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By now you’ve probably seen that I have reclaimed my birth name. I am now known as Bishop Paula Lebo. It was a good thing for me to do and I am still living into the change. I had forgotten how many places a name is given and now needs to be amended. Over the past few weeks, I have been approached by people who have heard about this change and heard their story of reclaiming a name or their story of hesitating for one reason or another like I did. I am grateful for these connections and honored that others would share their story with me. In one instance, I listened as someone told me about their pain and how they felt carrying around a name that no longer seemed to fit. I was able to remind this person that first and foremost, they are God’s beloved child—which is at the heart of their (and our) identity. No matter what name we take or reclaim, we will always be known as God’s beloved first—and that’s what really matters. Have you thought about an answer to my question of a few weeks ago—whether there is something you’ve been carrying around that no longer seems to fit or is weighing heavier on you than you would like? I hope you find the courage to let it go and live more fully into your identity as God’s own. +Bishop Paula KENYA EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH REQUEST Interested in how you can support our companion Kenya Evangelical Lutheran Church? Bishop Paula is setting up a Zoom meeting with Bishop Meliyio in the near future. If you would like to join the meeting and hear more about how we can be supportive of our kindred in Kenya, please contact Bishop Paula and bishop.paula@alleghenysynod.com 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 is available on the Synod's website in the Synod Assembly tab. There are a variety of ways you can serve including as an officer--we are asking for nominations for Synod Secretary; as a Synod Council member or as a voting member to the Churchwide Assembly in July 2025. Prayerfully consider how you might be a part of the ministry we do together. LAMPA STATEWIDE SERVICE AND JUSTICE NETWORKS LAMPa’s work connects Lutherans to lawmakers. But their mission also connects Lutherans to each other and our neighbors here and around the globe. It connects faith to public life. Acts of service to works of justice. Thoughts and prayers, to action. This Eastertide, you are invited to lean with LAMPa into that work of connecting with the launch of statewide service and justice networks. Join LAMPa and your neighbors around the Commonwealth who are living into their baptismal call to serve in the way of Jesus and to strive for justice and peace in all the earth. Noontime virtual gatherings around four areas in which our ministries have a depth of experience or excitement to grow and where Lutherans are expressing energy for making a difference. April 3 - Hunger and Poverty April 10 - Creation Care April 17 - Human and Civil Rights April 24 - Housing and Homelessness (Follow the links above to register. And if you missed your date, don't worry, you can still join a network) These initial virtual gatherings will start at noon on Wednesdays in April. We will survey to determine best days, times and frequency for meetings moving forward. The networks are not just about meetings. They're about ongoing connection and community, grounded in the hope of Easter. Of course, our call to love our neighbor extends beyond neat categories, and so does LAMPa's work. You can sign up for a network or let us know where else God is leading you (and/or your congregation!) to act in love here. 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. GO TELL IT IN THE MOUNTAINS INITIATIVE DIRECTOR SEARCH The Steering Committee of the Go Tell It IN The Mountains Initiative has released the job description for the search for a Director of the initiative. You can find the job description here along with a link to the complete proposal. If you or someone you know is a good fit for this position, please share the description and follow the “how to apply” instructions in the document. TECHNOLOGY DISCOUNTS AND COST BENEFITS THROUGH THE ELCA ELCA congregations, synods, and partners are eligible for some discounts and benefits. Please see the attached .pdf for information on some supplies and vendors that your ministry may use.

LUTHERAN CAMPUS MINISTRY FUNDRAISER FOR MARCH MADNESS Hoosiers and Panthers and Nittany Lions, Oh My! This year during NCAA March Madness, Lutheran Campus Ministry at Penn State is participating in Campus Ministry Madness, a fundraising challenge between Lutheran Campus Ministry sites across the country.  Did you know that 89% of students who participated in campus ministry planned to continue being active in a faith community.  Your support of Campus Ministry allows students to have a community to explore and grow in their faith and prepare themselves for a deep faith life after they graduate.  Help LCM at Penn State reign supreme and even more importantly support the transformational work happening through campus ministry nationwide!  Give today at https://luminelca.org/madness/ LUTHERAN DAY IN THE CAPITOL 2024 Registration is open for Lutheran Day in the Capitol on May 9, 2024. You may register at this link:https://www.lutheranadvocacypa.org/about/lutheran-day-2024/ An informational fliers is below EASTER VIGIL Bishop Paula will participate in an Easter Vigil with Bishop Scanlan of the Central PA Diocese of the Episcopal Church being held at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church on Saturday, March 30 at 5:30 pm. You are invited to attend. THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2024 – COMMUNITY LEADERS, EDUCATORS, EMERGENCY RESPONDERS, AND FAITH-BASED ORGANIZATIONS DOMESTIC TERRORISM TRAINING This course is being offered to community and faith-based organizations who will learn: ·        Identifying speech, symbols, and propaganda commonly associated with racially and ideologically motivated behavior. ·        Discerning between criminal activity and First Amendment protected speech and actions. ·        The indicators of radicalization to violent extremism. ·        Educational considerations and best practices, ·        How to leverage community resources to combat extremism. Registration is now open: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/domestic-terrorism-and-violent-extremism-training-tickets-838558871157  An informational flier is below GO TELL IT IN THE MOUNTAINS INITIATIVE The Steering Committee of the Go Tell It IN The Mountains Initiative has released the job description for the search for a Director of the initiative. You can find the job description here along with a link to the complete proposal. If you or someone you know is a good fit for this position, please share the description and follow the “how to apply” instructions in the document. SPRING CONFERENCE MEETINGS Please encourage anyone in your congregation to be present for the Spring conference meetings. There will be a presentation on the upcoming social statement on civic life and engagement as well as information about our upcoming Synod Assembly and in some conferences, a Deans election. Anyone is welcome to attend these meetings, voting members to Synod Assembly are especially encouraged to come. April 8: Bedford Conference. 6:30 pm at St. Peter’s, Osterburg April 10: Clearfield Conference. 6:30 pm. First, Phillipsburg. April 16: Johnstown AND Laurel Highlands Conferences. 6:30 pm at St. David’s in Davidsville April 17: Blair-Huntingdon Conference. 6:00 pm at The Lutheran Home in Hollidaysburg April 22: Nittany Conference. 7:00 pm. St. Mark, Pleasant Gap MORAL INJURY AND SUICIDE PREVENTION WORKSHOPS OFFERED BY PITTSBURGH VA A free 2-hour training on April 19th (10 am to Noon) will offered by the VA Chaplain Department. The attached faith leader flyer includes a QR code and a link to tune into this training free of cost as well as a registration form needed in advance of the event. For those not in the Pittsburgh area/unable to attend in person, please scan the QR code on the attached flier, the day of the event, April 19th to join via Teams. Questions?: Call the VA Chaplain Services Team:  412.360.1826. 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.

LETTER ENCOURAGING CEASE FIRE IN GAZA This past week, the ELCA Conference of Bishops issued a statement calling for a bilateral cease-fire in Gaza. The statement is below. I encourage you to send a letter to your Congressional Representatives, asking them to embrace this statement and exert their influence by calling for a cease-fire. I encourage you to take a moment and communicate your own thoughts to your representatives as well as President Biden. You may include the Conference of Bishops statement or craft your own. Regardless of one's political position, I am hopeful that one thing we can agree on is an end to violence.  I ask for your help. Let us together articulate a voice of peace in this matter. You can find your representatives at this link: https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member LUTHERAN DAY IN THE CAPITOL 2024 Registration is open for Lutheran Day in the Capitol on May 9, 2024. You may register at this link: https://www.lutheranadvocacypa.org/about/lutheran-day-2024/ GO TELL IT IN THE MOUNTAINS INITIATIVE The Steering Committee of the Go Tell It IN The Mountains Initiative has released the job description for the search for a Director of the initiative. You can find the job description here along with a link to the complete proposal. If you or someone you know is a good fit for this position, please share the description and follow the “how to apply” instructions in the document. RENEWAL OF VOWS SERVICE A Renewal of Vows service of worship will be held on March 19 at 10:30 am at Bethany Lutheran Church in Altoona. A light meal will be provided following worship. We will bless oil for your use. If you would like oil, please bring your own container. Pastors and Deacons, both active and retired, and seminarians are invited to participate. NATIONAL QUILTING DAY CELEBRATION Saturday, March 16, 10-11:30 am at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Karthus. Quilts on display, a quilt in progress and light refreshments as quilters are honored and celebrated for their efforts to bring comfort and aid to global neighbors. SPRING CONFERENCE MEETINGS Please encourage anyone in your congregation to be present for the Spring conference meetings. There will be a presentation on the upcoming social statement on civic life and engagement as well as information about our upcoming Synod Assembly and in some conferences, a Deans election. Anyone is welcome to attend these meetings, voting members to Synod Assembly are especially encouraged to come. April 8: Bedford Conference. 6:30 pm at St. Peter’s, Osterburg April 10: Clearfield Conference. 6:30 pm. First, Phillipsburg. April 16: Johnstown AND Laurel Highlands Conferences. 6:30 pm at St. David’s in Davidsville April 17: Blair-Huntingdon Conference. 6:00 pm at The Lutheran Home in Hollidaysburg April 22: Nittany Conference. 7:00 pm. St. Mark, Pleasant Gap LAY WORSHIP LEADER AUTHORIZATION SERVICE We will gather to celebrate the authorization of four new lay worship leaders in our Synod on Sunday, April 7 at 3:00 pm. Location to be determined. You are invited to attend and support these new leaders among us. FREE ETCHED STEMWARE Etched stemware is still available for pick up at the Allegheny Synod office. The items are FREE.

SYNOD ASSEMBLY FIRST MAILING The first mailing for the Synod Assembly has been e-mail to congregations and leaders. It is below. Please secure voting members before your scheduled spring conference meeting. Dates are below. The 36th Assembly of the Allegheny Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America will be held in person Saturday, June 15, 2024, 8:30am to 5pm at the Blair County Convention Center. The theme is Go Tell it in the Mountains. We ask that you please thoroughly read the attached Synod Assembly event information and registration material prior to using the online registration link below. The packet contains important instructions for the online registration process and payment as well as other important deadlines and details regarding the Assembly. The attached documents may also be found on the Synod’s web page by clicking  here. REGISTRATION LINK (ONLY VOTING MEMBERS NEED TO REGISTER): https://secure.accessacs.com/access/eventlogin.aspx?id=ITQHgKEsjlAUJlbugw2/Yg==&site=141249&ReturnUrl=events%2fwz_people.aspx&ChurchID=7232&EventID=230303&sn=141249 If you have any questions, please contact the office 814-942-1042. SPRING CONFERENCE MEETINGS April 8: Bedford Conference. 6:30 pm at St. Peter’s, Osterburg April 10: Clearfield Conference. 6:30 pm. Location TBD. April 16: Johnstown AND Laurel Highlands Conferences. 6:30 pm at St. David’s in Davidsville April 17: Blair-Huntingdon Conference. 6:00 pm at The Lutheran Home in Hollidaysburg April 22: Nittany Conference. TBD

FREE ORGAN The Brush Valley Fusion of Faith has an extra organ!  The 1969 Allen electric organ plus four large speakers are free to a new good home (church or individual).   Contact Julie Holm at julie@bvfof.org for more information. ASH WEDNESDAY MESSAGE Below is an Ash Wednesday message from the Office of the Bishop that you may include in your bulletins. CRLC LISTENING SESSION SURVEY If you were unable to attend one of the Commission For A Renewed Lutheran Church listening sessions, your voice still can be heard! Use the link below to complete a survey that will help inform the Commission’s work. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdFULRWoXTH7qTlRgWPPN5VV6UXiRhejngKfdkjJEIAPhdo1w/viewform SYNOD ASSEMBLY NOMINATIONS Below is the 2024 Nominations Form for open positions. The deadline for nominations to be included in a nomination packet distributed to Synod Assembly voting members is April 24. If information is received after the deadline, only the name of the nominee will appear on the ballot. Questions may be directed to nomination chair, Paula Nihoff at lhcupaula@aol.com This year we will elect persons to serve as Churchwide Assembly Voting Members. The Churchwide Assembly takes place in August 2025 in Phoenix. We also are electing a Synod Secretary to a four-year term as well as Synod Council, Consultation Committee and Discipline Committee members. NATIONAL YOUTH GATHERING If your congregation has youth attending the National Youth Gathering in July, please let Bishop Paula and/or Pastor Kevin know by February 15. DRAFT SOCIAL STATEMENT AND MESSAGE OPEN FOR FEEDBACK A draft version (Civic_Life_and_Faith_Draft.pdf (elca.org)) of the ELCA social statement on civic life and faith is now available for study and discussion. You can give feedback by filling out a survey, found here: Draft of a Social Statement on Civic Life and Faith Survey (surveymonkey.com), or by participating in a hearing. Hearings are public gatherings where participants share specific affirmations or concerns. The feedback period will be open until Sept. 30. Learn more. A draft version (Microsoft Word - SMGVT PostedDraftText-final.docx (elca.org)) of an ELCA social message on gun-related violence and trauma is available and open for feedback until Jan. 31. Please take the time, alone or with a group, to study the message draft and share your affirmations, concerns, and suggestions via this survey form: Draft of a Social Message on Gun-related Violence and Trauma Survey (surveymonkey.com).

FREE TRAINING AND INFORMATION FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS OFFERED READY Local Governments is offering a nine-week training program, expert guidance, and funding opportunities to help local governments in the Appalachian Region better apply for, manage, and implement federal funding. Learn more here: https://www.arc.gov/ready/localgovs/ LISTENING SESSION INVITATION At our 2022 Synod Assembly, we forwarded a memorial to the Churchwide Assembly which resulted in the Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church (CRLC) being formed. The CRLC has been meeting and working toward outcomes outlined in the memorial. Now, they want to hear from you. The Allegheny Synod has scheduled a Listening Session on Tuesday, January 30. There are two times scheduled: 11:00 am and 7:00 pm. The Listening Session will be held via Zoom and the link will be sent to anyone who registers. This is free and open to any member of the Allegheny Synod. Register by clicking this link: https://forms.gle/SizoALuVQgBZHt91A NEW GRANDPARENT CONGRATULATIONS Pastor Christine Roe’s grandson, Rowan Lee James Blevins, was born January 18, 9 lbs. 9 oz. and 21 1/2 inches by c-section. Mom and dad are doing well. The family ask for prayers for mom Jaymi’s full recovery and for their new lives shared as a family. Pastor Jaime Olson’s granddaughter, Molly Marie Mishik, was born January 21, 8 lbs. 6 oz. and 19 3/4 inches. Mom and dad are also doing well. Prayers to the family as they begin their new lives together. Webinar on EPA Community Change Grant Program Thursday, February 1st from Noon- 2PM ET The Environmental Protection Network (EPN) is joining Reimagine Appalachia to host this information session to share more about the application process for  the Environmental Protection Agency’s Community Change grant, with extra space for networking and question and answers. The first hour will focus on a formal presentation and ample time for questions and answers. The second hour will allow time for networking and conversation from groups in the region who are applying, or considering applying for this grant. Register here The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a new Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants program, a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), for approximately $2 billion dollars in Inflation Reduction Act funds. Track I, Community-Driven Investments for Change expects to award approximately $1.96 billion for 150 projects for $10-20 million each. Track II, Meaningful Engagement for Equitable Governance expects to award approximately $40 million for 20 projects for $1-3 million each. Eligibility: Applications should be (1) a partnership between two community-based nonprofit organizations (CBOs), or (2) a partnership between a CBO and a Tribe, local government, or institution of higher education. A CBO must show that it is a nonprofit, and that it supports/represents a community through engagement, education, and other related services. Deadline: The NOFO will be open for a year, closing on November 21, 2024, and the EPA will review applications on a rolling basis. This allows applicants to utilize technical assistance and possibly resubmit a new application if not initially selected. The EPA encourages prospective applicants to apply as early as possible. Learn more and apply here. Free training from the Appalachian Regional Commission to help access federal grants – Here's a map of the counties served by the Appalachian Regional Commission.  Please help get the word out to your local governments, especially those with limited bandwidth. APPLICATIONS ARE DUE BY FEB. 29 -- Following completion of the training program, participants will be eligible for up to $50,000 in funding (no-match required) to implement internal capacity-building projects to help them better serve communities. Help for access to clean-energy tax credits The IRS has launched the IRS Energy Credits Online pre-filing registration tool for taxpayers who intend to receive a direct payment or transfer a clean energy credit. Eligibility: Non-profits and many other entities are eligible to access clean energy tax credits through Elective pay and Transferability mechanisms, as established by the Inflation Reduction Act.  Nonprofits can use an IRS Energy Credits Online user guide to complete a required pre-filing registration process and receive a registration number. The IRS is excited to offer office hours (through Microsoft Teams) to help entities with the pre-filing registration process on the new IRA/CHIPS Pre-filing Registration Tool. Pre-filing registration is a required step for applicable entities and eligible taxpayers to take advantage of elective payment or transfer of credits available in the Inflation Reduction Act and CHIPS Act. Representatives from the IRS will be available to answer your pre-filing registration questions. Registration for office hours is now open. Registration is required and can be completed by clicking on the links below. January 19, 2024, 1-2PM EST, registration ink January 23, 2024, 1-2PM EST, registration link January 26, 2024, 1-2PM EST, registration link January 30, 2024, 1-2PM EST, registration link February 2, 2024, 1-2PM EST, registration link February 6, 2024, 1-2PM EST, registration link February 9, 2024, 102PM EST, registration link REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR SCHMUCKER AT 225 Though often vilified by Lutherans of the late 20th century, Samuel Simon Schmucker is arguably the most influential Lutheran of the 19th century, and his legacy continues to this day as evidenced by the number of people who still blame him for every ill in the modern American Lutheran church. To mark the 225th anniversary of his birth, The Lutheran Historical Society of the Mid-Atlantic, Gettysburg College, Gettysburg College Provost’s Office, Gettysburg College History Department, Civil War Institute at Gettysburg College, and Christ Lutheran Church Gettysburg are holding a day-long conference, 24 February 2024, at Gettysburg College, with lecturers and panelists from across the United States to engage in a critical re-examination of Schmucker's thought and legacy. For more information and to register, click here: Schmucker at 225: Revisiting What He Thought and What He Wrought LUTHERAN IMMIGRATION AND REFUGEE SERVICES CHANGES NAME From the e-mail announcement: As Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service enters its 85th year, we are excited to share the beginning of an impactful new chapter in the history of our organization. On January 17, 2024, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) is becoming Global Refuge.  Our decision to rebrand is rooted in the massive worldwide need for compassionate support of those seeking safety. With more than 100 million people displaced by war, famine, climate change, and persecution, our mission of providing the "long welcome" is more crucial than ever. Our Board knew we needed to build a bigger table of supporters.  The Global Refuge brand fittingly conveys our mission of providing safety and support to refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants from across the world. As our new identity makes us more accessible to clients, partners, and supporters, it leaves unchanged our core vision: to foster a world of just and welcoming communities, informed by our Lutheran heritage and decades of experience. Khader El-Yateem appointed Executive Director for ELCA Service and Justice CHICAGO (Jan. 17, 2024) — The Rev. Khader El-Yateem has been appointed executive director of the Service and Justice home area of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). El-Yateem will begin his service March 18. El-Yateem has served as assistant to the bishop and director for evangelical mission with the ELCA Florida-Bahamas Synod since 2018. Prior to joining the synod staff, he served as pastor of Salam Arabic Lutheran Church in Brooklyn, N.Y., a congregation he started as a mission developer in 1995. El-Yateem also worked in patient relations at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn from 2010 to 2017, and was chief financial officer at Bethlehem Bible College in Bethlehem, from 1990 to 1992. The former executive director for Service and Justice, the Rev. Rafael Malpica Padilla, retired in April 2023. Tammy Jackson has served as the interim executive director since his retirement. DRAFT SOCIAL STATEMENT AND MESSAGE OPEN FOR FEEDBACK A draft version (Civic_Life_and_Faith_Draft.pdf (elca.org)) of the ELCA social statement on civic life and faith is now available for study and discussion. You can give feedback by filling out a survey, found here: Draft of a Social Statement on Civic Life and Faith Survey (surveymonkey.com), or by participating in a hearing. Hearings are public gatherings where participants share specific affirmations or concerns. The feedback period will be open until Sept. 30. Learn more. A draft version (Microsoft Word - SMGVT PostedDraftText-final.docx (elca.org)) of an ELCA social message on gun-related violence and trauma is available and open for feedback until Jan. 31. Please take the time, alone or with a group, to study the message draft and share your affirmations, concerns, and suggestions via this survey form: Draft of a Social Message on Gun-related Violence and Trauma Survey (surveymonkey.com). Kindling Faith 2024 Programming For Congregational Councils seeking to learn more about this vital ministry of the church—a new six-part zoom series kicked off on January 8th at 7 pm (meeting on the second Monday of each month through June). Cost is now only $80. Click here to learn more! For those seeking spiritual formation throughout the 2024 in an easily accessible online interface. (Breathing in Christ with Deacon Marsha Roscoe.) For Rostered and lay leaders seeking to grow justice advocacy and ministry in their congregation, the “Pillars of Sacred Justice Lenten Series” starts on February 15th. “Leading from the Second Chair” is a special in-person program for Associate Deans and Pastors serving in corporate-sized congregations. February 26-27 on the Gettysburg Campus. A special one day event for lay and rostered leaders who feel weary from wandering in the wilderness—“Fostering Spiritual Resilience” will be held on the Gettysburg campus and online February 29th. Part of the Small but Mighty Church series. In honor of Samuel Simon Schmucker’s 225th birthday, we are having a special event on the Gettysburg campus on Saturday, March 2nd. There are special learning opportunities for everyone. Bring a group from your congregation. Learn more here. For church leaders who want to recognize the signs of abuse and help those who are suffering. (Pastoral Care online series with Dr. Beth Toler, March 4 & 7.) Discounted rate will apply for new students to the series. Email mzimmann@uls.edu for details. Synod-authorized training programs are available in March and April. We are offering in-person training on both the Philadelphia and Gettysburg campuses in March. Online trainings will be available in April. Anti-racism, LGBTQIA2S+ Competency, and Boundary concepts are the topics. Register here. The Nolde Lecture series welcomes author Anthony Ray Hinton to the Philadelphia campus on Monday, March 18th at 7 pm for a free lecture about his experience of living on death row for thirty years. The event will also be livestreamed and his book And the Sun Does Shine will be available for purchase and signing. Register here to attend in person or via livestream. Reconciling the Shadow is a special day apart for rostered and lay women to examine their spiritual and mental growth edges. Join Jesus in the desert, hold space for grief, anger, and questioning, and gain concrete tools and direction to move toward true belief in resurrection. March 21-22 in Gettysburg. Register here. For Women in Ministry to be Affirmed and Celebrated (Calm in the Chaos 2.0 with Dr. Crystal Hall April 4-6 at Gettysburg) Register here. “Rediscovering Hope” with Nancy Nyland will take place on April 11th at the Gettysburg campus and online. Nyland has taught the ELCA’s congregational vitalization workshops for several years. This workshop will focus on reclaiming our hope in Jesus Christ and how this shapes our evangelism and outreach; part of the “Small but Mighty Church” series. Spring Convocation on the Gettysburg Campus will take place April 24th. The theme is “Theodicy” and will feature Dr. Natalia Marandiuc and New York Times bestselling author Dr. Kate Bowler. Register here. Save these 2024 dates for Authors at ULS: March 18th at 7 pm in Philadelphia, Anthony Ray Hinton April 24th at 1 pm in Gettysburg, Kate Bowler (recently interviewed by Krista Tippett for the radio show On Being) September 18th at 1 pm in Philadelphia, Jamie Bruesehoff Save the dates for Summer 2024: Theological Learning with Adults featuring Dr. Allison deForest Professor of New Testament, July 14 – 19 Wine, Cheese, and Chocolate II: July 28-August 2 (Week Long Artist in Residence: David Hayward aka The Naked Pastor) Summer Ministry Institute: Worship in Context with Rev. Jonathan Rundman and Rev. Sarah and Erik Teichmann, August 11 - 16

LUTHERAN IMMIGRATION AND REFUGEE SERVICES CHANGES NAME From the e-mail announcement: As Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service enters its 85th year, we are excited to share the beginning of an impactful new chapter in the history of our organization. On January 17, 2024, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) is becoming Global Refuge.  Our decision to rebrand is rooted in the massive worldwide need for compassionate support of those seeking safety. With more than 100 million people displaced by war, famine, climate change, and persecution, our mission of providing the "long welcome" is more crucial than ever. Our Board knew we needed to build a bigger table of supporters.  The Global Refuge brand fittingly conveys our mission of providing safety and support to refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants from across the world. As our new identity makes us more accessible to clients, partners, and supporters, it leaves unchanged our core vision: to foster a world of just and welcoming communities, informed by our Lutheran heritage and decades of experience. LISTENING SESSION INVITATION At our 2022 Synod Assembly, we forwarded a memorial to the Churchwide Assembly which resulted in the Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church (CRLC) being formed. The CRLC has been meeting and working toward outcomes outlined in the memorial. Now, they want to hear from you. The Allegheny Synod has scheduled a Listening Session on Tuesday, January 30. There are two times scheduled: 11:00 am and 7:00 pm. The Listening Session will be held via Zoom and the link will be sent to anyone who registers. This is free and open to any member of the Allegheny Synod. Register by clicking this link: https://forms.gle/SizoALuVQgBZHt91A DRAFT SOCIAL STATEMENT AND MESSAGE OPEN FOR FEEDBACK A draft version (Civic_Life_and_Faith_Draft.pdf (elca.org)) of the ELCA social statement on civic life and faith is now available for study and discussion. You can give feedback by filling out a survey, found here: Draft of a Social Statement on Civic Life and Faith Survey (surveymonkey.com), or by participating in a hearing. Hearings are public gatherings where participants share specific affirmations or concerns. The feedback period will be open until Sept. 30. Learn more. A draft version (Microsoft Word - SMGVT PostedDraftText-final.docx (elca.org)) of an ELCA social message on gun-related violence and trauma is available and open for feedback until Jan. 31. Please take the time, alone or with a group, to study the message draft and share your affirmations, concerns, and suggestions via this survey form: Draft of a Social Message on Gun-related Violence and Trauma Survey (surveymonkey.com). ELCA WORLD HUNGER LENT STUDY GUIDE AVAILABLE ELCA World Hunger's 2024 Lent study guide expands on the Lent readings for this year, includes information about ELCA World Hunger at work in the world, and is perfect for individual study or with a group. Find the study and other resources from ELCA World Hunger here: ELCA World Hunger - Evangelical Lutheran Church in America . SPRING CONFERENCE MEETINGS The Allegheny Synod Deans have met and set dates for our Spring conference meetings ahead of the Synod Assembly on June 14-15. Please publicize the date, time and location of your conference meeting and ask lay people to attend. The conference meetings are open to any member of a congregation in the conference and we specifically hope that the voting members from your congregation will attend. These are the dates. Locations and times will follow soon. April 8: Bedford Conference April 10: Clearfield Conference April 16: Johnstown AND Laurel Highlands Conference (Combined meeting in same location) April 17: Blair-Huntingdon Conference April 22: Nittany Conference SYNOD ASSEMBLY As we start to form the agenda for the Assembly, the following items will be part of the business: Election of people to serve on Synod Council, Consultation Committee and Discipline Committee; election of Churchwide Assembly voting members for the 2025 gathering; and election of a Synod Secretary. You will hear more about nominations in the coming weeks. The Synod Assembly will be held on Saturday, June 15 at the Blair County Convention Center in Altoona. Friday, June 14 Synod worship will be held at Zion Lutheran in Hollidaysburg.

LISTENING SESSION INVITATION At our 2022 Synod Assembly, we forwarded a memorial to the Churchwide Assembly which resulted in the Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church (CRLC) being formed. The CRLC has been meeting and working toward outcomes outlined in the memorial. Now, they want to hear from you. The Allegheny Synod has scheduled a Listening Session on Tuesday, January 30. There are two times scheduled: 11:00 am and 7:00 pm. The Listening Session will be held via Zoom and the link will be sent to anyone who registers. This is free and open to any member of the Allegheny Synod. Register by clicking this link: https://forms.gle/SizoALuVQgBZHt91A ELCA YOUNG ADULTS IN GLOBAL MISSION SEEKS VOLUNTEERS Do you know a young adult who is ready for a transformative journey of service and fellowship? Tell them about YAGM today! The ELCA’s Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM)program is ready for new volunteers! The YAGM team must find the next cohort of young Christians ready to step out into the future. Do you know one? If you know such a young adult, aged 21-35, this is the time to reach out. Applications are now accepted on a rolling basis, year-round. Those who apply by Feb. 1 will be considered for the service year beginning the following August. Priority will be given to those who apply by Jan. 15. YAGM volunteers who apply by Feb. 1, 2024, will begin their service in August 2024. Through YAGM young adults learn what it means to serve in a spirit of accompaniment as they walk alongside global church companions. They’ll become immersed in a new community and form deep relationships. And they’ll confront poverty, racial privilege, gender privilege, globalization and economic disparity, all through the lens of faith. Learn more at ELCA.org/YAGM. SPRING CONFERENCE MEETINGS The Allegheny Synod Deans have met and set dates for our Spring conference meetings ahead of the Synod Assembly on June 14-15. Please publicize the date, time and location of your conference meeting and ask lay people to attend. The conference meetings are open to any member of a congregation in the conference and we specifically hope that the voting members from your congregation will attend. These are the dates. Locations and times will follow soon. April 8: Bedford Conference April 10: Clearfield Conference April 16: Johnstown AND Laurel Highlands Conference (Combined meeting in same location) April 17: Blair-Huntingdon Conference April 22: Nittany Conference SYNOD ASSEMBLY Please begin the search for Synod Assembly voting members. Conference meetings are in April. As we start to form the agenda for the Assembly, the following items will be part of the business: Election of people to serve on Synod Council, Consultation Committee and Discipline Committee; election of Churchwide Assembly voting members for the 2025 gathering; and election of a Synod Secretary. You will hear more about nominations in the coming weeks. The Synod Assembly will be held on Saturday, June 15 at the Blair County Convention Center in Altoona. Friday, June 14 Synod worship will be held at Zion Lutheran in Hollidaysburg.

Since the nineteenth century, households and congregations have marked the days before Christmastide with many kinds of Advent calendars. The season of waiting and longing for the “already-but-not-yet” incarnation of Jesus unfolds amidst waning daylight in the Northern Hemisphere, a time of yearning for hope, joy, and peace. Join Lutheran Summer Music, December 3-24, for our third-annual Musical Advent Calendar–a daily moment of music and reflection on our Facebook, Instagram, andYouTube pages as well as archived on our website: LSMacademy.org/acal

LUTHERAN WORLD FEDERATION INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR FOR LAY PERSONS Below is an invitation and nomination form to the 7th LWF International Seminar for Lay Persons in Church Leadership from June 22 – July 1, 2024, in Wittenberg and Geneva: “Lutheran visions and values in church leadership practice today – Inspiration from the Bible and Lutheran tradition”. You are kindly requested to nominate lay leaders from your church for this seminar. Please, send back the attached nomination form to Ms. Laura Bohlander, Administrator (bohlander@dnk-lwb.de)  as soon as possible, latest by January 20, 2024. ELCA WORLD HUNGER GATHERING You are invited to register for the ELCA World Hunger Leadership Gathering, February 1-4, 2024, in Houston, TX! ELCA World Hunger is hopeful to have at least one and up to three representatives for every synod.  This is the first time that we are gathering in our stand-alone event since the pandemic!  Your presence is important there!  We will have time to come together for fellowship, learning, networking, and to celebrate the ELCA World Hunger 50th Anniversary.Please register and join us by December 20, 2023, using this link. SYNOD OFFICE HOURS THROUGH DECEMBER Monday, December 11: 9 am to Noon Tuesday, December 12 – Thursday, December 14: Regular hours Friday, December 15: CLOSED Monday, December 18: 9 am to Noon Tuesday, December 19 – Thursday, December 21: Regular hours Friday, December 22 through January 1: CLOSED Tuesday, January 2: Regular hours

SHARED DEM ANNOUNCEMENT On Friday, November 3 we were informed by the ELCA Churchwide Organization that Sue Ellen Spotts has accepted the call to be the Shared DEM for Allegheny and Upper Susquehanna Synods. Sue Ellen will begin her work with our synods on Monday, November 13. Sue Ellen comes to us with a wide variety of experience deeply rooted in relationship building and strategic planning. She will serve us well. Please join the Synod staff in welcoming Sue Ellen to this new position. IN MEMORIAM The Rev. Linda McElroy Thomas joined the company of heaven on Saturday, November 4. A memorial service will be held a time convenient to the family. Please hold Pastor Linda’s husband Bob and daughter Flor in your prayers. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to 1030 Grandview Ave., Somerset, PA 15501 GO TELL IT IN THE MOUNTAINS! Below you will find an informational bulletin insert about our Lilly Endowment grant project. Please distribute it in your bulletins in the next week or two as we work toward getting the program started. OFFICE OF THE BISHOP STAFF RESPONSIBILITY SHIFT As Pastor Kevin transitions to the full time Assistant to the Bishop, his responsibilities and role also will shift. His main responsibility will be leadership and leadership development. Those categories include Candidacy, Mobility, Transitions (vacancy and interim), First Call Theological Education, Lay Worship Leaders and Bishop’s Convocation. He also will continue to be involved in congregational and synod vitality and the Reconciliation Team. The Bishop will continue to support our Sunday supply coordinator; remain part of the Candidacy Committee, attend and support the programming for First Call Theological Education, help to plan Bishop’s Convocation, and assist with transitions. She will continue to be a member of the Reconciliation Team. The Bishop is the primary contact for misconduct in our Synod, disaffiliation requests, Portico Benefits, partner ministries, our companion synod and constitutional questions. The Bishop guides the Synod Assembly Planning Committee and attends other committee meetings including Synod Council. The Bishop will be convening the advocacy committee and also will oversee the program director for the grant program and the shared DEM. INTERFAITH THANKSGIVING SERVICE You are invited to attend the annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service being held at Sacred Heart Church, 511 20th St., Altoona on Thursday, November 16, at 7:00 PM. SYNOD ASSEMBLY The Allegheny Synod Assembly worship service will be held on Friday, June 14, 2024 at Zion Lutheran in Hollidaysburg. The Allegheny Synod Assembly will be held Saturday, June 15, 2024 at the Blair County Convention Center. Mark your calendars now and consider being a voting member for your congregation.

Kindling Faith has amazing programming through the end of this year (and into 2024 as well)! Kindling Faith is continuing education programming offered through United Lutheran Seminary. · Luther Colloquy 2023: Luther and Doubt ​ · For Rostered Leaders in Rural Ministry (this event underwritten by funding from TCCI and W VA W MD Synod) See the schedule for the event here. Registration closes on October 20th! · For Rostered Leaders who need Boundary and Anti-Racism training (offered in late November in person and online!) · For Rostered and lay leaders who want to grow in their LGBTQIA2S+ cultural competency​ · Refining Success for Small Churches (the first of our “Small but Mighty Church” series of events)​ · For anyone who wishes to depolarize their congregations and focus on faith-based advocacy (sponsored by LAMPa on Nov. 8th, 2:30 – 4 pm EST online) · For Rostered Leaders who want to improve their Pastoral Care Skills (Online Nov. 6th & 11th for your convenience) Topic: From Compassion Fatigue to Compassion Satisfaction. Burnout points to the chronic and cumulative effect of stress and how it negatively impacts a person’s health and wellbeing. If unaddressed, the various stresses of ministry contribute to an erosion of compassion and empathy which reduces minsters’ effectiveness in helping others. Drawing on the latest research, this workshop builds awareness of the signs and stages of Compassion Fatigue and Burnout and offers strategies for cultivating Compassion Satisfaction. · *NEW! For those who wish to learn about faith-based advocacy for immigrants: Sanctuary Church (Dec. 9 in Gettysburg) · For Women in Ministry to be Affirmed and Celebrated (Dec. 10-11 in Gettysburg) Save these 2024 dates for Authors at ULS: · March 18th at 7 pm in Philadelphia, Anthony Ray Hinton​ · April 24th at 1 pm in Gettysburg, Kate Bowler (recently interviewed by Krista Tippett for the radio show On Being) · September 18th at 1 pm in Philadelphia, Jamie Bruesehoff​ Save the dates for Summer 2024: · Theological Learning with Adults featuring Dr. Allison deForest Professor of New Testament, July 14 – 19 · Wine, Cheese, and Chocolate II: July 28-August 2 (Week Long Artist in Residence: David Hayward aka The Naked Pastor) · Summer Ministry Institute: Pastor as Public Presence, August 11 - 16 Kindling Faith—because learning never ends. Martin Pastor Martin Otto-Zimmann, PhD he/his Kindling Faith, Because Learning Never Ends United Lutheran Seminary 61 Seminary Ridge, Gettysburg, PA 17325 Office: 717-338-3011 Cell: 734-755-4523