Congregation News Week of December 20
IN MEMORIAM
The Rev. John (Jack) Timm died on Friday, December 16 in Hagerstown, MD where he lived with his wife Barbara for several years. Jack served in many ways in the Allegheny Synod including with Camp Sequanota, on the Synod’s Reconciliation Team and in several of our congregations as the called pastor and an interim. A memorial service will be held in the Spring. We will notify the Synod when the arrangements are confirmed. If you would like to send a note of condolence to Barbara, their address is: 1144 Luther Drive, Hagerstown, MD 21740. Please keep Barb in your prayers as she was hospitalized this past week with a back issue.
Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association (LFCNA).
Below is a brochure for the Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association. For more information, visit https://elpna.org/There one can find valuable information for nurses and leaders in congregations/communities. One benefit for member faith community/parish nurses is access to member’s only resources such as a program library, bulletin inserts, and evidenced based programs to support congregational health.
NOMINATIONS FOR THE COMMISSION FOR A RENEWED LUTHERAN CHURCH
The nomination process for the Commission For A Renewed Lutheran Church is open. The nomination for and other information is located on this page under the calendar. If you have questions, please contact the Synod office.
updates and announcements regarding the annual congregation report process.
As in previous years, all ELCA congregations, synod authorized worshiping communities (SAWCs), and new starts will receive an annual congregation report packet through the mail. This packet should arrive during the second week of January. It will contain paper copies of Form A and Form C, instructional documents on how to complete these forms, and the password that congregations or communities will use to file their reports online. The online system for Congregation Report Forms A & C for 2022, accessible at elca.org/congregationreport, will open during the second week of January.
New this year will be the addition of email communication with ELCA congregations and worshiping communities. On December 13, the ELCA churchwide organization will send out an email describing the annual congregation report process and key dates for the new data year. The email will also provide a link to generic versions of Form A and Form C, so congregations that wish to begin compiling their data can do so. This email will not contain the password for the online system.
If any congregations still wish to file 2021 reports, they must do so before the online system for filing Form A and Form C for 2021 shuts down on Wednesday, December 21. By way of reminder, synods are responsible for keeping copies of 2021 reports. Please print or save any remaining 2021 reports now as they will not be accessible after the shutdown.
As in previous years, the Office of the Secretary will send the passwords to you as synod statisticians. This information will be distributed following the closure of the online system for 2021 data.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out at adam.dehoek@elca.org or 773-380-2445.
CONGREGATIONAL GRANTS AVAILABLE
Attached to this message you will find an application for Congregation Vitality and Innovation grants offered by the Allegheny Synod. Grants of $250-$1000 will be awarded. A Vitality Grant will be used to expand or enhance an existing ministry. An Innovation Grant will be used to try a completely new ministry project. If you have questions, please contact either Pastor Kevin or Bishop Paula. See request form below.