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Confronting Racism Webcast Scheduled for August 6
Join ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and William B. Horne II, an ELCA member from Clearwater, Fla., for a live webcast conversation on the complexity and implications of racism Aug. 6 at 8 p.m. (CDT).
Through its social statement - "Freed in Christ: Race, Ethnicity & Culture" - ELCA members have expressed this church's calling to confront racism and advocate for justice and fairness for all people. The statement is grounded in the conviction that the church has been gathered together in the joyful freedom of the reign of God announced by and embodied in Jesus. That reign has not come in its fullness, but the message of God's "yes" to the world breaks down all dividing walls as we live into that promise.
"Talking about race and racism is hard work for most of us," says Horne. "Our Christian witness compels us to confront our sinfulness in all forms from within and outside of ourselves. It is more beneficial if we do it together."
In several public statements, Eaton has called for deep conversations about racism and racial justice, particularly in response to several events in the United States.
"God's intention for all humanity is that we see the intrinsic worth, dignity and value of all people. Racism undermines the promise of community and fractures authentic relationships with one another. We need to talk and we need to listen, but we also need to act," says Eaton.
A link to the live webcast will be embedded on this page. A live stream also will be available at www.Facebook.com/Lutherans. Twitter hashtag is #ELCAConfrontRacism. A recording of the webcast will be made available on the ELCA website.
Interested in submitting a question for the ELCA presiding bishop to consider during the live webcast? Send your question to livinglutheran@elca.org. Please provide your name and your congregation's name, city and state.
Click here (scroll down the page) for links to resources for study and dialogue.
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Trinity Prayer Shawl Ministry Exceeds 1,000 Shawls
 The prayer shawl ladies of Trinity Lutheran Church, Camp Hill, have completed more than 1,000 shawls since the program began in 2004. The official tally of 1,002 shawls was announced at the group's July 23 meeting.
The women give the knitted or crocheted shawls upon request to persons of any faith in the community. Over the past 12 months, the women gave out 121 shawls. Most go to persons in hospitals or hospice, or to those who are grieving. The shawls are also given as gifts to celebrate occasions such as births or baptisms.
The oldest of the 17 members is Mildred Stauffer, 95, who continues her craft despite being legally blind. Daughter Terry Powell, also a member, said her mother holds on to her knitting as a way to give to others.
Mrs. Stauffer, widowed for about 40 years, learned to knit at age eight. She has turned in 65 shawls over the years and rarely misses a meeting.
Group coordinator Kay Range has completed more than 200 shawls since the ministry began. All the women volunteer hundreds of hours working at home and at the monthly meetings. At
 these meetings, the women continue their craft together, turn in completed shawls, and bless them with prayer.
In recognition of this milestone, Trinity has developed a card and gift bag to accompany the shawls. The card explains that there are no rules for when or why shawls are worn-they can be worn "any time at all," whether for concern, trouble, fear, joy, celebration, or just to read, study, pray, or rest.
The prayer shawl program is part of Women of Trinity, whose various programs are self-funded through donations and fundraisers.
Click here to watch a news clip about the milestone that was aired on FOX 43.
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Global Missions News & Opportunities
Making a Difference: A Tale of Two Men and One Mission
Meet Jibon, a man from Shambhuganj, a small village in Bangladesh. Jibon in Bangla means life.  In this picture he is standing in front of his house with his fishing rod.
When missionary Richard Sarker spent several days in the village during Christmas in 2013, a church member took him to the field behind his house where Jibon was lying. He had decided to give up on his life and was waiting for his death. He looked sick and skinny and had not eaten anything for several days. His family was away working and could not provide for him. Fortunately, Sarker's organization was able to find a way to help Jibon with a monthly food ration.
"Jibon and I are same age and grew up together in Shambhuganj village," Sarker said. "While my parents had some education and understood the value of it, Jibon's parents were completely illiterate. My parents sent me to a boarding school in a far away tribal village. Jibon did not have an opportunity to attend school and remained in the village to help his parents in their daily work to provide for the family of seven."
Jibon married Bela, a local girl and a devoted Christian. Together they had two sons. A few years ago, Bela suddenly died of simple, preventable diarrhea due to lack of a basic medical facility in  the village. Jibon was left as the sole provider for his two sons. They also never went to school and struggle today to provide for their own families.
Jibon's wife Bela was a driving force behind the idea to start a program in the village to help those who could not help themselves, and Sarker is determined to continue to make a difference in the lives of his neighbors in Shambhuganj.
"Jibon and Bela were instrumental in encouraging me to work for change in my home village and to set up programs that would provide education and support for widows and others to live with dignity and hope," said Sarker.
Richard Sarker believes that everyone is capable of making the world a better place. Want to find a way to love your neighbor through involvement in 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)
A Ministry of the MundaneWhat leader hasn't sat alone in a silent sanctuary and thought, "is this all their is?" (Have you?) Because although we dream (or have dreamed) about leading congregations that are bustling with discipleship activities and spiritual energy, most of us find our ministries taking place against a backdrop of commonplace, everyday life. Which is a good thing, says Daniel Darling in this essay in Leadership Journal.
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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.
Check out ELCA Prayer Ventures by clicking here and download daily prayer petitions each month.
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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NAMI "Family-to-Family" Training Offered at Trinity, East Berlin
 NAMI "Family-to-Family" training will be offered at Trinity Lutheran Church in East Berlin beginning September 1 through Nov 10, 2015. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers "Family-to-Family" a free, 12-session education program for family, partners, friends and significant others of adults living with mental illness. The course is designed to help all family members understand and support their loved one living with mental illness, while maintaining their own well-being. The course includes information on illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression and other mental health conditions. "Family-to-Family" is taught by trained teachers who are also family members and know what it is like to have a loved one living with mental illness. The program begins September 1 and runs weekly from 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. every Tuesday through November 10 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 117 West King Street, East Berlin, PA. To register, please contact Danielle Dennis at ddennis.nami@gmail.com or call 717.848.3784. (Photo: Ashton, Creative Commons License)
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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 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 5
"Survey of the Lands of the Bible" free online course
Lutheran Theological Seminary, Gettysburg (For more information or to enroll click here.)
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.
September 26
Seminary for a Day
Union Theological Seminary, Richmond, VA
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
Celebration of 150 Years of Ordained Ministry, Zion Lutheran Church, 100 W. Main St., Hummelstown
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 12
Memory Cafe, Trinity Lutheran Church, 2000 Chestnut St., Camp Hill
August 21-22
Travel with St. Matthew Lutheran (Hanover) by chartered coach to the Women of Faith Conference in Philadelphia.
August 29
"Chicken for Chickens" BBQ to Benefit World Hunger, St. John Lutheran Church, 111 Walnut St., Boiling Springs
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
August 2 - 6
Camp Discovery VBS, Zion Lutheran of Union Deposit, 5 W. Main St., Hershey
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. Stephen Lutheran Church, New Kingstown and St. Mark, Mechanicsburg
Position: Youth and Family Ministry Director (Posted 7/28/15)
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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