Upper Susquehanna Synod

Camp Mount Luther’s 55th Birthday Celebration
2018-07-03 18:30 (America/New_York)
The camp staff invites everyone to come to camp on Tuesday evening, July 3, 2018, to celebrate the camp’s 55th birthday. As part of our annual Family Camp, we’ll be having a campfire and worship service to commemorate the birthday. K.J. Reimensnyder-Wagner will be here to provide some special music as well. It all gets underway at 6:30 p.m. The program will be held outdoors, weather permitting, so bring a lawn chair. To help us plan, it would be helpful to have an RSVP to chad@campmountluther.org or call 570-922-1587.

Office Closed
2018-07-04
The Upper Susquehanna Synod Office will be closed on Wednesday, July 4, 2018, in observance of Independence Day. The office will reopen at 8:30 a.m. on July 5. If you have an emergency, please call the synod office (570-524-9778) and the voicemail will give you phone numbers that you can call.

USSWO Convention
2018-07-21 08:30 - 16:00
The Upper Susquehanna Synodical Women’s Organization Annual Convention will be held on Saturday, July 21, 2018, at the Evergreen Center at Camp Mount Luther, 355 Mt. Luther Lane, Mifflinburg. Women are asked to be present for this one-day convention as it brings an excellent opportunity for you to meet your sisters from neighboring churches and become informed about the workings of the Women of the ELCA. The theme for this year’s convention is “Called to Serve,” based on 1 Corinthians 12: 4-6 and 1 Peter 4:10. The Bible Study leader is Jodi Ellis and Pastor Ann Zimmerman is the worship leader. Registration forms are available at http://www.uss-elca.org/upper-susquehanna-synodical-womens-organization/

Rethinking Stewardship
2018-07-25 - 2018-07-27
People today are asking hard questions about giving to the church such as: Who should we give to? Should we give at all? What’s the future of the church if giving decreases? Are you prepared to face these changes? Rethinking Stewardship will be held on July 25-27, 2018, at Luther Seminary. It is an event for leaders like you to find new ways to understand and adapt to changing perspectives about giving. Speakers include:

Jennifer Kaalund, Ph.D., assistant professor of religious studies at Iona College
Martha Moore-Keish, Ph.D., associate professor of theology at Columbia Theological Seminary
Mark Teasdale, Ph.D., associate professor of evangelism at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary

Learn more or register at https://www.luthersem.edu/rethinking/?utm_source=bm23&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Rethinking+Stewardship&utm_content=Adapt+to+changing+attitudes+about+giving&utm_campaign=20180503+-+Rethinking+Stewardship+Email+2. Scholarship are available until June 29. Interested persons should contact Craig Miller in the synod office before registering.

Diakon 150 Event
2018-07-26 13:00 - 17:00
Diakon’s Buffalo Valley Lutheran Village, Lewisburg, will help celebrate Diakon’s 150th anniversary with a Hawaiian Festival on July 26, 2018, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. For more information, click to view a flyer, which can also be shared with congregation members: http://www.uss-elca.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/6-26-BV-Diakon150-Event-Flyer-2018-SM-3.pdf

Boundary Awareness Training
2018-08-09
The Lower Susquehanna Synod is holding a boundary awareness training on August 9, 2018, at Hill Lutheran Church in Lebanon. Cost is $ 25. For more information, visit www.lss-elca.org/event/boundary-workshop-2/
Rostered leaders of the ELCA are required to remain current with Boundary Awareness training. As part of their continuing education rostered leaders should participate in a training every three years. Bishop Barbara J. Collins encourages all rostered leaders of this synod to take advantage of trainings offered by our ELCA and full-communion partners. Please be sure to send a copy of your certificate of completion/participation to the bishop’s office when you have completed a workshop. As we learn of opportunities we will make them known.

Disaster Recovery Work Trip Meeting
2018-08-20 08:00 - 17:00
Susquehanna Interfaith Disaster Response Network fall work trip will take place October 7-13. Our work team will go to Washington, North Carolina, to help with rebuilding after Hurricane Matthew. Those interested in joining this trip are encouraged to attend a meeting on August 22, 7:00pm, at First Presbyterian Church, Milton (parking and entrance in rear). Here is a flyer about that event: https://www.uss-elca.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/October-Trip-Poster.pdf

The Susquehanna Interfaith Disaster Response Network is an effort by the Presbytery of Northumberland and the Upper Susquehanna Synod to establish a system for addressing disasters at home and abroad. Formal establishment of the network is planned to take place on September when our synod council and the presbytery will each vote on a resolution. We hope that this network will grow to include other denominations as well.

Dandelion Trail Run at CML
2018-09-01 09:00 - 12:00
Camp Mount Luther in Mifflinburg will be holding a 5 and 10 kilometer trail run race at the camp on Saturday, September 1, 2018. This is an entry-level trail race on Mount Luther grounds with proceeds going to the camp. The start time for the race is 9:00 a.m. Runners decide on race day if they want to do a 5k or 10K (a double loop of the 5K) run. The 10k distance is included in the new Rocksylvania 10k race series. More details on that are available at http://midpenntrailblazers.com/links.html. Race day registration is $25. Pre-register by August 8 and pay only $20. Registration opens at 7:30 a.m. on race day. Spectators are welcome as well. A kid’s fun run will also be held with two age categories: six and under and 7-10. Special awards will be presented to every participant in the fun run. Again this year, a one mile fun walk on a dirt road will be held with the same registration fees and amenities applying (or you may just walk without receiving amenities for $10). Awards will be given for overall male and female race time, three awards for each age group and an overall master’s for male and female in both the 5K and the 10K. The awards ceremony will be immediately following the race. Shower facilities are available after the race. All miles for the course will be marked and there is one water stop on the course. Timing will be electronically done. To register, visit http://midpenntrailblazers.com/trail-race-events/dandelion-run/dandelion-run.html. The Dandelion Run, begun in 2002, is organized by Joel and Shelley Heasley of Middleburg. It was named in honor and memory of Rev. Glenn E. Heasley, Jr., former Assistant to the Bishop of the Upper Susquehanna Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Glenn’s favorite “flower” was the dandelion. Heasley’s widow, Shirley, is also involved in the planning of the race.

Synod Office Closing
2018-09-03
The Upper Susquehanna Synod Office will be closed on Monday, September 3, 2018, in observance of Labor Day. The office will reopen at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 4, 2018. If you have an emergency, please call the synod office (570-524-9778) and the voicemail will give you phone numbers that you can call. A blessed weekend to all!

“God’s work. Our hand.” Day of Service
2018-09-09
Save the date! “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday will be Sunday, September 9, 2018. This day is an opportunity to celebrate who we are as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America – one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor. Service activities offer an opportunity for us to explore one of our most basic convictions as Lutherans: that all of life in Jesus Christ – every act of service, in every daily calling, in every corner of life – flows freely from a living, daring confidence in God’s grace.
You work every day to make your community a better place. Let us continue doing this work together in 2018! Access resources to guide your congregation’s planning, promotion and more at https://elca.org/Resources/GWOH-Sunday.

Liberia Organizational Meeting
2018-09-09 14:30 - 15:30
Our synod is issuing a first call for anyone interested in joining either a work-team or a familiarization tour to meet the leaders of the Lutheran Church in Liberia and to tour the major facilities of the LCL, including historic churches, schools, and its two hospitals (Phebe and Curran)! A work team will repair the ceiling of Day Memorial Church and continue the renovation of small houses on the campus of the Lutheran Training Center. Don’t freeze at home this January. Visit tropical Liberia and be uplifted by God’s work in our companion synod. Learn more at our first organizational meeting on September 9, 2018, at 2:30 p.m. at our synod office, or phone Sandra Nelson (570)995-9327 or Bob Bradford (570)473-9505.

Fall Festival
2018-09-09 16:00 - 19:00
St. Peter’s, Kreamer, is holding a Fall Festival on Sunday, September 9, 2018, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Free activities include square dancing, cake walk, fire truck rides, games for kids, a basket raffle, and food for purchase. The event benefits the Meals for Mustangs and Meals for Seals programs. To download a flyer, click here: https://www.uss-elca.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/2018-Fall-Festival-Flyer.pdf

Lutheran Marriage Encounter Weekend
2018-09-14 - 2018-09-16
Marriage is a journey! A Lutheran Marriage Encounter Weekend can help you enrich your marriage and add some pizzazz to your journey. Sign up TODAY to be sure to get the weekend of your choice.

September 14-16, 2018 at Spruce Lake Retreat in Canadensis, PA. A lovely hotel-style retreat center with many acres of woodlands in the heart of the Poconos, an hour north of Allentown, PA .

Two nights lodging, five meals for each of you, and all supplies are included with your registration fee, plus toward the end of the weekend you will be given an opportunity to make a confidential contribution of whatever amount you wish toward the continuation of the program. For further information or to sign up, go to: www.GodLovesMarriage.org and pay the $100 registration fee with your credit card, or mark the option to mail a check. For questions, or if you would like a brochure, contact Northeast US Directors of Lutheran Marriage Encounter, Fred & Julie Schamber, at 724-325-3166 or fjschamber@comcast.net.

Synod Council Meeting
2018-09-15 09:30 - 13:30
At Synod Office

Stewardship Kaleidoscope’s Transforming the Face of Generosity
2018-09-24 - 2018-09-26
September 24-26, 2018:
Pastors and lay leaders are invited to attend this event at the Hilton St. Louis Frontenac in St. Louis, MO on September 24- 26. Keynoters will be Diana Butler Bass and Chick Lane and there will be 30 workshops covering topics such as annual stewardship, planned giving, theology of giving, current trends in stewardship, and capital campaigns. Cost is $275 before August 1, and $300 after. For more information and to register, visit www.stewardshipkaleidoscope.org. There are a limited number of scholarships for first call and small church pastors!

Reflect, Renew, Recommit (3R)
2018-09-24 - 2018-09-28
Reflect, Renew, Recommit (3R), a week long discernment retreat, will be offered again this year on September 24-29, 2018. This experience creates a safe place for pastors and spouses to process, share, worship, embrace prayer practices, use tools for vocational support, and discover a newfound community. Deadline to register is August 15, 2018. For more information:
Agenda: https://www.uss-elca.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/3R-participant-Sept-2018-AGENDA.docx
Brochure: https://www.uss-elca.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/September-2018-3R-Seminar-Brochure-FINAL.pdf
Registration Form: https://www.uss-elca.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/September-2018-3R-Seminar-Registration-Form-due-Aug-15.doc

ENERGY STAR Pennsylvania Stewardship Tour
2018-09-26
Join Interfaith Leaders for the ENERGY STAR® Pennsylvania Stewardship Tour. ENERGY STAR is the nation’s voluntary program helping congregations, businesses, schools, homeowners, and tenants save energy and water—and therefore money. Local Pennsylvania faith communities are hosting ENERGY STAR presentations on tools, training, and technical support freely available at www.energystar.gov/congregations. Everyone is welcome to attend. Presentations are free and reservations are suggested, but not necessary. The closest events near the Upper Susquehanna Synod include:
2:30p.m. – 4:00p.m. at State College Friends Meeting, 611 East Prospect Avenue, State College
7:00p.m. – 8:30p.m. at Unitarian Church of Harrisburg, 1280 Clover Lane, Harrisburg

Boundary Awareness Training
2018-10-01
The Lower Susquehanna Synod is holding a boundary awareness training on October 1, 2018, at Zion Church in Marietta. Cost is $ 25. For more information, visit www.lss-elca.org/event/boundary-workship-2018-10-1/
Rostered leaders of the ELCA are required to remain current with Boundary Awareness training. As part of their continuing education rostered leaders should participate in a training every three years. Bishop Barbara J. Collins encourages all rostered leaders of this synod to take advantage of trainings offered by our ELCA and full-communion partners. Please be sure to send a copy of your certificate of completion/participation to the bishop’s office when you have completed a workshop. As we learn of opportunities we will make them known.

Discipleship Workshop
2018-10-04 10:00 - 14:00
Go … make disciples of all nations …
In a time of declining membership and attendance at worship we struggle to achieve Jesus’ Great Commission. What does it mean to “make disciples” today? At this workshop, on October 4, 2018, from 10:00-2:00 at Messiah, South Williamsport, Craig Miller, Assistant to the Bishop, will help us to

Share best practices for discipleship that maintains or increases attendance
Learn about resources for discipleship

Register now at this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/discipleship-workshop-tickets-49397155221
or call Brenda in the synod office (570-524-9778). Lunch will be provided by Messiah Lutheran Church.

Peer Ministry for Youth Training
2018-10-06 09:00 - 15:00
On October 6 & 20, 2018, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., St. Luke, Bloomsburg, will host Peer Ministry for Youth Training. Rev. Dr. Kerry Aucker, Certified Peer Minister Trainer, leads this 2 day session to enable 7th thru 12th graders to learn how to overcome barriers that separate people of diverse populations from living, working and ministering together. The training will be held at the church at 9 St. Luke’s Way, Bloomsburg PA 17815. Class size is limited. Call 570-784-5035 to register. Cost is $15. For a flyer/bulletin insert, click here: https://www.uss-elca.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Peer-Minsitry-b.insert-2018.docx

Appreciative Inquiry for Congregational Transitions
2018-10-08 - 2018-10-12
The Upper Susquehanna Synod will sponsor a week-long Appreciative Inquiry workshop October 8-12 at Camp Hebron in Halifax, PA. This course, led by the Clergy Leadership Institute, will offer tools to lead through the rapid transitions taking place in our congregations. Special rate for Upper Susquehanna Synod leaders: $550 plus room and meals ($585 residential, $100 commuter). The synod will offer financial assistance to meet the cost of this workshop. To learn about the Appreciative Way check out www.appreciativeway.com. To register, click here: https://www.appreciativeway.com/registration/reg.cfm?prog=Halifax-Oct-18. USS Synod leaders leave the Discount Option “None” and put “HebSpx18” in the Discount Source box to receive a $200 discount per person. Contact Craig Miller for any questions about this event or for financial assistance. Here is a flyer for the event: https://www.uss-elca.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Halifax-Oct-18.pdf

Lutheran Marriage Encounter Weekend
2018-10-19 - 2018-10-21
Marriage is a journey! A Lutheran Marriage Encounter Weekend can help you enrich your marriage and add some pizzazz to your journey. Sign up TODAY to be sure to get the weekend of your choice.

October 19-21, 2018 at Olmsted Retreat Center. A stunning, hotel-style retreat center adjacent to the Olmsted Mansion in the Allegheny National Forest, 2 hours north of Pittsburgh.

Two nights lodging, five meals for each of you, and all supplies are included with your registration fee, plus toward the end of the weekend you will be given an opportunity to make a confidential contribution of whatever amount you wish toward the continuation of the program. For further information or to sign up, go to: www.GodLovesMarriage.org and pay the $100 registration fee with your credit card, or mark the option to mail a check. For questions, or if you would like a brochure, contact Northeast US Directors of Lutheran Marriage Encounter, Fred & Julie Schamber, at 724-325-3166 or fjschamber@comcast.net.

Lay Boundary Awareness
2018-10-20
The Penn Central Conference (UCC) is holding a lay boundary awareness workshop on October 20, 2018, at First UCC in Middleburg. Cost is $15. For more information, visit https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07ef6x4q4i42dab86d&oseq=&c=&ch=

Rostered leaders of the ELCA are required to remain current with Boundary Awareness training. As part of their continuing education rostered leaders should participate in a training every three years. Bishop Barbara J. Collins encourages all rostered leaders of this synod to take advantage of trainings offered by our ELCA and full-communion partners. Please be sure to send a copy of your certificate of completion/participation to the bishop’s office when you have completed a workshop. As we learn of opportunities we will make them known.

Keep and Till Headwaters Conference
2018-10-20
Keep & Till is hosting their Headwaters Rural and Agrarian Conference on October 20 at McDaniel College in Westminster, MD. One of the speakers will be Matt Lenahan, who manages Wittel Farm in Lancaster and an ordained Lutheran. More information is forthcoming. Sam Chamelin, who was presenter at May’s Bishop Retreat, is one of the organizers.

Fall Women’s Retreat and Cluster Gatherings
2018-10-20 09:30 - 14:30
All local women are invited to be participants at the Fall Women’s Retreat and Cluster Gatherings, sponsored by Camp Mount Luther and the Upper Susquehanna Synodical Women’s Organization. The day-long retreat will feature a presentation led by Friends of the Heart titled, “Just Say Yes to God.” The retreat is based on the book of Philippians and focuses on balancing work with worship. They will talk about: “Looking In,” issues that keep you from moving on in life, “Looking Up,” developing an ongoing relationship with Christ and “Looking Out,” using your talents, gifts and passion to touch the world. Skit characters are Mary, Martha, and a psychologist who helps them determine how they might best express devotion to Christ. The retreat will take place at the camp on Saturday, October 20, 2018. It will run from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The day will begin with refreshments. The cost of $22.00 per person includes coffee and tea, snacks, lunch, and the program. You are encouraged to bring a friend! Registration deadline is October 12. To register, contact Mount Luther, 355 Mt. Luther Lane, Mifflinburg, PA 17844. Checks should be made payable to Camp Mount Luther. If you have questions, call the camp at (570) 922-1587 or e-mail cml@campmountluther.org. To view a flyer/registration form, click here: https://www.campmountluther.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/2018-Womens-Retreat-Flyer.pdf

Karl Vaters’ Presentation
2018-10-25
Karl Vaters, pastor of the Cornerstone Christian Fellowship and founder of the New Small Church and the New Small Church Blog, will be in our synod on October 25. He will be doing a presentation, similar to our anual Bishop’s Day gathering, during the day. It will be held at Faith Lutheran, Lewisburg, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This session is geared for rostered church leaders (but lay leaders are welcome). Registration fee of $25.00 per person includes lunch. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. Then, Vaters will offer a second presentation in the evening from 6:00-8:30, also at Faith, Lewisburg. This session is open to all. The registration fee for the evening session is $10.00 per person. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Send registrations to: The Upper Susquehanna Synod, ELCA, PO Box 36, Lewisburg, PA 17837 Deadline to register is Monday, October 15th. A flyer and registration form are available here: https://www.uss-elca.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Karl-Vaters-Flyer-and-Registration.docx

EQ-HR Workshop
2018-10-29 - 2018-11-02
EQ-HR Center is sponsoring an intensive four or five-day session designed to enable participants to learn about, build and practice emotional intelligence skills in a small group setting. The program provides the space for faith based leaders to openly explore their relationships with self, their communities and congregations, and experiment with new behaviors. Participants will receive multiple level feedback: in session coaching from experienced facilitators, 360 degree ESCI Analysis, group feedback, and partner feedback. As group life unfolds, participants give and receive feedback regarding the impact they have on others in the group. Participants will learn both inter-personal and intra-group communication skills. The event will take place at the Bishop Clagget Center in Adamstown, MD. Cost is $695 for early bird tuition, $750 regular, $199 ESCI Assessment (required) and $550 for lodging and meals. Payment plans are available. More information at https://www.eqhr.org/registration/5-day-maryland-2018.

Evening at Shade Mountain to Benefit Mount Luther
2018-11-02 18:00 - 20:00
Come to Shade Mountain Winery to share fellowship, entertainment, and enjoy locally produced wine, all to benefit Camp Mount Luther. The event runs from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Entertainment will be provided by Jason Yoder, a local musician who sings blues and acoustic music. The menu will include heavy appetizers, dessert, and one glass of wine per person. SPACE IS LIMITED. Please make your reservations with the camp office at 570-922-1587 or cml@campmountluther.org. If you choose to purchase any bottles of wine that evening, a portion of the proceeds will be given to Mount Luther. We ask all participants to make a donation to the camp that evening, equal or greater to the food and entertainment provided. Download a flyer/bulletin insert here: https://www.campmountluther.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/2018-Shade-Mountain-Winery-Flyer.pdf

Luther Rose Lectures
2018-11-04 14:00 - 16:30
Dr. Vincent Evener, Instructor in Reformation and Luther Studies at United Lutheran Seminary, will present the 2018 Luther Rose Lecture at Palm Lutheran Church, Palmyra. It will be from 2:00-4:30 p.m. Evener will speak on Luther, Mysticism, and the Social Order.

LARC Day of Dialog
2018-11-05 09:00 - 15:00
As part of our 1993 covenant among Lutherans, Anglicans, & Roman Catholics (LARC), the Upper Susquehanna Synod participates in an annual Day of Dialogue with the Dioceses of Harrisburg (RC) and Central Pennsylvania (Episcopal) and the Lower Susquehanna Synod. This year’s Day of Dialog will take place on Monday, November 5, 9:00-3:00, at the Diocesan Center in Harrisburg, with the theme A Christian Response to Violence. This event is open to all. Registration information and a flyer is available here: https://www.uss-elca.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/2018-LARC-Registration-form.pdf
