Partners of LSNYA, including LDRNY Director John J. Scibilia (third from left)

Lutheran Disaster Response of New York was among the initial signers of a new covenant that creates Lutheran Services New York Alliance (LSNYA), a new mission partnership of inter-Lutheran social ministry agencies and judicatories in metropolitan New York.

In a special Celebration of Covenant, held Oct. 17 at the Interchurch Center in uptown Manhattan, Dr. John J. Scibilia, LDRNY Executive Director, signed the agreement and also gave a prayer.

The Alliance includes Lutheran Disaster Response of New York, the Metropolitan New York Synod of the ELCA, Atlantic District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, Lutheran Augustana Centerfor Extended Care and Rehabilitation, Eger Lutheran Homes and Services, Good Samaritan Homes, Lutheran Counseling Center, Lutheran Health Care, Lutheran Social Services of New York, Mill Neck Family of Services, Seafarers and International House, The Wartburg Adult Care Community and Wartburg Lutheran Services.

The Alliance will maintain active affiliation/recognition with the ELCA and LCMS, as well as with the Metropolitan New York Synod and Atlantic District. It will also be represented in regular meetingswith the Bishop and/or President of the local judicatories by the agency’s CEO and others, as appropriate. These meetings shall address ministry concerns of all parties, seeking clear communication, efficient and effective ministry, coordination of services, and planning to help fulfill an ever-developing vision of ministry.

Rev. Dr. Stephen Bouman, LDRNY Vice-President (L), Rev. Brenda Smith (R) of New Hope Church in Queens, address the Alliance.