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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.

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.