Title: Pennsylvania Lutheran Agenices Merge ELCA NEWS SERVICE NEWS BRIEF August 8, 1997 PENNSYLVANIA LUTHERAN AGENCIES MERGE The Lutheran Home of Topton, Pa., and Lutheran Welfare Service, Hazelton, Pa., have affiliated as Lutheran Services Northeast (LSN). The merger became official in July after months of negotiations and corporate decisions. "To a world that is asking the church, 'What have you done for us lately?' Lutheran Services Northeast will be able to say more effectively, more clearly and more powerfully, 'Here is God's love for you,'" said the Rev. David R. Strobel, the synod's bishop. Both agencies converted from multi-member to single-member corporations. LSN was appointed the sole member of each corporation; and the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America became the sole member of LSN. "I have felt in my heart for a long time that our mission to care for the elderly, the children and all those who need our care would be enhanced by our unity," said the Rev. Daun E. McKee, president of LHT and LSN's new president. "I retire with a sense of accomplishment," said the Rev. Calvin O. Goerdel, president of LWS. "I feel as if my hand has touched the future. I know this change is a necessity if we are to go on providing the kind of strong care for which we have become known." Lutheran Services Northeast combines the ministries of LHT and LWS in northeast Pennsylvania: 22 senior centers, eight independent-living communities, eight individual and family counseling centers, five hospice facilities and 34 outpatient care locations, five sites for children's services, four health care facilities, four senior volunteer programs, three assisted-living facilities, three volunteer home care offices, two home health service sites, a Latino community service center and a continuing education service, "Genesis." For information contact: Ann Hafften, Director (773) 380-2958 or [log in to unmask] http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html