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 ½ 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!

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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."

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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.

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2010 Synod Assembly

The 2010 Synod Assembly will be held June 18-19, 2010, in the Wachovia Arena, in Wilkes-Barre.

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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.

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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."

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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.

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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.

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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

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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)

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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/.

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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.

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