Upper Susquehanna Synod

Rostered Leaders Renewal Day
2020-08-13 09:00 - 17:30 (America/New_York)
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

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

Outdoor Worship
2020-08-02 19:00 - 20:00
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.

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.

Online Book Study
2020-07-08 19:00
I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness Online Book Study Offered by Deacon Marsha Roscoe through Breathing in Christ
“The work of anti-racism is becoming a better human to other humans,” shares Austin Channing in the June 10, 2020 Unlocking Us podcast hosted by Brene Brown. “Have we built the capacity to care more about others than we care about our own egos? Will we choose to protect someone else over protecting our own ego?” she asks. In a time when nearly every institution (schools, churches, universities, businesses) claims to value diversity in its mission statement, Austin writes in breathtaking detail about her journey to self-worth and the pitfalls that kill our attempts at racial justice. Her stories bear witness to the complexity of America’s social fabric – from black Cleveland neighborhoods to private schools in the middle-class suburbs, from prison walls to the boardrooms at majority-white organizations. I’m Still Here is an illuminating look at how white, middle-class Evangelicalism has participated in an era of rising racial hostility, inviting the listener to confront apathy, recognize God’s ongoing work in the world, and discover how blackness – if we let it – can save us all. Join the Breathing in Christ community for an online book study based on inspirational author and spiritual activist Austin Channing’s publication, I’m Still Here, who invites us to grow our capacity to be better humans. Live weekly Zoom sessions will be held on Wednesdays at 7:00 PM EST beginning July 8, 2020. You can enter the conversation today by joining the I’m Still Here Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/612559609354241/.

Synod Council Meeting
2020-07-08 17:15 - 20:00
At Camp Mount Luther-
5:15 p.m. dinner with meeting following

Navigating the Rapids- Finding Hope in Trying Times
2020-05-28 - 2020-05-29
Join in this Zoom event. A link will be sent after registration and before the start of the conference. It will be held on Thursday, May 28, from 5:30- 9:00 p.m. and Friday, May 29, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Join Keynoters Tod Bolsinger and Peter Steinke offering presentations on “Hope and the Mountain of Despair: Resilience for Change Leaders” and “Bowen Theory and Brain Functioning.” The event includes:

An introductory workshop on Bowen Theory with Dana Runestad and Fulgence Nyengele
Opportunities for prayer and conversation
Q and A time with presenters
Testimonies on the impact of systems thinking on ministry life
Workshops

To register or get more information, visit https://southernohiosynod.org/aws/SOS/pt/sd/news_article/299086/_PARENT/layout_details/false

Festival of Homiletics
2020-05-18 - 2020-05-22
This is now a free event. Visit https://www.festivalofhomiletics.com/ for more information.

Lutheran Day at the Capital
2020-05-18
LAMPa’s traditional day to gather in the Capitol is being revised this year in response to COVID-19. Similarly to congregations, LAMPa is working to provide a virtual offering. As plans move forward we will be in touch. Please continue to save May 18!

CML Spring Work Day
2020-05-16 08:00 - 13:00
Camp Mount Luther’s Annual Spring Work Day, scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2020, has been cancelled due to the coronavirus. As they get closer to summer camp, they will announce plans for congregations to come clean their adopted cabins. If needed, they may also plan small work parties to get things ready for our summer session.

Bishop's Open Golf Classic
2020-05-11 11:00 - 18:00
The annual Bishop’s Open Golf Classic scheduled for May 11, 2020, has been postponed until September 21, 2020, with the same schedule. Registration starts at 11 with lunch following and a shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. at the Susquehanna Valley Country Club in Shamokin Dam. Snacks and prizes after golfing. The tournament benefits Camp Mount Luther’s annual fund. A flyer/bulletin insert containing information and registration form is available here: https://www.campmountluther.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/2020-Sept-Golf-Tournament-Flyer.pdf
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. Get involved and help our synod’s outdoor ministry!

Bishop’s Retreat
2020-05-06 - 2020-05-08 | Camp Hebron, 957 Camp Hebron Rd, Halifax, PA, 17032, United States
This event has been POSTPONED. Check back for new dates and registration information.
Reflection, Rest, and Renewal: A time away along streams of living water
Upper Susquehanna Synod 2020 Bishop’s Retreat
May 6-8, 2020
Camp Hebron (www.camphebron.org) 957 Camp Hebron Road, Halifax PA 17032
Register Now With credit card OR Pay by check (payable to Upper Susquehanna Synod).
The Bishop’s Retreat for 2020 will be held May 6-8 at Camp Hebron in Halifax, PA. Nestled along the Appalachian Trail just north of Harrisburg, they have 340 acres of wooded sanctuary. Camp Hebron is only 8 miles northeast from the bridge at Duncannon and just a few miles from the junction of Routes 147 and 225 south of Halifax.
We will stay in the Sylvan View all-in-one retreat center, which features 35 comfortable motel-style rooms accommodating up to 4 people each. There is a private bath in each room and linens are provided. The camp has hiking and walking trails for various abilities. Other possibilities include walking the Prayer Labyrinth, a full-size gymnasium, bike riding, and sitting by a campfire.
Our Retreat begins on May 6 at 9:30am and concludes at 11:30am on May 8. The agenda includes worship, prayer, group discussions, conversation with the bishop, and plenty of time for personal and group reflection and recreation. You will have opportunities for spiritual direction and massage at an additional cost.
This year we will be joined by colleagues from Lower Susquehanna and Allegheny Synods.
Jn 7:37b “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, ‘Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.’”
How do you make space for creativity and imagination? Are there practices that you can experience that will allow you to make space for inspiration and writing? Are there ways to dialogue with a scripture text that will open you to the movement of the Spirit to spark your own creativity in inviting others to hear the word of God’s promises in Christ along with you. We want to invite you to a time away for reflection, rest, and renewal that will have a two-track approach to opportunities for experiencing creative, reflective writing and poetry and concrete dialogues with texts for deepening approaches to preaching and teaching.
We are pleased to welcome Rev. Kevin Shock from the Allegheny Synod to facilitate the track on dialogues with the text. Kevin is one of the contributors to the Sundays and Seasons and has a passion for thinking deeply about scripture texts. Barb Debski and Rev. Robert Doll will facilitate the creative writing track as ones who have a love for poetry and the spiritual practice of writing.
Cost for registration by April 15, is $310 single; $200 double; $70 commuter.
Online registration is now open!
To pay by credit card use this link: https://tithe.ly/event-registration/#/1170589
To pay by check (to Upper Susquehanna Synod) use this link: https://tithe.ly/event-registration/#/1170642.
Click here for a schedule

Camp Mount Luther Spring Open House
2020-05-03 14:00 - 16:00
Camp Mount Luther’s Spring Open House, scheduled for Sunday, May 3, 2020, has been cancelled due to the coronavirus. If the camp is able to hold physical summer camp this year, they will schedule a time for first-time campers who want to visit camp prior to their arrival.

generosity 365 ACADEMY
2020-04-25 09:00 - 17:30 | PA, United States
! NEW FREE REGISTRATION !
While some organizations have completely cancelled meetings at this time of uncertainty related to travel and gatherings and others have shifted to mandatory attendance online, the generosity365 Academy planning team has decided not to cancel the Academy but in the spirit of innovation and stewardship of resources, proceed with the event using the remote attendance option already in place. They also have adjusted the workshops to be more relevant to the current situation related to COVID-19. Marcia Shetler, Executive Director/CEO of the Ecumenical Stewardship Center, will share a workshop named “Yeast, Salt, and Light: Adaptive Stewardship Ministry”. Rev. Dr. Clayton Smith’s workshop has been changed to a presentation on his most recent book Growing Through Disaster: Tools for Financial and Trauma Recovery in Your Faith Community. Other workshops and the keynote presentation will be shared as previously announced, including “New Channels of Giving”, “Leading as Steward”, and “Connecting Mission, Ministry, and Money”.
Academy attendees will have the opportunity to interact with keynote and workshop presenters with questions and comments. In addition, participants will have ongoing and unlimited access to the presentation recordings following the Academy.
Along with the uncertainty about meetings and travel, the generosity365 Academy Planning Team acknowledges that this is a time of financial anxiety for churches and the communities they serve. They have decided to offer registration for the April Academy for any donation amount, including free of charge, to model inviting faithful generosity.
Since we will not be able to gather together for the Academy as previously planned, we invite you to register for the Academy on your own at https://stewardshipresources.org/generosity-365-academy/. (We have designated our Live Streaming Host Site registration as a donation to the Ecumenical Stewardship Center. You are welcome to make an additional donation as directed when you register.)
We hope you will avail yourself of this opportunity. May you feel God’s presence near in this time of unprecedented challenge.
Generosity365 Academy Partners:

Ecumenical Stewardship Center
Center for Faith and Giving of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Cumberland Presbyterian Church
The Episcopal Network for Stewardship
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Schedule
9:00 am Registration Opens
10:00 am Keynote Address
11:00 am Break
11:15 am Workshop #1
12:25 am Workshop #2
1:30 pm Lunch
2:30 pm Lunch & Learns: Meal & Venue Sponsors
3:00 pm Workshop #3
4:10 pm Workshop #4
5:30 pm Dismissal
Links for registration:
(by credit card) https://tithe.ly/event-registration/#/1306253
(by check) https://tithe.ly/event-registration/#/1308887

Synod Council Meeting
2020-04-18 09:30 - 13:00
From 9:30-1:00 p.m. at the Synod Office

CML Early Registration Deadline
2020-04-15
Due to the coronavirus, Camp Mount Luther has decided that they are going to extend the early registration deadline and discount until the end of the summer. So, everyone can take advantage of the early registration discount of $25 no matter when you register. There will also not be any late fees added this summer.
Program information: https://www.campmountluther.org/programs/summer-camp/
Register online at https://www.campmountluther.org/online-registration/

Immigration Law Training
2020-03-30 - 2020-04-03
The Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), in collaboration with World Relief, is offering an intensive five-day Immigration Law training March 30 (all day) through April 3 (all day), 2020. The training is being held at the MCC Welcoming Place, Akron, PA. The training will be conducted using the curriculum of the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC). This course will help to provide the necessary training component for individuals who wish to apply for accreditation from the Department of Justice (DOJ – formerly known as BIA recognition and accreditation). DOJ recognition and accreditation allows non-attorneys working at non-profit organizations to practice immigration law. The course will touch on all areas of immigration law and practice focusing on topics most relevant to those serving and representing low-income immigrants. Due to the requirements of the recognition and accreditation application process, we recommend that only individuals with U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residence, or other long-term immigration status apply for this training. Additional requirements for applying for Department of Justice (DOJ) recognition and accreditation will be discussed during the training week. Learn more and register: https://mcc.org/get-involved/events/immigration-law-training

“Celebrating Your History … For the Future”
2020-03-28
The Lutheran Historical Society of the MidAtlantic is offering “Celebrating Your History … For the Future” on Saturday, March 28, 2020 at the Gettysburg campus of United Lutheran Seminary. This Congregational Heritage Workshop will be a day of educational sessions on keeping archives, planning major anniversaries, writing meaningful history, and much more. If your congregation is preparing to celebrate a major anniversary, if you’re interested in what to archive and how, or you’re just interested in congregational history, this event is for you! The day will last from 8:30 AM and end at 3:00 PM with the recognition of Linwood House (where both Gettysburg College and Gettysburg Seminary were begun) as a historical site. Registration cost is $50 for the first registrant from a congregation and $40 for each further registrant from a congregation; LHS/MA receive a $5 discount. More information and registration is available at the Society’s website: https://www.lutheranhistoricalsociety.com/

Faith, Hope & Love
2020-03-21
Building Safer and More Welcoming Congregations for LGBTQ+ Youth
The subtitle says it all: this is a day to help equip congregations around issues of safety and welcome for LGBTQ+ youth! This is an event for Senior High Youth, Pastors, Youth Leaders, Parents, and other Congregational Leaders. Faith, Hope & Love 2020 will be held March 21, 2020, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Hainesport, NJ. The cost: $20 (Scholarships available). For more information, visit https://1b825a80-a708-400a-b161-63a929d4ef02.filesusr.com/ugd/6a8946_c2c0ea425b0346f5b184d4a7d8fc1c94.pdf

Buffalo Valley Conference Lay School of Theology
2020-03-15 14:00 - 17:30
This event will be from 2:00-5:30 p.m. at United In Christ, West Milton, and will feature workshops and educational opportunities surrounding scripture, sacraments, and current events. Each workshop session will feature four workshops and there will be two time slots. Between sessions, Holden Evening Prayer will be done. 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. 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. Here is a list of workshop descriptions: https://www.uss-elca.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/BUFFALO-VALLEY-LAY-SCHOOL-OF-THEOLOGY.pdf

Camp Mount Luther Helped by Raise the Region
2020-03-11 18:00 - 2020-03-12 23:59
Camp Mount Luther is participating in “Raise the Region” on March 11-12, 2020. 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 starting at 6:00 p.m. on March 11 and ending at 11:59 p.m. on March 12. 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 2020 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 11 and 12, 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 seven years and has garnered about $100,000 in donations during this event. The camp hopes you will help us to have another successful year!

Mount Luther Sunday
2020-02-23
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, February 23, 2020. 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/2019/12/Mount-Luther-Sunday-Flyer-2020.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

Happening #12
2020-02-14 - 2020-02-16
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. You will have the opportunity to talk about God 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! No matter who you are, where you come from, or what your favorite cereal happens to be, you are welcome with open arms. To register, go here: http://www.cvent.com/events/happening-13/event-summary-734f054bc9ff4373aedda26f0ea05175.aspx?fqp=true. Click to register: https://tinyurl.com/ycnlgl4q. Cost is $125.00 and scholarships are available. For questions, contact cpayouthcom@gmail.com

Ignite the Church Conference
2020-02-11 - 2020-02-13
Are you looking for a continuing ed event to inspire, encourage & challenge your ministry? Would Florida in February be a blessing? Consider attending the Ignite the Church Conference in Orlando, Florida, February 11-13. In addition to four large group gatherings with talks and panel discussions on topics related to Congregational Vitality, there will be 12 intensive electives on a wide range of important topics like Reaching Younger Generations, Expanding Kingdom Impact, Church Renewal and Discipleship, Renewing Music, Vitality through Mission, Engaging Your Neighborhood, Evangelism, Social Justice, and Raising Up and Equipping Leaders. There will also be a field trip to Orlando’s Castle Church Brewing Community, one of the ELCA’s newest and most unique mission starts. The $99 Super Early Bird registration rate includes 2 meals and snacks when you register by November 30th. Rates increase to $109 in December and $129 in January. 75 Leaders from 20 states attended last year’s gathering.
All conference proceeds are donated to the ELCA Fund for Leaders. Last year’s gift totaled $2,500.
For more information go to www.IgniteTheChurch.net We hope to see you there!

Youth and Young Adult Ministry Summit
2020-02-08 09:00 - 14:30
A Youth and Young Adult Summit will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2020, from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm at Camp Mount Luther. This will coincide with the GROW in the Snow Youth retreat. Lunch is included and you are invited to stay for closing worship with the Youth Retreat. There is no cost to attend this event. We will be exploring ways to engage youth and young adults to become leaders in our churches and present Growing Young, a strategy from the Fuller Youth Institute to involve youth and young adults within all areas of our congregations and ministries. We are also looking forward to having you share your ideas and how we can collaborate and support each other in this common mission of accompanying youth and young adults in their faith journeys. (For information on Growing Young go to www.fulleryouthinstitute.org.) Register online at https://tithe.ly/event-registration/#/1059905. Deadline for registration is January 31, 2020. For more information, email bingaman.sherry@gmail.com.

GROW in the Snow
2020-02-07 - 2020-02-08
This year’s synod youth retreat at Camp Mount Luther will be held on February 7-8, 2020. All youth in 6-12th grade and their youth leaders are invited to attend. The theme of this year’s retreat is “I Believe, I Do Believe,” dealing with the creeds. 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 $62 (whole program) or $40 (Saturday only). Please register by January 31, 2020. 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/2019/11/2020-Grow-in-the-Snow.pdf

Sharing the Gospel in the “Age of the Spirit”
2020-02-04 - 2020-02-05
WV-WMD is offering an event this February, titled, “Sharing the Gospel in the ‘Age of the Spirit,'” with The Rev. Dr. Cheryl Peterson. It will will be held February 4-5 at Mary Help of Christians in Huttonsville, WV. Peterson serves as Professor of Theology and also as Associate Dean for Academics, Trinity Lutheran Seminary, Capitol University. She also serves on the International Lutheran-Pentecostal Dialogue. Peterson will bring both her expertise as a scholar and an ecumenist to explore a range of pneumatological issues, including Charismaticism and Pentecostalism. Peterson’s proposed outlines includes:

Living as Lutherans in the “Age of the Spirit” in a time of “religious decline”
What Lutherans can learn from the rise of the “Spiritual, but not religious”
What Lutherans can learn from the rise of Pentecostalism and charismatic movements
New directions for Lutheran pneumatology, ecclesiology, and mission

There is also a boundaries training pre-event. They may be taken as a combo or either one individually. Registration deadline is close of Sunday, January 19. Folks from other judicatories (Lutheran and non-Lutheran) are welcome. This event is for clergy and seminarians. Details at http://wv-wmd.org/clergy/index.html. Facebook events postings at
https://www.facebook.com/events/2175409562767461/
https://www.facebook.com/events/[REDACTED]/

Church Leader’s Day
2020-02-01 09:00 - 14:00
A Church Leader’s Day for all congregation council members and rostered leaders will be held on February 1, 2020, at Christ’s Lutheran Church, Lewisburg, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. New to council? Get off to a good start with spiritual grounding and practical tools. Been on council often and for a long time? Refresh yourself and your practices for a deeper ministry of the church together. Workshops include Vision and Discernment, Church Finances, Church Constitution, Effective Meetings, Church Technologies, Synod Resources, Committees and Policies. We welcome anyone interested in coming. The fee is $10 per person. Any questions can be directed to Pastor Tom Glasoe at secretary@uss-elca.org. Here is the link for registration: https://tithe.ly/event-registration/#/1087053. A flyer is available here: https://www.uss-elca.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/churchleadersday.pdf

Synod Council Meeting
2020-01-18 09:30 - 13:00
From 9:30-1:00 p.m. at the Synod Office. Snow Date is January 25.

Solidarity Not Solitary
2020-01-12 13:00 - 15:00
A program called “Solidarity Not Solitary” is scheduled for Sunday, January 12, 2020, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Harrisburg. In this program, important information on the use of solitary confinement will be shared. The program will engage participants in experiential learning and have formerly incarcerated persons tell their stories about their personal experiences with spending time in solitary. The goal is to engage and mobilize faith communities to become advocates for reducing the use of solitary confinement in Pennsylvania—a practice that has been recognized as torture by the United Nations and by faith communities throughout our nation. Click on this link to find the flyer: https://www.pachurchesadvocacy.org/event/solidarity-not-solitary-jan-12/. The registration page is at https://www.pachurches.org/event/solidarity-not-solitary-january-12-harrisburg/. There is no charge to attend, but they would like to have registrations so we know how many handouts to prepare and to gauge refreshments.
