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Souper Bowl 2015: St. Mark's Mechanicsburg Leads West Shore ELCA Churches in the Fight Against Hunger!
Responding to the call to be a church where the hungry are fed, seven West Shore ELCA churches engaged in a friendly yet spirited Souper Bowl competition. Trinity, Mechanicsburg, started the annual competition over 10 years ago, pitting Team Tomato  against Team Chicken Noodle. While Souper Bowl officially kicks off the first Sunday of the New Year, Trinity members have been known to stockpile soup for months before the annual campaign begins. In 2014, Trinity invited other churches to join the campaign hoping to grow the amount of soup collected. That first year St. Mars, St. Peter, Trindle Spring, Trinity, Lemoyne, and Trinity, Mechanicsburg, joined forces to fight hunger.
The Mechanicsburg ELCA congregations kicked off the 2015 campaign last October with a hunger awareness gathering. Recognizing the need to engage resources beyond any individual congregation, the meeting featured local food ministry staff and the Lower Susquehanna Synod World Hunger Committee chair, Cheryl Burns. Attendees created the plan for the Souper Bowl 2015 and discussed local hunger statistics and the needs of people living in poverty.
Souper Bowl 2015 saw the addition of two more churches, Grace, Camp Hill, and St. John, Shiremanstown. Together the seven churches collected more than 11,000 cans of soup and almost $500. According to Michelle Knight, Trinity, Mechanicsburg's, Social Ministry Chair, the cash option gives New Hope more flexibility to purchase other types of food based on current needs. It is also a more convenient way for friends, family and the community to join in. New Hope Ministries provided a truck to pick up the soup at all four Mechanicsburg churches after worship on February 1.
New Hope Ministries is also a recipient of a 2014 LSS World Hunger Legacy Fund Grant. The $5,000 grant supports strategies designed to teach the organization's clients how to stretch their food dollars and purchases through the use of sales flyers, coupons, seasonal shopping lists and basic cooking skills featuring food items clients can choose from New Hope's Food Pantry ministry. New Hope has centers in Dillsburg, Dover, Hanover and Mechanicsburg, which serve parts of York County and the West Shore. Other community based food ministries that received some of the soup collected include the Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary student food bank, the Ecumenical Food Pantry, Family Promise and Helping Hands.
Want to join the fun in 2016? Contact Michelle Knight at knightmichelle1961@gmail.com. (Editor's Note: Thanks to Michelle Knight for submitting this article and to Pastor Randy Marburger for the photo!)
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Our synod is co-sponsoring a Fresh Expressions Visioning Day on March 11 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Mechanicsburg Brethren in Christ Church (1050 South York St., Mechanicsburg). This is a great opportunity for congregations and leaders to expand their vision for mission and ministry beyond their doors and to help nurture new expressions of the church.
Registration is just $20 per person. Click here to register or learn more. You may also contact our Director for Evangelical Mission, Pastor Richard Jorgensen ( rjorgensen@lss-elca.org) for more details about the day. |
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The Evolution from Christian Education to Faith Formation:
A Seminar on Adaptive Change
Isn't the term "faith formation" simply a new way to talk about traditional Christian education? You may hear that some congregations are "killing" Sunday school, but is that  really necessary? How does a congregation equip young disciples at a time when sports and other activities draw children and families away from Sunday morning worship, Confirmation and Sunday school?
There are no easy answers, but we need to explore these questions more deeply and examine them from the perspective of individual congregations. So we invite you to bring your team of Christian educators and youth ministers to the first of series of seminars exploring faith formation in this modern culture. Called "Equipping Leaders for Transformative Change," this seminar is scheduled for Saturday, February 21, from 9:00 a.m. to noon, at St Peter Lutheran, Mechanicsburg. Individuals are welcome to attend, but we do encourage you to bring at least one fellow teacher or youth advisor, so you can explore how the material may be applied in your congregational setting.
To register, simply send an email to Deacon Marsha Roscoe, synod Resource Network Director, at mroscoe@lss-elca.org. The seminar costs $15, payable at the door on the day of the event. To learn more about our new offerings through the Center for Faith Formation at Lower Susquehanna Synod, visit us on the web at: http://www.lss-elca.org/resources/center-for-faith-formation/center-for-faith-formation-events/.
(Pictured above are members of Zion Lutheran Church in Enola celebrating an intergenerational fun event on a Sunday afternoon.)
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 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)
"Why I Won't Give to Your Church"
In this illuminating essay from Leadership Journal, a member of the Millennial generation who was born and raised in the church explains why he and many folks his age are put off by traditional congregational approaches to faith, religion and community - and what might work to involve them in church life. Use this as a conversation starter with the Millennials in your congregation, as well as with the older folks who long to see them reconnect with church.
Free Stewardship Materials Our synod has a limited free supply of two ELCA resources for congregations that are interested in starting a year-round stewardship program. "Make It Simple"is a comprehensive program of downloadable materials contained on two DVDs. "Stewards of God's Love" is a printed booklet that outlines ideas and approaches. If you'd like a copy contact Rob Blezard at rblezard@lss-elca.org.
Brown Bag Leadership Lunch: Biblical Storytelling & Mark's Gospel, March 12
An Epic Telling is a powerful experience of a book of the Bible or a series of stories told by a team of tellers in one sitting. It's a completely different experience from hearing Scripture read in  church, or from reading it in silence to oneself. The text comes to life and pulls us in.
Want to learn more about Epic Telling of biblical stories? Interested in being part of an Epic Telling of the Gospel of Mark? Did you know the early church originally experienced the Gospel in this way? The flash backs, foreshadowing, the humor, the stormy relationship between Jesus and the duh-sciples, the stunning ending? The Gospel of Mark runs about 2 hrs 20 minutes, including a 10-minute intermission. It's like an evening of going to the movies, but it's live!
We'd like to gather of team of tellers to plan, practice and perform an Epic Telling of Mark's Gospel on our synod territory. Join us for the next brown bag lunch March 12, from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. in the lunch room of the Synod Office. We will organize and select director(s), producer(s) and tellers-- and plunge into our first rehearsal. Even if you're not ready to be part of a performance, all are welcome to learn more about this style of sharing the gospel. For more information contact Tim Seitz-Brown at timothy.seitzbrown@gmail.com or Sharron Blezard at sblezard@lss-elca.org.
(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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Register Now for Lutheran Day at the Capital: Homecomings
 Monday, April 27, 2015, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Trinity Lutheran Church, Camp Hill and at the Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg
Bring your faith to the table, and join Lutherans from around the state for worship, learning, advocacy and action. Lutheran Day at the Capitol will focus on our baptismal call to ministry in the public square and the unique voice of Lutheran Christians addressing hunger and poverty. The day will include worship, a keynote address, legislative briefing and visit training, workshops, a continental breakfast and lunch. Click here for a poster and mail-in registration form.
NEW this year is a Pre-Event: The Open Table: From Poverty to Community - learn about a ministry model of accompaniment. Come to be inspired, prepared and equipped to act on issues that matter.
Keynote Speaker: The Rev. Dr. Kristin Johnston Largen, Acting Dean and Associate Professor of Systematic Theology at the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Gettysburg.
Visit the LAMPa website to register and for more detailed information. Remember, it's "God's work. Our hands. Our voices." We can make a difference! |
You're Invited 
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.
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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.
...We pray for the family of James R. Gable Sr, (father of Pastor Jim Gable, St. Paul Lutheran Church, Lititz), who died February 8, 2015, at age 89. He was a resident of Providence Place in Dover. A Memorial Service will be held Monday, Feb 16, 10:00 a.m., at his home congregation, St. Paul Lutheran Church, 25 W. Springettsbury Ave., York, with Rev. Stanley W. Reep officiating. Interment will be at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.
...We pray for Pastor Newell Embley (Zion, Leola), who is preparing for surgery at Lancaster Regional Hospital on March 2.
...We pray for the family of Mary E. Bringman (mother of Mission Investment Fund Trustee Chairman Daniel Bringman and mother-in-law of Synod Vice President Lucinda Bringman), who died February 7, 2015. A memorial service is being planned for a later date. Click here to access the obituary.
...We pray for Liz Darr (wife of Pastor Thomas Darr, Flohrs Lutheran Church), who is recovering from surgery.
...We pray for the family of William Kiick, husband of Associate in Ministry R. Lynne Kiick, who died Friday, February 6, 2015. Funeral services were held Tuesday, February 10, at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Hanover. Click here to be redirected to the complete obituary.
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.
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.
CALENDAR NOTE: The Resource Center will be closed Friday, February 20, as Marty Shifflett will be on vacation and Marsha Roscoe on continuing education. Normal Resource Center hours will resume Monday, February 23 at 8:30 a.m. Thank you!
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.
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!
to be redirected to our website for detailed information about upcoming events.
February 21
Equipping Leaders for Transformative Change St. Peter Lutheran Church, Mechanicsburg.
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 5 to March 21
Spring Basic Mediation Training Lancaster Mediation Center, Lancaster
March 11
Fresh Expressions Vision Day Mechanicsburg Brethren in Christ Church, Mechanicsburg.
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 12-13
Rostered Leaders' Retreat: Centered in Christ, Camp Kirchenwald, Lebanon.
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.
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 (Wednesdays during Lent)
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.
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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.
February 16
Beer & Hymns with Lebanon Lutheran Cooperative & Zion's Lutheran (Jonestown)
Snitz Creek Brewery, 7 N. 9th St., Lebanon
February 18
Blessed Community: Lent at St. Matthew St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 839 W. Market St., York
February 21
Tree of Life Lutheran Church Youth Group hosting Coffee House and Open Mic Night, 1492 Linglestown Rd., Harrisburg
February 22
Popcorn Hat Players Present Bible Stories! Trinity Lutheran Church, 2000 Chestnut St., Camp Hill
March 1
Rejoicing Spirits Worship (a disABILITIES Ministry) St. Luke Lutheran Church, 2795 Luther Dr., Chambersburg
March 8
Rejoicing Spirits Worship (a disABILITIES Ministry) St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 30 W. Main St., New Kingstown
March 12
Conversations with the Bishop Christ Lutheran Church, 30 Chambersburg St., Gettysburg
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
March 21
Group's Everest VBS FunShop, Zion Lutheran Church, York
March 22
"Seeding the Future" Dinner and Silent Auction -- A Camp Nawakwa Benefit Trinity Lutheran Church, 2000 Chestnut St., Camp Hill
May 1-3
"Beginning Experience" Weekend (for those dealing with the pain of divorce, loss, and grief), Doubling Gap Center, Newville
May 3
Healing Service and Open House, SpiriTrust Lutheran LIFE Center, Enola
To Share:
Need hymnals, tables, a video camera, 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!
Wanted:
About 50 With One Voice Blue Hymnals to share with a full communion partner, Zion's Reformed Church in Ephrata, PA. If you have some to donate, contact organist Kirk Garner at kirkorganist@hotmail.com.
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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.
Visit the Employment Opportunities page on our website for a complete list of current job openings with more details (including jobs that have been extended).
Congregation: St. Peter's Lutheran Church (Neffsville), Lancaster
Position: Director of Music, part-time (Posted 2/4/15)
Congregation: St. Mark's Lutheran Church, York
Position: Administrative Assistant/Secretary (Posted 2/4/15)
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: Zion Lutheran Church, Hummelstown
Position: Director of Youth Ministry (Posted 1/6/15)
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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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Check out this new early warning resource from Lutheran World Relief! 
