January 29, 2015

Time for the Go! Challenge 2015

Pastors Kevin Shively (St. Matthew, York) and Barb Barry (Quickel, York) practice good stewardship of health and wellness at the 2014 5K Turkey Trot.

In 2014, rostered leaders in our Synod met the challenge to earn all congregations a 2% discount on Portico health premiums and an incentive from Portico Benefits that will help fund next week's Rostered Leader Wellness Retreat at the Hershey Hotel, in addition to earning up to $500 in wellness dollars for each member, spouse, and ESGP. Thank you for being good stewards of your health, your congregation or organization's resources, and our synod's overall wellness. We appreciate you!

 

Now it's time for the 2015 Go! Challenge, and there are even more opportunities to earn your wellness dollars. Begin, if you have not already done so, by taking the Mayo Clinic Health Assessment by April 30. This will earn you $150. It's even easier this year because you no longer need a separate Mayo Clinic user ID and password. Simply sign in to myPortico.PorticoBenefits.org to register and be redirected to the assessment.

 

Next choose and complete one wellness activity and earn $350. The focus this year is on "Being Still" and practicing a spiritual discipline of daily prayer for at least six weeks. Other options are keeping a food or fitness journal for at least 10 weeks. Visit PorticoBenefits.org/go for detailed information. You'll find plenty of tools to help you at the new Mayo Clinic Healthy Living, and online resource center that has replaced the EmbodyHealth web portal. If you use a FitBit monitor, you can even upload activity to your journal automatically.

 

In the November 2014 issue of The Lutheran, Presiding Bishop Eaton said, "As a church we need to engage in basic spiritual practices: prayer, silence, corporate worship, Scripture study, giving, service. These are ways God comes to us. These disciplines create space in us, an openness, for God's Spirit. They chip away at our willfulness. They make us aware of God's presence in our lives."

 

Thank you for being a good steward of God's gifts last year. Please help us make even more of an impact this year by participating again or by joining us for the first time. Look for more information about how our synod is also offering opportunities and events to help you meet your requirements for the 2015 Go! Challenge. Together we are stronger. Together we are the synod that feeds others as we have been fed by Christ.


GLOBAL NEWS & CONNECTIONS

SERVE ON THE LSS-GLOBAL MISSION COMMITTEE-JOY!

By Pastor Liz Polanzke

When I was asked to serve on our Synod's Global Mission Committee, I was willing...but perhaps not overly eager.  As a small parish pastor who serves on every congregation committee, leads and creates many of my congregation's own programs, and serves on

Pastor Liz Polanzke is pictured on a trip to Tanzania.

many community boards, one more committee, may seem like overkill.  Yet, knowing my call to serve the larger church, I wanted to jump in, and Global Mission is one of my passions.  So, ONWARD...

 

Today, serving the LSS-Global Mission Committee has become one of the greatest joys of my life.  Yes, I actually said that.  You know why? 

 

First, at any given meeting a member is returning or leaving on mission.  Take this last meeting, for example.  Around one table, the devotions were shared by one member who had traveled with a pilot of On Eagle's Wings to Northern Canada where she was able to work with children of a small village.  Another member had been in Bangladesh only three weeks prior to the meeting.  Another member was leaving the day after the meeting for mission work in Haiti, and the chairperson, who had just returned from Peru, told us about eating cuye. These are passionate, Gospel-centered people engaged in global mission.  They are deeply caring and hard-working.  They put their lives on the front lines and truly desire to connect every local parishioner with the global missions of the ELCA and more. 

Second, positively passionate people!  After the last meeting I received the nicest
e-mail affirming our relationship in Christ and mission for the Gospel.  That is such a blessing.

 

Third (being Trinitarian, there had to be three reasons), entertaining minutes with humorous commentary which capture the spirit of the meeting as well as the content. 

 

In the last year, the Global Mission Committee has recreated itself to be the umbrella for all of the Synod's global missions.  We see ourselves as the facilitators for networking people with passions for global missions.  Whether it is a local congregational mission trip or sponsorship of an ELCA Missionary, we are seeking to create a hub for information through the Synod's website, a speaker's bureau to spread news of ministries and opportunities for service, a reading list for congregation-based book groups, and more. 

 

We're excited.  We're passionate.  We're supportive of each other, and YOUR global missions.  We are always looking for equally passionate and excited members for the committee, and news of your congregation's global mission experiences.  If you want to be a part of a productive, Gospel-centered, global mission, consider volunteering to be a part of the Global Mission Committee of the Lower Susquehanna Synod. 

 

Contact Chairperson:  Pastor Bob Hoover, bandjhoover@verizon.net, 717-843-8348

 

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?

Do you have an idea from your congregation that you'd like to highlight? Want to serve on this committee? Interested in sponsoring a missionary? E-mail Sharron Blezard, Committee Chairperson Pastor Bob Hoover, or contact any Global Missions Committee member. 

ELCA Educational Programs Keep Malaria Nets Fighting Malaria 

 

by Allison Beebe, ELCA Malaria Campaign

Recently, The New York Times published an interesting article titled "Meant to Keep Malaria Out, Mosquito Nets Are Used to Haul Fish In". The article focuses on the
challenge posed by people using mosquito nets as fishing nets, and reminds us that the choice between hunger and health is real and pressing for many.
This is not a new problem in the fight against malaria, but the article brings it to a new light. The ELCA Malaria Campaign would like to take this opportunity to share about how Lutheran malaria programs in Africa are already responding to this challenge.

 

Every net that is distributed through the Lutheran malaria program is accompanied by educational programming about how to properly use the net, how to hang the net, and what benefits (health and otherwise) can be realized from appropriate net use. The Lutheran malaria programs which are supported by the ELCA Malaria Campaign are comprehensive, which means that programming is more than just nets (although nets are an important piece). The programs operate under four pillars: prevention, education, treatment and sustainable livelihoods. Nets fall under the "prevention" pillar, but only when joined with content from the "education" pillar. Click here to read the entire article on the ELCA website.


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)

Free Ebook: Stewardship Under the Cross

Most of our congregations struggle with finance and stewardship. Leaders can take heart from one LCMS pastor's journey and reflections on stewardship. The Rev. H.R. Curtis offers it as a free ebook. He writes: "What you'll get in this book is the experience and advice of one pastor struggling to remain faithful to God's Word while leading his parish through a rough financial patch. There are plenty of stewardship programs out there - some good, some bad, and some ugly. While I do lay out the program we used at my parish, this is not a book about a program; it is a book about how to think about and teach stewardship as a Lutheran; a book about Law & Gospel, vocation, and liturgy." What can your congregation apply to its work?

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. 

 

Most of our congregations struggle with finance and stewardship. Leaders can take heart from one LCMS pastor's journey and reflections on stewardship. The Rev. H.R. Curtis offers it as a free ebook. He writes: "What you'll get in this book is the experience and advice of one pastor struggling to remain faithful to God's Word while leading his parish through a rough financial patch. There are plenty of stewardship programs out there - some good, some bad, and some ugly. While I do lay out the program we used at my parish, this is not a book about a program; it is a book about how to think about and teach stewardship as a Lutheran; a book about Law & Gospel, vocation, and liturgy." What can your congregation apply to its work?

(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're Invited
Sunday, February 8, 2015
Installation of the Rev. Edwina Landrry
Christ Lutheran Church, 66 South Main St., Manchester
3:00 p.m.
Clergy are invited to vest and process. The color of the day is green. A reception in the fellowship hall will follow worship.

Sunday, February 15, 2015
Installation of the Rev. Kirk Kerns
Christ Lutheran Church, 1214 Crosby St., Linglestown
3:00 p.m.
Clergy are invited to vest and process. The color of the day is white. A reception will follow worship. 

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.

...We pray for our senior seminarians as they prepare for the assignment process and look forward to their first call.

...We pray for congregations in transition, for interim pastors who serve those congregations, and for councils and call committees charged with discerning direction and the call of a leader with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Have a prayer request to share with others in our synod? Please contact Pr. Sharron Blezard at sblezard@lss-elca.org. 

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. 

 

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.

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

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
Click here to register and for more information. Click here for a flyer.

March 21
Crucified Love: Life Rooted in the Paschal Mysteries (A Lenten Retreat)
St. Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2695 Luther Dr., Chambersburg

March 24-26
Staying Fresh in a Long Small Church Pastorate
Leadership Institute at Union Presbyterian Seminary, Richmond, VA

April 13-16
Called to be Stewards: Embracing our Leadership Roles
Leadership Institute at Union Presbyterian Seminary, Richmond, VA

April 23
Ministry with Persons with Mental Illness and their Families: Understanding Depression and Anxiety Disorders
Lutheran Retirement Village at Utz Terrace, Hanover, PA

April 24-26
Faith Forming Faith Weekend Immersion Training
St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, 175 E. Main St., New Freedom
Click here to register and for more information. Seminarian scholarships available.

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.


 

  




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 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 7

Valentine's Day Dance (Fundraiser for National Youth Gathering)

St. Paul Lutheran Church, 201 W. Louther St., Carlisle

 

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

 

February 18

Blessed Community: Lent at St. Matthew

St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 839 W. Market St., York

 

March 12

Conversations with the Bishop

Christ Lutheran Church, 30 Chambersburg St., Gettysburg

6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

 

March 22

"Seeding the Future" Dinner and Silent Auction -- A Camp Nawakwa Benefit

Trinity Lutheran Church, 2000 Chestnut St., Camp Hill
 

To Share: 

Need hymnals, tables, or light bulbs? Check the Congregation Connections page of our Synod's website for a list of offerings by congregations who are willing to share what they no longer need. Have something to share with others? Let us know!


 

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.

  

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

Congregation: St. Paul's Lutheran Church (Springettsbury Ave.), York
Position: Church Secretary, Full Time (Posted 1/29/15)

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)

Congregation: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, York Springs
Position: Part-Time Organist and Sr. Choir Director (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)

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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