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Hungry for the Word: What You Need to Know for Synod Assembly
 It's almost here! Friday afternoon Lutherans from across our synod (and around the world!) will gather at Messiah College in Grantham, PA, for a weekend of faith, fun, fellowship, and (yes) some business.
Visit our synod's website for all the information you need--whether you're a voting member, a guest, or an individual who wants to keep up with the event from the comfort of your home computer. You can watch the events via livestream, including Sunday's worship service and ordination, and you can test your connection with a handy tutorial on Thursday or Friday afternoon (refer to the webpage for times).
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The hashtag is #lss15.
Click here to be redirected to navigation tools for Assembly voting members and guests.
It's not too late to participate in Friday afternoon's "Envisioning the Future of Faith Formation" with John Roberto. Click here for more information and to register.
Join us for the Rachel Kurtz Concert on Saturday night at 7:00 p.m. in Parmer Hall, High Center. There is no charge, so bring your entire youth group! (Note: The concert will NOT be livestreamed.)
Worship with our synod on Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m. Can't make it to Messiah College? Watch the livestream in your congregation. Don't have that capability? Download Bishop Dunlop's pre-recorded sermon from YouTube, or copy and read his sermon that's posted on our website.
JOIN THE BAND!
Play an instrument and want to be part of something really fun? Musicians are invited to join the band for Sunday morning's worship featuring the updated "Of the Land and Seasons" by Stephen and Beth Folkemer. All you need to do is be present for the Saturday lunchtime rehearsal.
Watch out for Road Construction!
Be aware that roadwork on Route 581 around the Harrisburg area will cause delays and may necessitate planning for alternate routes for those who use 581 to travel to Messiah College.
"Eastbound 581 will be completely closed from the Camp Hill interchange to the I-83 split, June 5-8. That means you will need to find another way to get to points east (81, Turnpike, back roads, etc.). The following weekend will involve the westbound section. In addition, there will be temporary single lane closures in the opposite direction while beams are placed close to motorists going in the opposite direction. Patience please...this saves a lot of time and a lot of money (would you rather have a year-and-a-half project instead?). Anyone trying to get from the West Shore to the East Shore and points East may want to use the PA Turnpike (Gettysburg exit to Harrisburg East exit). Detours may be difficult for those not familiar with the area and are likely to be time-consuming. Closures run from 9 pm Friday to 6 am Monday." Click here for more information.
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Don't Miss These Global Mission Opportunities!
Learn about Global Missions at Synod Assembly this Year
Stop in and see the ministry displays for the Global Missions Committee, the Konde Diocese Committee, the Konde Medical Needs Committee, tech4tanzania, Tree4Hope, World Hunger Committee, ELCA GLobal Partnership, Lutheran World Relief, LSS Malaria Campaign Task Force, and more. Sign up to help with a committee or team that sparks your passion for ministry and mission.
Meet members of our Konde Diocese Delegation (Pictured from left are Mr. Stephen Mwakyolile,  Pastor Samwel Mwansasu, Dr. Christopher Mwasongela, and Mr. Owen Jackson), and hear from Angie and Andrew Hammer about their family's upcoming year in Tanzania at SHUCo (Southern Highlands University College, Mbeya). Learn how you can help the Hammers, and how you can travel to the Konde Diocese in 2016.
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 sblezard@lss-elca.org. (Thanks to the individuals and families that have responded with interest! We are working on the schedule now.)
 Support a YAGM!
Curious? Want to know more about what a YAGM is and how you can help one in our synod? Come hear about current YAGM Becky Guldin (Zion's Lutheran, Jonestown) and her year in the United Kingdom and learn about our newest YAGM, Megan Kingsborough (Christ, Manchester), who has been called to Argentina/Uruguay.
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.
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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 nrgood@comcast.net 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.
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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)
Resources for Congregational Treasurers
Every now and then we hear about a congregation that's in trouble because its money was not handled carefully, systematically, consistently and transparently. Most of the time there's no bad intent; rather the folks in charge of finance were doing the best they could but needed better guidance, supervision, procedures and adequate checks and balances. To help, our synod has a number of resources to give treasurers, financial secretaries, congregation councils and other leaders guidance on sound money-handling practices. How is your congregation doing? Click on the link above and scroll down to "Resources for Congregational Treasurers." Invite your financial leaders to check these resources out and see what improvements can be made.
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 elizabeth.polanzke@elca.org 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.)
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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 healing and hope for Pr. Ray Shriver (retired).
...prayers for all who are involved with our Synod Assembly this weekend.
Click here for prayers for our Lutheran Camping Corporation campers and staff.
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.
Summer Synod Office Schedule and Closings: Please Mark Your Calendar
Our synod office summer hours begin next week, June 9. Summer hours are Monday - Thursday, 8:30 - 4:00 p.m. The office is closed on Friday. Emergency contact information will be available on the main number answering machine. Regular office hours will resume Tuesday, September 8.
NOTE: Our office will be closed Thursday, June 4 - Monday, June 8, for Synod Assembly. We will also be closed Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day.
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.
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.
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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.
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 20
St. Peter 20th Annual Yard Sale, St. Peter Lutheran Church, 130 Nittany Dr., Mechanicsburg
July 9
2nd Annual Ladies' Tea Party, Camp Nawakwa, Arendtsville
June 26
A Great Night Out with Mark Cable, St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 839 W. Market St., York
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)
Vacation Bible School Round-Up
Here's what we've heard from congregations hosting VBS this year. Check our website for more information. Don't see your VBS listed here? Send us the information!
Thailand Trek VBS, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Hershey
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
July 19-23
G-Force Joint VBS, St. Paul's Lutheran Church (Adamstown) and Peace UCC 37 E. Swartzville Rd., Denver
July 20-24
Everest VBS, St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 839 W. Market St., York
July 26-30
Catch the Buzz VBS, St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 30 W. Main St., New Kingstown
July 26-31
Everest VBS, Calvary Lutheran Church, 9 N. Main St., Dover
To Share:
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 www.office@zluth.org.
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. 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)
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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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