|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Faith Forming Faith: Wade in the Waters
What's a Faith Forming Faith training event and why should I come to one? 
Every healthy congregation wants to share its greatest treasure, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. However, the times in which we live make it harder and harder to do that. Many of the assumptions by which congregations operated around "welcoming new members" in a by-gone era no longer work for "raising up disciples" in the present.
Most men and women who come seeking something need time to raise questions, learn to know who Jesus is and why that might matter to them, and thoughtfully prepare before plunging into baptismal waters.
Rev. Paul Hoffman will share 20 years of solid experience of bringing men, women, and children to the waters of baptism and beyond through a yearlong discipleship process. This event will take participants through the entire church year in a single weekend and equip participants to form others for the faith.
Placed in small groups for Bible study and walking the actual path of a disciple-in-formation, those who participate will not only have a rich and satisfying time of spiritual renewal for themselves, they will return to their congregations prepared to initiate a process of welcome and discipleship in their own communities.
Join others from across our synod for this unique opportunity Friday, April 24 - Sunday, April 26 at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in New Freedom. Visit www.FaithandFontPa.com for details, or contact Rev. George Schneider at 717.235.2315 or pastorschneider@comcast.net.
|
Our third annual Summerfest event, a multi-generational event for people of all ages, is scheduled for Saturday, July 25, from 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 pm., at Camp Nawakwa. The day includes  a picnic-style BBQ lunch and late-afternoon snacks, games and activities for children youth and adults, hiking and guided prayer labyrinth walks, pool time, a concert with the band Lost & Found, and worship with Holy Communion to cap our day. In recent years we have assembled participants from across seven decades of life, to gather around a meal, share fellowship, singing and worship in the beautiful setting of a late summer day at Camp Nawakwa. Won't you make it a point to join us!
Promotional materials like color flyers and bulletin inserts are available at the synod website: http://www.lss-elca.org/youth-family/events/summerfest/, to help you promote this event in your congregation. You can also download the registration document at this site, but what we really need now are approximate numbers as opposed to actual names of participants. Registration fees can be made in advance or at the door. Our worship offering will go to support the Lower Susquehanna Synod Youth Ministry Scholarship Fund.
|
|
 Hungry for God's Word? Want to Feed Others?
Lead a Lunchtime Forum at LSS Synod Assembly 2015!
Application Deadline is March 15, 2015
The Assembly Planning Committee invites applications for lunchtime forum topics supporting this year's Assembly theme "Hungry for the Word." Forums will be offered on Saturday, June 6th, 2015 in Boyer Hall of Messiah College. Interested presenters should complete this form and return to the attention of Deacon Marsha Roscoe at mroscoe@lss-elca.org by March 15, 2015. All proposals will be reviewed by the Synod Assembly Planning Committee. For more information, please contact Deacon Marsha Roscoe at 717-652-1852, Extension 103.
|
 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)
New Questions for a New Day
"It's time to start asking new questions. Better answers to the same old questions about the church will not get us through the tumultuous times in which we live. This is a time for out-of-the box thinking. Old questions keep is in the box. New questions invite us to move outside," writes Jeffrey D. Jones in a blog of Alban at Duke Divinity School. "It's not that the old questions weren't valid at one time or even that they have no place in the church today. Rather, the new questions, if they are the questions that form our approach to ministry, will lead us to new insights and new learning."
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.)
|
Fashion for Funds = Summer Fun for Harrisburg Youth
The St. Barnabas Center is holding a benefit luncheon and fashion show to raise funds for scholarships for its Summer Program. The event will be held on April 19, 2015, at the Radisson in Camp Hill. The event will begin with a silent auction from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Lunch will begin at 2:00 p.m. followed by a fashion show presented by Chico's.  Models will include two of our rostered leaders, Pastor Caitin Glass and Pastor Beth Martini. Tickets are $30.00 and can be obtained by calling Pastor Tom McKee at 800-692-7282, ext. 111, e-mailing him at tmckee@lss-elca.org, or by writing to him at 900 S. Arlington Avenue, Suite 220 B, Harrisburg, PA 17109. Would you, your organization, or congregation be willing to collect items for a theme basket for the silent auction? If so, contact Pastor McKee.
Even if fashion shows are not your thing, you can still help. Donations in any amount for scholarships for the St. Barnabas Summer Program are most needed and welcome. Send your donations to the St. Barnabas Center for Ministry, 248 Seneca Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110. A gift of $100 will sponsor one camper for one week. A gift of $800 sponsors a camper for the entire summer and can change a life.
|
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 the Rev. Donald M. Bohn Sr. (retired), who died Wednesday, February 18, 2015, at the age of 82. Click here to be redirected to the obituary.
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.
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.
|
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 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. Click here to register or for more details.
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.
|
|
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.
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
September 13
"God's Work. Our Hands." Sunday (and LAMPa's "God's Work. Our Hands. Our Voices" Sunday)
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!
|
|
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. Mark Lutheran Church, Mechanicsburg
Position: Part-time Christian Education and Youth Director (posted 2/25/15)
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 (Part-time) (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)
|
|
| 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. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hello! It's been an amazing few months since I last wrote to you at the end of November. 
