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.

The next class in the authorized lay worship leader classes has been announced. The preaching class will begin on October 9. Below is the registration form and information about the class. Please note: If you have not taken the Scripture class, it is not recommended that you take this class to get started. The Scripture class will begin in the new year. For questions, contact the Upper Susquehanna Synod office.

Farewell for the Bishop The Allegheny Synod Council has planned a drop-in farewell for Bishop Paula for Sunday, October 6 from 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm at Evangelical Lutheran in Duncansville. All are welcome. Light refreshments will be served.   Vital Congregations Training to be held at ULS See the promotional flier below for more information and how to register. Lutheran Men in Mission The Lutheran Men in Mission Summer Ambassador Gram is below. Please share with your congregation. Terry Koch named to LAMPa Policy Council. You can read the full story here: Terry Koch named to Policy Council for Allegheny Synod - LAMPa ( lutheranadvocacypa.org ) Choices and Voices for Peace letter still open for sign on In a statement signed by more than 330 religious leaders , representing more than 3 million Pennsylvanians, they called on their communities and all Pennsylvanians to prioritize understanding over assumptions and commit to truthfulness, recognizing the real harm caused by misinformation. They called on people of faith across the Commonwealth to commit to courageous peacebuilding and to sign on  in support of the statement. Estate Planning Information from the ELCA Foundation Now is the perfect time to reflect on your estate plans. The ELCA Foundation offers several helpful resources to guide you through every stage of the estate planning process. Here are some of the ELCA Foundation favorites: + Save time and set yourself up for estate planning success with  “Estate Planning Starters.” + Get a handle on your estate plan with  “Estate Planning You Can Do at Home.” + Learn what goes into a will — and who should be involved — with  “A Guide to Making Your Will.” + Write your will at any time with  Giving Docs , our online will-writing tool. Free, secure access is yours for life.   Strategy Towards Authentic Diversity Gants Since its inception, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has grappled with the profound challenge of achieving authentic racial diversity. This struggle, deeply rooted in our history, has led to a church membership that currently represents less than 10% of People of Color. In 2016, a resolution was presented to the Churchwide Assembly to create a task force to develop recommendations to assist the church in increasing more diverse representation.   The task force, composed entirely of people of color and those whose primary language is other than English, listened to the experiences of communities historically underrepresented within the ELCA and society. Mindful of working constructively with white allies within the church, the European Descent Lutheran Association for Racial Justice (EDLARJ), now known as the Association of White Lutherans for Racial Justice, worked alongside the task force as allies. Working in partnership with the staff of the Churchwide Organization, the task force developed a series of recommendations and actions to engage the whole church in removing inequitable barriers, recognizing the diversity already within this church, the importance of leadership development, the woundedness of racism, greater accountability of policies, programs funding, and governance to ELCA People of Color. The document, How Strategic and Authentic is Our Diversity: A Call for Confession, Reflection, and Healing Action (STAD), was adopted by the fifteenth triennial Churchwide Assembly on August 9, 2019, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  To view the document, visit: Strategy_Toward_Authentic_Diversity.pdf ( elca.org )   The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is pleased to announce the Strategy Towards Authentic Diversity Mini-Grants. $33,000 has been allocated to support diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across the ELCA.  Faithfulness to the Biblical mandate to proclaim the Gospel requires fostering actions that promote equity, fairness, and justice across all three expressions of the ELCA and society.  Grant-funded projects, activities, programs, events, and plans must relate to an area of focus named in the STAD: Theological Education, Leadership Development, Partnerships with Ecumenical and interreligious partners, Healing Actions from racism and other forms of oppression, Antiracism education, and Structural Accountability through policy and/or programs focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion.     Mini grants are seed grants designed to launch and support new or existing projects, policies, and events that promote or relate to the Strategy Towards Authentic Diversity themes.  Individuals, associations, congregations, synods, and organizations affiliated with the ELCA are eligible to apply. Mini grants in the requested amount of $500-2,500. The total funding disbursement amount is $33,000, and the average grant funding amount will be $800. WHO CAN APPLY?  Individuals, associations, congregations, synods, and organizations affiliated with the ELCA are eligible to apply. When Registration Opens: September 3rd, 2024 Closed Date November 1st, 2024 DECISIONS COMMUNICATED: Funding decisions will be made through the STAD Advisory Committee. Funding will be announced on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, the National Day of Racial Healing.    SAVE THE DATE Initiated by the Kellog Foundation,   Tuesday, January 21, 2025,  has been chosen as a momentous National Day of Racial Healing, Truth Telling, and Transformation. This day, launched in 2017, is not just a date on the calendar but a powerful opportunity to unite ALL people in their common humanity and inspire collective action in institutions and communities to create a more just and equitable world.   The ELCA is proud to host an educational day that will elevate the Strategy Towards Authentic Diversity themes. This day is a crucial time to reflect on our shared values and create the blueprint for #HowWeHeal from the effects of racism.   The ELCA educational day will center the voices of leaders of color and provide a platform to call the ELCA to remember its commitment to building an authentic and diverse church.   This online interactive free educational event will become a reality thanks to the Strategy Towards Authentic Advisory Committee,  Mission Development Fund grant, and partnership with 1517 Media.  Stay tuned for additional announcements and the lineup of speakers.

The document below shows pictures of office furniture from the Allegheny Synod Office. We would like to gift the remaining furniture to anyone who could use it. Please share this information widely. We cannot deliver any of the furniture, but will meet whomever is interested at the office for pick-up.

GENERAL INFORMATION Blanket Sunday is a ministry that is traditionally held on the first Sunday in October. In 2024 the date will be October 6. All congregations of the Allegheny Synod are invited to give a special offering for the purchase of blankets for Lutheran World Relief. These contributions buy sturdy blankets which provide shelter, warmth, and security for those living in disastrous situations. Blanket Sunday envelopes are available from the Synod Office. ALL BLANKET SUNDAY MONEY SHOULD GO THROUGH YOUR CHURCH TREASURER TO THE SYNOD. KITS, BLANKETS & QUILTS Blanket Sunday is also the time when many congregations collect quilts and blankets, and compile kits to be shipped to Lutheran World Relief in New Windsor, MD. This year the WGMC (Women’s Group of Mt. Calvary [Johnstown]) is organizing this collection. Details for the pick-ups in the various areas of the Synod are included in this mailing. Anything you can do to promote this project will be greatly appreciated. Detailed directions for making and assembling the kits are available on the LWR website @ LWR.org. PACKING Items should be packed with like items in a box, not to exceed 40 pounds. Label contents in LARGE BLOCK LETTERS on the outside of the box. Use strong boxes, and secure with packing tape. Please do NOT use plastic or paper bags to pack donations. Please use the labels provided (Make as many copies as necessary.) to write the name and address of your congregation on each box and label contents. Please also fill out the Report page included with this mailing. TRACKING OPTION You may register your congregation on the LWR website. This allows you to print out barcodes to put on your boxes. That way you can track where your items go. MONETARY CONTRIBUTIONS LWR asks your congregation to CONSIDER making a monetary donation to their Quilts and Kit Shipping Fund to help cover the costs of getting the blankets, kits, and quilts to those in need. If you wish to do so, send your checks directly to New Windsor at Lutheran World Relief Warehouse, 601 Main Street, P O Box 188C, New Windsor, MD 21776. Make checks payable to Lutheran World Relief and write “Quilt and Kit Shipping” on the memo line. PLEASE NOTE: YOU DO NOT NEED TO SEND MONEY. YOU MAY SEND JUST QUILTS, BLANKETS AND KITS.

INTERIM BISHOP NAMED The Allegheny Synod Council has appointed Bishop Barbara Collins as the interim bishop of the Allegheny Synod. She will begin her appointment on October 1, 2024. Bishop Collins retired from serving as the bishop of the Upper Susquehanna Synod in 2022. She will be serving part-time in the interim capacity through the election of a new bishop at the June 2025 Allegheny Synod Assembly. You will be able to read more about Bishop Collins’ ministry in the September/October issue of The Lutheran Letter.   LUTHERAN LETTER DEADLINE If your congregation has news you would like to have published in the Lutheran Letter, the deadline for the November/December issue is October 20. Send stories to editor Rick Kazmer at r9remzak@hotmail.com     LYNN MCCORMICK PASSED AWAY The obituary for Lynn McCormick is here:  Lynn Georgia (Larson) McCormick | Obituary ( familiesfirstcare.com )   BONHOEFFER CURRICULUM NOW AVAILABLE! SHARE THE NEWS! LAMPa is excited to announce that the curriculum, "Lessons from Dietrich Bonhoeffer in a House Divided and a World on Fire" is now available ! It's free for congregational use! Mark your calendar and plan to join us for related events with author Dr. Lori Brandt Hale Oct. 18-19 in Gettysburg. Details coming soon!   CHOICES AND VOICES FOR PEACE ELCA Lutheran Bishops of Pennsylvania will gather in Harrisburg on Thursday, September 5, to deliver together a statement called “Choices and Voices for Peace.”  The intent of this joint statement is to call for peace in a time when the fraught political climate in our country is leading some people to choose violence and hate.  Because it is important for us to stand together in a call for peace as an exercise of leadership in caring for the people of our Commonwealth, you are invited to join us in the Capitol Rotunda. The statement will be made shareable in the coming days.   RESOURCES FOR DISCIPLESHIP IN A DEMOCRACY   LAMPa offers resources to help in the work of building up peace and responding to ideologies that promote hate and violence . From webinars to in-person events, find ways to help your congregation and community engage in civic life . REGISTER TODAY for Thursday's webinar on legal parameters for churches and other nonprofits   STORIES OF FAITH IN ACTION (SOFIA) The publication Stories of Faith in Action and the resources that go along with it are designed to share how important your weekly offering in your congregation is in sustaining and growing God’s mission. The portion of your offerings that support the ELCA’s synodical and churchwide ministries is called Mission Support. The publication and resources found here help explain and answer questions about Mission Support and tell the story of those gifts in action. You can read stories here: https://www.livinglutheran.org/sofia/ . If you want to share a story, feel free to reach out to Karen Kretschmann at  karen.kretschmann@elca.org .   ELCA ELECTION ACTIVATORS Are you interested in what you can do as a non-partisan influence in this election cycle? Take your energy to the #ELCAElectionActivator network - an opportunity for individuals and our congregations to share in our communities love in action.   ELCA Election Activators from various parts of our ELCA faith community are invited to a call once-a-month to for updates and to hear from each other about local initiatives. Because the ELCA does not endorse a particular candidate, party or form of government or strive for a Christian one, participation requires sign-up and a non-partisan pledge. "Lutherans care about government because it is a gift from God intended for the safety and flourishing of human life" (from ELCA social message "Government & Civic Engagement in the United States: Discipleship in a Democracy"). Our next virtual meeting is Aug. 27. Learn more today! https://blogs.elca.org/advocacy/elca-election-activator-network/   Also of note, in the online Living Lutheran our “ELCA Advocacy Column – August” will feature a description of the first meeting with an invitation. I don’t know the publication date, but it will turn up at https://www.livinglutheran.org/?s=advocacy and other locations.   FAITH + LEAD OFFERS WORKSHOP Faith + LEAD is offering Preaching in an Age of Polarization - Faith+Lead  this week. Click the link to register and for more information   VIRTUAL DISCERNMENT EVENT Have you ever wondered about theological education? The ELCA seminaries would like to help you learn more about your seminary options and explore with you where God might be calling you next. Join all seven seminaries of the ELCA on Sunday, September 15th from 1:00-3:30 (PT), 2:00-4:30 (MT), 3:00-5:30 (CT), or 4:00-6:30 (ET) for a Joint Virtual Discernment Event. Click  here  to learn more and register.   Turks & Caicos Journey for Women in Ministry January 6-12, all women in ministry are invited to escape winter and routine and come on a journey to Turks & Caicos! Are you a woman in ministry leadership and looking for a time apart for renewal, learning, and connection in a beautiful location? ConseCrate & Sunlight Tours, two woman-owned, clergy-owned businesses, are leading this time of relaxation, spiritual exploration, dwelling with others, exciting expeditions, great food, yoga, sunshine, and so much more! Deacon Michelle Walka will be guiding us in learning and practice around the themes of rest, discernment, and creative expression along the way. It’s a continuing education/vacation like no other. Grab your seminary besties & let’s go!  Find out more & sign up before registration closes October 1: sunlighttours.org .   OCTOBER IS CLERGY APPRECIATION MONTH ConseCrate Subscription Box is a woman-owned, clergy-owned business created by ELCA pastor Reverend Dr. Ruth E. Hetland.  They have been sending out fun, encouraging, inspiring boxes to ministers around the world since 2020. Many congregations give a ConseCrate subscription to their ministers as a way of saying “thank you” to them with a monthly surprise. The items included in the ConseCrates are always a surprise and curated from creative ministers and other small businesses.  Examples of items we have included over the years: Coffee roasted by a pastor/coffee roaster in Oregon, Honey from a pastor/beekeeper in Kansas, Hand poured candles from a youth minister/candlemaker in Georgia, Book from a pastor/author in Minneapolis, Earrings from a deacon/jewelry-maker in Oklahoma, Contemplation deck from a Spiritual Director/artist in Minnesota The ConseCrates always include 4-6 items and correspond with the church season. They often also include special offers from spiritual directors, curriculum-creators, life coaches, and others who understand the unique calling of ministry. Find out more about ConseCrate and order something special for your ministers this Clergy Appreciation Month at consecrate.cratejoy.com .

God’s Love Made Real is a movement within the ELCA that encourages us to create a world experiencing the difference God’s grace and love in Christ make for all people and creation. The purpose of this conversation is for Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton to share with ELCA members in a personal way — through examples, stories and answers to their questions — why God’s Love Made Real is vital to her and this church.     Format: Live  Zoom  meeting   https://elcafoundation.zoom.us/j/88111520417 Registration:  Encouraged  but not required  https://community.elca.org/gods-love-made-real-a-conversation-with-bishop-eaton-august-20-2024?erid=24a89c93-31a7-4570-befb-30c909892c36&trid=24a89c93-31a7-4570-befb-30c909892c36 Host: The Rev. Kurt F. Kusserow, bishop of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod Date: Tuesday, Aug. 20 Time: 12-12:45 p.m. Eastern time   ELCA members in the Northwestern Pennsylvania; Southwestern Pennsylvania; Allegheny; Lower Susquehanna; Upper Susquehanna; Delaware-Maryland; Metropolitan Washington, D.C.; and West Virginia-Western Maryland synods are invited. Whether you are active in a congregation, are a pastor in the ELCA or haven’t been to church in months, your voice is valuable. This conversation seeks to activate  every one of us  so that more people might know the way of Jesus and discover community, justice and love.

August 8, 2024   Let love be genuine; hate what is evil; hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. (Romans 12:9-10)   Beloved in Christ,   Grace to you and peace from God our Father and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.   When I was elected to serve as the bishop of the Allegheny Synod, it was quite a surprise to me. Up until the moment I was told I was elected, I was convinced another candidate would be elected. I took a deep breath and accepted your confidence.   Because life is continual discernment, an intentional listening and noticing of God's nudging and the Spirit's movement, I have been listening to God, myself, and others throughout these three years. That listening has brought me to the realization that my physical, mental and spiritual health have suffered in this call. For me, this makes it difficult to make good decisions for my own well-being and the well-being of our Synod. It is for this reason I am tendering my resignation as bishop of the Allegheny Synod, effective October 28, 2024. This decision was not an easy one to make and it is not one I make lightly. This is a necessary decision for my ongoing well-being. I need to step away from the rigors of this call and heal so that I can move toward the future and continue to listen for God’s direction for what lies ahead.   When I began this term, I had hoped that together we would rebuild trust, reconnect with each other and revive our sense of call to the hard work of loving each other and this hurting world. I was committed to leading us forward. For a variety of reasons, this vision has been difficult to realize. I still pray this will be the future of the Allegheny Synod.  Some seeds that have been planted have allowed us to make some small strides toward that vision.   One of the greatest challenges is that our Synod has well established behaviors and practices that have made it more difficult to model, grasp and live into the original vision . Bridges still need to built, steps toward growth and understanding still need to be made. Each of us are called to be leaders that are seeking to grow communities of faith that are vibrant and living from their giftedness.   The work ahead begins with you. I am trusting that you will prayerfully practice your own discernment. What is Christ calling you through your baptism to be for this world and how might you use your gifts to strengthen and support our Synod?   In these three years, we can celebrate being able to call two exceptional staff people, receiving a Lilly Endowment grant for Compelling Preaching, ordaining new, gifted leaders to serve you and stewarding the move of the Synod office to a new location.   There is more work to do. Christ is with you. You have a dedicated and gifted staff and Synod Council that will help guide you into the future. I will be cheering for you from the sidelines.   My last day in the office will be September 30. I will be on vacation through October 28. Peace be yours, Bishop Paula Lebo

The Weekend Youth Event is happening December 6-8, 2024 at St. James in Huntingdon. All youth in grades 6-12 from the Allegheny Synod are invited to participate, and adults from congregations are invited to participate as leaders for their youth. More information and registration materials can be found here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tNCndQ7LOXiNcA9kUYDGqE31e3ClRt44/view?usp=sharing Any additional questions can be emailed to alleghenysynodfaithformation@gmail.com.

ALLEGHENY SYNOD OFFICE YARD SALE Still lots of great items available! Come and see! What isn’t taken will be donated to local charity. Pictures on website in News/Calendar section.   ELCA Thriving Ministries online training being offered in collaboration with Kindling Faith of ULS Here is a flier with more information: 669693c774249087685a141a_Vital Congregations Promo.pdf ( website-files.com )   DARE TO LEAD FOR FAITH LEADERS Faith + LEAD is offering the Brene Brown Dare to Lead training for faith leaders beginning September 10. Here is a link with more information: Dare to Lead for Faith Leaders - Faith+Lead   INVITATION FROM EPISCOPAL CHURCH TO “WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?” Flier below with more information. While it will be more Episcopal focused, Lutherans are invited to attend and glean and share information. Reservation information on flier. KINDLING FAITH FALL OFFERINGS Kindling Faith Hosts Partners   for Sacred Places Event   In the past 30 years, and especially post-pandemic, many congregations find themselves with fewer members, fewer resources of money and volunteers, and buildings in need of repair. Many of those properties are currently not being fully utilized to serve their communities or generate income. In this seminar, Partners’ staff will explore several issues around church property in the current climate of religious life.   During the seminar, the group will visit local churches to illustrate how to put some of the learnings into practice. September 26th – 28th on the Gettysburg Campus. Both rostered and lay leaders encouraged to register here !   Aging Grace-Fully: an Author Series for Aging Adults and Those Who Care for Them  Aging Grace-Fully examines how to age with grace and live, fully, with the physical, mental and social changes that are often difficult to accept when growing older. Join us to seek understanding and acceptance of these challenges in our eight-part series featuring leading authors who share their knowledge and experiences about aging including suffering, love and loss. All presentations will be on the Gettysburg campus of ULS and available online. Group rates are available. Register here .   Author Schedule: 1. Rabbi Steve Leder, author of The Beauty of What Remains  Oct. 22, 2024 2. Sloane Crosley, author of Grief Is for People  Nov. 12, 2024 3. Margaret Renkl, author of Late Migrations  Feb. 25, 2025 4. Rebecca Chopp, author of Still Me  March 27, 2025 5. Missy Buchanan, author of From Dry Bones to Living Hope  April 22, 2025 6. Frank Bruni, author of The Beauty of Dusk  May 22, 2025 7. Mia Birdsong, author of How We Show Up  July 15, 2025 8. 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     What does it mean to be Lutheran   in a crucial election year? A Review of ELCA Social Statements (six online webinars, live and recorded) As our faith informs our day-to-day lives, Lutherans recognize that “faith is active in love [and] love calls for justice in relationships and structures of society” (ELCA, Social Statement on Church in Society, 1991). We also know the church is called to be a community that prays, deliberates, and acts together when it comes to complex social issues. In this election year, how might our Lutheran faith shape our thinking, acting, and voting on major issues? Join us to learn and ponder timely social teachings of the ELCA and to learn tips for leading discussions in your own community. Our next event in the series is August 27th! Click here  for more details. Register here.     Other Kindling Faith Opportunities Fall Training Events for Rostered Leaders. In collaboration with the Lower Susquehanna Synod, we offer training for those rostered leaders who wish to learn more about racial justice, professional boundaries, and cultural competency. Register here  for both in-person and online opportunities. Fall Convocation on the Philadelphia Campus will take place on September 18th featuring Pastor Chris and Jamie Breusehoff, author of Raising Kids Beyond the Binary: Celebrating God’s Transgender and Gender-Diverse Children. Both in-person and online.  Register here.   In the Footsteps of St. Paul. Journey to Greece  with Revs. Drs. Angela and Martin Otto-Zimmann, October 24 – November 5th. Hurry before registration closes! More information here.

July 23-25, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Allegheny Synod Office, 701 Quail Avenue, Altoona. Be prepared to make a donation to ELCA World Hunger for the items you wish to "buy." We will accept cash, check or pay pal. Below are pictures of just some of the items available. Help us downsize for our move in early August. You must take items along or make arrangements for pick up. We will not deliver items.