Up and Down the Valleys: December 2024

The Upper Susquehanna Synod’s First Call Rostered Leaders attending First Call Theological Education in Gettysburg in November. They are accompanied by Rev. Karla Leiby, Assistant to the Bishop.

BSA Venturing Crew 2536, charted by Christ’s United, Millmont (Pastor Curt Wingert) hosts a “Homeless Awareness” Food Drive on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Venturing Crew members collect non-perishable foods and monetary donations, which will go Hope’s Haven Food Pantry held at Christ’s United Lutheran Church and Haven Ministry based in Sunbury.  Venture Crew members also camp outside overnight.

On December 1, Hidlay Lutheran Church (near Bloomsburg) celebrated its final worship. The Lutheran congregation was founded in 1855 out of a former Union (Lutheran and Presbyterian) church. Land for the church and graveyard was given in the 1700s. Members from nearby congregations joined in the worship, along with several pastors. North Branch Conference dean, Pastor Joel Zeiders, who had served as interim pastor for the congregation, assisted in the service.

Camp Mount Luther is accepting applications for Summer Staff at www.campmountluther.org/jobs. Candidates must possess a commitment to Christ, a passion for the outdoors, and strong leadership and teamwork skills.

Three from our synod were part of the November Lutheran Outdoor Ministry Conference in Baltimore, MD, representing Camp Mount Luther. Chad Hershberger, Rev. James Vitale, Jr., and Sister Marianne Brock participated. The theme was “Be More.” Hershberger served on the planning committee for the conference and led worship along with Vitale. Brock presented on behalf of the ELCA Foundation. Hershberger also presented his Capstone Presentation for the ecumenical Compass Points certificate program and graduated from that program along with Andrew Templeman of Mount Cross Ministries in California.