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Presiding Bishop Eaton Calls for Day of Repentance and Mourning
 (CHICAGO) In a public statement and call to action, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton called for a day of repentance and mourning in response to the tragic shooting in Charleston, S.C. This day will be observed in the ELCA on Sunday, June 28, 2015. Worship resources for "A Service of Prayer in Remembrance" are available to assist your congregation in observing this day. Another useful set of reflections from various theologians and preachers who write for the Odyssey Networks can be found here.
Additional resources for use this Sunday and in ongoing conversations may be found on our synod website by clicking here.
From the July Issue of The Lutheran magazine: Click here for a comprehensive PDF study guide by the Rev. Robert Blezard and the accompanying article "Responding to Racial Justice" (p. 34ff).
"One Synod. One Book."
This Quarter's "One Synod. One Book." selection is The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander.  This particular selection, even more timely following the recent events in Charleston, is described as "bold and brave" by Harvard Law Professor Lani Guinier. The New Jim Crow is a stunning account of the rebirth of a caste-like system in the United States, one that has resulted in millions of African Americans locked behind bars and then relegated to a permanent second-class status and denied the very rights supposedly won in the Civil Rights Movement. The New Jim Crow challenges the civil rights community--and all of us--to place mass incarceration at the forefront of a new movement for racial justice in America.
Click here for access to information about study and discussion guides, including some that may be downloaded at no cost.
Click here for a study guide created by Pamela Wood, Riverside Church (NYC) and the Prison Ministry Study Group.
Click here for a study guide from the Unitarian Universalist Association's Common Read 2013.
Order the book from Hearts and Minds Bookstore in Dallastown. Click here to visit their website.
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Apply Now for Synod Legacy and ELCA Domestic Hunger Grants
 Is your congregation working on a hunger project or collaborating with other community non-profits to alleviate hunger in your area? If so, now is the time to apply for funding from our Synod's World Hunger Legacy Grant program and from ELCA World Hunger. World Hunger Legacy Grants may be used as matching funds for the ELCA grants, so be sure to get started on your applications now!
Click here for information about ELCA Domestic Hunger Grants. The deadline for these applications is July 10, and the process is now entirely online.
Click here to download an application for this year's Lower Susquehanna Synod World Hunger Legacy Grant program. The Legacy Fund grant application is due August 30. Please download a copy of the application, fill it out, save it as a PDF and email it to sblezard@lss-elca.org. Please mail a copy of the signature page only (postmarked by August 30) to Pr. Sharron Blezard, Lower Susquehanna Synod, 900 S. Arlington Avenue, Suite 220B, Harrisburg, PA 17109. Grant recipients will be announced no later than September 30, 2015.
Have questions about the grant process? Contact World Hunger Committee Chairperson Cheryl Burns at cherylsburns@gmail.com. Please reference "World Hunger Grant Question" in the subject box.
Three Guys Motorcycle Ride Raise Money for ELCA World Hunger Appeal
 It's Bishops and friends on Bikes heading to Michigan for a very good cause! New England Synod Bishop Jim Hazelwood and Northwest Synod of Wisconsin Bishop Rick Hoyme and fellow Harley master Steve Dumas are riding to the National Youth Gathering in Detroit to raise money for and awareness of ELCA World Hunger Appeal. You can support them by visiting their Facebook page here or by giving a gift through their ELCA secure donation page here. Other riders are welcome to join them. Don't ride? Follow them on Twitter at #bikeforbread or @bishophazelwood or @captaindumas1. |
Global Mission Opportunities
Meet Megan Kingsborough: 2015-16 YAGM
Megan Kingsborough is a member of Christ Lutheran Church (Manchaster). She graduated from Susquehanna University, with honors, in 2013 with a degree in International Studies (Comparative Cultures), Spanish, and Religion. She currently resides in Orlando, Florida where she works at Walt Disney World as a Housekeeping Guest Service Manager.
The daughter of Pastor Mary Anne Kingsborough (Concordia, Columbia) and sister of David Kingsborough (LTSP), Megan has been called to spend her year as a Young Adult in Global Mission (YAGM) in Argentina/Uruguay. While she is not sure yet exactly what her assignment will entail, she knows she will be serving in a congregation and working with an NGO. She will leave for orientation in Chicago this August.
There are several ways you can support Megan this year. The first and most important way is to keep her in your congregational and personal prayers. Another important way is to support her with a financial contribution. Each YAGM is responsible for raising a significant portion of his or her total yearly cost. Click here for more information about how you can sponsor Megan. You can also help by communicating with her throughout the year. Megan's YAGM number for sponsorship is GCS3147. We'll post more specific information about that once she has completed orientation. If your congregation would be interested in supporting Megan and having her visit, please email her at kingsboroughm@susqu.edu.
"I am both excited and anxious about the year ahead, for one can never be fully prepared," Megan said. "But my life and faith journey have taught me that the Holy Spirit will always be there leading and guiding me as a light through life."
Next Week: Look for an update on our Konde Delegation's visit. Thank you to all the families who signed up to host our International Camp Counselor, Pastor Samwel.
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(Thanks to the youth and creative leadership team at Trinity, Mount Joy for providing this fun and informational video to encourage congregations to help youth going to the gathering provide diapers and help cover a serious need in the city.)
Imagine sending your baby or toddler to preschool or daycare wearing a plastic grocery bag instead of diapers. That is happening in Detroit. In fact, diapers are such a hot commodity, pharmacies and stores sometimes keep them behind glass because desperate people sometimes steal to get them.
On average, a newborn goes through eight to 10 diapers a day, a cost that can add up to $100 a month for one baby. For people who are poor that cost is out of reach, and they too often have to choose between diapers and food. People who rely on federal assistance programs like WIC, Food Stamps or Medicare, can't get diapers, which are the first line of defense against infection and disease.
Encourage your congregation to collect diapers to send them with youth going to the Gathering in 2015, or send money with youth so they can buy diapers in Detroit.
By sending money, you help the local economy and give your young people a break from having to haul the boxes alongside their luggage.
Note: The greatest need is for children's sizes 3 and 4, but all sizes will be appreciated, including incontinence supplies for adults. Wipes are also needed.
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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)
"The earth cries out to us because of the harm we have inflicted on her by our irresponsible use and abuse of the goods with which God has endowed her," Pope Francis writes in his landmark encyclical on the environment. Pollution and climate change degrade the lives of millions of people today, and billions in the future, says the Pope, who adds this plea: "I urgently appeal for a new dialogue about how we are shaping the future of our planet. We need a conversation which includes everyone, since the environmental challenge we are undergoing, and its human roots, concern and affect us all." The weighty encyclical is extremely thoughtful and worthy of a careful read by every Christian leader. Why not study the encyclical with peers or an adult class? Click the title above to be redirected.
Planned Giving 101
Join us Thursday, 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, 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.
Click here for a commissioning litany and prayers for youth and adults attending the ELCA National Youth Gathering in Detroit next month.
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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"Citizens at a Crossroads" in Inaugural Season on Seminary Ridge
 Ready for an educational and faith-based "road trip" on the territory of our synod? The Seminary Ridge Players are now performing the inaugural season of "Citizens at a Crossroads" at the Seminary Ridge Museum in Gettysburg.
This interactive drama not only illuminates the horrific aftermath of the battle and the daunting challenges facing the civilian population, but it also invites the audience to think critically about the unfinished work of the Civil War's aftermath and how our current cultural context is shaped by historical events. This would be an excellent outing for church youth groups, confirmation classes, Bible study groups, and WELCA gatherings. For more information regarding showtimes and tickets, please visit http://www.theridgeplayers.com/.
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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 15
Spiritual Fitness Training for Military Faith Providers
Click here to register. Click here for a flyer.
July 26
Women's Active Faith Day at Camp Kirkenwald
July 26 - August 1
Lay School of Theology "Traveling Grace: Land and Spiritual Geography"
Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary Click here for more information and to register.
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.)
August 15
Mental Health First Aid - Youth (Sponsored by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention)
Tree of Life Lutheran Church, 1492 Linglestown Rd., Harrisburg
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 5-7
Celebration of Biblical Preaching: The Courage to Preach
Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MN
October 13-14
Parish Secretaries' Seminar: "Checks & Balances"
Bird-in-Hand Family Inn, Bird-in-Hand, PA
"Psalms: A Journey of Prayer" Begins July 1
Join Pastor Rob Myallis, the congregation of Zion's Lutheran Church, Jonestown, and others across the digital world in a six month reading, sharing, and study of the Psalms. Click here to join the Facebook group, and click here to visit the congregation's website where you'll find a host of useful resources to help you with this study, including an introductory video.
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 26
A Great Night Out with Mark Cable, St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 839 W. Market St., York
June 27
Community Waterslide Day, Zion Lutheran Church, 18 Quarry Rd., Leola
June 28
Guest Speaker: Chaplain at Ground Zero after the 9/11 Attacks, Trinity Lutheran Church, 2000 Chestnut Street, Camp Hill
Free Summer Kickoff Party, (a community event), Trinity Lutheran Church, 2000 Chestnut Street, Camp Hill
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
July 11
Lutheran Campus Ministry at Penn State Arts Festival Picnic, Sunset Park, State College
July 12
Rejoicing Spirits Worship (a disABILITIES ministry), St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 30 W. Main St., New Kingstown
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!
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, Trinity Lutheran Church, 2000 Chestnut Street, Camp Hill
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
"G-Force" VBS, Trindle Spring Lutheran Church, 14 State Rd., Mechanicsburg
Everest VBS, Calvary Lutheran Church, 9 N. Main St., Dover
July 27-31
"The Spirit Moves Me: An Examination of the Book of Acts (VBS for Adults), Trindle Spring Lutheran Church, 14 State Rd., Mechanicsburg
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!
New this week to share: Assorted Bibles from St. Paul, Littlestown. Check the website for details.
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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: Trindle Spring Lutheran Church, Mechanicsburg
Position: Choir Director and/or Organist (Posted 6/24/15)
Congregation: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, York Springs
Position: Part-time Organist and Sr. Choir Director (Posted 6/24/15)
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)
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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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