The Upper Susquehanna Synod began on January 1, 1988, with the birth of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and is one of the 65 synods of the ELCA, in Region 8 (the Mid-Atlantic). It is one of three synods that were part of the Central Pennsylvania Synod of the Lutheran Church in America, a predecessor body of the ELCA.
The English word “synod” comes from two Greek words that literally mean “a way together” and 117 congregations walk together in ministry and mission together. The Lutheran congregations of this synod are in the counties of Mifflin, Juniata, Snyder, Union, Northumberland, Columbia, Montour, Lycoming, Clinton, and Tioga.
The offices of the synod have been in three locations. A temporary office was in a home on Fairground Road in Lewisburg until a new synod office was built at the corner of Reitz Blvd. and Route 192. That space served the synod for 35 years when the office was relocated the former Trinity Lutheran Church, 100 Mahoning Street, Milton, in 2023. Four bishops have served the Upper Susquehanna Synod: Rev. Dr. A. Donald Main (1987-2007), Rev. Robert L. Driesen (2007-2016), Rev. Barbara J. Collins (2016-2022) and Rev. Craig A. Miller (2022- present).
Major emphases of the synod have been training Authorized Lay Worship Leaders, supporting our companion synods in Liberia and Germany, and collecting “Christmas at Sea” bags for Seafarers International House.
