Upper Susquehanna Synod

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.

Synod Youth Ministry Trivia Night
2025-02-16 14:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | 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!

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

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

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!

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

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!

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
2024-11-04 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!

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!

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

Pixels for Peace
2024-09-12 12:30 - 13:30, 2024-08-27 18:00 - 19:00
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!

"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/

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.

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/
