Announcements for Christmas 2024
SYNOD OFFICE HOLIDAY SCHEDULE
The Allegheny Synod Office will be closed December 24—January 1. Christmas Blessings to you all!
CHRISTMAS MESSAGE
Please see the attached Christmas Message from the Office of the Bishop for congregational use.
UNPACKING BONHOEFFER’S LEGACY TODAY
JANUARY 15, 2025 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Online via Zoom
Dietrich Bonhoeffer has long been celebrated as a powerful symbol of moral resistance to the Nazi regime, with his legacy claimed by Christians across the religious spectrum, from liberal Protestants to Christian Nationalists. Historically, though, he was not a major figure. What do his writings mean in that context?
In this online conversation, Dr. Victoria Barnett will delve into the historical complexities of Bonhoeffer’s life and legacy, warning against the dangers of reducing his life and work to simplistic, “momentary” lessons for contemporary Christian activism. Instead, Barnett will argue for a deeper, more nuanced engagement with Bonhoeffer’s theology, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to faith and ethical action in the face of injustice and crisis.
Register here: https://icjs.org/events/unpacking-bonhoeffers-legacy-today/
LAMPA SEEKS YOUR PARTICIPATION
Help LAMPa Discern Faith in Action
Beloved Advocates,
As we look forward to 2025 and beyond, LAMPa is ready to accompany you and our ELCA Lutheran ministries across the Commonwealth as we live into our baptismal call to strive for justice and peace.
This biennial survey helps us discern where the Holy Spirit is leading us for public witness in Pennsylvania.
Please prayerfully use your voice to help us plan and prioritize how we are called to act as church together for the sake of the world God loves.
Take Survey
The survey takes about 3 minutes, but feel free to take your time and add more thoughts -- or send us a longer note at LAMPa@Lutheranadvocacypa.org.
Thank you, in advance, for your input and advocacy. LAMPa's policy council, Pennsylvania bishops and staff look forward to hearing from you.
WINTER IGNITE AT SEQUANOTA
Registration opens November 1 for WINTER IGNITE!
When: Saturday, January 25--Sunday, January 26
Where: CAMP SEQUANOTA!
Who: 2nd - 9th graders
Cost: $50
Join us for another great weekend of sledding, singing, hiking, worshiping, and adventuring! Invite a new friend and introduce them to Camp Sequanota!
This could make a great Christmas present for a child in your life that loves camp or that you would like to introduce to camp. Register at sequanota.com.
LONGEST DAY SERVICE
St. David’s Lutheran Church in Davidsville is having a Longest Day Service on December 21st at 6:30PM. Please feel free to include in the Allegheny News and with your parishioners. Light refreshments will be served after the service.
HOPE IN A DIVIDED WORLD
Join us for a weekend with Dr. Lori Brandt Hale, president of the International Bonhoeffer Society – English Language Section AND Amanda Tyler of Christians Against Christian Nationalism. Discover how people of faith can authentically and humbly act at the intersection of civic life and faith, in contrast and response to the forces of Christian Nationalism, using the legacy and theology of Dietrich Bonhoeffer as a guide. We are grateful to partner with United Lutheran Seminary’s Kindling Faith to offer this event.
EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION OPEN UNTIL FEB. 7!
Meet Dr. Lori Brandt Hale, president of the International Bonhoeffer Society – English Language Section, and Amanda Tyler, lead organizer of Christians Against Christian Nationalism and executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty. A reception at the Seminary Ridge Museum will allow visitors to talk with both authors and tour the museum that was used as a hospital for wounded from both sides at the Battle of Gettysburg. Tickets include an opportunity for attendees to visit the building’s historic cupola! The dinner will feature a brief talk on the unfinished work of Reconstruction by the Rev. Dr. Teresa Smallwood, dean and vice president of student affairs at United Lutheran Seminary.
Saturday, March 8, Chapel of the Abiding Presence – Public Lectures and Panel Discussion – $35; Optional Boxed Lunch – $20; Livestream – $20
Registration is open now!
ALLEGHENY SYNOD ASSEMBLY DATE CHANGES
The date of the 2025 Synod Assembly has changed to allow more transition time before our next Bishop election. There will no longer be an assembly in May. The 2025 Allegheny Synod Assembly will meet October 31—November 1, 2025, at the Blair County Convention Center.
NOMINATE STUDENTS FOR LUTHERAN SUMMER MUSIC 2025
You’re invited to nominate a student for LSM 2025! Lutheran Summer Music (LSM) is a faith-based residential music academy for high school students (grades 8-12) who come together from all over the country to immerse themselves in musical excellence and build an intentional, supportive, and FUN community. LSM 2025 takes place at Valparaiso University in Indiana from June 22-July 20 (Full Session) or June 22-July 6 (Half Session). Priority Enrollment is open now through December 1. Nominate students at LSMacademy.org/nominate, and watch and share this LSM Experience Video to learn more!