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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.

ALLEGHENY SYNOD OFFICE HOLIDAY CLOSURES The Allegheny Synod office will be closed on July 4 and 5. We will resume regular hours on Monday, July 8. The staff will be working at home on Wednesday, July 3. They can be reached via e-mail. ALLEGHENY SYNOD OFFICE YARD SALE The Allegheny Synod office is moving. In order to make this transition, we need to downsize. You can help. We will have books, worship items, furniture and office supplies for “sale” at the Synod office (701 Quail Ave., Altoona) on the following days: July 23-25 during business hours. You may come by between 9:00 am  and 3:00 pm. to shop. All items are available for a donation. The proceeds will be given to ELCA World Hunger. Help us get ready to move! LIVESTREAM LUTHERAN SUMMER MUSIC THROUGHOUT JULY Lutheran Summer Music invites you to livestream over 30 inspiring concerts, recitals, and worship services throughout the entire month of July. Performances and services are shared by over 250 students, faculty, fellows, worship staff, and guest artists who come together to create a vibrant community of music-makers. Visit LSMacademy.org/2024 to explore the schedule and access the livestream and video archive. You won't want to miss this! SAVE THE DATE Allegheny Synod Assembly 2025: May 31, 2025, Blair County Convention Center. THRIVENT’S BIG GIVE BACK The Thrivent Member Network will be blessing five Thrivent Choice organizations in its first annual, The Big Give Back.  Five local Thrivent Choice organizations will be selected for the opportunity to highlight their mission and community impact. Then the Thrivent Member Network along with each of the selected Thrivent Choice Organizations will spread the word and earn votes for their cause. Thrivent Members along with donors and supporters can cast their vote for their favorite Thrivent Choice organization for the opportunity to help the Thrivent Member Network award $25,000 in Community Grants. How To Apply. Visit bit.ly/MidAtlanticTheBigGiveBack to learn more about this campaign and to download an application. Completed applications must be submitted by Thursday, August 15, 2024. Community Grant Awards. A total of $25,000 in Community Grants will be awarded during The Big Give Back interactive campaign. *Community Grants will be awarded based on public voting during this live interactive online event from Oct. 13-19. One vote per person per email address during the voting period.Questions? If you have questions about this event or how to apply, please email MidAtlanticTMN@Thrivent.com

Let us pray: God, we pray today for patience—the kind that sits with a friend, waits for a spouse to come around, listens to a child’s concerns. Teach us to hold space for others—and ourselves. Let our stillness be a declaration. We believe in you and trust in your care for the people and circumstances in our lives. Thank you for being our rock and stronghold in days of uncertainty. Amen. GO TELL IT IN THE MOUNTAINS INTEREST SURVEY Please publicize the link to the Go Tell It IN The Mountains interest survey with your congregation and with community partners. We are excited to announce that Pastor John Kratz will join us as the Director of the initiative in September. In the meantime, we are forming committees and task forces to get the initiative underway in our three-Synod territory. Join us in preparing lay people and clergy to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. Survey link: Go Tell It IN the Mountains survey (google.com) MENTAL HEALTH REFERRAL NETWORK Praxi (https://praxi.app/), is a FREE mental health directory that not only helps pastors and other professionals locate therapists currently accepting new clients but also facilitates networking opportunities to foster trusting and collaborative relationships. Praxi can address a critical gap in supporting pastors and youth directors who are increasingly feeling overwhelmed by the growing mental health needs of both youth and adults. This YouTube video that gives a brief overview of the directory. For more information, contact Dr. Katie Holter at katie@joinpraxi.com or 320-309-1724 SEAFARERS HOUSE INTERNATIONAL CHRISTMAS AT SEA PROGRAM Seafarer’s House International Christmas At Sea program for those who serve on the sea has information about its program here: Christmas-at-Sea | SIHNYC. This could be the start of a God’s work. Our hands. project or a Christmas project. KINDLING FAITH EVENTS 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. Aging Grace-Fully is made possible by a generous grant from the Lutheran Foundation for Long Term Living. www.LFLTL.org Author Schedule:Rabbi Steve Leder, author of The Beauty of What Remains Oct. 22, 2024Sloane Crosley, author of Grief Is for People Nov. 12, 2024Margaret Renkl, author of Late Migrations Feb. 25, 2025Rebecca Chopp, author of Still Me March 27, 2025Missy Buchanan, author of From Dry Bones to Living Hope April 22, 2025Frank Bruni, author of The Beauty of Dusk May 22, 2025Kate Bowler, author of Have A Beautiful, Terrible Day! July 15, 2025Anne Lamott, author of Somehow Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025 New Collaborative Event with ELCA Churchwide. Review of ELCA Social Statements (six online webinars). 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 first event in the series is June 25th! Click here for more details. Register here. 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. Wine, Cheese, and Chocolate (and Morning Conversations with David Hayward, aka NakedPastor: July 28-August 2. It’s been a year. Wars. Politics. Covid (again). The leaking toilet in the parish hall. You name it. Deacons and Pastors (and spouses): you deserve a break—some time away at a place apart. Welcome to the Gettysburg campus of ULS for a week of relaxation and meaningful moments. This year, you are welcome to bring your spouse and family members (each additional family member is only $100). On Thursday evening, we will have the Second Annual Bestowing of the Blessed Gourd Award given to the church leader with the most bizarre ministry story from the past year. Hope you can join us. BONUS: Lower Susquehanna Rostered Leaders can attend for free thanks to a generous grant from the synod! Click here to register. Summer Ministry Institute: Relevant Worship in a Strange New World with Rev. Jonathan Rundman and Revs. Sarah and Erik Teichmann, August 11 – 16. Over the course of five days, spend time with song leader and composer Rev. Jonathan Rundman with Rev. Sarah and Erik Teichmann in an interactive discussion about worship and congregational participation. We’ll examine our personal histories as people-in-the-pews, explore our own creativity, focus on lots of practical application (technology, psychology, theology, repertoire), and crowdsource best practices for worship/music planning in our congregations. Fun! Joy! Harmony! Contemplation! Wondering! Friends! For more information on our presenters, click here. Click here to register. In the Footsteps of St. Paul. Journey to Greece with Revs. Drs. Angela and Martin Otto-Zimmann, October 24 – November 5th. More information here. 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.

SOCIAL STATEMENT ON CIVIC LIFE AND FAITH HEARINGThe ELCA is developing a social statement on civic life and faith, the relationship of church and state, and related matters, as called for by the 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly. Social statements are the ELCA’s primary documents to address significant social issues. They are intended to aid reflection, shape conscience and set forth the ELCA’s teaching and policy on the major social issues and questions of contemporary life. Social statements are developed by task forces, using an established process of study and widespread participation across the church to guide theological and moral deliberation. At this time the task force encourages you to study and give feedback on a draft version of the social statement. You can participate by filling out a survey, found here, or by participating in a hearing ON Friday, June 14 at 5:00 pm at Zion Lutheran Church, Hollidaysburg. Hearings are public gatherings where participants share their specific affirmations or concerns about a draft statement. The feedback period will be open until Sept. 30, 2024. To download a copy of the draft social statement, click here. We are unable to offer printed versions at this time. GOD’S WORK. OUR HANDS. On Sunday, Sept. 8, congregations of the ELCA will join together for our annual day of service, “God’s work. Our hands.” This day continues to be an opportunity to celebrate who we are as the ELCA — one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor. As you explore opportunities to participate in your community, explore these resources to plan and promote your day. This year we also celebrate 50 years of ELCA World Hunger. In commemoration of this milestone, consider including ministries focused on alleviating hunger and poverty in your plans for “God’s work. Our hands.” Or make it a season of service! Expand your volunteer opportunities, advocacy efforts or food drives until World Food Day on Oct. 16. If your congregation cannot participate on Sept. 8, you’re encouraged to consider another day for your service activities. SYNOD ASSEMBLY Synod Worship will be held on Friday, June 14 at 6:00 pm at Zion, Hollidaysburg. Synod Assembly will be held Saturday, June 15 at the Blair County Convention Center. Registration opens at 7:30 am. As a reminder, you will need to physically sign in at the registration desk to be able to vote using our VPoll app. YOU MUST HAVE PRE-REGISTERED. THERE IS NO ONSIGHT REGISTRATION. More information with credentials will be sent via e-mail. Voting members are asked to be seated in the plenary hall at the Convention Center at 8:30 am so we can begin on time. We have a full day of reports planned and hope to end our day by 4:30 pm. All the information we currently have for Synod Assembly can be found in the Synod Assembly tab on the Allegheny Synod website. Nominations are still open. We can receive Nominations on the day of the Assembly, but a nomination form will not appear in the Bulletin. The form will be available at the registration desk. If you have questions, contact the Allegheny Synod Office. ONLINE DISCERNMENT OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUNG ADULTS Do you feel like God might be calling you to public ministry as a deacon or pastor in the ELCA? Would you like some support on your discernment journey? Sign up for a free, online discernment group! You will join 2 or 3 others for 3 or 4 sessions, led by an ELCA rostered minister (pastor or deacon). Topics covered include grounding in the God who calls all people, your particular gifts and passions, and an exploration of what the candidacy process to become a rostered leader in the ELCA looks like. To sign up for an online discernment click here: https://elcaseminaries.org/contact/ To explore Journi.Faith click here: https://www.journi.faith Questions? Email Pastor Jordan Miller-Stubbendick at Jordan.Miller-Stubbendick@elca.org ELCA FOUNDATION NEWSLETTER The ELCA Foundation newsletter, Insights, can be found here. UPCOMING ORDINATION Allen Stump will be ordained to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament on Sunday, June 2 at 4:30 pm at Faith Lutheran Church, 6567 Glades Pike, Somerset. You are invited to attend. Clergy may vest and process. The color of the day will be red. Refreshments will be offered following worship in the social hall. PIANIST NEEDED Mt. Olivet in Altoona is seeking a pianist for one service each Sunday at 9:15 am. For more information, contact Darlene Shaffer at 814-943-2092. LAY WORSHIP LEADER TRAINING CONTINUES The Worship class for Lay Worship Leader training begins soon. A registration form and information form can be found here: https://www.alleghenysynod.org/ignite LEAD presents Good Soil Online Summer Seminar on Thursday, June 13th! This is a great online learning event for deacons, pastors, and all leaders within your faith community. Topics/speakers: Leading with Love (Rozella Haydee White), Teamwork Works (Pastor Brad Otto), Know Your Neighbors (Deacon Jessica Noonan), Communication Clarity (Deacon Peggy Hahn). Cost is $45 per seminar for 150 minutes of learning! Share the flyer and promo video with your friends on this page. Questions, contact LEAD at LEAD@leadconnects.org LAMPA ANNOUNCES GRANT AND FELLOWSHIP LAMPa is honored to announce it has received one of the inaugural awards for the Jackie Maddox Racial Justice Grant from ELCA Witness in Society. This grant is for a three-year project entitled "Isaiah 58:12 Fellowship: Empowering Lutheran Youth in Pennsylvania for Racial Reconciliation." Building on the prophet Isaiah’s vision of those who “will be called repairer of the breach, restorer of the streets to live in,” this fellowship empowers recipients to address racial injustice and enact reconciliation at the grassroots level. Up to 3 fellowships will be awarded each year. Each recipient is paired with a clergyperson of color to serve as mentor to bring the project to fruition. Monthly check-ins with mentors and LAMPa staff, and participation in antiracism training are required parts of the fellowship.  Fellows will present on their project and fellowship experience at Lutheran Day 2025 (date TBD).  Fellows who successfully complete their projects will then receive $1,000 for college tuition or continuing education.  With this fellowship, LAMPa hopes to encourage and empower young people in the Church to further lead us all in the way of antiracism and reconciliation, building up the beloved community with our voices and our actions. Application Requirements: Youth and young adults (under 25) in Pennsylvania are welcome to apply with a proposed project to further racial justice and reconciliation in their local communities. All projects must include an advocacy component around one of LAMPa’s issue priorities (e.g. hunger and poverty, housing, creation care, human rights) as well as engagement with LAMPa and ELCA Witness in Society. A letter of recommendation from an ELCA rostered minister (pastor or deacon) committed to supporting the applicant in their project is required.  Find out more and apply here.

If you are a voting member to the Allegheny Synod Assembly, you should have received an email from the Allegheny Synod Office on Tuesday, May 28 with your voting credentials (confirmation number and last name) and instructions on how to log in to the practice session and the Zoom link for the practice session. This session will NOT be recorded. The Zoom link is below along with how to log in to VPoll. If you did not receive the e-mail, you can search your email for your confirmation email which will have the same confirmation number. ZOOM LINK: Synod Assembly Voting Practice Time: May 28, 2024 6:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87008639804 Meeting ID: 870 0863 9804 If using your phone, dial by your location • +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) • +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) LOGGING IN TO VPOLL: Go to www.vpoll.mobi Enter the Access Code: Allegheny24 Enter the Login Criteria: Last Name ID Number Select the Polling Session: Practice Session

SYNOD ASSEMBLY Synod Worship will be held on Friday, June 14 at 6:00 pm at Zion, Hollidaysburg. Synod Assembly will be held Saturday, June 15 at the Blair County Convention Center. Registration begins at 8:00 am. As a reminder, you will need to physically sign in at the registration desk to be able to vote using our VPoll app. More information with credentials will be sent via e-mail. Voting members are asked to be seated in the plenary hall at the Convention Center at 8:30 am so we can begin on time. We have a full day of reports planned and hope to end our day by 4:30 pm. All the information we currently have for Synod Assembly can be found in the Synod Assembly tab on the Allegheny Synod website. If you are responsible for a report for the Bulletin of Reports, please get it to Secretary David Finney no later than Friday. If he does not receive a report, it will not appear in the Bulletin and we will not make copies. Nominations are still open. We can receive Nominations on the day of the Assembly, but a nomination form will not appear in the Bulletin. The form will be available at the registration desk. If you have questions, contact the Allegheny Synod Office. UPCOMING ORDINATION Allen Stump will be ordained to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament on Sunday, June 2 at 4:30 pm at Faith Lutheran Church, 6567 Glades Pike, Somerset. You are invited to attend. Clergy may vest and process. The color of the day will be red. Refreshments will be offered following worship in the social hall. PIANIST NEEDED Mt. Olivet in Altoona is seeking a pianist for one service each Sunday at 9:15 am. For more information, contact Darlene Shaffer at 814-943-2092. LAY WORSHIP LEADER TRAINING CONTINUES The Worship class for Lay Worship Leader training begins soon. If interested, contact Bishop Paula for a registration form and information form. LEAD presents Good Soil Online Summer Seminar on Thursday, June 13th! This is a great online learning event for deacons, pastors, and all leaders within your faith community. Topics/speakers: Leading with Love (Rozella Haydee White), Teamwork Works (Pastor Brad Otto), Know Your Neighbors (Deacon Jessica Noonan), Communication Clarity (Deacon Peggy Hahn). Cost is $45 per seminar for 150 minutes of learning! Share the flyer and promo video with your friends on this page. Questions, contact LEAD at LEAD@leadconnects.org SOCIAL STATEMENT ON CIVIC LIFE AND FAITH HEARINGThe ELCA is developing a social statement on civic life and faith, the relationship of church and state, and related matters, as called for by the 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly. Social statements are the ELCA’s primary documents to address significant social issues. They are intended to aid reflection, shape conscience and set forth the ELCA’s teaching and policy on the major social issues and questions of contemporary life. Social statements are developed by task forces, using an established process of study and widespread participation across the church to guide theological and moral deliberation. At this time the task force encourages you to study and give feedback on a draft version of the social statement. You can participate by filling out a survey, found here, or by participating in a hearing ON Friday, June 14 at 5:00 pm at Zion Lutheran Church, Hollidaysburg. Hearings are public gatherings where participants share their specific affirmations or concerns about a draft statement. The feedback period will be open until Sept. 30, 2024. To download a copy of the draft social statement, click here. We are unable to offer printed versions at this time. The ELCA wants to hear your voice on climateYou are invited to share your attitudes and perspectives through the five-minute American Climate Metric Survey by ecoAmerica. The ELCA partners with ecoAmerica through its Blessed Tomorrow coalition of religious partners. Responses to this survey will help to shape strategy and planning in the coming year. Your responses are anonymous. The survey will close Tuesday, May 28. Should you encounter any problems or questions while taking the survey, please contact Jennifer Giordano at ecoAmerica. Take the survey: www.surveymonkey.com/r/HHQ22QM . Augsburg Fortress free summer music clinicsLearn from our exceptional clinicians, Mark Sedio and David Cherwien, at the Augsburg Fortress free summer music clinics. Attendees can also enjoy a handbell clinic and a hymn festival. Learn more and sign up at www.augsburgfortress.org/music/summer-music-clinics. Dates and locations: Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn.: July 16-17 Columbia, S.C.: July 19-20 Philadelphia, Pa.: Aug. 1-2 Columbus, Ohio: Aug. 5-6 Chicago, Ill.: Aug. 8-9 Mission Investment Fund (MIF): Invest now and earn 5.05% APY1 on the new 7-Month Term InvestmentInvest with the Mission Investment Fund’s new 7-Month Fixed-Rate Term Investment and take advantage of its newest term, its highest rate and this limited-time opportunity to make a real difference in our communities of faith. Investing with MIF means more than a high rate of return. That’s because MIF investments fund building and renovation loans that extend the capacity of ELCA congregations and ministries to share God’s love. As always, MIF remains a reliable financial investment choice for individuals and ministries. See what the Mission Investment Fund can offer at mif.elca.org. LAMPA ANNOUNCES GRANT AND FELLOWSHIP LAMPa is honored to announce it has received one of the inaugural awards for the Jackie Maddox Racial Justice Grant from ELCA Witness in Society. This grant is for a three-year project entitled "Isaiah 58:12 Fellowship: Empowering Lutheran Youth in Pennsylvania for Racial Reconciliation." Building on the prophet Isaiah’s vision of those who “will be called repairer of the breach, restorer of the streets to live in,” this fellowship empowers recipients to address racial injustice and enact reconciliation at the grassroots level. Up to 3 fellowships will be awarded each year. Each recipient is paired with a clergyperson of color to serve as mentor to bring the project to fruition. Monthly check-ins with mentors and LAMPa staff, and participation in antiracism training are required parts of the fellowship.  Fellows will present on their project and fellowship experience at Lutheran Day 2025 (date TBD).  Fellows who successfully complete their projects will then receive $1,000 for college tuition or continuing education.  With this fellowship, LAMPa hopes to encourage and empower young people in the Church to further lead us all in the way of antiracism and reconciliation, building up the beloved community with our voices and our actions. Application Requirements: Youth and young adults (under 25) in Pennsylvania are welcome to apply with a proposed project to further racial justice and reconciliation in their local communities. All projects must include an advocacy component around one of LAMPa’s issue priorities (e.g. hunger and poverty, housing, creation care, human rights) as well as engagement with LAMPa and ELCA Witness in Society. A letter of recommendation from an ELCA rostered minister (pastor or deacon) committed to supporting the applicant in their project is required.  Find out more and apply here.

Excerpt from A Prayer For A Heavy World by Kaitlin Curtice: O God, this morning when we woke to your presence in and around us, we also woke to a heavy world, and in this world, we can’t make sense of all the things that are wrong and should be made right. We cannot fathom that people are judged on the color of their skin, that lives are worth less because their pockets are empty, that violence is an everyday occurrence, and it seems that no place is safe. So when we wake to the sunrise and know that you are still good, teach us what it means to seek goodness when the world is dark. Amen. SYNOD ASSEMBLY NOMINATIONS NEEDED! Please consider serving in your Synod. We are in need of nominations to fill vacant positions on Synod Council and Synod committees. Please see the nomination form in the Synod Assembly tab on the Allegheny Synod website. REGISTRATION FOR SYNOD ASSEMBLY CLOSES ON MAY 17! If you wish to attend Synod Assembly as a voting member or guest, registration closes on May 17. You can register by clicking the link in the Synod Assembly tab on the Allegheny Synod website. CHURCH SEXTON SOUGHT Trinity Lutheran in Somerset is searching for a church sexton. The job description and information on how to apply is below. DISCERNING GOD’S LEADING COURSE Here is a link for more information about the Dialog Works Discerning God’s Leading Course for faith leaders. Discerning God's Leading - Summer '24 (dialogworks.org) FAITH + LEAD HOSTING BONHOEFFER LIVESTREAM Here is a link for more information and how to register for the June 11 livestream from Faith + Lead: Bonhoeffer, the Gospel and the Other. Aus Lecture - Faith+Lead MAY MISSION SUPPORT MEMO This month our May 2024 ELCA Mission Support Memo follows the journey of Parkside Lutheran Church, nestled in North Buffalo, NY, where over the last six years they have been experimenting, risking, and building connections to show "God's doors are open for all" and all are invited to come early and stay late! Plus join us Monday, May 20th for a fabulous webinar on "STORY MATTERS" from Rev. Heather Roth-Johnson, a storyteller, a public speaker, a workshop leader, a writer and in general just a creative soul. We also share our gratitude for all the staff and volunteers who work so hard to plan and execute synod assemblies. Read the memo here! SEMINARY ONLINE OPEN HOUSE Wartburg Seminary is hosting an Online Open House next Tuesday, May 21st form 7:30pm-9:00pm. This is an opportunity for anyone interested in learning more about Wartburg’s specific master degree offerings (Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Diaconal Ministry, Master of Arts) as well as a great introduction to what seminary is like in general. There will be a Scripture study led by a current Wartburg faculty, a panel of current students sharing their experiences, and other details about Wartburg and seminary shared with the participants. Registration information can be found here: Wartburg’s Online Open House Registration

UPCOMING ORDINATION Ted Williams has been called to serve Ferguson Township Lutheran Ministries (Gatesburg and Pine Hall). His ordination will be held on Saturday, May 11 at 10:00 am at Trinity Lutheran Church, Altoona. Clergy are invited to vest and process. The color of the day is red. ADOPT THE STAFF AT CAMP SEQUANOTA This will be the second year that you can adopt the Full-Time, Part-Time, and Seasonal Staff at Sequanota. Last year we ran this as a trial to see how it would go over and it was received very well, a few issues but we are working on those concerns. Who can participate? Churches, individual church members, friends of staff, prior camp staff When can you give? One week during the camp season. Here are the weeks of camp were donations are needed: Training Week: May 18-19 (Small Staff discuss with Michele if you are interested in this week) Training Week: May 28-June 7 Week 1: June 10-June 14 Week 2: June 20-June 23 Week 3: June 23-June 28 Week 4: June 30-July 3 Week 5: July 7-July 12 Week 6: July 14-19 Week 7: July 21-26 Week 8: July 28-August 2 How and What do I donate? Items can be delivered to camp on Saturday or Sunday (prior to noon) of the week you sign up for, take the items to the Dining Hall. Please include on your donations who the donation is from. Example: Training Week: May 18-19, St. John's Lutheran Church Millheim, PA or Michele Peese, Aaronsburg, PA Synod Council Representative. Looking for snack foods, drinks, motivational cards, notes; individual bags of all items would be best so that it is easier to distribute to all staff (we will have a final headcount when staffing is finalized). When putting together your donations keep in mind food allergies at camp throughout the week. With allergies we recommend staying away from any sort of nuts, keeping in mind VEGAN options, Gluten Free Products, as well as Yeast Allergies. I will share more as we find out what types of allergies are amongst the staff as a whole. If you would like to send mail to the staff, and not food donations, that is also an option. We can be creative in how we show our appreciation to all of the staff at camp. Questions about Adopt The Staff can be directed to Michele Peese at 814-470-5511. If you are interested in helping out in any of the weeks above, please reach out by the end of April so we can see where we are in need of weekly volunteers. If you are interested in donating but don't have a way to deliver to camp, I am happy to work with you to get your items dropped off. Hearing on ELCA Social Statement: CIVIC LIFE AND FAITH Friday, June 14, 2024 at 5 p.m. (before Synod Assembly Opening Worship) Zion Lutheran Church, Hollidaysburg A light meal will be provided Have you ever wondered what it means for the Evangelical Lutheran Church of American to be “embedded” and active in your community, our nation, and the world? In the midst of divisions within our current society, have you ever thought about how the church might act to mend its torn social fabric and reconcile divided peoples? Together with others who have those questions or might want to know more about how the ELCA is pondering our role within your community, the nation, and the world, you are invited to this hearing. The hearing will give you the opportunity to provide feedback on the draft statement to share your specific affirmations or concerns. Further, you are invited to learn about how others reflect on the draft Civic Life and Faith Social Statement, which when completed, will impact the teaching and policies of the ELCA in the face of contemporary social issues. A copy of the draft Civic Life and Faith Social Statement is attached and is available at: www.ELCA.org/civicsandfaith, where if you are unable to attend the hearing, you can provide feedback. Please feel welcome to join the conversation. LEARNING OPPORTUNITY: What Can Islam Teach Us about Death and Dying? Death is universal. Yet, the beliefs, responses, and rituals around this shared human experience, influenced by religion and culture, vary widely. In this minicourse, we will examine Muslim views and responses related to death. How can Muslim perspectives contribute to our understanding and facilitate a better engagement in facing human mortality? Thursdays May 2, 9, and 16, 7:00–8:30 PM ET, via Zoom with Zeyneb Sayilgan, Ph.D., ICJS Muslim scholar. For more information and to register, click here: Muslim Perspectives on Death and Dying - ICJS CREMATION FUNERAL PALL Below is a picture of a funeral pall made by Marna Gilman-Fischer. If your congregation is interested in having one made, the cost is $120, the size is 24” x 24” and you can be in contact with Pastor Mark Fischer to place an order. Tend Festival Announced Share in intentional time of faith discussions, good music, art, worship, ecology, and fellowship at Camp Sequanota. This event will have an open schedule allowing participants the freedom to pick what is right for them. It will include options for multiple workshops, open recreation & hiking, and time to relax and refresh yourself and your family. For more information and to register, click here: Tend Festival (sequanota.com) LUTHERAN DISASTER RESPONSE TRAINING You are invited to a special Lutheran Disaster Response leadership training camp at Crisfield Maryland on September 4-6, 2024. At this training you will join a small group of folks to dive deep into what long term recovery is, and why we do it both from a spiritual and practical perspective. Our baptismal promises call us to serve all people. Because disasters leave many worse off than they were before disasters, this is a place as Christians, where we should be. Furthermore, Lutheran Disaster Response is one of only a few organizations that do this type of work and we are working to build our capacity to help meet needs as our communities face new challenges…from tornado activity, to flash floods, to poor air quality from fires hundreds of miles away. Accommodations for the training will be at Camp Kairos, a traditional volunteer camp of the Eastern Shore Long Term Recovery Committee. All camp expenses are being covered, except travel to the event, and hotel accommodations should you wish to stay at the local hotel instead of the Camp Kairos Sponsorships are available to those who may need financial assistance in order to attend the event. For more information or to register for this event, please contact Rev. Glenn Beard, Jr., gbeard@luthercare.org or Julia Frank, JFrank@LibertyLutheran.org. ALLEGHENY SYNOD OFFICE IS MOVING At the March Synod Council meeting members heard a proposal about moving the Allegheny Synod Offices to The Lutheran Home in Hollidaysburg. This topic has been discussed for several months as we seek to be good stewards of the resources we receive for the ministry we do in this Synod. The Synod Council voted unanimously for the office to be moved AFTER ASSEMBLY. We will maintain our phone number and e-mails in this move. We will have a somewhat smaller office space, but we will have access to two conference rooms and other spaces for meetings. The cost savings would be roughly $6,500/year to make this move. We do not yet have a move date as we are preparing for Assembly and know that we will have a significant amount of paring down of files and furniture and other items in the current office. We will make periodic announcements about the move in the coming months. NOMINATIONS NEEDED The Nomination Form for Synod Assembly can be found on the Allegheny Synod website in the Synod Assembly tab. Please encourage people to consider serving outside the congregation. LUTHERAN DISASTER RESPONSE TRAINING You are invited to a special Lutheran Disaster Response leadership training camp at Crisfield Maryland on September 4-6, 2024. At this training you will join a small group of folks to dive deep into what long term recovery is, and why we do it both from a spiritual and practical perspective. Our baptismal promises call us to serve all people. Because disasters leave many worse off than they were before disasters, this is a place as Christians, where we should be. Furthermore, Lutheran Disaster Response is one of only a few organizations that do this type of work and we are working to build our capacity to help meet needs as our communities face new challenges…from tornado activity, to flash floods, to poor air quality from fires hundreds of miles away. Accommodations for the training will be at Camp Kairos, a traditional volunteer camp of the Eastern Shore Long Term Recovery Committee. All camp expenses are being covered, except travel to the event, and hotel accommodations should you wish to stay at the local hotel instead of the Camp Kairos Sponsorships are available to those who may need financial assistance in order to attend the event. For more information or to register for this event, please contact Rev. Glenn Beard, Jr., gbeard@luthercare.org or Julia Frank, JFrank@LibertyLutheran.org. GO TELL IT IN THE MOUNTAINS PROMOTIONAL VIDEO This link: https://youtu.be/wy_2UGerdO4  takes you to our first promotional video for the Go Tell It IN The Mountains initiative. Please watch it and share it with your congregations. Another promotional video along with an interest survey will come your way soon.