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Weekly E-News Archives
From previous editions of E-News (date posted)
Join Us for Our Resource Center Open House!
Have you been itching to see the synod resource center but can't make it
during the center's 9-5 weekday hours? Well, here's good news for you!
On Saturday, April 17, the resource center staff is having an
open house to celebrate the start of Saturday resource center hours. The
center will be open on April 17 from 10 AM to 2 PM. After that
date, the hours will be 9 AM to 1 PM Saturdays by appointment.
We hope you'll come to open house. There will be some "giveaways,"
opportunities to preview DVDs and videos, and even some refreshments.
Watch for more information about the open house. In the meantime, set
aside the date and plan to be there!
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What's New in the Resource Center
The resource center open house is a great opportunity to see what's
available in your resource center, but don't forget that you can visit
the virtual
resource center any time, 24/7. Learn about new or recommended
resources on the regularly updated
resource center web page on this website.
Explore these resources recently added to the center's collection:
- New resources from Robert Corin Morris, one of the presenters at
the 2010 Bishop's Conference.
- New evangelism and prayer resources by Martha Grace Reese
To preview these books, visit the Resource Center or contact Karen
Matthias-Long at Karen@nepsynod.org
or Debbie Frey at
Debbie@nepsynod.org.
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Cake Contest for Farm Banquet
To make the tenth Farm
Family Appreciation Celebration banquet more festive, the
planning committee decided to "let them eat cake!" Since the cost of
purchasing cakes was prohibitive, the committee decided to have a cake
contest. The banquet will be held April 10, 2010, in the
Hamburg Field House.
The first 15 persons to contact Pastor Mary Gade (610-395-6891 or
maryg@nepsynod.org) will
participate in the contest. Details of the contest may be found here.
More information and a registration form for the banquet may be found
here. The deadline for registration is March 25.
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Online Registration Open for Youth Gathering
Youth: Register now for Listen to Jesus, the Northeast
Region Youth Gathering, to be held July 22-25, 2010, at
Westchester University. You can register online or print, complete,
and return a registration form via the gathering's website at
http://www.youthgathering2010.org.
Do check the gathering website for a schedule, information about the
presenters and musicians, and pictures from the last northeast region
gathering in 2007.
The gathering is open to youth 14 years old or older or who have
completed grade 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 by June 2010. Adults participating
as "primary leaders" must be at least 21 years old.
The registration fee for each participant, youth and adult, is
$325 (by May 1; $350 after May 1).
P.S. The Northeast Region Youth Gathering is on Facebook! Join
the group: 2010 ELCA Northeast Regional Youth Gathering.
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Safe Sanctuary/Child Protection Policies
Pastor Mary Gade is looking for samples of congregational Safe
Sanctuary/Child Protection policies. This is a set of guidelines or
policies, however brief or involved, that helps your congregation
protect your members/children from inappropriate contact with other
members and/or nonmembers.
Unfortunately, such inappropriate contact is a harsh reality in our
world today, and many insurance companies are requiring that
congregations for which they provide coverage have such policies in
place.
Mary would like to provide a CD with congregational guidelines/policies
to synod congregations that request such information. If you have such a
policy in your congregation and are willing to share it with other
congregations, please send a copy (preferably electronic) to Mary at
maryg@nepsynod.org.
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An Invitation from Diakon
You are cordially invited to the installation service of Mark T. Pile
as President/CEO of Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries on Friday,
March 26, 1:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2000 Chestnut
Street, Camp Hill, PA.
All are welcome!
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Empowered by the Sabbath: Women of Color in Ministry Event
The synods of Region 7 will sponsor Empowered by the Sabbath: A Great
Gathering of Women of Color. The conference for clergy and lay
leaders will be held April 22-24, 2010, at Xavier Retreat
Center, Morristown, NJ.
Click here for a letter of invitation and more information. For a
registration form, click here. Deadline for registration is March
13.
Come together for a time of fun, relaxation, reflection, sharing stories
and fellowship. Questions? Contact Yvonne Curtis at 215-248-6318 or
ycurtisf@aol.com.
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Tax Information Regarding Haiti Donations
President Obama signed into law a bill that makes a special exception to
the general rule for monetary donations to help Haiti recover from the
January 12 earthquake.
Individuals who make a monetary donation to a qualified charitable
organization after January 11, 2010, and before March 1, 2010,
may claim the contribution as a deduction on their 2009 or
2010 federal income tax returns. Taxpayers may not deduct
contributions on both their 2009 and 2010 returns.
For tax years beginning after 2009, the limitation on itemized
deductions for higher income individuals is repealed. For the 2009 tax
year, the limitation is reduced by two-thirds. Consequently, some
individuals may find it more beneficial to claim their contributions to
Haiti earthquake relief when they file their 2010 returns in 2011 than
claiming the contribution as a deduction on their 2009 returns.
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Youth: Get Ready for the 2012 ELCA Gathering!
The Youth Gathering of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America will
return to New Orleans in 2012. Returning to a host city
consecutively is unprecedented in the history of ELCA Youth Gatherings.
The gathering will take place July 18-22, 2012.
In the summer of 2009 about 37,000 Lutheran teenagers, adult leaders and
others gathered in New Orleans not only to paint and make home repairs
but to learn about and experience the faith of people who live there.
Residents of New Orleans and others along the U.S. Gulf Coast continue
to recover more than four years after Hurricane Katrina.
Information about the ELCA Youth Gathering is at
http://www.ELCA.org/youthgathering on the ELCA website.
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Housing Information, 2010 Synod Assembly
The 2010 Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod Assembly will be held June
18-19, 2010, at the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza
(formerly Wachovia Arena) in Wilkes-Barre.
Arrangements for special rates have been made with Hilton Garden Inn
(570-820-8595; $94.00 a night plus tax) and The Woodlands Inn and
Resort (570-824-9831; toll-free: 800-762-2222; $119 a night plus
tax). The Hilton is across the highway from the arena; the Woodlands is
an easy drive away. There are other motels in the area as well.
For more information about the assembly, contact Glenn Simmons at
610-928-0125 or glsim@ptd.net.
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Quilts, Kits for Haiti
On Monday, January 25, Lutheran World Relief's first shipment of health
kits and layettes arrived in Haiti. LWR's partner, Church World Service,
helped LWR expedite this process.
More shipments are planned. You can help by
making quilts and
kits.
Your gifts of quilts and kits provide immediate relief, and you've made
financial gifts to support both immediate and long-term efforts in
Haiti. Now you can also show your care and support by sharing your
prayers through
LWR's Prayers for
Haiti board.
Learn more about
LWR's work in Haiti here.
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Contributions for Haiti Relief
Thank you! To date, $25,000 has been received in the synod office
for Haiti relief.
Please share this news with your congregational members and encourage
them to contribute/continue contributing to Haiti relief.
Contributions through your congregation may be noted on the benevolence
remittance form. (Indicate "Haiti" under Other Benevolence.) Other ways
to give are noted on the synod home page.
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Synod Council to Review Synod Office Location
At its meeting on January 20, 2010, the synod council acted on two
resolutions related to the congregation of Christ Lutheran Church,
Schoenersville.
In an email to rostered leaders, congregations, and others following
that meeting, Bishop Zeiser noted that "the people of Christ Church have
come to the realization that their life as a community is coming to an
end. As they have considered how to dispose of their assets wisely, they
have offered their building and property to the synod, should we wish to
use it as the synod office."
The resolutions call for the appointment of 1) "a committee ... to
perform a due diligence analysis concerning converting the church and
education building ... to become the [synod] offices"; 2) "a committee
to review the fit of the Christ, Schoenersville, building as the synod
office with the vision of the synod."
The complete
minutes of the January 20 council meeting may be read here.
ELCA Disaster Response Has a Blog!
ELCA Disaster Response now has a blog. Early on, the focus mostly will be
on the relief efforts in Haiti, but they will expand into other disaster
response topics and other responses over time.
On the site, you can subscribe to receive posts by e-mail. Comments have
also been enabled so that you can ask questions and add to the
discussion. The first post comes from Megan Bradfield, associate
director of international development and disaster response for the
ELCA.
Here's the address:
http://blogs.elca.org/disasterresponse. Check it out, and spread the
word!
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Come and See!
Come and See what is available at The
Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia!
Prospective Student Day events are open to anyone interested in
lay theological education opportunities, certificate, Master of Arts in
Religion, Master of Divinity, Doctor of Ministry, Master of Sacred
Theology, or Doctor of Philosophy. Join with others for refreshments;
conversation with students, faculty and staff; and information about
education opportunities, financial aid and admission processes.
Upcoming Prospective Student Days
- Saturday, February 20, 2010, 8:30 am - 1:00 pm
- Saturday, March 13, 2010, 8:30 am - noon
- Saturday, May 8, 2010, 8:30 am - 1:00 pm
- Thursday, June 17, 2010, 6:00 - 8:30 pm
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Dates Set for LIFT, Assembly 2011
At its meeting on January 20, 2010, the synod council approved the dates
and location for the 2011 synod assembly and for LIFT (Lutherans
in
Faith Together).
Both events will be held on the campus of Muhlenberg College. The dates
are June 17-18, 2011, with the assembly being held in conjunction with
LIFT.
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2010 Lutheran Day at the Capitol
Save the Date: Lutheran Day at the Capitol will be held on
Wednesday, April 14, 2010. The keynote speaker will be Dr.
Christopher P. Borick, professor of political science, Muhlenberg
College, and director of the Muhlenberg Institute of Public Opinion.
Watch for more information, including online registration.
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Leave a Legacy for Ministry and Mission
As of 1 January 2010, the Minimum Required Distribution (MRD) from
IRAs, 401(k)s, 403(k)s, and other applicable retirement plans has been
reinstated. The MRD was suspended for a year (2009) as part of the
Federal Government's economic recovery plan.
For those who are 70 ˝ and older, who must take the MRD but do not need
the distribution, consider making a charitable gift either outright or
deferred. By making a charitable gift, you may offset some of the income
tax liability with a charitable deduction. By making a deferred gift
using a Charitable Gift Annuity, you will receive a tax deduction, some
tax free income for a number of years, and annuity income.
For more information about how to make charitable gifts using retirement
plans or other ways to make charitable gifts, call Pr. Greg Kramer at
the Lutheran Planned Giving Office at 570-374-2044 or call the ELCA
Foundation, 800-638-3522, ext. 2970, or visit their website at
www.elca.org/fo.
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Visit Lutherland; See the Passion Play
A few openings remain for the upcoming trip to Germany led by Ruth
and Rick Doty and Michael and Linda Krentz. Designed in partnership with
the ELCA Wittenberg Center, the trip includes "Lutherland" and the
Passion Play at Oberammergau. The dates for the trip are May 30 -
June 11, 2010, with a possible extension in Berlin until June 14.
For more information, click here to see the trip brochure or contact
Ruth Doty at
2dotys.ober@gmail.com.
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For Your Calendar: 2011 Learning Ministries Day
The date has been set, the theme has been selected, and the presenter has
been chosen for the 2011 Learning Ministries Day!
Date: January 22, 2011
Theme: "Technology and the Bible: It's All Geek to Me!"
Presenter: Hans Wiersma, Associate Professor of Religion,
Augsburg College, Minneapolis, MN
Don't miss this event. Put it on your calendar today!
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2010 Mission Support Intention Form
The synod council uses the information provided by congregations on their
annual mission support intention form to prepare a realistic
budget for the ministries we do together -- across the synod and around
the world.
At the evenings with the bishop, each congregation received a 2010
mission support intention form. Those congregations that were not
represented had forms mailed to them.
Thank you to those who have returned the form to the synod office.
If your congregation has not yet returned the 2010 mission support
intention form, please complete the form and send it to the attention
of Pastor Mike Bennethum at the synod office. If you cannot locate
the form you received in the fall, Pastor Bennethum can send a copy to
you or you can download and complete a
generic form from this website.
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Troubling the Water
to live among God's faithful people
A Theological
Education with Youth event in partnership with the Northeastern
Pennsylvania Synod
- What A day of theological discovery with faculty and
students from the Lutheran seminaries in Philadelphia and
Gettysburg, exploring our baptismal call "to live among God's
faithful people" through small group, worship, activity, and
community
- Who Up to five youth in ninth or tenth grade from any
congregation in Regions 7 and 8 congregation, and at least one adult
participant per congregation
- When Saturday, April 10, 2010, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Where Atonement Lutheran Church, Wyomissing, PA
- How $25 per youth participant (includes lunch for youth
and adult participants).
Register online at
www.theologicaleducationwithyouth.com
Questions? Contact TEY Director Chandler Carriker at
ccarriker@ltsg.edu or
(717)338-3038.
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Invitation from the A-Team
The Accessibility Ministry Team (A-Team) in our synod is seeking
new individuals to join our team. Presently we do not have
representation from the Pocono, Schuylkill, or Scranton/ Wilkes-Barre
mission districts, but we are certainly open to people from other
mission districts, too.
We are also searching for the following characteristics and/or
experiences:
- direct or indirect personal and/or professional experience with
the challenges of sight, cognitive or mental impairment, or
Aspergers Syndrome or autism
- interest in and experience with meeting the needs of persons
with disabilities in the congregation or surrounding community
- a variety of ages, cultures, or ethnic backgrounds
- a Lutheran or familiarity and interest in working with Lutheran
congregations and/or social ministry organizations
Please contact the current A-Team chair, the Rev. William (Bill) M. Horn
at whorn@gsrh.org or 610.776.3139 by
Thursday, February 11 (the next A-Team meeting), with your
suggestions.
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Upcoming Events at Bear Creek Camp
- March 1 Early bird discount deadline
- April 25 Earth Day 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- April 30-May 2 Wild Women Weekend
- May 7-9 Annual Work Weekend
- May 28-31 Memorial Day Family Camp
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2009 Minutes Book
The 2009 Minutes Book is finished and available. Most of the content is
available in the Resources section, Synod Forms and Documents
subsection, on this website.
Not included on the website for privacy reasons is the roster section,
which includes information about rostered leaders and congregations.
Instructions on how to access the rosters online will be sent to
rostered leaders next week.
The entire book is also available in hard copy. If you would like to
pick up a hard copy, call Carol Moyer at the synod office at
610-395-6891.
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Sales Tax Exemption Renewal
Most congregations in the synod may notice that their Pennsylvania Sales
Tax Exemption certificate will be expiring at the end of March.
The Department of Revenue has informed us that they will all be
renewed automatically, and new ones will be mailed out in early
March.
However, you should check your current certificate to be sure that the
address is correct. If your address has changed, you can simply
note the new address on a copy of your certificate and send it to the
Department of Revenue before March 1.
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2010 Family Life Service's Women's Retreat
Diakon Family Life Services is holding its annual Women's Retreat
April 23-25, at Mariawald Renewal Center, Shillington. This year's
theme is Forgiveness: Seeing with new eyes.
Although all the major religious traditions clearly extol the value of
forgiveness, little practical help is provided. Without tools and
practices that allow us to align with the Spirit, to "see with new
eyes," we often remain entrenched in our resentment and condemnation.
Licensed clinical social worker and ordained minister Joanne Weiss
will help participants explore where the healing is needed within and
learn and practice concrete tools to move forward in life whether the
forgiveness needed is for others, for ourselves, or even for God.
Cost is $155, and deadline for registration is April 1. For more
information or registration materials, contact Diakon Family Life
Services at 610-682-1337 or 1-888-499-2699 (toll free), or visit the
Events section at www.diakon.org/fls.
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Mayo Clinic Health Assessment for 2010
If your health insurance is provided through the Board of Pensions
ELCA-primary plan, it's time to participate in the annual health
assessment survey. This year you will be credited with $150 in
your personal wellness account if you complete the survey by April
30, 2010. Follow-up activities can earn you an additional $300
credit.
Once again this year the Board of Pensions will give a 2% premium
reduction to congregations in synods where at least 65% of
ELCA-primary plan members and eligible spouses complete the survey by
April 30. Northeastern Pennsylvania came closer to that mark in 2009
than we had in 2008, but we didn't reach our goal.
The survey takes about fifteen minutes to complete, provides you with
useful information about your health, and gives you a cash reward. Can
you think of a reason to pass that up? Go to
www.elcabop.org now
to earn your credits.
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Check Out the February LTSP Glimpses
The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia Glimpses
tell about your seminary, and are designed for congregations to use in
their bulletins and inserts to help share LTSP's stories of ministry.
The February Glimpse tells about MAR student Tiffany Chaney,
whose studies in the Public Leadership concentration are the next step
in her career in health care management.
View and download the February Glimpse for personal and congregational
use.
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ELCA Ministry Policies Draft
The ELCA Vocation and Education program unit has posted a first draft of
amendments to the candidacy manual. The draft is posted at
www.elca.org/ministrypolicies.
The draft was prepared by staff from the Vocation and Education program
unit and has been revised extensively after comment from staff of the
Office of Secretary, Vocation and Education candidacy staff including
regional coordinators, and members of Conference of Bishops liaison
committee with Vocation and Education.
Please take time to read the draft carefully. Go to
www.elca.org/ministrypolicies, follow the links to the drafts, and
then use the link for direct comments.
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Reducing the Risks of Child Abuse in Your Church
A workshop on Reducing the Risks of Child Abuse in Your Church
will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., April 15, at Trinity Lutheran
Church in Lansdale. This workshop is suitable for rostered and lay
leaders, including children's ministry leaders.
For more information on this Diakon Family Life Services program,
including cost, see the January 2010 issue of Diakon Lutheran
Social Ministries' Mission District Report, found here:
http://www.diakon.org/ChurchProfessionals/NEPA.asp.
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Ministry with Senior Adults
Luther Crest, a Diakon Lutheran Senior Living Community in Allentown,
will host a Moravian Theological Seminary course from 1:30 to
4:30 p.m. Mondays from Feb. 1 through March 8.
The six-week course is designed for clergy and laity who want to become
more effective in ministry with senior adults. Topics covered include
grief, dynamics and issues of dementia and aging, caring for the
caregiver, spirituality and faith, visitation and communication skills,
and more.
For more information on this program, including cost, see the December
issue of Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries' Mission District Report,
found here:
http://www.diakon.org/ChurchProfessionals/NEPA.asp.
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Northeast Region Youth Gathering
Mark your calendars for the 2010 Northeast Region Youth Gathering.
Listen to Jesus is the theme of the gathering, to be held July
22-25, 2010, at West Chester University, West Chester, PA. The theme
scripture is Matthew 17:1-9, The Transfiguration. Come with Jesus and
others at the gathering -- be transformed.
To be eligible to attend, youth must be 14 years old or older or have
completed grade 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 by June 2010. Adults participating as
"primary leaders" must be at least 21 years old.
The cost for registration for each participant, youth and adult, is $325 (by
May 1; $350 after May 1). For more information, go to
www.youthgathering2010.org. Online registration opens February 1,
2010.
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2010 IRS Mileage Rate
The Internal Revenue Service announced this week that the standard mileage
rate for business travel in 2010 will be 50 cents per mile. The
rate for volunteers in service to a charitable organization will remain at
14 cents per mile. These rates take effect January 1, 2010.
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New CEO of Diakon Announced
The Diakon and Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries boards of directors
recently unanimously selected Mark T. Pile, MSHA, MSW, currently
Diakon's chief operating officer, to be the organizations' president/CEO,
effective Jan. 1, 2010.
Pile, of Macungie, will replace the Rev. Daun E. McKee, Ph.D., who
is retiring the end of this year.
The selection of Pile follows a more-than-year-long national search
process conducted by a committee appointed by the two boards of directors
and including members of both boards.
Read more at
www.diakon.org.
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Annual Report Covers for Congregational Meetings
One of the important ways to tell the story of the ELCA to people
in the pew is through the use of annual report covers at the annual
congregational meeting.
The Thank You message from Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson, the encouragement
to tell stories of our ministry together, and the How are mission support
dollars used? section inform our members about the mission and ministry
carried out by the ELCA - and made possible by their mission support.
Order these covers for your congregational meeting today. The Annual
Report Cover (item #001341) can be ordered from Augsburg Fortress,
800-328-4648 or
www.augsburgfortress.org.
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Women of Color Conference
The synods of Region 7 will sponsor Empowered by the Sabbath: A Great
Gathering of Women of Color. The conference for clergy and lay leaders
will be held April 22-24, 2010, at Xavier Retreat Center,
Morristown, NJ.
Come together for a time of fun, relaxation, reflection, sharing stories
and fellowship. For more information, contact Yvonne Curtis at
215-248-6318 or ycurtisf@aol.com.
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News from MIF
From November 1, 2009, through April 15, 2010, purchase a new Mission
Investment Fund fixed-rate IRA - and earn an extra 0.50% over the rate
in effect at the time of purchase for the full term of the investment. All
it takes is a minimum $100 investment in a MissionTermSelect fixed-rate
IRA or $250,000 in a MissionTermSelectGrand fixed-rate IRA.
When you invest in the Mission Investment Fund, you get more than a great
rate. You also help build your church. MIF uses the money you invest to
make loans to ELCA congregations and related ministries for building and
renovation projects.
For more information, contact area representative Pr. Mark Wimmer at
267-203-1137 or mark.wimmer@elca.org,
or visit the MIF IRA center at
www.elca.org/mif.
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News and Information from Bear Creek Camp
All Bear Creek Camp Summer 2010 materials are ready now online!
Check out
www.bearcreekcamp.org for updated program information and registration
forms. You can even register for camp online!
Summer 2010 brochures are coming to your congregation. Be on the
look out for the 2010 Bear Creek Camp Summer Brochure. Remember Early Bird
Discounts end on March 1.
New scholarships available. Don't let money keep your child from
experiencing the joy of being part of the Bear Creek experience! All first
time campers will receive a scholarship as will multiple siblings coming
for a full week.
Volunteers needed. There are plenty of opportunities for folks to
donate time and skills to Bear Creek Camp. If you are looking for group
project or just want to come up on your own and help make Bear Creek Camp
the best that it can be, contact Rick Frederick, assistant director, at
570-472-3741 or
prodir@bearcreekcamp.org.
Information about employment and volunteer opportunities for spring
and summer 2010 can be found on the "Staff
and Volunteers" page of the website. For more information, go to
www.bearcreekcamp.org or contact the camp office at 570-472-3741.
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Healthy Practices during Flu Season
What are you doing to cut down on the chance of spreading the flu in
church?
Some congregations are sharing the peace in ways that don't involve
physical contact. Here's one pastor's experience:
"We talked in church . . . about alternatives to kissing and hand shaking.
As a result, in the receiving line after the service I got several fist
and forearm 'bumps,' one hip bump, two 'self-hugs' (where you wrap your
arms around yourself in joy as if hugging the other person), a dozen or so
loud air kisses and one lovely Japanese-style bow."
There's no need to spread fear - but there's no reason to spread germs
unnecessarily. Make sure you have hand sanitizer and tissues readily
available. Encourage people to stay home if they're sick. Keep yourself
informed by checking websites such as
www.flu.gov,
www.cdc.gov, and
www.pandemicflu.state.pa.us.
If you have other suggestions on how congregations can encourage health,
let us know!
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Mutual Ministry Seminars in 2010
- Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod will hold two mutual ministry
seminars in March 2010.
Pastor Dick Bruesehoff, of the ELCA Vocation and Education unit
and co-author of Pastor and People: Making Mutual Ministry Work
(Augsburg Fortress, 2003), will guide participants through an
exploration of mutual ministry and its exciting ministry possibilities
for your congregation.
The event will be held on two dates at two locations. Plan to attend one
of these:
- Saturday, March 20, 2010, 9:30 am-3:00 pm at Holy Communion
Lutheran Church Parish House at 2111 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA
OR
- Sunday, March 21, 2010, 2:00 pm-7:30 pm at Grace Lutheran
Church, 660 North Charlotte Street, Pottstown, PA
Additional information and a downloadable brochure that includes a
registration form are located at http://www.ministrylink.org/article/explore-mutual-ministry-possibilities/.
Questions? Contact: Pastor Sue Lang at
sue@revwriter.com or 215-453-8128.
NOTE: The Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod Leadership Development
Ministry Team is planning a training event in 2010. Watch for more
information.
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Need Ideas? Have Ideas? Check Our Blog!
The Faith Formation Resource Team of our synod has started a blog
entitled Faith Tools for the Family of Faith.
This blog provides a place for sharing resources, thoughts, and ideas for
youth and family ministry. Here you can
- Ask your questions
- Share your stories
- Tell what works for you in youth and family ministry
Guidelines for your first visit to the blog may be found in the resource
section of the synod
website. Click here to go to that page. You may also read these in the
November issue of
Synod News, which was mailed to congregations this week.
Check out the blog - and don't forget to leave your questions and ideas in
the comment box! Hopefully, by providing a place to share, we can all
learn from one another - and expand our pool of ideas for ministry!
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Bible Study on Synod Purpose Statement and Strategic Directions
At the 2009 synod assembly, the synod council presented a proposed synod
purpose statement and strategic directions, the result of a nearly
year-long visioning process.
The purpose statement and strategic directions grew out of input from
congregational surveys, congregation councils, and mission district
gatherings. The proposed purpose and directions were affirmed by the
assembly.
A discussion guide was distributed to assembly participants to help them
take the purpose statement and strategic directions back to their
congregations. This guide was included in the monthly mailing last week
and is also posted on this website at
www.godslove.org/whoweare/biblestudy.htm.
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Are You Prepared for a Disaster?
Perhaps the most important component of being prepared for disaster is to
Make a Plan. When you plan, you are forced to think about different
scenarios and how you might handle them in the case of an emergency.
All of us could be better prepared for the unknown and the unthinkable.
This year, Lutheran Disaster Response encourages you to be the ReadyChurch,
and it takes all of us working together. Take time this month to prepare
your family, your friends and neighbors, and your congregation by
following the three simple steps -- 1) Be Informed, 2) Make a Plan, and 3)
Get a Kit. Get started today by visiting
www.ldr.org/ready.
Make a Plan, and be better prepared today for what might happen tomorrow.
Together, let's become the ReadyChurch!
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Biking for World Hunger in Towanda
Inspired by the three pastors (the Tour de Revs) who biked across the
United State to educate and raise funds for the ELCA World Hunger Appeal,
Pastor Jira Albers of Trinity, Towanda, decided to take on a similar
project - but on a much smaller scale: biking around to his parishioners.
You can follow Pastor Albers on his excursion to the outer limits of
Towanda in a delightful video he made and posted on YouTube.
Check it out at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOtiYQ7YCHM. And consider yourself
challenged!
Top of page
Parliamentary Procedure Chart
If you are running a congregation meeting, serving as parliamentarian, or
just want to have a simple explanation of the parliamentary process, a
chart on motions prepared by the Secretary of the ELCA, David Swartling,
will help you understand procedures.
The chart helps explain how motions work in a properly run congregation or
synod meeting.
Click here to download a copy of the chart.
For more detail, it is always important to refer to official rule books on
Parliamentary Procedure. The Model Constitution for Congregations
paragraph C10.07 states, "Robert's Rules of Order, latest edition, shall
govern parliamentary procedure of all meetings of this congregation."
Top of page
A Branch Office at Every Computer
The Mission Investment Fund (MIF) offers the convenience of online
banking. All you need is a computer and an internet connection.
MIF investors can take advantage of this great convenience that makes
banking so easy. You can monitor your MIF accounts, provide for the
transfer of funds between accounts, and even take advantage of a bill pay
option. Imagine paying your monthly bills without using another stamp or
going to the mailbox. This option is available to individuals,
congregations, and ministries of the church.
For more information about online banking or about any MIF investment or
loan products, contact area representative Pr. Mark Wimmer at 267-203-1137
or mark.wimmer@elca.org
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Leave a Legacy for Ministry and Mission
Think about the part you want to play in the church's future. You have the
opportunity to support the ministries of the church in many ways. Naming
your congregation or other ministries of the church as a beneficiary in
your estate plan or the making of an endowment gift can assure your
continued participation in this ministry far into the future.
For more information on how to include your favorite church charities in
your estate planning, call Pr. Greg Kramer at the Lutheran Planned Giving
Office at 570-374-2044 or call the Foundation of the ELCA, 800/638-3522,
ext. 2970, or visit their website at
www.elca.org/fo.
Top of page
2010 Synod Assembly
The 2010 Synod Assembly will be held June 18-19, 2010, in the
Wachovia Arena, in Wilkes-Barre.
Top of page
Church World Service Needs Kits
If you have an opportunity to promote CWS Kits in your congregation,
please do so!
CWS is asking congregations and groups to help replenish the supply of CWS
Emergency Clean-up Buckets, Baby Kits and Hygiene Kits for distribution to
domestic and international partners.
Most recently, Church World Service has provided Emergency Clean-up
Buckets and Hygiene Kits to partners in Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa and
Kentucky for clean-up following storms and floods there. And CWS Baby Kits
are being distributed to vulnerable families in Ghana and Honduras.
Completed buckets and kits can be dropped off or shipped to the Brethren
Service Center, 601 Main St., New Windsor, MD 21776.
For more information, visit
www.churchworldservice.org/kits.
Top of page
Postal Regulations and Newsletters
New postal regulations may affect how you prepare your congregation's
newsletter for mailing. Briefly, the rules that become effective this
month require that:
Newsletters be closed with at least two seals, placed in a specific way.
These seals be kept clear of the area where the barcode gets printed, or
be of a type that can be printed on.
The address be parallel to the long side of the newsletter.
You can read the detailed instructions at
http://pe.usps.com/cpim/ftp/manuals/DMM300/201.pdf
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The Kindness of Strangers: Lutheran Youth in New Orleans
On Monday, the online newspaper The Best of New Orleans ran a story
about the ELCA Youth Gathering in that city July 22-26. It was more than a
story. It was a letter of thanks. Here are a few excerpts:
"The end of July brought the biggest convention to town since Hurricane
Katrina, but it wasn't doctors, lawyers or other professionals. In fact,
it wasn't even adults. It was 37,000 teenagers and their chaperones from
the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), who filled hotels all
over town for the 2009 ELCA Youth Gathering, which they called Jesus,
Justice and Jazz...
"The teens spent much of their five days in New Orleans performing some
200 community service projects... In all, our Lutheran visitors from all
over the United States contributed a quarter of a million volunteer hours
to the people of New Orleans - and, in many cases, thanked us for the
chance to have done so...
"Thank you for reminding New Orleans - a city that's so dependent on the
kindness of strangers - that there still are people in this world who come
to town and leave behind things more valuable than overflowing cash
registers."
Top of page
Augsburg Fortress Offers Webinars on the 2010 Vacation Bible School Materials
Want a sneak peak at Augsburg Fortress' 2010 Vacation Bible School
materials? Join Augsburg Fortress for one of their upcoming webinars on
VBS 2010.
Click here for a list of webinars and a link to register.
Top of page
Holden Village Offers Great Resources
One of the gifts of the Holden Village community is the great variety of
teachers and preachers who have come there to give lectures on whatever
they are passionate about.
Most of these lectures/presentations, dating back as far as the 1970s, are
available to listen to online (http://audio.holdenvillage.org/node/3770).
There are over 2,879 MP3 files on this website. Topics cover everything
from African spirituality to "Getting a Handle on Handel" and from Bible
studies to such topics as racism, sexism, economics, and vocation.
Here's just a very few of the speakers that have been recorded:
- Barbara Lundblad
- Art Simon
- Barbara Rossing
- Joseph Sittler
- Herb Chilstrom
- Corinne Chilstrom
- Darrell Jodock
- Mary Preus, Tom Witt (Bread for the Journey)
- Gordon Lathrop
- Granger Westberg
- Ivis LaRiviere-Mestre
- Rosemary Radford Ruether
Download the audio file onto your computer or iPod. You can search their
media library by topic or by the name of the presenter.
Top of page
Identity Theft
Each day, the risk of identity theft grows greater.
An entire industry has sprung up overnight aimed at addressing Americans'
fear of having their identities stolen. The federal government, banks and
the credit card industry, to name a few, have enacted new laws and
regulations aimed at preventing the loss of personal identity information
(PII) held by large organizations which hold such confidential data in the
normal course of business.
PII includes such things as names, addresses, birth dates, credit card
information, bank account numbers, routing information and Social Security
numbers, most of which are likely to be held by a congregation in tracking
weekly giving and other interactions with its members.
The congregation is also vulnerable to identity theft, as it has its own
equivalent of a Social Security number in the form of a Tax Identification
Number (TIN) and possesses other confidential information such as bank
account and routing numbers.
To learn more about protecting your congregation and its members from
identity theft,
click this link to view a presentation on this topic.
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New Scam Hitting Churches
The Federal Trade Commission, the nation's consumer protection agency, has
issued a warning about a new scam affecting churches.
Recently, scammers offered computer equipment to the staff of several
churches, claiming the cost would be covered by a "sponsor." The church
staff simply had to sign an agreement to lease the equipment, make a
regular payment, and deposit checks from the sponsor to cover the checks
the church staff had written. But in the end, the equipment didn't work,
the sponsor checks started bouncing, and the churches had thousands of
dollars taken out of their accounts.
You can find more information and advice on how to protect yourself from
this scam and others at
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt138.shtm
Top of page
LIFT DVD Available
Did you miss LIFT? Did you not miss LIFT but want to hear the
keynote speaker and Dakota Road again?
A LIFT DVD of the opening and closing celebrations that includes the
keynote speaker, Mark Allan Powell, and the music of Dakota Road is
available to borrow from the synod Resource Center.
To borrow the DVD, contact Debbie Frey in the resource center at
Debbie@nepsynod.org or
610-395-6891.
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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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We're Now on Twitter
The synod is now using Twitter to send out timely information.
You can follow us at
www.twitter.com/nepsynod. Reports from our synod assembly were posted
during the assembly. Be sure to sign up and keep up with what's happening
in your synod.
(If you have no idea what any of this means, read about it at
www.twitter.com.)
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Does Your Church Have a Weekday School or Early Childhood Center?
ELEA (Evangelical Lutheran Education Association) is the national
membership association of schools and early childhood programs in ELCA
congregations and its full communion partners. With a host of membership
benefits, including accreditation, resources, conferencing, discount
programs, employee benefits, and much more, we are here to help you!
Learn more at http://www.eleanational.org/.
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Great FREE Resource for Congregations and Leaders
Administration Matters is a bimonthly e-newsletter for ELCA
congregational and synodical leaders. It addresses common, practical
issues including finance, governance, risk management, tax, legal
concerns and topics of interest about day to day operations and
management in church settings.
Click here to subscribe to this free ELCA e-newsletter!
Top of page
What Is Happening with the SALM Program?
This question is frequently asked of synod staff.
When inquiries come in to the synod office, we make clear that the
program is not being ignored but has been in the process of evaluation.
We are now at the point of needing to hear from you. We would like to
know who would be interested in attending a meeting to share ideas,
concerns, suggestions, and questions concerning the SALM program. This
will also provide an opportunity for us to share our thoughts and hopes
for the future of the SALM program. When we have a sense of who would
like to attend, we will find a place to meet that is most convenient to
the majority of those interested and set a date to come together.
Please take a moment and either call (610-395-6891) or email (nepsynod@rcn.com)
the synod office and let us know of your interest. Be sure to leave your
name, phone number, address, and email contact information and we will
then be back to you with details of the meeting.
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Lutherland and Oberammergau 2010: Two
Opportunities
May 30-June 14, 2010
The ELCA Wittenberg Center in Germany is partnering with Michael Krentz and
others for a journey through the beautiful and historical German Alps and
"Lutherland. The trip will be held May 30-June 14, 2010.
Highlights include the Passion Play in Oberammergau, Luther's Wittenberg,
Bach's Leipzig, Mozart's Salzburg, Bonhoeffer's Berlin, and more!
For more information, contact Mike Krentz at
mekrentz@gmail.com.
July 29-August 10, 2010
The ELCA Wittenberg Center in Germany is also partnering with the
Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia to sponsor a trip to
Lutherland and Oberammergau July 29-August 10.
The 13 day trip will be led by LTSP Professor Emeritus Jack White. Dr.
White has been a volunteer at the Wittenberg Center and has led several
previous trips for them.
If you have questions or need more information, please contact Jack
White, 2727 St. Joseph Lane, Chambersburg, PA 17202; tel: 717-261-5724;
email: jackmimi@hotmail.com. Top of page
New Synod Resource: Congregational Leadership in Anxious Times (Book and DVD)
Anxious times call for steady leadership. When tensions emerge in a
congregation, its leaders cannot be as anxious as the people they serve.
To remain effective, congregational leaders must control their own
uneasiness. This takes self-awareness and confidence to manage
relationships and influence behaviors.
Knowing how to deal with anxiety and how to work through complex
challenges can lead a congregation to new insights, growth, and vitality.
Anxious times hold not only the potential for loss but also for creation,
important learnings, and changes that will strengthen the congregation.
With this new book, Congregational Leadership in Anxious Times,
internationally respected consultant Peter Steinke goes deeper into the
requirements of effective congregational leadership.
For these and other resources, contact Debbie Frey at the synod resource
center (610-395-6891).
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The Importance of Audits
Doing an audit of the congregation's finances may seem like a lot of work
where there's very little risk, but don't underestimate how important
this task is.
Every three or four years, one of our congregations discovers that a
trusted member or employee has defrauded the church, often costing the
congregation many thousands of dollars and a great deal of anguish.
If you're unsure of how to conduct an audit, you'll find instructions and
lots of helpful information on the ELCA website at
http://tinyurl.com/bs7sqe.
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Subscribe to a Board of Pensions Newsletter
Did you know that the Board of Pensions provides three newsletters by
email?
Click this link (https://www.elcabop.org/News_events/email_newsletter.aspx)
to subscribe to:
- Employer-news Provides timely information with web site links
to help administrators and treasurers with ELCA benefits information,
including tax issues, salary changes, enrollment, defined compensation
and ELCA contribution rates; and/or
- Investment-info Provides timely information with web site
links to help plan members and administrators learn about investment
terminology, strategies, trends and recent news; and/or
- Healthy Leaders - working to live well in mind, body and
spirit For those who want a connection to the ELCA's growing
conversation about health and wellness.
Top of page
Order a DVD of Bishop Zeiser's Installation
Copies of the service and the pre-worship music for Bishop Zeiser's
installation are available for purchase for $6 per copy. Leaders of
congregations that have not requested the congregation's free copy may
still do so.
To order a DVD or to request your congregation's free copy,
click here. You may also
pick up your congregation's free copy or purchase a copy at the synod
office.
Top of page
Year-End Giving Statements
A recent notice sent to congregation treasurers by the synod finance
committee may have been misleading. As long as the statements you send
out meet the IRS guidelines listed below, they do not need to be signed
by the treasurer. The requirements are
- They must show the name and address of the church and the name of the
donor.
- They must show the date and amount of each contribution.
- There must be a statement that the donor received nothing in exchange for
the gifts other than intangible religious benefits.
Top of page
Website Includes Videos of Worship, Other Programs
Trinity Lutheran Church, Reading, has started an online half-hour
version of its worship service each week, with a two-month archive of
services. In addition, the archives feature music programs and other
programs.
Check out the site
and see what can be done with streaming video!
Top of page
Looking for Grant Money for a Congregational or Cluster Project?
The key priority assigned to the
Witness and Service
Ministry Team is to assist our synod to renew our passion for sharing
the Good News.
One of the ways the team carries out this assignment is to provide grants
to congregations, clusters, individuals, and others seeking synod funding.
For an idea of the kind of projects for which grant money is awarded,
check the
Witness and Service Ministry Team grant page.
Grants are also provided by the
Leadership
Development and
Worship and Spirituality Ministry Teams.
Top of page
Be Careful Out There!
Here at the synod office, we have experienced a string of e-mails that
will do bad things to the computer. To be safe, here's a review the warning signs:
- If you don't know the sender, be cautious. That's hard in an office
where we do get mail from people we don't know, but do be on guard.
- If there's nothing in the subject line, be doubly cautious.
- If you don't know the sender and/or there's nothing in the subject
line, and there's an attachment, assume it's trouble and delete it
immediately. If it was genuine, the sender will call you or try again.
- Then there are the obvious things. No one is going to send you
pictures of Angelina, Britney or Paris, with or without clothes. And if
you really could enhance your anatomy with a pill, don't you think
Walmart would be selling it?
- If the sender is Microsoft or Antivirus or a major company
(especially a bank) you don't do business with, and they're offering you
something or asking you for something, delete it. NEVER click on a link
in an e-mail from a company unless you're absolutely certain it's a
legitimate message. Fake links can take you to websites that will
install programs on your computer that will send a hacker a record of
every keystroke you type, such as passwords or a credit card number.
Microsoft and other computer or software companies do not send updates
by e-mail.
Top of page
New Honorarium Guidelines for Supply Pastors
The Committee of Deans recently approved new guidelines for fees for
supply pastors. Congregations are encouraged to begin using these
guidelines immediately. They will become the expected amounts beginning
January 1, 2009.
The recommended minimum honorarium
amounts are as follows:
- one service, $125;
- two services, $150;
- three services, $175;
- an additional $25 for multiple–point charges;
- an additional $25 for leading an adult forum or Sunday school class;
- and that mileage reimbursement (at the IRS rate) be provided in
addition to the honorarium.
In addition, if one of these services is on a day other than Sunday, an
additional $50 should be added to the rate for the total number of
services.
Top of page
Join the (Free) Creative Worship Tour!
Are you leading a worship team that is filled with creative energy? Do
you wish you were?
Whether you would like to find a forum for sharing the great, creative
worship being done in your ministry setting or you'd like some fresh
ideas to jump-start the energy, you should check out
www.creativeworshiptour.com. It's a free social-networking site for
excellent, creative worship, music, and media ideas and resources.
How can you participate?
Sign up!
Then
- Read the blog postings
- Participate in the on-line discussions
- Watch the videos posted by others
- Review the PowerPoint presentations posted by others
- Invite your friends, students, colleagues who are passionate about
creative, high quality worship
- Post your own media examples
- Interview someone you think has wisdom to share and post it
- Start a new conversation
- Post a question
- Show photos of your worship space
It's free. . . it's fun. . . it's cool. . . and you are invited!
(From Beth Lewis, president and CEO,
Augsburg Fortress)
Top of page
Download the Little Red Book
For 40+ years,
Augsburg Fortress has provided the Little Red Book calendar to
rostered leaders. Once again Augsburg Fortress will provide the Little
Red Book free of charge. In addition to the traditional print format,
Augsburg Fortress is pleased to introduce new downloadable versions—also
at no charge!
Just
click here for the page where you can download your copy. It is
available in both Palm Desktop and Microsoft Outlook formats.
Top of page
SIGN UP FOR THE ELCA E-ADVOCACY NETWORK!
E-Advocacy empowers ELCA members to advocate for peace, justice, and care
of creation. You'll receive timely updates from the ELCA on a wide
variety of issues, including hunger, poverty, and the environment; and
you can be confident knowing you are being asked to call or e-mail your
elected officials only at the moments when your voice can make the most
difference. Visit
www.elca.org/advocacy to sign up.
Top of page
JOINT CONFLICT RESOURCE TEAM BROCHURE
Do you know about the Joint Conflict Resource Team? This program is
designed to provide resources at no cost to congregations and church
leaders experiencing low-level conflict. The program is a joint venture
of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod, ELCA, and the Penn Northeast
Conference, UCC.
Check out the brochure!
Top of page
THE VOLUNTEER MINISTRY TASK FORCE: A VALUABLE RESOURCE
The synod Volunteer Ministry Task Force coordinates volunteer ministries
across the synod. This group can provide support, assistance, and
training for a Director of Volunteer ministries position. In addition,
they will assist congregations in recruitment, training, recognition, and
retention of congregational volunteers. For more
information and the names of
contacts, click here.
Top of page
PROOF OF 501(c)(3) EXEMPTION
If at any time your congregation needs to prove that you are a 501(c)(3)
exempt organization, you will need to know the ELCA Group Tax Exemption
number. The four digit number is occasionally requested when applying for
grants, receiving endowments, opening postal accounts, and the like. To
obtain this four digit number from ELCA headquarters in Chicago, send an
email to: 501c3@elca.org. In your
email, explain for what purpose you need the group exemption number, then
send the email. You will receive a return email asking for the name,
address, phone number, and Employer Identification Number (EIN) of your
congregation so that the ELCA can update your records. This data is sent
to the IRS each year. Once the ELCA has updated your information, an
official letter stating that your congregation is a Subordinate
Organization of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod, which is included as
a Subordinate Organization of the ELCA to which the IRS exemption number
is assigned. This official document should be kept in the
congregation's permanent files. This four-digit number is not to be
confused with the nine-digit Employer Identification Number. The
four-digit group exemption number indicates that the ELCA and its related
entities are recognized as exempt from Federal Income Tax under Section
501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Top of page
FIDELITY BOND COVERAGE
The synod office regularly gets phone calls asking about bonding of
treasurers and others who handle money. This was a service that was once
provided to congregations by the ELCA. Please be aware, however, that the
ELCA has not provided fidelity bonding since March 31, 1995. Each
congregation must make its own arrangements for bonding. Your insurance
company can provide you with information about this coverage.
Top of page
CHANGE IN MANDATED REPORTING LAW
Under Pennsylvania law, pastors and other rostered leaders who come into
contact with children as part of their work are required to report
suspected child abuse. Until recently, this report only had to be made
if you suspected the abuse as a result of actually hearing from the
child or seeing indications of abuse first-hand. However, a change to
the law took effect on May 29, 2007, and it affects rostered leaders. Under
the new law, you must file a report even if you have not actually seen or
talked with the child, as long as you have reasonable cause to suspect
abuse. Reports should be made to ChildLine at 800-932-0313. If you are in
doubt about how to handle a particular situation, feel free to contact
Family Life Services (610-682-1337) for guidance.
Top of page
COMMUNION WARE JOURNEY CONTINUES
The communion ware given to ELCA synods by the Evangelical Lutheran Church
in Jordan and the Holy Lands is still available for your congregation to
use. It provides an opportunity for you and your congregation to learn
about and pray for Palestinian Christians and their Muslim and Jewish
neighbors. Use these vessels in Holy Communion as a reminder of and a
witness to our partnership in mission with our brothers and sisters in the
Holy Land. If you are interested in borrowing the set (a chalice and
paten), contact Pastor Catherine Ziel (Catherine@nepsynod.org)
at the synod office.
Top of page
TAX LAW CHANGES
Changes to the tax laws that took effect in 2006 may affect donations to churches. In the past, members who made cash donations were allowed a tax deduction if they had some sort of written record of the donation, and if each gift was under $250. Notes in a diary or on a calendar, for example, were considered a sufficient record. Beginning in 2006, however, donors must have either a bank record (such
as cancelled checks) or a written receipt from the church. While most congregations have routinely sent such receipts, it is now essential that they do so. Remember, too, that these statements must say that the donor did not receive anything in return for the donation.
Top of page
LISTING YOUR CONGREGATIONAL WEBSITE ON ELCA AND SYNOD WEB PAGES
Does your congregation have a website? Is it listed on the ELCA
website? You can check to see if your site is listed by clicking the link about congregations
on this web page on our website.
If your congregational website is not listed or is listed incorrectly, you
can
update the information by clicking this
link.
Top of page
WORSHIP AND SPIRITUALITY MINISTRY TEAM GRANTS
The Worship and Spirituality Ministry Team is offering grants for
local initiatives related to their purpose, to help the people of the
Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod "deepen their relationship with God." For
information on the criteria for grants and for a grant application, go to
the Worship and Spirituality Ministry Team
web page and click on the
grant information and
application links.
Top of page
CONTINUING EDUCATION GRANTS
Looking for a grant for continuing education? The
Leadership Development Ministry Team reminds you that rostered leaders
of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod may apply for matching grants of up
to $250 to support continuing education. More information and a
grant application may be found via the team's page on the synod
website at
www.godslove.org/people/ministry_teams/leadership/.
Top of page
PRAYERS FOR PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST
The ecumenical prayer vigil for peace in the Middle East that began
in 2000 continues across the USA, on the same day each month in each
state, until there is an end to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. The
day of the month for Pennsylvania is the 9th of the month. We will
include the reminder in the monthly prayer list that
is posted online each month.
Top of page
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