May 27, 2015

First Lutheran Carlisle Celebrates 250 Years with a Year of Outreach

Throughout 2015, First Lutheran Church in Carlisle is celebrating 250 years of ministry and mission with even more ministry and mission. "Our congregation has chosen to celebrate our 250th anniversary with a year of outreach," Pastor Lisa Leber said. "Each month during 2015 we are collecting donations or money for a local or global organization (with a 250 "theme" - i.e., 250 items)."


 

In April, the congregation held a joint Youth Group/250th Community Outreach project to benefit the ELCA Malaria Campaign. Youth made 250 mosquitoes out of pipe cleaners, beads and pompoms, which were then suspended on a giant mosquito net in the church and sold for $10, the price of an insecticide-treated net. The congregation sold all of the crafty and cute little pests and raised $2,506.50 for the campaign.


Looking for a way to launch a malaria campaign effort in your congregation? Now is the time! The ELCA Malaria Campaign needs only about $700,000 to meet the campaign goal of $15 million dollars. If you're interested in making mosquitoes like the youth at First Lutheran did, Pastor Leber will gladly share the instructions with you. Together we can eradicate this preventable disease.


Don't Miss These Global Mission Opportunities!


This Saturday: Hang Out with St. Mark's Coptic Congregation -- Children's Day

Are you interested in learning about the Egyptian Coptic Orthodox religion and culture? Have you wanted to be in solidarity and show support to this community in light of the violence they are experiencing in Egypt? Come join member of Lower Susquehanna Lutheran congregations as we begin to build relationship with this congregation and discover ways to be friends in mission together.

 

We plan to gather on Saturday, May 30, at 11:30 a.m. at George Park (Possibility Place Playground) in Lower Paxton Township, Harrisburg. Please r.s.v.p. to Jennifer Crist at [email protected] so that we can plan for food.

 

St. Mark's is bringing yummy Egyptian food for us to try, and we will bring our favorite dishes in true Lutheran potluck style. Camp Kirchenwald will organize some games for the children to interact together, while the adults have some time to dialogue and share our life and faith experiences. (You do not have to bring children in order to attend)

 

Tanzanian Welcome Picnic & Ministry Fund-Raiser

 Join us on Sunday, May 31, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at St. Stephen Lutheran Church's picnic pavilion (30 Carlisle Pike, New Kingstown).

 

Come meet four partners from the Konde Diocese who will be at this year's Synod Assembly, share some American food and hospitality, hear some East African gospel music, learn some Kiswahili, play some Tanzanian games, join in a silent auction of local art, gourmet chocolates, and Tanzanian treasures, and generously support the work of tech4tanzania, an interfaith ministry of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Enola.

 

We are hoping that several people from each partner congregation and most Lutheran congregations in the West Shore Conference, Carlisle Conference, and Harrisburg Conference will come together to meet and greet these brave people who will leave their country, and fly here to experience life with Christian brothers and sisters in Christ who live and work around Pennsylvania. 

 

Those who are unable to attend the welcome party are encouraged to ask congregational voting members and guests to seek out the Konde delegation around synod assembly or at the tech4tanzania table. Other opportunities for various partnerships are available. For more information, contact Pastor Sharron Blezard, the Konde Committee of the Lower Susquehanna Synod, Pastor Reeves or Randy Barr.

 

Contact Pastor Anne Reeves at [email protected] or 717-697-9675, or Randy Barr at [email protected] or 717-903-9698 if you plan to come to the welcome picnic.

Host our International Camp Counselor for a Weekend Visit!

Pastor Samwel Baraka, pastor of Mbalizi Congregation in the Konde Diocese, will be this year's international camp counselor at Camp Kirchenwald. Interested congregation members are invited to host Pastor Baraka for a weekend sometime this summer from Saturday late morning until Sunday after lunch. Visiting a local family provides an opportunity for rest, relaxation, visiting our congregations, and a chance for home cooking and time to do laundry. For more information or to schedule a potential visit in June or July, please contact Sharron Blezard, liaison to the Konde Diocese Committee, at 717-652-1852 ext. 102, or email her at [email protected]


Support a YAGM! 

Curious? Want to know more about what a YAGM is and how you can help one in our synod? Stop by the Global Missions table at Synod Assembly to find out what you can do, and check back here in future issues of Carings & Sharings.


LWR Quilts and Kits to be Accepted at Synod Assembly

Lutheran World Relief is in need NOW  of Mission Quilts and kits (especially Personal Care Kits) to replenish the stock in the warehouses that were sent to Nepal. We have arranged for you to bring them to Synod Assembly, June 5-7.  They are to be taken  to the Messiah College Climenhaga Fine Arts Building Lounge (enter the Visitors Parking Lot and go around the circle  to unload.)
     
PLEASE FOLLOW THESE  INSTRUCTIONS:

     + PACK in cartons as you do for the fall ingatherings.  Use either the bar code labels or the packing slips - put one  inside each carton on top of the contents and a second  one on the outside of each sealed carton, covered with clear packing tape.

      +CALL Norma Good at (717) 399-7697 or e-mail  her at  [email protected] and tell her HOW MANY CARTONS YOU HAVE, so we can arrange for vans and/or trucks  to take them to the New Windsor, MD warehouse.  We must load them by the close of Assembly on Sunday.

     +KEEP a record of the numbers of quilts and kits so they can be added to your October Ingathering Report Form. 

NEW! Backpacks of Love Encourage Youth 


 BECAUSE YOU'VE MADE BASKETS OF LOVE IN THE PAST

OR
BECAUSE THE IDEA IS NIGGLING AT YOUR CORNERS OF YOUR CONSCIOUSNESS WAITING FOR THE RIGHT HOOK TO GRAB YOU.............

The Criminal Justice Ministry of the Lower Susquehanna Synod is offering a new possibility for ministry and service to be unveiled in detail at our table at the Synod Assembly: BACKPACKS OF LOVE.

Because of our great concern for juveniles in Pennsylvania who are enmeshed in the criminal justice system, we want to offer something to support them. Backpacks of Love will be a way of encouraging teens (or even younger pre-adolescents) leaving centers and places of juvenile incarceration as they go back to their home district schools. We're calling it Backpacks of Love for a variety of supplies will be loaded into the ubiquitous educational backpack., including notebooks, pens, and pencils and fills up with a variety of personal hygiene items, even food for a snack or a weekend. VISIT OUR TABLE AT SYNOD ASSEMBLY TO LEARN MORE.

Another Way to Help
The Herbert A. Shaffner Youth Center in Steelton is always in need of donations of good basketballs, board games (like Trouble and Monopoly), jigsaw puzzles of 500 pieces or less, card games like Uno and Phase 10, and unused Sudoku books. They also welcome young adult fiction. For a comprehensive list of recommended titles, please check the Criminal Justice System Ministry page on our synod website. Click here to be redirected. Please collect and bring any of these items to our table at Synod Assembly.

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)

 

20 Ways Your Church Website Can Serve the Unchurched

Before visitors ever summon the courage to darken your church door on a Sunday morning, it's more and more likely that they will first check out your church website. What will they find there? Welcoming messages and basic information written clearly and organized in a way that is easy to understand? Up-to-date events and calendar listings? Compelling descriptions of your congregation's beliefs and community life? Sadly, for many church websites the answer is a resounding "no." Fair or not, potential visitors are more likely to evaluate whether your church is worth their time and effort from what they see on your website. This is especially true for those who are unchurched. Here are 20 tips for helping your website to serve as an outreach and evangelism tool for the unchurched or underchurched. How does your congregation's website fare?

 

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 Regional Gift Planner for Central PA 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 Grover D. Kiser, father of the Rev. Dr. Brenda Kiser (Memorial, Shippensburg), who died Friday, May 22. Services were held today in Glen Rock, PA. Click here to be redirected to the obituary.
...prayers for healing and hope for the Rev. David DeLong ( ) and for Janice Cromer (wife of Rev. Doug Cromer), who is recovering from surgery.
...prayers of joy and thanksgiving for the Rev. James E. Stough (retired) and Irma Graybill on the occasion of their marriage, May 23, 2915. The Stoughs are members of Zion, Hummelstown.

Note: A memorial service for the Rev. Samuel Schmitthenner will be held Saturday, May 30, at St. James Lutheran Church, GettysburgPA, at 2:00 p.m. 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 [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.

  
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.

 

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

August 5-8

2015 Festival Gathering of Biblical Storytelling

National 4-H Center, Chevy Chase, MD (Near Washington, D.C.)

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 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 5-7
Lower Susquehanna Synod Assembly, Messiah College, Grantville PA
Ruth's Harvest Benefit Weekend at Mt. Carmel Lutheran Church, 1398 Moulstown Rd, N. Hanover
June 7
Rejoicing Spirits Worship (a disABILITIES ministry), St. Luke Lutheran Church, 2695 Luther Dr., Chambersburg
June 12
Lutheran Camping Corporation's Annual Golf Tournament, Honey Run Golf Club, York
Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser for Lutheran Disaster Response/Nepal, Hall of Hope, Friedensaal Lutheran Church, 9138 White Church Rd., Seven Valleys
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
June 22-26
SonSpark Labs, Bloserville Fellowship VBS, St. Peter Lutheran Church, 210 Brick Church Rd., Newville
June 26
A Great Night Out with Mark Cable, St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 839 W. Market St., York
July 20-24
Everest VBS, St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 839 W. Market St., York
July 26-31
Everest VBS, Calvary Lutheran Church, 9 N. Main St., Dover
August 21-22
Travel with St. Matthew Lutheran (Hanover) by chartered coach to the Women of Faith Conference in Philadelphia.
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)

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].

Stay connected to Lower Susquehanna Synod, ELCA
Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter