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March 19, 2020. 6:38pm We just received word that Governor Wolf has called for the closing of all non-life sustaining businesses effective at 8:00 pm this evening (3/19/20). Our Synod Attorney, Megan Will, has informed me that this means that we should close our church offices and doors until this shutdown is lifted. Staff should remain home until this passes. The Synod Office will be closing this evening. However, Pastor Paula, Pastor Becca, and I are available via email if you need anything. Please reach out to us if you need any assistance: Pastor Paula: Paula.Schmitt@alleghenysynod.com Pastor Becca: Becca.Ehrilich@alleghenysynod.com Bishop Michael: bishopmichael@alleghenysynod.com Mrs. Will informs us that pastors can be in the church building if there is a need. However neither the office, or the congregation is to be ‘open’ until this shutdown ends. Mrs. Will writes, “Truly, please stay home if you can. Sanctions, including civil and criminal sanctions, can and will be levied by the Governor's office for failure to comply. We must take this seriously.” There is a document that has come from the Governor’s Office that does say that Religious Organizations are allowed to function at this time. Mrs. Will explains that is to allow rostered ministers to continue their functions as pastors and deacons and carry out those duties in situations of emergency pastoral care for the people of God. Church offices should be closed until we receive word to re-open them. We are still following the Governor’s order for suspension of in-person worship. As I said earlier this week, this is a unique time in the church. None of us have experienced a series of events like this before. I thank God for all of you who are caring for God’s people. I pray that you will be strengthened by the presence of our Lord Jesus who will lead and guide you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me or the members of our Synod team. We are here for you. We are walking with you. Let us know what you need. Please contact us if you have questions. In Christ +Bishop Michael Rhyne Lord Jesus Christ. We pray for this world and all who are effected by this outbreak. We find ourselves in a place that we have not been before. We ask you Lord to give us the peace of your presence. Still our anxious hearts. Lead us to take those precautions which will protect us and our families. Show us how to care for our neighbor and all those in need. Most of all Lord, heal those who are ill, comfort those who have lost loved ones, and lead us through this uncertainty. We place our hope and trust in you, and pray that you will show us how extend your love and care to each other. In your name we pray. Amen

Due to the restrictions in place due to the Covis-19 virus outbreak, the Allegheny Synod Women's Organization board has canceled the April 18, 2020 convention.

As you know Governor Wolf ordered that as of midnight on Monday (Tuesday morning) all non-essential businesses in Pennsylvania need to close for the next two weeks. This order is to attempt to curb the spread of the Coronavirus. I asked our Synod Attorney, Mrs. Megan Will, to explain how this order affects our congregations. Mrs. Will informs us that churches are, in the eyes of the law, considered to be non-essential businesses. That means that we should not have in person worship and in person meetings for the duration of this order from the Governor. I know that some congregations were considering if you would have worship in spite of the recommendation from the Synod Office. However, the Governor’s order changes things. All of our churches should be closed for in person worship through the end of March. If we do not do that we are violating the Governor’s order. In addition the White House task force has requested that all meetings over 10 persons be suspended for the next two weeks. Please share this information with your Council. Please let me know if I can assist you. Mrs. Will also points out that ministers and staff can still be in the building and can still do our work in the next two weeks under this order. We just can’t hold in person corporate worship until this ban is lifted. Mrs. Will also tells us that we should postpone weddings and funerals if at all possible. If that is not possible please be in contact with our office, there are some guidelines we can follow to help make this safe for everyone. If you must have meetings over the next two weeks. I would strongly recommend using Zoom. Zoom is an online meeting platform which we use in the Synod Office, and will be utilizing for our upcoming meetings. +Bishop Michael Rhyne

Please click here for a letter from Bishop Rhyne concerning stewardship during the Covid-19 outbreak and suspension of worship

Please click here for a pastoral letter from Bishop Rhyne regarding the Coronavirus. This information should be shared in congregations.

The total collected for this year's Allegheny Synod 40,000 Can Challenge is 40,432!!! We had a great year and were able to help a lot of people in need. In fact, over the last 5 years, we have collected over a quarter million, 263,327 to be exact. Thank you again for being a part of this ministry and for your commitment to help people in your community. The Allegheny Synod Staff

The Allegheny Synodical Women's Organization 32nd Annual Convention will be held April 18, 2020 at Evangelical Lutheran Church in Duncansville, Please click here for Bulletin Insert with additional details.

As part of a very generous bequest to the Allegheny Synod from Pastor Chris Ramsey’s estate, along with funds the Allegheny Synod Council approved, congregational mission grants may be requested for up to $500 per request. One request per congregation will be considered. The number of grants awarded depends on the size of the requests and the number of requests received. In 2019 we awarded 8 grants. Congregational Mission Grants encourage and support your congregation as you carry out new and creative ways to make known to your community the love, grace, and mercy of Jesus Christ. What is God calling your congregation to do? Is there a project or idea that you are passionate about and need funding? Is there a congregational ministry that wants to expand? This Grant application is due by March 31, 2020. Grants will be reviewed and awarded by May 15, 2020.

Please click below to complete the Making it Mine Youth Event surveys. Adult Survey Youth Survey The Making It Mine Synod Youth Event has just published their theme song! Here it is! HERE is registration information. Downloadable chord sheet for the theme song is HERE.

Have you ever felt empty? Have you ever felt like you were in a hole without a ladder? Have you ever felt spiritually “stale” or disconnected? You're not alone. The Allegheny Synodical Women’s Organization is planning a Day of Renewal. “Refresh, Relax, Recharge” Saturday, September 28, 2019 9:00 to approximately 3:00 Altoona Grand Hotel, Plank Road in Altoona Scheduled sessions will include four breakout sessions to help you to renew your body, mind, and spiritual life and activities may include massage, crafts, exercise, make up, and fashion. Our keynote speaker, Pastor Susan Winger, will speak on Spiritual Refreshment. Join us for a day of fellowship and fun to re-energize your body, mind, and spiritual life! Contact Casey Colledge at casey.colledge@cyclingsportsgroup.com for more information or to register.