April 30, 2015

NEPAL AREA EARTHQUAKE: NEEDS & RESPONSES 

 

 

Members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) are responding to an April 25 earthquake that shook Nepal and its capital city, Kathmandu. Sections of the city's historic center lay in rubble, as aftershocks continue to rock the city valley and neighboring countries.

News reports indicate that more than 5,000 people have died and more than 10,000 have been injured. Some 2.8 million people have been displaced. Deaths have been reported in neighboring Bangladesh, India and Tibet, and the tremor also set off an avalanche on Mount Everest.


ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton is requesting prayers "for people affected by the earthquake and its aftershocks, especially as they grieve the loss of loved ones and property."


"Lutheran Disaster Response is committed to long-term disaster response, so our work is just beginning," said the Rev. Daniel Rift, director for the ELCA World Hunger and Disaster Appeal. "The ELCA will accompany our brothers and sisters in the Nepal area as they navigate every part of this disaster relief and recovery process."


The ELCA is working in close partnership with the ACT Alliance to coordinate response efforts - which includes the distribution of life-saving supplies such as water, food, shelter and medication for people injured - along with Lutheran World Relief and other local organizations.


Beth McKinley, Philanthropic Advisor for the Mid-Atlantic Region, Lutheran World Relief, provided this update:


LWR has had a presence in Nepal since 2009 and is currently working in the Lamjung District, where the epicenter of the earthquake was. "We are reaching out to local partners to develop a response but initial reports estimate that 75% of the homes were destroyed in this region," she said.


"LWR staff in Kathmandu are safe," she added. "They are conducting assessments and coordination meetings with the Government of Nepal and other International Relief and Development agencies to coordinate response efforts.


"LWR is shipping over 9,000 quilts, 1,000 personal care kits and 100 water filtration units from a warehouse in Dubai. LWR has also made an initial commitment of $500,000 toward relief efforts."


Click here to be redirected to Lutheran Disaster Response and here to visit the LWR website where daily updates are being posted and congregational resources are available. (Photo: UKAid, Creative Commons)


Global Mission News


ELCA supports projects that sustain families and communities worldwide  

The ELCA contributed $3.3 million in 2014 to Lutheran World Relief to fund 28 projects in 14 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America, projects that include agricultural production and food security, income generation and disaster risk reduction. Click here to read more.


Click here for the May edition of the ELCA Global Links newsletter and keep your congregation informed about mission news from around the world.

Send Stoles to the Konde Diocese with Pastor Houck!
It started with a friendship with Pastor Amani, who studied at Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary, and that friendship is now leading to a trip to the Konde Diocese for Pastor Evan Houck (Grace, Camp Hill) and his brother, Gary Lee Houck. In addition to visiting various parishes throughout the Diocese and meeting Bishop Mwakyolile, Pastor Houck will be preaching and teaching.

Pastor Houck would like to take stoles along on the trip to share with our colleagues in the Konde Diocese. If you have one or more you'd like to send, please contact him at [email protected]. He will need to arrange to collect them by June 1.

Are you interested in a trip to our companion diocese in Tanzania? If so, stop by the Konde Committee table at Synod Assembly and sign up for our Saturday lunchtime forum to learn more about the 2016 summer trip we're planning.

The Situation in Baltimore: What Can I Do?


This is a question many of our Lutheran rostered leaders in the Baltimore area are being asked following the funeral of 25-year-old Freddie Gray and the protests surrounding his death. Rev. Bill Gohl, dean of the Baltimore City Conference of Lutheran Churches, and his colleagues have prepared a sheet of ideas to help congregations, youth groups, and individuals find ways to help, to learn, to serve, and to support the City of Baltimore now and in the days and months to come. Click here to download a copy of Pastor Gohl's letter. 


 
Prayer Petition:

For Peace in cities and neighborhoods, especially in Baltimore: that God will guide leaders to address unresolved issues in communities and open pathways leading to reconciliation; We pray to the Lord.
 
Photo: Amazing Grace Lutheran Church, Baltimore (Facebook)


Bread for the World Lobby Day 2015: Feed Our Children

Sign up now for Bread for the World's 2015 Lobby Day in Washington, D.C.  Lobby Day offers a unique opportunity to communicate personally with members of Congress and their staff in Washington, D.C.

Lobby Day will focus on urging Congress to feed our children, which is the theme of Bread's 2015 Offering of Letters. Specifically, we will be asking Congress to:

  • protect and strengthen child nutrition programs
  • support legislation to help millions of children around the world get nutritious food
Lobby Day will take place on Tuesday, June 9. Registration is free, but space is limited. The day's opening and closing activities will be held at Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church in Washington, D.C. Please register by Friday, May 22 to reserve your spot!

Have questions? Visit the Bread for the World website. Register here. Contact Pastor Tim Seitz-Brown (Paradise Lutheran Church) if you are interested in attending with a group from our synod ([email protected]).

LUTHERAN CAMPING NIGHT with the Harrisburg Senators

Friday, May 8, 2015

 

Come out to the ballgame with your fellow Lutherans and friends to watch the Harrisburg Senators take on the Altoona Curve. Tickets are $11 each ($4 of each ticket will be donated to the Lutheran Camping Corporation's Campership Fund). Have a fun night and help send youth to our synod's Lutheran camps--the place where future leaders are formed for ministry and life!

 

Group tickets are available through your congregation. Individual tickets may be purchased by calling the Senators box office at 717-231-4444 and ask for tickets for the "Lutheran Camping Night."


Leadership Link of the Week

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)

 

Developing a Vision: What kind of a church do we want to be?

Vision is essential to a church. However, unlike the values, mission, and purpose, the vision is more subject to change. It is dynamic, not static. Over time, the vision must be renewed, adapted, and adjusted to the cultural context in which the congregation lives. The change takes place only at the margins of the vision, not at its core. Here are some important truths about vision that every church leader should know from Aubrey Malphurs, a professor, consultant and author who wrote one of the best books you'll find on strategic planning for a church. What's your congregation's vision?

 

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.)

You are Invited... 

 

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.


prayers
Prayers and Updates 
  
Our synod prayer list is updated frequently and posted on the website. To be redirected to the complete prayer list click here.

...prayers of joy and thanksgiving for Ethan Michael Wood, son of Dave and Beth Ellen (Hively) Wood. Ethan was born March 23 in Oregon. Proud grandparents are the Rev. Dr. Neal Hively (Trinity, Chambersburg) and his wife, Lee.

Memorial Service for the Rev. Dr. Fred Wentz 

A memorial service for the Reverend Dr. Frederick K. Wentz will be held this Friday, May 1 at 11:00 a.m. at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Gettysburg, PA, 30 Chambersburg Street, Gettysburg.

 
Have a prayer request to share with others in our synod? Please contact Pr. Sharron Blezard at [email protected]. 

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. 

 

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.

books
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.

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

June 9

Bread for the World Lobby Day, Washington, D.C.

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 [email protected]. 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. 


 

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 [email protected].

 

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
EM-POW-ER Through Education: Tree 4 Hope's 9th Annual Silent Auction and Evening of Endless Desserts, Tree of Life Lutheran Church, 1492 Linglestown Rd, Harrisburg
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 19
Forum on Racism (sponsored by the North York Conference of Lutheran Churches), Quickel Lutheran Church, 60 Canal Rd., Ext., York
May 24
Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton to preach at 10:30 a.m. worship, Trindle Spring Lutheran Church, 14 State Rd., Mechanicsburg
May 31
Mission Partner Sunday at Christ Lutheran Church, 124 S. 13th St., Harrisburg
Tanzanian Welcome Picnic & Fundraiser, St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 30 W. Main St., New Kingstown
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
June 15-19
Heroes of the Faith: Bible Day Camp (Sponsored by Mechanicsburg Area Lutheran Churches), St. Peter Lutheran Church, 130 Nittany Dr., Mechanicsburg
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!


 

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 [email protected]. 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: Trinity Lutheran Church, Mechanicsburg
Position: Part-time Director of Music (Posted 4/30/15)
Congregation: St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Lancaster
Position: Part-time Director of Children's Ministries (Posted 4/30/15)
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)

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,  [email protected].

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