 2015. This will be the final observance of World Malaria Day within the ELCA Malaria Campaign, and it is our hope that many people participate! Consider a special activity or offering on this Sunday to help our synod reach its goal.
Get your Global Church PlaceMaps for Annual Meetings and Lenten Meals!
 The Global Church PlaceMap is a world map that helps you find your missionary's country or to pray for countries in the news. It is a FREE resource. Excellent for use as a display, coloring sheet, placemat at global mission dinners, or an educational introduction to where ELCA global mission partners are located. DOWNLOAD a copy by clicking here. ORDER printed PlaceMaps in pads of 100 maps each. (Request the number of pads you want: 1 = 100 maps, 2 = 200, etc.) Request 1 or 2 pads (100 or 200 maps) with FREE shipping and handling at 800-638-3522 or RIS@elca.org. Order 3-10 pads (300-1000 maps) here; shipping and handling charges will apply. Due to limited supplies, please call 800-638-3522, ext. 2657, if you wish to order more than 10 pads (1000 maps).
February ELCA Global Links is now available!
Click here for a PDF version of these wonderful stories from our global partners.
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. Thanks to Synod Council and Global Missions Committee member Stephanie Strauss for the article about human trafficking and for sponsoring the showing of In Plain Sight.
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 New Child Protection Legislation Will Impact Congregational Youth & Family Ministry
If it's not on your radar, it should be! New Pennsylvania legislation designed to provide additional protection for children in institutional settings will likely impact all congregations, particularly around the ways we screen volunteers and youth workers.
Many of you have already contacted the synod Office for Children, Youth & Family Ministry to inquire about whether your child protection policies and current background checks comply with the new legislation. Our office strongly recommends that you send either a pastor, staff youth worker, or volunteer to one of the two remaining Boundary Training Workshops being provided by our synod staff. In fact, it is now required that all pastors and rostered leaders attend this training once every three years. Not only will this workshop provide you with the training now required by the state, but it will also help reveal where your congregational policies may be lacking, and how you might be able to bring them into compliance with current state mandated guidelines.
Visit our synod website, http://www.lss-elca.org/blog/practical-models-for-faith-formation-in-the-congregation/, to find out how to get registered. Upcoming workshops are scheduled for Saturday, March 14, 2015, at Good Shepherd Lutheran in Lancaster, and for Tuesday, May 5, 2015, at St. Paul Lutheran, Biglerville. Both events are planned from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM. We ask that you please preregister to attend. While there is no charge for the workshop and materials, we do ask that participants make a free-will offering to help defray the cost of lunch. |
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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)
You've heard of the "Nones" - those whose religious affiliation is None. But there is a growing multitude of church ex-members who have simply left church for a variety of reasons, including disillusionment, burnout and boredom. They're sometimes called the de-churched. They have not abandoned their faith. They are not Nones. Rather, call them the "Dones." What can we do about it? Commentator Thom Schultz has some ideas. Which would work for your church?
Upcoming Brown Bag Leadership Lunch:
February 12 - Website Ministry Basics with Sharron and Marsha
Want to know more about how your congregation's website can be used for ministry and mission? Need to know how to get started in digital ministry or how to update and enhance what you already have? Trying to decipher platforms and hosts? Join Deacon Marsha Roscoe and Pastor Sharron Blezard to learn and share tips and techniques. If you are interested in having your website evaluated for this event, please contact Pastor Sharron Blezard (717-652-1852, ext. 102). We gather at 10 a.m., work for a couple hours and then eat at about noon as we finish up our discussion. All congregational leaders are welcome. Registration is not required but it would be great if you could let Cathy Deitrich of the synod office (cdeitrich@lss-elca.org) know if you're attending so we can make sure to have enough materials.
(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're Invited 
Sunday, January 25, 2015
Installation of the Rev. Robert Moore
St. Paul Lutheran Church, 201 W. Louther St., Carlisle
3:00 p.m.
The Rev. Paul Blom, Bishop-Emeritus of the Texas Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod will preach. A reception will follow worship. Clergy are invited to vest and process. The color of the day is green.
Sunday, February 15, 2015 Installation of the Rev. Kirk Kerns Christ Lutheran Church, 1214 Crosby St., Linglestown 3:00 p.m. A reception will follow worship. |
Our synod prayer list is updated frequently and posted on the website. To be redirected to the complete prayer list click here. ...We pray for the family of Joan Eckert (mother of Pastor Richard Eckert, St. Peter, Middletown), who died January 19, 2015. Internment at Indian Gap is scheduled for Friday, January 23, at 10:00 a.m. The family will receive friends at Trinity, Camp Hill, from 11:30 until noon, when the memorial service will begin. A luncheon will follow. Click here to be redirected to the obituary. ...We pray for hope and healing for Pastor Jay Eickhoff, Christ New Bloomfield (recovering from surgery).
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.
 Women of the ELCA Updates!
Follow this link to read/print/share with your woman's group the January February issue of News & Views, the newsletter of the Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Lower Susquehanna Synodical Women's Organization. In this issue there is a registration form on the upcoming Day of Renewal, scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2015, at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Penbrook. You'll also find a bio on our new synodical treasurer, Peggi Norman and financial information and deadlines to submit offerings as the fiscal year ends, January 31, 2015. Norma Good has submitted updated information on Lutheran World Relief, and an article about the 2015 Ingathering Weekend, as well as updated Fair Trade information.
WEATHER-RELATED CLOSINGS OF OUR SYNOD OFFICES 
A message will be posted on our Facebook Page and on our phone system voice mail if our offices are closed due to bad weather. The United Church Center Building follows the Central Dauphin School District closure policy.
HOLD THE DATE! Mark your calendars now for September 13, 2015 (first Sunday after Labor Day) and the third annual "God's Work. Our Hands." Sunday. Look for more information, but start planning now how your congregation can use your hands to do God's work in your community and beyond.
WHERE'S MY PHOTO DIRECTORY? Due to a production glitch, our synod's new photo directory is delayed. We hope to have it out soon, so watch future editions of Carings & Sharings for more information.
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!
January 29 & 30th Law and Gospel Seminar with Prof. Sarah Hinlicky Wilson Zion's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Jonestown
January 29 Preaching Perspectives Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary
January 31 - February 1
Grace in Wellness Women's Retreat
The Hotel Hershey, Hershey, PA
February 21
Equipping Leaders for Transformative Change
St. Peter Lutheran Church, Mechanicsburg, PA
February 28
Introduction to Centering Prayer Workshop
St. Rose of Lima Convent, York
March 1-3
34th Annual Rural Ministry Conference: Practicing Care in Rural Congregations & Communities
Wartburg Seminary, Dubuque, Iowa
March 11
Fresh Expressions Vision Day
Mechanicsburg Brethren in Christ Church, Mechanicsburg, PA
March 21
Crucified Love: Life Rooted in the Paschal Mysteries (A Lenten Retreat)
St. Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2695 Luther Dr., Chambersburg
April 23
Ministry with Persons with Mental Illness and their Families: Understanding Depression and Anxiety Disorders
Lutheran Retirement Village at Utz Terrace, Hanover, PA
Bible Study Series at The Wittel Farm
Bible studies based on Richard Foster's seminal work on Christian spirituality, "Celebration of Discipline." Led by The Rev. Robert Hoover. Visit http://www.lutherancamping.org/events/biblestudy.php for details.
* Wednesday, February 11 - "Prayer"
* Wednesday, March 11 - "Submission"
* Wednesday, April 8 - "Confession"
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.
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.
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Visit the Congregation Connections page on our synod's website to keep up with the specific details (including event times, contact information, publications, and registration information) of the many good things happening in the worshiping communities of our synod. (Click the blue hotlink at the beginning of this paragraph to be redirected.)
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.
January 24
Colorful Parenting Seminar
Trinity Lutheran Church, 2000 Chestnut St., Camp Hill
January 25
LARC (Lutheran-Anglican-Roman Catholic) Vespers
St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 125 S. Spruce St., Annville
Conversations with Bishop Dunlop
Zion Lutheran Church, 1905 Broad St., East Petersburg
January 27
One Synod - One Book Discussions on Finding God in a Bag of Groceries
St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 30 W. Main St., New Kingstown
January 31
Fifth Annual Community Free Clothing Give-Away and Community Meal
Trinity Lutheran Church, 47 W. Main St., Mt. Joy
Graceful Witness Workshop
St. Bartholomew's United Church (ELCA), 1204 Grand Valley Rd., Hanover
Mostly Mozart Concerto Celebration
Messiah College, Parmer Hall, Grantham
February 1
Suicide and God's Grace Educational Event
St. Bartholomew's United Church (ELCA), 1204 Grand Valley Rd., Hanover
Rejoicing Spirits Worship
St. Luke Lutheran Church, 2795 Luther Dr., Chambersburg
February 8
Second Chance at Life Celebration and Health Fair
Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 3700 Rutherford St., Paxtang (Harrisburg)
Eaken Piano Trio 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
March 22
"Seeding the Future" Dinner and Silent Auction -- A Camp Nawakwa Benefit
Trinity Lutheran Church, 2000 Chestnut St., Camp Hill
To Share:
St. Peter's Lutheran Church, 10 Delp Road, Lancaster, PA has about 70 copies of the HYMNAL SUPPLEMENT 1991, published by GIA, that they would LOVE to offer to any interested church body. Please contact Sandy Shattuck or Gary Williams at the church to respond to questions or to indicate your desire to "adopt" the books. Church phone - 717-569-9211 or sshattuck@StPeterslutheran-lanc.org.
Christ Lutheran Church, Filey's has nine 8' tables available for anyone interested. They are in fair shape but are very heavy. They are free to anyone who would like them. We could transport them if necessary.
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.
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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: Zion Lutheran Church, York
Position: Traditional Music Opening/Organist (Posted 1/22/15)
Organization: Lutheran Camping Corporation
Positions: Various Summer staff positions (Posted 1/14/15)
Congregation: First Lutheran Church, Chambersburg
Position: Parish Administrator (Posted 1/14/15)
Congregation: St. David's Lutheran Church, Hanover
Position: Communications Coordinator (Posted 1/6/15)
Congregation: Zion Lutheran Church, Hummelstown
Position: Director of Youth Ministry (Posted 1/6/15)
Organization: Myers-Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory, Mechanicsburg
Position: Facilities Caretaker (Posted 12/4/14)
Congregation: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, York Springs
Position: Part-Time Organist and Sr. Choir Director (Posted 11/25/14)
Organization: Claremont Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Position: Part-time Chaplain and Director of Pastoral Care (Posted 11/25/14)
Congregation: Trinity Lutheran Church, Arendtsville
Position: Organist (reposted 12/10/14)
Congregation: First Lutheran Church, New Oxford
Position:
Organist/Choir Director
(reposted 10/20/14)
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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