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All are invited to participate in a book study on Dietrich Bonhoeffer on Zoom each Tuesday during Lent at 7:00 pm. The study will be led by Pr. Nathan Pile and Pr. Kevin Shock. Details on the study, including the Participant Guide and Zoom link, are available at the top of this page: https://sequanota.com/events/descriptions/

LAY EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS TRAINING Have you ever thought about supporting the ministry of your congregation by taking Communion to people who cannot make it to worship? Lay Eucharistic Visitation has been an important part of the ministry of Christ's Church throughout history. All people in the Allegheny Synod who have an interest in this ministry are invited to St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 115 E. Penn St., Martinsburg PA on Saturday, March 1, at 9:00 am for a special training session. We will discuss what Lutherans believe about Communion, as well as the logistics for taking Communion elements after worship and providing a short liturgy for the people you visit. Each participant will leave with a basic kit to carry your elements and a short service to use during your visit. Continental breakfast will be provided. Please RSVP to Pastor Kevin Shock, Assistant to the Bishop, at kevin.shock@alleghenysynod.com  by February 25. A $5 donation is suggested to defray the cost of the home Communion kits. FREE COMMUNION WARE Geeseytown Lutheran has four silver Communion trays with glass Communion cups are available to any congregation that could use them. Please contact Pr. MJ Irvin-Stellabotte at 814-934-9941 or pastormartyjo@gmail.com . CHURCH SECRETARY JOB OPENING Zion Boalsburg is seeking a person to serve as a part-time Church Secretary/Administrative Assistant. Please see the attached document for more information. CRISIS COMMUNICATIONS FOR CONGREGATIONS In light of an ELCA congregation in Seattle recently experiencing public disruption during worship, Churchwide has provided a guide in how to manage communications in a time of crisis. HOPE IN A DIVIDED WORLD Join us for a weekend with Dr.  Lori Brandt Hale, president of the International Bonhoeffer Society – English Language Section AND Amanda Tyler of Christians Against Christian Nationalism. Discover how people of faith can authentically and humbly act at the intersection of civic life and faith, in contrast and response to the forces of Christian Nationalism, using the legacy and theology of Dietrich Bonhoeffer as a guide. We are grateful to partner with  United Lutheran Seminary’s Kindling Faith  to offer this event.  Friday, March 7, 6:00pm – Authors’ Reception and Dinner  – $75 Meet Dr. Lori Brandt Hale, president of the  International Bonhoeffer Society – English Language Section , and Amanda Tyler, lead organizer of  Christians Against Christian Nationalism  and executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty. A reception at the Seminary Ridge Museum will allow visitors to talk with both authors and tour the museum that was used as a hospital for wounded from both sides at the Battle of Gettysburg. Tickets include an opportunity for attendees to visit the building’s historic cupola!  The dinner will feature a brief talk on the unfinished work of Reconstruction by the Rev. Dr. Teresa Smallwood, dean and vice president of student affairs at United Lutheran Seminary. Saturday, March 8, Chapel of the Abiding Presence  – Public Lectures and Panel Discussion  – $35; Optional Boxed Lunch – $20;  Livestream – $20 Registration is open now!  Register for Friday Reception Register for Saturday Lectures and Panel Discussion Register for Saturday Livestream SEQUANOTA TEND FESTIVAL BULLETIN INSERT Please use the attached inserts to promote the Tend Festival in your congregation. This year’s Tend Festival with gather at Sequanota June 29-22, 2025. SUBSTANCE USE RECOVERY: HOW YOUR CHURCH CAN BE PART OF THE SOLUTION A one-hour free webinar will be presented by the Center of Addiction & Faith on February 26, 12-1pm CST. Guest presenter is Mark Sanders, LCSW, CADC, from the ATTC Network, a multidisciplinary resource for professionals in the addictions treatment and recovery services fields. He will present church-based initiatives which have been effective in addressing substance use challenges, and share multiple ways churches can support recovery for individuals, families and communities impacted by addiction. Webinar host is the Rev. George A. Wood. The link to register is  https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_L67QnN2LSe-IumxdSlkRlg LUTHERAN MEN IN MISSION AMBASSADOR-GRAM Find the latest news from LMM here: https://www.lutheranmeninmission.org/contact/synod-leaders-ambassadors/ PACIFIC LUTHERAN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY DISCERNMENT WEEKEND Are you wondering if seminary might be right for you? Consider joining Signs Along the Way at PLTS in Berkeley, California to connect with others in discernment, get to know PLTS faculty, and explore what it’s like to be an online student in the MDiv, MA in Spirituality and Social Change, or Lutheran Year programs. PLTS is transitioning to only offer online study with in-person intensives, so this weekend is designed for those interested in online learning. PLTS covers lodging and meals during the event and can offer some travel assistance for those who need it. Visit plts.edu/signs  to learn more.

Have you ever thought about supporting the ministry of your congregation by taking Communion to people who cannot make it to worship? Lay Eucharistic Visitation has been an important part of the ministry of Christ's Church throughout history. All people in the Allegheny Synod who have an interest in this ministry are invited to St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 115 E. Penn St., Martinsburg PA on Saturday, March 1, at 9:00 am for a special training session. We will discuss what Lutherans believe about Communion, as well as the logistics for taking Communion elements after worship and providing a short liturgy for the people you visit. Each participant will leave with a basic kit to carry your elements and a short service to use during your visit. Continental breakfast will be provided. Please RSVP to Pastor Kevin Shock, Assistant to the Bishop, at kevin.shock@alleghenysynod.com by February 25. A $5 donation is suggested to defray the cost of the home Communion kits.

Please read the attached letter addressing recent news on the Department of Government Efficiency and Lutheran Services in America ministries.

Below please find the link to the online registration form for the January 21 – 23, 2025 Rostered Leader Gathering at Sequanota. Please note the registration deadline is Friday, January 10, 2025. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc0-ANJbrJF5zIhndsfTsB9Y-vWE0oigPD2TRUPA-6zOzZuwg/viewform?usp=sharing Please contact the Synod office (814-942-1042 or office@alleghenysynod.com ) if y ou have any questions.

SYNOD OFFICE HOLIDAY SCHEDULE The Allegheny Synod Office will be closed December 24—January 1. Christmas Blessings to you all! CHRISTMAS MESSAGE Please see the attached Christmas Message from the Office of the Bishop for congregational use. UNPACKING BONHOEFFER’S LEGACY TODAY JANUARY 15, 2025 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Online via Zoom Dietrich Bonhoeffer has long been celebrated as a powerful symbol of moral resistance to the Nazi regime, with his legacy claimed by Christians across the religious spectrum, from liberal Protestants to Christian Nationalists. Historically, though, he was not a major figure. What do his writings mean in that context? In this online conversation, Dr. Victoria Barnett will delve into the historical complexities of Bonhoeffer’s life and legacy, warning against the dangers of reducing his life and work to simplistic, “momentary” lessons for contemporary Christian activism. Instead, Barnett will argue for a deeper, more nuanced engagement with Bonhoeffer’s theology, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to faith and ethical action in the face of injustice and crisis. Register here: https://icjs.org/events/unpacking-bonhoeffers-legacy-today/ LAMPA SEEKS YOUR PARTICIPATION Help LAMPa Discern Faith in Action Beloved Advocates, As we look forward to 2025 and beyond, LAMPa is ready to accompany you and our ELCA Lutheran ministries across the Commonwealth as we live into our baptismal call to strive for justice and peace. This biennial survey helps us discern where the Holy Spirit is leading us for public witness in Pennsylvania. Please prayerfully use your voice to help us plan and prioritize how we are called to act as church together for the sake of the world God loves. Take Survey The survey takes about 3 minutes, but feel free to take your time and add more thoughts -- or send us a longer note at  LAMPa@Lutheranadvocacypa.org . Thank you, in advance, for your input and advocacy. LAMPa's policy council, Pennsylvania bishops and staff look forward to hearing from you. WINTER IGNITE AT SEQUANOTA Registration opens November 1 for WINTER IGNITE! When: Saturday, January 25--Sunday, January 26 Where: CAMP SEQUANOTA! Who: 2nd - 9th graders Cost: $50 Join us for another great weekend of sledding, singing, hiking, worshiping, and adventuring! Invite a new friend and introduce them to Camp Sequanota! This could make a great Christmas present for a child in your life that loves camp or that you would like to introduce to camp. Register at sequanota.com . LONGEST DAY SERVICE St. David’s Lutheran Church in Davidsville is having a Longest Day Service on December 21st at 6:30PM.  Please feel free to include in the Allegheny News and with your parishioners.  Light refreshments will be served after the service. HOPE IN A DIVIDED WORLD Join us for a weekend with Dr.  Lori Brandt Hale, president of the International Bonhoeffer Society – English Language Section AND Amanda Tyler of Christians Against Christian Nationalism. Discover how people of faith can authentically and humbly act at the intersection of civic life and faith, in contrast and response to the forces of Christian Nationalism, using the legacy and theology of Dietrich Bonhoeffer as a guide. We are grateful to partner with  United Lutheran Seminary’s Kindling Faith  to offer this event.  EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION OPEN UNTIL FEB. 7! Friday, March 7, 6:00pm – Authors’ Reception and Dinner  – $75 Meet Dr. Lori Brandt Hale, president of the  International Bonhoeffer Society – English Language Section , and Amanda Tyler, lead organizer of  Christians Against Christian Nationalism  and executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty. A reception at the Seminary Ridge Museum will allow visitors to talk with both authors and tour the museum that was used as a hospital for wounded from both sides at the Battle of Gettysburg. Tickets include an opportunity for attendees to visit the building’s historic cupola!  The dinner will feature a brief talk on the unfinished work of Reconstruction by the Rev. Dr. Teresa Smallwood, dean and vice president of student affairs at United Lutheran Seminary. Saturday, March 8, Chapel of the Abiding Presence  – Public Lectures and Panel Discussion  – $35; Optional Boxed Lunch – $20;  Livestream – $20 Registration is open now!  Register for Friday Reception Register for Saturday Lectures and Panel Discussion Register for Saturday Livestream ALLEGHENY SYNOD ASSEMBLY DATE CHANGES The date of the 2025 Synod Assembly has changed to allow more transition time before our next Bishop election. There will no longer be an assembly in May. The 2025 Allegheny Synod Assembly will meet October 31—November 1, 2025, at the Blair County Convention Center. NOMINATE STUDENTS FOR LUTHERAN SUMMER MUSIC 2025 You’re invited to nominate a student for LSM 2025! Lutheran Summer Music (LSM) is a faith-based residential music academy for high school students (grades 8-12) who come together from all over the country to immerse themselves in musical excellence and build an intentional, supportive, and FUN community. LSM 2025 takes place at Valparaiso University in Indiana from June 22-July 20 (Full Session) or June 22-July 6 (Half Session). Priority Enrollment is open now through December 1. Nominate students at LSMacademy.org/nominate , and watch and share this LSM Experience Video to learn more!

ADVENT LETTER FROM PA BISHOPS Please see the attached letter from the ELCA Bishops in PA. LAMPA SEEKS YOUR PARTICIPATION Help LAMPa Discern Faith in Action Beloved Advocates, As we look forward to 2025 and beyond, LAMPa is ready to accompany you and our ELCA Lutheran ministries across the Commonwealth as we live into our baptismal call to strive for justice and peace. This biennial survey helps us discern where the Holy Spirit is leading us for public witness in Pennsylvania. Please prayerfully use your voice to help us plan and prioritize how we are called to act as church together for the sake of the world God loves. Take Survey The survey takes about 3 minutes, but feel free to take your time and add more thoughts -- or send us a longer note at  LAMPa@Lutheranadvocacypa.org . Thank you, in advance, for your input and advocacy. LAMPa's policy council, Pennsylvania bishops and staff look forward to hearing from you. WINTER IGNITE AT SEQUANOTA Registration opens November 1 for WINTER IGNITE! When: Saturday, January 25--Sunday, January 26 Where: CAMP SEQUANOTA! Who: 2nd - 9th graders Cost: $50 Join us for another great weekend of sledding, singing, hiking, worshiping, and adventuring! Invite a new friend and introduce them to Camp Sequanota! This could make a great Christmas present for a child in your life that loves camp or that you would like to introduce to camp. Register at sequanota.com . LONGEST DAY SERVICE St. David’s Lutheran Church in Davidsville is having a Longest Day Service on December 21st at 6:30PM.  Please feel free to include in the Allegheny News and with your parishioners.  Light refreshments will be served after the service. HOPE IN A DIVIDED WORLD Join us for a weekend with Dr.  Lori Brandt Hale, president of the International Bonhoeffer Society – English Language Section AND Amanda Tyler of Christians Against Christian Nationalism. Discover how people of faith can authentically and humbly act at the intersection of civic life and faith, in contrast and response to the forces of Christian Nationalism, using the legacy and theology of Dietrich Bonhoeffer as a guide. We are grateful to partner with  United Lutheran Seminary’s Kindling Faith  to offer this event.  EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION OPEN UNTIL FEB. 7! Friday, March 7, 6:00pm – Authors’ Reception and Dinner  – $75 Meet Dr. Lori Brandt Hale, president of the  International Bonhoeffer Society – English Language Section , and Amanda Tyler, lead organizer of  Christians Against Christian Nationalism  and executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty. A reception at the Seminary Ridge Museum will allow visitors to talk with both authors and tour the museum that was used as a hospital for wounded from both sides at the Battle of Gettysburg. Tickets include an opportunity for attendees to visit the building’s historic cupola!  The dinner will feature a brief talk on the unfinished work of Reconstruction by the Rev. Dr. Teresa Smallwood, dean and vice president of student affairs at United Lutheran Seminary. Saturday, March 8, Chapel of the Abiding Presence  – Public Lectures and Panel Discussion  – $35; Optional Boxed Lunch – $20;  Livestream – $20 Registration is open now!  Register for Friday Reception Register for Saturday Lectures and Panel Discussion Register for Saturday Livestream ALLEGHENY SYNOD ASSEMBLY DATE CHANGES The date of the 2025 Synod Assembly has changed to allow more transition time before our next Bishop election. There will no longer be an assembly in May. The 2025 Allegheny Synod Assembly will meet October 31—November 1, 2025, at the Blair County Convention Center. NOMINATE STUDENTS FOR LUTHERAN SUMMER MUSIC 2025 You’re invited to nominate a student for LSM 2025! Lutheran Summer Music (LSM) is a faith-based residential music academy for high school students (grades 8-12) who come together from all over the country to immerse themselves in musical excellence and build an intentional, supportive, and FUN community. LSM 2025 takes place at Valparaiso University in Indiana from June 22-July 20 (Full Session) or June 22-July 6 (Half Session). Priority Enrollment is open now through December 1. Nominate students at LSMacademy.org/nominate , and watch and share this LSM Experience Video to learn more!

Please read the Advent 2024: A Season of Waiting and Hope message that is attached.

Due to staff schedules and vacations, the Allegheny Synod Office will be closed Monday, December 9 and will reopen Tuesday, December 10.

Pastor Kevin has written a homily that can be adapted and used for your own ministry setting this Sunday. It is intended for pastors and leaders attending The Weekend youth event to give to congregational leaders while they are away, but all preachers and ministry sites are welcome to use it. Please attribute Pastor Kevin for the original text, but you are welcome to change it however it works for you.

We inadvertently posted the wrong date for Sequanota's Winter Ignite Retreat. See the correct information below. WINTER IGNITE AT SEQUANOTA Registration opens November 1 for WINTER IGNITE! When:  January 25-26 Where: CAMP SEQUANOTA! Who:  2nd - 9th graders Cost:  $50 Join us for another great weekend of sledding, singing, hiking, worshiping, and adventuring! Invite a new friend and introduce them to Camp Sequanota! This could make a great Christmas present for a child in your life that loves camp or that you would like to introduce to camp. Register at sequanota.com .

PR. TIFFANY MARVICH INSTALLATION All are welcome to celebrate with Duncansville Evangelical Lutheran Church and Pr. Tiffany Marvich, as she is installed as their pastor on Sunday, December 8, at 4:00 pm. Clergy are invited to vest. The color of the day is blue. DELC is located at 1200 4th Ave., Duncansville PA 16635. A TIME FOR BURNING REVISITED The Association of White Lutherans for Racial Justice is hosting an online discussion and preview of a new documentary on the classic film about a congregation wrestling with racial justice during the Civil Rights era in the United States. More information and registration can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/x2JnJ7qxTX1d2vcQ/ ADVENT DEVOTIONS From Faith+Lead (a Luther seminary digital ministry): Are you as surprised as we are that Advent is here? Before the rush begins, we're excited to pause together, creating space to breathe, reflect, and draw near to God's heart.  What to expect starting December 2nd: A daily meditative video devotional  featuring Advent-themed artwork created by Steve Thomason, capturing the beauty of the season.  A daily prayer  inviting you into a deeper connection with God during this sacred season. A daily practice  to engage with others in our private challenge group to share your reflections and insights. Registration link . If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to us at  faithlead@luthersem.edu . From Luther Seminary: Advent is here! As we are in this time of anticipation and reflection, I am delighted to offer you a free digital Advent devotional “Joy of Heaven, Here on Earth”  written by the staff and faculty here at Luther Seminary. You are invited you to download your free Advent devotional with this secure link: https://www.luthersem.edu/resources/2024-advent-devotional/ Advent is a journey, four weeks of following a sacred path that leads you to the celebration of Christ’s birth. Along the way, your Advent Devotional serves as a guide, illuminating your steps with daily scripture meditations. Each reflection is crafted to engage your heart and mind, inviting you to pause, reflect, and rejoice in the anticipation of Christmas. Whether you choose to use this devotional for personal contemplation or as part of a shared study within your community, we hope it brings moments of peace and joy this season. LAMPA SEEKS YOUR PARTICIPATION Help LAMPa Discern Faith in Action Beloved Advocates, As we look forward to 2025 and beyond, LAMPa is ready to accompany you and our ELCA Lutheran ministries across the Commonwealth as we live into our baptismal call to strive for justice and peace. This biennial survey helps us discern where the Holy Spirit is leading us for public witness in Pennsylvania. Please prayerfully use your voice to help us plan and prioritize how we are called to act as church together for the sake of the world God loves. Take Survey The survey takes about 3 minutes, but feel free to take your time and add more thoughts -- or send us a longer note at  LAMPa@Lutheranadvocacypa.org . Thank you, in advance, for your input and advocacy. LAMPa's policy council, Pennsylvania bishops and staff look forward to hearing from you. WINTER IGNITE AT SEQUANOTA Registration opens November 1 for WINTER IGNITE! When:  Saturday, Feb. 25 - Sunday, Feb. 27 Where: CAMP SEQUANOTA! Who:  2nd - 9th graders Cost:  $50 Join us for another great weekend of sledding, singing, hiking, worshiping, and adventuring! Invite a new friend and introduce them to Camp Sequanota! This could make a great Christmas present for a child in your life that loves camp or that you would like to introduce to camp. Register at sequanota.com . JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM: A WALK THROUGH THE NATIVITY Please see the attached flyer. LONGEST DAY SERVICE St. David’s Lutheran Church in Davidsville is having a Longest Day Service  on December 21st at 6:30PM.  Please feel free to include in the Allegheny News and with your parishioners.  Light refreshments will be served after the service. ALLEGHENY SYNOD ASSEMBLY DATE CHANGES The date of the 2025 Synod Assembly has changed to allow more transition time before our next Bishop election. There will no longer be an assembly in May. The 2025 Allegheny Synod Assembly will meet October 31—November 1, 2025, at the Blair County Convention Center. NOMINATE STUDENTS FOR LUTHERAN SUMMER MUSIC 2025 You’re invited to nominate a student  for LSM 2025! Lutheran Summer Music (LSM) is a faith-based residential music academy for high school students (grades 8-12) who come together from all over the country to immerse themselves in musical excellence and build an intentional, supportive, and FUN community. LSM 2025 takes place at Valparaiso University in Indiana from June 22-July 20 (Full Session) or June 22-July 6 (Half Session). Priority Enrollment is open now through December 1. Nominate students at LSMacademy.org/nominate , and watch and share this LSM Experience Video  to learn more! UPCOMING KINDLING FAITH OPPORTUNITIES Lunch & Learn: Immigration from a Biblical Perspective and What It Means for Us Today You are invited to join Pastor Christine Dunn and Deacon Emily Orner as they explore the immigration issue from a biblical lens, drawing from scripture to reflect on the realities of immigration in the U.S. today. Those who attend will be equipped with resources and talking points to take back to their respective congregations to continue the conversation in a constructive, Spirit-led way.  Attendees will also be given a summary of the immigration services that Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA) provides and ways for interested community members to get involved in the work of welcome. This time of study, reflection, and conversation is open to all regardless of previous knowledge or experience with immigration. Wednesday, December 4th at 12 pm EST. Donations accepted. Register here .