Virtual CML
2020-07-28 - 2020-08-04
Mount Luther is gearing up for their alternative summer camping season for 2020. While traditional residential and off-site camps were cancelled due to the pandemic, Mount Luther’s “Camp COVID-19 in ‘20” is in full swing with a number of activities. On Wednesday, July 15, returning summer staff began three weeks of leadership training, service work, and the development and implementation of a virtual summer camp experience.

“Virtual CML” will begin on July 28 and run until August 4. Online camp activities will be shared then, in a combination of pre-recorded and live videos as well as sharing of resources of things that can be done at home. Updates on virtual camp will be provided on the camp’s website and social media. In addition, camp staff prepared three worship services that are being posted on the camp’s social media prior to the virtual camp. They feature the themes of “God’s Promises,” “Grieving What We Lost,” and “Hope for the Future.” This year’s theme at Mount Luther is “From Generation to Generation.” Campers will explore the stories of familiar Bible characters and their responses to God’s call and promised faithfulness in their lives. They will see how the enduring love instilled in the promise to Abraham and Sarah continues through Old Testament characters, to Jesus, to the early church, and on to them! Through the camp’s method of studying the Bible, called “GROW Time,” staff will help campers Gather and Reflect On the Word throughout their day, even in a virtual setting.

Outdoor Worship
2020-08-02 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
Everyone is invited to join the 2020 Staff of CML for worship on Sunday, August 2nd at 7:00 p.m., sponsored by the Buffalo Valley Conference. We will celebrate the ministry we share as a synod at the camp. Bring lawn chairs and be prepared to practice social distancing as we worship outdoors. Park at the Evergreen Center and staff will guide you to our worship site. An offering will be received that will help defray the cost of hiring the staff for their three weeks of leadership training, service work, and development of Virtual CML.

Growing Youth Train the Trainer Virtual Gathering
2020-08-10 - 2020-08-11
The ELCA Faith Formation Team and The Fuller Youth Institute invite you to the 2020 ELCA Growing Young Train the Trainer Virtual Gathering on August 10-11 from 12:00-6:30 p.m. At least three of our USS youth leaders are planning to attend. There will be time to meet in regions to work on planning on how we can use this material to revitalize ministry. This is some of the materials that were presented at the Youth Ministry Summer at Camp Mount Luther in February. For more information and the registration link, click here: https://www.uss-elca.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Growing-Young-Registration-August-2020-2.pdf

Rostered Leaders Renewal Day
2020-08-13 09:00 - 17:30
Bishop Collins invites rostered leaders and their families to a Renewal Day on August 13, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at Camp Mount Luther. Current events have added tension to the already stressful lives of our rostered leaders. Thanks to our synod council, the Bishop’s Retreat planning team, and the generosity of the ELCA Mission Investment Fund we will provide a day of relief for rostered leaders on August 13 at Camp Mount Luther. This one-day event will include opportunities for worship, conversation, relaxation, recreation, and refreshment.
The day begins with a Service of Lament at 9:00 a.m. and concludes with a Message of Hope at 3:30 p.m. For those who wish to linger, we will offer time around the campfire until 5:30 p.m. (weather permitting). Guests may wish to bring an instrument to play during worship or at other times in the day.
Those who attend will have opportunities to participate in small group conversations, a meditative hike, outdoor yoga, and more. The campgrounds will be open for exploring all day or fishing at the lake, or bring lawn chairs or blankets for sitting on the grounds and enjoying a day away. Bishop Collins and Craig Miller will be available for one-on-one conversation as well. This respite day is offered at no cost to participants; simply register by August 1: https://tithe.ly/event-registration/#/2050139

Dandelion Trail Run at CML
2020-09-05 09:00 - 12:00
Camp Mount Luther will be holding a 5- and 10- kilometer trail run race at the camp on Saturday, September 5, 2020. 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 Rocksylvania 10k race series. More details on that are available at http://midpenntrailblazers.com/links.html. Race day registration is $30. Pre-register by August 21 and pay only $25. 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/dandelionrun.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. A flyer is available here: http://midpenntrailblazers.com/trail-race-events/dandelion-run/dandelion-run-application.pdf

Labor Day- Office Closed
2020-09-07
The Upper Susquehanna Synod Office will be closed on Monday, September 7, 20120, in observance of Labor Day. The office will reopen at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 8, 2020 for appointments only. 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.

“God’s work. Our hands.” Day of Service
2020-09-13
You are invited to add your voices to this year’s “God’s work. Our hands.” Day of Service.
And, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry of PA can help you take your service to neighbor a step further toward justice through advocacy. Learn more here: https://tinyurl.com/y8a4p2hu

Synod Council Meeting
2020-09-19 09:00 - 13:00
On Zoom

Bishop's Open Golf Classic
2020-09-21 11:30 - 18:00
Registrations are being accepted for the 15th Annual Bishop’s Open Golf Classic, which benefits Camp Mount Luther of Mifflinburg. Golfers are invited to participate in the tournament to be held on Monday, September 21, 2020, at the Susquehanna Valley Country Club in Shamokin Dam.

This fundraiser benefits the camp’s ministry in running a summer camp for children. Last year, nearly $15,000 was raised because of this event. Shotgun start time is 12:30 p.m. Registration with a bag lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. Please do not arrive before this time as we will be practicing pandemic precautions. The building, except for the bathrooms, will be closed. Face coverings and social distancing will be expected while in the parking lot both before and after play. There will be no snacks or sponsored gathering after play is completed. Winners of the tournament will be notified by email. Gift certificates, which can be used at winners’ convenience, will be available in the pro-shop.

Sponsorships as well as individual registrations are currently being solicited. To get a registration form or register online, or for more information, go to the camp’s website at www.campmountluther.org or contact the camp office at (570) 922-1587 or Jim Bricker, Tournament Chair, at (717) 535-5416.

Drive Through Turkey Dinner
2020-09-26
A “Drive Through” Turkey Dinner will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2020, starting at 3:30 p.m. until sold out, at Christ’s United (4 Bells) Lutheran Church, 3.5 miles west of Mifflinburg on PA Route 45. (Christ’s United Address: 13765 Old Turnpike Road, Millmont, PA 17845.) Dinners include Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Stuffing, Gravy and Vegetable. Cost is $9.00 per dinner. All proceeds will help fund their “Hopes Haven” Food Pantry, open each Wednesday to residents of Union County. For More information, please call 570-716-5601 or email kim@4bellschurch.com.

Blanket Sunday
2020-10-04
Blanket Sunday is October 4, 2020. The container will be at the Synod Office on October 10, 2020, from 9-3. This is not a group gathering, and Lutheran World Relief will need supplies this year more than ever, especially blankets, quilts and health kits. For more information, contact Sue Baylor at 570-279-4766
If you need envelopes, they are available at the Synod Office. If you call Brenda at 570-524-9778 you can arrange to pick them up or have them mailed to you.
Click here for the donation form: https://www.uss-elca.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/LWR-Instructions.doc
Click here for a flyer: https://www.uss-elca.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/BLANKET-SUNDAY-Poster-2020.odt

Youth Retreat: All Hallows Eve Celebration
2020-10-16 08:00 - 17:00
October 31- November 1: Youth Retreat: All Hallows Eve Celebration
The Episcopal Diocese of Central PA is sponsoring this event at Camp Mount Luther and invites youth from synod congregations to attend! Their goal for this event is to have fun while following social distancing guidelines. The Diocese of Central PA youth committee will follow all the COVID-19 response protocols of the Diocese for this youth ministry opportunity. That includes social distancing, masks, a limited number of youth in each cabin, all food will be provided by Camp Mt. Luther. Register here: http://www.cvent.com/events/all-hallows-eve-youth-celebration/event-summary-e3ddade2b3794502810a8a55aface0fa.aspx. For questions about this event, please contact Mary Ellen Kilp at cpayouthcom@gmail.com

Run4Camp
2020-11-01
A new pandemic fundraiser for CML: Run4Camp 5K on All Saints Day: Camp Mount Luther invites you to be part of a fundraiser for camp that is being sponsored by Lutheran Outdoor Ministries. Sixteen Lutheran camps from across the country, including CML, are looking for folks to run/walk/rollerblade/bike/ski/wheelchair (whatever!) on Sunday, November 1, 2020. You will enter with a $25 registration fee and then you can also get at least five sponsors for your 5K with all proceeds going to Camp Mount Luther. Every single nickel pledged/given in support of YOU will go directly to Camp Mount Luther. Then, during your 5K on November 1, you will send a selfie of yourself while you are out on the road, or the trail, or wherever. And there are plans to have a virtual finish line as well. Be part of this exciting new opportunity for LOM and Camp Mount Luther! To sign up: https://lomnetwork.wufoo.com/forms/mi2zyf11 iow6ol/

Evening at Shade Mountain to Benefit Mount Luther
2020-11-06
This is a fundraising opportunity to share fellowship, entertainment, and enjoy locally produced wine, all to benefit Camp Mount Luther. For everyone’s safety, should COVID-19 infections in the area increase significantly, or CDC or PA officials restrict public gatherings, the event will be canceled. Face coverings and social distancing are expected while in the building. Guests will be seated only with those in their arrival party. The first seating will be from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. The second seating will be 6:30-7:30 p.m. There will be a limit of 25 people for each seating. The menu is to include a Club Sandwich with Tortellini Salad, Chips, Dessert, and a glass of wine. Make your reservations by calling 570-922-1587 or emailing cml@campmountluther.org. Cost is a donation to camp. Consider a donation that is equal or greater to the food and entertainment provided. If you choose to purchase any bottles of wine that evening, a portion of the proceeds will be given to Camp Mount Luther. If you cannot make it that night, you can visit Shade Mountain Winery from November 6 to November 13 and purchase wine and indicate it is for the Camp Mount Luther fundraiser. Promote it: https://www.campmountluther.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/2020-Shade-Mountain-Winery-Flyer.pdf

Virtual Racial Justice Training
2020-11-07 09:00 - 14:30
We want to talk about race, racism, and racial justice as a church. We see the need and feel the deep divide in our country and even in some of our communities and congregations. But how do we start? How can we help our church community begin to have conversations about race that are scriptural, educational, helpful? What if we have few or no people of color in our congregation? How do we have healthy conversation around such a charged issue?
The Upper Susquehanna Synod is offering this training to rostered ministers, lay ministry professionals, and congregation members. The training will be led by the Lower Susquehanna Synod’s Toward Racial Justice team with training to foster healthy and holy conversation so that congregations have the tools and confidence to deepen discussions and take action. The workshop will address three important aspects of anti-racism work: 1) Talking about Race: Language, vocabulary, people skills, and best practices, 2) History and systemic racism in the United States, and 3) How to begin conversations and action in your congregation or ministry context.
The 4-hour training will be virtual via ZOOM and will run from 9:00-11AM and 12:30-2:30PM on Saturday November 7, 2020. Cost is $25.00 per person. If more than two members of a congregation register, additional registrants are free. Registration closes 1 week prior to the workshop. Register here For more information or for the free registrants, please contact Marty Shifflett at 717-652-1852 ext. 115 or mshifflett@lss-elca.org.

Thanksgiving- Office Closed
2020-11-21 08:00 - 17:00
The Upper Susquehanna Synod Office will be closed on Thursday and Friday, November 26-27, 2020, in observance of Thanksgiving. The office will reopen at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, November 30, 2020, for appointments only. 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.

Synod Council Meeting
2020-11-21 09:00 - 13:00, 2021-02-13 09:00 - 13:00
At Synod Office

Boundary Training Zoom Workshop
2020-12-02 10:00 - 15:30
Pastor Diane Wheatley, who has led boundary trainings for the Allegheny Synod, will lead this training offered by the Allegheny, Upper Susquehanna, Northwest Pennsylvania, and West Virginia/Western Maryland Synods. Rostered leaders from all four of these synods are encouraged to attend.
Rostered Leaders in the ELCA are strongly encouraged to participate in a boundary training every 2 – 3 years. For those who are considering mobility, many Synods will not consider candidates who have not had a recent boundary training. This training is about helping us to have healthy churches and healthy relationships with our people.
This training will go over the basics of healthy boundaries for rostered leaders and have opportunity for review and discussion around situations we may encounter in church leadership.
Schedule
10 a.m. until noon – Session 1
noon to 1:30pm – Lunch
1:30pm until 3:30pm – Session 2
Pastor Wheatley will offer time for optional conversation after the course is finished at 3:30 for those who would wish to remain on the Zoom call.
To register for this training:

https://tithe.ly/event-registration/#/2720716
Order the course workbook ($15) from Pastor Wheatley: dwheatle@twcny.rr.com (required)

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Synod Office.

Synod Office Closed
2020-12-24 - 2021-01-01
The Upper Susquehanna Synod Office will be closed on Thursday, December 24, 2020, through Friday, January 1, 2021, in observance of the Christmas and New Years holidays. The office will reopen at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, January 3, 2021, for appointments only. 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.

Lessons and Carols for the First Sunday of Christmas
2020-12-27
Our synod staff are providing a recorded service of Lessons and Carols for the First Sunday of Christmas. Congregations that wish to may use this service in place of their usual Sunday worship. The recording will drop on December 26 at 5:00 p.m. on the synod’s YouTube channel and Facebook page. Here is a link to the video: https://youtu.be/BGL26_auMEw
For people without the internet, you can listen to the service by calling 570-989-8899 and the service will be available all week after 9 a.m. Sunday.
To download the bulletin for the service, click here: https://www.uss-elca.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Lessons-and-Carols-for-Christmas.pdf

Synod Office Closed
2021-01-18
The Upper Susquehanna Synod Office will be closed on Monday, January 18, 2021, in observance of Martin Luther King Day. 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.

Diocese of Scranton Ecumenical Prayer Service
2021-01-19 12:10
The theme of this year’s Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, which will take place from January 18-25, is: “Abide in my love… you shall bear much fruit,” (John, 15). This year, because of the pandemic, the Diocese of Scranton commemoration of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity will take place in a slightly different manner. The Ecumenical Service of Prayer will be conducted virtually. The service will be broadcast on Tuesday, January 19, at 12:10 p.m. on Catholic Television of the Diocese of Scranton. At the same time, it will also be made available on the Diocese of Scranton website and through Diocesan social media platforms (Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Instagram). The Reverend Russell McDougall, C.S.C., rector of the Holy Cross Community at King’s College and former rector of the Tantur Ecumenical Institute in Jerusalem will serve as homilist.

Buffalo Valley Lay School of Theology
2021-01-23
The Buffalo Valley Conference of the Upper Susquehanna Synod is excited to once again offer our annual Buffalo Valley Lay School of Theology! This year, they will be offering multiple workshops running from January 23rdthrough February 14th. A catalog of offerings is available here: bit.ly/BVLST2021. Please note that some workshops gather multiple times over the weeks while some are offered as asynchronous videos on YouTube (see the link below for the Buffalo Valley Lay School of Theology YouTube channel). Any workshops with a date and time associated with them will be offered via Zoom; login information for those Zoom gatherings, as well as any additional supplemental resources, will be provided by the moderator after you register for workshops. You can register to participate in workshops here: http://bit.ly/2021bvclayschool. Visit the YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMHt3TS0Fi5sPTZLBBXbtRA

Cultivate Generosity with Adaptive Planning
2021-01-28 19:00 - 20:30
This online workshop on Thursday, January 28, from 7-8:30 p.m., will help you talk about money and giving without shame, guilt, or short-sighted tactics explore how effective churches and leaders understand financial issues (personal and organizational) consider ministry decisions focused on abundant and adaptive planning learn the one “lever” you can pull to increase giving engage all generations and income levels make a plan for your ministry context use digital resources and virtual groups to keep things moving forward
We especially encourage congregational finance teams, stewardship teams and council members to attend as a group, but all are welcome!
Cost: $15, financial support available
Register at https://demdsynod.org/connectedness/generosity-abundance/congregational-generosity/cultivate-generosity-with-adaptive-planning-workshop/

CML Virtual Camperson Meeting
2021-02-07 15:00 - 16:00
The annual camperson meeting at Camp Mount Luther will be on Sunday, February 7, 2021, at 3:00 p.m. via Zoom. We have decided to do a virtual meeting so that we might be safer as well as get more people involved. If you are planning to be your congregation’s camperson, please email chad@campmountluther.org to get the Zoom link.
A camperson is a liaison between camp and your congregations. They are our ambassadors, regularly promoting camp news. Each synod congregation is asked to send a representative to this event to learn more about Mount Luther. Campersons will get Camel Bucks to the camp store for all those who attend from their congregation!

Camp Mount Luther Sunday
2021-02-14
Transfiguration Sunday has been designated by the Upper Susquehanna Synod Council to be recognized each year as “Mount Luther Sunday” to help promote outdoor ministries in the synod. We hope all of our congregations will join in celebrating outdoor ministries by offering financial support, by keeping the camp staff in prayer, and by participating in the numerous events and activities this ministry offers.

Lutheran Confessions Zoom Course
2021-02-20 10:00 - 15:00
The Northwestern Pennsylvania Synod
will offer an introductory course in Lutheran Confessions
by Zoom, February 20-April 3, 2021, 10:00 a.m.

The course is a portion of the synod’s instructional program for Authorized Lay Worship Leaders. Other interested persons are invited to participate. The Rev. Michael L. Lozano, Bishop will be the instructor.
There is no fee for taking the course. Students are responsible for the purchase or borrow of the textbook.
Please register by contacting Pastor Sandra Jones at prskjones@gmail.com by February 10. A syllabus and Zoom link will be provided by Bishop Lozano.
Introduction to the Lutheran Confessions
This course will delve into the writings of Martin Luther and the early reformers. Audio, video and written materials will be used to introduce Lutheran history and theological concepts. Conversation, lecture and the adult learning model will facilitate individual and group synthesis of the materials. Weekly questions and small projects will assist individuals in discovering the application of Lutheran theology for application for the authorized lay worship leader instructional program.
Course Dates Theme
February 20 The Task of Theology
February 27 The Power of the Word
March 13 Righteousness of God in Christ
March 20 Promise of the Sacraments
March 27 (Passover) Reform of the Church
April 3 (Vigil of Easter) Living and Dying as a Christian

Concept for Learning

Bishop Lozano will email each participant a final detailed syllabus prior to the start of the class.
Participants will spend approximately one hour engaging the texts for the week’s theme.
Participants will receive, no later than Tuesday of each week, additional optional materials for consideration along with a series of questions to guide their study prior to class.
The one and half hour class will be by Zoom at 10:00am on the dates provided. Participants will bring to class their questions from the readings, their self-discovery, and observations for class discussion.
Post Zoom class, participants will receive a short assignment each week to facilitate the integration and application of the week’s theme.

Primary Reading Material (digital, hard and paper bound copies can be found online)
Martin Luther’s Basic Theological Writings 3rd Edition by Timothy Lull (author), William Russell (editor), 2012

GROW in the Snow
2021-03-05 - 2021-03-06
CANCELLED

Help Camp Mount Luther During Raise the Region
2021-03-10 18:00 - 2021-03-11 23:59
Camp Mount Luther is participating in The First Community Foundation Partnership of PA’s “Raise the Region” on March 10-11, 2021. It is a 30-hour fundraising event starting at 6:00 p.m. and ending the next day at 11:59 p.m. Money donated by the Blaise Alexander Family Dealerships will help stretch donations made to organizations that day. Additional monetary prizes and incentives will be awarded, too. Proceeds raised for Mount Luther these days to the camp’s Annual Fund unless a donor gets in touch with the camp office to designate it for another camp cause. To be part of Raise the Region, visit www.raisetheregion.org during the event and make an online donation to camp. Running totals will be shown throughout the day at the Raise the Region website. Camp Mount Luther has participated in Raise the Region for eight years and has garnered about $119,000 in donations during this event. The camp hopes you will help us to have another successful year!
