News and Events for the Week of October 21
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.
GO TELL IT IN THE MOUNTAINS OPPORTUNITIES
We have been blessed with the gift of the Go Tell It IN the Mountains grant. Now it is time to open that gift. To help people engage, we have information sessions via Zoom. There are 4 to choose from and they are duplicates so you only need to attend one. We are using Sign Up Genius to handle coordination, and we have limited space for 15 people at each session. If we receive too many requests to handle in these 4 sessions, more will be added! We have some exciting new developments to share! Use the following link to sign up now:
In addition, I would remind all Council members to consider using the “Laity to Laity” video link from our YouTube channel as an information tool at your church council. The more information we can distribute now, the easier it will be for people and congregations to engage in this GO Tell It IN the Mountains Initiative.
Our You Tube link is: Laity to Laity (youtube.com) You may also access this and the other two information videos from our www.gotellitinthemountains.org website page under “resources”.
I am open to questions and conversations. My email address is director@alleghenysynod.com
God’s Peace,
John Kratz
HURRICANE RESPONSE IN LUTHERAN LETTER
If your congregation or ministry site is doing any quick response projects in the wake of recent hurricanes, send a short description and photo of the work to Rick Kazmer, Editor, at r9remzak@hotmail.com. He will run them in the next edition.
THE WEEKEND IS COMING
Allegheny Synod youth in grades 6-12 and adult leaders are invited to The Weekend at St. James Huntingdon December 6-8. Registration is open until November 15 using the forms here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1DPxvmrfEF06FqnfZwT5Ub8xlJTH0RRbB
UPCOMING KINDLING FAITH OPPORTUNITIES
Lunch & Learn: Immigration from a Biblical Perspective and What It Means for Us Today
You are invited to join Pastor Christine Dunn and Deacon Emily Orner as they explore the immigration issue from a biblical lens, drawing from scripture to reflect on the realities of immigration in the U.S. today. Those who attend will be equipped with resources and talking points to take back to their respective congregations to continue the conversation in a constructive, Spirit-led way.
Attendees will also be given a summary of the immigration services that Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA) provides and ways for interested community members to get involved in the work of welcome. This time of study, reflection, and conversation is open to all regardless of previous knowledge or experience with immigration. Wednesday, December 4th at 12 pm EST. Donations accepted. Register here.
Richard Stewart Lifelong Learning Certificate
Online Lecture Series is Ongoing this Fall
This exciting program features nine different presenters speaking to the various aspects of Lutheranism’s place in the story of African American Spiritual Formation as part of the narrative that shaped these United States and her territories. See the ULS calendar of events for more information or click here to register for the November lectures.
Author Sloane Crosley to Speak in Gettysburg on November 12, 1:30 PM EST
We are excited to welcome Sloane Crosley, author of Grief is for people. Crosley is the second of eight authors in our Aging Grace-Fully series. Both in-person and livestream options are available. The event will be followed by a book-signing and refreshments. Register here.
Author Schedule:
1. Sloane Crosley, author of Grief Is for People Nov. 12, 2024
2. Margaret Renkl, author of Late Migrations Feb. 25, 2025
3. Rebecca Chopp, author of Still Me March 27, 2025
4. Missy Buchanan, author of From Dry Bones to Living Hope April 22, 2025
5. Frank Bruni, author of The Beauty of Dusk May 22, 2025
6. Mia Birdsong, author of How We Show Up July 15, 2025
7. 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
ELCA COMMUNICATIONS RELATED TO UPCOMING ELECTIONS
At the Conference of Bishops meeting several weeks ago, Strategic Communications presented our messaging strategy for communications related to this year’s presidential and other elections. A request was made of our team to share additional resources and information to assist synod bishops and your synod communications in this area. To meet that request, we also share the following with you today:
· Election Talking Points (attached)
· Bishop Eaton’s video encouraging people to vote (released earlier today)
· Reminder to visit ELCA.org/civicengagement as a central hub for resources
PLTS DISCERNMENT WEEKEND
Are you wondering whether seminary education could be right for you? Visit Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary for Signs Along the Way, an in-person visit and discernment weekend for folks at any stage in their discernment. If you are wondering about a Master of Divinity or MA in Spirituality and Social Change degree (great for future deacons!), or want to learn more about Lutheran year studies, this is a great event for you! Friday evening to Sunday afternoon November 8th-10th you will have the opportunity to connect with current seminarians, faculty, and staff, learn more about seminary and online learning, and engage in intentional discernment and reflection. Lodging and most meals are covered by PLTS and there is some travel assistance available if needed. Learn more at plts.edu/signs or contact admissions@plts.edu to see if this might be the right next step for you.
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