10 Questions First-Time Visitors are Asking

Most of us are so accustomed to church culture that walking into the sanctuary on Sunday morning is as familiar as walking into our living room. But it's not that way for many of our congregations' first-time visitors -- especially those who are unchurched or who may have attended non-liturgical congregations. Here are some questions our visitors are likely to be asking. The more you can anticipate, the better the chances that your first-time visitors won't be your last-time visitors. From ChurchLeaders.com. Why not discuss this with your council, outreach committee or colleague group? Click the headline to be redirected to the website.

Because of sweeping state laws that took effect on Jan. 1, Pennsylvania congregations are required to implement big changes to how they retain, recruit and screen employees and volunteers who work with children. The laws, passed in the wake of the Jerry Sandusky sex-abuse scandal, require criminal and child-abuse history clearances for all employees and volunteers who work with children. It also classifies them as mandated reporters who have legal obligations to report suspected child abuse.

The April 9 Brown-Bag Leadership Lunch will provide an overview of the new laws, how they impact volunteers and how congregations can work to get into compliance with the laws. Topics covered will include background clearances, confidentiality, safe record-keeping and assisting in finding education and training for mandated reporters.

The lunch is designed for congregational leaders who are responsible for ensuring their congregation is in compliance with the new law.

Discussion starts at 10:00 a.m. in the lunchroom of the Synod Office, 900 S. Arlington Ave., Harrisburg, PA  17109. We will eat lunch and begin wrapping up at about noon. The event ends at 1:00 p.m.

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. 

Consider Designating Your Thrivent Choice Dollars for our Synod's Ministries

Don't forget that your Thrivent Choice dollars can be designated for our Lower Susquehanna Synod ministries! Remember your congregation and our entire synod by making your selection today (March 31 is the deadline). Help your congregational ministries, AND help our synod feed others as we have been fed by Christ. Click here to make your Choice Dollars designation.

Rostered Leaders and Eligible Spouses: Please Take Your Health Assessment Today!

If you (and your eligible spouse if applicable) have already taken the 2015 Mayo Clinic Health Assessment, please accept our thanks. If you have not, please do so today. As of February 28, only 61 rostered leaders/spouses had completed the assessment. We need at least an additional 115 participants to meet our 65% goal and earn an estimated $55,000 in savings for our congregations. Click here to track our progress and that of other synods, churchwide units, and seminaries.

The April 30 deadline will be here quickly, and it takes only a few minutes to work through the questions. This year it's even easier because you can access the assessment from the main Portico Benefits page by clicking here. Not only will you earn $150 in wellness dollars to offset deductibles and eligible medical expenses, you'll also help all participating congregations in our synod save money on premiums AND help us earn this year's rebate to help fund next year's wellness retreat. It's good stewardship of your health and resources. Thank you!