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"God's work. Our Hands" Sunday--and Every Day
 Lower Susquehanna Synod Lutherans donned yellow t-shirts, rolled up their sleeves, and got to work on Sunday, September 13. Some projects benefited local ministries and organizations while others will travel the globe to share Christ's love with our neighbors. Click here for a glimpse of what we are doing better together!
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Register Now for The Digital Cathedral Workshop
Using the Cathedral as a metaphor, Pastor Keith Anderson offers a renewed vision for ministry that steps beyond bricks and mortar, encouraging twenty-first century ministry grounded in relationships, neighborhoods and social media platforms. If Social Media Sunday has piqued your interest in incorporating new media into your evangelism, outreach, and faith formation, this workshop will help you see new possibilities applicable to a wide range of ministry contexts.
"A Cathedral is an immersive experience of faith formation, with the images, architecture, people, music, and ritual all serving to form those who enter that space. Part of the genius of Cathedrals is the way they affect and shape us simply by being inside them. Even as you trace a  particular stone carving with your finger, stare up at a certain stained glass window, walk a labyrinth, or listen to a guided audio tour, the environment of the Cathedral itself is shaping you." - Keith Anderson in The Digital Cathedral
Engaging ministry through a spiritual hub in a widely networked and integrated world is more than possible, it's necessary. Join us as Lutheran-Christian pastor and author Keith Anderson shares ways we can include theory and theology, spirituality and practice through a digital cathedral. Based on Rev. Keith Anderson's newest book, The Digital Cathedral: Networked Ministry in a Wireless World, and in partnership with Zion Lutheran Church in York, this workshop is free and open to all; however, registration is required by November 7, 2015. Note: No day of event registration is available.
Where: Zion Lutheran Church, 2215 Brandywine Lane, York 17404
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
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 Register for Congregational Energy Efficiency Webinars
Want to conserve energy and reduce your congregation's carbon footprint? Want to model faithful stewardship of the environment? How about saving some money in the process? GreenFaith can help! In fact, this interfaith action group has helped hundreds of congregations move toward greater energy efficiency and stronger stewardship.
Sign up now for a two-part webinar series that will teach you the 12 best energy conservation and efficiency steps for faith communities. On October 29 and November 5 from 12:00 noon - 1:00 p.m. ET, GreenFaith will show you how most faith communities can cut 10% off their energy bills without spending a dime. Can't attend live? Sign up anyway, and GreenFaith will send you links to watch later. Click here to register.
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Update: Syrian Refugee Informational Meeting
 Lutheran Children and Family Service (LCFS) anticipates the arrival of several Syrian refugee families this coming year. We have received a number of calls from persons interested in volunteering or from congregations interested in becoming co-sponsors.
An informational meeting October 28 at 7:00 PM at Union Lutheran Church, 408 W. Market Street, York, PA. This meeting will provide information about the Syrian Refugee Crisis (including how Syrians are getting here, who is coming, where they are going, security clearances, etc.), how to get involved through Congregational Co-sponsorship, donations (including Welcome Boxes), volunteering as a tutor or mentor, becoming a foster parent for unaccompanied refugee minors, Refugee Emergency Housing Fund, and how persons overseas access the U.S. Refugee program. If you would like to join us, please RSVP to: Janet Panning, Program Director via email at janetp@lcfsinpa.org.
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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)
As fewer people carry cash and checks, many churches today are seeking newer and easier ways to set up giving to benefit their congregations. Online giving has its own set of complexities and options, but is becoming easier all the time. Giving kiosks are popular. New options for online giving are being developed continually. The United Methodist Church has put together an article reviewing some of the most popular innovations.
November 12 TED Talk: 'Green Preaching'
Are you passionate about God's creation - climate and environmental concerns -but not sure how to preach on the topic? Come to the Nov. 12 TED Talk to hear the Rev. Dr. Angela Zimmann, homiletics professor at Gettysburg Seminary, give us some practical ideas for integrating ecology and preaching. You can also learn about an upcoming opportunity at LTSG!
Our synod's monthly TED (Theology, Evangelism and Discipleship) Talks cover topics of interest to congregational leaders free and open to anyone. They are held every second Thursday of the month from 10 a.m. - Noon 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 and friends of the Rev. David J. Bringman, brother of Daniel Bringman and brother-in-law of Lucinda Bringman (synod vice-president),who died October 5, following a brief but aggressive illness. Pastor Bringman served Trinity Lutheran Church, Alameda, CA.
...prayers for the victims, their families and friends, and the entire community that grieves in the wake of the Umpqua Community College shooting in Oregon. According to one list released, this marks the 142nd school shooting since Sandy Hook. Lord, have mercy.
...prayers for all affected by the flooding in South Carolina. Click here to read Bishop Yoos' update from the South Carolina Synod.
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.
You are Cordially Invited . . .
Sunday, October 25, 3:00 p.m.
Installation of Associate in Ministry Micki Kautz
St. John's Lutheran Church, 151 Clearview Rd., Dillsburg. The color of the day is red.
Sunday, November 8, 4:00 p.m.
Installation of the Rev. Alison Bowlan
Salem Lutheran Church, 26 Owl Hill Rd., Lititz.
Looking for 2015 Lutheran World Relief Ingathering information? Click here!
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.
October 19
"Mark-ing the Festivals" Led by Pastor Rob Myallis at Wittel Farm
October 23
Healing Communities Training (sponsored by the PA Council of Churches and Lancaster County Reentry Management Organization)
Red Lion Inn, Harrisburg. Click here for more information.
October 23-24
Safe & Healthy Churches Training: Ending Family Violence (facilitated by FaithTrust Institute)
DoubleTree Philadelphia - Valley Forge, King of Prussia. Click here for more information.
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.
October 29
Cost of Poverty Immersion Project, Stillmeadow Church of the Nazarene--City Campus, York
November 1
Luther Rose Lecture "Martin Luther: Then & Now" with the Rev. Dr. Richard Carlson
Palm Lutheran Church, 11 W. Cherry St., Palmyra
November 2
The Mission of God in an Intercultural and Interreligious World: Lutheran-Anglican-Roman-Catholic (LARC) Day of Dialogue with the Rev. Dr. Robert S. Heaney
Cardinal Keeler Center, 4800 Union Deposit Rd., Harrisburg (Click here to register.)
Friday, November 6
Boundary Training for Rostered Leaders and other Ministry Professionals
8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Epiphany Lutheran Church, 1100 Colonial Rd., Harrisburg (Registration closes Monday, Oct. 30).
November 6-7
Symposium on the Forgotten Luther: Advocate for the Poor, Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, Lutheran Church of the Reformation, 212 East Capitol Street Northeast, Washington, D.C.
November 16
"Mark-ing Advent" Led by Pastor Rob Myallis at Wittel Farm
January 11-15
January 31 - February 2
LSS Rostered Leaders' Wellness Retreat
Hotel Hershey, 100 Hotel Rd., Hershey, PA Click here to register.
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.
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.
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
"Music at Grace" with organist, Dr. Robert Horton, in Concert, Grace Lutheran Church, 517 N. Queen St., Lancaster
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
October 17
45th Annual Apple Festival, St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 30 W. Main St., New Kingstown
Liturgy of Peace and Unity, Mt. Zion Lutheran Church, 2164 Mt. Zion Rd., York
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
October 26
"Preparing for Family Transitions - Event & Gourmet Supper," Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 750 Greenfield Rd., Lancaster
November 7
"Looking to the Future: Aging and Estate Planning,"
Zion Lutheran Church of Union Deposit, 5 W. Main St., Hershey (co-sponsored by Zion and St. John's, Hoernerstown, Lutheran Churches)
Sorensen in Concert at the Grove Community Coffee House, Salem Lutheran Church, 99 York Rd., Jacobus
November 8
An American in Paris--Great American Composers with Paul Bissachia, piano, Trinity Lutheran Church, 2000 Chestnut St., Camp Hill
November 14
"War Trauma: Impact and New Life," Windy Hill Building, 1472 Roth's Church Rd., Spring Grove
November 21
Chambersburg Conference Meal-Packing Event, Solomon's Lutheran Church, 4856 Wayne Rd., Chambersburg
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, Bibles, an organ, or choir robes? 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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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.
New Listings this Week:
Congregation: St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 839 W. Market St. York, PA 17401
Position: Part-time Financial Secretary (Posted 10/2/15)
Position: Interim Organist (Posted 10/2/15)
Position: Paid Chancel Choir Singers, soprano, alto, and baritone/bass
(Posted 10/2/15)
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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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