Upper Susquehanna Synod

GROW Writers’ Retreat
2019-04-04 10:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York)
Anyone wishing to come and write devotions for Camp Mount Luther’s First Light Digital Devotions is welcome to join other writers on April 4, 2019. The retreat will be from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Evergreen Center. It will be a day of writing and sharing resources for devotional writing. Please RSVP to the camp office at cml@campmountluther.org or 570-922-1587.

Conference Assemblies
2019-03-31
All voting members to Synod Assembly are expected to attend their conference assembly.

Juniata Valley: Sunday, March 31, 6:00 PM, Trinity, McAlisterville
Middle Creek: Sunday, March 31, 5:00 PM, Salem, Selinsgrove
North Branch: Sunday, March 31, 2:00 PM, Pine Street, Danville
West Branch: Sunday, March 31, 3:00 PM, Messiah, South Williamsport

LARC Lunch
2019-03-21
Lutheran Anglican and Roman Catholic representatives will hold the next LARC Lunch on Thursday, March 21, at that Harrisburg Diocesan Center (4800 Union Deposit Road, Harrisburg, PA). RSVP by noon on Friday, March 15, to FrJLease@HBGDIOCESE.ORG.

Meeting on Disaster Response Work Trip
2019-03-18 19:00 - 20:00
The Susquehanna Interfaith Network for Disaster Response is facilitating a work trip to North Carolina on May 19-25, 2019. A planning meeting for anyone interested in attending will take place March 18, 2019, at 7:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Milton. Click here for a flyer/more information: https://www.uss-elca.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Poster.pdf. For more information contact Doug Orbaker (dougorbaker@yahoo.com).

Day of Remembrance Essay Deadline
2019-03-15
The Upper Susquehanna Synod Council supports the work of Days of Remembrance, a member of the Association of Holocaust Organizations. Synod Council encourages congregations to publicize the organization’s essay contest, which has a deadline of March 15, 2019. Go to www.daysofremembrance.org/essay-contest for more information. Awards will be announced in early May. There are financial prizes.

Camp Mount Luther Helped by Raise the Region
2019-03-13 18:30 - 2019-03-14 23:59
Camp Mount Luther is participating in “Raise the Region” on March 13-14, 2019. The event, coordinated by The First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania, helps the community support local nonprofit organizations’ fundraising efforts. FCFP, in partnership with Blaise Alexander Family Dealerships, will be launching the 30-hour fundraising event on March 13 and 14, 2019, starting at 6:00 p.m. on March 13 and ending at 11:59 p.m. on March 14. Blaise Alexander Family Dealerships has donated money that will be used to stretch a portion of donations made to pre-registered nonprofits. Additional monetary prizes and incentives will be awarded throughout the entire event. This program is designed to help organizations, like Camp Mount Luther, kickoff 2019 fundraising campaigns and increase donor bases. Proceeds from this event will go to camp’s Annual Fund, unless a donor gets in touch with the camp office to designate it for another camp cause. How it works:

On March 13 and 14, donors will visit raisetheregion.orgfrom a computer, smart phone, iPad, etc. to learn more about the nonprofits participating and how their work is impacting our community.
You can then make an online donation to support one or more of those nonprofit organizations on the Raise the Region website. Running totals will be shown throughout the day at the Raise the Region website.
At the end of the donation period, a pro-rated match per gift will be determined and the Community Foundation will send checks to all participating nonprofits with the amount raised, the pro-rated match, and any EXTRA money from prizes awarded throughout the day.

Camp Mount Luther has participated in Raise the Region for six years and has garnered about $82,000 in donations during this event. The camp hopes you will help us to have another successful year!

Volunteer Chaplain Assistant Training
2019-03-05
UPMC Susquehanna’s Pastoral Care Department announces their Volunteer Chaplain Assistant Training on Tuesday, March 5, 2019, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the UPMC Sunbury Hospital in the ground floor conference room (use main entrance, take elevator to ground floor). Topics include: UPMC Susquehanna’s mission, the structure of a pastoral patient visit, assessing a patient’s spiritual needs, patient-centered listening, and when to pray with a patient. Following the training, Volunteer Chaplain Assistants will be scheduled to shadow with their staff chaplains. If you or someone you know would enjoy being a UPMC Susquehanna VCA please contact JoAnn Welch at 570-546-4128 by February 26, 2019, at welchja2@upmc.edu.

Buffalo Valley Conference Lay School of Theology
2019-03-03 14:00 - 17:30
This event will be from 2:00-5:30 p.m. at Christ’s, Lewisburg, and will feature workshops and educational opportunities. The conference extends an invitation to all to participate in this day of learning and conversation. Continuing Ed contact hours available for Authorized Lay Worship Leaders. To see the schedule and sessions, click here: https://www.uss-elca.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BV-Lay-School.pdf. You may direct further inquiries to Rev. John Yost, 570-837-9232, prjohnyost@gmail.com. Freewill offering for refreshment costs. Advanced registration is helpful but not necessary. Call 570-837-9232 or 570-524-9778.

Mount Luther Sunday
2019-03-03
The Upper Susquehanna Synod Council has designated that Transfiguration Sunday each year be recognized as “Mount Luther Sunday” to help promote outdoor ministries in the synod. Members of USS congregations are encouraged to celebrate outdoor ministries on this day, March 3, 2019. Mount Luther is an extension of the ministry that is done in local Lutheran congregations. The camp asks 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 offering being collected. Ideas are available here: https://www.campmountluther.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Mount-Luther-Sunday-Flyer.pdf. For a bulletin insert to put in your church bulletin, click here: https://www.campmountluther.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/General-Bulletin-Insert.pdf

Conference Assemblies
2019-02-19 08:00 - 17:00
All voting members to Synod Assembly are expected to attend their conference assembly.

Buffalo Valley: Sunday, April 7, 2:00 PM, Zion, Turbotville
Tulpehocken: Sunday, April 7, 1:00 PM, Grace, Shamokin

Synod Council Meeting
2019-02-16 09:30 - 13:30, 2018-11-17 09:30 - 13:30
At Synod Office

Happening #12
2019-02-15 - 2019-02-17
This is a program sponsored by the Episcopal Diocese of Central PA, held at Camp Mount Luther. Because of the synod and camp’s partnership with the diocese, Lutheran youth are welcome and encouraged to attend. All youth in grades 9-12 are invited for an exciting weekend of fun, friendship, and faith! Youth leadership is a key feature of the Happening program. The entire weekend is led “by youth for youth” with adult supervisions and guidance. Happening is not a traditional church retreat. As a Happener, whether you are a high school student or an adult) yes adults may happen, too!) You will have the opportunity to talk about God, as God is reflected in your daily life, with your peers, the people who will be experiencing the same event with you. Happening is truly an event designed with you and your faith in mind! Finally, a key piece to a happy Happening is dedication to a friendly, accepting, and understanding environment. No matter who you are, where you come from, or what your favorite cereal happens to be, you are welcome with open arms. Please register by February 8, 2019! Click to register: https://tinyurl.com/ycnlgl4q. Cost is $125.00 and scholarships are available.
Please contact Mary Ellen Kilp or Theda Tallman at cpayouthcom@gmail.com for questions. Click here for a flyer about the event: https://www.uss-elca.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Happening-flyer-12.docx

GROW in the Snow
2019-02-08 - 2019-02-09
This year’s synod youth retreat at Camp Mount Luther will be held on February 8-9, 2019. All youth in 6-12th grade and their youth leaders are invited to attend. The theme of this year’s retreat is “The Apps on God’s Tablets,” dealing with the Ten Commandments. Experience your Creator, play winter games and find refreshment in the peace of camp in winter. The retreat is from Friday night to Saturday afternoon, but there is an option for youth and leaders to come just for the day on Saturday. Cost is $60 (whole program) or $40 (Saturday only) if registered by January 29, 2019. A late fee of $25 added after that date. No refunds will be given after the January 29 deadline. Each registered group should provide one adult (21 or over) for every seven youth and at least one adult for each gender represented. Cabin assignments will be made based on available adults and number of youth attending. Contact Chad Hershberger at chad@campmountluther.org with questions. Click here for a flyer and registration form: https://www.campmountluther.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/2019-GROW-in-the-Snow-Flyer.pdf

Mental Health First Aid Training at United Lutheran Seminary
2019-02-07
One in five adults will experience a diagnosable mental disorder in any given year. Even if you are not a trained mental health professional, you can be prepared and know what to do when a mental health crisis happens. Mental Health First Aid is a clinically proven training course that will help you identify and respond to the signs of mental health difficulties and give you the skills to apply a 5-step action plan to assess a situation and provide help. Participants will receive a nationally recognized course certificate of completion, a Mental Health First Aid manual, listing of local mental health resources and Certification as a Mental Health First Aid Responder. The eight-hour course is offered by WellSpan Philhaven. This event will be held on February 7, 2019, in Valentine Auditorium on the Gettysburg Campus and on February 26, 2019, at Benbow Hall of Brossman Center on the Philadelphia campus from 8:30-4:30 p.m. Cost is $40 and includes lunch.

Ecumenical Celebration
2019-01-24 12:00 - 13:00
JIn recognition of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity the Roman Catholic Diocese of Scranton will host an Ecumenical Celebration of God’s Word on Thursday, January 24, 2019, at 12:10 p.m., in St Peter’s Cathedral, Scranton. The Rev. Rebecca Tanner, Moderator, Ashley Presbyterian Church, will preach and music will be provided by the students from All Saints Academy, Scranton. All are invited to this service. Bishop Collins encourages all our congregations to remember God’s call to seek the unity of our church, especially during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, January 18-25.

MLK Interfaith Prayer Breakfast
2019-01-19
You are invited to the inaugural MLK Jr. Interfaith Prayer Breakfast! Mark your calendars and plan to join us on Saturday, January 19, 2019, for prayer, fellowship and to celebrate Dr. King’s legacy. Should you have any questions, please contact Jackie Curran at jcurran@hbgdiocese.org or (717) 657-4804 ext. 313. It is easy to register: You may complete your registration online (https://hbgdiocese.formstack.com/forms/interfaith_prayer_breakfast) or print and mail the registration form: https://www.uss-elca.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/MLK-breakfast-flyer-form.pdf

United Lutheran Seminary Preaching Perspectives
2019-01-16 - 2019-01-17
Come, by yourself, bring a friend or attend as a pericope group (to enhance your work as a group), to a one-day lecture for anyone interested in thematic ideas, exegetical insights and preaching ideas for the coming liturgical season. There are three of these held during the academic year. The event will be held in Valentine Auditorium on the Gettysburg Campus on January 16, 2019, and in Benbow Hall of the Brossman Center on the Philadelphia Campus on January 17, 2019, both from 9:00-3:00 p.m. The Rev. Dr. Kristin Largen will be presenting preaching ideas, themes, text insights and notable thoughts on texts for Ash Wednesday through Easter. Cost is $40 and includes lunch.

CML Summer Brochure Release Party
2018-12-30 14:00 - 16:00
Camp Mount Luther is hosting a new event this year for everyone to learn about their Summer 2019 programs. Everyone, but most especially campers, parents, alumni staff, and potential campers and families are invited to come to this new, exciting winter camp event! It will be held on Sunday, December 30, 2018, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. in the Evergreen Center. Celebrate the holidays and meet up with camp friends to do crafts, games, singing, eating, and more. Members of the 2018 Summer Staff will lead this program! While the kids are playing with the camp staff, the annual CAMPERSON MEETING will be at 3:00 p.m. 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! At 3:30, details will be released for everyone about Summer 2019’s schedule and theme. You can get your own copy of the summer brochure and start making plans. You won’t want to miss it! Camel Bucks for the camp store will be given to those who attend this event. Campersons will get Camel Bucks for all those who attend from their congregation! Here is a bulletin insert/flyer: https://www.campmountluther.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/2018-SBRP.pdf

Synod Office Closed
2018-12-24 - 2019-01-01
The Upper Susquehanna Synod Office will be closed on Monday, December 24, 2018, through Monday, January 1, 2019, in observance of the Christmas and New Year’s Holidays. The office will reopen at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 2, 2019. 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 Christmas to all!

Live Nativity
2018-12-14 - 2018-12-15
United in Christ Lutheran Parish (Snyder and Juniata Counties) presents a Live Nativity on Friday, December 14, and Saturday, December 15, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, 9084 PA-35, Mount Pleasant Mills (just west of the intersection of Routes 35 and 104). Free admission, hot beverages and cookies provided.

Holiday Breakfast
2018-12-08 09:00 - 11:00
Diakon’s Buffalo Valley Lutheran Village and Camp Mount Luther are teaming up to provide a fun morning of food, fellowship, and Christmas crafts and games on Saturday, December 8, 2017. The breakfast will feature an appearance and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, food, and craft stations. Space is limited. Call Gretchen at 570-523-4285 to RSVP. The event will be from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at the Buffalo Valley Lutheran Village Common Building. For more information and a flyer to help publicize this event to your friends, visit https://www.campmountluther.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/SLS-BV-Breakfast-With-Santa-4Q-B-2017-PRINT.pdf

Boundary Awareness Training
2018-12-07
The Lower Susquehanna Synod is holding a boundary awareness training on December 7, 2018, at Good Shepherd in Liverpool. Cost is $25. For more information, visit https://www.lss-elca.org/event/boundary-workshop-3/
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.

Creativity Workshop for Church Leaders
2018-12-01 10:00 - 14:00
This workshop, held on Saturday, December 1, 2018, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., will be at the Montoursville Presbyterian Church, 900 Elm Street, Montoursville. Dr. Christine Arnoey-Sine and Dr. Tom Sine will be the presenters. Christine will present the program, “Gift of Wonder: Creative practices for delighting in God.” Tom will present the program, “Creating Your Best Church for the 2020s.” Lunch will be provided, if you RSVP. For more information and to RSVP contact Rev. Jill Young, jyoung@bloomu.edu, 570-316-7452. For a flyer with more details, click here: https://www.uss-elca.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/WorkshopsforChurchLeaders.pdf

Synod Office Closed
2018-11-22 - 2018-11-23
The Upper Susquehanna Synod Office will be closed on Thursday and Friday, November 22-23, 2018, in observance of Thanksgiving. The office will reopen at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, November 26, 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!

Educating Educators
2018-11-12
The Penn Central Conference (UCC) is holding a lay boundary awareness workshop on educating educators on November 12, 2018, at Trinity UCC, Dalmatia. Cost is $10. For more information, visit https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07ef772o1za50d4803&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.

Lutheran Marriage Encounter Weekend
2018-11-09 - 2018-11-11
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 for the weekend of November 9-11, 2018, at Hampton Inn Berkshires in Lenox, Massachusetts. Situated on the edge of a nature preserve in the heart of the Berkshires, an hour northwest of Springfield MA. 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.

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

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.

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
