Bulletin Board June 2009
Hammonasset forms for this year, theme: Distracted? Make the better choice +, Sept. 11-13, are now posted on their new interactive web page. Visit http://www.nesynod.org/events/hammonasset.php and click to go there. We remind youth leaders and high school youth that there will not be any postal mailing to the congregations this year, and email will be used for confirmation. Attendees will benefit from the team’s good planning resulting in a lower registration fee this year. Deadline July 15. Rejoicing Spirits worship service and fellowship will be held at Peace Lutheran Church, 107 Concord Road, Wayland, MA on Sunday, June 28, 4:00 PM. This contemporary Christian service is designed for people of all ages and abilities who want to share the love of God together. The service includes lots of music, joyous singing, prayer, Scripture, and meaningful messages. We invite anyone who is interested in worshiping God in a new, exciting, and inclusive way to come and worship with us at this service. A potluck supper follows the service. For more information, contact the church at 508358-7110 or email us at peacelc@aol.com . The church is accessible to all. Friends, Alumni and Alumnae of Gettysburg Seminary, or anyone interested in learning from alums more about the LTSG Experience, are invited to spend a day by Lake Hayward, at the cottage of Paul and Carolyn Henry in E. Haddam, CT, Monday, July 13, starting at 11 am. Click here for detailed flyer. RSVP by July 9 to Kathleen Reed: kreed@ltsg.edu or 717-338-3016. Directions on request. 12th biennial Assembly of the African American Lutheran Association, ELCA, Rekindling Our Faith, is happening July 16-19 at the Intercontinental Hotel, Cleveland, Ohio. The AALA works to promote and develop important linkages, build regional support, identify social problems, focus on economic and political issues, develop related strategies, and provide fellowship and sharing opportunities. AALA also provides a forum for theological reflections for clergy and lay members. Register NOW for the convention at http://www.aala-national.org/ . Click for flyer listing great speakers and workshops! ELCA Lutheran Men in Mission - PLAN NOW to join men and boys at the Region 7 Action Retreat, August 28 – 30: “IGNITE Your Fire for God,” at Koinonia Camp & Retreat Center, Highland Lake, NY, a fun-filled weekend of worship, bible study, special music, challenge course, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, volleyball, softball, and (optional) rafting on the Delaware River. This event offers a wonderful networking opportunity as well as a spiritually and physically rewarding experience, especially for the young people who accompany their fathers. Three persons can be accommodated in some rooms, so registrants should inquire about that when they call Koinonia. Camp sites are also available for $20 for up to 4 people. Meals are extra at $6.00 per meal. Koinonia of NY is 90 miles north of NYC: www.KoinoniaNY.org . Click for a flyer! PUBLIC CHURCH: We, the ELCA, are advocates for health care reform. June 19-26 is considered “the interfaith week of prayer for health care,” and the ELCA Washington, DC, Office provides great resources. Visit http://www.elca.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Justice/Advocacy/Issues/Health-Policy-andGlobal-Disease/Health-Care-Reform.aspx for the “Health Care Sunday toolkit” and a link to the social statement of the ELCA, "Caring for Health: Our Shared Endeavor." BE A SPORT; HELP LSS: The Fourth Annual Golf Tournament sponsored by Lutheran Social Services (LSS) will be held Thursday, Sept. 10, at 9:30 a.m. at Wachusett Country Club, West Boylston, MA http://www.wachusettcc.com . For more information, contact Deb Cistoldi at 781-9970811 or dcistoldi@lssne.org. LSS, one of the largest social service organizations in New England, delivers a broad variety of services to children, youth and families; persons with developmental disabilities, mental illness and Deafness; the economically disadvantaged; refugees and older adults. http://www.lssne.org SAVE THE DATE! Bishop Margaret G. Payne will lead a prayer workshop at Feed the Woman 2009, a workshop day sponsored by New England Women of the ELCA, Saturday, Sept.19, 2009, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 73 Lancaster St., Worcester, MA. For more info contact Alice Carlson, First, Brockton, MA, or Kristin Fredrickson, Our Savior, Hanover, NH. SAVE THE DATE: The next Women in Ministry retreat will be held at Enders Island May 10-12, 2010. Watch for info in September from Pr. Eva Steege and Martha Perreault, volunteer coordinators.
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Reports and resources from the New England Synod Assembly, held May 28-30, are available at http://www.nesynod.org/events/synod_assembly.php . Speakers to our assembly theme, “God’s Work. Our Hands. Treasure in Clay Jars,” included Kelly Fryer and Pastor Gemechis Buba from the ELCA Churchwide office. Read Bishop Margaret Payne’s message, finals of the 12 resolutions considered, details of special awards given, and the daily Assembly Link news. Kirsten Bredvik, Christ the King, Wilbraham, MA, was elected to a two-year term as youth representative to the Synod Council. MARK YOUR CALENDAR: Let’s start a mission: The Mission Strategy Team of the New England Synod will hold its second workshop on Planning and Funding Your New Mission Start, Sat., October 3, 2009, 10 am – 2 pm, at the Synod House, 20 Upland St., Worcester, MA. A variety of info will be covered, including application form tips, networking, coaching, and where to get help when needed. Email the synod office or call 508-791-1530 x 106 to reserve your seats or for a mission start application form. Contact Pr. Mark Christoffersen with questions. CAN YOU HELP? Are you looking for a spiritually rewarding, volunteer experience? Do you have some time available each week that you could give in a constructive, meaningful way? Perhaps God is calling you to share your spiritual gifts with those who are nearing end of life. Allegiance Hospice is looking for volunteers to visit patients under hospice care in nursing homes in most parts of Massachusetts. Volunteers are formally screened and trained and are a valued part of the interdisciplinary team in serving individuals under Allegiance Hospice care. If you are interested please call Karen Spangler at 800-792-5808. ext 2608 or email kspangler@allegiancehospice.com . PEACE/JUSTICE NETWORKING Our New England Synod is the home of thirteen tribal nations of American Indians. If you are of American Indian extraction, or have a passion for relating to and networking with our tribal sisters and brothers on behalf of our synod, please be in touch with Pr. Paul D. Sinnott, Ministry Specialist for Peace and Justice. He can be reached at pdsinnott@aol.com. FOR CONGREGATIONS: The new ELCA monthly E-newsletter called “Administration Matters.” This piece addresses common, practical issues including finance, governance, risk management, tax, legal concerns and other topics of interest about a congregation’s day-to-day operations and management. Subscribe at http://listserv.elca.org/cgi-bin/wa.exe?SUBED1=ADMINMATTERS&A=1 INVESTING = BUILDING: The Mission Investment Fund of the ELCA, or MIF, provides investment opportunities and loans for capital needs of ministries of the ELCA. Learn and share more about MIF investment and loans. Schedule a presentation to your congregation's leaders: contact Pr. Mark Wimmer at 267-203-0037 or mark.wimmer@elca.org . Have a building concern or project? Contact our regional ELCA building consultant Jeff Spann at 973-625-2568 or jeff.spann@elca.org. TROUBLED? The New England Synod Ministry Assistance Program (MAP) is a free confidential counseling and consultation service for rostered leaders and their immediate families. Director the Rev. Dr. Howard Mathisen can be reached at office: 508-754-1803 x123 or home: 508-835-3238. Read more or get an informational brochure at http://www.nesynod.org/synod_leaders/map_director.php . A new Yahoo group for spouses and families of rostered leaders in the New England Synod is being sponsored by the Health and Wholeness Team of the New England Synod. Join the group, “Lutheranclergyfamilies,” to stay in touch and share your life with others scattered all over New England who know the joys and challenges of the life of a rostered leader. Keep in touch with old friends and find new ones. Go to http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/Lutheranclergyfamilies/ to join. JUST CLICK TO BORROW: (www.nesynod.org): the Janssen Resource Center of the New England Synod now offers its catalog on line at www.librarything.com . To view the list enter the user name janssenrc and the password nesynod. Be sure to choose the Janssen Resource Center under “your library” from the top of the page. To borrow (for 3 weeks), email resources@nesynod.org .
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Practical Synod Visioning Resources are conveniently located on the NE Synod website’s Evangelism page, http://www.nesynod.org/resources/evangelism_team.php ▪ The full color “tools for congregational health” brochure ▪ A pdf of the visioning workbook, entitled “God’s Abundance” ▪ The Synod’s Evangelism Strategy statement ▪ Resources for Leading Change in the Local Congregation as introduced at last year’s workshop in November and this year’s mission area assemblies
Jobs
Gethsemane Lutheran Church located at 65 Sagamore St. in Manchester, N.H. is seeking a Supply Musician. This is a contracted, fee-for-service position. The purpose of this position is to uphold the liturgical tradition of the Lutheran Church through the careful planning and performance of music that enhances the worship experience of Gethsemane Lutheran Church. For more information please contact Cindy Kaufmann at 603-434-8332 or by e mail cindykaufmann@myfairpoint.net . Opportunity beginning Sept. 1 for versatile musical leader as Organist/Music Director for vibrant ELCA Lutheran congregation with strong music emphasis in liturgical worship services. Will oversee music team ministry, including development of children’s music, play at two Sunday services, and have flexibility to back-up team members for seasonal midweek and special services and adult choir. Seeking strong interpersonal communications skills and flexibility. Classically trained organist with instrumental skills, liturgical background, and choral experience preferred. Experience with children desirable. Send cover letter, resume, and references to: Organist/Music Director Search Committee, Redeemer Lutheran Church, 540 Essex St., Bangor, ME 04401. Trinity Lutheran Church, Chelmsford MA, seeks a Music Director for its vibrant music program. Responsibilities include: providing organ and piano music during worship services, collaborating with worship planning, directing the voice and bell choirs for adults and youth, developing skills in parish musicians, and working with the Pastor and staff. We are seeking an energetic, organized, collaborative musician with strong organ, piano and directing skills, knowledge and appreciation of diverse styles of music, and competency in supporting liturgical worship. This position requires 15-20 hours per week and will begin August 1, 2009. Please submit resume and cover letter to: Pastor David Rinas, Trinity Lutheran Church, 170 Old Westford Rd., Chelmsford, MA 01824-1215 Emanuel Lutheran Church, Manchester, CT, seeks a dynamic, talented, 20- to 30-hour/wk Director of Music/Organist/Choir Director. Responsible for music programs for traditional and contemporary services. Vocal and instrumental choirs await direction and accompaniment on 3-manual Casavant organ (1981), Steinway piano, Zuckermann double harpsichord. Send resumes to: musiciansearch@emanuelmanchester.org for Info: www.emanuelmanchester.org/musiciansearch.php St. John Lutheran Church (ELCA), a suburban parish 30 minutes west of Boston, seeks Director of Youth and Family Ministry. The DYFM works to facilitate and nurture relationships with young people, their families, and the Church by developing and coordinating a variety of ministries. The Director works in partnership with the pastor of the parish and will report directly to the pastor. This is a full time position with competitive salary and benefits. Send letter of interest and resumé to Pr. Christopher George Hoyer, St. John Lutheran Church, 16 Great Road, Sudbury, MA 01776 St. Paul Lutheran Church, 929 Concord Tpke., Arlington, MA, seeks a part time Christian Education Coordinator to provide oversight, including budgeting, ordering, recruiting, supporting, delegating, coordinating leader training, and publicizing and promoting activities. This 15-20 hours/week will require Sunday mornings and an occasional evening meeting. Please send cover letter and resumé to stpaularlington@rcn.com. No phone calls, please. Click for full job description. First, New Britain, CT, is seeking a part time Youth Director. Skills: understanding/experience of work with church youth; willing to commit to at least one year. Responsibility: to direct the youth group(s) at First Lutheran, primarily on Sunday nights. Position is approx. 8 hours/week starting in September (Hammonasset.) Do you have gifts that help faith formation in young people? Please apply to direct FLCR’s strong youth program. Contact: Rev. Elisabeth Aurand, (860) 224-2475, ext. 12; or eaurand@1stlutherannb.org .
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