NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR

RELIEF FOR VICTIMS OF THE EARTHQUAKE IN HAITI

Congregational and/or individual checks can be made out to "Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod" with the memo on the check to read: "Haiti," and sent to the synod office (9625 Perry Highway, Pittsburgh PA 15237).  Monies collected will be forwarded to Lutheran Disaster Response and Lutheran World Relief.  If you have a preference you may also designate which organization you would like your money to go to (either Lutehran Disaster Response or Lutheran World Relief).

There is also a bulletin insert in the February issue of the ECHO directly from the ELCA which you can use.

EMILY NAVRATIL FUND

Enclosed in the Feburary issue of the ECHO is the Emily Navratil Fund Request Form.  The fund is to be used to fund projects that will enhance or provide for a needed ministry or program within the congregation.  For example, handicap accessibility, additional worship or educational space, expanded kitchen for community food program, etc.  For more details see the letter enclosed in the February issue of the ECHO.

Requests must be received by March 31, 2010.

PREPARE-ENRICH TRAINING IN SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA

The Kiski Area Association of Churches, a ministerium based in the Kiski School Districk area, near Vandergrift, PA invite you to come to a Prepare-Enrich Certification Workshop that they are sponsoring on Thursday, April 15, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Pleasant View Brethren Church, 1156 Pleasant View Drive, Vandergrift PA (Kepple Hill area of Parks Township). 

Dr. Terry Snyder, from Erie, PA is a pastor certified to train pastors and key leaders in this instrument so that they can be certified to use it.  He normally teaches this orientation in Erie, but since there is a "sufficient" number of individuals in this area who are interested in Prepare-Enrich he will lead a training session here.  The cost for the training and life long certification is $175.00.

The Kiski Area Association of Churches is providing refreshments for coffee in the morning and lunch at a free will offering for all participants.

You can go online www.prepare-enrich.com to learn more about this powerful tool for you to assist premarital couples and married couples in deepening their relationships to each other.

For further questions about this day or to get the registration material for this event, you may call Pastor Phil Gustafson at St. Paul's Ev. Lutheran Church at 724-567-7781 or email This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it .

    SEEKING ORGANIST (OR PIANIST)

     United Rockville & St. Michael's Lutheran Churches (near Ford City) are
    seeking an organist (or pianist) for 2 weekly worship services (9:00 a.m.
    and 11:00 a.m.).  If anyone would be willing to consider the position please
                             contact Pastor April Dailey at 724-842-8921 or This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it for further information regarding the position, etc.

LUTHERAN CHURCH HISTORY CONTEST FOR MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH

The Lutheran Historical Society of the Mid-Atlantic (LHSMA) invites your participation in a multi-media contest.  Prepare a 15-20 minute DVD or Power Point presentation with an accompanying script entitled "My Congregation's Story or "My Congregation's Youth Ministry Story."  Three winners in both Middle (6-8) and High School (9-12) categories.  First place: $125 for the winner in each category plus the opportunity to present projects at the LHSMA Spring Program on April 20, 2010 at Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg; Second place: $75 each; Third place: $50 each.  Submissions must be postmarked by March 1, 2010.  Please mail completed work to: Lutheran Historical Society of the Mid-Atlantic, 61 Seminary Ridge, Gettysburg PA 17325.  See www.lhsmidatlantic.org for contest rules, application form and details.  For questions, contact Pastor Stephen Herr This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it .

ECHO DEADLINE DATES FOR 2010

January 15               July (no ECHO)
February 12              August 13
March 19                  September 17
April 16                    October 15
May 14                     November 12
June 11                    December 10

DEADLINE FOR THE NEXT ECHO
FEBRUARY 12, 2010