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Youth Gathering Memories Translate into Action at Home
 ELCA Lutheran youth and volunteers took the Motor City by storm this summer, causing one Detroit newscaster to liken the thousands of teens and leaders wearing brightly colored t-shirts to an "explosion of Skittles." The worship was wonderful, the fun was plentiful, the learning was immersive--but above all the service and discipleship-building were life-changing. Our Lower Susquehanna Synod sent to the ELCA Youth Gathering more than 850 participants and volunteers representing more than 65 synod congregations. And now that we're all back in central Pennsylvania, our youth will continue to "Rise Up Together" to share the gospel and make a difference in the name of Christ. Enjoy these pictures and comments from our LSS leaders and youth.
From Pastor Gretchen Ierien (Holy Trinity, Lebanon):
 Lebanon Lutherans went GAGA for the youth gathering. So, while everyone else was going crazy over the Skillet concert, getting seats on the floor, and the high ropes course, the 13 youth and four adults from Lebanon county were making plans for when we got home. "Why didn't you tell me before there was a Gaga pit here?" one of the youth from Hill Lutheran shouted. From that point on every spare moment was spent playing this game that in Hebrew and means Hit Hit. It basically is a game of Dodge ball that is played within a plywood ring.
We aren't saying that this is the only thing that our youth did. We really enjoyed our day of service, the worship services and the evening gatherings. We even made sure to get to Ford Field early enough so we could get seats close to the action. But the potential for GAGA ministry has taken hold of this little group. Right now they have plans drawn up and will be constructing the portable pit this next week. We plan on painting the rules in English and Spanish on the side so that we can take it out into our neighborhood and invite neighbor kids to play as well. I was impressed with how easy it was to connect with the other people as they were playing this very fast paced game. So if you are ever in Lebanon look for the pit and come on over and give it a try.
From Alicia Winey (Zion, Hummelstown):
 The biggest thing that made an impact on me was watching our kids look at homelessness and decide what they could do about it right now. Most of them had never seen a homeless person before but when they did, it wasn't that they were scared, it was a sadness and disbelief of what they were seeing. After each meal that we ate, they would box up any leftovers (they did this, we didn't suggest it) and as we would walk to Ford Field, they would distribute this food or pass out packs of crackers that we had brought as snacks for ourselves. That was a huge 'God moment' for me.
The other thing that really made an impact was what Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton said at worship - that we don't have to save the world, God has already done that. That made a huge impact on my heart and mind.
 From Michelle Shirk (Trinity, Mount Joy) The Gathering was once again an uplifting, energizing and amazing experience! Our youth grew closer to God and to each other as we experienced serving, loving, and learning in the city of Detroit. We were most impressed with the kindness of all the people we met in the downtown area and the neighborhood where we served. Our youth have walked away with a great love of the people of Detroit! JJ, our church's dog, also had a fabulous time on the trip. He interviewed our youth and other teens from all over the country - including Hawaii - as well as many Detroit natives. You can see him in action at our YouTube page!"
 From Sister Dottie Almoney (St. Peter, Neffsville): Detroit was a model of hospitality! Everyone went out of their way to make us feel welcome. I talked to a Christian from Iraq about the Christian persecutions and how his family came.to Detroit for a better life. I would like to take youth back again for more service opportunities.
From Charlie Roberts (Lower Susquehanna Synod staff):
On behalf of the synod Office for Children, Youth & Family Ministry, and as a Youth Gathering Planning Team Leader, I want to thank the caring adult leaders who gave of their time and talents to accompany our young people to Detroit to experience Christ in that  city. We served, prayed, played, worshiped and learned about the ways we are called to be disciples in 21st century America.
Even now, as we are immersed in our daily lives and routines, we ask ourselves how will we continue "Rise Up Together" on behalf of the Gospel in our communities here in Lower Susquehanna. For many years our office has partnered with other organizations to provide service learning opportunities for congregational groups, and now we are developing a new kind of service learning ministry that is local and affordable. We call it "Rise Up Together" as a way to affirm the work and learning from this Gathering. The Rise Up Together events are weekend-long projects that provide participants an opportunity for experiential learning, walking in accompaniment with local people in need. The events are for youth groups or multi-generational congregation groups interested in serving and learning in cities and communities all over our synod. The "pilot" event, called "Rise Up Together: York," will be held on October 9-11 in York city. To learn how you can get involved visit our website at: http://www.lss-elca.org/youth-family/events/rise-up-together-events/, or contact our office at croberts@lss-elca.org.
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Travel to Tanzania in 2016 with our Synod
 Have you been hankering to travel to the Konde Diocese and learn more about Your companion congregation or learn what life is like for our sisters and brothers in the East African country of Tanzania? Now's your chance! A small group of Lower Susquehanna Synod Lutherans will spend almost two weeks visiting congregations, hospitals, and schools, meeting fellow Lutherans, and enjoying the food, sights, and sounds of Africa. The trip will be led by the Rev. Cliff Eshbach, pastor of Holy Spirit Lutheran Church in Lancaster.
Join us for one of three informational sessions to learn more, ask questions, and talk with people who have made one or more trips already.
Sunday, September 20 at 4:00 p.m.: St. Luke Lutheran Church, 2795 Luther Dr., Chambersburg.
Tuesday, September 22 at 7:00 p.m.: Lower Susquehanna Synod Office, 900 S. Arlington Ave., Harrisburg. Monday, September 28 at 7 p.m.: Holy Spirit Lutheran Church, 3131 Columbia Ave., Lancaster.
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 You are Cordially Invited . . .
Sunday, September 20
9:00 a.m. breakfast, followed by joint 10:30 a.m. worship
Installation of the Rev. Dr. Robert Wallace as pastor of Friedens Lutheran Church, 301 W. Washington Ave., Myerstown.
Sunday, September 27 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. Sunday, October 25 3:00 p.m. Installation of Associate in Ministry Micki Kautz, who has been called to serve on the staff of Faith United Parish, primarily working with St. John's and St. Michael (Rossville). St. John's Lutheran Church, 151 Clearview Rd., Dillsburg. The color of the day is red.
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Lutheran-Anglican-Roman Catholic Day of Dialogue 2015:
The Mission of God in an Intercultural & Interreligious World
 In ways perhaps never before imagined Christians of North America are called to live out and witness to the Gospel of Christ in a world and nation that is religiously and ethnically diverse. In order to carry out our Baptismal mission in this context Christians need to cross borders interreligiously and interculturally. This is especially true for those commissioned for ministry through Ordination. The Reverend Doctor Robert S. Heaney will offer suggestions and provide models of how Lutheran, Episcopalian, and Roman Catholic clergy and laity can, in the context of our Christian mission, cross these boarders in our life and ministries.
 The Rev. Dr. Heaney, Ph.D., D.Phil., is Assistant Professor of Christian Mission, Virginia Theological Seminary, and Director of the Center for Anglican Communion Studies. Join us Monday, November 2, at the Cardinal Keeler Center, 4800 Union Deposit Rd., Harrisburg, for this important ecumenical event. The day begins at 9:00 a.m. and concludes at 3:00 p.m. Lunch is included in the cost of registration. Discounts are available for multiple registrants from the same congregation. Click here for a registration form.
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'The Play's the Thing': Two Opportunities for You and Your Congregation
 The Amish Project Comes to Open Stage, Harrisburg
The Amish Project, written by Jessica Dickey, is a fictional exploration of the Nickel Mines schoolhouse shooting in Lancaster County, and the path of forgiveness and compassion forged in its wake. The show will enjoy a limited run at Open Stage on Walnut Street in Harrisburg. On Thursday, October 15th, the author of Amish Grace, Donald Kraybill, will give a talk back with the audience following the performance.
The Amish Project made its original debut at the New York International Fringe Festival in the summer of 2008 and instantly generated buzz in the theater community. The Amish Project went on to a workshop production at the Cherry Lane Theatre in New York City, and on June 10, 2009, officially opened Off-Broadway at Rattlestick Playwrights Theater to rave reviews - due to its success, the run was extended.
" Extraordinary....compelling...the play is also a remarkable piece of writing." -New York Times
"The Amish Project is thought-provoking, compelling theatre..." -nytheatre.com
SCHEDULE:
8:00 p.m.: Oct 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, & 17
2:00 p.m.: Oct 11 & 18
7:00 p.m.: Oct 11
This play will make thoughtful outing for your church group. Call 717-232-6736 for advanced group sales information. The play is suitable for middle-school to adult theatergoers. Groups of 10 or more receive discounted tickets.
 Epic Telling of Mark's Gospel
For the first time in Lower Susquehanna Synod history, we are performing the entire Gospel of Mark using storytellers from across our synod's territory on Friday, November 20 from 7-9 p.m. at a place to be announced.
An Epic Telling is a powerful experience of a book of the Bible or a series of stories told by a team of tellers in one sitting. It's a completely different experience from hearing Scripture read in church, or from reading it in silence to oneself. The text comes to life and pulls us in.
Did you know the early church originally experienced the Gospel in this way? The flashbacks, the foreshadowing, the humor, the sub-plots in the Gospel, the stormy relationship between Jesus and the duh-sciples, the stunning ending? The Gospel of Mark runs about 2 hrs 20 minutes, including a 10-minute intermission. It's like an evening of going to the movies, but it's live!
We'd still have room for additional storytellers, yet we'd like to have all the parts assigned by September. Interested? Contact Pastor Tim Seitz-Brown at Timothy.seitzbrown@gmail.com or Pastor Sharron Blezard at sblezard@lss-elca.org. Coaching and rehearsals will be arranged in the near future.
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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)
Crafting a Stewardship Letter
Don't undervalue the power of the letter that accompanies your annual stewardship campaign materials. It's the invitation your congregation extends for folks to participate in its exciting ministries, a case statement for why their time, talent and treasure are worthy of investing. It should convey not only information, but a tone, an agenda, an attitude. This resource from the United Church of Canada explains some of the key elements of a good stewardship letter and provides some wonderful examples. To view some of the United Church's other stewardship offerings go to www.stewardshiptoolkit.ca. Good Luck!
Oct. 8 TED Talk:
Maximizing Facebook, Twitter, and Your Website as Ministry Tools
Get ready for "Social Ministry Sunday" on Oct. 25 by learning how a congregational website, Twitter presence, and Facebook page can serve as powerful ministry tools to help God's people deepen their church involvement and grow in discipleship.
The Oct. 8 TED Talk (Theology, Evangelism and Discipleship) will cover the basics of how to set up and use a congregational website and Facebook page, how to set up a Twitter account, and also delve more deeply into more creative and sophisticated applications. See what a good website can do. The talk would be most helpful for those whose congregations have a basic website or Facebook page and would like to take them to the next level. The leader is the Rev. Rob Blezard, assistant to the bishop.
The TED Talk takes place from 10 a.m. - Noon on Oct. 8 in the lunchroom of the United Church Center (where our synod office is located), 900 S. Arlington Ave., Harrisburg. 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 the family of Thomas J. Kuehl, Sr., father-in-law of the Rev. Kathy Kuehl (St. Christopher, Lykens and Immanuel, Williamstown), died September 15 in Colorado, at 98. Please keep Pr. Kuehl, her husband, John, and the extended family in your prayer.
...prayers for the family of the Rev. James Henneberger (retired), a long-time member of Solomon's Lutheran Church (Chambersburg), who died September 13, at 83. A service of thanksgiving and remembrance will be held at Solomon's on Saturday, September 19, at 11:00 a.m. Rostered in the Virginia Synod, Pr. Henneberger served as churchwide Global Missions Director for Central and South America, as a Civil Air Patrol Chaplain, and as a parish pastor. Click here to be redirected to the obituary.
...prayers of thanksgiving for the safe arrival in this world of Brooks Jamesohn Williams, son of Michael and Sarah Williams, and grandson of Pastor Jim Person (St. Mark, Harrisburg), born September 9, and Mathilde Rae Evenson, daughter of Pastor Andy (Lebanon Lutheran Cooperative) and Dr. Alissa Evenson, born September 1.
...prayers for all who are facing persecution and death at the hands of ISIS in Syria and Iraq and for missionaries and aid workers who are still in-country working to offer support and hope.
...prayers for the refugees from Syria and other countries who are now flooding Europe in hopes of a better life and freedom from persecution. We pray for the work of the Lutheran Church in Hungary and for the work of Lutheran Immigration and Relief Services.
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.
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.
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
October 26-29
Fall Academy and Luther Colloquy: !Reforming with the Holy Spirit!, Gettysburg Seminary, 61 Seminary Ridge, Gettysburg. Visit www.ltsg.edu for more information.
November 1
Luther Rose Lecture "Martin Luther: Then & Now" with the Rev. Dr. Richard Carlson
Palm Lutheran Church, 11 W. Cherry St., Palmyra
January 11-15
Executive Skills for Pastors, Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, Carefree, AZ, Visit http://spiritinthedesert.org for more information.
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.)
"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.
October 19 - "Mark-ing the Festivals" Led by Pastor Rob Myallis
November 16 - "Mark-ing Advent" Led by Pastor Rob Myallis.
Be sure to check the Center for Faith Formation webpage for information about upcoming events and links for registration. 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.
September 18-19
WOW! Women's Oudoor Weekend at Camp Kirchenwald. Click here for information.
September 19
Annual Yard Sale, Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church, 9 N. Main St., Dover
September 22
Grief Share, Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church, 9 N. Main St., Dover (continues Tuesday evenings through December)
September 24
Community Blood Drive, Luther Memorial Church 1907 Hollywood Dr., York
September 26
"To the Cross," Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church, 9 N. Main St., Dover
September 27
"Feeding the 15,000" Worship and Food-Packing Event, Mannsville Lutheran Church, 2944 Mannsville Rd., Elliottsburg
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 1-3
Annual Yard Sale, Centerville Lutheran Church, 1874 Walnut Bottom Rd., Newville
October 2
Tree4Hope Golf Scramble, (fundraiser for Hope Academy, Girls' School in Guatemala), Colonial Golf and Tennis Club, Harrisburg
October 3
October 4
Walk 4 Water, Trindle Spring Lutheran Church, 14 State Rd., Mechanicsburg
Rise Up Together: The Tour (featuring Rachel Kurtz, Agape, and Joe Davis), St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 839 W. Market St., York
Rejoicing Spirits Worship (a disABILITIES ministry), St. Luke Lutheran Church, 2695 Luther Dr., Chambersburg
Tromba Mundi in Concert, Trinity Lutheran Church, 2000 Chestnut St., Camp Hill
Lost and Found: The Farewell Tour, Trinity Lutheran Church, 108 South Robeson St., Robesonia
Rise Up Together: The Tour (featuring Rachel Kurtz, Agape, and Joe Davis), Evangelical Lutheran Church, Frederick, MD
October 6-8
Book Study Retreat at Camp Nawakwa. Click here for more information.
October 10
64th Annual Apple Butter Boil (Rain or Shine!), Barner's Church Grove, 5 Barner Rd., Liverpool
Pet Blessing, St. Mark Lutheran Church, 129 Charles St., Hanover
A Musical Evening
(to benefit the Dillsburg Library), Christ Lutheran Church, Filey's, 15 S. Filey's Rd., Dillsburg
October 11
Rejoicing Spirits Worship (a disABILITIES ministry), St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 30 W. Main St., New Kingstown
CROP Hunger Walk, St. Timothy Lutheran Church, Ott & Walnut Sts., Allentown, PA
October 15
Lifesaver Concert, Tree of Life Lutheran Church, 1492 Linglestown Rd., Harrisburg
October18
Fall Foliage Day at Camp Nawakwa and Camp Kirchenwald
October 25
250th Anniversary Concert: Jesus Christ our Cornerstone, First Lutheran Church, 21 South Bedford St., Carlisle
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, piano, 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:
Discounted Spark Story Bibles. Christ Lutheran Church in Manchester, PA has 11 brand-new Spark Story Bibles that they are not using and cannot return as they were ordered over a year ago. They are willing to sell them at half cost for anyone who wants them. They are $19.99 new and they will sell them for $10.00 each. If interested please contact Christ Lutheran Church at 717-266-1316 or email at office@clcmanchester.org.
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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).
Congregation: St. Peter Lutheran Church, York
Position: Part-time Music Director (Posted 9/16/15)
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)
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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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