Upper Susquehanna Synod

Evening at Shade Mountain to Benefit Mount Luther
2021-11-05 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
This is a fundraising opportunity to share fellowship, entertainment, and locally produced wine, all to benefit Camp Mount Luther. It’s held at Shade Mountain Winery, 16140 Route 104, Middleburg, PA. There will be a limit of 50 people for this year’s event, which will run from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, November 5, 2021. Entertainment will be provided by KJ Reimensnyder-Wager, a local folk musician. Menu to include heavy appetizers, desserts, and a complementary glass of wine. Reservations required. Call 570-922-1587 or email cml@campmountluther.org. Cost is a donation. Consider a donation equal or greater to the food and entertainment provided. If you choose to purchase any bottles of wine that evening, camp receives a portion of the proceeds. Promote it with this flyer: https://www.campmountluther.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/2021-Shade-Mountain-Winery-Flyer.pdf

An Opportunity for Church Musicians and All who Sing or Play Hymns
2021-10-30 09:00 - 12:30
This will be presented by Dr. Karl Moyer of Lancaster, organist and retired professor, on Saturday, October 30, 9:00-12:30, at Weber Chapel on the campus of Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove. His topic is titled “Authenticity in Hymn Singing, Translating Theology into Organ Sound,” addressing how different church bodies’ hymnody reflects their theology, citing Middle Ages, Moravian, Lutheran, Calvinist, Church of England, Lowell Mason, and Anabaptist hymnody. The event is sponsored by the Williamsport Chapter of the American Guild of Organists and is free for any Organ Guild member; there is a $10 registration fee for others. For more information, contact Donna Elkin at 570-323-7367 or donnaelkin@gmail.com

Run4Camp 5K
2021-10-24
Camp Mount Luther invites you to be part of a fundraiser for camp that is being sponsored by Lutheran Outdoor Ministries. Lutheran camps from across the country, including CML, are looking for folks to run/walk/rollerblade/bike/ski/wheelchair (whatever!) on Sunday, October 24, 2021 (or another date of your choosing). You will enter with a $25 registration fee and then you should get at least five sponsors for your 5K with all proceeds going to Camp Mount Luther. This is also a fundraiser for the Lutheran Outdoor Ministries organization as Camp Mount Luther has paid an entry fee to be part of this event. Your friends, family, colleagues, neighbors — whomever you identify — will fill out a form and they will then be directed to make a gift to your camp. Every single nickel pledged/given in support of YOU will go directly to Camp Mount Luther. Then, during your 5K, 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 opportunity for LOM and Camp Mount Luther! To sign up, visit www.lomnetwork.org/run4camp.

CML Fall Frisbee Funday
2021-10-03 15:00 - 16:00
On October 3, we will be hosting Fall Frisbee Funday at Camp Mount Luther. At 3:00 p.m., the director will be at the A-Center for anyone who would like to play a round of Frisbee Golf. No need to sign-up, just show up to play.

“God’s work. Our hand.” Day of Service
2021-09-12
Save the date! “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday will be Sunday, September 12, 2021. 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! Access resources to guide your congregation’s planning, promotion and more, including a hymn you can sing that day at https://www.elca.org/dayofservice.
One project congregations may consider is to prepare Flood Cleanup Buckets for Church World Service. Information about putting together buckets can be found at https://www.uss-elca.org/flood-bucket-collection/ or by watching this video: https://youtu.be/7xtbvJB9fBk

Synod Office Closed
2021-09-06
The Upper Susquehanna Synod Office will be closed on Monday, September 6, 2021, in observance of Labor 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.

Dandelion Trail Run at CML
2021-09-04 09:00 - 12:00
Camp Mount Luther will be holding a 5- and 10- kilometer trail run race at the camp on Saturday, September 4, 2021. 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. You must be registered by August 8 by 6:00 p.m. to receive a duffel bag. The 10k distance is included in the Rocksylvania 10k race series. More details on that are available at http://midpenntrailblazers.com/links.html. Registration is $35. Registration opens at 7:30 a.m. on race day. 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 https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Mifflinburg/DandelionRun5k10kTrailRace. 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.

Juniata Valley Conference Assembly
2021-08-16 18:00 - 19:00

Summer Institute for Ministry
2021-08-09 - 2021-08-12
Feeling emotionally spent, spiritually absent, and heading toward burnout? You are not alone! Join us for the 2021 ULS Summer Institute at Claggett Retreat Center in the rolling hills of Maryland where we’ll begin to breathe out the feelings of guilt, cynicism, and confrontation, and explore ways to be resilient, hold holy space, address struggles, and seek wellness even in the face of trauma and grief. Join us for this time with other Rostered Leaders to gather in person to rest, renew, reframe and breathe in God’s calling for us in this time. This rostered leader’s event is being sponsored by United Lutheran Seminary in Partnership with Regions 7 & 8 Synods. The theme is “Rest – Renew – Reframe.”
Each day will have no more than four hours of learning and will offer multiple times in the day to walk the labyrinth, visit a slave gravesite on the Trail of Souls, get a chair massage, nap, enjoy a guided meditation class, read a book on the veranda overlooking the Monocacy river valley, have time with a Spiritual Director or coach, and even find a friend to sit and remember what its like to just chat. We ask each person to bring a small bag of dirt from your home or ministry for our final sending.
Click here to register: https://ulsforms.wufoo.com/forms/z1q7x0l209d7ns6/
Click here for more information and a schedule: https://www.unitedlutheranseminary.edu/calendar/summer-institute-for-ministry-a-rostered-leaders-event

Rostered Leaders Renewal Day
2021-08-04 09:00 - 15:30
Bishop Collins invites rostered leaders and seminarians to a Renewal Day on August 4, 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at Camp Mount Luther. This one-day event will include opportunities for worship, conversation, relaxation, recreation, and refreshment. The day begins at 9:00 a.m. and concludes at 3:30 p.m. The campgrounds will be open for exploring all day or bring lawn chairs or blankets for sitting on the grounds and enjoying a day away. Those who attend will have opportunities to participate in small group conversations, a nature hike, swimming, fishing, canoeing, and more. Also, Portico’s Barb Debski and the ELCA Foundation’s Marianne Brock will be on-site. Bishop Collins and Pastor 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 at https://forms.office.com/r/gDi2EEEiZM

CML Pick-An-Adventure
2021-08-02 - 2021-08-06
Camp Mount Luther is in full swing with their summer programs! There is still time to register for their new Pick-An-Adventure Camp which will be from August 2-6. This is a week for you to come for a day (or more) and do the activities that you want to do. Our staff will lead your family or just your kids for the day from 9-3:30. Lunch will be provided. You will have time and space to talk, listen, grow, share, play, sing, and pray together. Enjoy GROW Time, camp activities, and rest in God’s creation.
For more information, visit the camp website at www.campmountluther.org or call 570-922-1587. Stay connected to camp this summer and find out what is happening during our various programs, visit Facebook (www.facebook.com/mountluther), Twitter (@mtluther) and our blog (www.campmountluther.wordpress.com). We try to update these daily but please realize that our staff is quite busy and if updates are not posted, it’s because the campers and staff are so busy that they can’t get an update posted. And don’t forget, our daily First Light devotions will continue to be posted each weekday. Check them at www.cmlfaithformation.weebly.com.

A Day in the Life of a Missionary
2021-07-17 10:00 - 23:00
The Global Mission Team of the Upper Susquehanna Synod is inviting you to join us for an hour on Saturday, July 17, as we speak with ELCA missionary, Rev. Linda Johnson Seyenkulo. If you have always wanted to learn what our missionaries do in Liberia, here is your chance to “travel” with her and see what day to day life is like.
Rev. Linda is a busy pastor, teacher, wife and mother. Being married to the Bishop of the Lutheran Church of Liberia, she is also the “Mother” of the church which offers more opportunities and responsibilities to share the Gospel.
We will hear the challenges they have faced in the global pandemic and how they adjusted to offering ministry in the wake of COVID 19. Rev. Linda was unable to come to the U.S. last year, but is now visiting family in the U.S.. The ELCA has asked that the missionaries not travel within the U.S.. Therefore, she is unable to come to our synod or supporting congregations. But that won’t stop us from gathering via Zoom to hear what is going on with her and her work in Liberia!
This is a wonderful opportunity to hear and see a small bit of missionary life without leaving the comfort of your home. Please join us at 10AM, Saturday, July 17. Follow this link: Ann Zimmerman is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Missionary Life Rev. Linda Johnson Seyenkulo
Time: Jul 17, 2021 10:00 AM Eastern Time
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85483550726?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 854 8355 0726
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Feel free to email annzimmerman@hotmail.com to receive a direct link to the meeting by Friday, July 16th.

Synod Council Meeting
2021-07-14 18:30 - 20:30
At Camp Mount Luther

Synod Assembly
2021-06-19
This year’s Synod Assembly will be all digital! For more information click here:
www.uss-elca.org/assembly

CML Spring Work Day
2021-05-22 08:00 - 13:00
Practice stewardship through service at camp at Camp Mount Luther at the Annual Spring Work Day on Saturday, May 22, 2021, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. We need your help getting the camp grounds and facilities ready for summer. There will be plenty to do and everyone in the family can help! Please bring supplies to do cleaning, mulching, raking, and light construction projects such as step ladders, buckets, rakes, etc. A light lunch will be served. RSVP by May 17 if staying for lunch to cml@campmountluther.org or 570-922-1587. Promote it: https://www.campmountluther.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/2021-Work-Day-Flyer.pdf

Bishop's Open Golf Tournament
2021-05-10 11:00 - 17:00
The annual Bishop Open’s Golf Classic is set for May 10, 2021, beginning at 11:00 a.m. at the Susquehanna Valley Country Club in Shamokin Dam. The tournament benefits Camp Mount Luther and the camp’s annual fund. The camp’s golf tournament committee is currently looking for hole sponsors, silent auction items, and golfers. If you can help, please contact the camp office at 570-922-1587 or cml@campmountluther.org. Congregations are also encouraged to become hole sponsors.

CML Spring Open House
2021-05-02 14:00 - 16:00
New and former campers, family, and friends are invited to the Camp Mount Luther Spring Open House on Sunday, May 2, 2021, from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. to enjoy a nice spring day at camp. Come see what it is like to be a camper, tour our facilities, ask questions, and participate in fun “camp” activities. If you are a returning camper, consider bringing a friend who has never been to camp. Want to get a taste of camp before the summer season? This event is perfect for new campers who are a little apprehensive about leaving home for the first time. First time campers who attend can get a coupon for a discount on their summer registration!
To download a flyer for the event, click here: https://www.campmountluther.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/2021-Spring-Open-House-Flyer.pdf

Synod Wide Rogation Service
2021-05-01 16:00 - 17:00
In partnership with the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry of Pennsylvania (LAMPa), the United Lutheran Seminary (ULS), and the other six ELCA synods of Pennsylvania, a Rogation Service will be held at Camp Mt. Luther at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 1st. Each of the seven synods will hold a Rogation worship service on their own territory which will include a focus on soil samples that were gathered from across the state. The soil samples were mixed together and then the combined soil was placed in containers to distribute back to each synod to include in their service. Our service at the camp will take place outside, beginning at the amphitheater and concluding at the prayer labyrinth. In case of rain, the service will begin in the pavilion but still conclude at the labyrinth, so bring your rain gear. We also ask that masks be worn while we are gathered for this worship service. For more information about this Rogation partnership across the state, please visit LAMPa’s website.

Synod Council Meeting
2021-04-24 09:00 - 13:00, 2021-02-13 09:00 - 13:00
At Synod Office

CML Early Registration Deadline
2021-04-15 23:59
Register for summer camp at Mount Luther by midnight on April 15, 2021, to get a discount on your summer camp registration! Or, if you bring a friend to camp who’s never been there, you and the friend (or sibling or church buddy) can both get $25 off your registration! Or first-time campers who attend the Spring Open House on May 2 can get the same discount on their summer registration! Only one discount per camper. Program information: www.campmountluther.org/summer. Register online at https://www.campmountluther.org/online-registration/

Synod Office Closed
2021-04-02 - 2021-04-05
The Upper Susquehanna Synod Office will be closed on Friday, April 2, and Monday, April 5, 2021, in observance of Good Friday and Easter. 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.

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!

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

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

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.

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!

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/

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
