ECUMENICAL WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES…THE TRADITION CONTINUES! - We join with our brothers and sisters in Christ to pray in joy and thanksgiving and to praise God who gives us our Epiphany Light in the world. We are pleased to announce that Bishop Mark Bartchak of the Altoona-Johnstown Roman Catholic Diocese will be preaching as we Lutherans host the first of two ecumenical worship opportunities here in our area. You are invited and encouraged to attend on Sunday, January 29, 2012 at 3pm at Zion Lutheran Church in Hollidaysburg. We will also gather on Sunday, February 12 as the Diocese welcomes us all to worship at St. John Gaulbert Cathedral in Johnstown, also 3pm. Please mark your calendar for these wonderful opportunities to gather in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Please help us spread the word about the following Adult Faith Formation opportunities that are available to everyone!  Those who are interested are asked to call the Synod Office to register.   

Being Church vs. Going to Church 
Saturday, January 28    9-3:30    Synod Office  ($30)

What is God’s vision for the church today?  The world around us has changed so much!  Our congregations look very different now than they did just a decade ago, so what does it mean for us to be the church in this time and place?  Come explore the possibilities! 

Lutheran Confessions
Saturdays, February 4, 11, 25    9-3:30    Synod Office  ($90)

The Book of Concord is the basis for this study, including the Augsburg Confession, the Apology of the Augsburg Confession, the Smalcald Articles, the Formula of Concord, and review of the Small and Large Catechisms. Its various writers are discussed.

An Introduction to the Qur’an
Saturday, March 3    9-3:30    Grace, State College  ($30)

While slightly shorter than the New Testament, the Qur’an is prophetic literature that can be difficult to understand without a guide, so together we will learn about the Qur’an’s history, content and its application in Muslim life.  We will also discuss significant passages comparing them with passages from the Bible - Penn State professor Jonathan Brockopp will be our teacher.

Old Testament
Saturdays, March 10, 24, 31   9-3:30    Synod Office   ($90)

Study the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings…explore the rich history, culture, and beliefs of the Jewish people. Favorite writings, including the stories of creation, the exodus, the divided kingdom, and the psalms, as well as the lives of Moses, Abraham and Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, David, prophets, kings, and many others are discussed. The origins and authors of the books are considered.

Need Some Financial Help in Keeping Your New Year’s Resolutions?

            We have money for you!  Actually we have $120 for our rostered leaders and their spouses who took the 2011 ELCA Board of Pensions Health Assessment…you are eligible to access these funds through our Allegheny Synod’s On Level Ground program.  Don’t let this money pass you by – use it to address any area of wellness in the upcoming year!  You helped us pull down these funds – this is your money!  For more information, review the On Level Ground document links below and call the synod office if you have any questions.

On Level Ground Participant Vouchers (.pdf)
On Level Ground Program Otline (.pdf)
On Level Ground Participant Vouchers (.pdf)

And speaking of the ELCA Health Assessment…Did you take yours yet for 2012?

            When you do you get another $150!  Again, don’t leave this money on the table!  When you take the Health Assessment you earn a $150 personal wellness account credit - both the plan member and an eligible spouse can earn the credit.  Then you can earn an additional $350 credit for personal wellness account by participating in the various programs offered to meet your wellness goals.  Who of us couldn’t use an extra $350?!?  Also when you take the Health Assessment by April 30, you help the congregations of our Synod earn a 2% discount on health contributions for the year – this is such a win-win opportunity for us all and it would be great if the Allegheny could achieve this discount two years in a row!  So don’t delay – take the Assessment today!  Thanks!

Discerning Your Discipleship (DYD) 2011-12 Course Information (.pdf)

Discerning Your Discipleship (DYD) 2011-12 Course Registration Form (.pdf)