701 Quail Ave., Altoona, PA 16602
814.942.1042
Office hours: Mon. - Fri. 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Called by God to be one in Christ:
we worship, grow in faith, and serve all people.

The Ignite Program
IGNITE is open to anyone interested in learning more about the scriptures, Lutheran doctrine, worship, prayer, and other aspects of our Christian faith.
We hope that IGNITE will enhance your life and equip you for ministry in the midst of your congregation and the congregations our Allegheny Synod.
How does it work?
The Allegheny Synod is partnering with the Upper Susquehanna Synod and the Northwestern PA Synod to offer lay worship leader training. The model we are using includes core courses of Scripture, Lutheran Studies, Preaching and Worship Leadership. Each of these classes is offered in multiple sessions through Zoom and in-person classes.
When students complete each of the core courses, they are authorized by the bishop of their Synod to provide worship leadership in congregations without called pastors. Each Synod has its own guidelines for lay worship leaders. The Allegheny Synod's Operating Principles guide and govern the authorized lay worship leaders of this Synod.
Once authorized, the lay worship leader is asked to complete at least one continuing education class a year. Each year the bishop will issue an authorization letter to lay worship leaders who meet the requirements of authorization.
If you're interested in learning more about the lay worship leader program or need a registration form, please contact the Allegheny Synod office.
Information on next class
Worship Leadership
Worship stands at the center of the Christian life – as the point where God’s people bring the whole of their lives to Christ with thanksgiving and receive edification and nourishment through the Word and Sacraments. Liturgy comprises the aspects of worship that enable and support this exchange through speech, action, and method. This course will focus upon the Church’s liturgy from a Lutheran perspective in relationship to the Bible, history, Church teachings, and leadership.
Rationale/Objectives: - to deepen understanding of the Liturgy through biblical, historical, theological, and cultural influences within worship and the Christian life - to deepen understanding of the Liturgy’s structure and liturgical resources - to gain insight into the churches / contexts in which we worship the Triune God - to experience worship leadership as a presider, assisting minister, reader
This course will consist of assigned readings, four (7) Zoom / In-person meetings, written assignments, and a practicum*. *Practicum will provide opportunity for participants to experience worship leadership as a presider, assisting minister, and reader within a church context. Practicums will be scheduled within the participants respective Synod through the Synod office. Virtual meeting connection information will be provided to all registered participants prior to the start of the course on Saturday, May 6th, 2023. Instructor: The Rev. Tyler J Graham, STS Pastor of the Salisbury Lutheran Parish (Allegheny Synod) (814) 404-7634 - cell/rev-tgraham@outlook.com
Schedule:
*Time will be given for lunch and breaks throughout the day
Session I – Saturday, May 6th, 2023 – 9:00am ~ Noon
Intro 1: Biblical, Historical, Theological Aspects of Worship
Biblical Foundations, Jewish Roots, Early Christian Worship
Session II – Saturday, May 13th, 2023 – 9:00am ~ Noon
Intro 2: Biblical, Historical, Theological Aspects of Worship
Lutheran Christian Worship: Core tenets
Session III – Saturday, May 27th, 2023 – 9:00am ~ Noon
Liturgy I: Structure and Content (Ordo)
Liturgical Church Year, Prayers, Music
Session IV – Saturday, June 3rd, 2023 – 9:00am ~ Noon
Liturgy 2: Structure and Content (Ordo) Leader Formation
Liturgy of the Hours (Daily Prayer Offices), Sanctoral Calendar
Session V – Saturday, June 10th, 2023 – 9:00am ~ Noon
Liturgy 3: Structure and Content (Ordo)
Liturgy of the Word, Liturgy of Holy Eucharist Part 1
Session VI – Saturday, June 17th, 2023 – 9:00am ~ Noon
Liturgy 4: Structure and Content (Ordo)
Liturgy of Holy Eucharist Part 2
Session VII – Saturday, June 24th, 2023 – 9:00am ~ Noon
Worship leadership considerations, resources, Q&A
Cost: $50.00. Checks may be made payable to Allegheny Synod DYD and sent to 701 Quail Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602.
The next class: Preaching and Practicum.