Weekly E-News

June 26, 2009

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Synod Office on Summer Hours

Contents


Carings and Sharings

Please remember the following in your prayers:

Pastor John Tomlinson
Scott Edelman (synod council), Ehren Hassler (son of Pastor John Hassler), Chester Melot (father of Pastor Ann Melot), John Reier (father of Pastor Robert Reier), John Ziegler (SALM)

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Sermons Available On This Website

The sermon that Bishop Zeiser preached at the service of Holy Communion on Saturday, June 6, during the 2009 synod assembly is now available on the synod website. Click here to read the sermon.

In late May, we received a copy of the sermon preached by Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson at the installation of Bishop Zeiser on September 27, 2008. You may read the sermon here. Please note that the sermon is an abbreviated version of Bishop Hanson's original message.

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West Berks Mission District Website

The West Berks Mission District has a new website!

The website includes a history of the West Berks Mission District, a listing (with pictures) of the congregations and their pastoral staff, a calendar of the food pantry schedules at Lutheran congregations, a FAQ page, and a lot more.

Be sure to check it out at www.westberksmissiondistrict.org/.

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50 Days of Prayer

The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of the ELCA, has asked members to pray and study Scripture for 50 days starting June 29, in preparation for the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, which meets in Minneapolis Aug. 17-23.

The assembly will act on a proposed social statement on human sexuality, a recommendation on ministry policies, and various churchwide program proposals. It will conduct elections and consider memorials (proposed at synod assemblies) and resolutions (proposed by voting members at the churchwide assembly). The proposed social statement and recommendation on ministry policies are sources of significant discussion within the church.

Members are being asked to pray daily, meet in weekly groups, use daily Scripture readings for reflection, hymn and prayer, and use suggested petitions for prayers during worship.

Resources may be found at http://www.ELCA.org/50days.

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Augsburg Fortress Summer 2009 Music Clinics

Augsburg Fortress offers biannual music clinics for continuing education of church musicians and enrichment of music in worship. Held in a variety of locations, each clinic features an assortment of reading sessions including choral and piano/organ. The well-known clinicians offer their own character and wisdom during the presentation of music from a number of publishers. These clinics are always free of charge, with choral packets available for only $1 per packet that includes copies of music for attendees to keep.

The closest music clinic to Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod will be held August 6-7 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Ardmore.

For more information, including other dates and locations, schedule, list of clinicians, and directions to the sites, go to www.augsburgfortress.org/community/events/ and click on the link for the summer music clinics.

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MissionPlus Investments

Response to special-rate offer is helping to build your church.

In April, the Mission Investment Fund introduced a 0.50% interest rate bonus for its MissionPlus investments. As of June 8, nearly $25 million had been invested by ELCA congregations, their members, and ELCA-related ministries. This bonus rate is in effect until July 1.

Don't miss out on this special bonus. Here are the current rates for these balances:

  • $100-$9,999 (1.5%)
  • $10,000-$24,999 (2.0%)
  • $25,000-$99,999 (2.5%)
  • $100,000+ (3.25%)

For more information, visit www.elca.org/mif or contact Pr. Mark Wimmer at 267-203-1137 or mark.wimmer@elca.org.

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ELCA Video Contest

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America invites congregations and individuals to submit 30- to 90-second videos in a contest related to the ELCA tagline, "God's work. Our hands."

The contest begins June 15 and runs through July 15, the deadline date for submitting video entries. ELCA Communication Services is managing the contest for the churchwide organization.

Prizes include a $5,000 ministry grant for an ELCA congregation and a $2,500 cash prize for an individual entry. Winners will be announced at the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, Aug. 17-23 in Minneapolis.

More information, resources, and contest rules are at http://www.ELCA.org/videocontest.

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Planning a Day at Dorney Park?

Discount tickets are available.

Tickets (for admission to Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom) may be used any day during the 2009 operating season except when the park is closed for private events.

Tickets must be purchased in advance at the Wescosville synod office, 4865 Hamilton Blvd (Route 222), either in person or by mail. Click here for a flyer and ticket application form.

Proceeds benefit the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod Youth Scholarship Fund.

Questions? Contact Debbie Frey at 610-395-6891 or Debbie@nepsynod.org.

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Upcoming Installations

  • Paul Hansen will be installed as pastor of Moselem-Beckers this Sunday, June 28, at 3:30 p.m.
  • Douglas Holtz will be installed as pastor of St. Paul, Albrightsville, on August 9 at 10:45 a.m.

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Positions/Jobs/Employment Opportunities/Items Available (date posted)

Disciple Builder (6-19-09)
Huff's Union Church (ELCA and UCC) seeks a Disciple Builder, who will work approximately 9 hours weekly with the pastor, those under age 18 and their parents, and church volunteers, to help young people become disciples of Jesus. They are looking for someone with good relational skills and who is well organized, self directed and familiar with Christian practices in either the ELCA or UCC. For full job description, please contact Pastor Jane Kropa at krosmart@enter.net or call 610-845-2626 before July 15, 2009.

Director of Student Services (6-19-09)
The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia seeks candidates for the full-time position of Director of Student Services. This is a senior level administrative staff position. Applicants are required to have a Master of Divinity degree and parish ministry experience. Preferred applicants will have exemplary administrative management skills and knowledge in the areas of financial aid and budgetary functions. A complete job description is available at http://www.ltsp.edu/open-positions. Send cover letter, resume, three references, and salary requirement to resumes@ltsp.edu or mail to LTSP Human Resources 7301 Germantown Avenue Philadelphia PA 19119-1794. The deadline for submission is July 17 2009.

Organist/Choir Director(6-19-09)
St. Luke, Allentown, is seeking an organist/choir director. Two Sunday services, adult and children's choir, handbell choir. Weekly rehearsals September-May. Position requires organ/piano proficiency, ability to rehearse and conduct choirs, and willingness to work with all ages. Please send resume and letter of interest to: St. Luke's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 417 N. 7th Street, Allentown PA 18102; attn. Organist Search Committee or e-mail: stluke@enter.net. For more information call 610 434-3943.

Director of Christian Youth and Family Ministries (6-8-09)
Allegheny Lutheran Church, Knauers, is seeking a Director of Christian Youth and Family Ministries to provide youth and family education and fellowship through youth activities, adult programs and family life ministry. This is a full-time, salaried position. Read more about the job description. If you are interested in applying, please download, complete, and mail an employment application.

Organist/Choir Director (6-3-09)
Bethany Lutheran Church, Stony Creek Mills, is seeking an organist/choir director beginning September 1. The person should have experience playing in a church, preferably Lutheran, and have good teaching and social skills. One church service on Sunday at 10:15 AM (9:00 AM in summer); currently the choir rehearses on Sunday morning prior to the service. Letters of interest should be sent to Bethany Lutheran Church, 1375 Friedensburg Road, Reading, PA 19606; attention: Ms. Barbara Rentz, chair, Worship and Music Committee. If you have any questions prior to sending your letter, you may contact Pastor Michael Reist at (610) 698-0311 or Revmike@ptd.net.

Director of Music (4-3-09)
Full-time Interim Director of Music. Position available June 15. Three services, three vocal choirs, two bell choirs. For more details, contact Pastor Ric Elliott, The Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit, 3461 Cedar Crest Blvd. Emmaus PA 18049. Phone 610-967-2220, ext 111, or email at PrElliott@HolySpirit-Emmaus.org.

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