Upper Susquehanna Synod

Stewardship Kaleidoscope’s Transforming the Face of Generosity
2018-09-24 - 2018-09-26
September 24-26, 2018:
Pastors and lay leaders are invited to attend this event at the Hilton St. Louis Frontenac in St. Louis, MO on September 24- 26. Keynoters will be Diana Butler Bass and Chick Lane and there will be 30 workshops covering topics such as annual stewardship, planned giving, theology of giving, current trends in stewardship, and capital campaigns. Cost is $275 before August 1, and $300 after. For more information and to register, visit www.stewardshipkaleidoscope.org. There are a limited number of scholarships for first call and small church pastors!

Synod Council Meeting
2018-09-15 09:30 - 13:30 (America/New_York)
At Synod Office

Lutheran Marriage Encounter Weekend
2018-09-14 - 2018-09-16
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 to be sure to get the weekend of your choice.

September 14-16, 2018 at Spruce Lake Retreat in Canadensis, PA. A lovely hotel-style retreat center with many acres of woodlands in the heart of the Poconos, an hour north of Allentown, PA .

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.

Fall Festival
2018-09-09 16:00 - 19:00
St. Peter’s, Kreamer, is holding a Fall Festival on Sunday, September 9, 2018, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Free activities include square dancing, cake walk, fire truck rides, games for kids, a basket raffle, and food for purchase. The event benefits the Meals for Mustangs and Meals for Seals programs. To download a flyer, click here: https://www.uss-elca.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/2018-Fall-Festival-Flyer.pdf

Liberia Organizational Meeting
2018-09-09 14:30 - 15:30
Our synod is issuing a first call for anyone interested in joining either a work-team or a familiarization tour to meet the leaders of the Lutheran Church in Liberia and to tour the major facilities of the LCL, including historic churches, schools, and its two hospitals (Phebe and Curran)! A work team will repair the ceiling of Day Memorial Church and continue the renovation of small houses on the campus of the Lutheran Training Center. Don’t freeze at home this January. Visit tropical Liberia and be uplifted by God’s work in our companion synod. Learn more at our first organizational meeting on September 9, 2018, at 2:30 p.m. at our synod office, or phone Sandra Nelson (570)995-9327 or Bob Bradford (570)473-9505.

“God’s work. Our hand.” Day of Service
2018-09-09
Save the date! “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday will be Sunday, September 9, 2018. 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 in 2018! Access resources to guide your congregation’s planning, promotion and more at https://elca.org/Resources/GWOH-Sunday.

Synod Office Closing
2018-09-03
The Upper Susquehanna Synod Office will be closed on Monday, September 3, 2018, in observance of Labor Day. The office will reopen at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 4, 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!

Dandelion Trail Run at CML
2018-09-01 09:00 - 12:00
Camp Mount Luther in Mifflinburg will be holding a 5 and 10 kilometer trail run race at the camp on Saturday, September 1, 2018. This is an entry-level trail race on Mount Luther grounds with proceeds going to the camp. The start time for the race is 9:00 a.m. Runners decide on race day if they want to do a 5k or 10K (a double loop of the 5K) run. The 10k distance is included in the new Rocksylvania 10k race series. More details on that are available at http://midpenntrailblazers.com/links.html. Race day registration is $25. Pre-register by August 8 and pay only $20. Registration opens at 7:30 a.m. on race day. Spectators are welcome as well. A kid’s fun run will also be held with two age categories: six and under and 7-10. Special awards will be presented to every participant in the fun run. Again this year, a one mile fun walk on a dirt road will be held with the same registration fees and amenities applying (or you may just walk without receiving amenities for $10). Awards will be given for overall male and female race time, three awards for each age group and an overall master’s for male and female in both the 5K and the 10K. The awards ceremony will be immediately following the race. Shower facilities are available after the race. All miles for the course will be marked and there is one water stop on the course. Timing will be electronically done. To register, visit http://midpenntrailblazers.com/trail-race-events/dandelion-run/dandelion-run.html. The Dandelion Run, begun in 2002, is organized by Joel and Shelley Heasley of Middleburg. It was named in honor and memory of Rev. Glenn E. Heasley, Jr., former Assistant to the Bishop of the Upper Susquehanna Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Glenn’s favorite “flower” was the dandelion. Heasley’s widow, Shirley, is also involved in the planning of the race.

Disaster Recovery Work Trip Meeting
2018-08-20 08:00 - 17:00
Susquehanna Interfaith Disaster Response Network fall work trip will take place October 7-13. Our work team will go to Washington, North Carolina, to help with rebuilding after Hurricane Matthew. Those interested in joining this trip are encouraged to attend a meeting on August 22, 7:00pm, at First Presbyterian Church, Milton (parking and entrance in rear). Here is a flyer about that event: https://www.uss-elca.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/October-Trip-Poster.pdf

The Susquehanna Interfaith Disaster Response Network is an effort by the Presbytery of Northumberland and the Upper Susquehanna Synod to establish a system for addressing disasters at home and abroad. Formal establishment of the network is planned to take place on September when our synod council and the presbytery will each vote on a resolution. We hope that this network will grow to include other denominations as well.

Boundary Awareness Training
2018-08-09
The Lower Susquehanna Synod is holding a boundary awareness training on August 9, 2018, at Hill Lutheran Church in Lebanon. Cost is $ 25. For more information, visit www.lss-elca.org/event/boundary-workshop-2/
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.

Diakon 150 Event
2018-07-26 13:00 - 17:00
Diakon’s Buffalo Valley Lutheran Village, Lewisburg, will help celebrate Diakon’s 150th anniversary with a Hawaiian Festival on July 26, 2018, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. For more information, click to view a flyer, which can also be shared with congregation members: http://www.uss-elca.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/6-26-BV-Diakon150-Event-Flyer-2018-SM-3.pdf

Rethinking Stewardship
2018-07-25 - 2018-07-27
People today are asking hard questions about giving to the church such as: Who should we give to? Should we give at all? What’s the future of the church if giving decreases? Are you prepared to face these changes? Rethinking Stewardship will be held on July 25-27, 2018, at Luther Seminary. It is an event for leaders like you to find new ways to understand and adapt to changing perspectives about giving. Speakers include:

Jennifer Kaalund, Ph.D., assistant professor of religious studies at Iona College
Martha Moore-Keish, Ph.D., associate professor of theology at Columbia Theological Seminary
Mark Teasdale, Ph.D., associate professor of evangelism at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary

Learn more or register at https://www.luthersem.edu/rethinking/?utm_source=bm23&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Rethinking+Stewardship&utm_content=Adapt+to+changing+attitudes+about+giving&utm_campaign=20180503+-+Rethinking+Stewardship+Email+2. Scholarship are available until June 29. Interested persons should contact Craig Miller in the synod office before registering.

USSWO Convention
2018-07-21 08:30 - 16:00
The Upper Susquehanna Synodical Women’s Organization Annual Convention will be held on Saturday, July 21, 2018, at the Evergreen Center at Camp Mount Luther, 355 Mt. Luther Lane, Mifflinburg. Women are asked to be present for this one-day convention as it brings an excellent opportunity for you to meet your sisters from neighboring churches and become informed about the workings of the Women of the ELCA. The theme for this year’s convention is “Called to Serve,” based on 1 Corinthians 12: 4-6 and 1 Peter 4:10. The Bible Study leader is Jodi Ellis and Pastor Ann Zimmerman is the worship leader. Registration forms are available at http://www.uss-elca.org/upper-susquehanna-synodical-womens-organization/

Office Closed
2018-07-04
The Upper Susquehanna Synod Office will be closed on Wednesday, July 4, 2018, in observance of Independence Day. The office will reopen at 8:30 a.m. on July 5. 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.

Camp Mount Luther’s 55th Birthday Celebration
2018-07-03 18:30
The camp staff invites everyone to come to camp on Tuesday evening, July 3, 2018, to celebrate the camp’s 55th birthday. As part of our annual Family Camp, we’ll be having a campfire and worship service to commemorate the birthday. K.J. Reimensnyder-Wagner will be here to provide some special music as well. It all gets underway at 6:30 p.m. The program will be held outdoors, weather permitting, so bring a lawn chair. To help us plan, it would be helpful to have an RSVP to chad@campmountluther.org or call 570-922-1587.

Multi-Point Pastors Gathering
2018-06-20 11:00 - 13:00
Multi-point pastors gathering from 11:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. at the synod office.

Synod Assembly 2018
2018-06-15 - 2018-06-16
The 2018 Upper Susquehanna Synod Assembly will take place on the campus of Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, on June 15-16, 2018. Registration materials will arrive in congregations in a few weeks. Special attention needs to be made to the meal registrations. Meal tickets will not be available after the late registration date or at the door on the days of the assembly. And we will again go paperless this year. More detailed information will be provided as it becomes available and will be posted at http://uss-elca.org/assembly. All rostered leaders and voting members from every congregation are expected to attend. Clergy need to write an excuse to the bishop if you cannot attend.

Synod Office Closed
2018-06-14 - 2018-06-18
The Upper Susquehanna Synod Office will be closed on Thursday, June 14, through Monday, June 18, 2018, due to Synod Assembly. The office will reopen at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 19. 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!

Summer Camp Kickoff and Circle of Faith Dinner
2018-06-10 19:00 - 20:00
On Sunday, June 10, 2018, Camp Mount Luther will have a worship service at 7:00 p.m. at which time they will kick-off the 2018 Summer Camping Season. The worship service is open to anyone who would like to attend to support our synod’s outdoor ministry and this year’s summer staff. The service will be held outdoors, if the weather permits, so please bring a lawn chair. The worship will be immediately following the annual Circle of Faith Giving Club Dinner, which is by invitation.

Lutheran Day of Advocacy
2018-05-21
Join Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania and fellow advocates from across the commonwealth in Harrisburg on May 21, 2018, for inspiration, education and participation – in worship, service and advocacy – with a focus on a powerful element in our life together: Water. This year’s theme for Lutheran Day of Advocacy is “Roll Down Like Waters.” We are drowned and reborn in it at our baptism. The promises made at the font recall God’s covenant reminder in Amos to “let justice roll down” like it. And, in Pennsylvania, we are surrounded by it – with more miles of waterways than any of the other lower 48 states. We will consider our response to the status of being the most flood-prone state in the U.S. and the fact that nearly one third of our waterways are impaired. Most importantly, we will explore how we can be church together in Pennsylvania, so that justice might “roll down like waters.”
Registration opens in early 2018. Bring a friend – or a team – and join advocates from across the Commonwealth to ground and deepen your call to faith-rooted advocacy.

Mission Trip
2018-05-20 - 2018-05-27
Susquehanna Valley Interfaith Disaster Relief, a joint effort of the Upper Susquehanna Synod – ELCA and the Presbytery of Northumberland, is organizing a trip to Daytona, Florida, May 20—27, to help in the recovery from hurricane damage in Volusia County. The team of six to twelve members will stay at the Union Congregational Church (UCC) in Holly Hill in dormitory style rooms and work with the Florida Volusia Interfaiths/Agencies Networking in Disaster (VIND). Cost for the trip is approximately $325. Those interested must complete the registration forms and submit a deposit of $150. Registration will close May 1 or when the maximum number of participants has been reached. More information and registration forms are here: http://www.uss-elca.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/2018-5-20-Work-trip-forms.pdf

Synod Council Meeting
2018-05-16 19:00 - 21:00
At Synod Office; Executive Committee will meet at 6:00 p.m.

Bishop's Open Golf Classic
2018-05-14 11:00 - 18:00
The annual Bishop Open’s Golf Classic is set for May 14, 2018, 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. A flyer/bulletin insert containing information and registration form is available here: https://www.campmountluther.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/2018-Golf-Tournament-Flyer.pdf. The camp’s golf tournament committee is currently looking for hole sponsors, door prize 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!

CML Spring Work Day
2018-05-12 08:00 - 13:00
Practice stewardship through service at Camp Mount Luther at our Annual Spring Work Day on Saturday, May 12, 2018, 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 7 if staying for lunch to cml@campmountluther.org or 570-922-1587. To download a bulletin insert/flyer, click here: https://www.campmountluther.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/2018-Work-Day-Flyer.pdf

Youth Ministry in a Scientific Age
2018-05-07 - 2018-05-08
The youth ministry conference, “Jesus Rode a Dinosaur and other Silly Tales,” looking at faithful youth ministry in a scientific age, will be held on May 7-8, 2018. Cost is $99 and will be held at Colonial Church of Edina in Minnesota. Speakers include Krista Tippett, “Science Mike” McHargue, and Kenda Dean. For more information, visit ScienceYM.org

Bishop’s Retreat for Rostered Leaders
2018-05-02 - 2018-05-04
The registration deadline is fast approaching for this year’s Bishop Retreat. Those attending need to inform the synod office by Monday, April 16th. The annual bishop’s retreat will be held on May 2-4 at Camp Hebron, Halifax PA. Rostered leaders are asked to mark their calendars and plan to attend the retreat. If spouses are interested in attending, please let Bishop Collins know. Information and a registration form is available here: http://www.uss-elca.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/2018-Bishops-Retreat.pdf. You can read an article by the speaker, Pastor Chamelin, in the Seminary Ridge Review here: http://seminaryridgereview.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/SRR_Autumn_2017_issue.pdf

An Evening with Nadia Bolz-Weber in Central PA
2018-04-28 19:00 - 20:00
Lutheran Pastor and bestselling author, Nadia Bolz-Weber, takes an unusual approach to church. Heavily tattooed and often profane, she is part of what scholar and writer, Diana Butler Bass, calls the “new Reformation.” A recovering addict, Bolz-Weber has created a congregation that is open to those struggling with addiction, as well as persons who are uncomfortable in traditional churches. Bolz-Weber will speak about her own faith journey and her vision for the changing church. Tickets are $35. The event will be held at the Lampeter-Strasburg High School’s Performing Arts Center in Lancaster, PA. The event starts at 7:00 p.m. For tickets, please go to www.parishresourcecenter.org or call 717-299-1113.

Messiah, South Williamsport, Anniversary Celebration
2018-04-28 14:00 - 17:00
Messiah Lutheran Church, South Williamsport, is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2018. On Saturday, April 28, a Festive Eucharist liturgy will be held at 2:00 p.m. Clergy are invited to vest and process; the color of the day is red. Preaching will be The Rev. Stephen P. Bouman, Executive Director, Domestic Mission, ELCA, and former bishop of the Metropolitan New York Synod. Bishop Barbara J. Collins, Upper Susquehanna Synod, will also take part. A dinner will be held, catered by Hillside Catering, at which former staff members will be invited to speak, and a video presentation of the congregation’s history will be shared. Contact the church office at 570-326-9171 or messiahoffice@comcast.net for information on the dinner. Reservations are needed by April 20.

GROW Writer’s Retreat
2018-04-25 10:00 - 14:00
Anyone wishing to come and write devotions for Camp Mount Luther’s First Light Digital Devotions is welcome to join other writers on April 25, 2018. 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.

Princeton Forum on Youth Ministry
2018-04-24 - 2018-04-27
This forum gathers Christian leaders who are passionate about young people and the church. Youth ministers, Christian educators, pastors, ministry innovators, and emerging scholars from the USA and beyond gather annually for this 4-day event on the campus of Princeton Theological Seminary. This year, the theme is IMAGE. They will explore what it means to practice youth ministry in a visual age. Hear from speakers like Matthew Milliner, Brian Bantum, and Katie Douglass. Renew your energy for ministry as you create vocational friendships, stretch your imagination, and give Sabbath to your soul. For more information, visit http://iymforum.com.
