CURRENTS Upper Susquehanna Synod News and Information May 16, 2010 LATEST NEWS Become a Fan of the Upper Susquehanna Synod on Facebook! Assembly "Bulletin of Reports" Now Available Online Clergy Meet and Greet Reminder May News from Mount Luther Domestic Hunger Grant Applications Now Available ELCA Ministries Among Possible Fund Recipients Through "Thrivent Choice" Wheat Ridge Ministries' Congregation Health Ministry Grant Proposals Being Accepted The Mission Investment Fund offers a great way to save for the future! Leave a Legacy for Ministry and Mission Worth Repeating... Wireless Microphone Alert UPCOMING EVENTS Grant Writing Workshop: May 26, 2010 Camp Mount Luther Summer Camp Kickoff Brunch: June 13, 2010 The Morally Divided Body: Ethical Disagreement and the Disunity of the Church: June 14-16, 2010 Reimherr Memorial Service: June 20, 2010 Seminary Sampler for High School Youth: June and July 2010 USSWO 23rd Annual Convention: July 24, 2010 MONTHLY FEATURES "(W)holy, (W)holy, (W)holy": Health, Wholeness & Healing Nurse's Notes and Bulletin Blurbs Safety Tips for Ministries ATTACHMENTS: * Camp Mount Luther May Camel Tracks * LPG Newsletter A note from the Editor: CURRENTS is the e-newsletter of the Upper Susquehanna Synod. Please share this information with others! Edit, copy, and use this information in bulletins, newsletters, sermons, billboards, press releases, evangelism efforts, and/or spoken announcements where helpful. If you have information to include in future editions, please send an email to with your name, congregation name, town, and the information. The next edition of Currents is planned for June 5, 2010, with a publication deadline of June 10, 2010. NEWS IN THIS ISSUE Become a Fan of the Upper Susquehanna Synod on Facebook! The Upper Susquehanna Synod now has a "fan site" on Facebook. If you are part of the Facebook community, you can join at www.facebook.com/usselca. This site will replace our existing "Ning" site as Nign is phasing out free sites for non-profits and others. Become a fan of the USS and keep updated on the latest news and information from our synod. Assembly "Bulletin of Reports" Now Available Online The 2009-2010 Bulletin of Reports - information about the shared ministries of the Upper Susquehanna Synod since the 2009 Synod Assembly - has been posted online at http://2010-assembly.uss-elca-bulletin.org. To view available reports, go to the link and click on one of the three section headings. The menu on the left of each section will indicate which reports have been posted. The website Bulletin will include the detailed agenda, assembly personnel, parliamentary information, proposed resolutions and memorials, and all reports (information will be posted as it becomes available). Voting members to the 2010 assembly need not print out the report from the website, but will pick up a complete hard copy of the 2009-2010 Bulletin of Reports when they check in at the event. Pre-assembly mailings of such reports will be sent only to people who requested them on their registration forms. Clergy Meet and Greet Reminder All clergy rostered within the past two years, please remember to respond to the invitation to Diakon's breakfast Meet & Greet scheduled for Tuesday, May 25, beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the Common at Buffalo Valley Lutheran Village. Diakon is your Lutheran social service agency here in the Upper Susquehanna Synod. Come hear about all the programs that are available to you and your congregation members, and meet Diakon's CEO, Mark Pile. Please contact Deb Best at 320-0520 or mailto:bestd@diakon.org to attend. May News from Mount Luther Camp Mount Luther's monthly "Camel Tracks" newsletter is attached for use in church bulletins and newsletters. Highlights this month from our synod camp include the following: * Spring Work Day is May 22 beginning at 8:00 a.m. Come help to get the camp ready for the summer! * The summer staff is hired and ready to begin their staff development on June 1st! Our theme this summer is "Keeping the Earth." * Listen to the Camp Mount Luther Prayer Service this summer on WQSU Radio. It will broadcast on Sunday mornings at 11:00 a.m. on FM 88.9. WQSU is the radio station of Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove. Domestic Hunger Grant Applications Now Available Congregations with hunger-related outreach ministries are encouraged to apply for a 2011 domestic hunger grant supported by ELCA World Hunger. Application and criteria can be found online now at http://www.elca.org/domestichungergrants. In 2009, twelve Pennsylvania congregations received grants of $2,000 to $4,000 in support of development and relief projects, including the St. Paul's Lutheran Food Bank in Mill Hall, PA. All applications must be postmarked by the application deadline of July 9, 2010. ELCA Ministries Among Possible Fund Recipients Through "Thrivent Choice" Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) World Hunger, Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) and the Lutheran Malaria Initiative (LMI) are three of 10 choices listed as possible recipients of charitable funds through "Thrivent Choice," a new Thrivent Financial for Lutherans program. As part of the program, members of Thrivent Financial will help choose where to direct up to $2 million until May 21. Thrivent Financial members age 16 and older will vote to distribute $1 million among 10 national charitable entities -- each selected based on input from Lutheran church leaders and members. If at least 350,000 members vote, Thrivent Financial will add an additional $1 million to the funds distributed, according to a Thrivent Financial news release. At the end of the event, funds will be distributed to organizations based on the percentage of total votes received. The Upper Susquehanna Synod encourages its members to support ELCA charities in this endeavor. Wheat Ridge Ministries' Congregation Health Ministry Grant Proposals Being Accepted Wheat Ridge Ministries invites and encourages Lutheran congregations to submit proposals for its Congregation Health Ministry (CHM) Grant Program. The purpose of the CHM Grant Program is to promote a pervasive awareness of Whole Person Health within congregations through funding new sustainable health ministry projects. The Program will award matching grants to congregations interested in pursuing one of two project options: * New Health Ministry Committee [Committee Option]: This option aims to increase the number of sustainable Health Ministry Committees, including parish nurses, active in Lutheran congregations. The grant will run from 18 to 24 months to include at least six months for initial planning followed by up to 12 months of funding for programming contingent on a sufficient progress report. Matching grant funds can be awarded up to $4,000 for one congregation. * New Health Ministry Program(s) [Program Option]: This option aims to build the capacity of existing Health Ministry Committees (e.g. Boards, Teams, Cabinets, etc.) through resourcing program planning and implementation. The program needs to be new and innovative, responding to an identified need within the congregation or community. These grants will run for 12 months with matching funds awarded up to $2,000 per congregation. The CHM Grant Program will not fund or sponsor established, existing health ministry programs. All Lutheran congregations are eligible for these grants. The amount granted by Wheat Ridge must be matched dollar for dollar by the congregation. Grant proposals are due June 1, 2010, with funds to be distributed by July 1, 2010. In mid-May, Wheat Ridge Ministries will host webinars to address questions related to this grant program and application process. Dates will be posted at http://www.wheatridge.org, under "Events." Participation in a webinar is not a requirement for the grant program. Congregations interested in applying for a Wheat Ridge Congregation Health Ministry Grant can visit the Wheat Ridge website to download a complete list of guidelines as well as the application packet. Any questions may be referred to the Wheat Ridge office at 800.762.6748. The Mission Investment Fund offers a great way to save for the future! A MissionFuture4KIDZ investment functions like a savings account specifically designed for children, and can be purchased by adults for kids aged 16 and younger. It makes an ideal baptismal, graduation, birthday, or Christmas gift for a child or grandchild. MissionFuture4KIDZ investments are a great way to set aside money for college or other needs and teach children good stewardship and money management while connecting them to the life of the church. The minimum initial deposit is $50. Additional contributions of at least $25 may be made at any time. The current rate for a MF4K is 2.58 percent. If you'd like more information about this or any other investment or ministry loan offered by the Mission Investment Fund, please contact Pr. Mark Wimmer: 267-203-1137 or mark.wimmer@elca.org Leave a Legacy for Ministry and Mission Have you ever considered continuing your annual support to your congregation and other church ministries after you joined the Church Triumphant. With a Memorial Endowment Fund, you can make quarterly distributions to your congregations and other ministries in perpetuity or even longer. For more information about how to make charitable gifts using a Memorial Endowment Fund or other ways to make charitable gifts to your favorite church ministries, 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 our website at http://www.elca.org/fo Wireless Microphone Alert The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued a new ruling that wireless microphones using the 700MHz band will be banned beginning on June 12, 2010. The reason behind the new ruling, according to the FCC, is that wireless microphones at these frequencies now interfere with the communications of public safety organizations. Congregations will want to check which frequency their wireless microphones are using. This ruling does not apply to microphones that use cords and are plugged into microphone jacks. For more information on this ruling follow these links: http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/wirelessmicrophones or http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/wirelessmicrophones/manufacturers.html UPCOMING EVENTS Grant Writing Workshop: May 26, 2010 A grant writing training, "Grant Writing for Beginners," will be offered by Dory Campbell, Coordinator of the Evangelical Lutheran Coalition for Mission in Appalachia, on Wednesday, May 26, beginning at 6:00 p.m. at Pine Street Lutheran Church in Danville. This will be a three-hour session, and is again open to any interested people. There is no cost for this training, but advance reservations are requested. For more information or to register for the session in Danville, contact the church office at 570-275-2110. Office hours are 9:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. Monday thru Thursday. The e-mail address is pinestch@ptd.net. Camp Mount Luther Summer Camp Kickoff Brunch: June 13, 2010 Everyone is invited to come to Camp Mount Luther for a good meal and a chance to kickoff the summer camp program. This year's Brunch Fundraiser will be held on Sunday, June 13, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Tickets are now available from the camp office for this event. The deadline to order tickets is Friday, June 11. Come to Mount Luther for our popular brunch featuring Ham, Sausage, Home Fried Potatoes, Scrambled Eggs, Cheese Strata, Fruit Salad, Orange and Apple Juice, Bagels with Cream Cheese, Toast, Donuts, Coffee Cake, Cold Cereal, Chicken Noodle Soup, Coffee, and Tea. You can enjoy fellowship with others, good food (all-you-can-eat!) and even take a walk on our grounds. The fundraiser benefits the camp's general operating fund. Price: $10 for adults, $5 for children under 12. Tickets are available by contacting the camp office (570-922-1587) or via e-mail at cml@campmountluther.org. This year's Brunch Fundraiser will be the kickoff to the camp's summer season, which starts on June 14. It will also be a time to greet the camp's food service manager, Carol Segraves, as she prepares for retirement at the end of the summer. The Morally Divided Body: Ethical Disagreement and the Disunity of the Church: June 14-16, 2010 This is an ecumenical conference for clergy and laity sponsored by the Center for Catholic and Evangelical Theology. It will be held Monday evening, June 14, through Wednesday noon, June 16, 2010, at Loyola University, Baltimore, MD. While doctrinal issues have often in the past been the most ecumenically neuralgic topics, increasingly today ethical issues - abortion and homosexuality most prominently - have become a focus of difference between the churches and of potentially splintering debate within churches. These issues are more laden with emotion than many traditional doctrinal disputes, but ecumenical discussions have yet to address them in detail. We have little sense of just when and how ethical disputes rightly impact communion within and among the churches. When can we live together with difference over such matters and when does unity in Christ require common teaching? These questions will be addressed from a variety of perspectives. Accommodations will be available on the Loyola Campus. Conference cost (including banquet): $210; reduced price for early registrations, retired clergy ($175), and students ($95). For more information, contact Michael Root at 803-735-1178 or mroot1@sc.rr.com. Online registration at http://www.acteva.com/go/ccet. More information and mail-in registration at http://www.e-ccet.org. Reimherr Memorial Service: June 20, 2010 The Reimherr Family wishes to announce a memorial service for Rev. Otto and Beulah Reimherr. The service is scheduled for Sunday, June 20, 2010, at 2:30 p.m. in Seibert Hall at Susquehanna University. A reception will follow. The service will be a "coming home" to the area and people they loved. Bishop Robert Driesen has agreed to participate in the service as well as Pastor Ricky Phillips. Seminary Sampler for High School Youth: June and July 2010 Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, OH, invites high school youth who have completed sophomore, junior, or senior year to come to the seminary for three weeks in June or July to explore vocations, think theologically, participate in service projects, shadow mentors, and make friends with Jesus-loving youth from around the country. If you or someone you know would be interested in this unique experience, check out the http://www.summersampler.com website and watch a short video about the program. You'll be glad you did! For more information, contact Pastor Ruth Fortis, Director at rfortis@trinitylutheranseminary.edu USSWO 23rd Annual Convention: July 24, 2010 The Upper Susquehanna Synodical Women's Organization Annual Convention will be held on Saturday, July 24, 2010, at the Evergreen Center at Camp Mount Luther, 355 Mt. Luther Lane, Mifflinburg. Registration is from 7:30-8:30 a.m. The theme is "Renew and Rejoice," focusing on the following scripture passages: Romans 5:1-5; 12:1-2 and Philippians 4:4-7. Bible Study Leader is Pastor Erin Bovendam and the presiding minister for Holy Communion will be Pastor Miriam Nicholson. Workshop presentations include yoga. Registration deadline is June 21, 2010. Nominations are needed for three board positions and three delegates to the 8th Triennial Convention on July 12-14, 2011, in Spokane, Washington. Camp Evergreen: July 30-August 1, 2010 Diakon's Deb Best reports: Mark your calendars for Camp Evergreen, a Children's Bereavement Program, July 30-August 1, 2010. This special camp for children and teens that have experienced a death of a loved one is free of charge for all participants. The camp is an opportunity for youth ages 8-16 years to learn they are not alone in their feelings of confusion, loss, and grief. A staff of professional and trained volunteers fosters an atmosphere of fun and friendship. Registration deadline is July 9. There is a new site for Camp Evergreen 2010: the grounds of Valley Youth House-Camp Fowler, Orefield, PA. The site includes a therapeutic adventure course, heated pool, and beautiful wooded setting. The 43-acre facility sits on the banks of the Jordan Creek, northwest of Allentown. Call 1-877-438-5311 for more information or registration materials. MONTHLY FEATURES (W)holy, (W)holy, (W)holy: Health, Healing and Wholeness Article "Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near."(James 5:7-8, NRSV) It has been said that some feel closest to God when they are working the land; yet farming can be a stressful and dangerous occupation. Those of us who live in cities and towns, may take for granted the patience and sacrifice that goes into raising the produce, milk, and meat that we consume. Farming is tough, at times unpredictable labor, and the fruits of it are often undervalued on the open market. Recently CNN Money (4/8/2010) reported that according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, farming is in the top five most dangerous occupations in this country. Not only are there dangers in using farm machinery, but economics, and stretches of bad weather can push the farmer toward the breaking point. When money gets tight, repairs are let go, and safety equipment is not retro-fitted, putting the farmer and his/her family in further danger. Farmers are exposed to harmful chemicals and toxic fumes from silage and manure pits. They run an increased risk of malignant melanoma due to sun exposure. Yet every day - 365 days a year, they continue their work. Some say it is in their blood - it is all they have ever dreamed of doing. They see God's handiwork when they look out over their fields, crops, and their livestock. The reality is that our farmers often keep their suffering silent, and we become willing accomplices, by adding to the financial squeeze - after all, who wants to pay an extra fifty cents for a gallon of milk or a dozen eggs? It's time we wake up! In June of 2009, Miles Moffeit, of the Denver Times, reported that Seeds of Hope, a crisis hotline serving farm-belt states, had already logged 11,000 calls since the beginning of that year. Farm Aid's Farmer Resource Network and Hotline (1-800-FARM-AID) directs farmers to access mental health and suicide prevention assistance all over the country - depression and suicide rates among farmers have increased. What are the signs of depression? They can include: persistent sadness or anxiety; increase or decreased appetite; physical symptoms such as headaches, digestive disorders, chronic pain; irritability, restlessness; feelings of guilt/worthlessness; hopelessness; sleeping too much or too little; loss of interest in once pleasurable activity; difficulty concentrating and making decisions; thoughts of death or suicide - any of these symptoms lasting longer than two weeks need to be followed-up with a visit to a healthcare provider. How can the farmer better manage the stress? By openly discussing or venting about problems, concerns, and fears - to friends, extended family, church members, formal and informal support networks. Recognize that he/she is never too old to learn - keeping updated on farming practices, biotechnology, and marketing - by reading, searching the internet, contacting the county or state Extension office. Make time for family - take a yearly vacation, attend children's sporting events and teacher conferences. Meet as a family on Saturday or Sunday evening, and plan out the upcoming week's work schedule. Get regular exercise, stretch and walk; listen to music; enjoy a hobby. Lower health risks by taking extra precautions to combat sun exposure - use sunscreen of at least 15 spf, wear a brimmed had that shades eyes, ears, and neck - wear sunglasses with a UV rating of at least 100. When the tension becomes too much - get some outside help. Contact your healthcare provider, speak to your pastor or parish nurse. What can "we", the consumer, do? As much as possible, we can buy directly from the farmer. We can listen. We can advocate, for by supporting realistic and just pricing of his/her goods and services. And we can pray - for good weather, bountiful harvest, healthy animals, much needed rest, and regularly give thanks for those who have played such a huge role in feeding us every single day. Summer Blessings! Debbie Best, Family Life Services, Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries Nurse's Notes June 6 The FDA is planning to gradually reduce the amount of salt consumed [in processed foods] each day by Americans, and thereby hoping to lower death rates from hypertension and heart disease. Companies such as Conagra, Pepsico, Kraft Foods, General Mills, and Sara Lee have already begun lowering the amount of salt used in their products. The reduction will occur over a number of years; so there would be minimal effect on taste. (Layton, L. (4/20/10) The Washington Post. Plans to Limit Amount of Salt Allowed in Processed Foods for Health Reasons) June 13 In an effort to protect emergency personnel, Move Over Laws (aka Steer Clear Laws) have been enacted by 47 of our 50 states, requiring that motorists move over to a non-adjacent lane when coming upon an emergency scene, traffic stop, or a disabled vehicle. If moving over is not possible, vehicle speed must be reduced by at least 20 mph. June 20 Five Time-saving strategies to help you prepare quick, easy, and nutritious meals: 1. Use frozen vegetables that can be steamed or heated in the microwave in a few short minutes (unseasoned and without sauce). 2. Portion and prepare ahead of time. Place enough meat for one meal, inside freezer bags, add some marinade and freeze. Place frozen food in fridge the night before to thaw, and your entr�e is ready to grill or broil the next day. 3. Cook once, eat twice. Double the recipe, and freeze one meal for another evening. 4. Make eggs the center of attention. Use eggs or egg substitute for the main dish at dinner. 5. Pepare a meatless meal. Top a microwave-baked white or sweet potato with broccoli, beans, and/or low-fat cheese. (Johns Hopkins Health Alert, April 14, 2010) June 27 Cut Risk of Head and Neck Cancer by 400% Take good care of your smile and you'll have more than just white teeth to show for it. New research from Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY, shows that people with the chronic gum disease periodontitis have a fourfold risk of developing a type of head or neck cancer, especially in the mouth or throat. The risk was increased even among patients who never used tobacco. Gum disease occurs when the bacteria that live in plaque infect the gums, so brush and floss regularly to prevent plaque buildup, and see your dentist every six months for a cleaning and exam. (Prevention, May 2010, pg. 90) Safety Tips for Ministries from Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company Keep Water Play Safe this Summer Whether your ministry runs a summer camp on a lake or your youth group sponsors regular trips to a local pool, summer just wouldn't be complete without loads of fun in the sun and water. Of course, with any swimming activity comes the risk of injuries and even worse, drowning. Keep young people safe in the water by being prepared. Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company has created a swimming pool checklist and a water safety checklist that can help your youth leaders plan ahead for a safe day in the sun. The swimming pool checklist takes a close look at the condition of the swimming pool: * Is pool depth clearly marked? * Is the children's area roped off? * Is rescue equipment readily accessible? The water safety checklist examines the readiness of group leaders: * Do all swimmers have a buddy? * Are young children and inexperienced swimmers identified with a wristband so they can easily be seen while in the water? * Do your group leaders know CPR? These checklists and other water safety resources can be found at http://www.SafetyCentralOnline, Brotherhood Mutual's online library of free safety and risk management materials. Check with your insurance agent if you have additional questions about water safety.