Currents

Upper Susquehanna Synod News and Information for You!

April 16, 2008

In this Issue:

• "Called!" - Future Church Leaders Retreat for Confirmation-Age Youth
• Synod Staff E-mail Addresses Change
• Global Mission Event in Camp Hill, PA
• Synod Website in Need of Attention
• Redesigned ELCA Website to Launch on April 28
• Companion Synod Sunday – August 3, 2008 (Bavarian church)
• Lay Ministry Institute Opens Evangelism Classes
• In Whose Interest? Does Our State Government Serve the Common Good?
• 2008 Upper Susquehanna Synod Assembly Registrations Due
• Another Call for Used LBWs for Local Congregation
• "Water is Life" as 2008 Stewardship Week Theme, Apr. 27-May 4
• Making Christ Known: Sharing the World Hunger Story
• Parish Nurse Training Program Registration Extended
• Along The Way Sponsors VBS Workshops
• ALCM Regional Summer Conferences Announced
• Choral Music Liquidation Sale
• Camp Mount Luther to Hold Open House
• Third Annual Bishop’s Open Golf Tournament to Benefit Camp
• Buffalo Valley Lutheran Village Announces Expansion
• Lutherhostel Event to be Held at Gustavus Adolphus
• Mission Investment Fund Offers Premium Rate
• Leave a Legacy for Ministry and Mission

Worth Repeating:

• Synod to Host a Hearing on the Draft ELCA Social Statement on Human Sexuality
• Discernment Retreat for College-Graduates Under Age 30
• Health, Healing and Wholeness Newsletter Article - May 2008
• Nurse’s Notes: May 2008

IN THIS ISSUE...

"Called!" - Future Church Leaders Retreat for Confirmation - Age Youth

The Synod’s Candidacy Committee will host an interactive, exciting weekend retreat on June 6-8, 2008, at Camp Mount Luther for junior-high youth who show potential for rostered leadership in our church. Many pastors can point to confirmation-age experiences as the "seed" that was planted for their calling to ministry. Congregations are asked to encourage young people personally whom they may identify with potential gifts for ministry. The event will include visits with area congregations and their pastors, service projects, crafts and much more, all for a low registration fee of $20. Registration materials have been emailed to congregations and rostered leaders. For more information, contact Pastor Karl-John Stone at karljohn@USS-ELCA.org.

Synod Staff E-mail Addresses Change

Synod staff e-mail addresses recently changed as the synod acquired its own server. All addresses now end with "@USS-ELCA.org" instead of "@dejazzd.com". The "general" synod e-mail address has been eliminated, and Virginia Frantz’s address has changed entirely. Please see the list that follows for all changes. Both old and new addresses will reach their intended recipients for the time being, but please make the changes in your address books by the end of April. Website: www.uss-elca.org; Bishop Robert L. Driesen bishop@USS-ELCA.org; Assistant to the Bishop Beth Ann L. Stone bethann@USS-ELCA.org; Assistant to the Bishop Karl-John N. Stone karljohn@USS-ELCA.org; Administrative Assistant to the Bishop Virginia Frantz Virginia@USS-ELCA.org; Secretary Brenda Jeirles Secretary@USS-ELCA.org.

Global Mission Event in Camp Hill, PA

A Global Mission Event sponsored by the Region 8 Synods (Allegheny, Upper and Lower Susquehanna, Delaware Maryland, Northwestern and Southwestern Pennsylvania, Metropolitan Washington DC, W Virginia W. Maryland) of the ELCA will be held on May 23 and 24, 2008 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Camp Hill, PA. Come alone or with a group! Over forty workshops will be presented by various Lutheran agencies, current and former missionaries, theologians and others revolving around the topics of world hunger and global missions, including Ms. Ruth Koble and the Liberian Work Teams of the Upper Susquehanna Synod. Registration forms have been distributed to congregations, and more may be found at the synod office. Further information can be obtained from Ms. Ruth Doran (570-584-5814).

Synod Website in Need of Attention

Bishop Driesen is looking for resource people with skills in website development for a total revamp of the synod website, www.uss-elca.org. Both volunteer and paid consultants may be considered. Interested parties should contact Bishop@USS-ELCA.org.

Redesigned ELCA Website to Launch on April 28

The ELCA website, www.elca.org, is being redesigned for easier navigation and improved resource availability. The redesigned site is scheduled to launch on April 28. Check it out!

Companion Synod Sunday – August 3, 2008 (Bavarian church)

Resources will soon be provided for congregations to remember and celebrate our synod’s relationship with our companion synod, the Ansbach-Würzburg Kirchkenkries, on August 3, 2008... designated Companion Synod Sunday. A worship service with German hymns, prayers, and Bible texts will be sent to congregations in coming weeks. Your congregation is asked to make plans now to mark this occasion celebrating our relationship as our brothers and sisters in Germany will also be doing that day.

Lay Ministry Institute Opens Evangelism Classes

During 2007-2008 the Lay Ministry Institute of the Upper Susquehanna Synod is hosting some of the ELCA’s finest evangelism leaders. Since this is an opportunity to have contact with the best, the board of directors has opened the five remaining evangelism classes to pastors and rostered leaders.

Rostered leaders may register for any or all of the classes at a cost of $75 for all five, or $25 per class. Institute classes will be held 8:30am - 3:30pm at the Washingtonville Lutheran Church, Washingtonville on the following Saturdays:

For further information or to register for the classes contact the Lay Ministry Institute at the synod office or Pastor Melody Sell (pmsell@chilitech.net).

In Whose Interest? Does Our State Government Serve the Common Good?

Come join a lively discussion of whether money and power are the only ways to influence policy and policymakers. If so, who wins, who loses? How can people of faith make a difference?

When: Saturday, May 3, 9:15 – 11:30 a.m.
Where: Christ Presbyterian Church, Camp Hill
Who: Sponsored by the PA Council of Churches
Panelists include:
State Senator Pat Vance (R- Cumberland)
State Representative Eugene DePasquale (D-York)
Eric Epstein, Rock the Capital
Sandy Christianson, Common Cause

The forum begins with a continental breakfast. We need to know if you’re coming!

Please register, either by visiting the Council website: www.pachurches.org, or emailing kdaugherty@pachurches.org. This event is made possible with financial support from the Wallace Global Fund.

2008 Upper Susquehanna Synod Assembly Registrations Due

Registrations were due April 15, 2008 for voting members of the 2008 Upper Susquehanna Synod Assembly. Registration materials were mailed to congregations and rostered leaders in mid-March. An additional $10 fee is now due for all registrations submitted after the deadline.

Another Call for Used LBWs for Local Congregation

St. Andrew Lutheran Church is interested in your used copies of Lutheran Book of Worship for their parish in Muncy. If you are replacing your LBWs with Evangelical Lutheran Worship and have some to donate, please give a call to Don Snyder in McEwensville at 570-538-5012.

"Water is Life" as 2008 Stewardship Week Theme, April 27-May 4

The 2008 Stewardship Week theme for April 27-May 4, "Water is Life," is sponsored by The National Association for Conservation Districts, whose mission is to serve conservation districts by providing national leadership and a unified voice for natural resource conservation.

Materials appropriate for religious education include:
...Beginner booklet (grades K-1)
...Intermediate booklet (grades 2-3)
...Advanced booklet (grades 4-5)
...Activity Sheet/placemat
...watershed poster
...litany insert
...church leader's guide
...program insert or blank
...educator's guide
...water words book
...calendar
...bookmark
...powerpoint CD
...sample packet

Browse www.nacdnet.org/stewardship/2008 or contact your nearest soil and water conservation district office.

The traditional Arbor Day also falls on the last Friday of April, prior to Soil and Water Stewardship Sunday.

Another relevant site is www.blueplanetrun.org/water/facts re: Global Drinking Water Crisis.

These are issue statements from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) about water use:

ELCA Advocacy Bring Your Own (Reusable) Bottle: www.elca.org/advocacy/environment/byob.asp

ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility Water Shareholder Proposal: www.elca.org/advocacy/corporate/resolutions/2007/water07.asp

ELCA World Hunger water resources: www.elca.org/hunger/resources/water.html

Lutheran World Relief Water projects: http://quilt.lwr.org/water

Municipal government water authorities may also have information on the subject. For an example of a Personal Water Use Calculator, see: www.tampagov.net/dept_water/information_resources/Saving_water/Water_use_calculator.asp

Making Christ Known: Sharing the World Hunger Story

When you see a picture of a starving child, are you overwhelmed with a feeling of wanting to do something to help? Rita Juhl, a member of St. Peder Lutheran Church, Minneapolis, suggests a way to help.

With St. Peder’s new Rice Dinner Project, a majority of the members of the church have a dinner once a month that consists of rice - nothing more. Then they send the money saved by serving and eating this meager meal to a charitable organization that has the elimination of hunger as its goal. The two organizations receiving the monthly contributions from St. Peter are Feed My Starving Children and ELCA World Hunger.

The premise of the Rice Dinner Project is simple. The members commit to this activity for one year. Quite a few participants, however, say that they plan to continue doing this beyond their one-year commitment. A $10.00-per-month contribution is a realistic sum, although some members are giving beyond this amount.

One of the appealing aspects of this project is that there is no administrative cost involved. The project is completely self-maintained. The participants’ total contributions are kept private, but they have told others, whose interest has been ignited by this idea.

Another positive aspect is the opportunity to share bounty with those less fortunate. According to Rita Juhl, "It is an eye-opening learning experience for everyone, especially the children, to find out that this meager meal is what a very large portion of the world population eats every day."

For more information about the Rice Dinner Project, contact: Rita Juhl, St. Peder Lutheran Church, 4600 E. 42nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55406; rrjuhl@aol.com. (Reprinted from Seeds for the Parish, March-April 2008)

Parish Nurse Training Program Registration Extended

Because of low registration, Diakon will be extending the registration time for the 2008 parish nurse training program. Session One will begin on Saturday, May 3. Please contact Deb Best if you have questions, or need a registration form: BestD@diakon.org.

Along The Way Sponsors VBS Workshops

The following free workshops, sponsored by Along The Way, help participants explore 2008 VBS curricula. To attend, RSVP to Sandra Grier at (570)220-5039 or walkalongtheway@comcast.net.

1. Augsburg Fortress - Rainforest Adventure; April 17, 7-8:30 p.m. Sharon Lutheran, Selinsgrove PA.
2. Augsburg Fortress - Rainforest Adventure; April 21, 7-8:30 p.m. Messiah Lutheran, South Williamsport PA.
3. Gospel Light - SonWorld; April 28, 6:30-8 p.m. St. Mark’s Lutheran, Williamsport.

ALCM Regional Summer Conferences Announced

The Association of Lutheran Church Musicians announces their regional summer conference dates and locations. Visit www.ALCM.org for more information and registration:
Region I: June 30 - July 3, 2008;Worcester, MA
Region II: July 13 - 16, 2008; Savannah, GA
Region III: June 29 - July 2, 2008; River Forest, IL
Region IV: June 27 - 30, 2008; San Francisco, CA

Choral Music Liquidation Sale

Menchey Music Service of Hanover, PA regrets to announce that their Choral Music Showroom will soon close forever after many years of stocking thousands of titles of sacred and secular choral music. Beginning April 7, they began a complete and total liquidation of the inventory of their showroom, offering discounts of 30-80% from Retail Price on all products until the majority is sold. The Menchey Music Service address is 80 Wetzel Drive, Hanover, PA; www.menchey.com.

Camp Mount Luther to Hold Open House

The camp's annual spring open house will be held from 2-4 p.m., Sunday, April 27, 2008. During the open house, tours will be given of the camp and prospective campers can learn more about the summer program. The open house is perfect for those new campers who are a little apprehensive about leaving home for the first time to come to camp! The youngsters will be able to see the camp facilities and experience a little of the "camp life" before attending this summer. Some of this year’s summer camp staff will be guiding the tours of the facilities that day.

Camp Mount Luther, located five miles west of Mifflinburg, runs year-round outdoor ministry programming, including an eight-week summer camp. For more information on any of Camp Mount Luther’s programs call the camp at (570) 922-1587 or visit our website at www.campmountluther.org.

Third Annual Bishop’s Open Golf Tournament to Benefit Camp

Registrations are now being accepted for the Third Annual Bishop’s Open Golf Classic which benefits Camp Mount Luther of Mifflinburg. The public is invited to participate in the tournament to be held on Monday, May 12, 2008 at the Susquehanna Valley Country Club in Shamokin Dam.

This is the third year for this fundraiser which will benefit the camp’s 40 By Faith Capital Campaign to enhance the ministry of the camp. It is the first event that will feature the new Upper Susquehanna Synod (ELCA) Bishop Robert Driesen who will be in attendance. Start time is 12:30 p.m. Registration and lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. Last year, nearly $25,000 was raised as a result of this event.

Sponsorships as well as individual registrations are currently being solicited. To get a registration form, or for more information, go to the camp’s website at www.campmountluther.org or contact the camp office at (570) 922-1587 or Bob Zimmerman, Tournament Chair, at (570) 286-2100.

Buffalo Valley Lutheran Village Announces Expansion

Buffalo Valley Lutheran Village, a Diakon Senior Living Community in Lewisburg, PA, announces a major expansion of its senior living accommodations. The first phase of a potential multi-phase project will begin with the construction of 19 senior living homes. Slated to break ground this fall, these new villas will offer a selection of floor plans for one-floor living as well as numerous features and premium upgrade options.

"Diakon made the decision to undertake an expansion at Buffalo Valley Lutheran Village based on the changing needs of today's older adults," says the Rev. Daun E. McKee, president and CEO, Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries. "Active older adults appreciate the style and size of these homes, which offer plenty of living space and all the comforts of home but with none of the maintenance or upkeep."

This expansion at Buffalo Valley Lutheran Village is part of a Diakon-wide project to expand, renovate and enhance its senior living communities to offer a full continuum of accommodations and services. Other Diakon senior living communities at which construction is underway or being planned include Ohesson Manor in Lewistown, Luther Crest in Allentown, and The Lutheran Home at Topton in Topton.

The Village will be constructing three new models of homes. The Hastings offers a spacious eat-in kitchen that opens to the great room plus a separate form dining room. It also boasts an extra-large walk-in closet in the master bedroom. The Ashford floor plan offers an inviting front porch and covered patio, two bedrooms, and a separate dining area. The Belmont features three bedrooms, a walk-in closet and bath in the master bedroom, a two-car garage and covered patio.

Residents of Buffalo Valley Lutheran Village enjoy a hassle-free lifestyle. A professional staff handles all aspects of upkeep including appliances, building maintenance inside and out, lawn care, snow removal, leaf collection and landscaping. Additionally, residents enjoy a variety of social activities with their neighbors.

"Buffalo Valley Lutheran Village is a community," says Lennea Brown, executive director. "Our residents frequently get together for dinner, fun outings, and conversation in addition to the opportunities offered by Buffalo Valley. We are fortunate to enjoy this neighborhood lifestyle." To view floor plans or obtain more information about the project, contact Amy Solomon at (570) 524-5520.

Lutherhostel Event to be Held at Gustavus Adolphus

Lutheran Summer Music (LSM) and Association of Lutheran Older Adults (ALOA) will join together in offering the Minnesota Lutherhostel, a five-day musical feast, at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN, July 16-20, 2008.

Dr. Carl F. Schalk, Distinguished Professor of Church Music Emeritus at Concordia University, Chicago, and popular Lutheran composer will present, "Singing the Church's Song." He will lead this three-part workshop exploring the music of the liturgy, the church's hymnody and the music of the choir. Morning devotions will be led by Rev. Fred Hinz, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Gaylord, MN. Each day ends with a Concert and Evening Prayer where we join the LSM faculty and students.

Other program offerings will highlight presentations about the process of turning corn into fuel, birds of Minnesota, and the opening of Minnesota territory to settlers. Phyllis Duesenberg will take us on a journey from her birthplace in India to how and why she developed her deep love for Bach.

For more information about this event or location of other ALOA Lutherhostels, contact ALOA web, ALOAserves.org to register or call Walt Schmidt, 623-937-8835. (waltlois@cox.net)

Mission Investment Fund Offers Premium Rate

Beginning April 1, the Mission Investment Fund (MIF) will offer an 18-month MissionTermSelect-Fixed product with a premium rate of 4.6%. Only new funds are eligible for this rate; funds currently invested in MIF are not eligible. The minimum investment is $2,500. This is a limited time offer. For information & applications for this and other investments as well as loans offered by MIF, contact Pr. Mark Wimmer: 267-203-1137 or mark.wimmer@elca.org. For questions regarding building needs, contact ELCA building consultant Jeff Spann: 973-625-2568 or jeff.spann@elca.org.

Leave a Legacy for Ministry and Mission

A will is one of the most important documents you will create. Yet over 60% of the people, who die each year, die without a will. And surprisingly, less than 10% of the ELCA Lutherans who die each year remember their congregation in their will. If you do not have a will, the commonwealth of Pennsylvania has one for you but it does not include your charitable interests. If you do not have a will or are planning to update your will and want to include your favorite charities, please call Pr. Greg Kramer for more information at the Lutheran Planned Giving Office at 570-374-2044 or call the ELCA Foundation, 800/638-3522, ext. 2970 or visit our website at www.elca.org/fo.

WORTH REPEATING...

Synod to Host a Hearing on the Draft ELCA Social Statement on Human Sexuality

The Upper Susquehanna Synod will be hosting a hearing for members to comment on the text of the Draft Social Statement on Human Sexuality on Sunday, April 27 at 2:30 pm at Christ Lutheran Church, Milton.

This hearing is a key part in the development of the social statement. Representatives of the synod will be present, as well as The Rev. Carol Hendrix representing the Task Force for the ELCA Studies on Sexuality. A synod representative will be present to record all comments made by participants. This record of comments will be submitted to the task force and considered as they revise the text for 2009.

"It is important that we have as many members as possible participating in this step of the process," stated Upper Susquehanna Synod Bishop Robert L. Driesen. “This participation is part of how we develop social statements in this church. The hearing is a chance to both speak and listen."

The draft social statement was written by members of the task force. Its content was determined by the standard ELCA social statement process of theological reflection that emphasizes moral deliberation and broad participation. Since 2001, the task force has been involved in discussions, panels, and consultations with individuals, ranging from sociologists to theologians and biblical scholars.

The task force has now published three studies as a means to invite deliberation and response from throughout the ELCA. These studies seek to set forth a Lutheran vision of human sexuality and its meaning for our church and society. The responses to the studies have been tabulated and reported to the task force.

The comments made at the synodical hearing are critical to the task force in the development of the proposed social statement to be brought to the 2009 Churchwide Assembly. Final responsibility for changes to and adoption of the text of the proposed social statement is the responsibility of the churchwide assembly.

A copy of the Draft Social Statement on Human Sexuality may be ordered by calling a special resource line at 800-638-3522 ext. 2996. It is also downloadable at www.elca.org/faithfuljourney. Multiple copies for group study will be available from Augsburg Fortress Resource (800-328-4648); ask for Draft of a Social Statement on Human Sexuality, item number 978-6-0002-2079-2, cost is $0.25 per copy.

If you have any questions regarding your synodical hearing, please visit www.elca.org/faithfuljourney or call the synod office at 570-524-9778.

Discernment Retreat for College-Graduates Under Age 30

This "Can You Hear Me Now?" retreat is for adults under age 30 who have already graduated from college. It takes place at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg on June 6-8, 2008, Friday evening through Sunday noon. Cost is $25. This retreat is for anyone who is thinking about what to do with the rest of their life, grad school, career, family, friends, church. How do we best serve God? What does God want from us? Are we hearing God’s call? Do we understand God’s call? This retreat will help participants figure out God’s call in their lives. Registration is available from Pastor Beth Ann Stone at bethann@USS-ELCA.com (Synod Office – 570-524-9778) or may be downloaded at www.projectconnect.org.

(W)Holy, (W)Holy, (W)Holy
Health, Healing and Wholeness Article

May 2008

"O Lord, you have searched me and know me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from far away... it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made." (Psalm 139:1&2; 13)

There is no doubt that technology in medicine has developed at a whirlwind pace! Fetal imaging by the use of ultrasound is no exception. Though it has been utilized for the past thirty years, new, more powerful equipment can now allow us to see the developing fetus in three-, even four- dimensional detail! In fact, it has become common practice for the attending physician/obstetrician to order at least one, sometimes two ultrasounds during a woman’s pregnancy. Fetal imaging has many beneficial uses; it can help determine fetal age, detect defects, check for the presence of more than one fetus, or determine position of the placenta, umbilical cord and fetus - just to name a few. In large medical centers, it is not that uncommon for surgery to be performed while the fetus is still inside the womb. What God makes possible through our healers is truly amazing!

Sometimes, important technological breakthroughs can produce unwelcome consequences as well. As a result of the amazing detail made evident through the use of the latest multidimensional imaging, store-front franchises have sprung up throughout the country, offering "keepsake" or "entertainment" photos and videos of the developing fetus. But ultrasound is safe - correct? According to Robert Phillips, Ph.D., a physicist with the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health, "Although there are no known risks of ultrasound imaging and heartbeat monitors, the radiation associated with them can produce effects on the body... when ultrasound enters the body, it heats the tissues [including bone] slightly." (www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/keepsakevideo032408.html). What is not known are the effects of ultrasound performed too frequently (some franchises encourage several sessions), for prolonged periods of time (keeping the transducer in one spot in order to get the best possible photo), or in concentrated areas. The paradox of performing the extensive, intense human testing to prove or dis-prove ultrasound’s effects would simply be unethical.

Additional concerns include: poorly trained technicians, poorly calibrated equipment, skipping pre-natal care (because everything looked fine), technicians encountering developmental problems and lacking the skills to counsel the parent(s), or mis-reading a false-positive of defect leading to unwarranted anxiety.

The FDA has the power to regulate the sale of medical devices. Jurisdiction over the franchises, technicians, and physicians who may be promoting non-medical use of the equipment is the responsibility of each state. In March of 2008, the FDA released a consumer advisory stating, "The use of ultrasound imaging devices for producing fetal keepsake videos is viewed as an unapproved use by the Food and Drug Administration", and "Doppler ultrasound heartbeat monitors are not intended for over-the-counter" – "both products are approved for use only with a prescription" – things that they can enforce.

It is only natural to want to do everything possible to develop the bonds between the unborn child and parent. And it is natural to want to share the news with friends and family. But at some point, should we ask the questions, "Just because we can... should we?" "Does the desire to know the baby’s sex for purposes of appropriate décor or shower gifts outweigh the risk that may be taken to accomplish it", and "is it appropriate to share such an intimate aspect of our lives with strangers on websites such as You Tube and My Space?" These questions are not for me to decide. What I can advise is simply this, "Do everything you can possibly do to give your baby a healthy start in life. Get appropriate pre-natal care, discuss all your concerns with your physician, and explore this spiritual adventure that God is leading you through!" Blessings!

Debbie Best, Program Coordinator Diakon Congregational Health Ministries and Family Life Services

Nurse’s Notes (Bulletin blurbs)

May 2008

A note from the Editor: CURRENTS is an email newsletter of the Upper Susquehanna Synod. Please edit, copy, and use this information in bulletins, newsletters, sermons, billboards, press releases, evangelism efforts, and/or spoken announcements where helpful. If you would like to receive this newsletter and don't already (it is free, you know!), or if you have information to include in future editions, please email to usselca@dejazzd.com with your name, congregation name and town, and that you'd like to receive Currents. Or do it the old fashioned way and just call the office 570-524-9778. If you do not wish to receive this email, please email the same address and share that message. Your address will not be shared with anyone else, although you might get an occasional message that relates to the ministries of our synod from time to time. The addresses are masked so that everyone receiving this newsletter does not have access to the other addresses. Please share this information with others!