Up and Down the Valleys: May 2025

The USS Women’s Organization Day of Learning and Renewal was held on April 26 at Salem, Selinsgrove (Pastor Stina Schaeffer). Forty-two ladies artistically painted, shopped for products provided by Women at Risk International, and studied the Bible.   Annual Convention is scheduled for July 26th. They are collecting items for making up 200 period packs for Church World Service.

Lutheran Day at the Capitol on May 13 saw 215 Lutherans from across the state to engage in the work of education and advocacy on behalf of our neighbors! This year, a group from our synod, including nine members of United In Christ, West Milton (Pastor Justin Lingenfelter) met with the staff of Sen. Gene Yaw and Rep. Stephanie Borowicz. They asked that they continue prioritizing programs that address food security needs in our area, particularly the programs that fund the ElderShare Food Box program through Central Pennsylvania Food Bank.

Synod Council amended the synod Gift Policy at their May meeting. A new copy is on the synod website. They also discontinued the Student Loan Fund with remaining monies being transferred to the USS Fund for Leaders. They also moved Rev. Thomas Martin (Susquehanna University) to the retired roster and Rev. Karl Runser was granted a continuation of on-leave from call.