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A Message about the Coptic Martyrs
Jesus taught, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God" (Matthew 5:9).
Along with all people of civility and goodwill across the globe, Lower Susquehanna Synod Lutherans share horror, outrage and sadness over the recent murder of 21 members of the Coptic Orthodox Church at the hands of the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.
We honor the faith and witness of these martyrs, whose deaths remind us that many of our Christian brothers and sisters bravely follow Christ despite harassment, persecution and threats of violence and death.
We offer our prayers for the families and friends of the victims, as well as for the Coptic Orthodox Church and all who follow Jesus at perilous risk. In solidarity with secular and religious leaders worldwide (including the Lutheran World Federation President, Bishop Munib Younan of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land), we call for protection, safety and freedom for the members of the Orthodox Coptic Church, for all Christians, and for all of God's people to practice their faith in peace and dignity.
The Coptic Christian martyrs are among only the latest victims of ISIS, whose reign of terror across the Middle East and North Africa has claimed thousands of innocent lives, most of them Muslim. Nightly newscasts remind us that ISIS is not the only perpetrator of violent evil in our world. As followers of the Prince of Peace, we deplore the brutal violence carried out by ruthless thugs for any cause, whether it be political power, drug trafficking, territorial expansion, ethnic or tribal conflict or religious extremism.
We pray for all victims of violence and commit ourselves anew to finding ways to be peacemakers in the name of Jesus, and bearers of the light of Christ to a dark world.
In Christ,
+ Bishop James S. Dunlop
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"The light of Christ is alive and well in this world and in our Lower Susquehanna Synod," said Bishop Jim Dunlop in a recent interview. "We have much good news and many points of light to share.
"In 2015, we are highlighting places across our synod where the light of Christ shines brightly, where the good news of Jesus is bringing light and new life to individuals and to communities, and where hope does not hide in the shadows," he added.
Instead of focusing on tales of woe and predictions of gloom and doom, we are pleased to share with you stories of hope and vision. All across our synod amazing ministry is taking place, people are being touched by the grace and love of Jesus Christ, and the church is finding fresh ways to communicate the gospel to a hurting and broken world.
A common theme uniting these stories is the incorporation of a set of five practices identified and articulated by United Methodist Bishop Robert C. Schnase: radical hospitality, passionate worship, intentional faith development, risk-taking mission and service, and extravagant generosity. Click here to learn more about these five practices.
Our first Bright Spots video focuses on the theme of radical hospitality. Congregations practicing 'radical hospitality' actively invite, welcome, receive, and care for others. Hear from Peter's Porch (Akron, PA) volunteers and constituents sharing how their faith grows because of this out-of-the-ordinary, distinctive, personal hospitality.
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Hungry for God's Word? Thirsting for spiritual community?
We have you covered at LSS Synod Assembly 2015!
June 5 - 7, 2015, Messiah College
1:00 - 4:00 p.m. - Pre-Assembly Faith Formation Event (see link below)
7:00 p.m. - Service of the Word with Order for the Opening of Assembly
Assembly Highlights 
The Word In Song
Lutheran singer/songwriter Rachel Kurtz introduces her new Blues Liturgy, plays a feature concert Saturday evening at 7:00 p.m. and provides interlude music for the assembly plenary sessions. Kurtz' musical inspiration creatively engages us all in God's Word.
Sunday morning's closing worship and rite of ordination features Of The Land & Seasons, the revised liturgy of prayer and Holy Communion rooted in seasons of farm and orchard. Dr. Stephen Folkemer invites vocalists and musicians to share their musical gifts for this service. More details coming soon.
Inspired by God's Word
Refresh and renew hearts and minds through keynote speaker John Roberto's fresh vision for the future of Christian education as faith formation. Separate registration required for the pre-assembly event: http://bit.ly/1wRLcjM.
God's Word In Sacred Conversation
Take time to enter into conversations about our future as the church in our Lower Susquehanna Synod as we discuss and discern the ways in which we move forward together in mission and ministry in central Pennsylvania.
Thirsty anyone?
 Feeding on God's Word makes us thirsty, too! Don't worry - water is allowed in our large Assembly gathering. Coffee, tea, and soda will be available in the hallways surrounding the main conference area with digital displays showing live feed of what's happening inside. Take a break, but be sure to get back inside to vote! No need to fret - we'll let you know when it's time to vote giving you time to finish your coffee or tea and get back inside!
Registration opens in just a few weeks!
For up-to-date Assembly information, check out: www.lss-elca.org/assembly
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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)
Raise Children to be Generous Adults
It may seem like a "no-brainer," but we all need to be reminded of the ways we can cultivate generous hearts in children today so that they will be good stewards as adults. After all, parents and other grown-ups are the primary shapers of our children's attitudes toward money, things and desires. Our children will either be "givers" or "takers" in society, and that will be greatly influenced by the life they live in our home. Check out Ron Edmondson's 10 suggestions in this churchleaders.com article.
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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An Invitation for...
Pastors, Diaconal Ministers, Deaconesses, and Associates in Ministry
As we prepare for the celebration of our Lord's passion, death and resurrection, you are  invited to join Bishop Dunlop and your colleagues in ministry on Tuesday, March 31, 2015, for the liturgy of Holy Eucharist with the renewal of ordination, consecration and commissioning vows.
As in past years, this liturgy will include the blessing of oils. We will gather for the liturgy at St. Paul Lutheran Church (127 York St.) in Hanover at 10:30 a.m., with a light luncheon to follow at noon. St. Paul graciously invited us to join the congregation and wider community for a Lenten luncheon, a long-standing weekly, congregational tradition during the week of Lent. Pastor Richard Jorgensen will provide an inspirational Lenten meditation during the luncheon.
There is no registration fee for the service or luncheon. However, a free will offering will be received to defray the cost of the luncheon prepared by St. Paul's kitchen committee. To help us make adequate preparations, please R.S.V.P. if you plan to attend the luncheon by March 23, 2015.
Clergy are invited to vest in cassock and surplice or alb and red stole. Associates in ministry, deaconesses and diaconal ministers are invited to vest according to their parish custom.
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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.
...prayers for the family of Elizabeth Walters (mother of Pastor Nancy Knol, St. John, Barner's, Liverpool), who died February 13, 2015, at age 92. Services are planned for Friday, February 20, 2015, 11:00 a.m., at The Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Paxtang, The family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will be at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. Click here to be redirected to the obituary.
...prayers for the family of Raymond J. Eberhardt (father of LSS/SWO President Joyce Ray), who died February 6, 2015, at age 93. Interment with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery is set for May. A Celebration of Life will take place at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 405 Church St., Hawley, Sunday, June 7, at noon. Click here to be redirected to the obituary.
...prayers for healing for Pastor Newell Embley (Zion, Leola) who is preparing for surgery on March 2.
...prayers for the families of the 21 Egyptian construction workers, members of the Coptic Orthodox Church, who were brutally murdered by ISIS, and for all who are victims of violence under the guise of faith.
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 this 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 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 15
Music from the Cathedrals, Trinity Lutheran Church 2000 Chestnut St., Camp Hill
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
Fine Arts at First Benefit Concert for Safe Harbour, First Lutheran Church, 21 S. Bedford St., Carlisle
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).
Organization: Frey Village, Middletown
Position: Organist, part-time (posted 2/18/15)
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: 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: 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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Collaboration & Cookies Benefit Tech4Tanzania 
English language educators, a pharmacist and local pastors to develop partnerships in the area. 
