|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Remember Our Youth in Prayer as they Rise Up Together in Detroit
 On Wednesday, July 15, some 30,000 Lutheran youth and adult leaders will gather in Detroit, MI, for the ELCA National Youth Gathering. Some 800 Lower Susquehanna Synod Lutherans (youth, youth leaders, adult chaperones, Gathering staff, our International youth representative from the Konde Diocese, a student intern, and Bishop Dunlop) will be part of this amazing experience of faith formation, worship, service, and learning/listening. We seek your prayerful support for all who will be involved--for safety, for a time of spiritual growth and formation, for fun and fellowship, for faithful and joyful service with our sisters and brothers in Detroit, and that we may be a witness and blessing as people who Rise Up Together in the name of Christ.
Click here for resources for a Commissioning Litany to be used this coming Sunday and for a Welcome Back Litany, along with other useful resources. Click here for the Gathering's website. Why not read the gospel of Mark during the time our youth are in Detroit? This is what they'll be studying, too.
Watch Bishop Dunlop live from Detroit!
Bishop Jim Dunlop will be a guest on the Morning Show at the ELCA National Youth Gathering on Thursday, July 16, at approximately 8:15 a.m. You can watch the live feed on the Gathering webpage here: https://www.elca.org/YouthGathering (Note: Currently you'll see a countdown stream. Live broadcasting will begin Wednesday, July 15)
You're Invited to a Very Special Birthday Party!
Ansajiye Njinga, our synod's International Youth Guest for the ELCA National Youth Gathering turns 18 on Friday, July 10, and we want to help her celebrate this very special day--especially since she is so far from home and her family in the Konde Diocese of Tanzania. Ansajiye (pronounced ahn-sa-JEE-a) is being hosted the Kann family of St. Peter (York), and they are hosting a birthday party for her on Friday, July 10, at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 947 N. George St., York, at 7:00 p.m. We particularly encourage youth who are attending The Gathering to come by and meet Ansajiye. Join us for light refreshments and music to wish her well. R.S.V.P. to daekann@yahoo.com.
|
"The teacher is here and is calling for you." John 11:28
diakonia™, a two-year education and faith formation program for laity emphasizing the vocation of all Christians to serve as Christ serves us, begins a new class this fall. Through a variety of academic and spiritual disciplines, diakonia™ offers the breadth of a seminary training, yet is designed for non-rostered leaders to understand and practice their faith.
More than a course of study, our diakonia™ program provides opportunities to listen with your heart and soul and grow spiritually. Sponsored by the ELCA, diakonia™ students gain solid grounding in scripture, theology, Lutheran history and doctrine, and faith practices. At the conclusion of the program, students are better equipped to strengthen the body of Christ through mission and ministry.
"I've had many come to me and say, 'I'd like to dive deeper into the Bible or get a better understanding of church history or our Lutheran heritage while being given further opportunity to grow in my faith and service to the Church'" said Robert Yankovitz, pastor of Zion Lutheran, Blain, and St. Paul, Loysville.
Pastor Yankovitz further explains: "diakonia™ gives students the opportunity to grow in their spirituality and faith as well as in their scriptural and theological knowledge. Each student is affirmed in their God-given abilities as they discover new ways in which they are equipped to serve the church. More students are needed for this upcoming class."
With the enthusiastic support of his conference and the synod, Pastor Yankovitz led five learners through a pilot program that ended early this summer. Participants were acknowledged at the opening of this year's Synod Assembly.
The diakonia™ program has been adopted in synods across the ELCA. The classes that begin in the fall will be held in a central location -- at our synod's Resource Center/Center for Faith Formation, 900 S. Arlington Avenue, Suite 220B, Harrisburg. The classes are scheduled for Tuesday evenings from 6:00-9:00 p.m. beginning September 15, 2015. Registration deadline August 15, 2015.
Interested in more information? Visit our website: www.lss-elca.org/diakonia
|
Global Mission Opportunities
Meet our ELCA International Youth Guest: Ansajiye Njinga
|
| | Ansajiya with Bill and Nancy Banta |
This year we are fortunate to have an International Youth Guest paired with our synod for the ELCA National Youth Gathering, and better yet she is from our Companion Synod, the Konde Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT).
Ansajiye Njinga is one of 35 International Youth Guests from all over the world who are currently staying with host families throughout ELCA synods and who will travel with those synods to The Gathering. The goals of the International Youth Guest program are to 1) Expand the world horizons of Lutheran youth across the globe, 2) to add global learning through worship, music, and cultural sharing, 3) to extend Christian hospitality, and 4) to build the capacity to serve and witness through trining, learning, sharing, and interaction. International Youth Guests were recommended by their bishops for participation with our ELCA in the 2016 Youth Gathering. Travel for Ansajiye (pronounced ahn-sa-JEE-a) is funded through a partnership with the ELCA, our Konde Committee, St. Paul (Springettbury) Lutheran Church in York, and St. Peter Lutheran Church in York. We are thankful to Bill Banta for serving as official coordinator for Ansajiye's trip.
Each International Guest is hosted by a family from the synod to which they are assigned. Ansajiye is being hosted by Katie Kann and her family, members of St. Peter in York. Katie and Ansajiye met in Chicago for an orientation and then traveled together to our synod where they have been sharing a variety of activities including baseball games, bowling, Fourth of July fireworks, trips to Hershey, shopping, and an 18th Birthday Party for Ansajiye. She also visited the State Capitol and met Gov. Wolf. Next week she and Katie will travel to Detroit, and from there Ansajiye will return home to Tukuyu.
Ansajiye's father is Pastor Meshack Edward Njinga, serves on the Konde Diocese bishop's staff as Deputy General Secretary for Finance Planning and Development. He has visited our synod and studied in York. Please keep Ansajiye, Katie, and all our Lower Susquehanna Synod youth and leaders in your prayers as they travel to Detroit. Please consider joining us this Friday (July 10) to celebrate Ansajiye's 18th birthday at St. Peter Lutheran Church in York at 7:00 p.m.
|
 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)
Most ministry professionals labor under enormous amount stress. Yes, it's partly because we carry enormous responsibility, but how much of it can be attributed to the unrealistic expectations that our church and society place on pastors? As moral role models we are expected to be perfect, and as "CEOs" of our congregations we are expected to be all, do all, work all. Is it any wonder that some of us have trouble handling the load? Writing in MinistryMatters.com, blogger Tom Fuerst explores these issues. Which observations resonate with you? Discuss with family, congregational leaders or supportive colleagues what you can do about it.
Brown Bag Series Takes a Break
The Brown Bag Lunch Leadership series will break for the months of July and August. Look for a new series of Leadership Events called T.E.D. (Theology, Evangelism, & Discipleship) beginning in September.
|
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. William M. Slee (former pastor of Trinity, Lemoyne, retired to the Florida-Bahamas Synod), who died Wednesday July 1, 2015 at the age of 90. Funeral services will be private and held at the convenience of the family.
...prayers of joy and thanksgiving for the safe arrival in this world of John Darrell Morton, son of Pastors Tasha Genck-Morton (Holy Trinity, Lancaster) and Adam Morton (Christ and Holy Trinity, Lancaster), born July 3, 2015.
...prayers of thanksgiving for Natalie Rimmer's good health report! Now we offer prayers for safe travel and renewed mission and ministry as the Rimmer family returns to Senegal. Thanks be to God!
...prayers for healing and hope for Barbara Robbins, wife of Pastor Ed Robbins (Zion, Glen Rock)
... prayers for Bishop Felipe Lozada-Montaņez of the Caribbean Synod and for our sisters and brothers in Puerto Rico as they continue to face severe drought conditions and serious economic instability.
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.
|
State Makes Changes to Mandated Reporter Law
New volunteers who fall under the state's definition of mandated reporter now have extra time to obtain background clearances, and the some fees will be waived under a slate of changes the  state has made to the Child Protection Services Laws. The changes were contained in a law signed last week by Governor Tom Wolf. Legislators said the law was intended to "clarify and make more explicit provisions" about which employees and adult volunteers, who work or volunteer with children, must "obtain criminal background check clearances and child abuse clearances." The bill was intended to "clear up ambiguous aspects of the statute and to address concerns expressed by numerous volunteer-based organizations and other entities from across the Commonwealth that are affected by the new law."
The law establishes August 25, 2015 as the deadline for new volunteers to obtain background clearances (the previous deadline was July 1, 2015). The law also permanently waives fees for volunteers for the two required background checks issued by the state.
Click here for more details about the changes, as well as links to where you can get more information.
|
|
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.
Don't miss the opportunity to maximize your congregation's hunger ministry.
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.
Summer Synod Office Schedule and Closings: Please Mark Your Calendar
Our synod office 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.
|
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
August 29
Growing Faith in our Home: A Day Retreat for Leaders and their Families
Camp Nawakwa, 1033 Nawakwa Rd., Biglerville
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
October 23-26
"Lord, Let Our Eyes Be Opened: Breaking the Chains of Mass Incarceration," sponsored by the Pennsylvania Council of Churches, Red Lion Hotel, Harrisburg. Visit http://pachurches.org/ for more information.
November 1
Luther Rose Lectures "Martin Luther: Then & Now" with the Rev. Dr. Richard Carlson
Palm Lutheran Church, 11 W. Cherry St., Palmyra
January 31 - February 2
LSS Rostered Leaders' Wellness Retreat
Hotel Hershey, 100 Hotel Rd., Hershey, PA (Save the date!)
April 14-17
"White Privilege Conference: Understanding, Respecting, & Connecting"
Philadelphia, PA (Hold the date and click here for information)
"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.
Be sure to check the Center for Faith Formation webpage for information about upcoming events and links for registration. Added recently are . Click here to be redirected.
|
|
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.
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 1
Underground Skate Park (a collaborative effort of Trinity, St. Mark, St. Peter, St. Stephen, and Trindle Spring Lutheran Churches), Trinity Lutheran Church, 132 E. Main St., Mechanicsburg
August 2
Rejoicing Spirits Worship (a disABILITIES ministry), St. Luke Lutheran Church, 2695 Luther Dr., Chambersburg
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!
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!
Lost & Found: Suit Jacket
We brought back a suit jacket that was left in Parmer Hall at Synod Assembly. It is charcoal gray, Stafford Executive brand, made in South Africa of wool and cashmere. We cannot find a size. If this jacket belongs to you or someone you know, please give Marty Shifflett a call at 717-652-1852.
|
|
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: First Lutheran Church, Carlisle
Position: Part-time Financial Secretary (Posted 7/6/15)
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)
|
|
| 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. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
