May 14, 2015

UPDATE FROM NEPAL: URGENT NEED FOR QUILTS & KITS! 

 

Lutheran World Relief has an urgent need for congregations to send any quilts, personal care kits, and baby kits that are ready to the New Windsor warehouse for immediate shipment in response to the situation in Nepal and surrounding areas.

 


 
A second earthquake struck Nepal on May 12, causing additional fatalities, injuries, and damage to areas just beginning recovery from the powerful (magnitude 7.8) earthquake that struck the country on April 25. LWR currently has active projects in Kathmandu, located approximately 50 miles from the epicenter of the first quake. Thousands of people have been killed, injured, and displaced as a result of these quakes. Landslides and avalanches are causing additional difficulties.


As of May 11, LWR had provided more than 2,300 families with food packets (containing 15-days' worth of rice, beans, oil, sugar, and salt) and temporary shelter. LWR has also shipped 9,240 quilts and 1,000 personal care kits to provide comfort and dignity, along with 100 water filtration units to ensure safe water is available. The LWR warehouse in Dubai is now completely emptied and needs to be restocked.


Norma Good, who coordinates our synod's annual In-Gathering requests that any congregations that have quilts, baby kits, or personal care kits ready to please send them immediately to New Windsor. "Congregations may count these items toward the fall total, even though they are sent now," she explains. "Simply record what you send on the form so that we have a record of it." Congregations are encouraged to bless quilts and kits before sending them and to continue to pray for our sisters and brothers who are living in the midst of this devastating natural disaster. 


For more information or to donate, visit the LWR website by clicking here. Donate to Lutheran Disaster Response by clicking here. You may also earmark contributions through your congregational offering or by sending them directly through our synod.


Thank you for your prayers and support!


(Photo: Quilts at Evangelical Lutheran Church, Greencastle)


Check our Website for Synod Assembly Updates!

 

New information about this year's Synod Assembly is being posted weekly. Be sure to check the site often. For example, you can now find materials for voting members and a campus map here

Next week you'll find information to help your congregation prepare for Sunday's All Synod Worship Service, social media information and a tool kit, along with additional updates as they are ready.

We hope to see you there, but if you can't attend, be sure to visit us online for the livestream, check in via Twitter (#LSS15), and visit our Facebook page.

       Mark Your Calendars for Sunday, May 24
Always Being Made New Day of Giving


 Our synod will celebrate Pentecost Sunday, May 24, as an "Always Being Made New Day of Giving." Help us communicate the need for the ministries and mission that are part of the Always Being Made New Campaign. On Pentecost Sunday, you are invited to have a special offering in your congregation, to share a story about one of the ABMN ministries that has had an impact on your life or that of your congregation, and to visit our synod website and make an online gift of any size.


Always Being Made New is a comprehensive campaign of the ELCA and our Lower Susquehanna Synod that lifts up ministries vital to our work as church together.  The campaign celebrates the 25th anniversary of the ELCA while also looking to the future and to what God is calling us as individuals, congregations, synods, and the ELCA. This campaign offers a way for individuals to respond to God's call for ministry--above and beyond synodical mission support and support of the local congregation. Together we learn about the mission and ministries of our church, and we grow as stewards of God's abundance. Finally, Always Being Made New is about cultivating the spirit of generosity that has been a mark of the Christian church since the Day of Pentecost.


 
On this celebration of Pentecost, we invite you to explore and support our synod's goals for ministry, including raising $2.75 million to

  • nurture and develop future leaders through Lutheran Camping Corporation, seminarian support and scholarships, and youth and young adult programs,
  • support new mission starts and redevelopments through the Bishop's Congregational Mission Fund,
  • enhance our synod's hunger initiatives,
  • and create a Disaster Response Fund to meet needs immediately when they arise.

We also invite you to explore and support our ELCA goals for ministry, including raising $2.75 million to support

  • Congregations
  • Leadership
  • Global church partnerships, and
  • to continue to work to alleviate hunger and poverty both at home and abroad.

ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton will be visiting our synod on May 23-24, and will be at Trindle Spring Lutheran Church to help them celebrate 250 years of ministry. 


 
We invite all Lower Susquehanna Synod Lutherans to make a gift on this Day of Pentecost in honor of Bishop Eaton's visit and in honor of the the church throughout the ages. Together, we are stronger. Together we can make a difference. Together we ARE the synod that is feeding others as we have been fed by Christ. Thank you for your partnership in ministry and for your willingness to be the church that is Always Being Made New.


 
Need more information? Visit the ABMN page on our synod's website by clicking here. Contact ABMN campaign director Donna Nicholson at 717-652-1852, ext. 114 if you have questions or need additional information. 


Help St. Barnabas Center Make Summer Great for Harrisburg City Youth!


Lace up your walking shoes for this Saturday's 7th Annual Highmark "Walk for a Healthy Community" and make a young person's summer fun, productive, and safe. If you aren't able to join others for this fun event, consider sponsoring Assistant to the Bishop and Synod Secretary Pastor Thomas McKee in his walk to raise funds for the St. Barnabas Center's Summer Camp. Click here to donate now!


St. Barnabas Children's Ministry provides a safe Christian setting for children ages 7 to 10 with an 8-week summer day camp. The camp, located at St. Paul's Episcopal Church (Green and Seneca Streets) begins in June and serves children from the Uptown area of Harrisburg. Proceeds from the walk will go directly to the summer camp activities. With an experienced director, dedicated counselors, new programming ideas and activities, the children will have daily opportunities for spiritual, educational and social development.


 
The St. Barnabas Center has set a goal of $22,000 in celebration of their 22nd anniversary. With our help this ecumenical ministry can meet its goal and help form future leaders. Click here for more information about the Highmark "Walk for a Healthy Community" and here to learn more about the St. Barnabas Center.


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)

 

Four Steps Toward Better Meetings

Meetings often form the backbone of organizational leadership in a church, providing a time for volunteers and staff to get together to share ideas, formulate plans, make decisions and move the organization forward. So why are they often an exercise in drudgery, a waste of precious time for everyone? This article from Leadership Journal explores ways to get the most out of meetings and the people who attend them. Which ideas would work in your ministry context?

 

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.

 

Planned Giving 101

Join us June 25 for an informative introduction to how congregations can navigate the land of planned and legacy giving. You'll learn about bequests, gifts of stock, and charitable gift annuities. You'll leave with an action plan and ideas for a gift acceptance policy. Pastor Liz Polanzke, our Region 8 gift planner for the ELCA Foundation will lead the workshop and be available to answer your questions and/or set up a visit to your congregation. Sign-up by June 19, through Regional Gift Planner, Pastor Liz Polanzke, at the ELCA Foundation's table at Synod Assembly or by e-mail [email protected] or by phone 717-654-2334. 

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.)

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 for the family of Jean Kohlenstein, mother-in-law of Pastor Steve Herr (Christ, Gettysburg), dean of the Gettysburg Conference and member of the ELCA Church Council. Click here for the obituary.
...prayers for hope and healing for Pastor Ken Senft (retired), father of Pastor Cathy Geib (Tree of Life, Harrisburg).
...prayers for all who are working to aid in the recovery effort in Nepal and surrounding areas, including Bangladesh, where Global Mission Committee advisor Richard Sarker will soon be traveling.
...prayers for all those affected by the Amtrak train derailment in Philadelphia.

Note: The memorial service for Mary Bringman, mother of Daniel Bringman, Mission Investment Fund Board of Trustees Chair, and mother-in-law of Synod Vice-President Lucinda Bringman, will be held on Monday, May 18, 10:00 a.m. at St. James Lutheran Church, Gettysburg, with the Rev. Michael Allwein officiating.

 

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. 

 

DIAKON SAYS THANK YOU!

Diakon Kathryn's Kloset wants to thank all of its partners for the generous support that allowed the program to respond to the needs of Baltimore residents affected by the recent civil unrest in the city.  Diakon Kathryn's Kloset was able to offer personal and household products to residents of those communities most affected by the destruction of retail properties in their neighborhoods. Among items provided were personal-care kits, clothing, diapers, household cleaning products, laundry items, bathroom tissue, brooms, shovels and trash bags. To learn more about Diakon Kathryn's Kloset, please see our website at www.diakon.org/DKK or call us at 1-866-962-1972.

 

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 17

A Conversation with the Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb,

Tellus360, 24 E. King St., Lancaster (sponsored by Holy Trinity Lutheran Church)

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.

October 13-14

Parish Secretaries' Seminar: "Checks & Balances"

Bird-in-Hand Family Inn, Bird-in-Hand, PA


 
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.

 

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 15
Music at Pine Street featuring the music of Ola Gjeila, Pine Street Presbyterian Church, 310 N. Third St., Harrisburg
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 20
Music Gettysburg! Welcomes Bethany College Choirs, Lutheran Theological Seminary Chapel, 147 Seminary Ridge, Gettysburg
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 7
Rejoicing Spirits Worship (a disABILITIES ministry), St. Luke Lutheran Church, 2695 Luther Dr., Chambersburg
June 14
Rejoicing Spirits Worship (a disABILITIES ministry), 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: 
Yamaha Electrone Organ
Free to a church or individual that will give it a good home. You must move it at your own expense. It needs to be moved quickly. For more information and photo visit the synod website or call Dennis Wertz at 717-235-4136  or cell 717-891-2360.
Choir Robes and Assorted Bibles
Zion Lutheran Church, Hummelstown has 35-40 washable turquoise choir robes in various sizes. they also have a large box of assorted Bibles to share. If interested, call Alicia Winey at 717-566-2589 or email [email protected].

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)

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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