“You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God.” Jesus asks two important questions in the gospel for this week, questions we might be tempted to overlook in the familiarity of the answers given by the disciples. “Who do…
Applications are now being accepted for synod’s new Leadership Education Fund. Deadline for the first grant period is October 15, 2026. More info: https://www.uss-elca.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2025-Leadership-Education-Fund-app.pdf
Upper Susquehanna Synod Global Ministry Committee prepares intercessory prayer petitions for congregational use. Here are prayers for Sep- Nov 2026
The story of Jesus feeding the five thousand (plus I numbered women and children) raises several questions. How did the crowds know where Jesus was going when he went off to "a deserted place"? If Jesus sent the people…
Many people understand the Great Commission— “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, …”—as a command to christianize the world. This one verse at the conclusion of Matthew’s gospel, coupled with imperial ambitions of “Christian” nations has led to…
The synod council adopted a resolution to increase compensation for worship supply ministers. Beginning January 1, 2027, the new rate will be $180 for one service and $230 for two services. Mileage should continue to be reimbursed at the IRS…
Hannah Haussmann, a member of St. Mark’s, Williamsport (Pastor Brian Vasey) has been accepted as an ELCA Young Adult in Global Mission. Hannah will serve in Cambodia later this summer. She is currently in a fundraising campaign to raise at…
When I read the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:1-9), I tend to see the soil as the focus of the story, forgetting that Jesus uses parables to describe the kingdom of heaven that has come near. That is, the…
Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. On Sunday, when we heard those words, many might have been thinking about the celebration of our nation’s 250th anniversary—fireworks, parades,…
