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Searching for Tom Sawyer: A Day with Tim Wright
Why do boys drop out of church life after confirmation? Do we unknowingly push them away? And what can we do to keep them active and involved in our congregations?
 To help us answer these perplexing questions, LSS Lutheran Men in Mission is bringing Tim Wright to Trinity Lutheran Church, Camp Hill, for two free sessions on Sept. 23.
An ELCA pastor, author, speaker and expert in men's ministry, Wright has developed strategies for keeping boys, young men and adult men engaged and active in church life.
"Parents and congregations today face one of the greatest challenges in Christian history: The mass exodus of men and boys from the church," Wright says in his book, Searching for Tom Sawyer: How Parents and Congregations Can Stop the Exodus of Boys from Church (available for under $4 as a Nook or Kindle download). In it, Wright discusses research into the unique ways that boys interact with and engage the world as they develop and grow into adulthood. Wright shows how churches and schools may unwittingly discourage boys from participation and excellence by ignoring their natural inclinations and instead modeling classes and activities around the ways that girls interact with the world. Wright offers insights into how congregations can do better.
"Tim Wright's diagnosis of why most of our congregations struggle to connect with guys is eye-opening and stunning," says Jeff Marian, pastor of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Burnsville,Minn. "More importantly, Tim provides practical strategies that can help congregations connect with and fire up the Tom Sawyers all around us for God's mission." (Learn more about Wright at timwrightministries.com.)
 Wright will offer two free sessions on Sept. 23 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2000 Chestnut Street, Camp Hill, PA:
9 a.m.-Noon: Building a Church that Builds Boys into Men. Geared toward ministry professionals, this session will focus on developing a church culture that helps boys to grow into spiritually mature young men.
7 - 9 p.m.: Raising Boys in a Kryptonite World. Open for parents, families and church leaders, this session covers the challenges boys face in the 21st Century and the three gifts we can give our sons to call them into manhood.
The event is free, but advance registration is necessary so we can plan. Simply email LMM Secretary Bill Schirmer (wschirmer614@embarqmail.com) with your name, congregation, how many will attend and which session you plan to attend.
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 You are Cordially Invited . . .
Friday, August 28, 2015
7:00 p.m.
Trinity Lutheran Church, 47 W. Main St., Mount Joy, PA
Ordination of Andrew Geib and Commissioning of Micki (Marilyn) Kautz.
Andrew is called to serve as Associate Pastor of St. James Lutheran Church (Gettysburg). Micki will serve St. Michael's (Rossville) and St. John's (Franklintown) Lutheran Churches as an Associate in Ministry under the pastoral leadership of the Rev. Roy Stetler, Faith United Lutheran Parish.
The color of the day is red. All rostered leaders are invited to vest and process. A reception will follow worship.
Saturday, August 29, 2015
4:00 p.m.
Installation of the Rev. Aaron Erdley as Lead Pastor of Trindle Spring Lutheran Church, 14 State Rd., Mechanicsburg. The color of the day is green. All rostered leaders are invited to vest and process. A dinner reception will follow in the fellowship hall.
Sunday, September 27, 2015
4:00 p.m.
Installation of the Rev. Martha Sue Boyd as pastor of St. John Lutheran Church, 158 S. Hoernerstown Rd., Hummelstown. The color of the day is green.
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A New Service-Learning Ministry Opportunity is "Rising Up"
 What would it be like to serve, learn, and grow in relationship with people in our own neighborhoods, communities, or synod who deal with the daily realities of poverty?
In a synod where LutheranHANDS and Hope in Haiti have taken service learning and service travel to a whole new level of accessibility, comes a ministry that focuses our attention on the needs that are emerging in our own neighborhoods and cities. "Rise Up Together: York" is a weekend where participants can look forward to serving alongside neighbors at local feeding ministries, a local youth center, and local shelter on the west side of York city. Scheduled for October 9-11, 2015, we are partnering with existing ministries who come alongside people living with poverty, so we can learn from one another and grow in relationship with one another.
Designed to be an affordable alternative to the week-long mission/service trips, and priced at $30, this event is being subsidized by a generous grant from the Lower Susquehanna Synod. We are encouraging congregations to consider sending an adult with one or two youth or young adults to this "pilot" event, with the hope that this event can be replicated by congregations looking for a weekend service learning experience for their own youth ministries or for a multi-generational group. To learn more about this ministry, to help us promote it, or to register, please read and post the attached poster, flyer, and registration form, or visit our website at: http://www.lss-elca.org/youth-family/.
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Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania Elects New Bishop 
For those of you who have companion congregations in the Konde Diocese and/or who work with committees pertaining to the Diocese and its ministries, we bring you news of a new Head Bishop for the ELCT, the Rev. Frederick Onael Shoo (right). We give thanks for Bishop Dr. Elex Malasusa's ministry and offer prayers for Bishop Shoo as he begins his work and ministry. Click here to read more.
 Ready to Visit the Konde Diocese?
We Have a Trip Planned for YOU in 2016!
Our synod is planning a trip to the Konde Diocese next summer, and you are invited to prayerfully consider traveling with us. Pastor Cliff Eshbach will lead the trip will be on hand for three informational presentations across our synod. Bring your questions, a desire to travel and strengthen relationships and understanding, and an open mind and heart. These meetings will last about an hour, with time for additional questions following.
Sunday, September 20: St. Luke Lutheran Church,  2695 Luther Dr., Chambersburg, 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday, September 22: Lower Susquehanna Synod Resource Center, 900 S. Arlington Ave., Harrisburg, 7:00 p.m.
Monday, September 28: Holy Spirit Lutheran Church, 3131 Columbia Ave., Lancaster
Hammer Family Mission Update Andrew and Angie Hammer and their children continue to make plans and raise funds for their upcoming year in the Konde Diocese. They will leave next summer and spend a year in Mbeya, living on the campus of Southern Highlands University College (SHUCo) and working with their companion congregation, Forest Congregation. There are a number of ways for you to help them and to learn more about Tanzania and our Companion Diocese.  They are willing to come to your congregation to visit and talk about their upcoming trip. You can support them by purchasing one of their custom t-shirts ($12), and by bringing your youth group or congregational group to the December 19th special 10:00 a.m. private showing of Star Wars Episode VII at Penn Cinema in Lititz (tickets must be purchased in advance). You can also choose to provide a gift of any amount to support their mission.You can "like" the Hammer's page on Facebook, Hammer Family Mission Trip, as well as keep up with their planning before they leave and follow them when they are away at www.hammermission.org For more information on the Hammer's fundraising events and to order a t-shirt, please contact them at: angie@the-hammers.net.
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Deadline to Register for Bishop's Convocation is August 31!
Do you wonder where all the people have gone on Sunday morning? Do you hope that proclamation will help form a new generation of disciples and enliven present generations? If so, this is a day you won't want to miss!
 Bishop's Convocation is for all rostered leaders, lay leaders, and anyone interested in faith formation. The Rev. Dr. David Lose, president of The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, will address participatory proclamation and faith formation. Why is this important for all congregational leaders? Martin Luther wrote "all Christians have the authority, the command, and the obligation to preach ..." ( Luther's Works, vol. 30: The Catholic Epistles, Concordia, 1967). Come learn, grow, and be equipped to share the life-giving, grace-filled good news of Jesus Christ in fresh ways for a new age. Click here for details and to register now!
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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 Stewardship Resource from Chick Lane
You may remember Chick Lane as the speaker at our 2013 Bishop's Convocation. An ELCA pastor, author and stewardship expert, Lane has become a trusted source for congregations looking to advance their giving. Here is a new, relatively low-cost program from Chick Lane that will give you what you need for a stewardship program this fall.
Because of God's Great Mercy: The bad news is that people rarely give (or give more) unless they are asked. The good news is that people often respond affirmatively when they ARE asked. This program provides everything a congregation needs to make a direct, respectful request, along with a simple way for people to calculate an increase of 1/2 of 1% of household income. The cost is $20, and it gives you a download of instructions and a full set of documents in both PDF and Word. (Go to embracingstewardship.com/.)
Fall Stewardship TED Talk, Sept. 3
Our synod's monthly Brown Bag Leadership Lunch program has been rebranded "TED Talks," which in our case stands for Theology, Evangelism and Discipleship. We'll offer monthly conversations about topics of interest to congregational leaders.
Far too many of our congregations lack a strategy to invite its members to participate more deeply in the life of the congregation through thoughtful, prayerful financial giving. And year after year, many of these congregations suffer from a shortage of resources that could help their ministries thrive. If your congregation still has no plans for a fall stewardship campaign, it's no too late. Come to our TED Talk on Sept. 3 and we'll review a number of ideas, strategies, as well as several resources that can get your congregation going. The leader is the Rev. Rob Blezard, assistant to the bishop. The TED Talk takes place from 10 a.m. - Noon on Sept. 3 in the boardroom of the United Church Center (where our synod office is located), 900 S. Arlington Ave., Harrisburg, Pa. Bring a lunch and we can share a fellowship meal and talk afterwards. In order that we have enough resources to go around, please RSVP to Cathy Deitrich at the synod offices, cdeitrich@lss-elca.org.
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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 Andrew Geib, who will be ordained to the ministry of Word and Sacrament, and Micki Kautz who will be commissioned into the ministry of Word and Service, on Friday, August 28. We pray for fruitful ministry and service to God's people.
...prayers for the family of Craig Colantoni, son-in-law of Pastor and Mrs. James R. Gable, Jr., (newly retired from St. Paul Lutheran Church, Lititz) and husband of their daughter Christine Colantoni and her children, Josie, Eli and Ava. Mr. Colantoni passed away suddenly from a heart attack at the age of 47 on July 16. Click here to be redirected to the obituary.
...prayers for healing and thanksgiving for Chaplain Michael Fischer (Country Meadows), who is recovering from a successful kidney donation. We pray for the recipient of this gift of life, too.
...prayers for healing and hope for Pastor Sarah Heintzelman (retired, serving St. Matthias, Carlisle Springs) and Pastor Terry McCarthy (St. Paul, Broadway, Hanover)
...prayers of thanksgiving for the safe arrival of Pastor George Mwakanyamale, our Konde scholar who will begin his studies at Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary.
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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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.
LWR Ingathering 2015
It's time once again for the annual Lutheran World Relief Ingathering. You can access a congregational packet by clicking here. You can also visit the Lower Susquehanna Synod Website Ingathering page by clicking here. Have any questions? Contact Norma R. Good, Lower Susquehanna Synod Volunteer Coordinator for Relief Projects at nrgood@comcast.net or 717-399-7697.
Reminder! Hunger Legacy Grant Applications Due August 30.
Click here to download an application for this year's Lower Susquehanna Synod World Hunger Legacy Grant program. 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. Need a Word document copy of the application? Contact Pr. Sharron Blezard.
Minute Book Orders Due August 30
The 2015 Minute Book (synod handbook and directory) will be posted on the synod website. To order a hard copy of the Minute Book, please click here to download a form and mail it to the Rev. Thomas E. McKee, synod secretary, at 900 S. Arlington Avenue, Suite 220B, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17109 by August 30, 2015. Please enclose your check or money order payable to the Lower Susquehanna Synod for those Minute Books you wish to purchase. Congregations also may request their complimentary copy of the Minute Book by contacting Pastor McKee at 1-800-692-7282, ext. 111, or tmckee@lss-elca.org.
NOTE: Our office will be closed Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day. Regular office hours resume Tuesday, September 8.
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.
August 29
Growing Faith in our Home: A Day Retreat for Leaders and their Families (Rescheduled for October 15, 2016--mark your calendar)
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 17-19 (Cancelled)
ELCA Networks for Mission Event: We are Church Together
Capital Retreat Center, Waynesboro, PA
September 23
A Day with Tim Wright (presented by Lutheran Men in Mission), Trinity Lutheran Church, 2000 Chestnut St., Camp Hill
September 25-27
The Weekend
Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary. Click here for more information. 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.
October 24
Congregational Treasurer Seminar, LSS Resource Center, 900 S. Arlington Ave., Harrisburg
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)
April 15-17
The Weekend
Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary. Click here for more 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 29
"Chicken for Chickens" BBQ to Benefit World Hunger, St. John Lutheran Church, 111 Walnut St., Boiling Springs
"Lobster Fest", Tree of Life Lutheran Church, 1492 Linglestown Rd., Harrisburg
August 30
Mac&Cheese 20,000 Meal-Packing Event, Zion Lutheran Church, 1290 River Rd., Marietta
September 6
Rejoicing Spirits Worship (a disABILITIES ministry), St. Luke Lutheran Church, 2695 Luther Dr., Chambersburg
September 12
"Queens Who Cook" Fundraiser to benefit the St. Barnabas Center, Tree of Life Lutheran Church, 1492 Linglestown Rd., Harrisburg
Annual GermanFest Event, Our Saviour Lutheran Church, 420 N. Progress Ave., Harrisburg
September 13
"God's Work. Our Hands." Sunday (and LAMPa's "God's Work. Our Hands. Our Voices" Sunday)
Rejoicing Spirits Worship (a disABILITIES ministry), St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 30 W. Main St., New Kingstown
September 27
5th Annual Pet Sunday and Blessing, Mt. Carmel Lutheran Church, 1398 Moulstown Rd., N, Hanover
Gettysburg 1863, in Song and Story, First Lutheran Church, 21 S. Bedford St., Carlisle
September 29
Bus Trip to NYC and 9/11 Memorial Museum with St. Mark's Lutheran Men in Mission
October 3
October 4
Rise Up Together: The Tour (featuring Rachel Kurtz, Agape, and Joe Davis), St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 839 W. Market St., York
Lost and Found: The Farewell Tour, Trinity Lutheran Church, 108 South Robeson St., Robesonia
November 7
Sorensen in Concert at the Grove Community Coffee House, Salem Lutheran Church, 99 York Rd., Jacobus
December 19
Star Wars Episode VII Private Showing (benefits the Hammer family's year in the Konde Diocese/tickets must be preordered), Penn Cinema, Lititz
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!
Needed: Accompanist's Book for With One Voice. Have one you would be willing to donate? If so, contact Pastor Susan McCarthy at pastorsusan@yahoo.com or call her at 717-357-3223.
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Em ployment 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).
Organization: Evangelical Lutheran Church of Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL)
Position: Communication Coordinator (Posted 8/26/15)
Congregation: Our Saviour Lutheran Church, Harrisburg
Position: Part-time Administrative Assistant (Posted 8/26/15)
Congregation: Zion Lutheran Church, Marietta
Position: Part-time Organist (Posted 8/26/15)
Organization: Cumberland County Prison (Carlisle Area Religious Council)
Position: Full-time Chaplain and Director of Pastoral Care (Posted 8/12/15)
Congregation: St. Stephen Lutheran Church, New Kingstown and St. Mark, Mechanicsburg
Position: Youth and Family Ministry Director (Posted 7/28/15)
Congregation: Trindle Spring Lutheran Church, Mechanicsburg
Position: Choir Director and/or Organist (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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