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LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF (LWR) NOW ASKING FOR SCHOOL KITS!
The packets of information on the LWR October 3&4 Ingathering that were distributed recently to congregations included the fact that Mission Quilts and Personal Care Kits were the items most needed. On April 20 a new plea came out saying that LWR is in urgent need of SCHOOL KITS to fulfill requests from partners around the world. The warehouses recently sent out 6,350 School Kits to families affected by the ongoing conflict in Syria. Thank you in advance for responding to this need!
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| | LWR School Kits: Tips and Tricks |
Click here for more information about school kits, including what items to include, how to pack them, and how to make the backpacks.
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 Lutheran Youth Organization Fosters Leaders for Today & Tomorrow: Elects New Officers
The Lower Susquehanna Synod Lutheran Youth Organization (LSSLYO) is thrilled to introduce our newly elected leadership team, scheduled to be installed at the annual Synod Assembly, on Friday, June 5, 2015, at the evening worship service at Messiah College.
Justin Myers: President (Trinity Lutheran, Mt Joy)
Theresa Hanley: Director of Events & Programming (St John Lutheran, Hoernerstown)
Zach Rago: Director of Service (Trinity Lutheran, Mt. Joy)
Katie Null: Director of Communications (Concordia Lutheran, Columbia)
These young leaders will help set priorities for the LYO Board in 2015-2016, help plan and facilitate synod youth events, represent the youth of our synod at synod council and churchwide meetings, and help determine the stewardship goals for our LYO Change for Change Initiative. Their peers who serve on our LYO Board all work closely to help further youth and family ministry in our synod, while many serve as leaders of their home congregational youth groups. Do you know a young leader (7-10th grade) who you'd like to see serving as a synod leader? Help us identify our best young leaders, and consider sending them to Leadership Training Camp, our annual synod leadership event, July 26-31, 2015, at Camp Nawakwa. To learn more about LYO, LT Camp, or any synod youth leadership opportunities, visit us on the web at:
http://www.lss-elca.org/youth-family/.
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Every year, millions of people around the globe observe World Malaria Day on April 25. The ELCA Malaria Campaign is again turning this day into a special week, inviting all of our synod's congregations to participate.
Right now, we are at a historic moment in the life of our church and this campaign. Five years ago we set a goal, dreamed big with our Lutheran companion churches and partners, and set out to raise $15 million by 2015. The time to make this dream a reality is now.
Our Lower Susquehanna Synod Goal through the Always Being Made New Campaign is $500,000. To make this goal a reality, we need to raise only $5.50 per baptized member. We're about halfway there with $280,000 raised so far. Can you help us make a real difference and save lives? $10 is all it takes to provide a life-saving mosquito net for an entire family.
Please consider a special offering or activity this month. Click here for resources and information on our synod website. Click here for ELCA resources, including a bulletin insert. Thank you for your generosity and love of neighbor!
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Called to Serve: Nominees Needed for Synod Vice-President
The Lower Susquehanna Synod is still seeking nominees for the position of Synod Vice-President. This is a volunteer position filled by a layperson who is a voting member of our synod. Click here for a job description. Interested persons should contact Pastor Dana Blouch-Hanson, chair of the Gifts Discernment and Nominating Committees at pastordanabh@gmail.com.
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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)
A cure for mile-wide and inch-deep religion
Whether it's the lay leaders of the 19th-century Mainline congregation on Main Street, the evangelists of the megachurch near the mall or the bureaucrats in the denominational offices, Christians are realizing they have to change to reach people in the 21st Century. The question is how? What should we be doing differently? Church consultant Thom Erich says we need to go deeper. Read his commentary (click the headline) and discuss with your council or peer group what it would mean for your ministry.
Stronger Together: Exploring Ways to Cooperate and Collaborate
 Hold the date for this very special Brown Bag Leadership Lunch scheduled for Thursday, May 28. Join Pastor Richard Jorgensen and Lutherans from across our synod who are engaged in innovative and faithful collaboration. Flexible models of working together to share assets that meet the needs of various contexts and community cultures abound. Bring your questions, your ideas, and prepare to be excited about new possibilities for the future.
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. Please call Cathy Deitrich (717-652-1852, ext. 104) to r.s.v.p. so that we'll have enough materials on hand.
(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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You are Invited...
April 26
Installation of the Rev. Sherry Miller, Chaplain
Frey Village
1020 N. Union St., Middletown, PA
3:00 p.m.
May 3
Installation of the Rev. Traci Benditz Glover
Zion Lutheran Church
1290 River Rd., Marietta
3:00 p.m.
A covered dish reception will follow worship. Rostered leaders are invited to vest and process. The color of the day is white.
May 14
Ascension Day Eucharist and Luncheon
for our synod's retired rostered leaders, spouses, widows, and widowers
St. Peter's Lutheran Church
Spring and Union Streets
Middletown, PA
11:00 a.m. worship followed by luncheon
R.S.V.P. to Marty Shifflett (800-692-7282 ext. 115) by May 11.
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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 Shirley Schaertel, wife of Pastor John Schaertel (retired), who died Tuesday, April 21. Services will be held Sunday, April 26, at Our Saviour Lutheran Church, Harrisburg. The family will receive friends from 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. when the service will begin. Click here to be redirected to the obituary.
...prayers for the family of Pastor Brenda Ferree (St. James, York), who died Wednesday, April 22. A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 2, at St. James Lutheran Church, 25 N. Adams St., York, at 11:00 a.m.
...prayers for immigrants who in their desperation to move to a new country put their lives in danger; that all be led safely in God's care. We remember particularly the hundreds of migrants who lost their lives when the boat carrying them from Libya across the Mediterranean to the Italian island of Lampedusa.
...prayers for refugees fleeing violence and war, particularly the escalating refugee situations in Syria and South Sudan.
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.
Health Assessment Deadline One Week Away so Please Don't Delay!
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 April 14, we still needed at least an additional 66 participants to meet our 65% goal and earn an estimated $55,000 in savings for our congregations and a 1% rebate for health initiatives in our synod (like this year's rostered leader retreat and the upcoming family day at Camp Nawakwa). Click here to track our progress and that of other synods, churchwide units, and seminaries. Spouses--click here for detailed instructions about how to access the assessment.
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!
 Day of Renewal Registration Deadline is May 1!
The Women of the ELCA will hold their annual Day of Renewal, Saturday, May 16 , at Zion Lutheran Church, Penbrook. The theme for the day is "Of Many Generations - Seasons of a Women's Life" Guest speaker for the day is Elva Hurst, a self-taught artist using her artistic skills with different mediums but most recently using chalk illustrating a story that is presented with pre-recorded music and narration. She has developed numerous programs with historic, patriotic, inspirational and holiday themes. Click here for more information and a registration form.
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.
April 25
"World Ecumenism," sponsored by the Dr. Eric Gritsch Memorial Fund, George Peabody Library, 17 Mount Vernon Place, Baltimore, MD.
April 26
The Open Table: From Poverty to Community, Trinity Lutheran Church, 9000 Chestnut St., Camp Hill
April 27
LAMPa Lutheran Day at the Capitol, Trinity Lutheran Church, Camp Hill, and the Pennsylvania State Capitol, Harrisburg
April 27 - May 2
Home and Away: Ministry with Those Coming Home and Ministry as the Global Church, Gettysburg Spring Academy, Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary
May 2
Choosing Love: A Parent's Story, A Day with the Rev. Frank Schaefer
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 570 Welsh Rd, Huntingdon Valley, PA
July 26
Women's Active Faith Day at Camp Kirkenwald
July 29-31
Rethinking Confirmation: Signs of Life in Times of Change
Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MN
September 10
Bishop's Convocation: Participatory Proclamation & Faith Formation with David Lose
St. Matthew Lutheran Church, York
All are invited--rostered leaders, lay leaders, those interested in faith formation and proclamation--to this day of worship, education, and fellowship. Our presenter is the Rev. Dr. David J. Lose, President of The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia. He will focus on participatory proclamation and faith formation for our time and contexts. The day includes worship, time with Bishop Dunlop, two interactive sessions with Rev. Lose, light breakfast, and lunch. Click here for more information, a flyer, and to register.
Coming up at Wittel Farm...
"Mark-ing" Scripture Together at the Wittel Farm in Elizabethtown, PA
This fall, Bishop Dunlop and Pastor Rob Myallis invite rostered leaders, worship planners, and faith formation leaders to gain insights, share ideas as we explore Mark's gospel together. All three sessions will be offered at the Wittel Farm from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
September 15 -"Mark-ing the end of Pentecost" Led by Bishop Dunlop
October 19 - "Mark-ing the Festivals" Led by Pastor Rob Myallis
November 16 - "Mark-ing Advent" Led by Pastor Rob Myallis.
Registration details coming soon.
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 this year's 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.
Tuesday, May 5
REGISTRATION CLOSED. EVENT CAPACITY REACHED
St. Paul Lutheran Church, 20 Franklin St., Biglerville
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Note: Due to high demand and need to keep workshop-size optimal, our synod will be offering additional sessions of boundary training in the fall.
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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.
April 25
Pancake Breakfast, Calvary Lutheran Church, 9 N. Main St., Dover
April 26
Lancaster Mennonite School Campus Chorale Choir in Concert, Zion Lutheran Church, 18 Quarry Rd., Leola
May 1-3
"Beginning Experience" Weekend (for those dealing with the pain of divorce, loss, and grief), Doubling Gap Center, Newville
May 3
Rejoicing Spirits Worship (a disABILITIES Ministry), St. Luke Lutheran Church, 2695 Luther Dr., Chambersburg
May 4
2015 Commonwealth Interfaith Prayer Service: Prayers for Justice and Peace, Pine Street Presbyterian Church, 310 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg
Church Medical & Safety Training, St. Peter's Lutheran Church, 947 N. George St., York
May 9
Underground Skate Park at Trinity Lutheran Church, 132 E. Main St., Mechanicsburg
May 10
Rejoicing Spirits Worship (a disABILITIES ministry), St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 30 W. Main St., New Kingstown
May 16
7th Annual Highmark "Walk for a Healthy Community" (You or your team can benefit St.
Barnabas Children's Ministry) HACC Harrisburg
May 31
Mission Partner Sunday at Christ Lutheran Church, 124 S. 13th St., Harrisburg
June 14- 19
"Heroes of the BIble" Day Camp, St. Peter Lutheran Church, 130 Nittany Dr., Mechanicsburg
July 9
2nd Annual Ladies' Tea Party, Camp Nawakwa, Arendtsville
July 26-31
Everest VBS, Calvary Lutheran Church, 9 N. Main St., Dover
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!
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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. Mark's Lutheran Church, York
Position: Part-time (20 hrs./week) Secretarial Position (Posted 4/16/15)
Congregation: St. Peter's Lutheran Church, York
Position: Organist - Choir Director (Posted 4/16/15)
Congregation: St. John Lutheran Church, New Freedom
Position: Minister of Music, Choir Director, Instrumentalist (Posted 4/16/15)
Congregation: Memorial Lutheran Church, Shippensburg
Position: Director of Vocal Music (Posted 4/16/15)
Congregation: St. John's Lutheran Church, Abbottstown
Position: Administrative Assistant (Posted 4/8/15)
Congregation: Our Saviour Lutheran Church, Harrisburg
Position: Administrative Assistant (posted 3/25/15)
Congregation: Zion Lutheran Church, Etters
Position: Part-time Administrative Assistant (posted 3/25/15)
Organization: Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Position: Director for Congregational Support (posted 3/18/15)
Organization: Thrivent Financial for Christians
Position: Thrivent Financial Representative (posted 3/5/15)
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)
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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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