Upper Susquehanna Synod

Camp Mount Luther Sunday
2023-02-19
The Upper Susquehanna Synod Council has designated Transfiguration Sunday each year as “Mount Luther Sunday” to help promote outdoor ministries in the synod. Members of USS congregations are encouraged to celebrate outdoor ministries on February 19, 2023. Mount Luther is an extension of our ministry together and we hope all congregations will join in celebrating outdoor ministries by offering financial support, keeping the camp staff in prayer, and by participating in the numerous events and activities this ministry offers. Ideas to celebrate Camp Sunday are here: https://www.campmountluther.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/2023-Mount-Luther-Sunday-Flyer.pdf For a bulletin insert to use that day, click here: https://www.campmountluther.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/General-Bulletin-Insert-2023.pdf

Raise the Region
2023-03-08 - 2023-03-09
Camp Mount Luther is participating in The First Community Foundation Partnership of PA’s “Raise the Region” on March 8-9, 2023. It is a 30-hour fundraising event starting at 6:00 p.m. and ending the next day at 11:59 p.m. Money donated by the Blaise Alexander Family Dealerships will help stretch donations made to organizations that day. Additional monetary prizes and incentives will be awarded, too. Proceeds raised for Mount Luther these days to the camp’s Annual Fund unless a donor gets in touch with the camp office to designate it for another camp cause. To be part of Raise the Region, visit www.raisetheregion.org during the event and make an online donation to camp. Running totals will be shown throughout the day at the Raise the Region website. Camp Mount Luther has participated in Raise the Region for ten years and has garnered about $179,000 in donations during this event. The camp hopes you will help us to have another successful year!

GROW in the Snow
2023-03-17 - 2023-03-18
GROW in the Snow Looks at Baptism: All youth in 6-12th grade and their youth leaders are invited to attend this synod youth retreat on March 17-18. The theme of this year’s will be baptism. 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. The cost is $73 for the whole program. 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 the number of youth attending. Contact Chad Hershberger at chad@campmountluther.org with questions. Click here for a registration form/bulletin insert/flyer

SINDR Work Trip
2023-03-26 - 2023-03-31
WE ARE GOING BACK TO WORK IN TORNADO-RAVAGED WESTERN KENTUCKY
JOIN US TO BE PART OF THIS WORK
WHAT: Mission/Work Trip sponsored by SINDR (Susquehanna Interdenominational Network for Disaster Relief)
WHEN: March 26 – 31, 2023
WHERE:

Lodging at First Presbyterian Church, Madisonville, KY
Working With Hopkins County EMA

WHO: YOU, and any of your friends who want to help!
HOW MUCH: Just your contribution toward travel and food.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Clair Kline, 570-374-4481, clairsally@verizon.net
Doug Orbaker, 570-768-6436, dougorbaker@yahoo.com
Click here for a bulletin insert, or a flyer. Additional information here.

Camp Mount Luther Early Registration
2023-04-15
Early Deadline: Register for summer camp at Mount Luther by midnight on April 15, 2023, to get a discount on your summer camp registration! Or, if you bring a friend who has never been there, you can get 25% off your registration fee. Program information and registration at www.campmountluther.org.

Lutheran Day at the Capitol
2023-04-27
Mark your calendar and plan to join Lutherans from around the state for a day of worship, learning and advocacy on April 27, 2023. Plan to stay for a dinner celebration of advocates at the Harrisburg Hilton. Tell your friends and watch here for more information and registration.

WELCA Day of Renewal
2023-04-29
USSWO Day of Renewal will be April 29. Register early for a great program: https://www.uss-elca.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Day-of-Renewal-Registration-Form-2023.doc

Bishop’s Open
2023-05-08
The annual Bishop Open’s Golf Classic is set for May 8, 2023, 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. Information and registration form are on the here: https://www.campmountluther.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/01_Golf_Tournament_Flyer-2023.pdf
The camp’s golf tournament committee is currently looking for hole sponsors, silent auction items, and golfers. If you can help, please call 570-922-1587 or email cml@campmountluther.org. Congregations are also encouraged to become hole sponsors.
Register online here: https://www.campmountluther.org/golf-registration/

Festival of Homiletics
2023-05-15 - 2023-05-18
The Festival of Homiletics starts soon, and Luther Seminary couldn’t be more excited! From May 15 – 18, 2023, you’ll have the chance to hear respected and thoughtful speakers present on this year’s theme: Preaching Hope for a Weary World. Like last year, the 2023 Festival will be hybrid: both in person in Minneapolis and virtually online—and we want to welcome as many attendees as possible. We even have a FREE livestream option for those with limited budgets. You can register to attend in the way that best meets your needs. This year, both in-person AND paid livestream registrants will have access to our recordings package, which includes:

All sessions in audio and video formats.
Bonus sermons and lectures from top speakers that are ONLY available in the recording package, including Jana Childers, Robert Wright, Sam Wells, Kenyatta Gilbert, and many more!
Private social networking with other pastors and leaders.

CML Spring Work Day
2023-05-20 08:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
Practice stewardship through service at camp at Camp Mount Luther at the Annual Spring Work Day on Saturday, May 20, 2023, 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 15 if staying for lunch to cml@campmountluther.org or 570-922-1587.

Synod Assembly
2023-06-16 - 2023-06-17
The Upper Susquehanna Synod Assembly for this year is being planned at Susquehanna University. The planning team is busy working on preliminary preparations for the event. Voting members from each congregation need to be identified. Talk to your pastor about being a part. Online registration will be open in early March.

Youth Mission Trip
2023-07-01 - 2023-07-08
This summer Allegheny Synod is sending a youth mission trip to Florida to help with hurricane relief from July 1-8. The plan is to take a bus from State College to Sarasota, Florida with an overnight stop in North Carolina. Luther Springs camp is providing counselors and running the service projects and program for us. So it is a rather hands off trip but lots of fun and service for the youth. We do have enough adult leaders but if adults would like to come along, they are more than welcome. Because price can be a make or break point, the price will be somewhere around $700 per person. More information and a registration form are found here: www.uss-elca.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Florida-Mission-Trip.pdf

Rostered Ministers Gathering
2023-07-17 - 2023-07-20
All ELCA deacons, pastors, and bishops (under call, on leave or disability, retired, or an approved candidate for call) are invited to come to the desert — a place where God has a habit of renewing weary leaders. Mark your calendars for July 17-20, 2023, in Phoenix. Each day of the gathering will begin in worship as we center ourselves around our theme, “Rekindle the Gift Within You.” The days will begin with Bible studies and keynote speakers. The afternoon hours will offer a variety of individual options from activity in the Interaction Center to workshops and caucus times.

Women’s Convention
2023-07-22
The 35th Convention of the Women of the Upper Susquehanna Synod, to be held on Saturday, July 22, 2023, at our beautiful camp just outside Mifflinburg. Camp Mount Luther’s Evergreen Center provides a comfortable setting which accommodates worship, business meetings, Bible Study, workshop and, of course, a delicious lunch, all to be included in the convention format. It is a great time to get acquainted and reacquainted with women throughout our synod, make decisions concerning our organization, share in worship and Bible study, and have some fun. We hope you will plan to attend and bring a friend or two from your congregations. Cost for the entire day is only $45.00 per person. Get registration information here: https://www.uss-elca.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/March-2023-Share.pdf

God's Love Made Real
2024-08-20 12:00 - 13:00
Join ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton for a conversation about God’s Love Made Real. This ELCA movement encourages us to create a world experiencing the difference God’s grace and love in Christ make for all people and creation.
Tuesday, Aug. 20, 12 p.m. Eastern time
Registration is encouraged, but not required.
This event will take place on Zoom. (Save this link.)
What can I expect?
Bishop Eaton will share why God’s Love Made Real is meaningful to her and the future of the church. The Rev. Kurt F. Kusserow, bishop of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod, will host the conversation, and participants will have a chance to ask questions and share stories.
Is this event for me?
This webinar is especially for people who care about the ELCA and live in the Northwestern Pennsylvania; Southwestern Pennsylvania; Allegheny; Lower Susquehanna; Upper Susquehanna; Delaware-Maryland; Metropolitan Washington, D.C.; or West Virginia-Western Maryland synods. If you don’t live in one of these synods, stay tuned for an upcoming event in your region.
Can I watch it later?
A recording may be available at some point in the future, but we encourage you to stream the event live on Tuesday, Aug. 20, at 12 p.m. Eastern time.
What else do I need to know?
Learn more about God’s Love Made Real at lovemadereal.elca.org.

Pixels for Peace
2024-08-27 18:00 - 19:00, 2024-09-12 12:30 - 13:30
Pixels for Peace: Digital Peacebuilding Webinar
August 27 @ 6 – 7p.m. OR September 12 @ 12:30-1:30
As Christians, we are called to be peacemakers. This work is deeply needed in digital spaces, where conflicts and disinformation too often drive apart congregants and friends. Common Ground USA and Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania (LAMPa) invite you to Pixels for Peace to understand how our digital worlds are shaping polarization and what we can do individually and together to build peace online.
Pixels for Peace will cover:

How and why digital spaces shape the way we understand the world and each other
How forces of disconnection try to manipulate online audiences
What works to respond to online division and hate

Register here for August 27 at 6pm!

Register here for September 12 at 12:30 pm!

CML Dandelion Run
2024-08-31 09:00 - 23:30 | Camp Mount Luther, 355 Mt. Luther Lane, Mifflinburg, PA, 17844, United States
For more information, visit https://www.campmountluther.org/events/

Holy Communion Refresher for ALWLs
2024-09-07 09:00 - 12:00 | Upper Susquehanna Synod Office, 100 Mahoning St, Milton, 17847, United States
On Saturday, September 7, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. – 12 noon, Bishop Miller will present a practicum to include a refresher about presiding over Holy Communion as well as some other worship topics. This event is being offered to all Lay Worship Leaders and is scheduled to be held at the Synod Office, 100 Mahoning Street, Milton. There is no charge for the event, and you can earn continuing education hours for participating. In order to adequately plan for the activity, we will need a headcount. If you plan to attend this event, please contact Brenda at the Synod Office to pre-register.

"God's work. Our hands." Day
2024-09-08
For more information, visit https://www.uss-elca.org/sep-8-gods-work-our-hands-day/

Discernment Event
2024-09-15 16:00 - 18:00
Have you ever wondered about theological education? The ELCA seminaries would like to help you learn more about your seminary options and explore with you where God might be calling you next. Join all seven seminaries of the ELCA on Sunday, September 15th from 4:00-6:30 for a Joint Virtual Discernment Event. For more: admissions.callutheran.edu/register/jointdiscernment

Vital Congregations
2024-09-21 09:00 - 12:00

Synod Youth: Game Night
2024-09-22 15:00 - 17:00 | Christ’s Lutheran Church, Lewisburg, 100 S. Third St, Lewisburg, PA, 17837, United States
The synod’s Youth Ministry Initiative, led by youth from around the synod, kicks off with monthly events in September. The first event will be a game night at Christ’s Lutheran Church, Lewisburg, on Sunday, September 22, 2024, from 3-5 p.m. You are invited to bring your own game and enjoy some fellowship and refreshments.
Other events scheduled for fall include:
October 20- Murder Mystery from 2-5 p.m. at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, Shamokin Dam
November 17- A Ping Pong Tournament (time and place TBA)
December 15- Advent Holy Hike and Christmas Party from 2-5 p.m. at Camp Mount Luther

Deadline for Seafarers Bags
2024-09-26 08:00 - 17:00
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.

Fall Bishop's Day
2024-10-10 09:00 - 15:00 | Camp Mount Luther, 355 Mt. Luther Lane, Mifflinburg, PA, 17844, United States
The next Bishop’s Day of 2024 is scheduled for October 10, at Camp Mount Luther. This day is available for clergy and lay leaders. Please bring whatever you would like to do to celebrate a sabbath day in fellowship with others or reflecting on your own. There will be no formal program in the morning, rather time for you to walk the grounds, talk with others, do crafts, or whatever you need to get away. Bishop Miller will also be available for individual conversation.
A worship service “For the Healing of the Nations” will be held at 11:00 a.m. Lunch will be provided. Please RSVP to brenda@uss-elca.org by noon on October 7 if you plan to eat lunch.
At 1:00 p.m., the Global Mission Team invites all people in the Upper Susquehanna Synod to say “thank you” to our missionary, Linda Johnson Seyenkulo, who is retiring this year. No reservations are needed for the reception. Light refreshments will be served. Pastor Linda will speak about her time in Liberia, her work at Louis T. Bowers Lay Leaders and Ministers Training Center in Totota and the rebuilding post-Civil War. We hope you can join us in giving thanks for her leadership and serving in Liberia for the glory of God and her hopes and dreams for the Liberians in the future.
If you are interested in helping with Bishop’s Days in the future (like planning worship), be in touch with chad@campmountluther.org. The last Bishop’s Days for 2024 is planned for December 12, 2024, at the Milton Lutheran Church (Synod Office location). The Antiracism Committee will use the December Bishop’s Day for an introduction to the Intercultural Development Inventory.

Reception for Liberian Missionary
2024-10-10 13:00 - 15:00 | Camp Mount Luther, 355 Mt. Luther Lane, Mifflinburg, PA, 17844, United States
The Global Mission Team invites all people in the Upper Susquehanna Synod to say “thank you” to our missionary, Linda Johnson Seyenkulo, who is retiring this year. Rev. Linda will be at Bishop’s Day held at Camp Mount Luther on Thursday, October 10. The reception will begin at 1:00 p.m. and no reservations are needed. Light refreshments will be served. Pastor Linda will speak about her time in Liberia, her work at Louis T. Bowers Lay Leaders and Ministers Training Center in Totota and the rebuilding post-Civil War. We hope you can join us in giving thanks for her leadership and serving in Liberia for the glory of God and her hopes and dreams for the Liberians in the future.

World Food Day
2024-10-15 20:00 - 21:00
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
