World Food Day
2024-10-15 20:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York)
Join ELCA World Hunger for a celebration of World Food Day and the 50th anniversary of ELCA World Hunger! This special online event will be hosted by the Rev. Amy Current, bishop of the Southeastern Iowa Synod, and Imran Siddiqui, vice president of the ELCA. Tune in on Oct. 15 to hear firsthand stories from partners at ELCA World Hunger projects — including Educación Popular en Salud (EPES), a community health organization in Chile that was founded over 40 years ago, and more recent starts such as Tapestry Farms, a Midwestern urban-farm system in the “Quad Cities” of Iowa and Illinois. You’ll see the impact of 50 years of ELCA World Hunger work and get excited and equipped to be part of the next 50 years! Register at the link here to receive reminders, event information, World Food Day resources and the event recording.

Blanket Sunday Collection
2024-10-19 09:00 - 12:00 | Faith Lutheran, Lewisburg, 2349 Old Turnpike Road, Lewisburg, 17837, United States
BLANKET SUNDAY IS OCTOBER 6, 2024
Sponsored jointly by the Women of the ELCA and the Committee for Global Missions, the collection will be Saturday, October 19, from 9:00 a.m. to Noon at Faith Lutheran Church, 2349 Old Turnpike Road, Lewisburg, PA The container should be available from October 18 until October 22. Please load to the back of the container.

A Variety of Gifts
2024-10-19 09:00 - 15:00 | Milton Lutheran Church, 1125 Mahoning St, Milton, PA, 17847, United States
Workshops include:

No pastor? No problem!
Choosing Hymns, connecting them with the liturgy
Mission Workshop
Engaging with your community

Time built in for fellowship and collaboration

Youth Mystery Night
2024-10-20 14:00 - 17:00 | St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, 3249 N Old Trail, Shamokin Dam, 17876, United States
The next synod youth event is this Sunday! RSVP by October 19 here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfmZ2b9LzjZpyIDVQb3g-hGbD_GTq0IzuYh3AYAJSr-pvzXkQ/viewform

CML Evening at Shade Mountain
2024-11-01 18:00 - 20:00 | Shade Mountain Winery, 53 D and H Ave, Danville, 17821, United States
Camp Mount Luther invites you to an Evening at Shade Mountain Winery, 16140 Route 104, Middleburg. The event will be held on Friday, November 1, 2024, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Food served will include heavy appetizers, desserts, and a complementary glass of wine. Space is limited and reservations are required. Contact cml@campmountluther.org or call 570-922-1587. Cost is by donation. All proceeds benefit Camp Mount Luther. Camp also receives a portion from all bottles of wine purchased that evening.
Promote it! https://www.campmountluther.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/2024-Shade-Mountain-Flyer.pdf

Fall Frisbee Fun Day
2024-11-03 14:30 - 16:00 | Camp Mount Luther, 355 Mt. Luther Lane, Mifflinburg, PA, 17844, United States
Fall Frisbee Fun Day! Ready to enjoy a fall day outdoors and get some exercise? Everyone is invited to come to Camp Mount Luther on Sunday, November 3, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. to play a round of disc golf. Please meet us at the A-Center. There is no need to sign up. Just show up ready to play!

Service of Unity
2024-11-04 18:30 - 19:30
Gathered Together, Sent Together: Services of Unity As we move ever closer to this year’s presidential election, we are reminded of the need for us to be unified under God’s promise of grace in our lives. And yet, the political rhetoric we are exposed to each day seeks to divide us, teaches us to focus on our differences, and distracts us from living out the sacrificial love of Christ. In just a few weeks people of faith will arrive at the polls to cast their ballots. Despite the outcome, we will need to strive to love our neighbors in the same way that God loves us. In Matthew 22: 21 Jesus calls us to “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s”. As people of faith, then, we know that no matter which way we have voted, no matter which way our neighbors have voted, we are one together in the Christ who claims us. As we look to answer the questions of how we will live as one community beginning on November 6th and beyond, we want to start off on the right footing with Christ as our cornerstone in our life together no matter those results. To be reminded of that sure footing together, the Milton Lutheran Church, Christ’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lewisburg, and United In Christ Lutheran Church in West Milton will join to provide two services of unity hosted at the Upper Susquehanna Synod, ELCA. Our first service will be on Monday, November 4th at 6:30 p.m. at the Upper Susquehanna Synod Office. (100 Mahoning St. Milton, PA 17847) We will worship together and remember the baptism by which we have all been claimed together in the community of Christ. From this steadfast remembrance, we will then head to the polls on Tuesday, November 5th in our acts of civil responsibility. Our second service will be on Wednesday, November 6th at 6:30 p.m. at the Upper Susquehanna Synod Office. (100 Mahoning St. Milton, PA 17847) We will join in a service of Holy Communion where we will remember that no matter the events or results of the day prior, we are all joined in the one body of Christ. In this space we will be met by the one who comes to sustain us, nourish us, and reconcile us one to another for our shared life together. We hope you can join us for these services as we gather to remember our unity to one another in the God who claims us. Come and see!

Deadline for Seafarers Bags
2024-11-05
Deadline for Seafarer Bags is Coming! Since 2011, our synod has been providing “Christmas-at-Sea” gift bags for ships’ crews that come into East Coast ports during the Advent and Christmas seasons. The synod invites congregations and individuals to join in collecting “Christmas-at-Sea” Gift Bags for seafarers this Christmas through the Seafarers and International House (SIH) in New York City. Thank you for taking part in this ministry to some of the hardworking, lonely freighter crews who are responsible for 90 percent of the world’s trade via merchant ships. Gift sacks, with instructions, are available at the Synod Office. PLEASE PAY ATTENTION TO THE DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS FOR EACH BAG! Substitute items should not be included. Contact the synod office with questions at 570-524-9778. Please bring completed bags into the synod office before November 5, 2024.
Promote Seafarers and the bag collection with this bulletin insert: https://www.uss-elca.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Seafarers-International-House-bulletin-insert.pdf

Service of Unity
2024-11-06 18:30 - 19:30
Gathered Together, Sent Together: Services of Unity As we move ever closer to this year’s presidential election, we are reminded of the need for us to be unified under God’s promise of grace in our lives. And yet, the political rhetoric we are exposed to each day seeks to divide us, teaches us to focus on our differences, and distracts us from living out the sacrificial love of Christ. In just a few weeks people of faith will arrive at the polls to cast their ballots. Despite the outcome, we will need to strive to love our neighbors in the same way that God loves us. In Matthew 22: 21 Jesus calls us to “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s”. As people of faith, then, we know that no matter which way we have voted, no matter which way our neighbors have voted, we are one together in the Christ who claims us. As we look to answer the questions of how we will live as one community beginning on November 6th and beyond, we want to start off on the right footing with Christ as our cornerstone in our life together no matter those results. To be reminded of that sure footing together, the Milton Lutheran Church, Christ’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lewisburg, and United In Christ Lutheran Church in West Milton will join to provide two services of unity hosted at the Upper Susquehanna Synod, ELCA. Our first service will be on Monday, November 4th at 6:30pm at the Upper Susquehanna Synod Office. (100 Mahoning St. Milton, PA 17847) We will worship together and remember the baptism by which we have all been claimed together in the community of Christ. From this steadfast remembrance, we will then head to the polls on Tuesday, November 5th in our acts of civil responsibility. Our second service will be on Wednesday, November 6th at 6:30pm at the Upper Susquehanna Synod Office. (100 Mahoning St. Milton, PA 17847) We will join in a service of Holy Communion where we will remember that no matter the events or results of the day prior, we are all joined in the one body of Christ. In this space we will be met by the one who comes to sustain us, nourish us, and reconcile us one to another for our shared life together. We hope you can join us for these services as we gather to remember our unity to one another in the God who claims us. Come and see!

Good Shepherd Discipleship Day
2024-11-09 09:00 - 16:30 | Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1600 Fowler Ave, Berwick, PA, 18603, United States
Join Good Shepherd, Berwick for a transformative day of discipleship as we explore the call to follow Jesus. Through engaging sessions, inspiring teachings, and meaningful discussions, we will deepen our understanding of what it means to be a disciple and how to share that journey with others. Grounded in Scripture, our time together will equip you with practical tools and strategies to live out your faith authentically and impactfully in your community. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or seeking to deepen your commitment, this retreat offers a supportive environment for growth, connection, and empowerment. Sign up today to reserve your seat because space is limited!
REGISTRATION AND OTHER INFO
To sign up, simply click this link and fill it out! https://forms.gle/ie5dEESG1cQDBgzY7
The event will be from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on November 9 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church – Berwick, PA (address below). Sign up now to reserve your seat because space is limited!
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
1600 Fowler Avenue
Berwick, PA 18603
The only cost is sacrificing a day of watching college football to grow in discipleship! A free-will offering will be collected to off-set the cost of the day.

Synod Council Meeting
2024-11-09 09:30 - 13:00
Location: Trinity, McAlisterville

Synod Youth Ping Pong Tournament
2024-11-17 15:00 - 17:00 | Sharon Lutheran Church, 120 S Market Street, Selinsgrove, PA, 17870, United States
Do you enjoy church but wish there were more kids your own age? Well then we have good news for you! You are invited to the Upper Susquehanna Synod Youth Group’s third gathering on Sunday, November 17, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Sharon Lutheran, Selinsgrove. The theme is a Ping Pong Tournament!
All youth in grades 6-12 are invited! We hope to see you there!

Bishop's Day
2024-12-12 09:00 - 15:00 | Upper Susquehanna Synod Office, 100 Mahoning St, Milton, 17847, United States
Bishop Miller invites Rostered and Lay leaders of the synod to the next Bishop’s Day, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., December 12, 2024, at the synod office, 100 Mahoning Street, Milton*. Pastor Scott Kershner will present the Intercultural Development Inventory and lead us through the survey process. The Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) is a widely used and effective cross-culturally valid assessment for building cultural competence. It is equally valuable for learning how to better navigate the polarized cultural and political climate, especially in our churches. The IDI is broadly about cultural and worldview difference and how we navigate that effectively.

Participants will receive a link to complete the IDI survey and be invited to hear the results at a follow-up session on February 20, 2025. Cost for the two days is $25 per person**, payable to the Upper Susquehanna Synod and includes lunch: Please register with Brenda Krouse (brenda@uss-elca.org) by December 6. Payment in advance is appreciated.
IN ADDITION: Those who wish to remain for the afternoon will be invited to join in a time of conversation with the bishop. Possible topics include the state of the synod, responding to the election, changes to the Lay Worship Leaders program, Go Tell It IN The Mountains (the compelling preaching initiative of the Allegheny, Northwest PA, and Upper Susquehanna Synods).
*This opportunity fulfills the expectations for Rostered Leaders and Authorized Lay Leaders to complete training in anti-racism.
**For those who previously took the IDI Survey with Pastor Kershner, attendance at either day is free. You need not take the survey again.
Bishop’s Days take place approximately every other month and provide synod leaders opportunities to engage with the Bishop and collegiality in rest, renewal, and re-creation. Ideas are welcome for future Bishop’s Days and may be sent to the bishop or Chad Hershberger.

Advent Holy Hike
2024-12-15 14:00 - 15:00
The staff at Camp Mount Luther knows this time of year is a busy one. They know you need to take a breath and remember what the season is all about. What better way than to join friends and spend time outdoors, enjoying creation?
Executive Director Chad Hershberger and Associate Director Pastor Jim Vitale will lead an Advent Holy Hike from 2:00-4:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 15, 2024, on the grounds at Camp Mount Luther. The hike will be about one mile in length and will reflect on the promises of the coming Messiah and the Christmas story. Christmas refreshments to follow. If you have questions, email cml@campmountluther.org or call 570-922-1587.

Youth Christmas Party
2024-12-15 15:00 - 17:00
Do you enjoy church but wish there were more kids your own age? Well then we have good news for you! You are invited to the Upper Susquehanna Synod Youth Group’s next gathering on Sunday, December 15, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Camp Mount Luther, Mifflinburg. The theme is a Christmas Party! You can come at 2:00 p.m. for an Advent Holy Hike at the camp. All youth in grades 6-12 are invited! We hope to see you there!

Winterfest
2025-01-03 - 2025-01-05
YOU are invited to WINTERFEST 2025
The Upper Susquehanna Synod is looking to send as many youth as we can to Winterfest. Winterfest is a weekend of faith-formation with senior high and young adults ages 18-24! It will be held on January 3-5, 2025, at the Wyndham Resort in Lancaster.
What is Winterfest? Large group gatherings feature keynote speakers and live music that introduce the theme and help inspire youth and young adult attendees to think critically about how the theme intersects their daily lives. Small group conversations allow participants to go deeper, and to explore the ways God may be speaking to them through the theme and the surrounding Christian community. Congregational advisors have opportunity to meet with peers for continuing education, networking, and mutual support. In addition, “ELECTIVES” in the afternoon block on Saturday will give you a chance to explore more. Youth, young adults, AND adult advisors will be able to self-select the elective options they wish to attend, based on their interests.
This year’s theme is … Fingerprints. Cost for participants is $225. Thanks to a grant, young adults can go for $175. Registration includes two-nights lodging, Friday snack, breakfast, lunch and dinner on Saturday, and breakfast on Sunday. Worship concludes our time together on Sunday morning, and parents who are coming to pick up youth are invited to arrive early enough to join us for worship. A $50 deposit is due at the time of registration. Registration deadline: December 8, 2024
You know high-school aged youth who would love to attend and we ask you to please encourage them to go. We also need adult chaperones, so please come with us, too! Once you know what youth would like to attend, reach out to us at cml@campmountluther.org and we’ll work on putting registrations together. If you’d like more information or have a talk at your congregation, contact Linda Romanak at: 717-919-7653 or linjanrom@gmail.com. You can also contact chad@campmountluther.org or jim@campmountluther.org.
Promote it with this bulletin insert

Synod Council Meeting
2025-02-08 09:30 - 13:00
Online

Synod Youth Ministry Trivia Night
2025-02-16 14:00 - 17:00 | Milton Lutheran Church, 1125 Mahoning St, Milton, PA, 17847, United States
Do you enjoy church but wish there were more kids your own age? Well then we have good news for you! You are invited to the Upper Susquehanna Synod Youth Group’s next gathering on Sunday, February 16, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Milton Lutheran Church, Milton. The theme is a Trivia Night! All youth in grades 6-12 are invited! We hope to see you there!

Bishop's Day
2025-02-20
Bishop Miller invites Rostered and Lay leaders of the synod to Bishop’s Day, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., February 20, 2025, at the synod office, 100 Mahoning Street, Milton*. Pastor Scott Kershner will present the second part of the Intercultural Development Inventory. The Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) is a widely used and effective cross-culturally valid assessment for building cultural competence. It is equally valuable for learning how to better navigate the polarized cultural and political climate, especially in our churches. The IDI is broadly about cultural and worldview difference and how we navigate that effectively.
*This opportunity fulfills the expectations for Rostered Leaders and Authorized Lay Leaders to complete training in anti-racism.

Taste of Camp
2025-02-23 14:00 - 16:00 | Camp Mount Luther, 355 Mt. Luther Lane, Mifflinburg, PA, 17844, United States
Hungry for camp but can’t wait until the summer? Always wanted to try camp but not sure you’ll like it? Camp Mount Luther has an event for you! On February 23, 2025, from 2:00-4:00 p.m., you can get a Taste of Camp! Enjoy songs, food, games, a campfire program, information on the 2025 program, and more! Those who attend will get Camel Bucks to spend in the camp store this summer.
This year’s summer camp season will begin on June 15 and run until August 1. There are programs for all ages from elementary to senior high, and for adults and families. If you’re looking for a place where your child can grow in faith and have fun doing it, Camp Mount Luther is that place. Don’t settle for second-rate summer programs. Camp Mount Luther has been giving kids fun, exciting, faith-filled, outdoor experiences for over 60 years. If you have questions about our summer programs, feel free to reach out to us at cml@campmountluther.org!

CML Fundraising Dinner
2025-02-23 16:00 - 18:00 | Camp Mount Luther, 355 Mt. Luther Lane, Mifflinburg, PA, 17844, United States
Join Camp Mount Luther on Sunday, February 23, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Evergreen Center at the camp for a Fundraising Dinner! The dinner will be held immediately following the camp’s annual Taste of Camp event featuring songs, snacks, games, a campfire program, information on the 2025 program, and more!
The menu will consist of ham, twice-baked potatoes, vegetable, roll, dessert and beverage. A minimum of $15 per person is suggested as a donation for the meal. Reservations are needed and can be made by contacting the camp office at (570) 922-1587 or cml@campmountluther.org. The deadline for reservations is Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.
Come and enjoy some fellowship, fun and good food during the wintertime at Camp Mount Luther! It should be a great afternoon to gather and support our outdoor ministry!

Camp Mount Luther Sunday
2025-03-02
Members of the congregations of the Upper Susquehanna Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) will celebrate outdoor ministries in February. Synod congregations will join to celebrate the annual “Camp Mount Luther Sunday” on March 2, 2025, Transfiguration Sunday. The Upper Susquehanna Synod Council designated that day to be “Camp Mount Luther Sunday” to help promote outdoor ministries in the synod. Congregations will uplift the ministries of the camp during their worship services that day.

Camp Mount Luther is an extension of the ministry that is done in local congregations. The camp is asking that congregations promote the camp on that Sunday or designate another Sunday this spring to do so. Ways to promote the camp include bulletin inserts to share with congregation members, Temple Talks, camper testimonials, bulletin board displays, special camp music during Sunday school and church services as well as special offerings being collected. These activities are all expected to be done during worship services across the synod.

Worship Practicum
2025-03-08 09:00 - 12:00 | Upper Susquehanna Synod Office, 100 Mahoning St, Milton, 17847, United States
Bishop Miller will once again lead a worship practicum on March 8, 9:00-12:00, at the synod office, 100 Mahoning Street, Milton. This practicum is open to anyone who has interest in planning and carrying out worship, especially Lay Worship Leaders, Assisting Ministers, and Worship Committees. Topics include leadership presence, elements of worship, setting up for worship, understanding and using the altar book, and more. Please call the synod office and let Brenda know if you plan to attend.

Raise the Region helps CML
2025-03-12 18:00 - 2025-03-13 23:59
Camp Mount Luther is once again participating in Raise the Region and we need YOUR support! Your donations made through raisetheregion.org will help Camp Mount Luther continue to provide quality spiritual formation, outdoor adventure, intentional community, and leadership development experiences for people of all ages. The more donors and donations we raise the better our chances of receiving incentives, stretch dollars, and awards! Please go to raisetheregion.org between March 12 at 6:00 p.m. through March 13 at 11:59 p.m. to make your contribution. Thank you for your generosity! A bulletin insert to promote this is here: https://www.campmountluther.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/RAISE-THE-REGION_2025.pdf

West Branch Conference Assembly
2025-03-30 14:00 - 16:00 | Messiah Lutheran, South Williamsport, 101 W. Southern Ave, South Williamsport, PA, 17702, United States
Voting members to the Synod Assembly are expected to attend their own Conference Assembly, held prior to the synod assembly. Conference Assemblies review and discuss any memorials/resolutions being proposed to the synod assembly, elect conference leaders, nominate conference members to the ballot for synodical elections, and conduct other business as needed by the conference.

Tulpehocken Conference Assembly
2025-04-06 02:00 - 16:00 | Zion Lutheran, Sunbury, 15 S. Fifth Street, Sunbury, 17801, United States

Middle Creek Conference Assembly
2025-04-06 14:00 - 16:00 | Sharon Lutheran Church, 120 S Market Street, Selinsgrove, PA, 17870, United States

Buffalo Valley Conference Assembly
2025-04-06 14:00 - 16:00 | Milton Lutheran Church, 1125 Mahoning St, Milton, PA, 17847, United States

CML Early Registration Deadline
2025-04-15
Register for summer camp by midnight on April 15 to get an exclusive T-shirt. www.campmountluther.org/summer

Chrism Mass
2025-04-15 11:00 - 13:00 | St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, 3249 N Old Trail, Shamokin Dam, 17876, United States
The annual Chrism Mass is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on April 15, 2025, at St. Matthew’s, Shamokin Dam. It will feature a renewal of commitment to ministry as well as a blessing of oils. This service is open to anyone who would like to attend. Pastors, Deacons, and Authorized Lay Worship Leaders are especially invited to renew vows and recommit to worship leadership. Please RSVP to brenda@uss-elca.org if you are planning to stay for the luncheon following the service.
