Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers and sisters to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” —Matthew 28:10 (NRSVue)   In Matthew’s Gospel Mary Magdalene and the other Mary go to see the tomb on the morning after the sabbath. Matthew also tells us clearly that these two women are eyewitnesses to his death, his burial, and the sealing of the tomb. They know that he is dead and where his body has been placed. They also know that they will not see

Dear Preachers, lay and clergy, of Upper Susquehanna, Northwest Pennsylvania, and Allegheny Synods of the E.L.C.A.,   As Director of the Go Tell It IN the Mountains Initiative, I am keenly aware of the many weekly challenge of preparing a compelling sermon each week. I too share this challenge! Time is often the greatest stress as Sundays just keep coming! That is why I am pleased to provide a time‑saving resource to support your sermon preparation. Through the connectional r

Click on the link above for the March edition of Synod Connections, the Allegheny Synod's e-newsletter. We would love to include your news in a future issue -- Do you have an event coming up that you would like us to share? Has your congregation reached out to help your neighbors? Please reach out to us at alleghenysynodcommunications@gmail.com  - we look forward to hearing from you! Did you know - you can also subscribe to receive Synod Connections and The Lutheran Letter in

Welcome to Allegheny Synod Connections We’re pleased to reach out to you with the first issue of Allegheny Synod Connections, a monthly (for now) e-newsletter designed to keep you connected with what’s happening around our synod and in the ELCA. But we need your feedback! Do you have some information you’d like us to share about an event that’s coming up? Has your congregation reached out to help your neighbors? We’d love to hear and share your news. Please reach out to us at

Southeastern Penn Synod is sponsoring a presentation for rostered leaders on Immigration Enforcement: Reality, Response and Risk of a Faithful Response on Thursday, February 19, at  4:00 p.m. EST ​ Using the events in Minneapolis as the basis, this presentation by national legal and religious professionals including ELCA AMMPARO will discuss what is happening in Immigration Enforcement and ways clergy and congregations may choose to be a resource for their communities.  The

For immediate release HOLLIDAYSBURG, Pa. -- The Rev. Kevin T. Shock will be installed as bishop of the Allegheny Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Saturday, Feb. 7. He was elected on November 1, 2025, to serve a six-year term as synodical bishop.  The installation will take place at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, 1000 Scalp Ave., Johnstown, beginning at 2 p.m.The event will also be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/MtCalvaryJohnstown . ELCA Pre

If you're not able to attend Bishop Kevin Shock's installation this coming Saturday, Feb. 7 at 2pm at Mt. Calvary Johnstown,, you may watch it live-streamed on the church's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MtCalvaryJohnstown . You may access the Worship Bulletin at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LUVQjqIiydvG7VtELuaUG-Vy3SpzUoCA/view?usp=sharing

January 24, 2026 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity   Dear Friends:   Grace and peace to you in the name of +Jesus, the ever-growing light of the world! Amen.   First, a word of thanks. I am full of gratitude from your well-wishes, words of prayer and encouragement, and your regular mission support and special financial offerings during, and in support of, this time of transition. The Spirit has moved us toward a greater sense of mission and cooperative ministry during this i

Did you know that congregations can apply for a grant through the Allegheny Synod to help enhance worship? Thanks to the generosity of the Startzell Music and Technology Grant, funds are available from the estate of The Rev. Walter Startzell, who served as a pastor in the ELCA for more than 50 years. Pastor Startzell, who died in 2022, was an accomplished musician, vocalist and composer; having written several hymns that were used in his services. He served many congregations

The Center of Addiction and Faith is presenting a free one-hour webinar entitled "When Play Becomes a Problem: Internet Gaming and Spiritual Formation” on Jan. 28, 2026, from 12:00-1:00 PM CT features special guest Michael Hsu, MD, a board-certified addiction psychiatrist and health services researcher and clinical faculty at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine. He will explore the role of internet gaming and digital technology in the lives of children, adolescents, and.