The Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod - Publications

Check this page each month for links to announcements, news items, event details, and other matters that are new for the month.

In addition to the materials here, the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod sends out a mailing every month to synod congregations and rostered leaders. It contains—

April 2008

		NOTE: The back page of the cover sheet for the April monthly mailing has additional information about materials for the upcoming 2008 assembly. Click here for the cover sheet.
		Get ready for Fit for Jesus, the 2008 SYMDANO (Synod Youth Ministry Day and Networking Opportunity) event! It will be held on April 19 at Christ Lutheran Church, Conyngham. Click here for more information and a registration form.
		*Money Leadership for Rostered Leaders* engages rostered leaders in conversation and self-assessment of their experiences, feelings, knowledge and practices related to money issues. This event will take place April 22-23, 2008, at St. Francis Friary in Easton. Click here for more information.
		Rolling Stones Days Bear Creek Camp needs adults and youth volunteers for any of its three Rolling Stones Days on April 19, April 26, and May 3 to gather stone and do finishing work on the walls of the new outdoor chapel, to be dedicated 2:00 pm on June 14. For more information, click here.
		Locks of Love Benefit A haircutting party to benefit Locks of Love and Diakon Hospice Saint John will be held at 4:30 p.m., Thursday, April 17, in the Hair Care Salon in the Lower Level Commons on the campus of Luther Crest, a Diakon Lutheran Senior Living Community in Allentown. People can help by donating a minimum of 10 inches of hair (which may be colored or permed but not bleached), by donating your time if you are a beautician, or by donating to Diakon Hospice Saint John. For more information, contact Luther Crest Chaplain Dianne Kareha at (610) 391-8210 or see Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries’ April 2008 Mission District Report, available at www.diakon.org/ChurchProfessionals/NEPA.asp; click on Mission District Report.
		Summer Schedule for Canoe Trips Pocono Area Leisure Ministry (PALM) invites you to take part in one of their canoe trips through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area this summer. They are offering two different trip routes this summer. For more information, click here.
		Saturday School continues on March 29, 2008, at the Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit, Emmaus. 9:00 a.m. session: Jesus through the Ages, Pr. David R. Strobel, bishop; 1:00 p.m. session: The Letters of St. Paul, Dr. Richard P. Carlson, professor of biblical studies and director of graduate studies, the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg. The next session will be held on April 19. For more information or to register, click here.
		Prayers for April. Each morning at 9:30 the staff of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod pauses briefly for prayer. Included in the prayers each day are specific rostered persons and congregations. Click here for the prayer list through April 2008.

March 2008

		NOTE: The back page of the cover sheet for the March monthly mailing has additional information about materials for the upcoming 2008 assembly. Click here for the cover sheet.
		*Money Leadership for Rostered Leaders* engages rostered leaders in conversation and self-assessment of their experiences, feelings, knowledge and practices related to money issues. This event will take place April 22-23, 2008, at St. Francis Friary in Easton. Click here for more information.
		Get ready for Fit for Jesus, the 2008 SYMDANO (Synod Youth Ministry Day and Networking Opportunity) event! It will be held on April 19 at Christ Lutheran Church, Conyngham. Click here for more information and a registration form.
		The annual Farm Family Appreciation Celebration will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2008, at the Hamburg Field House. Everyone is invited—farm families and farm family supporters! Children are welcome. For more information and to register, click here.
		Lutheran Day at the Capitol It’s not too early to register for Lutheran Day at the Capitol 2008 on April 9! You can find preliminary information and register by printing an online registration form from the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania website (http://www.lamp.org/) or by clicking here.
		Free Counseling Available Free counseling services are available through Diakon Pregnancy Services to women who are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. Counseling can occur in any convenient location. Options are explored, community referrals are given, and the adoption process is coordinated, if an adoption plan is chosen. For more information, please see Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries’ March 2008 Mission District Report, available at www.diakon.org/ChurchProfessionals/NEPA.asp; click on Mission District Report.
		Summer Schedule for Canoe Trips Pocono Area Leisure Ministry (PALM) invites you to take part in one of their canoe trips through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area this summer. They are offering two different trip routes this summer. For more information, click here.
		Saturday School continues on March 29, 2008, at the Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit, Emmaus. 9:00 a.m. session: Jesus through the Ages, Pr. David R. Strobel, bishop; 1:00 p.m. session: The Letters of St. Paul, Dr. Richard P. Carlson, professor of biblical studies and director of graduate studies, the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg. The next session will be held on April 19. For more information or to register, click here.
		Prayers for March and April. Each morning at 9:30 the staff of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod pauses briefly for prayer. Included in the prayers each day are specific rostered persons and congregations. Click here for the prayer list through April 2008.

February 2008

		NOTE: The back page of the cover sheet for the February monthly mailing has information about materials for the upcoming 2008 assembly. Also on the back page is a reminder about photocopying The Parish Paper for local use. Click here for the cover sheet.
		The 2008 Congregation Officers form is available in the "Forms and Documents" portion of the Resources section. A hard copy was also included in the February mailing.
		The 2007 Minutes Books is finished and available. Most of the content is available in Resources. Not included on the website for privacy reasons is the roster section. 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.
		The annual Farm Family Appreciation Celebration will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2008, at the Hamburg Field House. Everyone is invited—farm families and farm family supporters! Children are welcome. For more information and to register, click here.
		Get ready for Fit for Jesus, the 2008 SYMDANO (Synod Youth Ministry Day and Networking Opportunity) event! It will be held on April 19 at Christ Lutheran Church, Conyngham. Click here for more information.
		Chocolate, Snacks, and Hunger When we want a snack, it’s usually there for us — a dish of chocolate, pretzels, some nuts and popcorn. Yet many around the world do not have any food at all. Click here for some suggestions from the synod’s hunger team.
		John Tesh will perform live at the 20th Anniversary Diakon Benefactors Dinner, Thursday, May 15, at the Sovereign Performing Arts Center, Reading, Pa. A new dining-station celebration will honor the event’s founders, Col. Harry Yoder and William Deibert at 5:30 p.m., followed by the Tesh performance in the theater at 7:15 p.m. All proceeds benefit Diakon Adoption & Foster Care and charitable care provided to residents of The Lutheran Home at Topton, a Diakon Senior Living Community. For more information, see Diakon’s February Mission District Report, available at www.diakon.org/ChurchProfessionals/NEPA.asp; click on Mission District Report.
		Weekend Retreat for Teens Wonderfully Made, a weekend retreat for teenagers who are lesbian/gay/bisexual/or questioning, will be held at Bear Creek Camp March 28-30, 2008. The retreat is designed for 15-17-years-olds currently in grades 9-12 who are interested in discussing and understanding sexuality alongside their own spirituality. The cost is $45. To register or for more information, contact Molly Beck Dean at 610-278-7345 or mbeck@sepa.org.
		Saturday School Saturday School continues on February 16, 2008, with presentations by Dr. Paul Rajashakar (9 a.m.) and Pastor Jeff Butz (1 p.m.). For more information or to register, click here.
		Prayers for February. Each morning at 9:30 the staff of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod pauses briefly for prayer. Included in the prayers each day are specific rostered persons and congregations. Click here for the prayer list through February 2008.

January 2008

		NOTE: The back page of the cover sheet for the January 2008 monthly mailing has information about photocopying The Parish Paper for local use, nomination forms for the 2008 assembly, and a special offer to congregations without Internet access. Click here for the cover sheet
		Get ready for Fit for Jesus, the 2008 SYMDANO (Synod Youth Ministry Day and Networking Opportunity) event! It will be held on April 19 at Christ Lutheran Church, Conyngham. Click here for more information.
		Weekend Retreat for Teens Wonderfully Made is a weekend retreat for teenagers who are lesbian/gay/bisexual/or questioning. Sponsored by the Southeastern PA Synod, the retreat is open to the youth of our synod as well. It is designed for 15-17-years-olds currently in grades 9-12 who are interested in discussing and understanding sexuality alongside their own spirituality and who want to spend time with other teenagers and staff in fellowship, worship, games, Bibles study, and crafts. The cost is $45; it will be held at Bear Creek Camp March 28-30, 2008. If you know a youth who needs a safe place to explore this issue, please tell them about this retreat. To register or for more information, contact Molly Beck Dean at 610-278-7345 or mbeck@sepa.org.
		The annual Farm Family Appreciation Celebration will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2008, at the Hamburg Field House. Everyone is invited—farm families and farm family supporters! Children are welcome. For more information and to register, click here.
		Saturday School Saturday School continues on February 16, 2008, with presentations by Dr. Paul Rajashakar (9 a.m.) and Pastor Jeff Butz (1 p.m.). For more information or to register, click here.
		Adopt a Resident The Friends of The Lutheran Home at Topton, a Diakon Senior Living Community, will be coordinating an “adopt-a-resident” program, beginning in January 2008. Individuals and congregations may adopt one or several residents at The Lutheran Home at Topton whom they visit, call, send cards to, and with whom they celebrate special occasions. If you or your congregation is interested in becoming involved in this program, please see the most recent Diakon Mission District Report, found at www.diakon.org/ChurchProfessionals/NEPA.asp; click on Mission District Report.
		Prayers for January. Each morning at 9:30 the staff of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod pauses briefly for prayer. Included in the prayers each day are specific rostered persons and congregations. Click here for the prayer list through January 2008.

December 2007

		NOTE: The back page of the cover sheet for the December 2007 monthly mailing has information about a special offer to congregations without Internet access. Click here for the cover sheet
		Hearts Ignited with Prayer, the 2008 Learning Ministries Day, will be held on Saturday, January 26, 2008, at Trinity, Robesonia. Read more about the day by clicking here. Information also appears on the first page of the January issue of Synod News.
		Glitzy Experiences and Real Gifts At this time of year, most of us find ourselves running from one thing to another. There is little space for the real stuff of life: connecting with people, and connecting with God. Read these reflections on finding appropriate ways to celebrate God’s gifts by clicking here.
		The annual Farm Family Appreciation Celebration will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2008, at the Hamburg Field House. Everyone is invited—farm families and farm family supporters! Children are welcome. For more information and to register, click here.
		Two Visits with Our Companion Synod in Saxony Our synod’s Saxony Companion Synod Committee is planning two visits to our companion synod in Saxony, Germany. One, scheduled for April, is an intergenerational visit open to both youth and adults. The other, scheduled for June, is a youth exchange. The deadline for both trips is January 7, 2008. For more information or an application, contact Pr. Kurt Garbe at (570)788-1893. Click here for an application for the youth trip in June.
		Saturday School Saturday School continues on January 19, 2008, with presentations by Pastors Mike Bennethum (9 a.m.) and Jeff Butz (1 p.m.). For more information or to register, click here.
		Luther Crest, a Diakon Lutheran Senior Living Community in Allentown, will host a six-week Moravian Theological Seminary course designed for rostered and non-rostered individuals who want to become more effective in ministry with the senior adults with whom they serve. Participants will have an opportunity to improve their skills of communication with older adults, as well as gain an understanding of the life issues that confront them. Topics will include life review, grief, spirituality and faith, caring for the caregiver, visitation and communication skills, dynamics and issues of dementia and aging, effects of aging on family systems, and community resources. For more information on dates, times, and costs, go to www.diakon.org/ChurchProfessionals/NEPA.asp and click on Mission District Report.
		Prayers for December. Each morning at 9:30 the staff of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod pauses briefly for prayer. Included in the prayers each day are specific rostered persons and congregations. Click here for the prayer list through December 2007.

November 2007

		NOTE: The back page of the cover sheet for the November 2007 monthly mailing has information about the Board of Pensions Wellness Benefits program for all plan participants. Click here for the cover sheet
		Fill a Stable for Jesus. In keeping with the Nativity story from Luke about Jesus being born in a lowly stable, the hunger team invites you to encourage your congregation to fill a stable for Jesus. Read more about this idea and where you can find appropriate gifts to fill the stable by clicking here.
		Two Visits with Our Companion Synod in Saxony Our synod’s Saxony Companion Synod Committee is planning two visits to our companion synod in Saxony, Germany. One, tentatively scheduled for April 1-10, 2008, is an intergenerational visit open to both youth and adults. The other, to be scheduled sometime in June 2008, is a youth exchange. Fifteen youth will be selected for that trip. Interviews will be held on January 12 and January 19. The deadline for both trips is January 1, 2008. For more information or an application, contact Pr. Kurt Garbe at (570)788-1893.
		Saturday School Saturday School continues on November 17 with presentations by Pastors Mike Bennethum (9 a.m.) and Autumn Hardenstine (1 p.m.). For more information or to register, click here.
		Wellness Center at Luther Crest Construction work on the new Wellness Center at Luther Crest, a Diakon Lutheran Senior Living Community in Allentown, continues. To be finished next year, the Wellness Center will include a heated, indoor pool and an enhanced cardio-fitness theater, as well as such features as a billiards room, library, and computer lab. To learn more about this addition to the senior living community, please see Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries’ November Mission District Report at www.diakon.org/ChurchProfessionals/NEPA.asp.
		Prayers for November. Each morning at 9:30 the staff of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod pauses briefly for prayer. Included in the prayers each day are specific rostered persons and congregations. Click here for the prayer list through November 2007.

October 2007

		NOTE: The back page of the cover sheet for the October 2007 monthly mailing has information about the election of a new synod bishop at the 2008 Synod Assembly. Click here for the cover sheet
		Treasurer’s Workshop, Saturday, October 20, 2007, at Jordan Lutheran Church, Orefield, from 9:30 AM-12:30 PM. Audience: Treasurers, financial secretaries, pastors and finance committee members. For more information, click here.
		The Heart of Worship A Day for Pastors, Musicians, Worship Leaders and Planners. To be held October 20, 2007, at Holy Spirit Lutheran Church, Emmaus, this event features a keynote presentation by the Rev. Robert Rimbo, pastor of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, NYC, and a former synodical bishop. Click here for more information.
		One Love, One LYF is the theme of the annual LYF Assembly, to be held November 9-11, 2007, at Pinebrook Bible Conference and Retreat Center, Stroudsburg. Information, registration forms, and other materials are available online.
		Here’s a way to share blessings with those in other parts of the country and the world in the name of those who are near and dear. Read more from the synod hunger team...
		Saturday School Saturday School continues on October 13 with presentations by Pastors Sam Zeiser (9 a.m.) and Autumn Hardenstine (1 p.m.). For more information or to register, click here.
		“Home for the Holidays” Bazaar. Join staff and volunteers of The Lutheran Home at Topton, a Diakon Senior Living Community, on Friday, November 9, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Henry Auditorium as the village’s Community Life Department presents “Home for the Holidays.” The bazaar will feature many craft vendors, homemade soups and Bar-B-Q, and a bake sale. For more information, see Diakon’s Mission District Report at www.diakon.org/ChurchProfessionals/NEPA.asp.
		Prayers for October. Each morning at 9:30 the staff of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod pauses briefly for prayer. Included in the prayers each day are specific rostered persons and congregations. Click here for the prayer list through October 2007.

September 2007

		NOTE: The back page of the cover sheet for the September 2007 monthly mailing includes the Amendments to the Model Constitution for Congregations adopted by the 2007 Churchwide Assembly. Click here for the cover sheet or go to the ELCA page with the amendments.
		Come to the fourth annual Celebrate Social Ministry event, to be held October 14, 2007, at Muhlenberg College, beginning at 4:30 p.m. As part of the event, awards will be given to recognize outstanding social ministry efforts. Click here for more information and a registration form.
		The Heart of Worship A Day for Pastors, Musicians, Worship Leaders and Planners. To be held October 20, 2007, at Holy Spirit Lutheran Church, Emmaus, this event features a keynote presentation by the Rev. Robert Rimbo, pastor of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, NYC, and a former synodical bishop. Click here for more information and here for a registration form. Note registration deadline: October 5.
		One Love, One LYF is the theme of the annual LYF Assembly, to be held November 9-11, 2007, at Pinebrook Bible Conference and Retreat Center, Stroudsburg. Information, registration forms, and other materials are available online.
		Saturday School begins on September 8 with presentations by Pastors Walter Wagner (9 a.m.) and Otto Dreydoppel (1 p.m.). For more information or to register, click here.
		Check out the materials for the 2007 Lutheran Social Ministry Appeal. Click these links to read more about the appeal, download a bulletin insert, and check out sample bulletin or newsletter blurbs. All funds raised by the appeal will be used to support programs addressing the needs of children and their families.
		Mass Appeal: Let’s Talks About the Drama of Church. This “edutainment” workshop for rostered and lay leaders of the church, presented jointly by Diakon Family Life Services’ Genesis Institute and the Moravian Theological Seminary, gives opportunity to enjoy a theatrical performance of the play, Mass Appeal, and engage in small group and panel discussions, facilitated by Diakon’s Terry Lieb, to discuss the implications of this drama on the present and future of the church and its leadership. The workshop will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 8, at the Bahnson Center, Moravian Theological Seminary, Bethlehem. For more information, see Diakon’sMission District Report at www.diakon.org/ChurchProfessionals/NEPA.asp.
		Prayers for September and October. Each morning at 9:30 the staff of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod pauses briefly for prayer. Included in the prayers each day are specific rostered persons and congregations. Click here for the prayer list through October 2007.

August 2007

		One Love, One LYF is the theme of the annual LYF Assembly, to be held November 9-11, 2007, at Pinebrook Bible Conference and Retreat Center, Stroudsburg. Information and a poster you can download and print is now available online. There is also a registration form for the event.
		Children face many challenges these days that put them at risk. This year’s *Focus on the Children: the 2007 Lutheran Social Ministry Appeal* theme repeats the successful theme from 2006, which generated support for a number of innovative ministries. Click these links to read more about the appeal, download a bulletin insert, and check out sample bulletin or newsletter blurbs. All funds raised by the appeal will be used to support programs addressing the needs of children and their families.
		The Heart of Worship A Day for Pastors, Musicians, Worship Leaders and Planners. To be held October 20, 2007, at Holy Spirit Lutheran Church, Emmaus, this event features a keynote presentation by the Rev. Robert Rimbo, pastor of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, NYC, and a former synodical bishop. Click here for more information and here for a registration form.
		A Tree Swallow Saga When two baby swallows fell from their nest, it appeared that they were doomed. But a stranger came to help. Read this article from the synod hunger team by clicking here.
		Luther Crest is now taking applications for Bridgegate, a planned complex of apartments designed to enhance an active senior lifestyle. In addition, Luther Crest is preparing to begin construction of its new Wellness Center. For more information on Luther Crest and Bridgegate, as well as other Diakon program activities, please see Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries’ August 2007 edition of the Mission District Report, available at www.diakon.org/ChurchProfessionals/NEPA.asp.
		Discount tickets are available for Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom. Tickets can be purchased at the Wescosville synod office in person or by mail. No personal checks can be accepted. Congregational checks should be made payable to NEPS. For more information, click here or contact Debbie Frey at 610-395-6891 or debbie@nepsynod.org. Proceeds benefit the Northeastern PA Synod Youth Scholarship Fund.
		Prayers for August. Each morning at 9:30 the staff of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod pauses briefly for prayer. Included in the prayers each day are specific rostered persons and congregations. Click here for the prayer list through August 2007.

July 2007

		Southgate at Luther Crest, a Diakon Lutheran Senior Living Community in Allentown, is sold out. And the community is now pleased to announce it is taking applications for Bridgegate, a new complex of apartments designed to enhance an active senior lifestyle. Bridgegate offers five unique apartment styles, all of which are conveniently connected to the hub of activities at Luther Crest’s community center. For more information on Luther Crest and Bridgegate, please see Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries’ July 2007 edition of the Mission District Report, available at www.diakon.org/ChurchProfessionals/NEPA.asp.
		A Rock and a Hard Place Let’s see…Wholesome food or money for rent? Wholesome food or money for medicine? Wholesome food or … Most of us do not have to face such stark choices. But most of the world does. Read this article from the synod hunger team by clicking here.
		The Heart of Worship A Day for Pastors, Musicians, Worship Leaders and Planners. To be held October 20, 2007, at Holy Spirit Lutheran Church, Emmaus, this event features a keynote presentation by the Rev. Robert Rimbo, pastor of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, NYC, and a former synodical bishop. Click here for more information.
		Discount tickets are available for Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom. Tickets can be purchased at the Wescosville synod office in person or by mail. No personal checks can be accepted. Congregational checks should be made payable to NEPS. For more information, click here or contact Debbie Frey at 610-395-6891 or debbie@nepsynod.org. Proceeds benefit the Northeastern PA Synod Youth Scholarship Fund.
		Prayers for July. Each morning at 9:30 the staff of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod pauses briefly for prayer. Included in the prayers each day are specific rostered persons and congregations. Click here for the prayer list through July 2007.

June 2007

		The Lutheran Home at Topton, a Diakon Senior Living Community, will again host its Summer Concert series in June, July, and August. June 24 will feature the fifties band, “Crusin’ Down Memory Lane.” July 29 brings a Caribbean theme with island and steel drum music by Island Bands. On Aug. 26, the series concludes with the band music of the Pioneer Band. Everyone is invited to attend the concerts, held from 3 to 4:30 p.m., on the Topton campus. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, and concerts will be held rain or shine. You may call (610) 682-1420 for more information or visit www.diakon.org/ChurchProfessionals/NEPA.asp.
		Faith in Action or Faith Inaction? Most of us in the United States who confess to be Christians use the gifts that God has given us to live “the good life.” Yet all around us is poverty and hunger. Read this article from the synod hunger team by clicking here.
		A Leadership Training Camp for students in Grades 9-12 will be held at Kutztown University July 29-August 4. The camp is sponsored jointly by the Northeastern Pennsylvania and Southeastern Pennsylvania Synods. For more information, click here. For a registration form, click here.
		Discount tickets are available for Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom. Tickets can be purchased at the Wescosville synod office in person or by mail. No personal checks can be accepted. Congregational checks should be made payable to NEPS. For more information, click here or contact Debbie Frey at 610-395-6891 or debbie@nepsynod.org. Proceeds benefit the Northeastern PA Synod Youth Scholarship Fund.
		Prayers for June. Each morning at 9:30 the staff of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod pauses briefly for prayer. Included in the prayers each day are specific rostered persons and congregations. Click here for the prayer list through July 2007.

May 2007

		Register online for LIFT and the 2007 Synod Assembly. Register now for the LIFT event on June 9 at Muhlenberg College and for the synod assembly on June 8 at First Presbyterian Church in Bethlehem. Don’t miss out on this weekend of Lutherans In Faith Together. Click here for more information or to register for LIFT. For more information about or to register for the 2007 synod assembly, click here.
		Render To… Pastor Laura Klick, a member of the synod’s Hunger Appeal team, reflects on tax day when we “give to the emperor the things that are the emperor's…” from our abundance, while hunger permeates our world. Read more reflections from the synod’s Hunger Appeal team by clicking here.
		A Leadership Training Camp for students in Grades 9-12 will be held at Kutztown University July 29-August 4. The camp is sponsored jointly by the Northeastern Pennsylvania and Southeastern Pennsylvania Synods. For more information, click here. For a registration form, click here.
		Southgate at Luther Crest: Only a few units remain in Southgate at Luther Crest. Work continues on readying for occupancy the rest of the new homes in this major expansion of the Allentown senior living community. “One of our Nottingham-style homes is now open as a model, so we invite people to see how appealing our new homes’ designs are,” says John Kotsatos of Luther Crest. The senior living community regularly holds seminars to acquaint people with the features of Southgate. Dates for upcoming seminars can be found in Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries’ May Mission District report at www.diakon.org/ChurchProfessionals/NEPA.asp.
		Discount tickets are available for Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom. Tickets can be purchased at the Wescosville synod office in person or by mail. No personal checks can be accepted. Congregational checks should be made payable to NEPS. For more information, click here or contact Debbie Frey at 610-395-6891 or debbie@nepsynod.org. Proceeds benefit the Northeastern PA Synod Youth Scholarship Fund.
		Money Leadership for Pastors will be held June 19-20, 2007. Led by the Rev. Erica Kennedy, Money Leadership for Pastors focuses on the role and experiences of rostered leaders in their own context. The program engages leaders in conversation and self-assessment of their experiences, feelings, knowledge and practices related to money issues. Click here for more information.
		Online registration is now available for the 2007 Northeast Region Youth Gathering, Enjoy Life with Christ. The gathering will be held July 19-22, 2007, at West Chester University, West Chester, Pa. Check the gathering website for more information at www.youthgathering2007.org/.
		Prayers for June. Each morning at 9:30 the staff of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod pauses briefly for prayer. Included in the prayers each day are specific rostered persons and congregations. Click here for the prayer list through June 2007.

April 2007

		Register online for LIFT and the 2007 Synod Assembly. Online registration is now available for the LIFT event on June 9 and for the synod assembly, which will be held June 8 at First Presbyterian Church in Bethlehem. Don’t miss out on this weekend of Lutherans In Faith Together. Click here for more information or to register for LIFT. For more information about or to register for the 2007 synod assembly, click here.
		Foodies, Foodphiles, or Whatever We Are explores the American obsession with food. While many people around the world worry about having enough food, we worry about “What shall we have?” Read more reflections from the synod’s Hunger Appeal team by clicking here.
		Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries’ Genesis Institute is offering “Reducing the Risk of Child Abuse in your Church” from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday, April 24, at Faith Lutheran Church, Whitehall. Suitable for called and lay leaders including children’s ministry leaders, the workshop includes comprehensive materials related to preventing child abuse in the congregational setting and preparing church policy to protect children. More at www.diakon.org/ChurchProfessionals/NEPA.asp.
		The April 2007 Saturday School will be held April 21 at Holy Spirit, Emmaus, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. 9 AM: Baptismal Theology, Dr. Sam Zeiser, pastor, Christ Lutheran Church, Allentown; 1:00 p.m. session: Hospital and Home Visitation, Pastor Bill Horn, chaplain, Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital.Click here for a registration form and more information.
		Online registration is now available for the 2007 Northeast Region Youth Gathering, Enjoy Life with Christ. The gathering will be held July 19-22, 2007, at West Chester University, West Chester, Pa. Check the gathering website for more information at www.youthgathering2007.org/.
		Prayers for May. Each morning at 9:30 the staff of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod pauses briefly for prayer. Included in the prayers each day are specific rostered persons and congregations. Click here for the prayer list through May 2007.

March 2007

		Reminder to congregations: The team planning LIFT, the day-long event (June 9, 2007) at Muhlenberg College for people of all ages, will feature a slide presentation of congregational pictures. We need your pictures! Send 2 or 3 photos (digital preferred) demonstrating how your congregation lifts up ministry in your place by March 15 to Pam Wallace, 401 E. State St., Apt. 101, Coopersburg PA 18036, or shutterburg@aol.com. Click here for more information.
		SYMDANO 2007 presents What’s In Your Treasure Chest? Saturday, April 14, 2007, Atonement, Wyomissing For a flyer and more information, click here. Registration forms are now available; click here for a registration form.
		Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries’ Genesis Institute is offering “Reducing the Risk of Child Abuse in your Church” from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday, April 24, at Faith Lutheran Church, Whitehall. Suitable for called and lay leaders including children’s ministry leaders, the workshop includes comprehensive materials related to preventing child abuse in the congregational setting and preparing church policy to protect children. More at www.diakon.org/ChurchProfessionals/NEPA.asp.
		The April 2007 Saturday School will be held April 21 at Holy Spirit, Emmaus, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. 9 AM: Baptismal Theology, Dr. Sam Zeiser, pastor, Christ Lutheran Church, Allentown; 1:00 p.m. session: Hospital and Home Visitation, Pastor Bill Horn, chaplain, Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital. Note: The March 17 session is for SALMs only. Click here for a registration form and more information.
		Online registration is now available for the 2007 Northeast Region Youth Gathering, Enjoy Life with Christ. The gathering will be held July 19-22, 2007, at West Chester University, West Chester, Pa. Check the gathering website for more information at www.youthgathering2007.org/.
		Prayers for April. Each morning at 9:30 the staff of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod pauses briefly for prayer. Included in the prayers each day are specific rostered persons and congregations. Click here for the prayer list through April 2007.

February 2007

		Important note to congregations: The team planning LIFT, the day-long event (June 9, 2007) at Muhlenberg College for people of all ages, will feature a slide presentation of congregational pictures. We need your pictures! Send 2 or 3 photos (digital preferred) demonstrating how your congregation lifts up ministry in your place to Pam Wallace, 401 E. State St., Apt. 101, Coopersburg PA 18036, or shutterburg@aol.com. Click here for more information.
		SYMDANO 2007 presents What’s In Your Treasure Chest? Saturday, April 14, 2007, Atonement, Wyomissing For a flyer and more information, click here. Registration forms will be available on the website soon.
		Be our Guest is the theme for the 2007 Diakon Benefactors Dinner, to be held May 10 at the Holiday Inn and Conference Center in Fogelsville. The featured speaker is Micah R. Sadigh, Ph.D., FICPM, associate professor at Cedar Crest College, who will speak on the mind-body-spirit connection as a way of equipping God’s people for service. Proceeds will benefit regional Diakon services to children, families, and older adults. For more information, see Diakon’s February Mission District Report at www.diakon.org/ChurchProfessionals/NEPA.asp.
		The February 2007 Saturday School will be held February 24 at Holy Spirit, Emmaus, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. 9:00 AM: Preaching from the Old Testament, Pr. Autumn Fletcher; 1 PM: Evangelism in Small Churches, Pr. John Fritch. Click here for a registration form and more information.
		Invite your young adults (ages 18-35) to EXPERIENCE, ENGAGE, EMPOWER. This ecumenical young adult event will be held on March 3 at First United Church of Christ, Quakertown. Click here for a brochure with more information, the schedule, a list of workshops, and a registration form.
		Prayers for March. Each morning at 9:30 the staff of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod pauses briefly for prayer. Included in the prayers each day are specific rostered persons and congregations. Click here for the prayer list through March 2007.

January 2007

		Everyone is invited to the annual Farm Family Appreciation Celebration on March 24, 2007, at the Hamburg Field House. Click here for a registration form and more information.
		Mark your calendars now for some outdoor summer fun with canoe trips and hikes through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Click here for more information and a schedule.
		Luther Crest, a Diakon Lutheran Senior Living Community in Allentown, will host a Moravian Theological Seminary six-week course on Mondays, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., February 5 through March 12, for clergy and laity who want to become more effective in ministry with the senior adults they serve. More at www.diakon.org/ChurchProfessionals/NEPA.asp.
		The January 2007 Saturday School will be held January 20 at Holy Spirit, Emmaus, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. 9:00 AM: Prophets and Psalms, Dr. Peter Pettit; 1:00 PM: Stewardship in Small Churches, Pr. Herb Gifford. Click here for a registration form and more information.
		The final forum in the Echoes from the Fog forum series sponsored by the Institute for Jewish-Christian Understanding will be held Jan. 18 at 7:30 p.m. at Muhlenberg College. Presenter will be the Rev. Dr. Munib A. Younan, bi www.muhlenberg.edu/cultural/ijcu/Echoes.html.
		Bah, Humbug! Don’t be a Scrooge! Reach out to those in need! Read more from the Hunger Appeal Task Force.
		Prayers for February. Each morning at 9:30 the staff of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod pauses briefly for prayer. Included in the prayers each day are specific rostered persons and congregations. Click here for the prayer list through February 2007.

December 2006

		Reducing the Risks of Child Abuse in Your Congregation: A Child Abuse Policy Workshop for Lay Leadership and Beyond. Geared toward lay leaders who are vested with the responsibility of developing church policy on child-abuse prevention, this is a condensed training program that focuses only on the development of church policy, not identifying suspected child abuse or understanding reporting responsibilities. For more information, consult Diakon’s December Mission District report, available at www.diakon.org/ChurchProfessionals/NEPA.asp.
		The 2007 Northeast Region Youth Gathering, Enjoy Life with Christ, will be held July 19-22, 2007, at West Chester University, West Chester, Pa. Check the gathering website for more information at www.youthgathering2007.org/. Online registration will be available beginning Feb. 1, 2007.
		The January 2007 Saturday School will be held January 20 at Holy Spirit, Emmaus, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. 9:00 AM: Prophets and Psalms, Dr. Peter Pettit; 1:00 PM: Stewardship in Small Churches, Pr. Herb Gifford. Click here for a registration form and more information.
		*Children of Abraham: Islam, Interfaith Engagement, and Middle East Peace* is the theme of the 2007 Bishop’s Conference. Online registration is available for the conference; the deadline for early discounted registration is Dec. 31. Click here for more information about the conference.
		Wrapping Up. As we wrap up another year, we also need to remember those who are hungry. Click here to read more from the Hunger Appeal Task Force.
		Prayers for January. Each morning at 9:30 the staff of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod pauses briefly for prayer. Included in the prayers each day are specific rostered persons and congregations. Click here for the prayer list through January 2007.

November 2006

		Bishop David Strobel will be the keynote speaker at the annual Learning Ministries Day event on January 27, 2007, at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Bethlehem. Click these links for a flyer with more information, the schedule, a registration form, the list of workshops, and directions to St. Peter's.
		The November Saturday School will be held November 11 at Holy Spirit, Emmaus, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. 9:00 AM: Torah Themes, Dr. Peter Pettit; 1:00 PM: Christian Education in Small Churches (Part 2), Karen Matthias-Long. Click here for a registration form and more information.
		Invite a Family for Thanksgiving. Every day most of us overeat. Every day millions go hungry. The Hunger Appeal Task Force has suggestions about ways you can help. Click here to read more.
		Evangelical Lutheran Worship workshops It's not too late to register for one of the remaining workshops to introduce Evangelical Lutheran Worship. For information and online registration, go to Check them out at by clicking here.
		*Echoes from the Fog*, a forum series sponsored by the Institute for Jewish-Christian Understanding at Muhlenberg College, explores the significance of the Hezbollah-Israel War of 2006 in Lebanon and northern Israel. Click here to check the details about upcoming forums.
		Prayers for December. Each morning at 9:30 the staff of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod pauses briefly for prayer. Included in the prayers each day are specific rostered persons and congregations. Click here for the prayer list through December 2006.

October 2006

		A Companioning the Grieving workshop will be held on health ministry/parish nursing on October 28. For more information, see Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries’ October Mission District Report at http://www.diakon.org/ForChurchProfessionals.asp.
		A delegation from Loebau/Zittau , Saxony, Germany, will be here in the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod from October 24-November 2. To welcome them a retreat will be held on October 28 at Bear Creek Camp. Click here to read more.
		Looking for resources for a Sunday to recognize acceptance through accessibility? The synod’s accessibility team has resources you can use. Check them out at by clicking here.
		EXPERIENCE, ENGAGE, EMPOWER will be the first of many ecumenical young adult events for eastern Pennsylvania. It will be held on March 3, 2007, at First United Church of Christ, Quakertown. For a link to more information, click here.
		*Children of Abraham: Islam, Interfaith Engagement, and Middle East Peace* is the theme of the 2007 Bishop’s Conference. Click here for a flyer about the conference.
		Updates about the 2007 LIFT event are added regularly. Check out the latest news!
		October 15 is the deadline for registering for the 2006 LYF assembly. Click here for a registration form.

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