Congregation updates and news

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.

Flyer for Fr. Travis-1 page

.pdf

Download PDF • 244KB

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.