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Post Assembly Edition, June 10, 2015
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Hungry for the Word: Well-Fed at 2015 Synod Assembly
 From the pre-assembly faith formation event with John Roberto to the Sunday All-Synod Service of Holy Communion with the Rite of Ordination and Installation, Lower Susquehanna Synod Lutherans feasted on the Word of God. We feasted at four worship services and in Bible study led by the Rev. Beth Schlegel. We feasted when we heard from ELCA Churchwide Representative the Rev. Wyvetta Bullock, when we met our guests from the Konde Diocese, and when we clapped, sang, and even danced to the music of Rachel Kurtz. We feasted as we celebrated life as God's people in ministry and mission together.
We offer prayers of thanksgiving for our two newest pastors, the Rev. Martha Sue Boyd (called to serve St. John, Hoernerstown) and the Rev. Godfred Effisah (called to serve Rife-Killinger Parish) ordained Sunday, and for the Rev. Liz Polanzke, who was installed as Regional Gift Planner for the ELCA Foundation.
Newly elected conference deans installed on Saturday were the Rev. Michael E. Allwein, Gettysburg Conference; the Rev. Daniel O. Donmoyer, Lebanon Conference; the Rev. Janyce C. Jorgensen, York Conference; the Rev. Lois K. Van Orden, West Shore Conference; and the Rev. Stephen P. Verkouw, Lancaster Conference. Newly elected conference secretaries were the Rev. Clifton D. Eshbach, Lancaster Conference, and the Rev. Kathy A. Swords, York, Conference.
Graduates of the Diakonia Program recognized at the opening worship were Jeanne Bender, Zion Lutheran Church, Blain; Robert Berry, St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Plainfield; Brenda Hartzell, Christ Lutheran Church, Duncannon; Jean Phiel, St. John Lutheran Church, Columbia; and Carolyn Yankovitz, Blaine Lutheran Parish.
The Leadership Team of the Lower Susquehanna Synod Lutheran Youth Organization was also installed at the Friday evening Service of the Word. The new leaders are Justin Myers, Trinity, Mt. Joy, president; Theresa Hanley, St. John, Hoernerstown, director of events/programming; Katie Null, Concordia, Columbia, director of communications; and Zach Rago, Trinity, Mt. Joy, director of service/outreach.
Thank you to everyone who planned, prayed, and participated in making this year's Synod Assembly a wonderful gathering. We are grateful for your partnership in ministry and willingness to try new things. We hope you had fun in the process!
Whether you were with us for part or all of the weekend, watched the proceedings from the comfort of your home, or were unable to attend, we invite you to relive some of the highlights through video clips and a bulletin insert. We'll be posting all of the Ministry Moment and Bright Spot videos in the next few days, so check them out via website links or on our YouTube Channel. Watch Bishop Dunlop's closing remarks embedded above.
Click here to visit our YouTube Channel and watch sermons, assembly highlights, ministry moments, and Bright Spot videos.
Click here to download a PDF bulletin insert (front/back) that provides highlights.
Click here for the full text of the resolution passed at Assembly.
Click here for full results of elections. (This was our first year to use electronic voting, and it was fun!)
Click here to access a Storify of social media posts (Thanks, Katie Swartz of Trinity, Mechanicsburg!)
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Global Mission Opportunities
 Thanks to everyone who stopped by our Global Mission table at Synod Assembly! We hope you will consider ways to work with us in coming year. Consider joining a committee, supporting a missionary or YAGM, becoming a companion congregation to a congregation in the Konde Diocese, or hosting a malaria fund-raising and awareness event in your congregation.
We Asked and You Responded. Thank You!
THANKS to the many congregations that donated and transported their gifts of Mission Quilts and kits to assist in replenishing the supplies in the Lutheran World Relief warehouses that were depleted in aiding the people in Nepal!
Collected at Synod Assembly were 706 Mission Quilts, 11 fleece tied blankets, 378 Personal Care Kits, 65 School Kits, 10 Baby Care Kits, and 12 Fabric Kits. Because there is no record of which congregations contributed these items, Norma Good asks that congregations include their totals with their 2015 ingathering reports.
All the items were transported to the Warehouse and Processing Center in New Windsor, MD, by Molly Wirick in her car and in a Penske rental truck driven by Pr. Mark Kopp. LWR staff members were thrilled that we responded to the emergency appeal and were very grateful when they heard the amounts that were collected. THANK YOU AGAIN FOR ALL YOUR EFFORTS!
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.)
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 Now that we are one year into our Synod's Always Being Made New Campaign, we'd like to offer our thanks to the Lower Susquehanna Synod Council. These dedicated elected leaders from across our synod have been supportive of the vision to expand and grow ministry and mission vital to our church's future. Thank you! Members of the Synod Council are bishop, the Rev. James S. Dunlop; vice president, Lucinda L. Bringman; secretary, the Rev. Thomas E. McKee; treasurer, Bruce E. Seagrist; the Rev. Dana J. Blouch-Hanson; the Rev. J. Richard Eckert; the Rev. Joel S. B. Folkemer; Joyce E. Frigm; the Rev. Elizabeth D. George; Virgil L. Gibson; Brenda D. Hartzell; Isaac D. Hawkins; Jered L. Hock; Colleen Hoffman; William H. Kirkpatrick II; Christine C. Lowe; Susan L. McDonald; the Rev. Beth A. Schlegel; the Rev. Kurt S. Strause; Stephanie Strauss; and M. Jane Wigand; staff members, the Rev. Robert C. Blezard, the Rev. Sharron R. Blezard, Marsha Roscoe,  Charles R. Roberts III, Debbie M. Clark; Linda L. Lubold; and the Rev. Richard E.T. Jorgensen Jr.; and liaisons, Fred W. Bohls and the Rev. Stephen R. Herr. Thank you, too, for visiting the Generosity Shoppe at Synod Assembly and giving generously to support the ministries displayed there. Remember, it's easy and secure to give electronically! Use our QR code or click here to be redirected to our website giving portal.
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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)
Stewardship Ideas for CongregationsDoes your congregation have a stewardship strategy? Any guiding principles that would inspire God's people to make a greater commitment to the financial wellbeing of the church? It's astounding how many of our congregations don't, and especially astounding for those that are facing financial difficulties. Wise leaders know that stewardship is more than financial giving. It is a sense of thanksgiving for all that God has given us, including care giving for the world around us! Here are eight ideas from BuildingChurchLeaders.com. Talk about this at your next congregation council meeting. Establish some goals and devise a strategy for achieving them.
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 the family of the Rev. Ellis Karl Kretschmer (retired), who died June 2, 2105, at the age of 92. Rostered in the Deleware-Maryland Synod, Pastor Kretschmer served as interim pastor of St. Paul, Orrstown and was active in the Chambersburg Conference. Click here to be redirected to the obituary.
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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CHILD PROTECTION UPDATE:
Governor Wolf Announces Fee Waivers for Volunteers Seeking Background Checks
Today Governor Tom Wolf announced that effective July 1, volunteers giving their time and  talent to children (e.g., Girl/Boy Scout Leaders, Little League coaches, advocates in a rape crisis or domestic violence shelter, Big Brothers/Sisters, SCS and Bible School teachers) will be exempt from paying for background checks conducted by the PA State Police ($10) and child abuse history clearance obtained through the PA Department of Human Services ($10). That is an automatic savings of $20 for those volunteering with PA children.
Wolf further stated that employees required to get the PSP and DHS background checks will see the fee for both reduced by $2 each. Employees then would pay $16 for both checks, as compared to the current $20 in total fees.
The Governor has no authority to waive the fees for the FBI checks that are still required of certain volunteers (those who have not resided in PA consecutively for the last 10 years). The fate of FBI checks for volunteers is likely to be in the mix when House Bill 1276, which is currently before the legislature, advances.
This list of those who need the checks and the 36-month time period for redoing checks remains unchanged. Click here to read the complete news release.
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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 this week. 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 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.
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 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 5
Rejoicing Spirits Worship (a disABILITIES ministry), St. Luke Lutheran Church, 2695 Luther Dr., Chambersburg
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:
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. Michael Lutheran Church, Harrisburg
Position: Congregation Secretary (Posted 5/15/15)
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)
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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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