DIAKON LUTHERAN SOCIAL MINISTRIES AND DIAKON CHILD

Transcription

Twenty-Ninth Annual Assembly
Lower Susquehanna Synod
DIAKON LUTHERAN SOCIAL MINISTRIES AND
DIAKON CHILD, FAMILY & COMMUNITY MINISTRIES
Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries and Diakon Child, Family & Community Ministries celebrate our partnership with the Lower
Susquehanna Synod and its congregations as we live out our mission to demonstrate God’s command to love our neighbor through acts
of service. Through Many Hands, guided by One Heart, Diakon continues a nearly 150-year tradition of care for people of all ages,
especially those with limited financial resources. In 2015, Diakon provided some $17 million in benevolent care, including more than
$4 million within the Lower Susquehanna Synod.
Last year was the first in which Diakon’s two “sister” organizations operated separately, with individual boards of directors guiding
each. Overall, the year was an exceedingly successful one, with Diakon staff members achieving many significant service, operational,
quality, and financial goals—all critical to growth and to the two organizations’ ability to serve more people.
Two Diakon senior living communities in your synod, Frey Village at Middletown and Cumberland Crossings in Carlisle, continued
to focus on serving as many people as possible in the midst of the significantly changing health-care environment. As of early 2016,
Frey Village neared the completion of a short-term rehabilitation suite and rehab-gym, part of an organization-wide focus on short-term
rehabilitation and wellness and integration with new health-care networks. Both communities continue to focus on growth in more
complex areas of nursing care. In addition, Cumberland Crossings continues to renovate its cottage-homes into new configurations as
vacancies occurred, creating an extensive array of unique homes for older adults.
Diakon Adoption & Foster Care seeks permanency for waiting children and youth, with local services provided through offices in
York and Mechanicsburg. The two offices served more than 120 children and youth through foster care services while the program’s
Wendy’s Wonderful Kids recruiter—who focuses on child-specific recruitment for older youth—achieved 11 matches in 2015,
exceeding programmatic goals. Diakon Adoption & Foster Care also took numerous steps to increase its number of resource families to
meet demand for foster families for specific children. In related news, Diakon received an additional five-year contract from the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to manage Pennsylvania’s Statewide Adoption & Permanency Network, or SWAN, meaning Diakon
plays a role in all public adoptions.
Diakon Family Life Services offers counseling services at Mechanicsburg and a satellite location in Perry County. Among additional
programs are family-based mental health and services for youth who have sexually acted out. The program also provides drug- and
alcohol-related services to adjudicated youth served by the Diakon Wilderness Center near Boiling Springs. Several state grants will
see a significant expansion of Diakon Family Life Services programming in 2016.
Diakon Youth Services, which maintains the Weekend Alternative, Flight, and Center Point Day Treatment programs at the Diakon
Wilderness Center near Boiling Springs, serves hundreds of youth from throughout the territory of the synod. The center continued to
expand certified vocational training and successfully transitioned its wilderness greenhouse into a native plant nursery (also part of
vocational training). Lancaster-based Turning Point continues to aid city youth as an alternative to more secure placement.
We thank God for the gifts of staff, volunteers, congregations, donors, and board members who, together, enabled us directly to touch
the lives of thousands of people last year.
Mark T. Pile, MSHA, MSW, president/CEO
1301
EASTERN CLUSTER OF LUTHERAN SEMINARIES
In 1995 the three East Coast ELCA seminaries (LTSG, LTSP, and LTSS) joined in the establishment of the Eastern Cluster of Lutheran
Seminaries (ECLS). Since that time, ECLS has fostered strong collaboration between the three eastern schools and other partners,
enhancing our common task of theological education for a broad spectrum of students and lifelong learners. In these challenging times
when all seminaries seek new approaches to forming leaders for the Church, we are increasingly engaged with the other ELCA seminaries,
our regional synods, and additional partners in the search for financial sustainability and programmatic flexibility.
A separately incorporated entity, the cluster is governed by a board of directors made up of board chairs and other officers from each of
the three schools. One of the three seminary presidents serves in rotation as cluster executive director. This position is currently filled
by Provost Clay Schmit of LTSS. (Since the merger of LTSS with Lenoir-Rhyne University in 2012, the head of LTSS has served under
the title of seminary provost.) ECLS continues on with only modest core funding from the seminaries. One of the key partnerships that
has made the work of the cluster flourish has been the reception of over $6 million in grants from foundations to support common projects
and subsidize seminary budgets.
Current Collaborative Programs
 The cluster’s One Library Under Three Roofs links the collections at Gettysburg, Philadelphia and Columbia, providing students,
faculty, and other borrowers with access to a vast array of books, periodicals, and e-resources.
 Through the cluster-sponsored Project Connect, hundreds of young persons have been invited to “consider their callings” over the
past half-dozen years. While funding from the Lilly Endowment has now been fully expended, admissions staffs at the three schools
continue aspects fostered by Project Connect. The cluster is working with a grant researcher who will help to identify potential
partners for future work.
 The Abundant Life Grant was received this past year from the Lilly Endowment, Inc. Totaling $750,000, this grant enables each
school to engage in research on the subject of seminarian indebtedness and explore means by which to reduce graduate debt.
Moving beyond the collaboration between LTSP and LTSG in past years, these two members of the Eastern Cluster have committed to
the development of a new partnership which would join the two schools as one institution with two campuses. This new venture will
come into effect in 2017. The boards, faculties, and administrations are currently engaged in designing the shape of this new school,
making hard decisions about governance, faculty size and make-up, and curricula.
Future Cluster Directions: Given the merger of LTSS with Lenoir-Rhyne University and in light of the new venture between LTSG
and LTSP, the board of the Eastern Cluster will now begin to consider the best way for the strong collaborative work of the cluster to
continue under the new configuration of schools. Alongside the work that the cluster schools are doing together, there is a renewed
commitment by all eight ELCA seminaries to find ways to work effectively together. This has been prompted by the work of the ELCA’s
Theological Education Advisory Council (TEAC) which has encouraged the broad cooperation of the ELCA’s theological network. One
of the principle results of this work has been a proposal by which the eight schools can collaborate and share resources across a digital
learning exchange platform. A successful venture of this kind would benefit all synods and the entire ELCA by making theological
education more accessible to leaders of many kinds. This initiative is in the early stages of development.
With Appreciation: The cluster is grateful for support to theological education and our seminaries from our partner synods and
churchwide organization.
The Rev. Dr. Bill Trexler, cluster board chair
The Rev. Dr. Clay Schmit, cluster executive director
1302
ELCA FOUNDATION
Lutheran Development Partnership-Central PA Report
January 20, 2015 – December 31, 2015
Thank you for your partnership in this ministry to provide gift planning services to the ELCA congregations, members, institutions, and
agencies within Central Pennsylvania. The work we do together, inviting every ELCA member to consider remembering one or more
ministries of the ELCA as part of their philanthropic giving plans and building mission endowment funds for congregations is so very
important to both the families and individuals we help as well as the future of our church. It is my goal to impress upon the givers and
congregations how in working together our resources can make a greater impact and difference for the future.
“Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds.”
Hebrews 10:24
MINISTRY PARTNERS: The Lutheran Development Partnership of Central PA is a partnership of the ELCA Foundation with
Allegheny, Upper and Lower Susquehanna Synods, Allegheny Lutheran Social Ministry, Diakon, Luthercare, SpiriTrust Lutheran,
Lutheran Camping Corporation, Mount Luther, Sequanota, Gettysburg College, Susquehanna University, Lutheran Campus MinistryPenn State, and Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg.
CONGREGATIONS: There are 460 congregations altogether in Allegheny, Upper Susquehanna, and Lower Susquehanna Synods. I
was able to meet with the leaders, councils, stewardship, or finance teams of more than 400 of those. The primary goal of my first year
was to introduce myself as the new gift planner for our area, and offer endowment, stewardship, policy, and planned giving services to
interested congregations.
To that end, I offered seventeen gift planning workshops, copies of endowment resolution templates, ELCA Endowment information
and presentations, gift acceptance policy templates, and stewardship support. Together we held retreats, meetings, and information
sessions about current and future giving opportunities for people of all ages.
CONGREGANTS: When working with members of congregations who are interested in making planned gifts to ministries of the
church, I look at the whole of their story and loves. It is important to me that the gifts given feed the soul of the giver, the needs of their
family, and the essential support for mission of the church. I was able to work with congregants resulting in $1,500,000 in planned and
current gifts to various ministries of the church including various congregations, agency, and institution partners in this synod, and
various churchwide ministries.
GIFTING OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOU: The ELCA Foundation offers gifting opportunities which are not available through
commercial services and are offered only for ELCA members.
 Are you interested in making a gift to a ministry and in exchange receive a guaranteed lifetime income from the ministry?
 Would you like to make a gift to a ministry where you can get immediate tax relief, declare yourself or your heirs as income
recipients for twenty years, and then the remainder of that gift going to up to five selected ministries?
 Would you like to make a gift to ministry that would satisfy the required minimum distribution from your IRA and provide tax
relief?
If you answered “Yes!” to any of these questions, then I’m your gift planner! Thank you for this first year of ministry. May next year
be even busier and full of generosity.
PLANNED GIVING WORKSHOP SCHEDULE FOR 2016 (to date)
I will be hosting Planned Giving workshops at the following congregations.
DATE
April 13
April 17
April 24
May 1
May 15
PLACE
St.David’s,
Davidsville
St. Mark,
York
Simpson Temple United,
Altoona
Big Spring United,
Newville
Christ,
Gettysburg
SCHEDULE
11:30 am-1 pm PG Lunch
DATE
May 22
9:30 am Worship
Post-Worship PG Seminar
9:15 am Worship
10:30 am Brunch
10:15 am Worship
Post-Worship PG Seminar
Afternoon Community Event
9:15 am PG Seminar
(Between worship services)
September 11
September 25
October 2
October 9
PLACE
Trinity,
Lemoyne
Flohrs,
McKnightstown
United,
Sunbury
St. Stephen,
New Kingstown
SCHEDULE
8 & 10:45 am Worship
Lunch PG Seminar
9 am Worship
10:30 am PG Seminar (during Sunday School)
Worship & Post-Worship Stewardship
St. John,
Jersey Shore
Worship & Post-Worship PG Seminar
8 & 10:45 am Worship
12:30 pm Planned Giving Seminar
You are invited to:
1) Get me on your congregation’s calendar, if I’m not already.
2) Write letters to your givers who are members of your congregations and encourage them to attend the workshop or planned
giving event near you! I have a template for this purpose if you would like it.
3) Meet with me to discuss your legacy plans.
Pastor Elizabeth C. Polanzke, gift planner
1303
ELCA REGION 8
According to the ELCA Constitution, the region’s primary mission is to connect, resource, support, and network those serving in
leadership in our synods and congregations. The following examples represent aspects of that work of the Region 8:
Candidacy and Assignment of First Call Candidates is, perhaps, the primary area of responsibility in my portfolio.
 In many respects I serve as adjunct staff to each Region 8 synod; in addition to my service at every synod’s Candidacy
Committee meetings, I am the ‘go to’ person for all things candidacy. This work regularly includes arranging Theological
Review Panels and Competency Assessment Panels (as well as the follow-up report writing) and responding to the particular
questions that often stymie synod staff people.
 Each year we hold at least one Region-wide candidacy gathering for each synod’s candidacy staff and committee chair
person; also invited are any number of colleagues in ministry from across the region (e.g., directors for evangelical mission).
Throughout 2015 we reviewed DRAFT Candidacy Manual material and utilized the skills of several Lutheran Theological
Seminary at Gettysburg (LTSG) colleagues to discuss the implications for the candidacy due to the changes in the LTSG
Masters of Divinity degree options, the development of a partnered Distributive Learning program between Lutheran
Theological Seminary at Philadelphia/LTSG, the piloting of electronic student portfolios, and ongoing work in the
development of a competency based MDiv program.
First Call Theological Education is a natural extension of candidacy’s preparation of rostered leaders and first call assignment’s work
to match candidates’ gifts with congregations’ missional needs.
 Region 8 partners find continuing value in cooperative efforts in some key aspects of the First Call Theological Education
(FCTE) program. Primarily this means the planning and implementing of a Region 8 FCTE Annual Conference; the office
works with a region-wide advisory council in planning.
 Due to the changes in both theological education and candidacy, Region 8 partners took the opportunity to review and
restructure our approach to the annual FCTE Conference; that structure debuted in the November 2014 conference. The
program components were identified by the region’s bishops and the structure developed as a result of the collaboration
between the bishops and the FCTE advisory council. Due to the success of the new structure in 2014, for the November 2015
conference we implemented the full structure of this plan (which includes three learning tracks, with nine segments).
 In addition to the conference, each synod also provides more contextual opportunities.
Support of newly called synod staff is yet another aspect of my service.
 Bishop Riegel began service on September 1, 2015, in the WV/WMD Synod, and I spend time assisting with his orientation
for service and supporting the work of the synod’s emerging staff.
Global Gathering efforts is yet another facet of my service in Region 8.
 We Are Church Together – Region 8 Networks for Mission Gathering is scheduled for October 6-8, 2016; this effort (in
collaboration with Chicago-based staff) brings together six churchwide networks (Global Mission/Companion Synods,
Mission Interpreters, Synod/Congregation Communicators, World Hunger/Malaria, Disaster Response, and Stewardship) and
two Region-based networks (youth/young adults and green initiatives).
Nancy E. Gable, Diaconal Minister, D. Ed. (Penn State), coordinator for missional leadership
1304
GETTYSBURG COLLEGE
Blessed be God at all times, now, always, and forever!
Grace, mercy and peace to you.
Last year I wrote to you (the supporting synods associated with Gettysburg College) regarding our shared commitment to “education
and the spiritual formation of maturing young adults.” At that time mention was made of the continuing need to “foster habits of mind
and heart that assist in making this world better and more just.” Toward that end, the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life assists the
Gettysburg College community in exercising and contemplating life with God.
In recent years this work has become more and more difficult as fewer and fewer young people arrive at colleges and universities with
a depth of spiritual formation. Each passing decade since the 1970’s has seen the number of students sharing Lutheran tradition and
backgrounds shrink while the general climate for religious life in America sadly dawdles suffering threat from political extremism,
segregation and bias, and life challenges in the modern world.
In an effort to address these concerns and build communities of faith and justice in an increasingly secularized environment, we have
given more attention in recent years to promoting Ecumenical and Interfaith dialogue, understanding, and engagement. By using
dialogues, focused small group discussion, lectures, and the limited degree of diversity found to exist within this community, we have
tried to foster a climate of understanding that moves beyond tolerance to respect and appreciation. This work has been done –
notwithstanding the need for students to increase knowledge of their own faith traditions and backgrounds – in an atmosphere where
faith and life intersections are infrequently addressed and acknowledged.
As Chaplain of the College, the work I engage in relates primarily to religious and spiritual apprehensions of reality. A chaplain
functions primarily as a priest and pastor beyond the parameters of the usual ecclesial environment. In higher education, chaplains help
members of the communities they serve to discover what their real and true religious convictions are. We do this by engaging in
sacramental and ritual practices, through pastoral conversation and counsel, through spiritual direction and prayer, through religious
education and preaching. Our work while focused on students is not limited to students. We serve the whole of campus life – faculty,
staff, parents of students, alumni of the institution, and the community at large.
Hopefully, I also model for our students how a mature human being is able to integrate more fully the symbolic world of meaning known
through prayer and spiritual practices with intellectual thought. Ours is a tradition that came into being within the context of a university,
a center of learning. Martin Luther as a professor of Hebrew Scripture strove to interpret the Word of God in a manner that was faithful
and intellectually responsible. His witness inspires the witness I share.
We live in a world where there is also great spiritual hunger, yet many feel burdened by life’s urgent demands for time and attention.
In such a world, practices that feed hungry souls rarely are understood. We share with the synods of the ELCA a commitment to helping
maturing young adults integrate faith and learning.
We hope that, as you share with us in this our common mission, you will encourage the young people in your congregations and
communities to consider Gettysburg College! We’d love to welcome them to what may become for them their home away from home.
Blessings and peace!
The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Donnella II, chaplain of the college
1305
LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY IN PENNSYLVANIA
In response to God’s love in Jesus Christ, we advocate for wise and just public policies in Pennsylvania that promote the common
good. Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania is a shared ministry of seven Pennsylvania synods, the ELCA Congregational and
Synodical Mission unit, and Pennsylvania ELCA agencies and institutions. Through LAMPa, Lutherans who are “hungry for justice
and mercy” are supported to voice their faith convictions in the public square with and on behalf of our most vulnerable neighbors and
the world we share while seeking to create a more just Commonwealth.
In 2015, LAMPa celebrated 36 years of advocacy ministry that supported and deepened your congregational efforts to address hunger,
poverty, immigration, homelessness, school funding inequity, and childhood trauma. Thanks be to God for the support of our Lower
Susquehanna Synod Policy Council representatives, Cheryl Burns and the Rev. Haley Vay Beaman, as well as the leadership of Bishop
Dunlop. In 2016, we welcome the Rev. Titus Clarke to the LAMPa Policy Council!
LAMPa advocacy takes place through staff work in the capital, partnerships with coalitions, and engagement of Lutherans in letterwriting, email and call-in advocacy, legislative visits, offering of testimony, editorial writing, social media campaigns, press conferences,
and rallies. Highlights of LAMPa advocacy in 2015 include:
Feeding the Hungry: LAMPa staff met in January with the incoming Wolf administration officials to successfully advocate for a reestablishment of a Governor’s Food Security Partnership and were present at the inaugural summit bringing together stakeholders with
the goal of eliminating hunger in Pennsylvania as well as a subsequent task group meeting where we lifted up the work of Lutheran
hunger ministries. LAMPa advocated for increasing funding for the State Food Purchase Program in the state budget and engaged
Lutherans in helping their local schools expand participation in the school breakfast program.
Fighting Homelessness: LAMPa advocates helped bring affordable homes within reach by expanding the highly effective Housing
Trust Fund statewide. After two years of work on a bill that received unanimous bipartisan support, it was signed into law by Gov.
Wolf in late 2015. The trust fund already had shown success in creating jobs, battling blight, and preventing homelessness in the
communities where it had been available prior to the expansion.
Giving All Children a Better Chance at Academic Success: Pennsylvania Lutherans spoke at rallies and press conferences as part of
the Campaign for Fair Education Funding to address the state’s rating as the least equitable in the country for education funding. LAMPa
staff also testified about the possibilities of trauma-responsive schools at a hearing of the Basic Education Funding Commission, which
made a recommendation to the Department of Education to develop protocols for assessing student trauma in an attempt to improve
teaching and learning.
Addressing Poverty: LAMPa continued to fight attempts by predatory lenders to gain a foothold in Pennsylvania through proposals to
introduce payday lending to the state.
Fighting Climate Change: LAMPa staff and Lutheran advocates offered testimony on the state’s proposed Clean Power Plan.
Connecting Service to Advocacy: LAMPa provided information, resources, and support for congregations and conferences
participating in the Churchwide Day of Service as well as partnering with Charlie Roberts, Director of Children, Youth and Family
Ministry, to help connect advocacy to the new Rise Up service retreat.
Teaching: LAMPa staff addressed classes and led a workshop during Spring Academy Week at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at
Gettysburg as well as teaching at area congregations and a post-confirmation retreat at Nawakwa.
In 2016, LAMPa will be developing service-and-advocacy projects for congregations to engage in for the Churchwide Day of Service
on September 11, 2016. We would be glad to help your congregation plan to make that day one of “God’s work. Our hands. Our
Voices.” We would also be happy to help your conference or congregation participate in faithful citizenship in a politically divisive
election year.
Tracey DePasquale, interim director
1306
LUTHERAN CAMPING CORPORATION (LCC)
Through faith formation, spiritual renewal, Christian community, worship, Bible study, exploring God’s creation, prayer, being nurtured
and encouraged as Lutheran church leaders, lives are profoundly blessed through the ministry of the LCC. Our summer campers,
confirmation campers, and retreat guests experience these various blessings during their time apart, unplugged, and away from the stress
and pace of daily life. They return to their homes, schools, churches, jobs, and neighborhoods as more inspired Christian disciples
hungry for justice and mercy and eager to put their faith into practice. Lutheran Camping Corporation provides a Christ-centered
ministry for people of all ages and in all stages of life and does so in partnership and cooperation with the congregations of the Lower
Susquehanna Synod.
Ministry accomplishments of the past year include:
 Supported the confirmation ministry of nearly 40 congregations which brought 378 youth to confirmation camps.
 803 youth attended summer camp at Kirchenwald and Nawakwa, 527 of whom came from 115 LSS congregations; 29 came
from Lutheran congregations in other synods, and 247 came from other denominations or had no church affiliation.
 Additionally, 245 children and adults attended family camp, 14 adults attended Elder Camp, 9 adults attended BYOC, and 100
children attended Manos Unidas day camps at Nawakwa.
 20 youth attended Kirchenwald’s Diaconos servant ministry camps.
 85 college and high school age young adults gained valuable Lutheran leadership experience as they served on the summer
camp ministry staffs sharing their faith and proclaiming the Gospel.
 $34,397 in “Campership” assistance was provided to 108 children who would not have attended camp because of financial
need. $17,372 in registration discounts were claimed to make camp attendance more affordable.
 Over 90 LSS congregations used the camps and farm for retreats, meetings, picnics, and other events bringing nearly 1,800
persons to the sites. The camps and the farm were used for meetings by synod committees and conferences and hosted synod
events including the Alive youth retreat, Leadership Training camp, and other events and activities.
 Over 350 people attended LCC-sponsored events including the Winter Youth retreat, Bishop’s Bible study at Wittel Farm,
Lenten and Advent Days Apart, Winter Fun Days, Fall Foliage Days, Women’s Craft Retreat, Quilt Retreat, Wittel Tea &
Garden Party, work days, and other adult retreats.
 Thanks to the generosity of many caring donors and congregations that participated in the Seeding the Future Campaign, the
debt on the Nawakwa ministry site expansion has been reduced to $480,000 without impact on the operating budget, which has
kept camp affordable for families and congregations.
 Facility improvements include: new roof on Kirchenwald Dining Pavilion, improving Myers Retreat water system, new roofs
on three Adirondack shelters, painting Nawakwa craft hall, expanded work space at Kirchenwald’s maintenance building, and
many other smaller yet significant projects to keep all our facilities safe and attractive.
As we move through 2016 we thank all those who support this very fine ministry. The 2016 summer camp theme is titled “The Jesus
Way” and will be teaching our campers to follow Jesus, trusting in God’s promise as they forgive, love, serve, and pray…The Jesus
Way. The Wittel Farm Summer Day theme is “Mission Possible”. Register now for summer camp; reserve a Wittel Farm date; book a
retreat for your congregation’s youth, adult, or family groups, for a personal retreat, or a family get-a-way.
Michael Youse, executive director
1307
LUTHERAN CAMPUS MINISTRY –
LUTHERAN STUDENT COMMUNITY AT PENN STATE
Though college life may seem idyllic (with interesting classes, groups of friends, and campus-wide celebrations), in reality students face
a wide variety of stresses and demands in their years on campus. Demanding coursework, uncertainty about majors, parental pressure,
poor choices, mental health issues, campus sexual violence, student debt, family crises, relationship struggles, and the ever-looming
questions about life after graduation all add to the burdens students bear.
Lutheran Campus Ministry walks with students in these challenges, offering a faith community that provides care and support
throughout their college years. Students are welcomed just as they are, with their questions and mistakes, their insecurities and fears.
Each week, they are reminded of God’s unconditional love and constant embrace and also reassured of God’s forgiveness. Students
find friends who may hold different ideas and study different subjects but who can join them on the journey as they grow in knowledge,
in maturity, and in faith.
Worship: Weekly Word and Sacrament is at the heart of Lutheran Campus Ministry and our outreach to the university community.
Students gather Sunday mornings as part of the worshiping community at Grace Lutheran Church. Sunday evenings, in partnership
with Grace Lutheran Church, Lutheran Campus Ministry offers an “alternative” service in a casual setting with a music leadership team.
Mid-week Holden Evening Prayer is offered in the midst of religious diversity at Pasquerilla Spiritual Center on campus. Each worship
option has a different flavor and style and brings the familiar rhythms of liturgy, Gospel-centered preaching, relevant prayer, and weekly
communion. Prayer concerns are gathered and lifted up at both evening worship services. Students hear the word, learn, and grow,
strengthened for the challenges they will encounter as their journey of faith unfolds.
Community Life: On a campus with 44,000 students, finding life-giving connections and authentic community is challenging. When
students gather each week for dinner after worship on Sundays or Thursdays, they share so much more than a meal. Together, they live
what it means to be people of God, sharing one another’s joys and burdens. Special events like Sunday lunches, picnics, Spikes game,
turkey-dinner potluck, Christmas celebration, retreats, and others gather students to relax and enjoy time together. Social media connects
students to Lutheran Campus Ministry and each other through Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/lutheranpennstate/), weekly listserve
messages (http://lutheranpennstate.us10.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=051e3a0ce53d6bc3c0397261a&id=453c7a31f0 ), webpage (http://lutheranpennstate.org/).
Study and Discussion: Schedules are a constant challenge in a world of conflicting class times, deadlines, and work commitments.
After years of Monday lunchtime Bible study in a campus eatery, our weekly study has gone on hiatus, but texts and questions for
reflection are posted on the website. Short-term study/discussions have taken their place, including ecumenical discussions using
Animate-Faith, book discussion on Ordinary Saints by Nadia Bolz-Weber with Grace Lutheran, and Confirmation 2.0 to review and
revisit the basics of Lutheran teachings.
Service-Learning: Students are eager to live out their love of God and neighbor by responding to the needs around them. This year,
students participated in Church World Service’s CROP Walk, preparing dinner for homeless guests through the State College Out Of
the Cold program, and a week-long service-learning spring break trip to Miami, Florida with ecumenical partners where students served
and learned about issues of immigration, diversity, homelessness, and poverty. Students continue as part of the “Green Team,” washing
dishes after their own community meals as well as washing mugs from Grace Lutheran’s Sunday coffee hour each week.
Connections: A wide and complex network of relationships make the work of Lutheran Campus Ministry at Penn State possible. On
campus, connections to the university and Student Affairs units help maintain our presence on campus and provide opportunities to truly
be part of campus life. Ecumenical and interfaith connections keep our work grounded in the diverse and challenging context where
our students live and study and provide unique opportunities to work cooperatively. Connections to alumni, friends, parents, faculty,
and staff from the Penn State community provide important support in so many ways. Connection with the three synods that support
our ministry is vital to our very existence. We are deeply grateful for the many ways this ministry is supported by the Allegheny Synod,
the Lower Susquehanna Synod, and the Upper Susquehanna Synod. In addition, connections to congregations and rostered leaders
(some near, some far away) enhance and bless our work. We are truly grateful that Lutheran Campus Ministry is part of the whole body
of Christ.
Focus on Vocation: Through a Lilly Endowment funded project called discernPSU, Lutheran Campus Ministry is working with
Westminster Presbyterian Fellowship, inviting the wider campus to explore how our beliefs and values shape our work, activities, and
relationships. Students and those who work with them are exploring their sense of vocation in the broadest possible sense. Learn more
at sites.psu.edu/discern.
Year after year, Lutheran Campus Ministry at Penn State gathers students. Through worship, dinner and conversation, Bible study and
discussion, service events, and social events, they are supported and cared for, pulled and challenged. Students find a welcoming
community, relevant worship, opportunities to explore their questions about life and faith plus ways to grow in their understanding of
God in the context of their own lives.
Alicia Anderson, campus minister
1308
LUTHERAN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY AT GETTYSBURG
A New School of Theology: Responding to the call of the churchwide network of theological education, Gettysburg Seminary concluded
that “business as usual” could and would not continue much longer in governance and structure of stand-alone seminaries. In January,
the boards of Gettysburg and Philadelphia seminaries declared intention to form a new school of theology, deployed across the two
campuses. Following the decision, a steering committee and eight work groups have formed to plan and propose design, structure,
budget, and timelines to support the final decisions by the schools to move forward toward a 2017 start. Watch for up to date report at
your synod assembly about the project to create the first mainstream new school of theology in more than a half century, the newest
school with the deepest roots, and a more sustainable form for theological education.
Unprecedented Student Support – Tuition Free: In keeping with the spirit of the new school project, both Gettysburg and Philadelphia
seminaries announced in February a full tuition offer to seminarians beginning fall 2016. This offer utilizes restricted scholarship funds
drawn from the endowment, made available by lower enrollments and in faith that over time increased support will sustain this
unprecedented offer.
God’s Call; Your Path: MDivForward Launched: Continuing to keep the Gettysburg offer of theological education and leadership
formation on the cutting edge among seminaries, the faculty launched a new Master of Divinity curriculum with multiple tracks, which
beginning later in 2016 will include a “distributed learning” (with more online courses) option.
Public Witness as Confederate Flag Banned: As many in our nation reexamined the display of symbols associated with the slaverydemanding Confederacy, we banned the historic battle flag from “living history” summer encampments on our campus, incurring the
ire of many on social media sites who deemed the move anti-historical. Most who responded applauded our seizing an opportunity for
bold public witness to the seminary’s commitments and values.
Faith & Science (AAAS Science & Faith Grants): Led by Professors Mark Oldenburg and Leonard Hummel, the seminary was one
of only ten schools in the U.S. and Canada to receive a $250,000 grant from the American Academy for the Advancement of Science.
Efforts to equip students and church leaders for stronger engagement with questions of faith and science include the upcoming 2016
Spring Academy, and greater emphases in courses throughout the curriculum.
Gettysburg: Quest for Meaning Offers Unique Perspectives: In still another scholarly endeavor, the Seminary Ridge Press published
an anthology of theological and pastoral articles related in various ways to the great Civil War battle and the ongoing challenges of
realizing Abraham Lincoln’s vision of “increased devotion to a more humane, equitable, and just society.” Available through the
Seminary bookstore: 717.338.3005.
Other highlights of the year include:
●
50th Playing of the Lutherbowl flag football tournament;
●
Expansion of The Weekend, a discernment event in spring and now fall as well;
●
Recognition of Dean Largen’s book “Finding God” by Pacific Coast Theological Society;
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Welcomed Vincent Evener to the faculty in Reformation History;
●
Pamela and Michael Cooper-White’s “Exploring Practices” cited among year’s best by Christian Century.
Gettysburg Seminary gains its bold vision and courage from the support it receives from the synods of Region 8 in the ELCA. Every
gift, every student, every prayer, and every encouraging word counts in the sustaining of graduate theological education. Thank you
from us all!
The Rev. Michael L. Cooper-White, president
Dr. James Lakso, chair of the board
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LUTHERAN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY AT PHILADELPHIA (LTSP)
New Venture in Theological Education: Partnering with our colleagues at LTSG, we are excited to announce the creation of a new
venture in theological education and leadership formation. Responding to many calls to re-imagine theological education that is a
blessing to the church and world, affordable to our students, and sustainable for the seminary, we are at work seeking the wisdom of
the larger church as to the kind of seminary we most need at this time. Scheduled to launch in the summer of 2017, the school will
offer students two residential options, distributed learning and cooperative learning opportunities, and a stellar education.
Full Tuition Scholarships: Inspired to make it possible for seminary graduates to serve where the church needs them most, we are
making full tuition scholarships available to all full-time, residential, ELCA candidates for rostered ministry. In addition, we are
willing to help all other students also receive full tuition support by matching the contributions of congregations and church bodies
up to 100%. We can do this only because of the generous support of the ELCA churchwide office, synods, congregations, and
individuals.
Distributed Learning: Again partnering with our colleagues at Gettysburg, we are pleased to announce the launch of a pathway to
the MDiv that allows students to stay in their current setting while pursuing their education. Students will be able to take up to twothirds of their classes online and at least one-third in residential intensives to receive a degree that is simultaneously contextual and
affordable.
Accelerated Cooperative Reboot: Based on the experiences and input of our first cohort of students in our Accelerated Cooperative
Program, we are again recruiting both congregations to help our students learn in context from day one and complete their degree in
three years.
UTI Turns 35: The Urban Theological Institute was founded thirty-five years ago to form a partnership between LTSP and numerous
African American churches in Philadelphia to educate leaders for these congregations. To give thanks for the many excellent students
who have come through LTSP through this partnership and to look forward to many more years of shared work, the UTI held several
celebratory events, including hosting Dr. James Forbes as the UTI Annual Lecturer and Dr. Jeremiah Wright Jr. as the speaker at the
UTI Banquet. The UTI has sponsored the Jeremiah Wright Sr. endowed chair, the J. Q. Jackson scholarship, and the annual Preaching
with Power series.
Renewed Lifelong Learning: This fall and winter brought a renewal of our Lifelong Learning offerings. Starting with more than
one-hundred and fifty persons gathered for our second free Ministry Resource Day in September, we also launched a revitalized
“Preaching Days” in October and hosted CEO Beth Lewis for another free event in January. In these and other events both in
residence and shared at congregations, LTSP aims to be a trustworthy partner in equipping you for more effective leadership.
Budget Discipline and Generosity: After running a deficit in FY 2015 of $2.2MM, we presented a realistic budget to the board that
anticipated cutting nearly half a million in a projected deficit. At the half-year mark we are currently running an additional quarter
million dollars below our budget. At the same time, your gifts to us are running at a higher level than either of the last two years, all
of which means that we expect to move toward a balanced budget sooner than most had expected. Thank you.
David J. Lose, president
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LUTHERCARE
Tremendous opportunities and challenges are a part of each year for Luthercare, and 2015 held both for us as we worked to bring our
mission to life each day. We recognize that organizations throughout our service area provide similar or even the same services, but for
us the difference is in why we serve, and, we trust, recognizable in how we serve others. We are constantly aware of the giving and
receiving nature of the work of social ministry, and we work to engage increasingly participation in decisions and plans. More than
providing passive care or blind leadership, we actively work out what is best together. We also continue to be open to new ventures and
avenues.
One of the most exciting new projects this year was the creation of Your Neighborhood Connection. A joint venture of Moravian Manor
and Luthercare, Your Neighborhood Connection was formed to provide in-home services to residents on our current senior living
campuses and, as soon as possible, to expand our reach to those in the greater community. It was truly exciting to come together with a
Lititz neighbor who shares a strong reputation and faith-based heritage. Our organizations have partnered well, joining resources as we
share a vision of making the community stronger by providing for wellness and independence in older adults.
Another new opportunity developed during 2015 was Systems Aligned in Learning (SAIL), the newly launched collaborative between
Luthercare and seven other partners, funded by United Way of Lancaster County. Luthercare is serving as the lead agency, building on
our model used for the mentoring program for in-home child care providers. The SAIL collaborative will bring other resources and
services to the in-home providers, supporting the children and families they serve, using mobile delivery systems. This work with others
created a partnership that goes far beyond what we could do alone. In the process, several new organizations became aware of us, our
commitment, and the work we do, and we became a more strongly recognized and regarded leader in the community.
Similar community impact is occurring in Lebanon County as well. This is one example of the way in which Luthercare is realizing
deeper impact. Another indicator is the increase in Luthercare for Kids’ Professional Development training capacity as we now have
state contracts for training on-site in nine counties and throughout Pennsylvania using an electronic platform.
On the operations side of the organization, we achieved significant movement in two very important areas, electronic health records and
a triple check process to ensure maximum Medicaid reimbursement. Health records prepare us well as we move into future relationships
with accountable care organizations, through whom Medicare funding will come to us. Both of these efforts, though not seen by the
public, increase efficiency and allow us to be stronger and better stewards. When you combine these efforts with moving into a
renovated, well equipped administration building, Luthercare is better positioned for a flexible future.
At the time of writing we are completing the first phase of a major renovation to the fifteen year old Muhlenberg apartment building at
Luther Acres in Lititz. A completely re-imagined first floor common space area, which begins with the first steps in the door and
continues to include new dining and gathering spaces, will enhance the experience for current residents and those who follow. And the
completion of corridor and common spaces at St. John’s Herr Estate in Columbia offered a new look and feel and helped us significantly
strengthen occupancy in the apartment building.
Our commitment to continuous capital improvement, avoiding deferred maintenance, means Luthercare remains fiscally strong and
continually improving our communities for current and future residents. In 2015 we maintained organizational occupancy at just a
fraction below budget, in spite of a near-doubling of turnover and attrition in Independent Living at both St. John's Herr Estate and
Luther Acres.
We reflect on 2015 thankful for many things: the continued support and partnership of congregations, residents, children and families,
donors, volunteers, team members, business associates, and friends, all of whom enhance and enlarge our mission. We are in this
together. And we work, side by side, to reflect Christ’s love through service to others.
Carl R. McAloose, president and CEO
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PENNSYLVANIA COUNCIL OF CHURCHES
The Pennsylvania Council of Churches is the state-wide ecumenical presence in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Formed by 42
church bodies and agencies representing 20 Anabaptist, Anglican, Orthodox, Pentecostal, and Protestant communions (denominations),
the council works for Christian unity for the sake of the world. [John 17:23]
The council continued to be in a time of transition in 2015 after releasing the consultant hired in 2014 and deciding to form a task group
to work on developing a process for further work on a vision/plan for the future.
Important Accomplishments: The council relaunched its annual conference in October with “Lord, Let Our Eyes Be Opened: Breaking
the Chains of Mass Incarceration.” Speakers included well-known experts (Glenn Martin of JustLeadershipUSA and Harold Dean
Trulear, Founder of Healing Communities USA) as well as a number of returning citizens (persons who had been incarcerated and
released). Around 110 were involved in this event, which received extremely positive evaluations.
The board of directors voted to admit one new affiliate member, the Archdiocese of the United States (Old Catholic Confederation).
The board also voted to revise the council’s Constitution and Bylaws to: (1) permit heads of council member bodies to send
proxies/representatives to act on their behalf and to participate in meetings electronically (which significantly boosted attendance at the
October meeting when it first took effect); and (2) permit flexibility for scheduling board meetings (eliminating the requirement for
specific days in the spring and fall). The board elected new officers at its October meeting as well: President, Liz Bidgood Enders; VicePresident, Alan Miller; Secretary, Yvette Davis; Treasurer, Linda Lubold.
The council prepared and distributed two issues of its newsletter, Ecumenical News, and relaunched its Campaign for Christian Ministry
with a call for support of the council’s efforts in November.
The council facilitated the first meeting of commission chairs to discuss their work and determine where efforts could be coordinated.
Council intern Kelsey Hamilton-Layer (Lancaster Theological Seminary) worked with the Director of Advocacy and Ecumenical
Outreach to develop a curriculum on bullying aimed at youth with support from the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of the United
Methodists and is seeking congregations to test it.
The Pennsylvania Religious Leaders’ Gathering in December in State College provided a space for sharing ideas, concerns, prayer, and
worship for the attendees which included representatives from several council member bodies and council staff.
Council Ministries
Commission on Public Witness & Public Witness Ministry: The council’s advocacy efforts in 2015 focused on the following areas:
 Advocacy for a Pennsylvania budget with sufficient revenues that addresses the concerns of people of faith. This work
continued throughout the entire year as a result of an ongoing budget impasse.
 Human needs/poverty-related work, in coordination with the Coalition for Low Income Pennsylvanians (CLIP), of which the
director is a co-chair, and the Making Work Pay Coalition.
 Efforts to raise the minimum wage, primarily in coordination with the Raise the Wage PA Coalition.
 Public education funding, primarily in coordination with the Campaign for Fair Education Funding, focusing on developing a
new formula for funding public schools in Pennsylvania.
 Criminal justice reform: (1) reducing the use of solitary confinement (primarily in coordination with the Pennsylvania Network
Against Torture and the National Religious Campaign Against Torture); (2) expungement legislation (removing minor offenses
from the records of returning citizens); and (3) supporting the needs of returning citizens.
 Environment, primarily climate change and protecting water resources. This included launching the effort to adopt a climate
change resolution for adoption by the board.
The commission set the direction for the council’s advocacy efforts during the 2015-16 legislative session to focus on education and
boosting of civic engagement, addressing “upstream” issues (such as many of the issues named above) in order the improve the lives of
people on the margins, and addressing the role of money in our political system.
The commission also began to lay the groundwork for holding a forum in 2016 for the U.S. Senate candidates.
Commission on Unity & Relationships: The commission is exploring reviving the Pennsylvania Conference on Interchurch
Cooperation (PCIC) or something similar to work with the Roman Catholics in Pennsylvania on efforts of shared interest and concern.
It also began discussions with Dr. George Pickens (Professor of Theology and Mission, Messiah College) to launch a program aimed at
educating Christian clergy concerning developing relationships with Muslims in their communities and submitted a letter of inquiry
seeking support from the Lilly Endowment.
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Commission on Common Ministries: The council has continued to provide support to its Trucker/Traveler Ministry, Campground
Ministries, and Farmworker Ministries. The commission also started discussion about other areas of ministry where the council might
engage in the future. Areas of discussion have included building a Healing Communities network in Pennsylvania (training
congregations to support returning citizens and their families), community-based public health ministries, and supports for hunger
programs.
Looking to the Future: Council staff have begun meeting regularly to discuss activities and areas where the council might engage to
be of service to our members, the wider faith community, and the world and how we might boost the council’s visibility so as to achieve
maximum impact for our efforts. Some areas include:
 Rebuilding/redesigning the council’s website to make it feel more inviting and user-friendly with appropriate elements to drive
viewers to the site.
 Making more and better use of social media.
 Continuing to explore the revival of former events such as a Council Advocacy Day at the Capitol as well as new statewide
and regional events of interest to clergy and faith leaders in Pennsylvania. Potential programs include:
o Healing Communities trainings, as noted above;
o A forum for Pennsylvania Senate candidates to seek responses concerning issues of interest to the faith community;
o A peacemaking “summit” to bring together representatives of organizations involved in a range of peacemaking
activities to network and learn from each other.
 Continuing to focus on making the United Church Center a more energy-efficient facility.
 Exploring how the Service Department could expand and improve services.
Jan Gulick, interim director
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PORTICO BENEFIT SERVICES
A Ministry of the ELCA
It’s an interesting, and challenging, time to be the church. Ministry leaders are learning to navigate the changing culture by holding on
to the best of the past while finding ways to be creative, nimble, and resilient. This is just as true for Portico.
As we navigate the changing landscape, we are guided by two core values: stewardship and collaboration. For us, that means caring
wisely for all we are entrusted to manage, time, money, our employees, and the well-being of those we serve, so leaders can access
important benefits and resources today and in retirement. Here are a few ways we’re putting those values into practice:
We spend and invest with care. In these times of rising health care costs and tight church budgets, we work hard to follow a lean,
carefully managed spending plan with a goal of keeping costs low. As 2015 investment markets dramatically rose and fell, our active
investment management strategy and strategic asset allocations helped improve retirement fund returns in an otherwise disappointing
year.
We seek opportunities to provide the best health care value. The past two years brought, in some instances, double-digit percentage
increases for those employers sponsoring members in the ELCA Health Plan. Although this was in line with nationwide averages, we
realize for congregations this is an unsustainable trend. We are committed to keeping administrative expenses below 12% of our health
care budget and are aggressively working with our vendor partners to find new savings opportunities.
We tap technology to reach our leaders more efficiently. By converting our popular pre-retirement seminar into a series of three
webinars, we were able to complement the rich educational experience of our in-person seminars with the convenience and costeffectiveness of online learning. We are also developing new webinars designed to help younger leaders establish a strong financial
foundation.
We’ve raised the bar on top-notch customer service. Our members receive more than just a friendly voice when they call Portico’s
Customer Care Center. As a BenchmarkPortal-certified 2015 “Center of Excellence,” we were recognized as one of the top call centers
in the nation in both cost- and quality-related metrics.
We invest in our leaders. Because the future health of our church depends on the health of its leaders, we are leading the ELCA in
calling for a wellness reformation: a renewed commitment to well-being that comes from healthy lifestyle choices, reduced health risks,
and lower health care costs for members, congregations, and the ELCA Health Plan. We are encouraging our congregations and church
organizations to put the ‘we’ in wellness by joining in conversation with their pastors and professional staff about creating a culture
that supports healthy lifestyles.
Portico is committed to providing a cost-effective, comprehensive benefit program that helps our church’s leaders stay nimble, resilient,
and confident in these interesting, challenging times.
The Rev. Jeffrey D. Thiemann, president and CEO
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SPIRITRUST LUTHERAN
We give thanks to the Hand of God that leads us as we Live out a Spirit of Service and a Legacy of Trust. At no time in our sixty-four
year history has that been truer than in 2015.
The year began with the announcement of a very successful capital campaign that supported the construction of our new Assisted
Living and Memory Support Residences and expansion of the community center on the campus of the Village at Sprenkle Drive in
York. We asked our donors to help us raise $4.5 million to help support the much needed project, and they responded with gifts and
pledges in excess of $6.0 million. Their generosity allowed us to construct facilities that will serve the needs of our community for
generations to come. In September, we dedicated these new facilities and by November we welcomed our first residents to their new
home. The Assisted Living/Memory Support Residence is the first of its kind within our systems as we grow response to the changing
needs of those we have been called to serve.
Another significant accomplishment in 2015 was the completion of a rebranding initiative that culminated in a new name. On March
1, Lutheran Social Services of South Central Pennsylvania officially became SpiriTrust Lutheran. Our new name captures the best of
who we have been for 65 years and what we believe God continues to call us to be. The rebranding has helped us both internally and
externally to better communicate the depth and breadth of our ministries and services under one banner, positioning us well as we
move forward into the changing world of health and human services.
We were reminded throughout the year of the high caliber and dedication of our team members at SpiriTrust Lutheran. At their
Annual Conference in June, LeadingAge PA recognized four SpiriTrust Lutheran staff members for their dedication to caring for
those we serve. The four recipients embody what’s true about the more than 1,500 other teammates that bring to life our work each
day.
Another milestone occurred for us in October. After many years of working, hoping, and praying, SpiriTrust Lutheran reached
agreement with the State of Pennsylvania to allow the construction of 40 skilled care beds on the campus of The Village at Luther
Ridge in Chambersburg. Our residents have patiently waited for this level of service to be added to the campus for 20 years. It is
another manifestation of our legacy of trust that we did not stop working until this was accomplished. Plans are now under way,
including building design and a capital campaign in support of the project. It is anticipated that the skilled care center will be opened
by the fall of 2018.
As we look back on 2015, it is easy to focus on specific noteworthy accomplishment and lose sight of what is most important, the
people we have been called to serve. In 2015 we have had the privilege to touch the lives of over 21,183 persons. In supporting their
needs, our donors and volunteers have helped provide us with the resources which have enabled SpiriTrust Lutheran to provide over
$7.5 million in benevolent care.
As SpiriTrust Lutheran looks to our shared future, we do so with the conviction and knowledge that we are called by God to our work.
In response to this calling, the board of directors approved a Vision for Excellence at its November meeting. This vision, grounded in
our Lutheran heritage, gives us a blueprint for the future. I look forward to sharing more detail with you next year about that new
vision and what it may mean for those we serve in the Lower Susquehanna Synod.
As always, we are grateful for our continuing partnership with the church on every level – synod, congregations, rostered leaders, and
members. The church permeates our agency at every level – from the bishop, pastors, and lay leaders on our boards and committees,
to members serving in our facilities and programs as staff and volunteers, to donors who choose to support us as one of the ministries
of the church, and, of course, to the many members of the church who are served by us at all levels. For all of this, and for YOUR
partnership and prayers, we give thanks.
Robert L. Rundle, president and CEO
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ST. BARNABAS CENTER FOR MINISTRY
Summer Camp Director, Rodger Hines, not only returned for summer camp in 2015, but asked the St. Barnabas board to approve a new
program for teens between the ages of twelve and fifteen. As mentioned in last year's report, the starting age was lowered from seven
to six, and actually several five year olds attended camp. The board not only approved the new Teen Camp but authorized the hiring of
two extra counselors. Rodger explained that the Teen Camp would be different and separate from the regular program. The emphasis
would be on service and age-appropriate activities. The teens were expected to assist with the regular camp program as well as having
separate learning experiences and field trips. The Teen Camp was planned to be limited to no more than fifteen campers to ensure the
adult counselors success with the program. The Teen Camp was attended by ten teens and was very successful.
The St. Barnabas Camp overall has been so successful under Mr. Hines’ leadership that the board was presented with a challenge and
opportunity at the start of the 2015 camp. Mr. Hines announced that he had received over one hundred applications for summer camp.
Some members of the board expressed concern for the congregations that are responsible for serving breakfast, lunch, and snacks to the
campers. Since most of the congregations that had signed up to provide meals have been doing this labor of love for years but were
accustomed to serving an average of fifty campers plus counselors, the concern was not only for the budgets but manpower to prepare
and serve the meals. The congregations without exception came through not only with the necessary extra food but with enough people
to serve, and, of course, the teen campers were available to assist those congregations that needed help with the meals. St. Barnabas
was able to again provide the plates, bowls, napkins, and tableware taking the extra expense from the congregations. The congregations
serving meals have expanded from Episcopal and Lutheran congregations to include many of the Uptown congregations of many
denominations. The congregations who have been long time volunteers at St. Barnabas have all praised the campers’ increased respect
and politeness under Mr. Hines’ leadership. The congregations especially enjoyed the helpfulness of the teens and their willingness to
assist without being asked to do any job.
The seven “Pillars of Character: Respect, Caring, Fairness, Responsibility, Trustworthiness, Citizenship and Forgiveness” were again
the focus for each week’s Bible lessons and training. The pillars have been proven successful in maintaining campers' good behavior.
The closing ceremony showcasing the campers understanding of the seven pillars was presented to a full house of parents, relatives, and
friends. In addition each group of campers made a fantastic presentation about the body parts that their group had been studying all
summer.
The St. Barnabas board is seeking an attorney to join the board to advise on the many new and complicated issues that arise. The board
consists of a small group of dedicated individuals who give of their time, talent, and treasure to keep the program going. Once again St.
Barnabas would like to thank the Lower Susquehanna Synod; former board member Tom Krape; board members BJ Weber, Linda
Cummings, Jane Wigand, and Norbert Fry; and particularly Pastor Tom McKee, who not only serves as secretary of the board but also
is a strong supporter of the program and a blessing to us all.
Carol Witzeman, board chair
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SUSQUEHANNA UNIVERSITY
Life of the University: The 2015-2016 academic year marks the 158th for Susquehanna University. The University continues to serve
a religiously diverse student body, about ten percent of whom self-identify as Lutheran, who hail from 35 states and 22 countries.
Campus Religious Activities: Religious Life continues to help members of the academic community integrate faith, life, and
learning. Many religious life organizations and various ministries and programs offered by the Chaplain’s Office help students grow
spiritually as they grow intellectually.
Sunday worship services are held in Weber Chapel when classes are in session. The student deacon program allows select students to
explore Christian service through formal servant-leadership roles.
Last April, the annual “Lutheran Youth Day” once again brought middle and high school students, pastors, and youth ministers into
contact and conversation with college students for whom the Christian faith is vibrant and alive.
In January, for the second year in a row, a religiously diverse group of students and Eli Bass, Interim Director of Jewish Life, attended
the Interfaith Leadership Institute (ILI) in Atlanta, Georgia. The ILI, put on by Interfaith Youth Core, trains campus leaders to shape a
campus culture of cooperation and understanding across lines of religious difference.
In our world where religious conflicts are routinely in the headlines, the work of building bridges of understanding and cooperation
across lines of religious and philosophical difference is an essential civic and spiritual task. Such work has been an important part of
religious life at Susquehanna in the past year.
In Conclusion: Susquehanna University deeply appreciates the ongoing support and encouragement that the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America and the Lower Susquehanna Synod give to its efforts to be a strong and successful college of the Church. We
express particular appreciation for the service of Mr. Frank Leber ’64 and Pastor Shawn Berkebile ’05, members of the synod who
serve on the university’s board of trustees, and of Bishop Howard McCarney, trustee emeritus.
The Rev. Scott M. Kershner, chaplain
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UNITED CAMPUS MINISTRY AT MILLERSVILLE UNIVERSITY
Millersville University is one of the most highly regarded public universities in its region of the United States. Its faculty of dedicated
educators is considered among the very best in their disciplines. Millersville has a student population of 7,359 undergraduate and 1,068
graduate students. While the majority of Millersville University students would identify as “Christian,” the number who actively
explore, experience, engage, and express their faith is much lower. Research indicates a growing disconnect between one’s “Christian”
heritage and upbringing and a Christian identity.
Our WHY - Connecting Students to the Christian Faith: United Campus Ministry has been providing spiritual development and
direction for students, faculty, staff, and administration for over 35 years. UCM is supported and led by a partnership of Lutheran,
Presbyterian, and Methodist churches and networks. Our ongoing purpose is to further the mission of the Church within the Millersville
University campus community by connecting students to the Christian faith.
Our WHAT - Cultivating Holistic Faith: The Christian faith is holistic and impacts all aspects of being – mind, body, heart, and
soul. It includes worldview, service, community, and identity. While there are many opportunities to connect with Christian ministries
on campus, most seem to attract students who are already intent on pursuing their Christian faith while in college. The majority of
students who consider themselves to have a Christian background have not been engaging in these organizations. There is a clear
opportunity for students to connect (and for many re-connect) to the Christian faith holistically. By providing both environments and
opportunities for students to explore, experience, engage, and express, UCM is cultivating an atmosphere of spiritual development that
produces life-long Christian faith.
Our HOW - 2015-2016 Initiatives
The HUB: Through a partnership with Millersville Community Church, UCM is developing the HUB, a “Space for Mind, Body, Heart,
and Soul.” Located in the lower level of the First UMC church in the heart of the campus, the HUB has become a center for mission
and ministry and has gained the support and goodwill of the campus and community alike.
The Campus Cupboard: The Campus Cupboard is a food pantry that serves Millersville students. It is staffed by students and provides
an opportunity to serve. This school year we have seen a dramatic rise in both clients and awareness. We have increased our partnerships
with university faculty, staff, and administration. So far this school year we have served over 100 students and distributed over 7,500
items of food.
The HUB Café: The HUB Cafe is becoming a center for small group ministry. Multiple small groups use the HUB throughout the
week for Bible studies, prayer groups, and outreach events. We are forming a student leadership core that is committed to developing
the HUB as a mission center.
This year we launched a Thursday Lunch initiative. Members of the Alumni Association and other local residents and community
members are teaming up to serve lunch to students and build relationships.
On Monday nights, a dozen students meet for Game Night. The leaders are using this night as a platform for developing friendships
and sharing their faith.
Developing Leaders: A core initiative of UCM is the developing of student leaders for mission and ministry. This year we’ve launched
a Leadership Training Cohort to equip students to be movementeers here at Millersville. These 10 students are applying what they learn
in small groups and ministry events.
United Campus Ministry at Millersville University is touching the lives of over a hundred students each week and is grateful for the
support and partnership of the Lower Susquehanna Synod. Please continue to pray that more and more students will discover life in the
way of Jesus through our faithful ministry on campus.
Ed Weber, director and campus minister
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UNITED CAMPUS MINISTRY (UCM)
AT SHIPPENSBURG UNIVERSITY
I have had the joy and privilege of being the United Campus Minister at Shippensburg University for the past 22 years. The UCM Board
and I appreciate your partnership that makes our ecumenical ministry on campus and beyond possible as we transform student’s lives
and service in Christ’s name.
“UCM is important to me because they’re just like family to me. I feel like it’s a safe place to learn about God and grow in my faith
without any fear of being judged. I enjoy all the faith, fellowship, and fun it has to offer!”
John Cox, Memorial Lutheran Church, Shippensburg, PA
Each year, United Campus Ministry:

Holds worship services on Sundays and special services for Advent and Lent

Builds community through Bible study, shared meals, retreats, and campus activities

Provides spiritual direction, counseling and support

Transforms students through service projects in the area, such as the Migrant Ministry and travels to Louisiana each Spring
Break to do a week of service through UMCOR Sager-Brown
“Spring Break is a wonderful experience where students can spend their break helping people directly in a place that they may never
have heard of before and or helping people they will never see indirectly through United Methodist Committee on Relief. Either way it
is a meaningful trip that makes us feel that we did something good with our time and changed the world for the better. It has changed
my life and helped me make friends that will last a lifetime."
Austin Wisser, Advent Lutheran Church, Harleysville, PA.
May God bless us all in our service for the Kingdom.
The Rev. Janice Bye, united campus minister
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CHRIST LUTHERAN HEALTH MINISTRIES PRENATAL CLINIC
Mission Statement: Our mission and the job description for volunteers are synonymous: to provide high-quality prenatal care to lowrisk obstetrical patients in the neighborhoods surrounding Christ Lutheran Church in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. These women are
uninsured and will be asked for no fee or other type of donation in return for their care.
The mutual expectation between volunteer and patient will be that they both be active participants in providing and complying with
prenatal care that is of the same quality enjoyed by privately-insured patients in Central Pennsylvania.
If a patient becomes “high-risk”, according to clinic guidelines, that patient’s case will be discussed with one of several providers of
specialty-trained obstetrical care that have agreed to cooperate with the clinic, and the patient will have their care assumed by that
practitioner if it is felt appropriate and necessary.
Board: The Congregation Council of Christ Lutheran Church, Harrisburg; the Rev. Jody Silliker, executive director; Holly Hoffman,
MD, MAMS, medical director.
Accomplishments:
 There are nearly 200 patient visits per year.
 As of January 2016, 127 babies have been born at Holy Spirit Hospital from the clinic and 155 women have received care.
 The clinic was the first free-standing prenatal clinic in the U.S. to become certified as a federal employee for malpractice
purposes through the FTCA (Federal Tort Claims Act). The application and recertification process for this program is rigorous
and annual. This status has allowed Christ Lutheran Health Ministries to add volunteer dentists and physicians who would not
have otherwise been able to volunteer their skills due to lack of coverage.
 Breast feeding support and infant care teaching are available through the nurses at the Outreach Clinic that is also housed in
Christ Lutheran. One of these nurses has become the first bilingual Certified Lactation Counselor in South-Central
Pennsylvania.
 Expectant mothers receive diaper bags, clothing, and baby furniture through the clinic that are donated by various individuals
and churches.
 Because of the availability of FTCA coverage, Dr. Margaret Groff has now been doing acute care visits once a week in an
adjoining room at Christ Lutheran church for over a year.
Future Plans:
 With the addition of an interpreter who is the wife of one of the OBs at the delivering group at Holy Spirit, we now have
immediate access for questions and referrals.
 At most clinics we now have two interpreters, enabling greater efficiency during visits and the ability to assist the intake worker
from Holy Spirit when she comes to do pre-delivery paperwork.
Relationship to the Lower Susquehanna Synod: All board members are LSS-ELCA members. The ministry is supported by donations
and volunteers from many congregations in the area, both Lutheran (LSS-ELCA) and other denominations.
Holly M. Hoffman, MD, MAMS, medical director
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LIVING WATER DENTAL HEALTH MINISTRY
Mission Statement: The Living Water Dental Health Ministry is a Christian outreach clinic whose mission is to provide quality
comprehensive and emergent dental care to indigent patients using volunteer service providers.
Founded in 2012, the clinic is a ministry of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Hampton. No fees are charged, and the providers involved are
not reimbursed for their time and services. Although this clinic will primarily exist to serve the needs of migrant workers in Adams
County, the volunteers have also agreed to care for others of low income who would otherwise lack access to dental services.
Patients are eligible for the clinic if:
 They currently reside in Adams, Franklin, or Cumberland Counties (Franklin was added in 2014 because of the need in Haitian
migrant camps there and the lack of other services);
 They have no dental insurance; and
 Their income is 200% or less of 2015 Federal Poverty Guidelines.
The target population benefits not only by having acute dental needs met but also by having preventive dentistry teaching and services.
Board: Sharon Kaya, Latino Missioner for Gettysburg Conference, chair; Casey Williams, DMD, volunteer dentist and provider of
office space, vice chair; Holly Hoffman, MD, Diaconal Minister St. Paul Lutheran Church, Carlisle, secretary-treasurer; Bill Currie,
DDS, volunteer oral surgeon; and Cynthia Reinecker, RDH, dental hygienist, Concordia Dental.
Accomplishments:
 The clinic has provided comprehensive dental care with 798 patient visits as of January 2016 across almost four years of
operation;
 The clinic has received grant funding from Wheat Ridge and the Lutheran Deaconess Community of the ELCA;
 The clinic has provided free dentures to ten patients thus far, a unique service in this region;
 Students from nearby Boiling Springs High School Spanish Honor Society and Dickinson College provide volunteer service
hours as interpreters at the clinic;
 The clinic now has a dedicated phone line/answering machine and employs a scheduler who works in Dr. Williams’ office who
is fluently bilingual; this has improved scheduling and communications immensely;
 Unsolicited patient donations are funding one-third of our operating expenses; this is “ministry with” rather than “ministry for”
our patients. Patients and providers are a TEAM, working together to provide what is needed.
Future Plans: With our current range of dental providers, some of whom have expanded skill sets, the clinic now is able to offer free
endodontics, at-cost implants, and even bone grafting.
Relationship to the Lower Susquehanna Synod: The clinic was co-founded by LSS-ELCA members Sharon Kaya and Holly Hoffman.
The ministry is supported by donations and volunteers from many other congregations of the LSS, as well as individuals and
congregations from other denominations.
Holly Hoffman, MD, secretary-treasurer
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SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL HOUSE
123 East 15th Street, New York, NY 10003
212-677-4800 (seven days a week, 24 hours a day) -- [email protected] -- www.sihnyc.org
I’m a fan of musical theatre because the stories told are relevant, provocative, and life changing. I recently saw Broadway’s latest revival
of “Fiddler on the Roof.” What a story of “tradition” and God’s timeless, yet ever changing presence in our lives. This version now
playing on Broadway recalls the original story about Jewish migrants being displaced from their traditional village. I encourage you to
see this production which subtly, but profoundly, reminds us that our world continues to wrestle with how to address migrants in our
midst.
You will see from our highlights at Seafarers International House in 2015 that our ship visiting, while still significant (over 20,000
seafarers visited!) is down a bit from previous years. This is because the shipping industry itself was down last year and, indeed, for the
past several years. Our port chaplains report that more and more seafarers do not have visas where they can get off the ships. There has
been, however, a steady increase in our welcome to asylum seekers and trafficking victims. Indeed we are experiencing first-hand the
reality that one out of every seven people on earth are now migrants.
Said best in the “Fiddler” dialogue:
Tevye: Where are you going?
Lazar Wolf: Chicago. In America.
Tevye: We are going to New York, America. We’ll be neighbors.
Mission Highlights:
Seafarers
Ships Visited
Seafarers Visited
Van Trips
Seafarers Transported
Christmas-at-Sea Gifts
Immigrants
Refugees - Asylum Seekers
Lodging Nights
Community
Domestic Violence–Human Trafficking
Local Disaster Victims
Youth Service Gatherings
Church Gatherings
Community Gatherings
2015
1,852
21,500
4,074
11.478
2,226
2014
2,086
22,738
5,202
13,813
2,100
2013
2,222
22,448
5,055
14,315
1,820
12
709
18
512
19
385
14
56
4
179
447
4
62
7
163
397
3
60
7
161
384
New Horizons: For many years, Lutheran Advocates for Maritime Mission (LAMM) has sought to implement the Great Commission
in the maritime world. Last year, LAMM discontinued its operations and began the process of closure. Seafarers International House
was then asked by the ELCA Churchwide Office to become the voice for maritime mission within the ELCA and its 65 synods, and we
accepted the invitation.
Through the Martha L. McCracken Memorial Scholarship Fund, Seafarers International House will continue to provide scholarships for
Lutheran port chaplains to attend the annual North American Maritime Ministry Association (NAMMA) conference, a valuable
opportunity for port chaplains to learn, refresh, and rejuvenate.
Additionally, Seafarers International House will embark upon an ambitious program of lifting up maritime ministry throughout the
United States, gathering from all Lutheran chaplains their stories of outreach to seafarers and sharing those stories with the entire ELCA
community. We are excited about this expanded outreach.
Seafarers International House will continue to serve seafarers in Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York and New Jersey, and Connecticut
and Rhode Island as well as immigrants, human trafficking victims, domestic violence survivors, and local disaster victims in its 84room guesthouse at 123 East 15th Street, New York City.
Sleep Well, While Doing Good: Remember, our Guesthouse also accommodates church gatherings and civic groups traveling to New
York City in connection with their missions and needing safe, affordable lodging. Through these accommodations, we support your
missions. And by staying here, you help to support our mission to seafarers, immigrants, and other displaced persons.
There is Still Good in the World: Nothing is as beautiful as spring, when according to Gerald Manley Hopkins, “weeds shoot long
and lovely and lush.” It is a season of hope. Are there any among us who do not welcome the gradual passing of winter into springtime?
1322
It’s difficult to detect spring in the middle of an ocean, where no flowers grow or few birds and insects fly. It’s nearly impossible to
detect spring inside a warehouse, where immigrants are not allowed outside. There’s not a great deal of hope or joy for seafarers or
asylum seekers or human trafficking victims.
The mission of Seafarers International House is about hope. Here are two stories:
1. Being away from family and friends can turn holidays from joy to melancholy. Nobody knows this better than the seafarers, who
invariably spend Christmas in the middle of some ocean, thousands of miles from home. Through the kindness of many congregations
and individuals, the port chaplains of Seafarers International House are able to bring “Christmas-at-Sea” to merchant ships in port in the
weeks before Christmas. Each seafarer receives a special satchel filled with beautiful gifts, such as sweatshirts, casual shirts, socks,
knitted hats, chocolate or nuts, and a greeting card.
These are things we all take for granted ashore, but not at sea. As one seafarer wrote, “I was surprised and impressed by the gifts you
made, and I can only imagine [the] beautiful heart of someone behind it. This gave me strength and belief that there is still good in the
world.”
2. A young Nigerian arrived in United States and announced that he sought asylum. As customary, the Immigration Customs
Enforcement officers at the airport immediately handcuffed and shackled the new arrival and deposited him in the Elizabeth Detention
Center, a warehouse converted into a privately owned prison. Nearly each weekend of his detention, our Nigerian friend was visited by
Seafarers International House’s volunteers for the one hour allowed by ICE to offer a little respite of hospitality. “You cannot know
how important these visits are,” the Nigerian said. “They bring me hope and light at the end of the tunnel.”
He remained there for five months until his asylum claim was granted last January. There is virtually no privacy and no dignity inside
the warehouse. He is staying at Seafarers International House, making plans for his new life in this country.
Hope, light, strength, and belief are offered to all of God’s children from many nations and many faiths. That is what the mission of
Seafarers International House is all about! Please keep seafarers and immigrants in your thoughts and prayers throughout this year.
Thank you.
Knitting at Assembly: Why not? Last year, multi-tasking voting members were able to knit or crochet nearly 300 seafarer hats while
hanging onto every word from Reference and Counsel. Well, maybe not every word. Multi-taskers are special people, and all the more
so when they are at the assembly, quite literally being the hands that do God’s work. If you need knitting or crocheting instructions, see
our website (www.sihnyc.org). And if you’re at one of the several Synod Assemblies we attend, look for our display – we’ll have the
yarn!
The Rev. Marsh Luther Drege, executive director
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TECH4TANZANIA
Reflections on Another Year of Life and Service
With grace and tenacity we came together to:
 Host Tanzanian medical leaders brought by the Lower Susquehanna Synod
 Meet with college, healthcare, and computer technology leaders
 Gather and ship tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of hospital beds, sterilizers, and other medical equipment
 Gather and ship over 120 computer systems
 Gather and ship more than 1,000 textbooks for nursing programs, secondary schools, and colleges
 Gather and ship clothing and supplies to an orphanage outside of Konde
 Refurbish and ship seven treadle sewing machine to women’s cooperatives
 Support many of the health and welfare needs of John Mwaipopo, ELCA international leadership award winner, earning
his Master’s degree in Information Communication Technology
 Explore mutually beneficial relationships in engineering through the Messiah College Collaboratory and the Duke University
 Provide financial aid for two graduate students in Tanzania
This grace has been empowered by:
 Many personal financial donations
 Two fund raising events (summer cookout - $600 and Christmas Cookie Walk - $2,220)
 Financial grants from partner congregations, the Lower Susquehanna Synod, Slate Hill Mennonite Church, and
Thrivent Financial
 Construction assistance from the faculty and students of Dauphin County Technical School
 Medical equipment from area hospitals, physicians, and clinics
 Warehouse space at Mission Central, Mechanicsburg
 Thousands of hours of volunteer time to gather, evaluate, repair, inventory, pack, and ship materials, in addition to countless
hours of interpreting, reporting, and encouraging through prayer and conversations
We are blessed and we choose to share that blessing with everyone we meet. May our work together be pleasing to God and helpful
to God’s people here and in Tanzania.
Board Members: Randy Barr, Tree of Life Lutheran Church; Fran Leiter, Myrna and Ken Eshleman, Slate Hill Mennonite Church;
Chris Frampton, Pastor Anne Reeves, Nick and Wendy Cekovich, St. Paul Lutheran Church, Wertzville Road, Enola.
Randy Barr, chair
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DIAKON LUTHERAN SOCIAL MINISTRIES AND DIAKON CHILD

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