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 .

THE WEEKEND REGISTRATION CLOSES NOV. 15 Allegheny Synod youth in grades 6-12 and adult leaders are invited to The Weekend at St. James Huntingdon December 6-8. Registration is open until November 15 using the forms here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1DPxvmrfEF06FqnfZwT5Ub8xlJTH0RRbB 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. 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. GO TELL IT IN THE MOUNTAINS OPPORTUNITIES  Consider using the “Laity to Laity” video link from our YouTube channel as an information tool at your church council. The more information we can distribute now, the easier it will be for people and congregations to engage in this GO Tell It IN the Mountains Initiative. Our You Tube link is: Laity to Laity ( youtube.com )  You may also access this and the other two information videos from our www.gotellitinthemountains.org  website page under “resources”. I am open to questions and conversations. My email address is director@alleghenysynod.com God’s Peace, John Kratz SEEKING ACCOMPANIST Part time supply organist or pianist needed for Sunday worship services and Mid Week services during Advent & Lent. Please contact St. Mark Lutheran Church, 160 N. Main St. Pleasant Gap.   Anyone interested can contact the church at 814-359-2522 or email stmarkpleasantgap@gmail.com .  We pay $100.00 per Sunday Service and $50.00 for Mid Week Services. 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 . The Intersection of Womanism and Mujerista Theological Work: An Online Symposium Dr. Selenir Kronbauer is a Professor at Escola Superiode Teologia/Faculades ESC in Sao Leopoldo, Brazil. As one of two faculty of color at EST, a Lutheran Theological institution, Professor Kronbauer teaches African Brazilian History and African History and Culture and trains teachers in the larger community Education for Ethnic Racial Relations, Pedagogical Practices, and Ethnic and Religious Diversity as well as general Religious Education. Professor Kronbauer is also the developer of the Program,” Blackness in Church and Society” working with new immigrants from Venezuela and Haiti, helping them understand their rights as new residents in Brazil and help in providing courses in English as a Second Language. This program is being offered in partnership with Dr. Beverly Wallace and the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary on Friday, December 6th. Click here for more information and to register . Richard Stewart Lifelong Learning Certificate Online Lecture Series is Ongoing this Fall This exciting program features nine different presenters speaking to the various aspects of Lutheranism’s place in the story of African American Spiritual Formation as part of the narrative that shaped these United States and her territories. See the ULS calendar of events for more information or click here to register for the November lectures.

May you feel the Spirit's reforming breath this week and be surrounded by the company of All Saints! 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. ELCA COMMUNICATIONS RELATED TO UPCOMING ELECTIONS At the Conference of Bishops meeting several weeks ago, Strategic Communications presented our messaging strategy for communications related to this year’s presidential and other elections. A request was made of our team to share additional resources and information to assist synod bishops and your synod communications in this area. To meet that request, we also share the following with you today: ·         Election Talking Points (attached) ·         Bishop Eaton’s video encouraging people to vote  (released earlier today) ·         Script for Bishop Eaton’s video (attached) ·         Reminder to visit ELCA.org/civicengagement  as a central hub for resources GO TELL IT IN THE MOUNTAINS OPPORTUNITIES  We have been blessed with the gift of the Go Tell It IN the Mountains grant. Now it is time to open that gift. To help people engage, we have information sessions via Zoom. There are 4 to choose from and they are duplicates so you only need to attend one. We are using Sign Up Genius to handle coordination, and we have limited space for 15 people at each session. If we receive too many requests to handle in these 4 sessions, more will be added! We have some exciting new developments to share! Use the following link to sign up now: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4EA4AE29A5F8C34-52019437-information In addition, I would remind all Council members to consider using the “Laity to Laity” video link from our YouTube channel as an information tool at your church council. The more information we can distribute now, the easier it will be for people and congregations to engage in this GO Tell It IN the Mountains Initiative. Our You Tube link is: Laity to Laity ( youtube.com )  You may also access this and the other two information videos from our www.gotellitinthemountains.org  website page under “resources”. I am open to questions and conversations. My email address is director@alleghenysynod.com God’s Peace, John Kratz THE WEEKEND IS COMING Allegheny Synod youth in grades 6-12 and adult leaders are invited to The Weekend at St. James Huntingdon December 6-8. Registration is open until November 15 using the forms here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1DPxvmrfEF06FqnfZwT5Ub8xlJTH0RRbB   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 . SEEKING ACCOMPANIST Part time supply organist or pianist needed for Sunday worship services and Mid Week services during Advent & Lent. Please contact St. Mark Lutheran Church, 160 N. Main St. Pleasant Gap.   Anyone interested can contact the church at 814-359-2522 or email stmarkpleasantgap@gmail.com .  We pay $100.00 per Sunday Service and $50.00 for Mid Week Services. 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! BREEZEWOOD TRUCKER TRAVELER MINISTRY UPDATES Greetings and grace from the crossroads!  We appreciate your interest, prayers & support of the Breezewood Ministry; your partnership makes a difference. Please find attached the current “Friend on the Road” newsletter. Note: the annual pumpkin roll fundraiser is upon us!  If you have interest in ordering a $15 holiday pumpkin roll, please contact a committee member, or the chaplain to place your order.  Assembly and pick up on November 7th at the Everett Assembly of God. Thank you! Blessings, Bruce Maxwell, chaplain Breezewood Trucker Traveler Ministry P.O. Box 286 Breezewood, PA 15533 814-977-6964 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 .   The Intersection of Womanism and Mujerista Theological Work: An Online Symposium Dr. Selenir Kronbauer is a Professor at Escola Superiode Teologia/Faculades ESC in Sao Leopoldo, Brazil. As one of two faculty of color at EST, a Lutheran Theological institution, Professor Kronbauer teaches African Brazilian History and African History and Culture and trains teachers in the larger community Education for Ethnic Racial Relations, Pedagogical Practices, and Ethnic and Religious Diversity as well as general Religious Education. Professor Kronbauer is also the developer of the Program,” Blackness in Church and Society” working with new immigrants from Venezuela and Haiti, helping them understand their rights as new residents in Brazil and help in providing courses in English as a Second Language. This program is being offered in partnership with Dr. Beverly Wallace and the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary on Friday, December 6th. Click here for more information and to register .   Richard Stewart Lifelong Learning Certificate Online Lecture Series is Ongoing this Fall This exciting program features nine different presenters speaking to the various aspects of Lutheranism’s place in the story of African American Spiritual Formation as part of the narrative that shaped these United States and her territories. See the ULS calendar of events for more information or click here to register for the November lectures.   Author Sloane Crosley to Speak in Gettysburg on November 12, 1:30 PM EST We are excited to welcome Sloane Crosley, author of Grief is for people. Crosley is the second of eight authors in our Aging Grace-Fully series. Both in-person and livestream options are available. The event will be followed by a book-signing and refreshments. Register here . Author Schedule: 1.      Sloane Crosley, author of Grief Is for People  Nov. 12, 2024 2.      Margaret Renkl, author of Late Migrations  Feb. 25, 2025 3.      Rebecca Chopp, author of Still Me  March 27, 2025 4.      Missy Buchanan, author of From Dry Bones to Living Hope  April 22, 2025 5.      Frank Bruni, author of The Beauty of Dusk  May 22, 2025 6.      Mia Birdsong, author of How We Show Up  July 15, 2025 7.      Anne Lamott, author of Somehow  Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025 Aging Grace-Fully is made possible by a generous grant from the Lutheran Foundation for Long Term Living. www.LFLTL.org   Pastoral Care Topics and Online Training 1.      November 4 & 7 Understanding and Engaging Shame in Pastoral Ministry 2.      January 6 & 9 Caring for Those with Dementia and the People Who Love Them 3.      February 3 & 6 And Let There Be Marshes: LGBTQ Pastoral Care 101 4.      March 3 & 6 When God Disappears: The Spiritual Struggle of Depression 5.      April 7 & 10 Listening for the Soul: What it Means to Hear, Understand, and Engage the Soul. All sessions are with Rev. Dr. Beth Toler, MDiv, ThD., LMFT. Click here to learn more and register.   PLTS DISCERNMENT WEEKEND Are you wondering whether seminary education could be right for you? Visit Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary for Signs Along the Way, an in-person visit and discernment weekend for folks at any stage in their discernment. If you are wondering about a Master of Divinity or MA in Spirituality and Social Change degree (great for future deacons!), or want to learn more about Lutheran year studies, this is a great event for you! Friday evening to Sunday afternoon November 8th-10th you will have the opportunity to connect with current seminarians, faculty, and staff, learn more about seminary and online learning, and engage in intentional discernment and reflection. Lodging and most meals are covered by PLTS and there is some travel assistance available if needed. Learn more at plts.edu/signs  or contact admissions@plts.edu  to see if this might be the right next step for you.

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. GO TELL IT IN THE MOUNTAINS OPPORTUNITIES  We have been blessed with the gift of the Go Tell It IN the Mountains grant. Now it is time to open that gift. To help people engage, we have information sessions via Zoom. There are 4 to choose from and they are duplicates so you only need to attend one. We are using Sign Up Genius to handle coordination, and we have limited space for 15 people at each session. If we receive too many requests to handle in these 4 sessions, more will be added! We have some exciting new developments to share! Use the following link to sign up now: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4EA4AE29A5F8C34-52019437-information   In addition, I would remind all Council members to consider using the “Laity to Laity” video link from our YouTube channel as an information tool at your church council. The more information we can distribute now, the easier it will be for people and congregations to engage in this GO Tell It IN the Mountains Initiative. Our You Tube link is: Laity to Laity ( youtube.com )  You may also access this and the other two information videos from our www.gotellitinthemountains.org  website page under “resources”. I am open to questions and conversations. My email address is director@alleghenysynod.com   God’s Peace, John Kratz HURRICANE RESPONSE IN LUTHERAN LETTER If your congregation or ministry site is doing any quick response projects in the wake of recent hurricanes, send a short description and photo of the work to Rick Kazmer, Editor, at r9remzak@hotmail.com . He will run them in the next edition. THE WEEKEND IS COMING Allegheny Synod youth in grades 6-12 and adult leaders are invited to The Weekend at St. James Huntingdon December 6-8. Registration is open until November 15 using the forms here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1DPxvmrfEF06FqnfZwT5Ub8xlJTH0RRbB   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 .   Richard Stewart Lifelong Learning Certificate Online Lecture Series is Ongoing this Fall This exciting program features nine different presenters speaking to the various aspects of Lutheranism’s place in the story of African American Spiritual Formation as part of the narrative that shaped these United States and her territories. See the ULS calendar of events for more information or click here to register for the November lectures.   Author Sloane Crosley to Speak in Gettysburg on November 12, 1:30 PM EST We are excited to welcome Sloane Crosley, author of Grief is for people. Crosley is the second of eight authors in our Aging Grace-Fully series. Both in-person and livestream options are available. The event will be followed by a book-signing and refreshments. Register here . Author Schedule: 1.      Sloane Crosley, author of Grief Is for People  Nov. 12, 2024 2.      Margaret Renkl, author of Late Migrations  Feb. 25, 2025 3.      Rebecca Chopp, author of Still Me  March 27, 2025 4.      Missy Buchanan, author of From Dry Bones to Living Hope  April 22, 2025 5.      Frank Bruni, author of The Beauty of Dusk  May 22, 2025 6.      Mia Birdsong, author of How We Show Up  July 15, 2025 7.      Anne Lamott, author of Somehow  Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025 Aging Grace-Fully is made possible by a generous grant from the Lutheran Foundation for Long Term Living. www.LFLTL.org ELCA COMMUNICATIONS RELATED TO UPCOMING ELECTIONS At the Conference of Bishops meeting several weeks ago, Strategic Communications presented our messaging strategy for communications related to this year’s presidential and other elections. A request was made of our team to share additional resources and information to assist synod bishops and your synod communications in this area. To meet that request, we also share the following with you today: ·         Election Talking Points (attached) ·         Bishop Eaton’s video encouraging people to vote  (released earlier today) ·         Reminder to visit ELCA.org/civicengagement  as a central hub for resources PLTS DISCERNMENT WEEKEND Are you wondering whether seminary education could be right for you? Visit Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary for Signs Along the Way, an in-person visit and discernment weekend for folks at any stage in their discernment. If you are wondering about a Master of Divinity or MA in Spirituality and Social Change degree (great for future deacons!), or want to learn more about Lutheran year studies, this is a great event for you! Friday evening to Sunday afternoon November 8th-10th you will have the opportunity to connect with current seminarians, faculty, and staff, learn more about seminary and online learning, and engage in intentional discernment and reflection. Lodging and most meals are covered by PLTS and there is some travel assistance available if needed. Learn more at plts.edu/signs  or contact admissions@plts.edu  to see if this might be the right next step for you.

Join leaders from the Allegheny Synod Faith Formation Team on October 21, 2024, at 6:30 pm for an informational Q&A session about The Weekend synod youth event. The session is on Zoom, and you can join here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88064487621?pwd=HB2TeeHoi4JPYeEnI05BFXdObQuCwA.1 The Weekend will be at St. James Lutheran in Huntingdon on December 6-8, 2024. All youth in grades 6-12 and their adult leaders are invited. Registration is open until November 15, and forms are available here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tNCndQ7LOXiNcA9kUYDGqE31e3ClRt44/view?usp=drive_link

SYNOD OFFICE CLOSED Due to scheduling conflicts and staff vacation, the Allegheny Synod office will be closed from noon on Thursday, October 10, through Friday, October 11. The office will reopen Monday, October 14. HURRICANE RESPONSE IN LUTHERAN LETTER If your congregation or ministry site is doing any quick response projects in the wake of recent hurricanes, send a short description and photo of the work to Rick Kazmer, Editor, at r9remzak@hotmail.com . He will run them in the next edition. ALLEGHENY SYNOD LUTHERAN WOMEN’S RETREAT We hope you will join with other women from throughout our synod for a time of relaxation and fellowship at the Allegheny Synod Lutheran Women's Retreat later this month. The event will be held Saturday, October 19, from 9am to 1pm at Duncansville Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1200 Fourth Ave., Duncansville.  Cost per person is $10 and includes light breakfast and lunch. The day will include time for self-care with chair yoga, paint and pour, and holiday craft time. Attached is a registration form, which may be completed and emailed to luthwomen@yahoo.com . You may also register online at the link below: https://www.jotform.com/form/242746603684160 If you'd like, you may pay at the door the day of the event or mail your check, payable to Allegheny Synod, to me at the address below: Pastor MJ Irvin-Stellabotte Newry Lutheran Church 1030 Shamrock Ln. PO Box 397 Newry, PA 16665 On behalf of the retreat planning committee, we hope you will join us for this afternoon of fellowship and relaxation! If you have any questions, please reach out to us at luthwomen@yahoo.com . We also appreciate if you would please share this information with other individuals who may be interested in attending. THE WEEKEND IS COMING Allegheny Synod youth in grades 6-12 and adult leaders are invited to The Weekend at St. James Huntingdon December 6-8. Registration is now open here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1DPxvmrfEF06FqnfZwT5Ub8xlJTH0RRbB Due to technical difficulties, a second informational and Q&A session will be held on Zoom Monday, October 21 at 6:30 pm. Join here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88064487621?pwd=HB2TeeHoi4JPYeEnI05BFXdObQuCwA.1 PLTS DISCERNMENT WEEKEND Are you wondering whether seminary education could be right for you? Visit Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary for Signs Along the Way, an in-person visit and discernment weekend for folks at any stage in their discernment. If you are wondering about a Master of Divinity or MA in Spirituality and Social Change degree (great for future deacons!), or want to learn more about Lutheran year studies, this is a great event for you! Friday evening to Sunday afternoon November 8th-10th you will have the opportunity to connect with current seminarians, faculty, and staff, learn more about seminary and online learning, and engage in intentional discernment and reflection. Lodging and most meals are covered by PLTS and there is some travel assistance available if needed. Learn more at plts.edu/signs  or contact admissions@plts.edu  to see if this might be the right next step for you.

Click on the documents below for information and the registration form for The Weekend youth event Friday, December 6 through Sunday, December 8 at St. James Lutheran and the Comfort Inn in Huntingdon.