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It's not too Late for Summerfest!
 There is still space available for Summerfest, so don't let the late date deter your youth group, family, or church community from attending. We want everyone to experience this fun day of fellowship, worship, play, relaxation, and food. Walk-ins are welcome, but food cannot be guaranteed. Please call today if you'd like to reserve your spot. It's only $20 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. Pre-schoolers attend for free.
 Summerfest takes place at Camp Nawakwa in Arendtsville on Saturday, July 25, and begins at 11:00 a.m. and ends at 6:00 p.m. Participants will have plenty of time for games and crafts, hiking and labyrinth walks, swimming and conversation. The day will also include live music by Lost & Found beginning at 3:30 p.m., a full picnic meal and snack later in the day, plus closing worship led by seminarian Jay Eckman. You'll be able to purchase Lost & Found music and t-shirts for autographs, too. That's a lot of fun and community-building packed into one glorious day, so come on out to Camp Nawakwa and join us.
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Mechanicsburg Collaboration Provides Space for Skaters
Trinity Lutheran Church, Mechanicsburg hosted the Underground Skate Park on May 9.
This event, a collaboration among Trinity, St. Marks, Trindle Springs, St. Stephens and St. Peter Lutheran churches, provided a day's worth of riding fun for the skateboarders of Mechanicsburg. The park contained an impressive variety of ramps, boxes and half pipes. Aaron Wilson owner of the Funtastik Skate & Snow in Mechanicsburg, and Underground Skate Park board member, said that skateboarders need a place to ride in town. This event and another planned on August 1 from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. provide a small step in that direction.
Susan Ryder, organizer of the event, said that "We can show Christ's love to people in many different ways. Today it was through a place to skate, and a lunch of barbeque, fruit and cookies." This event also provided an example of congregations and denominations working together as the Kingdom of God. Want to learn more about hosting such an event? Contact Susan Ryder at 717-574-1960.
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Global Missions News & Opportunities
Responding to a Mission Trip to El Salvador
"This trip is exactly what I needed to open my mind to the issues that are going on in other
 countries and to experience the struggles of war," observes Eric Brown, a member of Big Spring United Lutheran, Newville.
In February Eric Brown became a global mission partner in God's work in El Salvador. He became interested in the country as a result of a synod assembly display by Caroline Sheaffer and Pastor Donald Seiple (St. Stephen Lutheran, New Kingstown) several years ago. That encounter piqued interest developing into a call for Eric to visit the country. Pastor Seiple arranged and prepped him for this trip. "Pastor Jean [Kuebler] who has also been to El Salvador assured me that it would be an unforgettable experience.
"It was life-changing!" shared Eric to his congregation in a recent sermon.
There was Alano, the man living in abject poverty who bought this pair of shoes (pictured above) in the 1970's and still wears. "He stitches them every other week with twine and cuts up used tires he finds in the landfill every three months to replace their soles," Eric shares.
 Eric (pictured at right) shows a little boy whose mother was gang raped when she was 14. "Participating in this child's baptism was a very holy moment for me."
Another highlight for Eric was sharing the Eucharist with a man whose family had been massacred for being Christian. "We held hands and silently prayed in two different languages."
Since returning to the U.S., Eric reflects, "I've really been re-thinking the way I live and think [in terms of how to use my resources to make a better global impact for others in developing countries]."
As a result of his experiences on his journey, Eric's witness to the humble Salvadorans continues. He eagerly shares his experiences while encouraging others to accompany our Christian brothers and sisters in Latin America.
Thanks to Caroline Shaeffer for submitting this story. Do you have a story about your involvement with global missions? Contact Pastor Sharron Blezard or any member of the Global Missions Committee.
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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)
8 Reasons Leaders Need Solitude & 5 Doable Ways to Find ItLeading a Christian community is a demanding, and the work can eat you up if you don't watch out. How many of your colleagues are burned out -- emotionally, spiritually, mentally and physically? (And how close are YOU to burnout?) But Jesus was able to keep things in balance, and and with a little dedication you can, too. Pastor and author Carey Nieuwhof has some great tips.
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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 of joy and thanksgiving for the safe arrival of Kenzie Grace Hawkins, daughter of Karl and Caity Hawkins, and grandson of Pastor Larry Hawkins (St. Michael, Harrisburg), born July 15.
...prayers of thanksgiving for the safe return of our LSS youth and leaders from the ELCA National Youth Gathering in Detroit. Click here for the Welcome Back LItany (Note: You'll need to scroll down the page under the documents tab).
...prayers for the families of and all those affected by killing of five servicemen in Chattanooga, TN, for healing for the police officer who was shot, and for the family of the alleged shooter. We pray for an end to violence both at home and abroad.
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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Women's Active Faith Day this Sunday at Camp Kirchenwald
Camp Kirchenwald is excited to announce the first Women's Active Faith Day on Sunday, July  26th. Come out for an energetic afternoon of worship, hiking, dinner, and camp games. Pastor Haley Vay Beaman will be bringing her special style of FitChurch to the day that will also include engaging with campers and seeing camp program in action.
The event is FREE to attend, but registration is required for all participants. To register online today click here.
A heaping handful of women are already registered, but we want YOU to be there! Family and friends are welcome! Bring your water bottle, small weights or resistance band, yoga mat, towel, appropriate clothing and footwear as well as an open heart! (Photo: Jonathan Rolande, Creative Commons)
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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.
Don't miss the opportunity to maximize your congregation's hunger ministry.
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.
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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 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., Arendtsville. Click here for details and to register!
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"
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. (Note: The program began July 1, but feel free to join in at any time.)
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.
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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.
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 9
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 12
"Queens Who Cook" Fundraiser to benefit the St. Barnabas Center, Tree of Life Lutheran Church, 1492 Linglestown Rd., Harrisburg
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 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.
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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: 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)
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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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