Resources

The following resources have been compiled for use by our synod’s congregations. The resources below are formatted as PDF’s and MS Word files. Clicking the link will open the document. New resources may be added at any time, so please check frequently for new tools for ministry!

Call Process

• The Guide re: Pastoral Vacancies for Congregation Councils describes the congregation council’s responsibilities from the time a pastor resigns until a new pastor is called and installed.
• The “Manual for Call Committees” (MS Word version) describes the call process in the Upper Susquehanna Synod and the Call Committee’s role in that process. Call Committees are provided guidance from the time the committee is appointed through its responsibility to serve as transition committee when a new pastor is called by the congregation.  Click here for PDF version.
• “Call Process at a Glance” outlines the Call Process for a congregation calling a new pastor.
• “Frequently Asked Questions about the Call Process”

Church Administration

• The “Congregational Constitutions” resource guides congregations in updating, amending, or replacing their congregational constitution.
• “Guidelines for Using the ELCA Brand Mark” resource guides congregations in updating, amending, or replacing their congregational constitution.
• “Steps for Merger or Consolidation of Congregations” resource guides congregations in updating, amending, or replacing their congregational constitution.

Church Finances

• “Congregational Treasurers’ and Bookkeepers’ Financial and Accounting Guide” is a resource provided by the Office of the Treasurer of the ELCA.
• “Congregational Audit Guide” is a resource provided by the Office of the Treasurer of the ELCA.
• The “2010 Rostered Persons’ Compensation and Benefits Guidelines Manual” is a resource distributed annually to USS rostered leaders and congregational treasurers.  (Note: “2009 Rostered Persons’ Compensation and Benefits Guidelines Manual” is still available.)

Congregation Councils

• “Congregation Councils” is a PowerPoint presentation that might be used for council member orientation, reminding these leaders of their sacred calling and the responsibilities of those who serve in this office.
• “Structuring Councils in the USS for Mission” is a PowerPoint presentation challenging congregational councils to structure their meetings in such a way that the mission of our Lord Jesus is at the heart of their meetings. While no single structure is necessary, all ecclesiological structures should serve the Gospel.
• Ms. Sandra Grier serves as this synod’s Social Ministry Project Coach–a resource person available to our congregations who wish to launch new social ministry projects.  Her ministry is supported by a grant from Diakon Lutheran Social Services.  To contact Sandy, please call 570-220-5039 or email her at sandygrier@comcast.net.

Healthy Congregations

• “The Reconciliation of Conflicts within a Congregation” describes this synod’s expectations for reconciliation, resources and avenues for dealing with conflict, and introduces the synod’s Reconciliation Team.
• “Conflict Management Consultants” lists a number of resource people available to congregations which seek to contract with a professional consultant for assistance in managing their conflicts.
• Healthy congregations and healthy individuals include balance in all aspects of life. Diakon’s Congregational Health Ministries and Family Life Services can assist with ministries designed to meet the physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual needs of individuals throughout the congregation and community.
• “Mutual Ministry Handbook” (MS Word version) is a tool for congregational mutual ministry teams to use in beginning their ministry together or to engage in evaluating their congregation’s mutual ministry.  Click here for PDF version.

Violence, Crime and the Church

• The synod’s “Child Protection Policy” is intended to assist congregations in developing a child protection policy. It contains the recommendations of the USS for its congregations, as well as providing an example policy which may serve as a resource as a congregation designs its own policy.
• “Protecting Your Church from Crime and Violence”
• “Shooter in the Church”, a police officer’s advice on how to prevent, and react to, a gunman at church.
• “What to Do When Violence Strikes”
• “What if the Abuser is One of Us?”, a model for congregational response.
• “Sex Offenders: Not in My Pew” explores the issues related to having a sexual offender in the congregation.