Presiding Officer: The Rev. Robert L. Driesen, Bishop, Upper Susquehanna Synod, ELCA

Secretary: Ms. Margaret "Peggy" Biesecker, Secretary, Upper Susquehanna Synod, ELCA

Parliamentarian: Attorney Benjamin E. Landon

Registrar: Ms. Clarice Pellman

ELCA Representative: The Rev. Gemechis D. Buba, Director for African National Ministry, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Cmmittee of Reference and Counsel
The Rev. Michael A. Greenauer, Chair
Mr. Ashley Reasner
Mr. Thomas Turner
The Rev. Cheryl Berner
Ms. Debbie Best
The Rev. Robert Logan

Synod Assembly Planning Committee
Bishop Robert L. Driesen, Chair
The Rev. Brian Beissel
Ms. Shirley Heasley
The Rev. Michael Ware
The Rev. Jill Seagle
The Rev. Andrew Weaver
Ms. Clarice Pellman
The Rev. Christoph Teille
The Rev. Beth Ann Stone
Ms. Christy Zeigler
Ms. Virginia Frantz
Ms. Elizabeth Yenchko
Ms. Keelie Schock, Susquehanna University Representative

Synod Nominating Committee
The Rev. Richard Fangmann, Chair
Mr. Bill Book
The Rev. Jeffrey Bohan
The Rev. Gunther Bernhardt
Ms. Ruth Doran
Mr. Charles Benner
Ms. Christy Zeigler
Ms. Carol Waltz

Elections Committee
The Rev. John R. Koons, Chair
The Rev. Theodore Cockley
Ms. Holly Fry
Ms. Nancy Heller
Ms. Linda Weaver
Mr. Rick Hughes
Ms. Karen Hughes
The Rev. David Byerly
Ms. Ann Gardner
Mr. Terry Gardner
The Rev. Ronald Montgomery
Mr. Paul Shaner
The Rev. Cheryl Berner
The Rev. Detlef Huckfeldt
Mr. David Shade
The Rev. Carla Volland

Twenty-Third Annual Assembly
of the Upper Susquehanna Synod,
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America,

DEGENSTEIN THEATER
Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove,
June 18 and 19, 2010

ELCA Representative: The Rev. Gemechis D. Buba
Director for African National Ministry, ELCA

THURSDAY, JUNE 17, 2010
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Early Registration only for lodging in the dorms (at Degenstein
Center information desk). General registration for the assembly and
Bulletin of Reports materials begins on Friday morning in lobby of
Degenstein Campus Center.

FRIDAY, JUNE 18, 2010
7:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Registration and Refreshments (in lobby of Degenstein Campus Center)
Displays (in Degenstein Campus Center)
Along the Way Bookstore (in Conference Rooms in Degenstein Campus
Center)
Susquehanna University Book Store (in Degenstein Campus Center
Lower Level). Open Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Closed
Saturday.)

7:45 a.m. Rehearsal in Degenstein Theater for FRIDAY Worship Assistants

8:30 a.m. - 8:45 a.m. Opening of an Assembly (Printed in worship booklet.)
Bishop Robert L. Driesen

PLENARY ONE - 8:45 a.m. - 9:45 a.m., FRIDAY
Greetings Bishop Robert L. Driesen

Greetings from Susquehanna University The Rev. Dr. Mark William Radecke, Chaplain
Report of Susquehanna University - Page 710

Report of the Registrar Ms. Clarice Pellman, Registrar

Appointment of Assembly Personnel - Page 1
Committee of Reference and Counsel - Page 57 The Rev. Michael A. Greenauer, Chair
Elections Committee - Page 1 The Rev. John R. Koons, Chair
Parliamentarian Synod Attorney Benjamin E. Landon
and member of Messiah, So. Wmspt.
Adoption of Rules of Procedure - Page 55
Adoption of Detailed Agenda - Page 5

Report of the Synod Nominating Committee - Page 2201 The Rev. Richard C. Fangmann, Chair

Report of the Bishop - Page 210 The Rev. Robert L. Driesen, Bishop
Upper Susquehanna Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Report of the Vice President - Page 301 Mr. Michael S. Schrey

Report of Synod Council - Page 101 Mr. Michael S. Schrey, Vice President
Recommendation #1 - Synod Constitutional Changes - Page 112
Addendum #1 - Page 126-127

Report of the Secretary - Page 401 Mrs. Margaret "Peggy" Biesecker

Report of the Treasurer - Page 501 Mr. Stephen A. Schlesing

9:45 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Break
9:45 - Worship leaders gather in theater dressing rooms on lower level of Degenstein Theater.

10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Eucharist Bishop Robert L. Driesen
Celebration of Mission Globally The Rev. Gemechis D. Buba,
Preacher

WORKSHOPS/FORUMS/LUNCH 11:30 Noon - 1:30 p.m.
Lunch will be in Degenstein Dining Hall
Workshops/forums will be in assigned rooms on the university campus.
(A list of the locations for workshops/forums is in the packet of materials.)
Along the Way Bookstore open in conference rooms of Degenstein Campus Center.
Susquehanna University Bookstore open in lower level of Degenstein Campus Center.
(A golf cart is available at the main entrance to Degenstein Theater for those who need assistance in getting to and from workshops/forums, the parking lot, and other activities of the assembly.)

11:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Group 1 - Workshops and Forums
(Middle Creek, North Branch,
and Tulpehocken Conferences)

Group 2 - Lunch
(Buffalo Valley, Juniata Valley,
and West Branch Conferences)

12:30 p.m. - 12:45 p.m. Break and move to workshop/forum/or lunch

12:45 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Group 1 - Lunch
(Middle Creek, North Branch,
and Tulpehocken Conferences)
Group 2 - Workshops and Forums
(Buffalo Valley, Juniata Valley,
and West Branch Conferences)

12:45 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. HEALING SERVICE in Shearer Dining Room #1
in Degenstein Campus Center
Vicars Rebecca and Peter Horn, Presiders

1:30 p.m. - 1:40 p.m. Break and move to Degenstein Theater for next Plenary Session

1:40 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. Hymn and Prayer

PLENARY TWO - 1:45 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., FRIDAY
1:45 p.m.- 1:55 p.m. First Ballot The Rev. John R. Koons, Chair

1:55 p.m. - 2:50 p.m. Thanksgiving on the Occasion of the
150th Anniversary of the Lutheran Church in Liberia
Report of the Liberia Companion Synod Committee - Page 1307
Dr. Robert L. Bradford, Chair
The Rev. Viking E. Dietrich,
ELCA/Global Mission Regional Director for West Africa

2:50 p.m. - 2:55 p.m. Report of the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg - Page 3001
The Rev. Dr. Michael Cooper-White, President

2:55 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Report of Ansbach-Würzburg Companion Synod Committee - Page 1319 The Rev. Dr. Lois D. Martin, Chair

3:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Break

3:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Bible Study The Rev. Gemechis D. Buba,
Director for African National Ministry, ELCA

4:00 p.m. - 4:10 p.m. Hymn, Mission Moment Video, and Prayer

PLENARY THREE 4:10 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
4:10 p.m. - 4:20 p.m. Report of the Elections Committee - First Ballot Results
Second Ballot The Rev. John R. Koons, Chair

4:20 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Report of World Hunger Task Force - Page 2301
The Rev. Carla Volland, Chair

4:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. Report of the Synod Council - Page 101 Mr. Michael S. Schrey,
Vice President
Recommendation #2 - Compensation Guidelines for Clergy for 2011 - Page 124
Addendum #2 - Pages 128-130
Recommendation #3 - Housing Allowance Guidelines for Clergy for 2011 - Page 124
Addendum #3 - Page 130
Recommendation #4 - Salary Guidelines for Associates in Ministry for 2011 - Page 125
Addendum #4 - Page 130

4:45 p.m. - 5:15 p.m. Report of Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) - Page 201
The Rev. Gemechis D. Buba
Director for African National Ministry, ELCA

5:15 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Report of Committee of Reference and Counsel - Page 58 (Pink)
The Rev. Michael A. Greenauer, Chair

5:30 p.m. Rehearsal in Degenstein Theater for participants in SATURDAY'S Ordination

5:30 p.m. Break

6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Dinner and Dulcimer Concert (in Degenstein Dining Hall)
• Recognition of Anniversaries
Congregations
Pastors
• Dulcimer Concert

SATURDAY, JUNE 19, 2010
7:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Registration and Refreshments (in lobby of Degenstein Campus Center)
Displays (in Degenstein Campus Center)
Along the Way Bookstore (in Conference Rooms in Degenstein Campus
Center)
Susquehanna University Book Store - Closed Saturday

7:45 a.m. Rehearsal in Degenstein Theater for SATURDAY worship assistants

8:30 a.m. - 8:40 a.m. Hymn, Mission Moment Video, and Prayer (Printed in worship booklet.)

PLENARY SESSION FOUR - 8:40 a.m. - 9:40 a.m. SATURDAY
8:40 a.m. - 8:50 a.m. Report of the Elections Committee - Results of Second Ballot
Third Ballot The Rev. John R. Koons, Chair

8:50 a.m. - 9:20 a.m. Bible Study The Rev. Gemechis D. Buba,
Director for African National Ministry, ELCA

9:20 a.m. - 9:25 a.m. Report of Camp Mount Luther - Page 2601 Mr. Chad W. Hershberger, Director

9:25 a.m. - 9:40 a.m. Report of the Campus Ministry Team - Page 701
The Rev. Detlef Huckfeldt, Chair

9:40 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Break - Worship leaders gather in theater dressing rooms on lower level of Degenstein Theater.

10:00 a.m. Deadline to submit written questions for ELCA Representative

10:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. Eucharist Bishop Robert L. Driesen, Presider and Preacher
Celebration of Mission Locally
Ordination - Cinda J. Brucker
Necrology - The Rev. Charles W. Coates

11:45 a.m. - 12:00 Noon Break and move to workshops/forums/or lunch

WORKSHOPS, FORUMS, LUNCH, - 12:00 Noon. - 1:30 p.m.
Lunch will be in Degenstein Dining Hall
Workshops/forums will be in assigned rooms on the university campus.
Along the Way Bookstore will be open until 1:20 p.m.
Susquehanna University Bookstore CLOSED Saturday.
(A golf cart is available at the main entrance patio at Degenstein Theater for who need assistance in getting to and from workshops/forums, the parking lot, and activities of the assembly.)

12:00 noon - 12:45 p.m. Group 1 - Lunch
(Middle Creek, North Branch,
and Tulpehocken Conferences)

Group 2 - Workshops and Forums-
(Buffalo Valley, Juniata Valley,
and West Branch Conferences)

12:45 p.m. - 12:55 p.m. Break and move to workshops/forums/and lunch

12:55 p.m. - 1:40 p.m. Group 1 - Workshops and Forums
(Middle Creek, North Branch,
and Tulpehocken Conferences)

Group 2 - Lunch
(Buffalo Valley, Juniata Valley,
and West Branch Conferences)

1:40 p.m. - 1:50 p.m. Break and move to Degenstein Theater for next Plenary Session

1:50 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Installation of West Branch Conference Dean
Hymn, Mission Moment Video, and Prayer

PLENARY FIVE - 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m. - 2:05 p.m. Report of Elections Committee - Results of Third Ballot
The Rev. John R. Koons, Chair

2:05 p.m. - 2:10 p.m. Report of the Mission Interpretation Task Force - Page 1701
Mr. Vincent Meisinger

2:10 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. Report of Synod Youth Council - Page 2101
The Rev. Patrick L. Sipes, Chair

2:15 p.m. - 2:20 p.m. Book of Faith Initiative - Page 601 The Rev. David M. Byerly
Book of Faith Advocate

2:20 p.m. - 2:35 p.m. Report of the Synod Council - Page 101
Mr. Michael S. Schrey, Vice President
Recommendation #5 - Budget for Fiscal Year Beginning 2/1/11 - Page 124
Addendum #5 - Pages 131-137

2:35 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. ELCA Representative, The Rev. Gemechis D. Buba
Questions and Answers-
RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS FOR REV. BUBA
THAT WERE SUBMITTED IN WRITING.

2:45 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. Report of the Committee of Reference and Counsel - Page 58 (Pink)
The Rev. Michael A. Greenauer, Chair

3:15 p.m - 3:20 p.m. Evangelical Lutheran Coalition for Mission in Appalachia -Page 3301 Ms. Bethany Campbell

3:20 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Report of the Ministry Partnership Team - Page 254 Ms. Elizabeth Yenchko, Director for Evangelical Mission

3:30 p.m. - 3:35 p.m. Report of the Reconciliation Team - Page 1801
The Rev. William S. Henderson, Chair

3:35 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Unfinished Business

4:00 p.m. Order for Closing of an Assembly Bishop Robert L. Driesen
(Printed in worship booklet.)

PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE FOR UNDERSTANDING A SYNOD ASSEMBLY

The basic purpose of Robert's Rules of Order is to provide an orderly way for a large group of people to do business. Familiarity with a few basic motions and rules of procedure permits a voting member to participate appropriately and to have opinions heard and tested in discussion and by vote of the Synod Assembly.

A smooth, orderly, and penetrating discussion of issues at a Synod Assembly depends on the ability of the chair and also on the responsibility and knowledge of the voting members.

The chair is responsible (with the advice of the parliamentarian) to assure good order, encourage full freedom of discussion of all germane or pertinent motions, remove from discussion non-germane motions or debate (to declare out of order), assure a fair hearing to all who wish to be heard (including calling for speakers' pro and con on an issue), to interpret to the Assembly the meaning of the actions to be voted on, to determine when the Assembly is ready to vote on a motion (unless the Previous Question is voted), to prevent "steam-rollering", and to attempt to move the business along to keep the Assembly within the time frame required. The chair must remain as neutral as possible on issues, and has no real control over what issues are brought to the floor as long as they are germane, and within the power of the synod to act. The chair cannot debate issues without stepping down from the chair.

The chair cannot limit debate (only the Assembly can vote to limit debate) and cannot control the wording of resolutions that come to the floor. The chair can attempt to clarify wording, recommend that certain resolutions be referred to the Committee of Reference and Counsel for clarification, and welcome consultation from any voting member prior to the Assembly to determine when and if a given resolution would be in order and also welcomes consultation to clarify the wording of resolutions.

The voting members are individually and corporately responsible for cooperating with the chair in the maintenance of good order. This includes care in the preparation of motions or resolutions, speaking concisely and to the point, and not using the Rules of Order to inhibit discussion of actual issues.

SOME MOTIONS MOST OFTEN USED:

1. ADOPTION OF AGENDA (simple majority). At the beginning of an Assembly, voting members are asked to consider the order of business. This order is proposed by the Synod Council, but any voting member is free to propose an amendment of the proposed agenda by addition of an issue, by delegation of an issue, or by changing the sequence of the order of business. After all amendments to the agenda are voted on, the agenda is adopted. Once adopted, the Assembly must proceed according to this agenda, unless subsequently the Assembly should vote to amend the agenda which requires 2/3 vote.

2. AMENDMENT OF MAIN MOTION (simple majority). Once an amendment has been moved and seconded to change, add, or omit words in the original motion, debate must be confined to the amendment itself. Debate cannot continue on the original main motion until the amendment has been voted upon and either adopted or lost.

3. TO AMEND THE AMENDMENT (simple majority). Once a motion to amend the amendment has been moved and seconded, debate must be confined to this matter. Debate cannot continue on the main motion or the first amendment. No more than one amendment may be made to an amendment.

4. TO SUBSTITUTE (simple majority). A term referred to an amendment which is not less than a complete paragraph and amends by replacing a paragraph, or a whole motion.

5. COMMIT OR REFER TO A COMMITTEE (simple majority). If the Assembly feels that a given issue can be adequately handled by a committee of the Assembly or the Synod Council, it can vote to "Refer with power to act". If the Assembly feels that adequate study of an issue requires more in-depth consideration than a full Assembly can give, or the Assembly feels that it needs more information, it can vote to "Refer to an appropriate committee or to the Synod Council for 'study and recommendation' ". Such a motion should include the time or date that the committee is directed to reply to the Assembly.

6. CONSIDER BY PARAGRAPH OR SERIATIM (simple majority). A lengthy statement or resolution (example: the budget) is best considered line by line or paragraph by paragraph. This permits voting members to focus their discussion, rather than to allow discussion to range in no particular order from one part of the statement or resolution to another. This is an important device to assist an assembly to deal with the many parts of a complex issue.

7. LIMIT DEBATE or EXTEND LIMIT OF DEBATE (two-thirds vote). The first of these motions permits the Assembly to prevent filibuster by a small minority of voting members. The second of these motions permits the assembly to provide additional time to adequately conclude discussion on an issue.

8. DIVISION OF THE HOUSE (any voting member can call for division without rising or making a motion and the chair must honor the request). If a voice vote does not give clear indication of the will of the Assembly, "ayes" and "nays" are asked to stand or raise their hands. If it is not visually clear whether or not the motion has carried or has been lost, an actual count is taken by tellers.

9. TO TABLE (simple majority, not debatable). A motion to table is appropriate when the Assembly does not wish to take immediate action on a resolution. It should be tabled at least until the next meeting when a motion to "take from the table" must be made to return the question to the floor of the Assembly.

10. CLOSE NOMINATIONS (2/3 vote, not debatable). Appropriate when it is clear that voting members do not wish to add nominees to a ballot.

11. TO POSTPONE (simple majority). If the voting members feel that they do not have sufficient information to vote intelligently on a resolution before the Assembly, it is appropriate to "postpone action" on the motion to a later time or after supportive information has been presented.

12. TO REFER (simple majority). It is also appropriate to refer a question to a committee requesting future information to be presented at a later time to complete the action on the question, or the committee can be charged to act on the question on behalf of the synod.

13. PREVIOUS QUESTION (2/3 vote, not debatable). Adoption of the Previous Question closes debate, and brings the Assembly immediately to a vote on the question before the house. A second vote is then taken on the resolution or main motion to adopt it or defeat it. Note: Many voting members think that by calling out "Question", they are requiring the chair to proceed immediately to a vote on the question before the Assembly, or that they are requiring the chair to close off debate. This is not so! Debate can be closed only by moving the Previous Question, without comment by the mover, and by the Previous Question receiving a vote of at least 2/3 of the Assembly. This is appropriate to prevent filibuster by a majority of the voting members, but is inappropriate when it is introduced too early in a debate, thus choking off legitimate discussion.

14. TO RECONSIDER (simple majority). This enables the Assembly to bring back further consideration a matter already voted upon. It must be moved by a voting member who originally voted with "winning" side ("aye" or "nay"). This is appropriate to permit correction of hasty or ill-advised action, or to take into account new information or a changed situation that has developed since the taking of the original vote. The making of this motion is subject to time limits: it may be made only on the same day (in a one-day assembly) as the original motion was made, or on the next succeeding day (in an assembly of more than one day). It is inappropriate, if used as a device to reverse the will of the Assembly when only a small number of members are on the floor.

15. POINT OF ORDER (no vote). To be used if a voting member wishes to present an objection to a ruling of the chair or some method of parliamentary procedure.

16. POINT OF INFORMATION (no vote). If a voting member wishes information relating to pending business, he/she addresses the chair stating, "I rise to a point of information".

17. A QUESTION OF PRIVILEGE (no second, no vote). This action can be taken by a voting member at any time except during the actual voting process or its verification for various reasons--not being able to hear, poor lighting or ventilation, excessive noise or other disorder and discomforts.

ACTION - The process of discussion and voting for or against a motion.

ALTERNATE VOTING MEMBER - The substitute for a primary voting member of a congregation.

BAR OF THE ASSEMBLY - The section of the auditorium in which the voting members of the Assembly sit.

BYLAWS - A subsidiary set of rules to the constitution adopted by the Assembly of Synod for governing its own meetings and functions.

CAUCUS - A private meeting of the individual conferences to decide on policy before a general meeting of the Assembly. A caucus may be called by a conference at any free time during the Assembly.

CHAIR - The title given to the leader of a formal meeting.

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - A parliamentary device by which the assembly is considered to be one large committee. All voting members of the assembly become members of such a committee. This is usually done for the purposes of discussing and debating all resolutions/memorials related to a single issue rather than having to discuss each resolution/memorial separately. It also can provide opportunities to assess the mood of the assembly regarding the entire matter before returning to its plenary session where each resolution is considered separately.

CONSTITUTION - A group of written fundamental laws and principles adopted by an organization or corporation (church, synod, congregation).

CONTINUING RESOLUTIONS - This synod may adopt continuing resolutions not in conflict with the constitution or bylaws of this synod or the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Such continuing resolutions may be adopted or amended by a majority vote of the Synod Assembly or by a two-thirds vote of the Synod Council.

DEBATE - The pro and con discussion of an issue.

GENERAL CONSENT - When a question is placed by the chair, the Assembly denotes its agreement by remaining silent.

GERMANE - Pertaining to the issue under discussion on the floor of the Assembly.

MAIN MOTION - The primary presentation of a new subject or issue to the Assembly.

PARLIAMENTARIAN - A person skilled in the use of parliamentary rules who is available to interpret rules for the chair or voting member.

PENDING QUESTION - A motion that has been presented and seconded, is under discussion, but has not been voted upon.

PREVAILING SIDE - The winning side or group when a vote is taken on an issue.

PRIVILEGED MOTION - A motion of such great importance it takes precedence over all other motions, is undebatable and requires immediate action.

QUORUM - The minimum number of members required to be present at a meeting of the Assembly to transact business (vote on issues).

RECESS - Time allocated by the Assembly between or during meetings for other than business.

RECOMMENDATION - A proposal for action.

RESOLUTION - A formal statement of opinion adopted by an assembly or group.

ROBERT'S RULES - An approved set of rules which provides for greater expediency in the disposition of business of an assembly.

SIMPLE MAJORITY - Having more than half the votes cast.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS - The items of business which have not been disposed of within the time limits of the agenda and must be held over to be acted upon after all the agenda items have been disposed of.

VOTING MEMBER - a layperson who represents a congregation at the Synod Assembly, or a pastor, associate in ministry, diaconal minister, or deaconess on the rosters of this synod.

1. The bar of the Assembly is the main section and a portion of the balcony of Degenstein Campus Theater. Voting members must be seated in this area during plenary sessions. During voting procedures, votes will be counted from voting members seated in this section only.

2. Only voting members wearing official voting member badges shall be eligible to vote.

3. Other non-voting members and alternate voting members may be permitted to speak on the floor of the assembly by a 2/3 vote of the assembly. At the time of the reports of this assembly, members of the reporting committee who are non-voting members shall have voice.

4. In addressing the chair, a "mike" shall be used. Voting members shall state plainly their name and congregation; ordained ministers and associates in ministry, their name.

5. In all business sessions, speeches from the floor will be limited to one three-minute presentation. This rule shall not apply to persons presenting a report, nor when direct questions are posed to specific individuals for clarification.

6. All motions shall be written by the mover, signed, and sent to the Committee of Reference and Counsel, except those that are offered as germane motions, which must be written and sent to the chair before being discussed by the assembly. Motion forms are available at the pages' table.

7. Resolutions and memorials concerning issues of the church may be developed for consideration at the 2010 Synod Assembly. Deadline for such resolutions and memorials to be received in the synod office is May 14, 2010. Any resolutions and memorials received after that date will be dealt with at our Synod Assembly as last items on the agenda. The Committee of Reference and Counsel will meet prior to the assembly, and an initial report concerning memorials and resolutions, including a printing of the text of all resolutions and memorials received, will be mailed to each voting member.

8. Any motion that seeks to amend the proposed synodical budget by increasing the expenses, shall also include adjustments in other income or expense categories so as to maintain a balanced budget proposal.

9. When there are many pro and con statements on a motion, the chair will recognize alternately persons making a pro or con statement.

10. ROBERT'S RULES OF ORDER, latest edition, shall be the governing parliamentary law of this assembly. A parliamentarian shall be appointed.

11. One-half of the members of the assembly shall constitute a quorum.

12. Elections at the assembly shall utilize paper ballots.

13. All nominations from the floor must have the prior approval of the person nominated. The person making the nomination will give (a) the name of the nominee, (b) the nominee's occupation, and (c ) the nominee's home congregation. Nominations for Synod Council will be conducted according to conferences. Nomination forms are available at the pages' table.

14. All questions on specific issues are to be addressed to:
The Rev. Michael Greenauer, Chair
Committee of Reference and Counsel

A resolution of a general character shall be given to the Committee of Reference and Counsel (CRC) by the voting members proposing such resolution (signatures of at least two voting members affixed). The CRC shall report all such resolutions to the assembly.

The CRC has power to put resolutions in proper form, eliminating duplication where similar resolutions are offered, and ensure that all resolutions relating to a specific subject will be offered in logical sequence. The committee may make substantive changes in a resolution only with the sponsor's consent.

Appropriate reports to the assembly may be (1) to refer, (2) to amend, or (3) to consider with or without recommendation. The report on each resolution is treated as if it had been moved and seconded before being referred.

Status of Committee's Recommendations:
When the Committee of Reference and Counsel has recommended the approval of a resolution considered by the committee, the committee's recommendation and text of the resolution recommended for passage shall be the main motion before the assembly.

When the Committee of Reference and Counsel has recommended the adoption of a substitute recommendation for the resolution(s) on a subject, the committee's recommendation shall be the main motion before the assembly.

When the Committee of Reference and Counsel has recommended referral of a resolution(s), the committee's recommendation shall be the main motion before the assembly.

When the Committee of Reference and Counsel has recommended that the assembly decline a proposed resolution without the committee making any other recommendation related to the same or closely related subject, the voting member's resolution, if then moved by that voting member and seconded, shall be the main motion and the committee's recommendation shall be received as information.

In addition, the committee may recommend special orders or give such assistance to the bishop as may be requested in the course of the assembly.

A sponsor may appear before the committee to explain a resolution or to answer questions about it.

The Committee of Reference and Counsel chair is The Rev. Michael A. Greenauer.

(Recommendations to be acted upon at this assembly are found in bold print in the report).

During the year 2009/2010 Synod Council meetings were held on July 16, 2009, September 17, 2009, November 17, 2009, January 21, 2010, March 16, 2010 and May 20, 2010.

Following is a summary of Synod Council actions and highlights since last year's Synod Assembly. Routine motions such as adopting agendas, approving minutes, and adjourning meetings are not included.

Synod Council Meeting at the Synod Office
Thursday, July 16, 2009

Michael Schrey, Vice President, called the meeting to order.
Bishop Driesen led the devotions with a reading from The Lutheran Hour.

Consent Agenda for the Synod Council
Camp Mt. Luther, 5:00 PM
July 16, 2009

1. On Leave from Call Status
Harlan Frank Showers resigned his call as the pastor of Church of the Savior Lutheran Church, Williamsport, with a purchase of services by St. Matthew, Williamsport, and is requesting "on-leave-from-call-status," effective May 16, 2009. While he is currently living on the territory of the Metro Chicago Synod, ELCA, and seeking a part-time call and a ministry of spiritual direction, he is rostered in the Upper Susquehanna Synod, ELCA. Pastor Showers meets the necessary requirements to be granted on leave status. On leave status is granted for one year, renewable upon request for up to three years.

Bishop Driesen moves by consent that the Rev. H. Frank Showers be granted on leave from call status effective May 16, 2009, for the period of one year.

2. Call by Synod Council
Pastor James Kenneth Rill is currently on leave from call in the Allegheny Synod, ELCA but has agreed to serve as the intentional interim pastor of First Lutheran Church, Mifflinburg, effective September 1, 2009. This action will remove him from his "on leave from call" status upon notification of the Allegheny Synod.

Bishop Driesen moves by consent that the Synod Council call the Rev. James K. Rill as the intentional interim pastor of First Lutheran Church, Mifflinburg, effective September 1, 2009.

3. On-Leave-From Call Status
Pastor Dennis A. Smith resigned his call as the pastor of the East Kishacoquillas Lutheran Parish on December 12, 2007, effective June 1, 2008, following severance. He was granted on-leave-from call status by the Synod Council for one year, effective June 1, 2009. He is requesting a second year of on-leave status and meets the necessary requirements.

Bishop Driesen moves by consent that the Rev. Dennis A. Smith be granted a second year of on-leave-from-call status from June 1, 2009, for the period of one year.

4. One-Hundred-Fiftieth Anniversary of the Lutheran Church in Liberia
In 2010, our companion synod, the Lutheran Church in Liberia (LCL) will be observing the 150th anniversary of its founding on April 28, 2010. Bishop Driesen has been invited by the LCL to visit in 2010 and participate in the festivities and plans to accept their invitation.

Bishop Driesen moves by consent that the Liberia Task Force of the Global Mission Team be requested to consider how our synod may join the LCL in observing its 150th anniversary, including the rehabilitation of the Day Memorial Lutheran Church and the expansion of an elementary school into an Elementary-Junior High School.

5. Covenant between the Evangelical Outreach and Congregational Mission Unit (EOCM) of the ELCA and the Upper Susquehanna Synod (USS)
Thanks to our partnership with the ELCA, Ms. Elizabeth Yenchko was installed at this year's Synod Assembly as our part-time Director for Evangelical Mission and Assistant to the Bishop, with her salary and expenses funded by the ELCA. The copy of the covenant between EOCM and the USS was sent to the Synod Council via email.

Bishop Driesen moves by consent that the Upper Susquehanna Synod enter into the above-mentioned covenant with Evangelical Outreach and Congregational Mission Unit of the ELCA.

Mission Conversation for this synod council meeting: Resolution adopted by the Synod Assembly, June, 2009, "Ushering in Fullness of Leadership for All People."
Please reflect upon this resolution, and how we may implement it.

A request was made to have item #3 (On Leave from Call Status) removed from the Consent Agenda and placed under New Business.

SC.09.07.27. MOTION: (Ware/Deibler) - That the Consent Agenda be adopted without item #3. The motion was adopted.

The Mission Related Discussion was based on the resolution passed as Synod Assembly entitled Ushering in Fullness of Leadership for All People.

Comments shared included the following:
- How do we highlight that racism is still a problem
- Can we make this a justice issue rather than a racist issue
- WELCA has had workshops for several years but our women have not been open to the concept
- How do we get people to pay attention to this
- What does racism look like today
- Racism is not just black racism
- It is a matter of attitudes
- Our congregations don't reflect our communities
- How do we make our congregation diverse
- Our diversity in our synod is socio-economic
- Emphasize how our life would be better if we were inclusive

SC.09.07.29. MOTION: (Mathiason/Waltz) - That the Bishop be authorized to establish a task force to address the various "isms" relating to Ushering in Fullness of Leadership for All People. The motion was adopted.

The task force should consider whether pastors should attend any educational events pertaining to the motion and what seminaries need to do to recruit future leaders of color.

Report of the Bishop:
The Bishop will be attending the National Youth Gathering and the Churchwide Assembly.

Report of the Treasurer:
Stephen Schlesing reported on the operating budget. At this point in the fiscal year, the budgeted income should be at 42% and it is 37%. The synod's budget has the same cycles as congregations. The indicated deficit is a bit misleading because the expenditures to outside agencies is 50% of their line item.

The investment policies are being reviewed. The synod has done well with investments since the beginning of the year.
Stephen Schlesing is working with Thomas Booth on the many capital expenditures that are in process.

SC.09.07.30. MOTION: (Best/Deibler) - That the treasurers report be adopted. The motion was adopted.

Report of the Upper Susquehanna Synodical Women's Organization:
Carol Winter reported that the WELCA convention is next Saturday, July 25, 2009.

Report of the Ministry Partnership Team:
SC.09.07.31. MOTION: (Driesen/King) - That the Synod Council affirm the guiding principles of the Ministry Partnership Team. The motion was adopted.

New Business:
Pastor Mathiason inquired as to the process for placing a rostered individual on the status On Leave from Call (item #3 from the Consent Agenda).

Bishop Driesen explained that it is his responsibility to make the recommendation and that Synod Council affirms that recommendation.

SC.09.07.32. MOTION: (Driesen/Mathiason) - That the Rev. Dennis A. Smith be granted a second year of on leave from call status effective June 1, 2009, for the period of one year. The motion was adopted.

Virginia Frantz reminded the council members that each conference must select a person to be on the Synod Council Executive Committee. She also requested that council members review/update contact information and she will re-send a corrected version.

Bishop Driesen, Pastor Karl-John Stone and Elizabeth Yenchko will be attending a conference on new relationships.

The next Synod Council meeting will be held Thursday, September 17, 2009 at Camp Mount Luther with dinner starting at 6:00 p.m.

Devotion leader for the next meeting will be Pastor Andrew Weaver or Chad Hershberger.

There will be an orientation meeting for new Synod Council members on Tuesday, September 8, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. at the synod office.

Synod Council Meeting at Camp Mount Luther
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Camp Mount Luther

Following dinner Michael Schrey, Vice-President, called the meeting to order.
Chad Hershberger led devotions on remembering baptism. The group participated by singing the Taize song, "There Is One Lord."

Consent Agenda for the Synod Council
Camp Mt. Luther,
Dinner at 6:00 PM, Meeting at appx. 7:00 PM
September 19, 2009

1. Resignation from the Roster of the ELCA (No action required.)
Mr. Raymond W. Stiller, a retired Associate in Ministry, has submitted a letter of resignation from the lay roster of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America effective September 1, 2009. He cited personal reasons for his decision after consultation with Bishop Driesen. No action is required from the synod council. His letter and file will be/ has been sent to the Office of the Secretary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

2. Call by Synod Council
Pastor Ronald Shellhamer's call as a missionary of the ELCA has ended as of August 31, 2009, following a period of severance. He returned home to address a family emergency health issue. He has agreed to serve as the intentional interim pastor of St. Matthew and Church of the Savior Lutheran, Williamsport, effective September 1, 2009. His salary and benefits will be paid by the two congregations he will serve as specified in a contractual agreement among them.

Bishop Driesen moves by consent that the Synod Council call the Rev. Ronald Shellhamer as the intentional interim pastor of St. Matthew-Church of the Savior, Williamsport, effective September 1, 2009.

3. Call by Synod Council
On August 2, 2009, the USS received word from Pastor John Richter that Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries would award the synod a grant for $20,000 in response to our grant proposal. The grant will be used to support the work and ministry of a synod Social Ministry Project Coach. The Coach will be available as a resource person to congregations who identify an area of need in their communities, assisting them in the process of envisioning, structuring, and implementing a social ministry project to help address that need. The grant provides funds for the Coach's compensation, work-related mileage and expenses, and start-up grant funds for congregational projects.

Ms. Sandra Grier, a rostered Associate in Ministry on-leave-from-call, has agreed to serve our synod as the "Social Ministry Project Coach" in a "non-stipendiary" call. The term "non-stipendiary" does not imply that she will receive no salary, but rather a stipend that is not commensurate with the normal salary guidelines for rostered ministry. Ms. Grier's commitment will be for a monthly average of 10 hours per week to the ministry to which she is called. The Conference of Bishops (CoB) will receive our request, if this consent motion is approved by the Synod Council, to call Ms. Grier. If the CoB deems it appropriate, they will grant their approval for this non-stipendiary call and a letter of call from the USS will be issued soon thereafter.

Bishop Driesen moves by consent that Ms. Sandra Grier, Associate in Ministry, be called by the Synod Council, pending approval of the ELCA Conference of Bishops, to serve as the Upper Susquehanna Synod's Social Ministry Project Coach for a one-year, non-stipendiary call beginning as early as October 5, 2009 but no later than the actual date that approval from the ELCA Conference of Bishops is received.

4. State Police Clearances (No action required.)
In compliance with a decision of the Synod Council and upon the recommendation of the ELCA, future officers of this synod will be required to obtain state police clearances prior to or soon after their election. In response, the current officers of the synod agreed to obtain such clearances as a sign of good faith. The synod council agreed to pay for the cost of such clearances. We have received these clearances and no criminal activity is reported.

5. Resignations from and Appointments to Committees, Teams, and Task Forces
Bishop Driesen moves by consent that the following resignations be accepted with regret but also with appreciation for their service, and that the following appointments be approved.

Stewardship Ministry Team
Resigned: John Riley, Roger Smith
Bishop's Committee on Worship
Resigned: Susan Hegberg, Rick White;
Appointed: Connie Fladland, Pastor William Esborn, David Reier
Bishop's Committee on Ecumenical Relations
Resigned: Pastor Maurice Frontz;
Appointments, Pastor Josh Reinsburrow, Pastor Ricky Philips
Global Mission Team
Resigned, Pastor Kerry Aucker;
Appointment, Pastor Lois Martin
Liberia Task Force
Appointment, Pastor Ronald Shellhamer
Ansbach-Wurzburg Kirchenkreis Task Force
Resigned, Carol Main, Bishop Emeritus Donald Main, Jodi Ellis, Nancy Fazler, Robin Kunkel, Sara Robinson, Glenda Wolfe;
Appointments, Douglas and Barbara Houseknecht, Deanna Bickhart
ELCA World Hunger Task Force
Resigned, Sandy Grier
Healthy Congregations Task Force
Resigned, Pastor Kerry Maurer, Pastor Philip Tundel, Mark Shaffer, Pastor Ken Longfield
Small Church/Outreach Ministry Team
Resigned, Pastor Carla Volland
Candidacy Committee
Resigned, Shirley Jones;
Appointment: Pastor Gretchen Johanson, Rick Hoffman
Youth and Family Ministry Team
Appointments, Pastor Catrina Ciccone, Molly Mitchell, Pastor Bill Petry (member of SE PA Synod)
Campus Ministry Team
Resigned, Pastor Jack Saarela (former ELCA staff)
Passing On Faith Task Force-
Resigned, Pastor Frank Showers

Reconciliation Team
Appointments: Dorothy Anderson, Kathleen Bingman, Pastor Jim Bricker, Maggie Henderson, Janine Labagh, Pastor Gary Roth, Ken Roush, Pastor Sonja Ware, Meghan Weaver.

Mission Conversation for this synod council meeting: The implications/consequences of the churchwide assembly's decisions related to rostering persons in committed, lifelong, publically accountable, same-gendered relationships. Among other questions raised by these decisions is how this synod will respond to congregations/ individuals who seeks ways to contribute to the synod and its ministries without a portion of their gift being shared with the ELCA.

SC.09.09.35 MOTION: (King/Berner) - That the consent agenda be adopted. The motion was adopted.
Dr. John Richter of Diakon presented the synod a check for $20,000, to be used for Social Ministries.
Mission related discussion: Concerning the churchwide assembly decisions relating to rostering persons in committed, lifelong, publicly accountable, same-gendered relationships. Among other questions is how this synod will respond to congregations/individuals who seek ways to contribute to the synod and its ministries without a portion of their gift being shared with the ELCA.
Synod Council implications include taking action upon any former LCA congregation seeking to leave the ELCA, as one parish is considering.
Concerning the financial implications, 50% of Synodical Mission Support is passed on to the ELCA. Witholding contributions to the ELCA hurts all of us, including seminarians and other ministries.
- If we don't give them an alternate way, they will hold back on all their giving.
- But churches are the ELCA; we would all be hurt.
- Look at the big picture; everyone disagrees with some of the things passed.
- Bishop was requested to bring the portion of the USS constitution that states the percentage passed on to Chicago.

Report of the Bishop: He attended the Youth Gathering in New Orleans, where there were 220 from our synod. They all had an evening together.
He attended pre-assembly meetings in the various conferences.
Several congregations are in discussion regarding merger or consolidation due to these financial times. Christ and St. John, both Montgomery, have scheduled votes on consolidation.
He participated in the blessing of new cottages at Buffalo Valley on July 30.
Daun McKee of Diakon is retiring and will visit the synod office on Monday, September 20.

Report of the Vice-President: Attended his third Churchwide Assembly, and a gathering of other synodical vice-presidents preceding. He noted that Carlos Pena was re-elected Vice-President of the ELCA.
Report of the Treasurer:
SC.09.09.36 MOTION: (Mathiason/Zeigler)- That the treasurer's report be adopted, asking Steve to provide clarification for line 1-804-9000. The motion was adopted.
SC.09.09.37 MOTION: (Best/Berner)- That the Investment Policy be adopted effective October 1. Upon the Vice-President's suggestion, Steve will ask our auditor to look it over and approve the concept. The motion was adopted.
Report of the USS Women's Organization: The date of the Peace Pole service was corrected to read October 24. .
Report of Camp Mount Luther: Chris Sands, board president, described serious electrical problems at the camp. The entire camp needs to be re-wired at a cost of $75,000. Procedures have been started to look back to the contractor's work in the 1990's to ascertain responsibility.
SC.09.09.38. MOTION: (Mathiason/Zimmerman) - To empower the camp to share the above information with congregations, and to prepare a fund-raising campaign for electrical problems and debt reduction. The motion was adopted.
Chad attended to Episcopal Diocese Mission Fair.
Mission Interpreters: Pastor Andy Weaver stressed that mission interpretation is an ongoing task of the Church, not to be connected with money.
Dates of meetings for 2010:
Executive Committee (if needed) Synod Council
Thursday, January 14 Thursday, January 21
Tuesday, March 9 Tuesday, March 16
Tuesday, May 11 Thursday, May 20
Thursday, July 15 Thursday, July 22 at Mount Luther
Tuesday, September 14 Tuesday, September 21
Thursday, November 4 Thursday, November 11

Pastor Andy Weaver will have devotions at the next meeting.
Synod Council Meeting at the Synod Office
Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Bishop Driesen called the meeting to order.

Pastor Andrew Weaver led the council in devotions. He suggests that there are three characteristics to a growing church - growing both numerically and spiritually. These characteristics are churches which 1) read the Bible, 2) pray and 3) love Jesus. Sometimes there is a struggle to connect the head and heart in matters of faith.
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Consent Agenda for the Synod Council
Synod Office,
November 17, 2009
1. The Rev. Jan Moody will be installed at the East Kishacoquillas Parish as pastor on Sunday, November 22, 2009, 4:00 PM, at St. Paul, Milroy. She was ordained at Trinity, Danville on Wednesday, October 7, 2009.

2. Bishop Driesen represented the synod at the retirement celebration of Bishop Gerard Knocke at Christ Lutheran Church, Baltimore, on Sunday, November 8, 2009. He spoke at the reception on behalf of the bishops of Region 8.

3. Bishop Driesen visited with seminary seniors at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg on October 20-21, on behalf of Region 8. This meeting was the purpose of responding to questions regarding the first call assignment process.

4. Bishop Driesen was invited to an informal congregational meeting at St. Andrew Lutheran Church , Muncy, to discuss the recent changes to ministry polices as adopted by the 2009 Churchwide Assembly. He and the local pastor, The Rev. Donald Edwards, responded to questions.

5. The Upper Susquehanna Synod was assigned one candidate in the most recent first call assignment. This candidate is being shared with the Liberty Parish. Our synod requested one candidate and received one candidate. Slightly more than 50% of the requests of synods across the ELCA were met.

Mission Conversation for this synod council meeting:
A decision needs to be made regarding mission support and whether congregations may designate gifts to the synod without any of the support being transmitted to the churchwide organization. Please read Bishop Driesen's recommendation. It is offered for the sake of starting and focusing the conversation.

SC.09.11.41. MOTION: (Weaver/Krebs) - That the consent agenda be adopted. The motion was adopted.

Three corrections were noted for the minutes of the September 17, 2009 Synod Council meeting as follows:
1) Chris Sands (rather than Chris Sanders) is president of the board of Camp Mount Luther

2) Motion SC.09.09.38 should read To empower the camp to share the above information with congregations, and to prepare a fund-raising campaign to obtain funds to fix electrical problems and for debt reduction.
3) Margie Krebs was present at the meeting.

SC.09.11.42. MOTION: (Best/Zeigler) - That the minutes of the September 17, 2009 Synod Council meeting be adopted as corrected. The motion was adopted.

The Ministry Discussion centered on Mission Support and the Actions of the 2009 Churchwide Assembly.

Bishop Driesen made a presentation of a proposal to use as a starting point of discussion. Comments included: We are on a slippery slope, What about the next unpopular vote at Churchwide Assembly, This is a compromise, This is punitive to Churchwide, We must recognize "bound conscience", Will only be used with congregations who struggle.

There was discussion both in favor and against the proposal.

SC.09.11.43. MOTION: (Schlesing/Weaver) - That the policy proposal be amended as follows:
The first sentence under section 2 should be replaced with "The Upper Susquehanna Synod will accept allocations of designated funds for Churchwide ministries." The motion was adopted.

SC.09.11.44. MOTION: (Driesen/Deibler) - That the proposal be adopted as amended. The motion was adopted.

Report of the Bishop:
SC.09.11.45. MOTION: (Best/King) - That the status of the Rev. William O. Avery on the roll of rostered individuals be changed to retired effective October 1, 2009. The motion was adopted.

Report of the Treasurer:
Steve Schlesing reported that the line item "Leasing/Office Equipment" includes a Pitney Bowes mailing machine.

There is some concern regarding the financial situation but December is traditionally the highest income month.

SC.09.11.46. MOTION: (Mathiason/Berner) - That the Treasurer's Financial Report be accepted for audit. The motion was adopted.

Currently, some funds are in a Managed Investment Fund at M&T Bank. However, Mifflinburg Bank & Trust is soliciting funds and offers a trading account. Moving our funds to Mifflinburg Bank & Trust will consolidate all monies in one financial institution.

SC.09.11.47. MOTION: (Schlesing/King) - That Stephen Schlesing and Camilla Zimmerman be granted trading authorization for the Upper Susquehanna Synod's investment portfolio. The motion was adopted.

Report of the Upper Susquehanna Synodical Women's Organization:
The organization donated $1,000.00 toward the cargo container to Liberia and $1,400.00 to the Liberian chicken and egg project. The following dates were noted:
April 24, 2010 - Day of Learning
July 24, 2010 - Convention
The 2011 Triennial Convention will be held in Spokane, Washington.

Report of Camp Mount Luther:
Chad Hershberger reported that the summer camping schedule has been finalized and that the repairs to the electrical problems are nearly complete.

Report of the Constitution Committee:
Pastor Shearer presented the changes to the synod's constitution as adopted at the 2009 Churchwide Assembly.

SC.09.11.48. MOTION: (Shearer/Mathiason) - That section #1 of the synod constitution changes be presented to the Synod Assembly for adoption. The motion was adopted. See Recommendation #1, See Addendum #1, Pages 126-127.

Section #2 changes are mandated and do not need to go to Synod Assembly.
Section #3 changes are also required.

Pastor Shearer reported that the Constitution Committee would like some feedback on the requirement to have 10% of the voting members at Synod Assembly be young people.

An idea was to have the youth delegates funded by the conference but the delegates would be accountable to their congregation of membership.

Report of the Property Committee:
Please review Thomas Booth's e-mail report.

Report of the Spirituality Task Force:
On November 3, 2009 at 7:00 p.m., there will be a Healing Service at the Synod Office.

Report of the Synod Assembly Planning Committee:
The committee is proposing that the synod research methods of providing electronic forms of the bulletin of reports in order to save postage. It was suggested that the registration form be modified to include options for each individual to receive their bulletin of reports: 1. electronic,

2. on-line through the synod's web site, or 3. mailed. The bulletin of reports will also be available at the registration table.

The next Synod Council meeting will be January 21, 2010 and the devotion leader will be Margie Krebs.

Synod Council Meeting at the Synod Office
Thursday, January 21, 2010

Bishop Driesen called the meeting to order.

Margie Krebs led the group in devotions. She reflected on the devotions of the last meeting where we thought about "head versus heart". Margie then discussed miracles or as she calls them "a ha moments" and stressed that we need to listen to the miracles that happen in our everyday lives.

Consent Agenda for the Synod Council
Synod Office,
January 21, 2010

1. The Rev. Constantine Leatha Havir was called as pastor on Sunday, January 10, 2010 by Trinity, Sunbury with a purchase of services by Trinity, Point Township. She accepted the call and began serving on Monday, January 11. Pr. Havir will be installed at Trinity, Sunbury on Sunday, January 31, at 4:00 PM. She comes to the USS from the West Virginia-Western Maryland Synod.

3. Ms. Carolyn Elizabeth Simonds was called as pastor of the Liberty Valley Lutheran Parish on Sunday, January 17, 2010. She accepted the call. Her ordination has been scheduled for Saturday, February 6, 2010 at St. John Lutheran Church, 300 West Maple Road, Lithicum Heights, Maryland. Bishop Driesen will preside. Ms. Simonds is a 2009 graduate of the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg.

4. Bishop Driesen will be preaching at the annual LARC (Lutheran-Anglican-Roman Catholic) solemn vespers to be held this Sunday, January 24, 3:00 PM, at St. Stephen's Episcopal Cathedral, 221 North Front Street, Harrisburg. Please note the change in time for this service.

4. The Upper Susquehanna Synod received its annual dividend check from Christopher Fellon on behalf of Brotherhood Mutual Insurance. This year's dividend, $28,362.00,
was the largest ever. Since the start of our relationship with Brotherhood Mutual in 1996, the USS has received a total of $245,217.00.

5. USS Committee membership changes:
World Hunger Taskforce - resigned, Donald Wolfe;
appointment, The Rev. Erwin Roux
Lay Ministry Institute Board - resigned, The Rev. John Koons, The Rev. Gary Roth
Reconciliation Team-- resigned, Maggie Henderson, Janine Labagh;
appointments, The Rev. Ron Montgomery, Donald Snyder
Small Church/Outreach Ministry Team - resigned, The Rev. Roy Meyer, Terry Langdon
Campus Ministry Team - resigned, The Rev. Gordon Smith, The Rev. Ray Jones
Stewardship - resigned, David Diehl
Mission Interpretation Task Force - resigned, David Diehl;
appointments, Mike & Sandy Hartman, Holly Fry, Mary Lazor, The Rev. Gregory Kramer, James Stanley, Christy Zeigler, Gary Womelsdorf, Sherry Bingaman, Bev Hoffman, Vince Meisinger, Jodi Ellis, Elizabeth Yenchko.
Learn Team -Howard Best, Sherry Bingaman, The Rev. David Byerly, Sandra Grier, Robin Kunkel, Dawne Long, Mary Ann Reier, The Rev. Breen Sipes, The Rev. Karl- John Stone, Christy Zeigler.

Bishop Driesen moves by consent that the resignations specified above be accepted with regret and the new appointments confirmed.

6. Bishop Driesen moves by consent that the Rev. Ricky Phillips and Mr. Mark Elliott be appointed to the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania's (LAMPa) Policy Council for a 3 year term. They replace the Rev. Dennis Smith and Ms. Ruth Koble whose terms have expired.

7. We have experienced serious problems with our email service since D & E Communications merged with Windstream. We believe that the problems have been lessened, despite a lengthy and frustrating process. In the meantime, we have approached the only other provider of internet services in the area for a quote. CATV (PenTeleData) may be able to provide us with faster service at a lower price. If so, we intend to change our provider. Our email addresses will remain unchanged.

Mission Conversation for this synod council meeting: The role of the Synod Council in the synod's life. One possible question among others related to the subject: How can synod council members be active "links" between the synod and its congregations?

No items were removed from the Consent Agenda.

SC.10.01.02. MOTION: (King/Waltz) - That the Consent Agenda be adopted. The motion was adopted.

The special agenda item was a short presentation by Pastor Gregory Kramer, Lutheran Planned Giving of Central Pennsylvania. Pastor Kramer expressed his appreciation for the cooperative ministry of the ELCA. He will provide congregations with donor education and help them with endowment funds. He is not a financial advisor.

The Executive Committee met prior to the Synod Council meeting. There were no actions that needed to be addressed. The minutes for the meeting will be available for the next Synod Council meeting.

The Mission Discussion centered on the role of Synod Council including fiduciary responsibilities.
Comments included the following:
- The Synod Council should be advocates for congregational Mission Support
- There should be a sharing of information about what other congregations are doing
- We need to be reminded that Synod Council is US
- Each individual is important
- There are some awesome ministries occurring in our congregations
- The Synod is viewed as helpful in times of transitions
- Synod Council members need talking points

The Mission Interpretation Task Force is developing a menu of speakers who are passionate in various areas of ministry and who are willing to tell their story and be a building connection with congregations. As a point of information, anyone can sign-up to receive the ELCA news releases which will be sent to the participants e-mail address.

Report of the Bishop:
There are two congregations in the Upper Susquehanna Synod which are considering leaving the ELCA. St. Andrew, Muncy, has a time-line developed with the first vote scheduled for February 21, 2010. St. John's, Espy, is not as far along in the process.

The Bishop reviewed that the process includes a special congregational meeting on the topic with a required 2/3 vote. Then a 90 day period of consultation with the bishop would begin. The second vote requires a 2/3 plurality and an indication to which church organization the congregation will be going (this makes a difference constitutionally).

The Bishop reported that no congregation has requested a consultation regarding Mission Support.
A conversation regarding the organization CORE and their possible actions was held.

Report of the Treasurer:
The report as of the 11th month of the synod's fiscal year indicates that there is a deficit situation. The worse case scenario is a $50,000.00 deficit which can be funded.

The Lower Susquehanna Synod sent the Upper Susquehanna Synod $76,000.00 to administer the needs of Old Immanuel Lutheran Church, Muncy, which has become an historic site. These monies have been placed in Fund 2 -Restricted Account.

The Synod's investment accounts have been transferred to Mifflinburg Bank and Trust.

SC.10.01.04. MOTION: (Benner/Weaver) - That the Treasurer's Report be filed for audit. The motion was adopted.

Report of the USS Women's Organization:
The Executive Board will meet Saturday, January 23, 2010. Day of Renewal will be held February 27, 2010 at Christ, Catawissa.

Report of Camp Mount Luther:
The summer brochure is on the way.

Report of the Congregational Renewal Team:
A bulletin insert has been sent to congregations to encourage people to come and participate.

Report of the Liberia Companion Synod Task Force:
There is a work team in Liberia now. It is the largest team that has been sent.

Report of the Synod Assembly Planning Committee:
This year's Synod Assembly will meet in the Field House while the Chapel Auditorium undergoes renovations.

New Business:
Two cargo containers were sent in the same fiscal year because the contents of the containers will not be duty free in the future.

SC.10.01.05. MOTION: (Best/DeWald) - That $6,375.00 from the Brotherhood Mutual funds be used to cover the cost of the cargo container. The motion was adopted.

Pastor Andrew Weaver accepted the responsibility of consulting with representatives of the synod to address special presentations at Synod Assembly.

Pastor Michael Ware will be the devotion leader at the next meeting.

Synod Council Meeting at the Synod Office
Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Michael Schrey, Vice President, called the meeting to order.
Pastor Michael Ware led the group in devotions using Matthew 24:13-30. He discussed the fourth servant who lost everything. Would the Master rather we try and fail rather than not try at all? Is this a matter of law or Gospel or could it be both ways? All that we have is a gift from God in the first place.
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Consent Agenda for the Synod Council
Synod Office, March 16, 2010

1. Call by Synod Council
Pastor Colette Broady Preiss has served several congregations in the Upper Susquehanna Synod as an intentional interim pastor. Following the departure of Pr. Zachary Labaugh as pastor of St. John "Brick," Montgomery, and the conversations about this congregation's future directions perhaps through continued conversations with Christ, Montgomery, the council at St. John's agreed that it would be wise for them to be served by an intentional interim pastor prior to entering the call process. Pr. Broady-Preiss is expected to serve them through July 1 or until her contract with them is either terminated or renegotiated.

Bishop Driesen moves by consent that the Synod Council call the Rev. Collette Broady-Preiss as the intentional interim pastor of St. John Lutheran Church, Montgomery, effective January 31, 2010.

2. Call by Synod Council
Pastor Sarah Hershberger has been elected as campus pastor by the Lutheran Council of Campus Ministry Board. They request that the Upper Susquehanna Synod Council extend a call to her on their behalf. While she will serve on the territory of the Allegheny Synod, she will continue to reside in the Upper

Susquehanna Synod. Bishops Pile and Hoover, the other two bishops represented by the Inter-Synodical Commission on Higher Education, have agreed that Pr. Hershberger may be called by and rostered in the Upper Susquehanna Synod. All three synods support the campus ministry at Penn State.

Bishop Driesen moves by consent that the Synod Council call the Rev. Sarah Hershberger as the part-time (15 hours/week) campus pastor of the Lutheran Campus Ministry at Penn State, effective January 1, 2010.

3. First Vote to Leave the ELCA by St. Andrew, Muncy
Bishop Driesen was informed by certified letter, as required by our constitution, that St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Muncy, conducted its first vote to leave the ELCA on Sunday, February 21. 2010. This vote achieved more than the required 2/3 necessary. Seventy-four voting members were present (quorum required was 24) with the results being 69 in favor and 5 against. The ninety day period of consultation with the synodical bishop has
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begun. Bishop Driesen and a member of the synod council will be meeting with the congregation council and other interested members of St. Andrew in either March or April. The bishop has also requested that a pastoral letter written by him be mailed to all the voting members of St. Andrew's at the synod's expense. Bishop Driesen previously attended an informal meeting of the congregation at St. Andrew. He also has met with Dr. Edwards and an exploratory committee of the congregation.

A second vote has been scheduled for May 23, 2010. If this vote also achieves the 2/3 required, the synod council will need to consider approval of St. Andrew's request to leave the ELCA at its July meeting. This is required of all congregations who were members of the Lutheran Church in America. At this time, St. Andrew is indicating her intention to become a member of Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC.)

Mission Conversation for this synod council meeting: discuss the following suggestion from Beth Yenchko, Director for Evangelical Mission and Assistant to the Bishop.
In many books about ministries that are spiritually alive and growing, the importance and indispensability of prayer is lifted up - not as a separate activity or a written piece, but as a thread which is woven into the fabric, part and parcel of all aspects of the ministry. I have been reading a book called "Unbinding the Gospel" where this question is discussed again, and it reminded me that it is important that prayer - as a part of the "fabric" of ministry - be modeled by the leaders. With the joys and challenges that our synod is experiencing, I began to think that maybe one good place to model this would be in the context of our synod council meetings. What could that look like?

Certainly we already have a devotion and pray together the Lord's Prayer...but could we envision taking 10 minutes at the end of the meeting and each person adding a sentence, thought, petition, or prayer concern as we go around the table in informal prayer? Someone might pray about some joy, business or challenge we have discussed in the meeting; about something happening in the world; or about some personal prayer concern we would like to lift up to God. This is the "weaving the thread of the fabric" that I wrote about - where our prayer is informally and directly related to what is happening at the moment. What do you think about this idea?

A request was made to have item #3 be removed from the Consent Agenda.

SC.10.03.08. MOTION: (King/Deibler) - That the consent agenda be adopted with out item #3. The motion was adopted.

SC.10.03.09. MOTION: (Ware/Zimmerman) - That the minutes of the January 21, 2010 Executive Committee Meeting be adopted with a notation that Pastor Michael Ware was in attendance. The motion was adopted.

SC.10.03.10. MOTION: (Benner/Booth) - That the minutes of the January 21, 2010 Synod Council Meeting be adopted. The motion was adopted.

Mission Related Discussion:
Elizabeth Yenchko attended a conference entitled Missional Leaders for a Missional Church which emphasized the importance of prayer. She asked if we shall "live out intentionally in our prayer" and asked how we as a synod council incorporate prayers in our council lives. Thoughts shared included: Synod Vice Presidents have prayer partners; 24 hour prayer times could be established; what topics at our meetings should we keep in our prayers; prayer cards could be developed; a process observer could be selected.

Report of the Bishop:
The Liberian Lutheran Church will be celebrating its 150th Anniversary from April 20, 2010 through May 1, 2010. Bishop Driesen will be there for the celebration. Some of the work teams that traveled to Liberia did some work on Day Memorial Church which will be dedicated at that time.

The Reconciliation Team is ready to begin ministry. The team is to work with pastors and congregations who may be in conflict or struggles. The goal is reconciliation. The Bishop is involved in the review of the findings of the team.

Canby Lutheran, Bloomsburg, one of the 3 congregations in the Buckhorn Parish, would like to be dissolved from the parish.

Report of the Synod Secretary:
Peggy Biesecker described the suggested changes to the format of the Synod Assembly Minute Books. The minutes of the assembly would be done in a format very similar to the format of Synod Council Minutes with all of the reports to Synod Assembly in an addendum section. This format would make it easier to locate assembly actions. The minute books would be posted on the synod's web site. Hard copies would be prepared "in house" for the ELCA and other entities that require paper copies and these copies would be put in a binder. This format would greatly reduce the cost of preparing the minute books.

SC.10.03.11. MOTION: (Weaver/Ware) - That the new format for the Synod Assembly Minute Books be adopted. The motion was adopted.

Treasurer's Report:
Mission Support is short by $120,000.00 but because expenses are low, there will only be a deficit of $35,000.00. The synod cannot reduce the restricted reserves below $100,000.00. The variance between commitment to Mission Support versus actual has been significant in the last two years.

SC.10.03.12. MOTION: (Greenauer/Booth) - That the Treasurer's Report be accepted. The motion was adopted.

The retreat for Synod Council and the Fiscal Management Committee is scheduled for Saturday, April 10, 2010 from 9:30 a.m. through 2:00 p.m. at a place to be announced. The purpose of the retreat is to talk about the budget and the synod's priorities.

The proposal for the vinyl siding and landscaping will be discussed at the retreat.

Report of the USS Women's Organization:
The Day of Learning will be held April 24, 2010 at St. Luke's, Williamsport. There will be a different Bible Study leader since Pastor Shellhamer will be in Liberia. The women's convention will be held July 24, 2010 at Camp Mount Luther.

Report of Camp Mount Luther:
Approximately 30 people attended the camperson meetings. The current cook will be retiring at the end of summer. Staff for the camp is being hired - lots of applications have been received.

Chad Hershberger and others met with Congressman Carney. The camp is applying to the Department of Energy for a grant request of $150,000.00 for "going green" with the solution to their electrical problems.

Report of the Constitution Committee:
Pastor Shearer reviewed the proposed changes to the synod's constitution regarding voting members to Synod Assembly. Since this change is a continuing resolution, we may change if this process doesn't work.
SC.10.03.13. MOTION: (Constitution Committee/Driesen) - To adopt continuing resolution S7.21.A10. (noting that the terminology should be changed to voting members instead of delegates). The motion was adopted.

Report of Small Church/Outreach Committee:
SC.10.03.14. MOTION: (Best/Waltz) - That the proposed grant applications for the Northern Tier Lutheran Cooperative and the St. James Lutheran Church, Rauchtown be ratified. The motion was adopted.

New Business:
Peggy Biesecker read a letter of resignation from Richard Kitchen, Synod Council representative from the Tulpehocken Conference.

SC.10.03.15. MOTION: (Benner/King) - That the resignation of Richard Kitchen be accepted. The motion was adopted.

The nominating committee will be instructed to find a replacement for the unexpired term.

Item #3 from the Consent Agenda regarding the vote at St. Andrew's, Muncy, to leave the ELCA was discussed. St. Andrew's would like to affiliate with the LCMC which has some doctrinal differences.

By consensus the Synod Council, adopted item #3 on the Consent Agenda.

Bishop Driesen presented a document that was developed with the Liberian Lutheran Church for partnerships between congregations of the Upper Susquehanna Synod of the ELCA and the Lutheran Church in Liberia. The document outlines the possibility of linking congregations in our synod with congregations in Liberia. The language is from the LCL. The first part of the document deals with the history and background. There still needs some discussion starting on page 6 and 7 of the document. Congregations would be paired through our Liberian sub-committee.

SC.10.03.16. MOTION: (Greenauer/Zeigler) - That the agreement be accepted. The motion was adopted.

A reminder of various dates was given: Synod Council Retreat on April 10, 2010, Synod Council Executive Committee (if needed) on May 11, 2010 and Synod Council Meeting on May 20, 2010.

Thomas Booth agreed to be devotion leader for the next meeting.

Synod Council Meeting at the Synod Office
Thursday, May 20, 2010

Mike Schrey, Vice President, called the meeting to order.

Thomas Booth led the council in devotions. He used the story of David and Goliath to share that there are many challenges in our life and that we face our giants by first facing God. The five stones that David used could represent the following: stone of the past, stone of prayer, stone of priority; stone of passion and stone of persistence.

Consent Agenda for the Synod Council
Synod Office, May 20, 2010

1. On-Leave-From Call Status
Pastor Dennis A. Smith resigned his call as the pastor of the East Kishacoquillas Lutheran Parish on December 12, 2007, effective June 1, 2008, following severance. He was granted on-leave-from call status by the Synod Council for one year, effective June 1, 2008. His on-leave status was renewed for another year by the Synod Council in 2009. He is requesting a third year of on-leave status and meets the necessary requirements. A total of three consecutive years is usually the maximum period of time a synod council can grant a pastor the status of on-leave-from-call.

Bishop Driesen moves by consent that the Rev. Dennis A. Smith be granted a third year of on-leave-from-call status from June 1, 2010, for the period of one year.

2. Date of 2011 Synod Assembly
The USS Constitution requires the Synod Council to approve the date of the Synod Assembly.

Bishop Driesen moves by consent that the 2011 Upper Susquehanna Synod assembly be held at Susquehanna University on Friday, June 17, 2011 through Saturday, June 18, 2011.

3. Transfer from active to retired status on the roster of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Bishop Driesen moves by consent that Pastor Kenneth Longfield be granted the status of retired, effective August 31, 2010.

4. Welcome to the USS - The Upper Susquehanna Synod welcomes The Rev. Frederick H. Bigelow to the roster of the Upper Susquehanna Synod, ELCA. Pastor Bigelow, now retired, transferred from the Allegheny Synod to Upper Susquehanna Synod, effective February 15, 2010. Fred and his wife Janice live in one of the units of the Buffalo Valley Independent Living quarters.

Mission Conversation: Mission Support Consultation led by Pastor Craig Settlage, ELCA Director for Mission Support, Synodical Relations.

There were no items removed from the Consent Agenda.

SC.10.05.19. MOTION: (Berner/Zeigler) - That the Consent Agenda be adopted. The motion was adopted.

SC.10.05.20. MOTION: (King/Booth) - That the minutes of the March 16, 2010 Synod Council meeting be approved. The motion was adopted.

Mission Conversation:
Pastor Craig Settlage, ELCA Director of Mission Support, led the Mission Conversation. Pastor Settlage has been on the churchwide staff since the inception of the ELCA.

His discussion centered on mission support - that dollar amount that congregations give which is shared with the synod and the ELCA.

He shared with the council information on Disaster Relief. The ELCA is not a first responder but a second responder with the difference being that the ELCA stays. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Haiti has received $11.4 million from the ELCA.

The administrative costs for the ELCA amount to 8.49% of the budget.

A new initiative called LIFT (Looking Into the Future Together) is being developed to discuss essential ministries.

Report of the Bishop:
The crosier has been repaired with thanks to Pastor Patrick Sipes.

The Bishop expressed his gratitude to the members of Synod Council who are retiring: Tom Booth, Bob King, Andy Weaver, Mike Greenauer, Christy Zeigler, Carol Waltz and Kyle Muthler.

The LCF (Lutheran Confessing Fellowship) was formed primarily to address sexuality issues but also addresses declining membership. The group met in Espy on May 16, 2010. Three other meetings are planned. The next meeting is June 13, 2010 at the Lodge Hall near Red Cross. Pastor Karl-John Stone attended the meeting in Espy. He felt that everyone was very respectful. Pastor Shipman spoke on behalf of CORE. His primary concern related to the authority of the Bible.

Report of the Treasurer:
A review of the current financial report indicates that there is a surplus but the figures are skewed due to Synod Assembly fees.

The auditors should be done by next week.

SC.10.05.21. MOTION: (Mathiason/Waltz) - That the Treasurer's report be approved. The motion was adopted.

The 2011 Budget was reviewed. Several changes were made as follows:
Line Item 1-501-0000 Mission Support should be $1,185,000.00
Line Item 1-601-1000 ELCA Churchwide Support should be $592,500.00
Line Item 1-602-1000 Non-Cong Churchwide Support should be $1,500.00
The amount in Line Item 1-652-7000 should be raised to $6,000.00 and moved to
Line Item 1-652-9235 Communication Director
These changes will result in a $58.00 deficit.

SC.10.05.22. MOTION: (Mathiason/Booth) - That the 2011 Budget as amended be presented to the Synod Assembly for approval. The motion was adopted. Recommendation #5 - See Addendum #5, Pages 131-137.

Report of the USS Women's Organization:
The convention is scheduled for July 24, 2010. The Churchwide Convention will be held in Spokane, Washington. The churchwide organization does no cover delegate expenses so the synodical unit will be offering scholarships to our delegates.

Report of Camp Mount Luther:
The Golf Event cleared $12,000.00. Staff training starts June 1, 2010. The theme this year is "Keeping the Earth". The campers will be tending a garden. On June 13, 2010 a fund raising brunch will be held. The radio station at Susquehanna University, WQSU, will broadcast Camp Mount Luther's prayer service at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday mornings.

The Camp Board is requesting Synod Council's approval for a 3 year capital campaign. The funds would help cover the electrical upgrades, retire debt and fund improvements. This campaign would kick-off in the fall with the hopes that people will sponsor birthday candles and would end in 2013 in time to celebrate the camp's 50th birthday.

SC.10.05.23. MOTION: (DeWald/Krebs) - That the Synod Council endorses the Camp Board of Camp Mount Luther in their 3 year capital campaign starting in the fall of 2010 and concluding in 2013. The motion was adopted.

New Business:
The Task Force assigned to review the request of Canby Lutheran Church, Buckhorn Parish, to dissolve the parish was discussed. Canby feels that they can not keep their financial commitment to the parish and they do not wish to merge with another congregation.

SC.10.05.24. MOTION: (Booth/Zeigler) - That the recommendation of the Task Force be accepted effective July 31, 2010. The motion was adopted.

SC.10.05.25. MOTION: (Schlesing/Mathiason) - That the recommended 2011 Salary Guidelines for Rostered Individuals be presented to the Synod Assembly for adoption. The motion was adopted. RECOMMENDATION #2 - See Addendum #2, pages 128-130.

SC.10.05.26. MOTION: (Mathiason/King) - That the recommended 2011 Housing Allowance for Rostered Individuals be presented to the Synod Assembly for adoption. The motion was adopted. RECOMMENDATION #3 - See Addendum #3, page 130.

SC.10.05.27. MOTION: (Booth/Heller) - That the recommended Salary Guidelines for Associates in Ministry be presented to the Synod Assembly for adoption. The motion was adopted. RECOMMENDATION #4 - See Addendum #4, page 130.

A point of information - the Synod is now on Facebook.

Dates for the next meeting were reviewed: July 15, 2010 for the Executive Committee if needed and July 22, 2010 for Synod Council at Camp Mount Luther with dinner at 5:30 p.m.

The camp staff will do the devotions.

The ELCA in assembly voted to make changes to the model constitution for synods in August. Some of these changes  are required.  Amendments proposed in this section are changes to the current synod constitution to comply with the new requirements.  [As always denotes the additions and denotes the deletions  to our current constitution or bylaws.}

1.  To add *S9.12. to require background checks for nominees for officers of synods:

*S9.12. Background checks and screening shall be required and completed for persons nominated as synodical officers prior to their election, if possible, or as soon as practical after their election. The specific procedures and timing of background checks and screening shall be determined by the Synod Council.   REQUIRED ADDITION

The constitution committee recommends the addition of the following bylaw to clarify what the required background checks shall be.

S9.12 .01 In addition to any other checks required by law or these bylaws, all synods officers shall be required to submit to a State Police Criminal background check, prior to their election, if possible, or as soon thereafter as practical. Successful completion of these checks shall be deemed sufficient to fulfill the requirements of Section *S9:12 of the synod constitution.

2.  To amend and add the following to allow for expanded roles for youth and young adults in the governance in all expressions of this church:

To add:  *S6.04.B09. It is the goal of this synod that at least 10 percent of the voting members of the Synod Assembly, Synod Council, committees, and organizational units of this synod be youth and young adults. The Synod Council shall establish a plan for implementing this goal. For purposes of the constitution, bylaws, and continuing resolutions of this synod, the term "youth" means a voting member of a congregation who has not reached the age of 18 at the time of election or appointment for service. The term "young adult" means a voting member of a congregation between the ages of 18 and 30 at the time of election or appointment for service.  REQUIRED ADDITION

To amend:  *S10.01. The Synod Council, consisting of the four officers of the synod, 10-24 other members, and at least one youth and at least one young adult, shall be elected by the Synod Assembly.  REQUIRED ADDITION

The constitution committee recommends the following bylaw changes to facilitate this required addition to the Synod Constitution.

S10.01.01.      Membership

a.         The Synod Council shall consist of 18 adult members and one youth member in addition to the officers.  Membership shall conform to the standards of representation of the ELCA.  There shall be one clergy and two lay representatives nominated from each conference, and one youth member and one young adult elected at large.  The youth member shall be a confirmed member of a congregation and no older than 18 years of age at the time of election.

S10.01.02.       Term of Office

c.  Each young adult member  elected to the Synod council shall be elected for a term of 3 years. Each young adult shall serve no more than two consecutive terms.

Rationale for the above changes to the bylaws: The deleted section of S10.01.01 is now covered by the required *S6.04.B09.

Although the term of office for the youth in S.10.01.02 b is only two years since the aim of the change is to encourage young adult involvement on synod council,  the committee felt is prudent that the term office be the same as other adults on the council.  Bear in mind that there may be other adult members of synod council elected from conferences who may be in fact young adults as defined in *S6.04.B09.

3. The constitution committee recommends the following change "to provide additional clarity"

S8.42.  The treasurer shall provide and be accountable for:

f. Giving of corporate surety in the amount determined by the Synod Council, which shall be in the custody of the secretary, and the premium therefore shall be paid by this synod. Fidelity coverage provided by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America shall be deemed a fulfillment of this requirement.

Obtaining a fidelity bond in the amount determined by the Synod Council for persons handling synod funds, which bond shall be in the custody of the secretary. The premium for the bond shall be paid by this synod. Fidelity coverage provided by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America shall be deemed a fulfillment of this requirement

Click here for the PDF file showing the proposed 2011 Minimum Salary Guidelines as recommended by the meeting of the Leadership Support Task Force on April 6, 2010.

Here are some of the items that the task force discussed in making these recommendations.

• At the 2009 Upper Susquehanna Synod Assembly, the adopted guidelines for 2010 did not include a percentage Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA).
• In 2010, the only adjustment for the minimum guidelines was that each individual would receive the $425 increase for an additional year of experience.
• While the economy is still in recovery, it is not possible for the task force to forecast what inflation will be for the remainder of 2010. (While the 2010 Synod Assembly will consider and adopt 2011 guidelines, the guidelines will not take effect until January 1, 2011.)
• The task force reviewed the 2010 salary guidelines from surrounding synods. One of those guides listed the averages for Region 8.
• In reviewing the guidelines and economic data, the task force discussed a 3% COLA to the minimum guideline for a newly ordained pastor.
• We specifically looked at the Allegheny Synod, a neighboring synod that we felt had similar demographics. With a proposed 3% COLA adjustment, our 2011 recommended minimum salary for someone with no experience would be $29,046. This amount is only $46 higher than the 2010 minimum guideline for a newly ordained pastor in the Allegheny Synod.
• The task force recommended no changes to the range for recommended housing allowances. (While it is likely that the cost to purchase a home may have decreased in some areas of our synod, in many areas of our synod there have been increases in property taxes and utility costs.)
• The task force recommended that the guidelines for Associates in Ministry be adjusted by a 3% COLA.

Click here for PDF file of 2011 Budget Proposal

Click here to view report as PDF file. 

Spring 2010

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

In Advent, I invited you to dwell in words from Paul's letter to the Romans:
Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand. Romans 5:1-2a

This spring, as we gather for the 2010 synod assemblies, we are standing together in God's grace, but we are not standing still. Through God's grace and the power of the Holy Spirit, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is fully engaged in the mission of proclaiming Christ and caring for the world that God so deeply loves.

This journey together in Christ does not lead us away from difficulties: neither the earthshaking tragedy in Haiti, nor the discernment, disagreements and decisions of congregations and individuals, nor economic hardship in a global recession, nor any of the other challenges we encounter in communities and households.

Instead, in the midst of it all, God meets us in a renewing word:
So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:17-18

This word, read during the Lenten season, renews both our identity and our calling. God has given us the grace to stand and to serve in a place filled with promise and opportunity. As the apostle Paul wrote to the Romans, God's Holy Spirit is being poured out so that hope abounds and love fills our hearts (Romans 5:4-5).

Trusting that God's new creation is made evident in and through us, we rejoice that:

• Directors for evangelical mission are prepared, based in synods and ready to serve so that all ELCA congregations are growing as evangelical centers for mission.
• Synod-based partners in evangelical worship are being identified to assist congregations as we seek to be an evangelizing church centered in the means of grace.
• The ELCA's priority for developing new congregations continues. In 2009, 32 new congregations were planted, many in ethnic-specific or multicultural communities, among people living in poverty, and in urban areas. Camino de Vida, a new congregation under development in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is a joint new start with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Mission Developer Jaime Guillermo Yela welcomed more than 400 people for the first worship service in December 2009.
• Leadership is the focus for young adults of African Descent who, in response to "Elisha's Call," are identifying at least 100 new young adult leaders within their communities.
• Creativity abounds through the Book of Faith Initiative as congregations and colleges gather around Scripture in coffee shops and pubs, in homes and in dorm rooms. In one congregation, confirmation students receive Bibles in which their parents, mentors, sponsors and pastors have already marked their favorite passages.
• Social media is playing a vital new role in connecting people to this church. The ELCA News Service transmits releases in real-time via Twitter (twitter.com/elcanews). More than 13,000 fans on the ELCA Facebook page (facebook.com/Lutherans) share stories, encouragement and prayers online. The Book of Faith site (www.bookoffaith.ning.com) has welcomed more than 3,300 participants into a conversation about the first language of faith.
• Generosity marks the ELCA's response to the devastating earthquake in Haiti. In the first five weeks, ELCA members gave nearly $5.3 million dollars, and more contributions continue to flow in. Lutheran Disaster Response works with our partners, The Lutheran World Federation and Lutheran World Relief, to meet urgent needs, including shelter, medicine, drinking water, food, sanitation and psychosocial assistance, in a commitment that will continue for years to come. Mission support, the portion of a member's financial offering that a congregation shares with its synod and the churchwide organization, provides the infrastructure that makes it possible for this church to apply 100 percent of every designated gift to disaster response.

Living in the hope of the risen Christ who is making all things new, we are moving forward in mission and are supported and encouraged by your synod's fervent prayers, generous financial support and evangelical missional imagination.

I give thanks to God for your service in the mission and ministries of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and for the time and resources you share with your congregation, synod and churchwide ministries. As we stand together in God's grace, it is my prayer that God's work will be served with our hands.

In God's grace,
Mark S. Hanson
Presiding Bishop

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ:

I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing the gospel from the first day until now. Philippians 1: 3-4

If there is one question I am asked more than any other it is this: what do you like most about being bishop? My answer is always the same: my great joy lies in being in the midst of God's people on a Sunday morning as we gather together around Word and Sacrament in the presence of our Lord Jesus.

The Sunday gathering of the people of God is central to the mission of Christ's Church. Surely there is nothing more important than our weekly encounter with the Risen Christ who comes to us through Word and Sacrament. We take great care in our preparations for this most important day. Throughout this synod, pastors, lay worship leaders, altar committee members, acolytes, crucifers, torch bearers, choir members, instrumentalists, greeters, ushers, communion ushers, communion presenters--literally thousands of people--offer themselves in the presence of him who offers himself for us, Jesus Christ our Lord. We do so as evidence of our hope for ourselves, our children, and the world. God has not abandoned us! He comes to us in Christ in order to make us what he has always intended us to be: the Body of his Son in the world.

The bold claim of faith is that we when we assemble, read the biblical texts, bathe newcomers in Holy Baptism, invite them and all of us to a meal comprised of bread and wine, we come face-to-face with God! Through this encounter, we are nourished and strengthened for God's mission in the world, a mission that is both global and local.

God's church resides in local communities called Bloomsburg, Williamsport, McAlisterville, Berwick, Lewistown, Sunbury, Morris Run, Red Cross, Mifflinburg, Cogan Station, Selinsgrove, Northumberland, and a host of others on the territory of this synod, but the church also transcends our local communities. We confess one, holy, catholic, and apostolic church. Together as local congregations, the Upper Susquehanna Synod, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and many other Christian churches, we are the Church in the world, doing what God calls us to do. Through us the Gospel is proclaimed, the hungry are fed, the lonely are visited, justice is sought for and with the poor, the sick are healed, the homeless are housed, the spiritually grieved are comforted.

The mission of God is tireless. It will never end until all the world is reconciled with Christ and all of the world's people are reconciled to one another. This work God is doing through the cross of his Son! But God also has called us, as the brothers and sisters of Jesus, to take up our cross and follow him. We are to be God's hands, and God's work is to be ours. As Teresa of Avilla insisted, "Christ has no body now on earth but yours, no hands but yours, no feet but yours; yours are the eyes through which Christ's compassion looks out on the world, yours are the feet with which he is to go about doing good, and yours are the hands with which he is to bless us now."

On January 12 at 4:53 p.m., a magnitude 7.0 earthquake rocked the island country of Haiti, primarily impacting its capital of Port-au-Prince and its nearly two million residents. Already one of the poorest countries in the world, this catastrophe exacerbated the suffering felt by many already living with hunger and poverty. Thankfully, along with many others, the people of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America responded. As of May 12, 2010, $10.5 million in gifts have been received by ELCA Disaster Response. Every cent donated will go directly to Haitian relief. None of it has been used-or ever will be used--for administrative costs. Our gifts to Mission Support provide the necessary structures to deliver assistance, so that-unlike virtually any other charitable organization-everything donated through Disaster Response directly supports people in need.

The Lutheran Malaria Initiative (LMI) is still another aspect of our global mission as congregations, a synod and a national church. LMI represents an unprecedented collaborative effort among the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and Lutheran World Relief to mobilize the nearly 8 million Lutherans in the United States to join the battle against malaria--a preventable and treatable disease that kills more than one million people a year. As an expression of our faith and of God's love for all, the Lutheran Malaria Initiative seeks to eliminate malaria from the face of the earth! For generations, Lutherans have been a powerful force for change, and LMI continues that faithful tradition.

Since soon after the birth of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in 1988, our synod has been blessed by our companion relationship with the Lutheran Church in Liberia. Over the many years, we have sent tons of goods to Monrovia, particularly in response to the devastation caused by many years of civil war. The twenty-five cargo containers that were delivered on our behalf have borne witness to our love of our Lord and our deep affection for our brothers and sisters in Liberia. Over the years, we have sent many work teams to assist the people of Liberia in reconstruction. These work team members, in turn, have returned to us, sharing with us stories of the sincerity of the Liberian people, the outpouring of their hospitality, and the generosity with which they were received.

This year on Wednesday, April 28, 2010, the Lutheran Church in Liberia celebrated "Founder's Day," marking its one hundred and fiftieth anniversary. I had planned to attend. Unfortunately, the eruption of Eyjafjallajökull volcano in Iceland resulted in the cancelation of my travel plans. Several weeks later, however, Dr. and Mrs. Robert Bradford and Pastor Ron Shellhamer were able to make it to Liberia and shared with Bishop Harris the bright yellow birthday cards prepared by many of our congregations, as well as the souvenir calendars we had made for the occasion. Bishop Harris, in turn, will share them with the more than 71,000 members of the Lutheran Church in Liberia located in 46 parishes with over 385 congregations and 330 preaching points.
The Upper Susquehanna Synod also has a meaningful but different companion relationship with the Kirchenkreis Ansbach-Würzburg in Bavaria, Germany. Following a recent visit on our behalf, Dr. Lois Martin, the chairperson of our Ansbach-Würzburg sub-committee, returned with the news that Bishop Christian Schmidt is encouraging us to renew our relationship with them at an anniversary celebration of the kirchenkreis that is scheduled for next year.

Across this synod, our 137 congregations are engaged in God's mission. Kathryn's Kloset, a ministry of Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries, is making it possible for much-needed supplies to be provided free of charge to the poor through corporate in-kind gifts. Detergents, snacks, books, and many other items have been shipped from Baltimore to the Upper Susquehanna Synod for distribution through food pantries in local congregations. Our hope is that four hubs will be established. To date, three commitments have been made by Agape, Bloomsburg; Messiah, South Williamsport; and St. Matthew, Shamokin Dam. With supplies being transported from Baltimore to the hubs, congregations need not travel to Baltimore in order to pickup supplies but may go directly to the hub closest to them.

Campus Ministry touches the lives of countless young people on the territory of this synod. Sensitive to the pastoral needs of those on campus and engaged in the intellectual discourse of the university, Campus Ministry strives to communicate the Gospel in fresh ways. Through worship, study, fellowship, and service, members of the academic community taste the fullness of God's grace. Thanks to the work of local congregations, campus ministers and their local boards, this synod is present on the campuses of Pennsylvania State University, Bloomsburg University, Lock Haven University, Mansfield University, and the Pennsylvania College of Technology, in addition to Susquehanna University, the only Lutheran affiliated university on our territory. Campus Ministry is dependent upon you, however. Not only is your Mission Support essential, but equally important is the provision of the names and addresses of students attending college. Every year we need our congregations to provide us with, at least, the names of students and the school they are attending.

Since 1963, Camp Mt. Luther has served both the church and the community as a source for outdoor ministry and education. Whether a summer camp program, an educational school learning experience, an adult retreat or conference, Mount Luther has been the year-round setting for growth and learning. Hundreds of lives are touched each year as this synod, the Camp Mt. Luther board, staff, and volunteers engage in God's work with their hands.

The synod's newly established Reconciliation Team, chaired by Pastor William Henderson, is available to assist the congregations of this synod in addressing conflicts that have not been able to be resolved locally. Obviously, destructive conflict interferes with a congregation's ability to effectively minister. Since God's mission, in part, has been entrusted to sinful human beings, conflict within congregations is inevitable. When need be, the synod is prepared to assist congregations and pastors to work through such difficulties for the sake of reconciliation. To utilize the team, congregations, councils, and pastors (but not an individual congregational member) may contact the team directly through its chairperson or the bishop's office.

Ms. Beth Yenchko, the synod's Director for Evangelical Mission, serves the congregations of our synod through her position which is fully funded by our ELCA churchwide organization. She and the members of our newly-created Transformational Ministry Team are preparing to work with clusters of interested congregations in this synod who are seeking to rediscover what is means to be congregations engaged in mission. The congregational renewal they seek to facilitate is a Biblical journey by which congregations deepen their understanding of the Word of God, expand their practice of the Word into the world, and share with others the gift of the Word and its relevance for the Christian walk into the world.

Despite the challenges we face at this time, the Upper Susquehanna Synod's Candidacy Committee is shepherding twelve persons who are discerning God's call to serve through the church as ordained or lay rostered leaders. The world's needs depend upon our gifts in service to our neighbor. This is the vocation of all the baptized as we live out our callings in the world. For some, the world's needs call them to consider service under call in the church. Candidates for public ministry make themselves available to a discernment process that considers both the call of God they hear within themselves, as well as the call that is affirmed by others in the church. Both the local and global missions of this synod necessitate our accompaniment of all those who are called, whether through their baptismal callings or public ministry.

It is impossible to highlight everything we are doing together in God's Name. Countless persons in this synod have heard God's call to "Mission globally. Mission locally." It is a privilege to serve with them, and an honor to work with such a gifted and devoted synod staff: Virginia Frantz, Sandy Grier, Chad Hershberger, Brenda Krouse, Susan Mahserjian-Smith, Beth Ann Stone, Karl-John Stone, and Beth Yenchko, as well as our synod officers, Mike Schrey, Peggy Biesecker, and Steve Schlesing, and all the members of our Synod Council.

We have a mission as a synod, as congregations each gifted in unique ways, and as a national and international church. Today we gather in assembly as the Upper Susquehanna Synod to do that work which God has entrusted us for the furtherance of his mission in and to the world. May God bless us and bring our work to completion on the day of Jesus Christ!

In the Name of our missional God-Father, Son and Holy Spirit!
+ Bishop Robert L. Driesen

The Rev. Beth Ann L. Stone - Assistant to the Bishop

The Rev. Karl-John N. Stone - Assistant to the Bishop

Ms. Elizabeth Yenchko - Director for Evangelical Mission and Assistant to the Bishop

Ms. Virginia Frantz, Associate in Ministry - Administrative Assistant to the Bishop

Ms. Sandra Grier, Associate in Ministry - Social Ministry Outreach Project Coach 

Ms. Brenda Krouse - Administrative Secretary

Ms. Susan Mahserjian-Smith - Bookkeeper

Mr. Chad Hershberger - Director of Communications

I spend a lot of time-some days, the whole work day, in fact-working on my computer, responding to email, making plans, writing, connecting, filing, etc. There are times driving home when I think, "What in God's name did I do all day?" And I have to answer myself, "Sometimes you were pushing papers in God's name, or answering questions about procedures, or proofreading, or checking in with somebody...in God's name." It's a different kind of ministry, and in a number of ways not nearly as fun or rewarding or incarnate as my last call as a parish pastor. But it's part of doing ministry together as God's people in this synod. If I'm doing my job well, it means that other people are better able to live out their baptismal callings to minister in Jesus' name...because of some little mundane thing I was able to do in the background. Like I tell my kids when they wonder what I do at work, "I help people and go to meetings"!

What follows is a brief summary of my ministry since my report to the 2009 Synod Assembly:

Candidacy Committee
• Received, processed, and recorded paperwork and correspondence for applicants and candidates in the candidacy process to become rostered ministers in the ELCA.
• Encouraged individuals who are in discernment of God's call through correspondence and conversation.
• Facilitated the annual Candidates' Gathering (Oct. 17, 2009).
• Distributed the synod budget line item and 2009 Synod Assembly offering collection for scholarship grants to our synod's seminarians.
• Coordinated and supported the work of the Candidacy Committee.

Communications
• Uploaded reports for this synod assembly's Book of Reports to the synod website's page at http://2010-assembly.uss-elca-bulletin.org/.
• Contributed to synod publications and the synod website, as needed.

First Call Theological Education
• Worked with representatives from other synods to plan for annual Region 8 FCTE retreats for our synod's rostered leaders during the first 3 years of their first call.
• Supported the introduction of a workshop for congregation councils and call committees in congregations calling first-call pastors, to encourage a healthy transition.
• Supported the development of colleague groups and mentor relationships for newly-called rostered leaders in this synod.

Synodically Authorized Lay Leaders
• Reviewed paperwork required by the Bishop's office of applicants to the 2009-2011 Lay Ministry Institute programs for authorized lay worship leaders and evangelists.
• Reviewed and recorded paperwork required of this synod's authorized lay leaders for continued authorization by Bishop Driesen for ministry in this synod's congregations.
• Publicized existing opportunities for continuing education for lay leaders, and arranged for more on our synod's territory.
Other Ministries
• Related to the synod's Global Mission Committee, Liberia Companion Synod Committee, Ansbach-Würzburg Kirchenkreis Companion Synod Committee, Campus Ministry Team, Lay Ministry Institute Board, Assembly Planning Committee, World Hunger Task Force, and the Women Clergy support group.
• Chaired the Bishop's Committee on Worship in planning synodical worship events.
• Facilitated a quarterly gathering of interim ministers of the USS, the Penn Central Conference-UCC, and the Diocese of Central PA-Episcopal Church.
• Consulted with congregations as requested.
• Represented the synod in congregations as requested as a Sunday morning worship leader, including during a pastor's maternity or paternity leave.
• Facilitated continuing education events such as Bishop's Days, Bishop's Retreat, and events for lay and rostered leaders.
• Supported the ministry of the synod's Social Ministry Project Coach in relating to its granting agency, Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries.
• Participated in the monthly ministerium meetings of the Buffalo Valley, Tulpehocken, and West Branch Conferences, and those of the other three conferences as needed.
• Represented Bishop Driesen at the 2009 USS Women of the ELCA Convention.
• Other tasks as assigned by the bishop.

I'm blessed to work with quality colleagues in our office and among the leaders of our synod, both rostered and lay people. I get to see God at work in so many aspects of the church's life...that's truly a joy. And I'm grateful to be able to offer my gifts through this call, trusting that our work together matters in the kingdom of God.

Peace in Christ,
Pastor Beth Ann

There is a book I have been talking about to almost anyone who will listen, called The Starfish & The Spider: The Unstoppable Power of Leadersless Organizations by Ori Brafman and Rod A. Beckstrom (find out more at www.starfishandspider.com). You can tell from the title that this is not a scriptural commentary or a work of theology. It is essentially a book about how the world is becoming more decentralized, and how businesses and other organizations might structure themselves-between the polarities of hierarchy (the spider) and decentralization (the starfish)-to find the "sweet spot" whereby their mission will be carried out most effectively. One might expect a pastor to consult the Bible to determine how the Church would best carry out its mission. And that is one of the things that impressed me most about this book: as I read it, it made me look with fresh eyes at traditional theological concepts (such as the priesthood of believers, and the Body of Christ), and so much in the scriptures, from Ephesians, to 1 Corinthians, to the gospels, and many others-but especially Acts. The phenomena The Starfish & The Spider describes, of how a message and a way of life can thrive and even profoundly influence the whole world, could come right from the pages of the Acts of the Apostles.

While I would happily speak some more with you about The Starfish & The Spider, the convergence it has with our scriptures and theology, and how these might be applied to Christian ministry and mission; for the sake of brevity I'll just say that the religious landscape of the present day is, in many ways, much more similar to the environment the first apostles encountered in the book of Acts, than to the environment most modern Christians were surrounded by even one or two generations ago. Therefore as the Church today, we can take nothing for granted. We need to be steeped in the stories of scripture, with a special eye towards the apostolic mission we find in Acts, in order to bring the gospel of Jesus' death and resurrection to our communities and the world.

In my ministry as an Assistant to the Bishop, I thank you for the invitations to visit your congregations, preach, and occasionally preside at Holy Communion. I regard the Word and Sacraments celebrated among God's people as central to ordained ministry, and my stewardship of them to be the foundation from which the rest of my ministry grows.

One ministry I am really excited about is Diakon Kathryn's Kloset, a ministry of Diakon Lutheran Social Services, and based in Baltimore. Beginning with principles consistent with scripture (and The Starfish & The Spider), some creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, and with help from a Diakon grant, we are developing four locations in the 10-county territory of our synod, where goods such as laundry detergent and personal hygiene products that are donated by corporations to a central warehouse in Baltimore, are then shipped to our area, and then distributed through existing social ministry networks, free of charge, to people in need.

St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in Shamokin Dam, and the ecumenical Agape Ministry in Bloomsburg, have already sent several trucks to the Kathryn's Kloset warehouse in Baltimore and have together helped distribute nearly $100,000 worth of goods. Messiah Lutheran Church in South Williamsport is in the beginning stages of development as a distribution hub, and have distributed goods in the Williamsport area and points north. We are also hoping to develop a fourth location in Juniata County to serve the southwestern part of our synod, and neighboring areas. Many churches in our synod have already partnered with these Kathryn's Kloset distribution hubs and have used these resources for their local ministry. If this is something that your congregation, social service ministry, or non-profit organization might want to tap into, let me know and I will put you in touch with the appropriate people.

I have had many opportunities this past year for working with congregations, helping councils and call committees navigate their way through the call process, leading retreats, arrange for interim ministers during times of pastoral vacancy, and discussing new possibilities for parish arrangements.

I have had the chance to serve with several synod committees, teams, and task forces, particularly those that relate to congregational ministries, including the Learn Team (Christian Education), Small Church-Outreach (now renamed and refocused as Small Church-ELCMA), Mission Interpretation (Stewardship), Ecumenical Relations, Camp Mount Luther board and development team, the Book of Faith initiative, the Economic Task Force, the Synod Youth Council, and the Small Church Conference.

I've been able to work with our synod's clergy as well, particularly in attending Conference meetings (I am assigned to three of the six: Juniata Valley, North Branch, and Middle Creek), which remain an important means of communication between pastors and the synod staff; and with the ECLA Region 8 initiative, "Missional Leaders for a Missional Church". While the Region 8 portions of this initiative have drawn to a close, our Upper Susquehanna cohort has continued to meet, and have recently been blessed by studying the book Unbinding the Gospel by Martha Grace Reece (which I recommend for people and congregations that are looking to be grounded in scripture and prayer, work on the ability to articulate why our faith in Jesus matters to us, and then to share our faith in the world).

In April I had the opportunity to represent our synod at two wonderful events. The first was the National Workshop on Christian Unity in Tampa, FL. It was not only a chance to learn from Lutheran and other Christian ecumenists from around the country, but also work on building ecumenical bridges locally for the sake of the unity of Christ's Church, so that "all may believe." Check out an excellent summary of all that happened there at www.nwcu.org.

The second event was at the ELCMA (Evangelical Lutheran Coalition for Mission in Appalachia) Assembly in Cambridge Springs, PA. This includes all the ELCA synods that reside in whole or in part in what is geographically and politically known as the Appalachian region of the United States (the Upper Susquehanna Synod is entirely within Appalachia-you could look it up!-as is most of Pennsylvania). The ELCMA Assembly's mission is to "connect and equip God's people for Christ's mission in Appalachia"-and that is exactly what happens there, with brothers and sisters in Christ from Upstate New York, all the way down to Georgia, and all the mountainous regions in between. Our synod will be hosting this Assembly in two years (April 23-25, 2012). Learn more about ELCMA at www.elcma.org.

In Christ's Service,

Karl-John Stone

2010 Report - Upper Susquehanna Synod Director for Evangelical Mission (DEM):
A Partnership Between the Synod and the Evangelical Outreach and Congregational Mission (EOCM) Unit

"To engage leaders in the formation of evangelizing congregations that make disciples for Jesus Christ and equip people to use their gifts for God's reign in the world." Purpose statement, ELCA EOCM

As the first full year of our partnership has ended, I give thanks to God for the lay and clergy leaders, congregational members, fellow synod staff members and our Bishop for the warm welcome and collaboration in our joint ministry of spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout our synod.

This past year brought many personal changes. My husband and I moved to Lewisburg and I became a member of Holy Spirit Lutheran Church, Turbotville. With my position being half-time, since last August I now divide my time between our synod and Canton, NY where my husband is professor of communications at St. Lawrence University.

In working on the change from former committee structures to the Ministry Partnership Team as an umbrella for all outreach, evangelism, stewardship, mission interpretation, congregational renewal and education teams, I have participated in the following developments in the past year:

Upper Susquehanna Synod responsibilities:
• Mission Interpreter Team held Mission Visitor Training & developed a Ministry Catalog - Spring 2010; Attended Mission Interpreter Conference, February 2010
• Related to Small Church/Outreach Committee; Attended ELCMA Assembly, April 2009
• Founded Congregational Renewal Team (December 2009), USS Transformational Ministry Team (May 2010)
• Region 8 Missional Leaders for a Missional Church-May, November 2009 events; related to USS clergy cohort
• Collaborated with: St. Mark, Alfarata; St. Matthew, Williamsport; Church of the Savior, Williamsport; St. John, Mifflinville; Zion, Trevorton; Grace, Berwick; Beaver Lutheran; Christ, Buckhorn; St. Paul, Danville; Canby Lutheran; Christ's, Lewisburg; Trinity, Milton; Christ United, Catawissa
• Organized Mission Fair and Workshops, 2009 synod assembly; Mission Workshops, 2010 Assembly
• Mapping Your Mission Field coach for Faith, Lewisburg; Sharon, Selinsgrove; St. John, Lewistown
• Mission at the Crossroads coach for Trinity, Cowan
• Participated in "Called" retreat for high school students
• Small Church Conference - Led together with Rev. John Hoover at St. John, Lewistown

ELCA Churchwide responsibilities included:
• EOCM Staff meetings April 2009 & 2010
• Interviewed candidates for starting/renewing congregations - March, October, November 2009, March 2010
• Trainer - Behavioral Interview Training for Region 8 - December 2009
• Attended meetings of Region 7 & 8 DEMs - February & October, 2009
• Attended meetings of Region 8 DEMs - June, October 2009, January, March 2010
• Region 8 DEMs collaboration with LTSG - February, October, 2009
• Trainer - ELCA Renewal Team Trainings- Region 6, Toledo; Region 7, Philadelphia
• Attended ELCA Renewal Team Meetings - April, September & December 2009, February & April, 2010
• Workshop Leader - Evangelizing in Post Modern Contexts course at LTSG - June 2009
• Workshop Leader - First Call Theological Education, November 2009

Continuing Education: Interim Ministry Network "Transitional Ministry" - August, 2009; A.R.E. Workshop -Philadelphia, December 2009; Mission trip to Mississippi, February 2010; College of Developers mission trip to Mexico, January 2010

I look forward to what our congregations as a synod together can accomplish with God's help in spreading the Gospel to those in our communities who have not yet heard the Good News!

Your Sister in Christ,
Beth Yenchko

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of father, son and the Holy Spirit.  Mathew 28: 19. 

During this upcoming assembly we will spend time talking about the "business" of church but also the "Mission" of church.  It is my hope that you the voting members to this assembly will return to your own congregation with a renewed sense of Mission.  We will have bible study, hymns, two Eucharist services and numerous reports about the mission of the Synod and reports from the ELCA.    During breaks, meals and other discussions, please visit with other voting member to uncover new Missions that other congregations are implementing.  Take these new ideas back to your individual congregations and grow your Mission.   Remember the theme of this assembly Mission Globally, Mission Locally. 

Prior to my service as your Vice President, I had a difficult time appreciating the larger church body.  I thought about my local congregation and the "Synod" when we had a problem.   I would challenge each of you to bring the message of the 3 expressions of church back to your individual congregations.  When you and your congregation worship on Sunday morning there are 4,633,887 other members of the ELCA congregations worshiping and proclaiming the good news.  These congregational members relate to 65 synods within the ELCA. 

These are other organizations that are supported by the ELCA:

• 145 camp and retreat centers, serving 450,000 yearly
• 8seminaries and 2 seminary extension centers
• 27colleges and universities
• 50 or morelifelong learning programs
• 14 high schools?
• 296 elementary schools?
• 1,573 early childhood programs

I would like to thank each of you and all the members of your individual congregations for their support and ministry.   I am sure that we can spend hours focusing on all the challenges in each of our congregations.  Why is it always easier to discuss our challenges that to count our blessings and look for new opportunities?  We are very blessed, even with the challenges that we face.  While we have experienced financial challenges, we individual congregations are very giving.  The members of ELCA congregations gave $11.4 million dollars to support relief efforts in Haiti. 

This past year was not without its difficulties.  Individual congregations are dealing with the decisions of the Churchwide assembly, financial concerns from the recession and declining membership.   These discussions are not limited to our Synod or your individual congregations.  These discussions are widespread throughout the ELCA. 

Individual congregations have growing ministries and we celebrate these growing ministries.  One of our challenges is to spread the word out about these growing ministries and help other congregations implement similar ministries. 

Your Synod council has deliberated many difficult issues during the course of this year.  The members of Synod council have discussed these issues and given these issues much consideration.  You will be asked to consider a budget proposal with considerable proposed spending reductions.  These were not easy decisions. 

I would also like to thank our dedicated Synod staff for their ministry.  Bishop Driesen and the staff are working hard to support the ministries of this Synod.  Thanks also to the numerous volunteers who have given of their time to assist the synod.  We are only as strong our individual parts.  We are blessed to have Beth Yenchko, Director for Evangelical Mission as deployed ELCA staff person working within the territory of our Synod.  Beth will bring you a report about her programs and work, during the assembly.  Please consider attending the Mission Interpreters workshop on Saturday.  I am a Mission Interpreter and I would be willing to come to your church and make a presentation.     

Thank you for allow me the opportunity to serve as your vice president.  Serving as your Vice President has given me the opportunity to develop a much greater understanding of the Church.  I have been able to attend several Churchwide Assemblies and meetings with other Vice Presidents and Bishops.  The real strength of the Church is the individual congregations and the common bonds in our belief and work that we can do together. 

Thank you for serving as a voting member to this assembly.   Please share the information and work that we will have completed within this assembly.  Additionally share with your congregation that you are not alone with your struggles.  However, if we will put our faith in the Lord and act boldly, think about what we can accomplish.  The discussion should not be about survival, but about what can we do if ....?   The great work that we can do all starts with your individual congregation. 

The next two days are meant to provide you with an additional list/source of ideas that you can take back to your individual congregation and consider implementing.  If you have ideas to expand your individual ministry or the ministry within the synod, please discuss this information with someone from synod council. 

Yours in Christ,

Michael S. Schrey

I have now completed nine years as the secretary for the Upper Susquehanna Synod. It is hard to believe that so much time has passed. But it continues to be a very fulfilling volunteer position within the life of the church.

This past year, Virginia Frantz and I began to tackle the task of getting the Synod Assembly Minute books current. While receiving Synod Assembly reports via electronic media has been wonderful, it has created some unique hurdles with the preparation of the assembly minute books. This coming year you will begin seeing the books with a new layout. The minutes of the assembly will be laid out very much like synod council minutes - with the work of the assembly and the associated motions in the front of the minute book. All of the various synod assembly reports will appear as addendums. The minute books will be published using electronic media - on the synod's web site and on CDs. A few paper copies will be produced "in house" for those entities requiring paper.

The Synod Council continues to do a wonderful job in leading the Upper Susquehanna Synod. Changes within the ELCA have produced some discussions on some very serious issues. But all discussions have been respectful of each person's point of view.

I can't emphasize enough the support that Bishop Driesen, the Synod Council, and the staff of the Synod Office have provided to me.

Peggy Biesecker
Synod Secretary

For the Fiscal Year Ending January 31, 2010

This year has been challenging and interesting fiscal year for our synod. For our operating fund, our income from mission support from our congregations was only 90.3% of our anticipated support.   The shortfall created a deficit in our operating income of $126,145.   From the expenditure side, 50% of our mission support is passed though to ELCA for church wide support.   An additional 24% of our budget goes to support church affiliated organizations- among which are Diakon, Gettysburg Seminary, and Pa Council of Churches.   All of the commitments we have made to these organizations per our approved budget have been met.  With internal expenditures of the synod below budget, and with our ELCA church wide support based on percentage of congregational support and subsequently reduced, our expenditures were $97,504 below budget.  With our income shortfall and our expenditures below budget and with a budgeted deficit of $2,250, we ended the year with a deficit of $30,890.   Details of our 2009 income and expenditures can be found in the 2011 budget proposal schedule in the vice president's section of these reports.

For the year 2010, our budget includes a transfer from our synod controlled restrictive reserve of $36,000 to meet our operating expenses.  For the 2011 budget, our synod council and finance committee held a combined workshop to curtail our expenditures and commitments to create a balanced budget within the estimate of giving by our congregations.

For our restrictive accounts, designated contributions which are directly remitted to the designated recipient show an increase of 32% over the previous year.   This increase in restrictive giving has been the trend for the last several years.   Our synod controlled restrictive reserves funded capital expenditures for our synod of $26,236. Also funded from the restrictive reserve were commitments to outside agencies the highest being Camp Mount Luther.    A summary schedule of our restrictive accounts is included with this report.  

Our finance committee this year developed an investment policy for our funds held in restrictive reserves which categorized the objectives of the particular fund and need for liquidity within the particular fund. This policy was adopted at the October meeting or your synod council.   Our investments this last year have done well - we had a return of 29.5% or $49,530.  All of this amount was allocated to the restrictive accounts based on their fund balances.

Also included with this report is a schedule of our congregational giving.  This includes both restrictive and unrestrictive giving and for the year 2009, and estimates of giving submitted by our congregations for the years 2009 and 2010.

The final sections of this report are excerpts from the report of our annual audit.  Included are the Statement of Financial Position, the Statement of Activities, and the Statement of Cash Flows (click here for report).   All are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles as applied to not profit organizations.  The entire report is available for those interested at the assembly or at the synod office.

As before, it has been a privilege to serve as your treasurer for the last year. Special thanks are due to the synod staff for the help and assistance they have provided in fulfilling the responsibilities of this office.

Stephen A Schlesing

Synod Treasurer

The vision for the Book of Faith initiative is this:
That the whole church become more fluent in the first language of faith, the language of scripture, in order that we might live into our calling as a people renewed, enlivened, empowered and sent by the Word.

This initiative is not a program! No one is trying to sell you materials (although many of the materials offered for the initiative by various agencies and publishers are quite good), and no one is asking that you send in reports about this initiative. Your commitment to delve into the scriptures more deeply, to open the scriptures in committee and council meetings and to promote the reading and discussing of scriptures in homes around our synod is a good start.

We are a church of Word and Sacrament. We read lessons from the Old and New Testaments in our worship services. Our preaching is grounded in the interpretation and proclamation of those scriptures. In holding up all of our doctrine and all of our decisions to the Word of God, we are acting as Book of Faith people.

Maybe one of the most helpful things we as a synod can do is to reflect together in all we do about how Lutherans do read and use the Holy Scriptures. What is it about a Lutheran reading of the scriptures that is different than how our brothers and sisters in other denominations approach the Bible?

Interested in exploring how this initiative can help your congregation to be enlivened through and by more thoughtful engagement with scripture? Please give me a call!

Your Book of Faith Synod Advocate,

Pastor David Byerly
Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, Shamokin
570 648 7534

Campus Ministry reports include those campus ministries which are supported, in part, through the Upper Susquehanna Synod budget line item for Campus Ministry: 

• Lutheran Campus Ministry at Penn State
• Campus Ministry at Mansfield University
• United Campus Ministry at Penn Tech
• Protestant Campus Ministry at Bloomsburg University
• Campus Ministry at Lock Haven University.

Campus Ministry reports also include reports from the campus ministers of the two ELCA colleges which are supported, in part, through the synod's budget line item for each institution:

• Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA
• Gettysburg College, Gettysburg, PA.

God's Work. Our Hands. Imagine hands. Hands clasped around the circle where students are joined in prayer. Hands breaking bread, sharing wine. Hands typing emails of welcome or updating website information. Hands making lasagna and slicing bread for a student dinner. Hands hauling and scrubbing, helping and Easter Seals center get ready for a summer of children's programs. Hands turning the pages of the Bible in study. Hands reaching out in a handshake of welcome to newcomers.

On nearly 200 campuses across the nation, Lutheran Campus Ministry helps young men and women in their college years take on God's work with their own hand,s even while they are hearing the good news and growing in faith themselves. Through Lutheran Campus Ministry, the ELCA reaches out to thousands of college students with communities of faith, grounded in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Lutheran Campus Ministry at Penn State reaches out and engages students in Christian life on the University Park campus in many ways:
• Worship gathers students several times a week around Word and Sacrament
• Bible study and discussion give students places to ask, learn and grow in faith
• Service-Learning opportunities help students take action and learn to serve their neighbor
• Meals and other social gatherings connect students in a community of faith
• Pastoral care by staff tends to students' emotional and spiritual struggles
• Leadership development equips students to more fully share their gifts
• Ecumenical & Interfaith programs help students learn about others' faith & their own

Student Leadership, Board Leadership and Rostered Leadership
The Lutheran Student Community Council helps direct and lead the ministry at Penn State. These enthusiastic students volunteer their time to provide direction for the ministry, invite and welcome other students, and plan events. We are also blessed with a group of dedicated, passionate and faithful board members who provide oversight and direction on a wider scale. This spring, Sarah Hershberger has been called to serve part-time as campus pastor, while Alicia Anderson continues to serve as campus minister and lead staff. We are also blessed to have a number of nearby pastors who participate in worship leadership, Bible study leadership, and special events from time to time.

We are grateful for the ongoing support of the Upper Susquehanna Synod. Our ministry could not continue without your faithful financial support. We also rely on your continued prayers, contributions of time, sending student referrals, and sharing other resources for ministry on campus. Lutheran Campus Ministry is also supported by ELCA Churchwide funds, Allegheny Synod, Lower Susquehanna Synod, a growing number of congregations, Thrivent supplemental funds, and many alumni, friends and other individuals. We are grateful that so many are committed to this important work among young adults in higher education.

God is certainly keeping our hands busy. There is much ministry to be done. As students reach out to their neighbors, they find a community of faith that shares the life-changing grace and love of God. They find God's welcome and forgiveness. Lutheran Campus Ministry is serving the Penn State campus on your behalf, doing God's work and equipping students to lend their hands to the task as well. Thank you for helping to make this ministry possible.

Respectfully Submitted,
Alicia Anderson, Campus Minister

Click here to view report as PDF file with photos. 

United Campus Ministry at Pennsylvania College of Technology - Williamsport, PA

UCM receives operating grants from Presbyterians, United Methodist, Episcopalians, American Baptists and Lutherans. Many local congregations and individuals make significant and generous contributions to United Campus Ministry.

Individuals, congregations, and local pastors support this ministry, by providing food, music, worship, and teaching. Thank You!

United Campus Ministry students do service projects on campus, in the Williamsport area and go on mission trips.

The Monday night Bible study and the Wednesday night worship service with a dinner, provided by our supporting congregations, are the center of this ministry.

Our campus ministry coordinator, Sharon Comini, is now recognized by the campus.  After five years of successful ministry at Penn College the campus administration has come around and is now reaching out to us, looking at us as a partner serving the needs of the students.

Campus Ministry Coordinator: Sharon Comini, Montoursville, 419-5376, ucm@uclc.org
-o-chair: Rev. Detlef Huckfeldt, St. Michael's Lutheran Church, Quiggleville, 570-998-3106
Co-chair: Rev. Aden Wertz, Pine Street United Methodist Church, Williamsport, PA 570-323-4604

http://www.uclc.org/ and click "UCM Home"
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Click here to view report as PDF with photos. 

2009/10 Highlights

September - We started the year together in worship, and then we spent some time getting to know one another by hosting picnics, pizza nights, mini-golf outings, etc. Soon we settled into the business of scheduling our activities for the semester, with weekly learning, socializing and serving others.

October - We helped with the local CROP Walk by setting up signs and directing traffic. A weekend retreat at Krislund Camp & Conference Center encouraged us to stretch - physically and spiritually.

November - Operation Christmas Child was a focus of the month. We collected shoeboxes and goodies to fill them. We put the word out to other student organizations, asking them to pitch in. We sent more than 150 boxes to children around the world.

December - More than 100 people shared a festive night at our annual Advent Banquet. Our guest speaker was the reverend Johnnie Monroe; the theme was "Are You Ready?"

January - Four of our students participated in the Project Connect "Two-Way Street Retreat" in Baltimore. It was a life-changing experience, giving them an appetite for spiritual discernment.

February - Midwinter was full of learning opportunities at our weekly Main Event, where we sample a different topic every week. Some things featured in February were "Speaking of Islam," "Science & Faith," and "Sex & the Soul."

March - We served about 80 people at the Community Friendship Meal, and pondered the many ways God feeds people. We also joined the Big Event, a University-wide community service day, and held a worship service for Haiti earthquake relief where our guest preacher was Don Johnson of Project Connect.

April - On Earth Day we joined the celebrations on campus, adding our own focus: "Why Do People of Faith Care?" The Renaissance Jamboree was once again a fun-filled day at the PCM booth with face-painting, cold drinks, and a children's game.

Lastly, we celebrated our graduating seniors and we celebrated a terrific year. We reflected on the past year and talked about what we want to do next year. We are grateful for your support and care of campus ministry.

Director: Rev. Dr. Maggie Gillespie
Protestant Campus Ministry at Bloomsburg University
400 East Second Street, Bloomsburg, PA 17815 (570)389-4950
http://organizations.bloomu.edu/pcm/

Find us on facebook: Protestant Campus Ministry at Bloomsburg University

The Protestant Campus Ministry to Lock Haven University is an ecumenical ministry with a partnership among Lutheran, United Methodist, Episcopal, United Church of Christ, Church of the Brethren and Presbyterian judicatories and local congregations. Our ongoing mission is
• To provide a source of Christian fellowship
• To provide opportunities for faith-filled service to others
• To address major social issues to stimulate spiritual, intellectual and moral growth
• To encourage students to participate in the life of local churches
• To bridge and unite the Lock Haven community, university and churches
• To bring faculty, staff, administrators and students together in a common quest for religious faith
• To provide opportunities for spiritually enriching and physically active retreat experiences
• To be available for pastoral counseling and crisis support

Our activities for the 2009-10 academic year included:
• Weekly meetings that offered worship, Bible studies and faith talks;
• Pen pal ministry to Clinton County Correctional Institute;
• A spiritual retreat;
• Participation in a food drive and elderly care ministry;
• Aid to impoverished college students;
• Free pizza parties in the dorms during finals weeks;
• A speaker, Dr. Gary Nelson, on young adult depression and suicide;
• Leadership skill development for club officers;
• Participation in local church and community worship;
• Development of a PCM newsletter;
• Monthly articles for church newsletters;
• A website at www.lhup.edu/pcm

We are excited about a house we are acquiring on the edge of campus for our various ministries. In that facility, we hope to be:
• Holding regular small group bible studies and prayer meetings;
• Converting a room into a small chapel for worship, meditation and study;
• Preparing meals and snacks for individual or group activities;
• Holding larger fellowship gatherings in the "family room";
• Housing the campus minister's office for administrative duties and pastoral counseling;
• Allowing students to "hang out" between classes without having to return to their dorms;
• Inviting commuter students to "hang their hats" there while on campus;
• Holding cookouts and picnics in the backyard;
• Holding PCM Board meetings and meetings of the campus ministers of the LHU Campus Ministries Association;
• Hosting activities for all campus ministry groups to foster unity and campus awareness;
• Encouraging students, not otherwise associated with a Christian organization, to check us out because of location and accessibility;
• Holding special activities, including workshops, theme dinners and speakers;
• Maintaining the house with the help of the 11 sponsoring churches of PCM;
• Training 2 or 3 students to be peer ministers. They would be available to help students in need by providing basic counseling, assessment and referrals when the campus minister is not available.

These are exciting days for ministry at Lock Haven University and we seek your prayers as we strive to be faithful to the opportunities God has put on our hearts and in our lives. To God be the glory!

Rev. Dr. Jeffery Seeley, Protestant Campus Minister
P.O. Box 133
Lock Haven, PA 17745
570-244-8260
jseeley@lhup.edu

The Rev. Dr. Mark Wm. Radecke, Chaplain to the University

General University Developments in the Past Year
SU opened its 152nd year with an enrollment of 2,268 full-time students. Signs of healthy growth continue to abound at this college of the church, despite the global economic downturn: a new 75,000 square foot science building is being completed ahead of schedule and under budget; the university's Changing Lives, Building Futures Campaign has raised $68 million against a goal of $70 million by the end of this year; we welcomed 17 new full-time faculty members this year, and completed a thorough "once in a generation" reform of the Central Curriculum that lies at the heart of an excellent liberal arts education. Faculty members have already created or revised more than 350 academic courses to meet the criteria of the new Central Curriculum.
Convinced that studying abroad and other cross-cultural experiences are essential to a liberal arts education, Susquehanna has made such study a required part of the central curriculum. Susquehanna's distinctive program, called GO (Global Opportunities), combines cross-cultural experience with personal and academic reflection. Students may GO Long with a semester-length program in one of many locations around the globe, or they can GO Short (two weeks or more) and participate in a short-term experience such as SU CASA, an award-wining program that takes students to Costa Rica and Nicaragua to serve congregations, clinics, hospitals, and immigrant communities. Other faculty-led GO Short programs take students to the Gulf Coast, the Philippines, South Africa, Peru, Greece, Australia, Japan, Northern Ireland and Appalachia. SU faculty members are developing 13 additional GO Short programs, domestically and abroad, and we anticipate adding more in coming years. Finally, students can choose to GO Your Own Way, proposing their own short-term experience (two weeks or more) with, for example, a congregation's short term mission trip. In each case, students are required to engage in critical personal and academic reflection on the experience with a faculty member over the course of the semester following their return.

Campus Religious Activities
Religious Life continues to help members of the academic community integrate faith, life, and learning. Thirteen religious life organizations and various ministries and programs offered by the Chaplain's Office help students grow spiritually as they grow intellectually. SU's Lutheran Student Movement group continues to thrive, as does the Pre-Seminary group. Ten SU alumni are currently in seminary, and another five have been accepted to begin studies this fall.
Rabbi Kate Palley began her work as SU's first full-time Director of Jewish Life in September. A member of the chaplain's staff, Rabbi Palley works with the student Hillel group, teaches academic courses, and serves as a resource to the wider university regarding Jewish faith, life and culture.
The university's Office of the Chaplain and Department of Philosophy and Religion won a national award for a service-learning course they jointly sponsor with Geisinger Medical Center. NASPA, the preeminent national organization for student affairs in higher education, awarded "Issues at the End of Life" a gold award in the "Careers, Academic Support, Service Learning and Community Service" category, and a Grand Bronze Medal for overall excellence.
SU CASA, mentioned above, took its 12th team of students, faculty and staff to Costa Rica and Nicaragua over winter break. Since early 1999, 274 members of the SU community have studied and served in Central America. The teams have delivered a combined total of more than $475,000 in materials and donor-designated cash gifts, and contributed at least 13,700 hours of volunteer labor.
Lutheran Youth Day at SU continues to attract upwards of 250 junior and senior high youth, advisors, and rostered leaders each spring for a one day rally and concert. For the past four years, it has also been our privilege to host Theological Education with Youth's annual two-week Summer Theological Academy for rising high school seniors.

In Conclusion
Susquehanna University deeply appreciates the ongoing support and encouragement that the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Upper Susquehanna Synod give to its efforts to be a strong and successful college of the Church. We express particular appreciation for the service of Pastor John Yost, a member of the synod who serves on the university's board of trustees, and Messrs. John Apple and Gary Baylor, trustees emeriti.

2009/2010 Academic Year

Life at Gettysburg College continues to be vibrant, future oriented and governed by the enduring social values born of a caring, compassionate service-oriented community of learning. The celebration that began last year with the inauguration of Dr. Janet Morgan Riggs '77 as President of Gettysburg College continues. The climate on the Gettysburg College campus is positive and quietly electric.

Students, faculty, and alumni have all enthusiastically embraced the passion, commitment and vision Dr. Riggs demonstrates for her alma mater. There is an overall sense that good things are going to occur, despite the need to deal with the problems attendant with negotiating a national economy that is in a deep recession.

Reflecting on religious/spiritual life in this age in an academic community brings to mind a quote recently shared by a colleague. Theologian Leonardo Boff once stated, "The fact is that human beings are living the experience of grace; but they may not know it or reflect on it. Theology is reflection on this reality. Its aim is not to monopolize grace but to make human beings aware of the grace that is visiting their lives."

Students at Gettysburg College share experiences that are full with grace. Sometimes, they are aware of this; sometimes, they are not. One of the implicit assumptions we who share ministry in higher education make is that ours is the challenging task of bringing to conscious awareness, experiences of grace in the lives of maturing young adults. Experiences of the mystery of God's grace occur not only in worship at Christ Chapel, but also in the classroom, on the athletic field, in laboratories, in service and in casual conversation.

Opportunities to participate, deepen and explore religious and spiritual life abound. Students of all faith backgrounds are welcome at Gettysburg College. Through the Chaplain's Office, Roman Catholic Campus Ministry, Hillel, the Lutheran Student Movement, Canterbury Association, Society of Friends (Quakers), Muslim Student Association, and Buddhist Meditation students, faculty and staff gather for times of prayer, meditation, study, retreat and reflection.

In a similar vein, groups of Gettysburg College students through the Center for Public Service devote their winter and spring breaks to service ranging from teaching in after-school programs in Gettysburg, to starting up a Campus Kitchen Project that collects and repurposes donated food from area restaurants, convenience stores, and the College for the local food bank and agencies, to discovering the social and cultural conditions of life in Leon, Nicaragua. More than 20,000 hours of service per year are provided. Gettysburg College's Center for Public Service is a landmark institution devoted to assisting all who participate with critical thinking, compassionate action and the building of a more just and ecologically sustainable world.

The Gettysburg College community continues to make significant contributions to scholarly conferences, domestic service programs, educational and health research as well as the political arena. Highlights this current week include a panel discussion titled: The Developing and Developed nations: A Conflicted Relationship; a lecture delivered by Georgetown University Professor John F Haught titled, Evolution and Faith: What is the Problem? And weekend activities that will include Palm/Passion Sunday Services, a Passover Seder, and a shared time of reflection/ discussion with the Student Interfaith Council.

Student involvement in religious spiritual life continues with about 65 percent of students indicating that they are "greatly involved" or "somewhat involved" in religious spiritual life. The focus of religious spiritual life at Gettysburg College continues to be ecumenical and interfaith while centered in the patterns and understandings of Lutheran traditions.

Respectfully submitted,

The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Donnella II
Chaplain of the College
March 23, 2010

The Candidacy Committee has the responsibility, on behalf of the church, of partnering with persons who are discerning a call to rostered ministry in the ELCA. These rostered ministries include the ministry of Word and Sacrament (ordained pastors), and the ministries of Word and Service (lay rosters-associates in ministry, diaconal ministers, and deaconesses).

Since its report to the 2009 Synod Assembly, the Candidacy Committee has met four times in day-long meetings. Committee meetings included Entrance, Endorsement, and Approval interviews with candidates as well the occasional "unofficial" conversation with candidates.

This past year the committee also engaged in opportunities to deepen their understanding and appreciation for aspects of the candidacy process. At its May 5, 2009, meeting, the committee invited three young adults-Susquehanna University students who were NOT members of our synod, but who were planning to apply for candidacy in their own synods-for conversation with committee members about how the experiences and culture of today's young adults intersect with the ELCA's candidacy process. Together, the young adults and committee members discussed ways a Candidacy Committee could work more effectively with young adults. Notes recorded from this conversation were shared with ELCA churchwide staff for Candidacy, and have since been used by other synods in their conversations about these issues.

Dr. Robert Skelly (Lutheran Social Services of South Central PA) was present at the committee's Dec. 21, 2009, meeting to share with members the instruments and process he uses for conducting psychological evaluations for candidacy (as required of all applicants in the ELCA). Dr. Skelly explained in greater detail many terms used in his reports to the committee, to better equip our committee members to utilize these reports in their discernment work with applicants.

Pastor Daniel May was invited to the committee's March 11, 2010 meeting, where, along with member Pastor Kerry Aucker, he shared with the committee about his experience as an internship supervisor of pastoral interns in his former parish. Members learned more about this aspect of an M.Div. candidate's formation for ministry.

At this meeting the committee also received with regret the cordial resignation of its chair, Dr. Karla Bohmbach. Dr. Bohmbach had served on the committee for ten years, and as its chair for two years. Candidacy Committee members are grateful for her gracious leadership and work during her time of service. At this writing, a new committee chair has yet to be appointed.

The committee is also growing into a more representative balance of members from across the synod, with an understanding of graduated six-year terms going forward. The committee now includes twelve members-two each from each of the synod's six conferences; six lay people, six rostered people; six men, and six women. In addition, the committee includes Bishop Driesen, a representative from an ELCA seminary, the Region 8 Coordinator for Ministry Leadership (advisory), and the synod's administrator for candidacy (advisory).

USS Candidacy Committee members include: Dr. Karla Bohmbach (resigned April 2010), The Rev. Kerry Aucker, The Rev. Theodore Cockley, The Rev. Anke Deibler, James Donnell, Bishop Robert L. Driesen, Rick Hoffman, The Rev. Gretchen Johanson, Michele Mitchell, Clarice Pellman, The Rev. Dr. Mark Radecke, Kenneth Roush, The Rev. Rosalie Smith, Lana Snyder, The Rev. Dr. Gil Waldkoenig, Nancy Gable (advisory), and The Rev. Beth Ann L. Stone (advisory).

The Upper Susquehanna Synod Candidacy Committee is currently partnering with the following candidates:

Jennifer Baker-Trinity was approved for call as a commissioned associate in ministry with a specialization in music on December 12, 2005, with her approval decision extended until Dec. 12, 2010. She continues to await her first call in proximity with her husband's next call as an ordained minister.

Brandon Cian was endorsed as a candidate for ordained ministry in December 2008. He will begin his internship year at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Hartford, CT this summer. Brandon is a member of Christ, Lewisburg.

Tonya Gunton was approved for call as a consecrated diaconal minister on December 6, 2006, with her approval decision extended until August 10, 2010. She was assigned to the Florida-Bahamas Synod in October 2008, and is awaiting her first call.

Susan Husson received positive Entrance as a candidate for diaconal ministry on December 21, 2009. She attended the Diaconal Ministry Formation Event at Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg (LTSG) in January 2010, and also began full-time study there in February 2010. She hopes to complete a unit of Clinical Pastoral Education this summer. Susan is a member of Trinity, Danville.

MaryLou Matthews received positive Entrance as a candidate for diaconal ministry on December 21, 2009. She attended the Diaconal Ministry Formation Event at LTSG in January 2010, and has begun her seminary studies there part-time. MaryLou is a member of Frieden's, Liberty.

David Reier received positive Entrance on May 5, 2009 as a candidate to become an associate in ministry with a specialization in music. He is completing courses for his seminary education through the Certificate in Theological Studies Program at LTSG and SELECT online courses. David is a member of Zion, Sunbury.

Thad Swinehart received positive Entrance as a candidate for ordained ministry on August 10, 2009. He began his studies at Trinity Lutheran Seminary in February 2010. Thad is a member of St. John, Richfield.

Rick White received positive Entrance as a candidate for ordained ministry on August 11, 2008. He continues his seminary studies through the Distributive Learning program of Luther Seminary. This spring, he completed a unit of Clinical Pastoral Education through Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries. Rick is a member of St. John's, Leck Kill.

Shelby Wyland was endorsed as a candidate for diaconal ministry in March, 2010. She attended the Diaconal Ministry Formation Event at LTSG in January 2010, and expects to complete her seminary studies this summer at Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio. She continues working on her field experience requirements, and is planning a Diaconal Ministry Project that will explore appropriate congregational ministry with survivors of sexual abuse. Shelby is a member of Bethany, Montoursville.

One candidate was approved for admission to the ordained ministry roster from another Christian tradition on December 6, 2006, pending receipt of a call to serve. One applicant for candidacy (for ordained ministry) is tentatively scheduled for an Entrance interview on August 3, 2010.

For more information about the candidacy process, go to: http://www.uss-elca.org/for-rostered-leaders/becoming-a-rostered-leader, or contact Pastor Beth Ann at bethann@uss-elca.org.

Respectfully submitted,
The Rev. Beth Ann L. Stone, synod administrator for candidacy

A group of Upper Susquehanna Synod folks met in December 2009 to think together about how - as a synod together - to share with congregations the idea of congregational & spiritual renewal and how to accompany them with resources for revitalization - all through their sisters and brothers in the synod!

The Congregational Renewal Team agreed on the following general concepts:
Word and sacrament are the central gathering points from which we are sent into the world
Language is important: Not referring to "right", "wrong", "problematic" or "scarcity" but instead "useful", "opportunities", "God's abundance", etc.
Congregations experience "kairos" moments when change can be catalyzed, i.e. in seeing God's abundance rather than scarcity when facing a difficult economic situation
Encourage people to find a direction and start something - not necessarily make a big strategic plan
People shouldn't "copy" what others are doing, but draw energy and inspiration from their example
In our church culture, the perception is that the "small" congregation is not as "good" as bigger ones
Everyone can get on the bandwagon and share their knowledge about what they are doing with others
We can learn from and join our ecumenical partners
We need to begin to immerse ourselves in the whole other world of the people who are not in our pews
The bottom line question for our congregations: How do we, in our unique place and time, hear the Gospel, see and name what God is doing in the community, and then go participate in God's work?

The Team concluded that to accompany congregations in seeking renewal, it's not about inviting in experts. There are many skilled and knowledgeable people within the synod - both lay and clergy - who can be resources to local congregations in many different ways!

The following goals are those to be worked on synod-wide. Anyone feeling called towards one or more of these ideas is invited to participate - just contact Beth Yenchko or Rev. Karl John Stone at the synod office.

1. Develop new ways to measure progress/success in ministry (it's not necessarily about numbers)!
2. Work towards welcoming and utilizing everyone's thoughts and ideas for ministry as a norm in congregations
3. Help congregations connect with each other and feel a real part of being synod together
4. Listen! Ask for invitations to see/hear what congregations are doing in the community and celebrate it
5. Help congregations see their unique identities; God calls us to ministry - no matter where or how big/small we are
6. Work with congregations to measure and value the ministry they already do in new, creative ways
7. Walk with congregations in learning how to stop being "reactive to" or "victims of" circumstances - and instead be proactive
8. Assist congregations in "listening to their community" - to be more attentive to what God is doing - and joining in
9. Work with congregations to see and connect with people in the community who are different than they are
10. Provide resources to help congregations see opportunities for ministry,
partnership, and spiritual growth
11. Make the synod's social ministry coach, Sandy Grier, and all the other resources
available more visible to more people
12. Create new and different ways to get information out to the maximum number
of people in the congregations

To date, a number of these 12 goals are being addressed by our newly constituted Upper Susquehanna Synod Transformational Ministry Team. Please see its separate report for more information.

The team will come together in late fall 2010 to assess the progress being made on these goals and to celebrate what has been accomplished.

Congregational Renewal Team members are Mark Elliott, Cindy Bilger, Holly Fry, Sylvia Everitt, Rev. Dan May, Rev. Karl-John Stone, Rev. John Yost, Rev. Kerry Aucker, Rev. BJ Collins, Rev. Rick Phillips and Beth Yenchko.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God-what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2

The membership of the committee is Mrs. Peggy Biesecker (Synod Secretary), Ms. Grace Lucas, Rev. Jeffrey Bohan, Attorney Ben Landon and Rev. Adrian Shearer (chair).

".... But to promote good order and unhindered devotion to the Lord"(1St Corth 7:35b) are Paul's words concerning behavior between a husband and wife. Likewise, in the E.L.C.A there are three intra related constitutions, (churchwide, synod and congregation) which govern our relationship as expressions of the church of Jesus Christ.

It is the task of the synod constitution committee to review and make recommendations to the synod council of any changes needed to the Upper Susquehanna Synod of the E.L.C.A. constitution. The committee is also charged with reviewing the constitutions of congregations and either approving said changes being made or suggesting corrections as necessary to changes in a congregation's constitution.

During the past year, the committee devoted a large block of its time to dealing with the mandate of the churchwide assembly to involve a greater number of youth and young adults both on synod council and as voting members to the synod assembly. The result of this work will be evident at synod assembly this year in voting delegates and proposed changes to the synod constitution.

The committee normally meets 4 times a year. Constitutions from congregations need to be received by January, April, July and October 15 to be considered at the February, May, August and November meetings. (Lead-time is necessary for members to review constitutions before the meeting.) The constitutions or changes may be sent: 1) by e-mail to chair person, Rev. Adrian Shearer at AJSREV@aol.com or 2) to the synod office if a paper copy. It is extremely helpful to the committee if the changes that are being made to the constitution are HIGHLIGHTED. The preferred method is strike through the wording being deleted and underlining the new wording. Additionally the committee requests, if possible that all bylaws and continuing resolutions be included with the constitution to be sure these items are not in conflict with the constitution.

Contained within the introduction of the model constitution are instructions for congregations engaged in reviewing and amending its constitution. A current model of the congregation constitution is available at www.elca.org/. In the search block in the upper right hand corner type in the words "congregation constitution." When that page appears click on Questions about Writing and Amending the Congregation Constitution. This page contains downloadable copies of the model constitution in several formats and a listing of changes to the model made at the past churchwide conventions. In addition, there is a page on the Upper Susquehanna Synod website "Guide for Congregation Constitution Committees" that gives additional directions. The committee is currently working on an additional set of congregation helps for the process of review and amending a congregation constitution.

While section *C17.04 of the model constitution requires only that a copy of a constitution be sent to synod the office if changes that are made are a result of changes to the Model Constitution for Congregations by churchwide assembly, the committee asks to receive a copy also. As chair, I keep on file the constitutions of congregations of the synod in order to facilitate answering questions concerning a congregation constitution.

Questions concerning the constitution may be directed to my e-mail at AJSREV@aol.com or by phone at 570-473-9948 or any of the members of the committee. Members of the committee are also available depending on their schedules to meet with congregation committees to aid in working with constitutions.

Respectfully submitted

Rev. Adrian Shearer

The Economic Task Force was formed in 2009 to address the various economic concerns present in our communities and congregations. The members of the task force monitored several economic indicators in the counties and discussed opportunities to address concerns affecting parishioners and congregations. An economic impact survey was conducted in the fall of 2009 for congregations in the USS to assess the manner in which the economic crisis was directly affecting their parishioners and neighborhoods. The response rate was about 20%, but the results reflected a growing concern about increasing unemployment, a significant rise in utility, medical and food expenses leading to increased debt, and an inability to add to savings and plans for retirement. The survey also revealed an increased demand for assistance through county and local agencies as well as charitable organizations. Congregations responded to these economic concerns through food and clothing banks, direct financial assistance and counseling resources. The Task Force gave a preliminary report of their findings at a Thrivent sponsored event in Lewisburg.

Members of the Economic Task Force also participated in discussions regarding Kathryn's Kloset, a ministry of Diakon located in Baltimore, and were able to visit the Kloset's warehouse and meet with the director. Since that time, congregations and organizations within the territory of the USS have received goods from Kathryn's Kloset to distribute to those in need.

The Task Force is planning to present forums in the fall and winter of 2010 involving discussion with county and local political representatives as well as from faith based communities. More information on these forums will be forthcoming.

Submitted in service to the church,

Rev. John D. Yost, Christ's United Lutheran Church

Rev. Karl-John N. Stone, Chair

The purpose of the Ecumenical Relations Committee is to build relationships between our synod and our full-communion and dialogue partners, to serve the unity of the Church of Jesus Christ, and respond to his prayer to his Father, "that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me, and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me (John 17:21)."

In addition to Bishop Driesen, who by virtue of his call is the "chief ecumenical officer of the synod," our committee is structured so that each member is designated as our synod's official representative to the various ecumenical partners within the territory of our synod. Rev. Wayne Muthler relates to the United Methodist Church (Susquehanna Conference); Rev. Lois Martin relates to the United Church of Christ (Penn Central Conference); Rev. Ricky Phillips relates to the Episcopal Church (Diocese of Central Pennsylvania); and Rev. Karl-John Stone relates to the Roman Catholic Church (Diocese of Harrisburg). All of our representatives have been able to meet and dialogue with their counterparts in our neighboring denominations, including opportunities to attend and bring greetings to their respective assemblies. At this time we are searching for representatives to the Presbyterian Church and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Scranton.

At one of our meetings, the committee discussed some ways to build local ecumenical connections. Suggestions from this discussion, which synod members might integrate locally are: 1) Music is a fine integration. Music and musicians bring people together apart from barriers of theology, and make inroads to places that are stuck. Taize is scriptural music that crosses theologies. 2) It is important to know each other's worship books. 3) People are open to and interested in talking about differences and commonalities between denominations. 4) Adult Sunday School classes are a good place for discussion. Baptism tends to bring up very interesting discussions. 5) Social service provides a good foundation for ecumenical relationships. Areas in our synod that have the strongest ecumenical relationships also tend to have strong common social ministries, such as the Shepherd of the Streets in Williamsport.

The topic of "local ecumenical reception" was also prominent at the National Workshop on Christian Unity this past April in Tampa, FL. Pastor Stone was able to attend, and had a chance to learn from Lutheran and other Christian ecumenists from around the country. Especially interesting were the "New Fire" movement of young ecumenists (check out www.faithconnectsus.org) who view Christian unity through the lens of "friendship and inclusion"; and Dr. Bruce Chilton's bible study on "The Generation of the Eucharist in the New Testament" (and how each denomination's theology of the Lord's Supper finds its roots in one of these five phases found in the New Testament).

For the first time, the National Workshop included a special focus on inter-religious dialogue as Christians increasingly need to present a witness in an inter-religious world. Also, something acknowledged by several presenters was the challenge of human sexuality, not only within denominations but ecumenically, as well. One encouraging sign was the deep commitment so many ecumenists expressed to continue ecumenical dialogue, even and especially with denominations that have adopted a position on human sexuality that they disagree with. We were also encouraged to engage our internal divisions ecumenically, because only by going outside of ourselves can we find new resources, preserve our ecumenical relationships, and learn something about ourselves as well. Check out an excellent summary of all that happened there at www.nwcu.org. Next year's National Workshop will be in Pittsburgh.

The Lutheran-Anglican-Roman Catholic (LARC) group continues a strong dialogue, based in Harrisburg. The annual LARC Day of Dialoge last October explored the status of the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification on the 10th anniversary of this historic agreement between Lutherans and Roman Catholics about the central issue of the Reformation. In the meantime, the United Methodist Church has also officially consented to their agreement with this document. The Day of Dialogue featured notable Lutheran, Catholic, and Episcopalian scholars offering their observations and reflections about what the Joint Declaration achieved, what it didn't achieve, and where it might take us in the future.

The next LARC Day of Dialogue will be on Monday, October 25, featuring Fr. Elias Mallon of the Graymoor Fathers, on the theme "Telling the Christian Story in the 21st Century." This will be at the Cardinal Keeler Center in Harrisburg. The LARC group also hosts an annual Vespers service on the Sunday of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in January.

In the Scranton area, the Christian Communities Gathering of Northeastern Pennsylvania continues a very strong and diverse ecumenical discussion. Every January, during the Wednesday of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, this group also holds a prayer service.

The United Methodist Church is the ELCA's most recent full-communion partner, and we hope to hold an event at which together we can explore this full-communion agreement, and how we can use it to strengthen our common witness locally. We especially hold our United Methodists brothers and sisters, and Bishop Jane Allen Middleton, in prayer as they form a newly merged conference, the Susquehanna Conference, which roughly covers the territory of three Lutheran synods in central and northeastern Pennsylvania!

Our synod has several historic "union congregations" that have both Lutheran and UCC members, and are served by either a Lutheran or a UCC pastor, under the full-communion agreement between our two denominations. We give thanks to God for the ongoing partnership that has made these ecumenical relationships possible. Their conference minister, the Rev. Dr. Marja Coons-Torn brought greetings to our synod assembly last year.

Among our ecumenical partners, we offer congratulations on the upcoming retirements of two colleagues whom many in our synod have worked with over the years, the Rev. Canon Joe Seville of the Episcopal Diocese of Central Pennsylvnia, and the Rev. Allen Fluent, associate conference minister of the Penn Central Conference of the UCC. We also congratulate the recently appointed bishop of the R.C. Diocese of Scranton, Joseph Bambera; and we offer our prayers for the Diocese of Harrisburg who await the appointment of a new bishop after Bp. Kevin Rhoades was called to the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend.

Ecumenical relations are not only about what is happening in the wider Church. Almost every congregation and individual Christian engages in ecumenical relations on the local level in some form; that is simply the reality of our diverse American religious landscape in which God has placed us. As we engage in ecumenical relations, in any form, to build mutual understanding, respect and trust in the service of Christian unity, let us keep in mind the "ecumenical golden rule": allow others to define themselves, just as we seek to define ourselves to others.

Ms. Deborah Bernhisel, Chair 

The Committee for Global Mission met three times during the period under review: January 17, February 22, and March 8, 2009. Each of the meetings was a joint one with the Liberia Sub-committee to discuss matters of common concern. Committee members included:

Rev. Lois Martin (Chair, USS/Ansbach-Wuerzburg Companion Synods Sub-committee,replacing Rev. Kerry Aucker)
Ms. Deborah Bernhisel (Chair, Committee for Global Mission)
Mrs. Carol Bradford
Dr. Robert Bradford (Chair, USS/LCL Companion Synods Sub-committee)
Mrs. Ruth Doran (Secretary)
Mrs. Carol Harrison
Mrs. Shirley Heasley
Rev. Anna Ritter-Esborn
Rev. Beth Ann Stone (Office of the Bishop liaison)

MISSIONARY SPONSORSHIP BY CONGREGATIONS 

In 2009, the number of USS congregations helping to support ELCA overseas missionaries decreased by one-from 35 in 2008 to 34 in 2009. Eight congregations undertook missionary support for the first time or came back into the support program.

These included:

       Bethany, Montoursville                                  St. John, Mifflinville

       Grace/Point Twp, Northumberland                   St. John, Richfield

       North Branch Conference                               St. Paul, Catawissa

       Redeemer, Williamsport                                Trinity, Shamokin

At the same time, 9 congregations dropped their support in 2009. These included:

       Emanuel, Bloomsburg                                    St. Paul, Allensville

       First, Watsontown                                          St. Peter, Bloomsburg

       St. Andrew, Muncy                                          St. Peter, Shamokin

       St. Mark, Williamsport                                    Trinity, Danville

[Statistical data supplied by the ELCA Chicago offices. Since "to err is human," there may be mistakes or discrepancies. Please bring any errors to Bob Bradford's attention].

Total contributions by the 34 supporting congregations increased from $24,924.96 in 2008 to $28,666.65 in 2009. This, in spite of the on-going recession that our country continued to experience in 2009. Fifteen congregations supported Bette McCrandall in Liberia in 2009, the same number as in 2008.

Would it not be a glorious witness to our faith if every one of our 137 congregations would commit to some level of missionary support, even if it's only a dollar a week? Surely this is well within the reach of each of our congregations, even the smallest.

2009 SYNOD ASSEMBLY AT SUSQUEHANNA,  JUNE 19 - 20

The Committee for Global Missions' display at the 2009 Synod Assembly focused on the need for volunteers for the 2010 work-team in Liberia whose principal project was to be the restoration of Day Memorial Church in Harrisburg Township. [For details of this project, see the Report of the USS/Liberia Sub-committee that follows].

As for workshops during the long lunch hours at the assembly, we offered two with global mission themes: Kristin Vought teamed up with Pastor Andrew Fitch to offer a workshop on ELCA volunteer service opportunities for youth, with special emphasis on the ELCA's "Young Adults in Global Mission" program in a dozen countries overseas. Kristin recently spent a year in England with this program. A second workshop was an update on the women's empowerment projects that Ruth Koble (presenter) had launched beginning in 2001.

A novelty at the assembly was a 138.5-pound bronze bell from a two-room schoolhouse in Loganville, PA (south of York). The bell called children to classes in grades 1-2-3-4 and grades 5-6-7-8 from 1892 to 1955/56. Christ Lutheran Church, next door to the school, purchased the schoolhouse in 1975, removed the bell, and stored it on the floor of a Sunday school classroom until a member of the congregational council noticed our classified ad in the October 2008 Lutheran magazine. The council and the congregation voted to donate the bell to USS for shipment to Reed Memorial Lutheran Church in Millsburg, Liberia, which had had its bell stolen by rebel fighters during the 1989-2003 civil war. But before the bell, with its 46-pound triangular cradle, was sent to Liberia in one of our fall 2009 shipping containers, Bishop Driesen used it to call assembly delegates back to order after refreshment breaks. [In April 2010, USS volunteers Mike Edwards (of Londonderry, NH) and Doris Freeze (of Leesville, SC) worked with men in Reed congregation to set the bell and its cradle onto the cement-block columns which had held Reed's earlier bell. The congregation was happy to "retire" its beat-up old oxygen cylinder and tire-iron which had served its "bell" during and after the war years].

BUDGET EXPENDITURES IN FISCAL 2009 - 2010  

The Global Mission Committee and its two sub-committees (Liberia and Ansbach-Wuerzburg/Bavaria) spent $5,316.00 (90.l%) of its $5900 budget from February 1, 2009 to January 31, 2010. The Committee requested an allocation of $6,000 for fiscal 2010-2011.

INTERNATIONAL VISITORS TO USS IN 2009 - 2010 

Rev. Thomas Paye's visit to our synod in January 2009 is fully described on page 707 of last year's report to the assembly. Pastor Paye was one of two Liberian clergy recently studying for Master's degrees-in his case, at Wartburg Seminary in Iowa in 2007-2009. Although coming to America as pastor of St. Peter's in Monrovia, Bishop Harris re-assigned him on his return. In this same two-year period, Rev. Lydia Manawu-Weagba (the first woman to have been ordained in the LCL) was a graduate student at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN. Lydia had made arrangements to visit USS on her way back to Liberia following graduation on May 23, but she flew home two days later, having received word of the unexpected death of her mother. Once home, she resumed her position as director of the Louis T. Bowers Lay Leaders and Ministers Training Center at Totota where Pastor Ron Shellhamer taught in 2007-2009.

Rev. Moses Gobah made a return visit to our synod in 2009. Our Liberia Sub-committee's June 6 meeting was devoted entirely to his appeal from the parish council, deacons, and evangelists at Day Memorial Church for help from USS in rehabilitating their church after 77 years of heavy use, voracious termites, and general neglect. As interim pastor of the church, Pastor Gobah showed a video of 2009 Palm Sunday and Easter services at Day, asserting that almost a thousand people had attended the two services, with 57 persons (75% being adults) receiving baptism on Easter. He also told the committee of the vast potential for even further growth due to two factors: the soon to be launched reconstruction of Liberia's only hydro-electric plant on the St. Paul River, a mere mile from Day Memorial; secondly, the plan of the Liberian government (aided by the United Nations) to re-settle several thousand Sierra Leonian refugees in the general vicinity of the church. Actually, restoration of the church has long been high on Bishop Harris' list of priorities, and past USS work-team members regularly visited the church to assess its deterioration and to take measurements in anticipation of a future rehabilitation effort. On week-days, the church becomes a schoolhouse for the Emma V. Day Elementary School (K through 6), with about 70 pupils and 4 Liberian teachers.

Bette Ann McCrandall again visited our synod on her biennial furlough, making formal presentations at six USS congregations, including St. Mark's/Williamsport, St. Michael's/Cogan Station, Messiah/South Williamsport, Christ's United/Millmont, Alfarata and St. John's Ridge. Accompanied by her mother, Bette Lince, she claimed expenses of $122.84, but the committee gave her $300 to help cover her gas expenses.

Edna Johnson, RN, PhD came to USS to observe the loading of medical and nursing textbooks in our 24^th container on October 24, 2009. She was able to meet with our Liberia Sub-committee the following afternoon to present a very interesting in-depth look at Curran Hospital in Zorzor where she's serving the ELCA as a long-term volunteer missionary. She offered profuse thanks for all the medical supplies we've sent to Curran dating back to 1991-long before she even arrived at Curran. She expressed equally heartfelt gratitude to the ELCA and USS volunteers who worked alongside Liberian men and women to rebuild Curran Hospital, twice overrun by rebel factions who left only a roof-less shell and mortar-pocked walls. This reconstruction took place each January-February over a four-year period (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009). The cost was borne by Grassland Trust--a private, family philanthropic fund based in Michigan.  As ELCA volunteers, trustees Jim and "Butch" Foster, aided by Gary and Deborah Winters, provided the leadership for this noble and costly endeavor which also involved USS volunteers. In February 2009, these same work-team members labored day and night to rebuild St. John's Lutheran Church in Zorzor town in the space of one week after men in the congregation had rebuilt the walls.  Edna's focus now is on program development. An outside grant made it possible this year to launch a Certified Midwifery Program that has graduated 31 midwives for dispersal throughout Lofa County. Working with Rev. John Lunn, former missionary/administrator of Phebe Hospital, she will head up a master's degree program which will train Liberian women as teachers of future midwifery courses. The re-start of Curran's School of Nursing is also on Edna's drawing board. Meanwhile, the need for basic supplies like bars of soap, bed-sheets, and cleaning supplies is on-going. "We never have enough soap!"

USS/LCL COMPANIONSHIP COVENANT AGREEMENT 

Throughout the entire year under review, discussion continued on the congregation-to-congregation covenant agreement that Bishop Harris and his Executive Council first drafted and sent to us back in 2007. Our committee members all agreed that it required some editorial and substantive revisions, although we did not wish to offend the LCL by proposing draconian changes. Several committee members took turns at reworking the draft. Bishop Driesen had the last word, expressing the belief that the document should incorporate both congregation-to-congregation and synod-to-church partnership principles, goals, and policies since we had never formalized the latter relationship stretching back to November 1989. Bishop Driesen sent the USS draft to Bishop Harris for further input from the LCL. The LCL accepted the USS version of the agreement in the late winter of 2010. The agreement is to be signed when our USS delegation travels to Liberia in April 2010 to attend the LCL's 150^th anniversary celebration.

As we transition toward a more genuine "accompaniment model" of partnership, we still need to "connect the dots" by clarifying, assessing, and re-assessing our objectives, goals, and strategies.  "Where have we been?" "What do we want to accomplish now?" and "How do we get there?"

1. Are we nurturing and strengthening one another within the body of Christ through prayer, study, communication, and mutually agreed to activities?
2. Are we using the "accompaniment model" for mission in which we relate to our partners as equals, and focus on mutual sharing rather than on what "we" can give and "they" can receive?
3. Are as many congregations as possible involved in the relationship? Do the majority of our congregations know about, care about, or pray for our companions?

From what are to date inconclusive answers to these questions, still other issues are raised:

• What do our congregations expect of this companionship? Are they even interested?
• What is our synod's vision for our companion relationships?
• What are the fruits of the relationship to date?
• How has our synod been affected by our relationships?
• What are our synod's short- and long-term goals for these relationships?
• What have been our most positive experiences and greatest frustrations so far?
• What should our next steps be?

OTHER AGENDA ITEMS IN 2009 

June 4, 2009, saw the "Tour de Revs" visit our synod. This was a group of three hardy West Virginia pastors riding a specially-made bamboo cycle for 13,000 miles in 100 days across the USA to raise awareness and funds for the ELCA's World Hunger Program. Several dozen USS cyclists rode with them from Christ's United/Millmont to the synod office where synod staff and hunger task force members had organized a reception and presented a check for $50,000 representing many USS congregations' gifts since the beginning of the year.

Companion Synod Sunday was celebrated in USS congregations on August 2, 2009, our "Liberian connection" being the principal focus this year. Pastor Mary Peterhaensel prepared Liberian-oriented materials for congregational use on August 2. It's not known how many congregations used these materials.

In anticipation of the LCL's celebrating its 150^th anniversary on April 28, 2010, Bishop Driesen invited the committee to consider what we here in USS might do in the way of a special worship service or other activity scheduled simultaneously with the celebrations in Liberia as a way of sharing in the LCL festivities.  In the end, the assembly planning group made the decision to have the Friday morning worship service at the 2010 synod assembly emphasize our connections and activities of a global, rather than an explicitly Liberian, nature.

Robert L. Bradford, Chair

The USS/Liberia Companion Synods Sub-committee held eight meetings during 2009: on January 17, February 22, March 8, June 6, August 9, October 11, October 25, and December 6; with a picnic supper at the home of Shirley Heasley on September 13, 2009. Members of the Sub-committee for 2009-2010 included:

Dr. Robert Bradford, (Chair)
Mrs. Carol Bradford
Mrs. Ruth Doran (Secretary)
Mrs. Betty Gehrig
Mr. George Gehrig
Mrs. Carol Harrison
Mrs. Nancy Hoffman
Mr. Kenneth Kahler
Mr. Joseph Kanagy
Rev. Mary Peterhaensel
Rev. Ronald Shellhamer
Mr. Myron ("Nip") Shirk
Rev. Beth Ann Stone (liaison with the Office of the Bishop)

ELCA MISSIONARIES IN LIBERIA IN 2009

Ms. Bette Ann McCrandall from Flint, Michigan, has been a long-term missionary since 1984. Previously, she served in the Peace Corps in Liberia (1973-1978), then taught French at Zorzor public high school (l978-1982). Her financial support as a missionary comes almost entirely from 15 sponsoring congregations in USS. At the time of her regular biennial furlough in 2009, she visited USS from September 23 to October 5. She intends to retire from her current position as LCL Superintendent of Schools in January 2011. See page 1304 for further details.

Rev. Dr. Ronald Shellhamer was called by the ELCA to a two-year term as a missionary/ teacher at the Louis T. Bowers Lay Leaders and Training Center at Totota. There he instructed deacons and evangelists in the LCL for leadership roles in remote "bush" villages which an ordained pastor can visit only occasionally. Pastor Ron offered courses in basic Christian theology, Lutheran doctrine, Christian ethics, and related subjects. He also offered refresher courses in theology for ordained Lutheran pastors, some of who have been wavering in their commitment to the ministry and some of whom are sliding down the slippery slope of Pentecostalism which is very strong in Liberia. Serving in Totota without his family, Ron made short visits home during the 2008 summer and Christmas seasons, then returned to Totota on January 6, 2009. Tragically, his second and final year of service which was to have ended in July 2009 was cut short prematurely in March 2009 by the hospitalization of his wife Kathie following severe injuries suffered in a fall in their Sunbury home. Ron briefly returned to Liberia in May 2009 to gather up his belongings.

There is another ELCA missionary currently serving in Liberia, although she has no formal connection with USS. She is Ms. Edna Johnson, RN, PhD serving in a long-term capacity as a volunteer at Curran Lutheran Hospital in Zorzor. There she's involved with program planning and grant proposal writing designed to lift the capacity of the Liberian staff nurses and midwives. See page 1305 for further details.

Rev. John Lunn, once the full-time administrator at Phebe Hospital, continues to re-visit Phebe each January/February/March from his current assignment as a Lutheran hospital administrator in India. He'll be visiting our synod in July of 2010 as he is now partially supported by Holy Spirit/Turbotville. He will preach at Holy Spirit on July 11, 2010.

SERVANT-SAINTS CALLED TO THE CHURCH TRIUMPHANT
"We always give thanks to God. . . for we have heard of your faith
in Christ Jesus and your love for all God's people."
Colossians 1:3-4

Four devoted servants in Christ's vineyard known to us in USS were called to their eternal rest during 2009, leaving behind a coterie of mourners.

Mrs. May Diggs, wife of former LCL Bishop Ronald Diggs (l984-l995), died on February 9th after a long and difficult struggle with asthma. She and her husband came to the United States late in 1995, eventually making their home in the midst of the large Liberian community in Trenton, New Jersey. There, Rev. Diggs received a call to be co-pastor with Rev. Christopher Gentile at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer near the state capital building. Former USS Bishop Donald Main and Bob Bradford attended Mrs. Diggs' funeral on February 28, 2009.

On July 17, 2009, Mrs. Susan Tweh passed away in Selinsgrove following a long battle with brain cancer. Susan had spent 34 years as a teacher in Liberia, employed first by the Episcopal Church and then by the LCA. At the invitation of the American government, she conducted orientation programs for Peace Corps volunteers entering Liberia. Though originally from Connecticut, she and her Liberian husband Peter settled in Selinsgrove in the early 1990s upon the outbreak of the Liberian civil war. Here she worked as a tutor and ESL teacher in the public schools. She collected many hundreds of school textbooks in many subjects which were sent to Liberian schools in almost every cargo container. She was also a loyal and devoted member of our Liberia Sub-committee and a participant in our 2001 and 2002 USS work-teams in Liberia.

As pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Washington, D.C., where there is a sizeable Liberian membership, the Rev. Clinton Kersey organized a worship service on August 2 to memorialize the 600 victims of the St. Peter's massacre that occurred in Monrovia during the night of July 29/30, 1990. In the service, Honorable Edwin Sele, Deputy Head of Mission at the Liberian Embassy, read the scripture, former Bishop Ronald Diggs delivered the sermon, and Bob Bradford offered intercessory prayers. Choirs from several other urban and suburban congregations provided the music in fine Liberian style. The service was followed by a feast of Liberian foods in the church social hall. Pastor Kersey intended to hold such a memorial service each year on the summer Sunday closest to the date of the massacre, but he died very unexpectedly on September 19 (within six weeks following this first memorial service). His many Liberian friends will miss him sorely.

Mr. Jerry Freeze of Leesville, SC, was an engineer par excellence who, as an LCA missionary and USS work-team volunteer, devoted most of his working life to enhancing the well-being of countless Liberians. This, together with his wife Doris, he did as maintenance engineer both at Curran Hospital (1973-1977) and at Phebe Hospital (l987-l990). Both Jerry and Doris were volunteers in USS's first work-team in 2001, as was their son Timothy. The three of them worked with congregation members to re-roof and refurbish Reed Memorial Church at Millsburg. It was this church that had had its roof disassembled and all its interior furnishings, including its bell, hauled off by rebel soldiers during the ruinous 14-year civil war (1989-2003). Jerry and Doris were to have been the key leaders of the 2010 work-team to restore Day Memorial Church, directly across the St. Paul River from Millsburg. Both of them spent much of 2009 in detailed planning of what they knew would be a more difficult, more complex, and longer feat than anything USS teams had worked on in the past. This, because of the size of the church and the extensive work that would need to be done to the roof and to the external and internal fabric. The Freezes worked closely with a structural steel firm in Georgia, and with a fiberglass company near their birthplace homes in North Carolina. They determined what tools and what construction materials would be needed, scouring the Carolinas' countryside for inexpensive materials and equipment. Several times they travelled to D. C. and to York, PA, for planning meetings with other USS volunteers. In September 2009, the Bradfords met with them in their recently completed retirement home in the foothills of the Great Smokey Mountains for what turned out to be the next-to-last planning session. A week later, in late September, Jerry underwent extensive testing for a persistent cough. The prognosis was cancer-an especially rapidly-spreading, inoperable, and incurable cancer. Jerry died on December 8. He had just celebrated his 65th birthday in the preceding month. Why had the Lord called him to Himself so suddenly? And who would be the group leader of the Day Memorial restoration project on the eve of our work-team's departure for Liberia? Would the project need to be postponed yet again? No, because the Lord showed us a way! (See below, pp. 1312-1316).

AUDIO-VISUAL AND PRINT MATERIALS ON LIBERIA

Congregations or individuals wishing to borrow the following materials may contact Bob Bradford in Northumberland at 570.473.9505 or at bradford@evenlink.com.

Curran Lutheran Hospital Reconstruction. DVD. 8 minutes. Produced by Gary Winters (Reinholds, PA) between 2006 and 2009. Shows the hospital in ruins after having twice been the victim of destruction and looting between fighting factions attempting to seize control of the country in l989-2003. There are scenes of rebuilding the hospital over a four-year period as USS volunteers went to Zorzor each January/February to work side-by-side with Zorzor townspeople intent upon reclaiming their only source of medical care for a hundred miles around. Captions, but no narration.

"Under the Tree." DVD. 30 minutes. Produced by Jeff Schmidt in 2008. Follows the construction of a new library building on the Totota campus of the Lay Leaders and Ministers Training Center. Interviews (some with captions) with Bishop Harris, Rev. Finn Hougaard (Danish missionary), Rev. Ron Shellhamer, Dr. Walter Gwenigale (former Phebe Hospital Medical Director and now Minister of Health in the Liberian Government), Rev. Korboi Weegie (head of the LCL's Trauma Healing/Reconciliation Program), Esther Thomas (director of the Lutheran Training Institute [LTI] near Salayea where civil war ex-combatants receive training in vocational subjects), Timothy Cleta and Edna Johnson (administrator and head nurse at Curran Hospital, Zorzor), and Timothy Schmidt (architectural intern with a firm in London). Narrated by Jeff and Tim's mother, Mrs. Dierdra Schmidt, widow of a former LCA missionary/professor at the Gbarnga School of Theology in 1977-1979.

"Pray the Devil Back to Hell." DVD. 2008. 80 minutes. This award-winning documentary tells the story of how one Lutheran woman-Ms. Leymah Gbowee-organized a mass of Christian and Muslim women to protest against the warring factions blamed for prolonging the Liberian civil war (most especially "the devil"--Charles Taylor), forcing him and other leaders to conclude a peace agreement that ended the war in 2003. It shows the surprising effectiveness of prayer and peaceful demonstrations to bring the cessation to hostilities, mayhem, and destruction. Ms. Gbowee was head of the Women's Organization of St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Monrovia. Following the one-hour story of WIPNET (Women in Peace Network) which Ms. Gbowee founded, there is a 20-minute segment shows Ms. Gbowee receiving the "Profiles in Courage" award at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.; she responds with a short but moving speech.

"Iron Ladies of Liberia." VHS video. 2007. 60 minutes. This documentary follows President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf around during her first full year in office (2006). "Ma" Ellen (as she's affectionately known) is the first woman to be elected president of any of the 49 countries of Africa. It's a vivid portrayal of the "mess" she inherited as the result of 14 years of civil war-and the herculean task of repairing the infrastructure, economy, and social cohesion of a failed and ruined state. Elected in November 2005 and sworn in on January 6, 2006, for a six-year term, she has already announced her intentions to run for a second term in 2012. The film follows her through cabinet meetings (where we see the large number of women she appointed to head up various government ministries), trips to the countryside to "put out fires," attempts to resolve labor strife, and otherwise to lead a nation of high unemployment (80%) and run-away expectations for instant improvements in living standards. She has to be simultaneously both pitied and admired. Also highly recommended: her autobiography, This Child will be Great (New York: HarperCollins, 2009).

SHIPPING CONTAINERS FOR THE LCL IN 2009
October 24 (#24) and November 14 (#25)

For the fourth consecutive year, our final containers-two in 2009-were loaded from the former Groce's silk mill on Sassafras Street in Selinsgrove, now owned and turned into a storage warehouse by Susquehanna University. For the second consecutive year, a container (#24) had to be loaded in torrential rain evocative of the height of "rain time" in Liberia. We had not intended to send two containers in 2009 until it became obvious that what we had piled in the warehouse and what we had stacked in the open courtyard outside in the way of building materials for the Day Memorial Church restoration would never fit in a single container, even a 40-foot high cube one. Several dozen local USS volunteers loaded the usual assortment of items: general school supplies, school text-books and desks, theology books, church and medical supplies, personal items for Bette McCrandall, Pastor Paye et. al., 818 LBW (and 182 SBH) hymnals, Bibles, Sunday School materials for all ages, many typewriters, craft and household goods, hospital supplies, bedding, towels, soap, canning jars (filled with dry food for our 2010 volunteers and their Liberian co-workers), 2,817 new tee-shirts from a defunct clothing manufacturer in Williamsport, a solid white marble baptismal font, 58 boxes of canned and home canned food (also for the volunteers), encyclopedias, medical textbooks, National Geographics, and a sound system. Unique to the last container (#25) was 9.54 tons of structural steel, 19 custom-made aluminum and clear glass windows, a white fiberglass cupola, a 13-foot white fiberglass steeple, a 138.5-lb bell in a 46-lb frame, 2 donated orange port-a-johns, used propane stove and fridge, new tools worth $7,440, 20 cases of new ceiling tiles, glazed white steel roofing sheets-plus all the accessory parts to go with these items. The steeple and bell are now in place at Reed Memorial Church in Millsburg-site of the first Lutheran mission station in Liberia dating back to 1860. Otherwise, all of the other building materials and the tools went by truck over horrendously rocky "roads" to the site of Day Memorial Church in Harrisburg Township, directly across the river from Millsburg.

Because of the misuse of duty-free privileges by groups claiming to be religious organizations (thus exempt from import duties), Liberian customs officials of late have been hitting every arriving container with unprecedented customs duties-in our case, $6,770 on container #24 and $7,000 on container #25 (the one with most of the steel). These figures, added to the shipping cost of each container (at $6,375), brought the grand total cost to $26,520--reason enough to declare these our "last" containers unless some very special need arises in Liberia, supported by some very large sources of money. By a vote of Synod Council, the shipping cost of one of the above containers was paid for by the synod. Otherwise, all other funds came in from voluntary donations by WELCA unit congregations, individuals, former missionaries to Liberia, and county Thrivent chapters.

VOLUNTEER WORK-TEAMS FROM USS IN 2010

A total of 25 volunteers each paid on average $1,790 to fly to Liberia at various times from early December 2009 to late March 2010. Of course, there were other expenses as well-Liberian visa $131, trip insurance about $100, etc. The year 2010 was the tenth year for these trips to Liberia. Those who like comparative data might be interested in the following statistics on the 2010 group:

Men: 14 Women: 11

"Alumni" (participants in previous work-teams): 11
New volunteers in 2010: 14
Most frequent volunteer: Ruth Koble (Zion/Sunbury) 9 out of 10 work-teams since 2001

Members of USS congregations: 6
Members of congregations in other ELCA synods: 14
Non-Lutherans: 5 (1 Presbyterian, 3 Southern Baptists, 1 UCC)

Youngest volunteer in 2010: 21 (two volunteers)
Oldest volunteer: 80
Average age: 51.5
Median age: 53.5

The 25 volunteers, the towns from which they come, and their work sites in Liberia are included in the following list. Letters in brackets to the right of each name are explained below.

Marlene Anderson, McVeytown, PA [D]
Benjamin Bjorgaard, Minot, ND [C]
Caroline Coy, Miami, FL [D]
Carl Dierksheide, Bradner, OH [D]
Michael Edwards, Londonderry, NH [D]
Arthur Erickson, Cogan Station, PA [D]
Jim Foster, Livingston, MT [D]
Lorreva (Butch) Foster, Livingston, MT [D]
Doris Freeze, Leesville, SC [D]
Ronald Hughes, Adel, GA [D]
Faye Hughes, Adel, GA [D]
Jacob Hughes, Adel, GA [D]
Joseph Kanagy, Belleville, PA [D]
Ruth Koble, Sunbury, PA [W]
Dorcas Kunkel, Minot, ND [C]
Kathryn Kunkel, East Selkirk, Manitoba [C]
Lois Kunkel, Toronto, Ontario [C]
Caitlin (Catie) May, Tallahassee, FL[D]
Sandra Nelson, Trout Run, PA [D]
Paqul Shaner, Hughesville,PA [D]
Harold (Bud) Walter, Winfield, PA [D]
Joyce Walter, Winfield, PA [D]
Karen Ward, Pottsville, PA [W]
Gary Winters, Reinholds, PA [D]
Deborah Winters, Reinholds, PA [D]

[C] These four volunteers were based at Zorzor, 200 miles upcountry. They were involved either in nurses' training at Curran Lutheran Hospital, or education at Zorzor Community School, or psychology with the LCL's Trauma Healing & Reconciliation Program. Each of the three Kunkel sisters grew up in Liberia as an "m.k." (missionary kid), daughters of Rev. John & Mrs. Elisabeth Kunkel. Their 2010 return to Liberia was their first since 1972-and they plan to go back again!

[D] These volunteers worked on the Day Memorial Church restoration project, 25 miles up the St. Paul River from Monrovia on the coast. The Fosters and the Winters spent December getting the site ready for the arrival of the volunteers, after which they moved on to Sanoyea to repair and re-roof the church and parsonage in that town, as requested by Dr. Walter Gwenigale. The four of them were primarily ELCA global mission volunteers, but were of great assistance to our USS volunteers.

[W] Ruth Koble and Susquehanna University junior Karen Ward followed up on various women's empowerment projects that Ruth had initiated on her eight previous trips to Liberia. These had to do with a women's poultry project in Voinjama, training adult tutors in English literacy, enhancing the vocational skills of Liberian instructors, supporting the computer lab--all at LTI, and other programs designed to promote women's leadership skills. Ruth was able to distribute modest amounts of funding to these projects--monies she received from her many speaking engagements, from our synodical women's organization, and from other sources. She's a strong advocate of continuing to support these ministries. Ruth was also able to
supply many used textbooks on carpentry, auto mechanics, and other technical subjects to the students at the Lutheran Training Center near Salayea.

Karen Ward, a religion and women's studies major at Susquehanna, was able to spend two weeks in Ruth's shadow, becoming familiar with both her many projects and LCL ministries, and meeting church leaders-all with an eye to forging opportunities for future Susquehanna students, singly or in small groups, to undertake service-learning projects in Liberia between semesters as they now do each January in Central America. In August 2009, Pastor Beth Ann Stone, Pastor Ron Shellhamer, and Bob Bradford met with Susquehanna Chaplain Mark Radecke and Dr. Scott Manning, Director of International Education at S. U., to discuss the feasibility of a such program in Liberia. Karen's January 2010 visit represented the next step in exploring possibilities.

RESTORATION OF DAY MEMORIAL LUTHERAN CHURCH

The majority of USS volunteers in 2010 worked on a project that was long on Bishop Harris's "to do" list. For several years, the refurbishing of this historic church which has direct connections with the Upper Susquehanna Synod and its predecessor bodies, was "a dream in search of a donor." That dream became a reality when a former member of our synod now living year-round in Florida, donated $40,000 specifically earmarked for this restoration. Another $10,570 was contributed by congregations, WELCA units, and former missionaries to Liberia from across the United States. Additionally, Grassland Trust, referred to earlier in this report, bore the cost of all the hand and electric tools purchased for this project ($7,440), plus the cost of erecting a 16' x 30' cement block storage building near the church. This facility, built by a local Liberian contracting firm, was initially used for storing the contents of our two late-2009 containers. It has now been turned into a home for the Emma V. Day Elementary School which had formerly used the church for classroom space.

What are the historic connections between USS and Day Memorial Church in Liberia?
Although born outside USS, near Bendersville, PA in 1851 (now in Lower Susquehanna Synod) and ordained in the old Frankean Synod in New York State, Rev. David Alexander Day claimed Selinsgrove as his home. A graduate of the "Missionary Institute" (now Susquehanna University) in 1874, he married a local Selinsgrove girl, spent each of three furloughs in Selinsgrove, and is buried beside his wife in Union Cemetery overlooking the Susquehanna campus. The LCL refers to him as the church's "Father" because he rescued the floundering mission station at Millsburg from collapse. It had been established 14 years earlier by Rev. Morris Officer. But Officer, who stayed only 11 months at Millsburg, was not followed by any effective, long-term leadership until the Day's arrived in June of 1874. The Day's missionary service is further celebrated because it stretched over an unprecedented span of time-21 ½ years in the case of Emily (whom David affectionately called "Emma"), and 23 ½ years in the case of David himself. This, in spite of the omnipresence of malaria which killed all three of the Day's children.

Other missionaries from the territory now known as the Upper Susquehanna Synod served in Liberia after David's death in 1897. These included Rev. J. Daniel Curran (drowned in the St. Paul River in 1930), Rev. Charles Brosius (who once pastored Grace/Sunbury and Redeemer/Williamsport (died in 1931 and buried in Sunbury), Rev. David Day Dagle (died of malaria in 1933 and buried at Sanoyea in Liberia), Miriam Treon Miller (died in Lewisburg in 1987), and Rev. Ron Shellhamer who, in 2007-2009, taught theology at the Louis T. Bowers Lay Leaders and Ministers Training Center at Totota.

Finally, there is Miriam Treon from a prominent Sunbury family. Miriam went to Liberia as a missionary/teacher in 1924. There she met another single Lutheran missionary, James W. Miller, a Detroit architect/builder who had already constructed the first Phebe Hospital in 1921. The two returned to the USA and were married at Zion/Sunbury on June 8, 1926. They returned to Liberia where Miriam continued her service as a teacher and James designed and built a church at Harrisburg-directly across the St. Paul River from Millsburg where Morris Officer had planted the first Lutheran mission back in 1860. (Thus, Officer is referred to as the "Founder" of the LCL). The new church at Harrisburg was, appropriately, named the David A. Day Memorial Lutheran Church. The year was 1932.

By 2010, time, temperature, and termites gnawing for 78 years at the wood trusses that support the roof, the church had become unsafe as a place of worship and as a school. Hence, the pleas of the Bishop Harris, the LCL central office, the leaders of the Day Memorial congregation, and the pastor (Rev. Moses Gobah), plus the coming together of "dream" and "donors" in 2009 meant that the task of restoring this church with strong historic ties to USS could be undertaken by our volunteer work-team in 2010. Guided by the Holy Spirit, nineteen USS men and women, with the assistance of members from the congregation and contractors in Monrovia, set themselves to the task.

Much of 2009 had been spent recruiting these volunteers, making plans for living in tents in "the bush," holding meetings to decide on construction techniques, and purchasing tools and building materials. Jerry and Doris Freeze coordinated this entire effort from their recently completed retirement home near Boone, NC. The whole effort became even more complicated when engineers known to Jerry cautioned against putting steel trusses and a steel roof on the original, cracked castle-block walls of the 1932 church. This required the manufacture and shipping of 10 structural steel columns that would be bolted into concrete footers, five along each outside wall of the original church. As the months of 2009 wore on, we began to wonder if the whole task was beyond our capabilities. Had we missed some of the Spirit's caution signals along the way-signals of "too difficult," "too dangerous," "too complicated?" This was a high-ceilinged church with a balcony. We became truly discouraged in late September when medical tests showed that Jerry had cancer. His death on December 8, 2009, was devastating to the entire work-team. The Fosters and Winters had already left for Liberia to construct the storage building, get our two containers out of port and unloaded, and set up the "tent city" where, in the absence of a Comfort Inn within 5000 miles, the USS volunteers would live in the shadows of the church. This involved placing not only tents, but also 2 port-a-johns, 3 makeshift shower stalls, a propane stove and fridge, specially-made "kitchen" and "bathroom" sinks--except that there was no kitchen or bathroom as such. Everything was to be outdoors! There had been a lot of shopping for all these items. Having readied these necessities for the imminent arrival of USS's volunteers, Gary Winters created a sign that read appropriately, "Jerry Freeze Memorial Campsite."

But the steel. How would we ever mount the steel columns, trusses, and roof without the expertise of Jerry Freeze? Once again, the Holy Spirit led the way--to the Ronnie Hughes family in the southwest corner of Georgia. On learning of Jerry Freeze's death, the engineering firm that was advising him identified Ronnie as a man who had long experience in erecting steel buildings. Not only did Ronnie Hughes accept the challenge of stepping into Jerry's shoes, but he said he would go to Liberia with his wife and son for three weeks to supervise the steel construction. As it turned out, son Jake was able to stay for four weeks. Thus it was that we welcomed our first Southern Baptists to a USS work-team!

The building materials that came to fill the courtyard of the old silk mill in Selinsgrove in the fall of 2009 included the following:
-- 9.54 tons of steel columns and trusses from Steel Building Systems in Adel, GA costing $16,000.
-- 19 custom-made aluminum and clear glass windows from Croft McComb in Mississippi costing $2,998.
-- 56 glazed white corrugated roofing sheets from Graber Post Buildings of Montgomery, Indiana, costing $1,832.
-- 20 cartons of ceiling tiles and accessories from Lowe's in Selinsgrove costing $2,997.
-- 2 port-a-johns donated by Brian Wolfe, owner of "Royal Flush" in Sunbury.
-- A 700-lb cupola of white fiberglass from Piedmont Fiberglass in Taylorsville, NC costing $3,405.
-- A complete sound system for the church interior from Gelnett & Associates in Northumberland, PA valued at $700 but costing only $400.

Most of these firms offered discounts ranging from 10 to 50%, and each firm saw to the transport of their items to the old silk mill in Selinsgrove. Some early snow carpeted the steel in the courtyard, a phenomenon that would never occur again to this steel! Strong-armed adults and youth loaded what turned out to be two shipping containers on October 24 and November 14. Dozens of men from Day Memorial Church helped to unload the two containers without the aid of a forklift-- the ten 600-lb steel columns being the heaviest items.

The first group of USS volunteers arrived at the site of the church on January 7, 2010. Others followed throughout January, February, and March. Most volunteers worked for 3 or 4 weeks; several were able to stay 6 weeks; and the four youngest team members worked for a whole 16 weeks alongside Day church members to finish up the interior painting, the re-stenciling of John 3:16 around the upper interior walls, the rehabilitation of the pews, the exterior landscaping, and the final clean-up of the "tent-city."

On Tuesday, April 27, Bishop Harris led a 3-hour re-dedication service of the completed church. USS Bishop Driesen was to have been the guest preacher, but the 4-person delegation from USS was unable to travel to Liberia because an erupting volcano in Iceland was spewing a giant ash and grit cloud over the whole of Europe for six days. This grounded all air travel to, from, and through Europe. [Currently, Liberia can be reached only through Brussels]. Thus, the USS/LCL companion synods and congregation-to-congregation agreement could not be signed. Bishop Driesen's full calendar of synod duties, including the annual Bishop's Retreat in Wellsboro on May 7-8, forced him to cancel what would have been his first visit to Liberia. However, Pastor Ron Shellhamer was able to reschedule his trip for May 4 to May 20 and the Bradfords for May 9 to May 20. They went loaded down with official USS anniversary gifts.

THE LCL'S 150TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

April 28 is a date known to every Lutheran in Liberia. It's the date in April 1860 when Rev. Morris Officer, together with a group of native men "knelt down in the deep jungle and prayed to their common Father for guidance and grace to accomplish great good in the country." [ from Alex Imhoff, The Life of Morris Officer, A.M. (Dayton, Ohio: Brethren Publishing House, 1876), p. 201.] The passage of 150 years (1860-2010) has witnessed the growth of the LCL from a small church directed by missionaries to a church today that counts over 71,000 people at every Sunday worship service, in 9 districts, 46 parishes, 75 active pastors, 199 licensed or ordained deacons, a small army of evangelists, and 380 "preaching points" in isolated bush parishes-- mostly, but by no means entirely, among the Kpelle and Loma ethnic groups.

In spite of the travel difficulties of several delegations, the LCL decided to go ahead with the 150th celebration as scheduled, having reserved the auditorium of Monrovia City Hall for April 28th. The theme of the celebration, "We've come this far by faith," was based on I Corinthians 5:7. We are told that the 6-hour celebration was grand in every respect. Even President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf (a non-Lutheran) participated-and stayed the whole six hours!

The visit to Liberia in May by Pastor Shellhamer and the Bradfords was, of course, anti-climactic, but our gifts had to be delivered-and this was the only way to do it. Our Liberia Sub-committee had spent considerable time discussing appropriate gifts to present to LCL-gifts that could be shared not only by the celebration attendees and pastors of the LCL, but with all preaching points as well. We knew from previous gala events that specially imprinted tee shirts, banners, ballpoint pens, hand-held fans (still used in the absence of electric fans and air-conditioners), and bookmarks were acceptable and, in fact, desirable items. So we had three specially-designed vinyl banners made--for the LCL central office and for Day Memorial Church, in addition to some of the above items suggested by the LCL. Pastor Beth Ann Stone proposed two different sorts of gifts: the first was a very large, glossy poster-calendar printed over the photo of a procession that Bishop Harris had led at the time of the re-dedication of St. John's church in Zorzor last year. We had 1,000 of these printed. Beth Ann also designed an over-sized (8 1/2 x 11) "birthday card"-one for each of our 137 USS congregations to send. The card called for church members to sign their names all across the center-fold, to affix a photo of the congregation on the front cover, and a short description of the congregation on the back cover. A total of 55 congregations completed their cards.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

We have already alluded to the present period of transition in our relationship with the Lutheran Church in Liberia. Our 25 shipping containers served their purpose well, although the needs of the LCL, especially its hospitals and schools, continue to be overwhelming. But "these times, they are a'changin" and we need to be ready to change with them. For many years, the LCL has received outside financial support from the . . .

Church of Sweden - $460,000
Danish Evangelical Mission - $414,000
Evan. Lutheran Church in America - $220,000
Evan. Lutheran Church of Bavaria - $94,000  (2009 figures)

 . . .totaling nearly one million dollars. This level of support is not sustainable. The four "Partners" (above) will begin a dialogue with the LCL about this situation. The LCL will need to re-evaluate its programs and determine its priorities. The Liberian government will need to shoulder greater responsibility for health care and education. President Johnson-Sirleaf managed to convince President Bush to send the Peace Corps back into the country (suspended during the 1989-2003 civil war). But all these are stop-gap measures until the LCL and the government can chart their long-term courses and responsibilities.

Where is the Upper Susquehanna Synod in all this transitioning? In the years ahead, we shall need to explore answers to the questions raised on page 1306 of this report. We look forward to working out congregation-to-congregation linkages between LCL and USS. We might explore the possibility of pastoral exchanges and of small-group trips. Travel to Liberia promises to become cheaper and simpler if and when our government allows Delta Airlines to begin direct Atlanta-to-Monrovia flights. (Delta has formally requested government approval of these.) There is no need to abandon our ten-year track record of sending annual work-teams to Liberia, although heavy construction may be adversely impacted if there are to be no further cargo containers. But the future is rife with other possibilities, even in the face of more limited resources.

As we transition to new emphases in our partnership, it seems to Bob Bradford to be an appropriate time to pass the reigns of leadership over to the younger generation so he can retire-for the second time. He is, after all, rushing headlong toward his 76th birthday. But he leaves with deepest gratitude to God and to the many congregations and countless individuals who have so faithfully assisted him since his early retirement from Susquehanna University in 1993. It has been a joy and a privilege for him to have been able to serve the Church and, hopefully, advanced our members' appreciation for the body of Christ as a global church!

Rev. Dr. Lois D. Martin, Chairperson
Members: Bishop Driesen, Pastors Beth Ann Stone, Detlef Huckfeldt, Gunther Bernhardt, Sonja Ware, Kerry Aucker. Lay members: Douglas and Barbara Houseknecht, Kristen Vought, Marilyn Eshelmann, Deanna Bickhart, Daniel Spigelmyer.

This Team is responsible for activities that support and further the Covenant Agreement between the Upper Susquehanna Synod and the Ansbach-Würzburg Kirchenkreis, Germany.

The Team has met regularly this year to discuss activities pertinent to our partnership relationship. Discussions include hosting theological students from Neuendettelsau; pastor to pastor visits; exploring the possibility of church-to-church, pastor-to-pastor, and people-to-people relationships which will include intentional prayer and the possibility of exchanges to discuss issues that face the people of God. Other possibilities for the future could include visits from interested church members in the USS and in the Ansbach-Wurzburg Kirchenkreis. These visits could have the possibility of looking at our Lutheran heritage, with an emphasis on church history and the present similarities and differences in our churches. Because of financial constraints on both the USS and our partnership ‘synod', large visits, such as the youth and choir exchanges of past years, are not possible at this time or in the foreseeable future. However, there is the hope that smaller exchanges could be done through individuals or churches.

The Covenant between the Upper Susquehanna Synod and the Ansbach-Wurzburg Kirchenkreis, will be renewed this year, for another five years, until 2015.

Respectfully submitted,

Rev. Dr. Lois D Martin, Chairperson

Greetings! The Lay Ministry Institute has been quite busy since the 2009 Synod Assembly with a variety of tasks and issues. We have received and reviewed a set of applications for and conducted interviews with a new class of Authorized Lay Evangelists and Lay Worship Leaders. Currently, we have nine worship leader and three evangelist candidates enrolled in our intensive two-year program of instruction and work with a mentor. Even though the class size is much smaller than we have been used to in the past, this current group is filled with enthusiasm for and commitment to the process ahead. Over the next two years, these candidates will face a mid-term evaluation; an interview with an Institute Board Member; a Board Review; and, at the end, a comprehensive final evaluation process. Please keep the candidates, their mentors, and the Board in your prayers as they continue their education, training, and evaluating. This group of candidates is in line to be presented to the Synod and our Synod Assembly next summer.

Please consider joining the class for the special classes being offered in the area of Evangelism. These have proven to be quite dynamic presentations and are open to lay leaders, current authorized leaders, and pastors. Please see our display table and various synod publications for the upcoming dates. All classes are held in Washingtonville Lutheran Church.

The Lay Ministry Board has also been busy surveying the current authorized leaders with regard to their work and their interest in continuing education events. Members of the Board have worked on lining up dynamic continuing education events and encouraging participation. Another task of the Board is to ensure that authorized leaders are aware of and in compliance with the expectations and guidelines of our Synod's Lay Ministry Handbook. We are charged with ensuring that leaders are aware of and have all of the requirements met for continuing education and for the enduring authorization to be able to preside under their mentor/pastor's oversight and partnership.

In the recent months, the Board has also compiled a list of current Authorized Lay Worship Leaders, Catechists, and Evangelists and their home congregations. We have reviewed their home congregation and conference locations to see how these leaders are spread out across the Upper Susquehanna Synod. For the most part, the Synod is fairly well covered in terms of having access to these authorized leaders. The Board has also had initial conversations about the future direction of the LMI's ministry. We would certainly welcome your ideas and input in our ongoing conversations about the future direction of The Lay Ministry Institute's work.

Our work continues to be enhanced and made so much easier by Bishop Driesen's support and input as well as the rest of the synod staff. Pastor Beth Ann Stone and Virginia Frantz directly relate to the LMI Board and work enthusiastically to support our work together. We count on them a lot to assist us in our mission. Special thanks as well to our coordinator, Pastor Melody Sell, who helps to organize and run the nuts and bolts of the program. Her enthusiasm, passion, and care for these candidates are quite uplifting and so necessary for their and our success. As a Board, we look forward to continuing to lead and guide the authorized lay ministry program of our synod. God's
blessings!

Respectfully submitted;
The Rev. Wayne C. Muthler;
LMI Board, Chairperson

Current Lay Ministry Institute Members:
Mark Giesen
Harry Deitz
Christy Zeigler
Virginia Frantz, Associate in Ministry
Pastor Dan May
Pastor Gretchen Johanson
Pastor Charles Hershberger
Pastor David Pennebaker
Pastor Beth Ann Stone
Pastor Melody Sell, Coordinator
Pastor Wayne Muthler, Chairperson

The synod LEARN team is a new group dedicated to providing support for the Christian Education and Youth Group activities within all the churches in the synod. In addition to having events such as this coming autumn's "Go Teach" event, the LEARN team will provide programming for churches that request their assistance. Members of the LEARN team are interested Christian Education persons and the June 2009 class of Authorized Lay Catechists and are convened by Pastor Breen Sipes, Zion, Kratzerville. More information including team members may be found on the synod's web-site at http://www.uss-elca.org/for-congregations/learn-team

Respectfully submitted,

Rev. Breen Marie Sipes
Convener, LEARN Team

The whole assembly kept silence, and listened to Barnabas and Paul as they told of all the signs and wonders that God had done through them among the Gentiles. Acts 15:12

Mission Interpretation/Visitation Purpose Statement:
We talk about how our stories intersect with God's story - telling stories of how God has changed people's lives through our giving to the ministry of our congregations, the synod and churchwide ministries.

2009-10 has been an exciting and productive time
for the Upper Susquehanna Synod Mission Interpreter Team.
• Team discussed the concept that the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is in reality one church with three expressions or levels: individual congregations, the synod, and churchwide. Anything done by one of these three expressions of the ELCA is done in the name of all three - to the glory of God! Team also agreed that a fourth expression - the Lutheran World Federation - should be added in our work!
• Team decided that in order to fulfill its purpose (above), it would focus on training and making Mission Visitors available for Sunday congregational visits (also council visits or other events if requested) as the main mode of telling stories of how God has changed peoples' lives locally and all over the world through the partnership of churchwide, synod, congregations and individuals like you.
• Meetings were held: July 22, September 28, November 16, 2009 & January 7, April 19 & May 24, 2010
• Mission Visitor training was held March 20, 2010 with 14 attendees
• Several synod council members have been involved in the training and ongoing discussions about this ministry
• A Mission Interpretation page on synod website is constantly updated (under the "congregations" tab) including many resources for your use - a catalog of mission stories, bulletin inserts, etc.
• Rev. Josh Reinsburrow, Gary Womelsdorf and Beth Yenchko attended the ELCA Mission Interpreters Conference in Chicago Feb. 12-14, 2010
• Synod assembly will be the kick-off for soliciting invitations for Mission Visitor talks in your congregation on a Sunday (or other times/other events in your church)
• MISSION VISITORS can present stories about ministry in temple talks, powerpoints, Sunday School classes, preaching, presentations - however would best fit into your congregation's worship/Sunday School/other event. The visit will be arranged at a mutually agreeable time and format together with the pastor and/or lay leadership.
• We welcome requests for presentations on a specific local, synodical or national ministry, as well as on how our ELCA functions as three expressions and how your mission support dollars are used to further synodical and churchwide ministry.

• Thanks to all Mission Interpreter team members for their dedication: Rev. Josh Reinsburrow, Charlie Benner, Beth Yenchko, Mary Lazor, Rev. Karl John Stone, Revs. Keith and Pat Pittsnogle, Gary Womelsdorf, Sandy & Mike Hartman, Bev Hoffman, Vince Meisinger, Kristin Vought, Julia Hagenbuch, Steve Moll, Jody Ellis, Terry Moll, Rev. Greg Kramer, James Stanley


HOW I AM CONNECTED

I am a child of God - My name is:

I belong to an ELCA congregation:

I belong to a conference:

I belong to the Upper Susquehanna Synod ELCA

I belong to a denomination - the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

I belong to a global communion of Christian churches of Lutheran Tradition:
The Lutheran World Federation

I belong to one holy catholic and apostolic church

Following approval at the March 26, 2009 meeting of the Synod Council, the Upper Susquehanna Synod formed a Reconciliation Team for the purpose of reconciling divided parties within Upper Susquehanna congregations. The document titled "The Reconciliation of Conflicts within a Congregation", available on our Synod web site, explains this ministry in greater detail. Existing models for such a Team were provided from other Synods, most notably that of the Northeast Pennsylvania Synod, whose "Conflict Resource Team" was a partnership with the Pennsylvania Northeast Conference of the United Church of Christ.

During the remainder of 2009 and the early part of 2010, the following steps took place: a Chairperson was selected, potential members were identified and recruited, and meetings were held on an approximate monthly basis. Due to the death of one Team member, the relocation of another and the withdrawal of a third due to the commitments of graduate studies, additional members were recruited during the fall of 2009.

The primary purpose of our meetings has been to prepare ourselves for this reconciling ministry. Many study documents from another Synod were reviewed. Presentations on family systems and their application to congregational life were received and discussed. A compilation book of multiple authors, titled Conflict Management in Congregations (Alban Institute), was read by the Team and reviewed chapter by chapter. In early 2010, the process for meeting with and contracting with congregations was worked upon.

In the spring of 2010, by mutual agreement between Bishop Driesen and the members of the Reconciliation Team, the Team has become available for consultations. To date, the Reconciliation Team has been consulted by two congregations of this Synod.

As the previously mentioned Synod document "The Reconciliation of Conflicts within a Congregation" makes clear, "Congregations with conflicts may seek the assistance of the reconciliation team on their own, or may be referred to the Team by the Synod staff". (p. 5, item 5) We also wish to note especially that the Reconciliation Team "does not impose solutions, but rather accompanies aggrieved parties in seeking reconciliation. The team may provide advice, referral to other resources, or direct intervention."(p.4, item 1)

On behalf of the Reconciliation Team members, I would like to thank Bishop Driesen and the Synod Council for their dedication to the concept of reconciling ministry, and for entrusting us with the opportunity to assist the Upper Susquehanna Synod in this work, serving the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Rev. William S. Henderson
Chair

(Formerly the Small Church-Outreach Committee)

The Small Church-ELCMA (Evangelical Lutheran Coalition for Mission in Appalachia) Committee continues its ministry in support of the congregations of our synod. Our long-time chairman, Pastor Roy "The General" Meyer, stepped down from his involvement in this committee and with ELCMA. Many thanks to Roy for his faithful leadership over the years!

We have continued administering the synod's grants program, which includes Small Church Grants and Internship Grants. Applications are due on January 31 for the following fiscal year; contact Pastor Karl-John Stone at the synod office for more information. In fiscal year 2010 the Northern Tier Lutheran Cooperative and Washington Lutheran Church received Small Church Grants. For fiscal year 2011, Northern Tier Lutheran Cooperative was approved for a Small Church Grant, while St. James Lutheran Church in Rauchtown was approved for an Internship Grant.

Small Church Grants will be considered for the following purposes: 1) Support pastors' salaries that are below the synodical minimum. 2)Maintain ministry in congregations that are in strategic areas. 3) Foster congregational membership growth through quality programs. 4) Make available financial support and program resources for leadership development and materials, i.e., curriculum, newsletters, and programs. 5) Development of Outreach ministries.

Internship Grants will be made to support internships within the territory of the Upper Susquehanna Synod, especially in rural, smaller membership congregations. These grants may be used to cover any costs related to an internship such as housing, stipend, travel, etc. There are no limitations on the amount requested for grant monies or how many times a congregation may make a request. There is an expectation that each congregation would strive to fund a larger percentage of the costs of each subsequent internship, eventually eliminating their need for this grant.

This committee has a significant involvement with the ELCA's Evangelical Lutheran Coalition for Mission in Appalachia (ELCMA). Every year four delegates, along with several visitors, from our synod travel to the ELCMA Assembly (this year in Cambridge Springs, PA). The Assembly includes participants from all the ELCA synods that reside in whole or in part in what is geographically and politically known as the Appalachian region of the United States. This is a great opportunity not only to meet brothers and sisters in Christ who come from regions that share similar concerns as ours, but also to find resources and make connections to strengthen each other's ministries. ELCMA's mission is to "connect and equip God's people for Christ's mission in Appalachia". Our synod will be hosting this Assembly in two years (April 23-25, 2012), and plans are already being made. Learn more about ELCMA at www.elcma.org.

Our committee spent a lot of time evaluating how to be most effective going into the future. For that reason, we decided it would be best to drop to "Outreach" designation, since that is being handled in other ways through synod staff, and instead rename and refocus ourselves as the Small Church-ELCMA
Committee, promoting the ministry of ELCMA for building up the congregations of our synod.
One example of how ELCMA has already been working in our synod is that ELCMA's director, Dory Campbell, held two grant-writing workshops (Danville and Lock Haven) which were open to the community. We feel that the other resources of ELCMA will also benefit the congregations of our synod.

Submitted for the Small Church-ELCMA Committee,
Pastor Karl-John Stone

The Upper Susquehanna Synod Transformational Ministry team is now formed and was trained by the ELCA Region 8 Transformational Ministry Team in May 2010.

USS Transformational Ministry Team members are:
Cindy Bilger, Holly Fry, Rev. Dan May, Rev. Kerry Aucker, Rev. BJ Collins, Robin Latsha, Rev. Rick Phillips, and Beth Yenchko.

What is Transformational Ministry (TM)?
Essentially it's a "Back to the Basics" process for congregations to "transform" or "be renewed" into those which:

a. Are spiritually vital, rooted in Bible study, discussion and prayer;
b. Identify as a group the church's purpose in living out God's mission;
c. Have pastor and lay leaders who together:
catalyze transformation from membership to discipleship;
facilitate group decision-making;
equip/encourage disciples to use their God-given gifts in the community;
d. Engage more intentionally in the daily life of the surrounding community;
e. Discern and plan together for participating in God's mission in the community, and secure adequate resources to carry it out.

TM is an intentional process of putting these qualities in place, eventually becoming a natural and habitual way - individually and congregationally - of doing ministry

Why would a congregation choose to begin a TM process?
• So that God's Word & God's church become more relevant to ours & others' lives!
• So that we can live out more fully our Baptismal Covenant in our community!
• So that our congregation is revitalized with a renewed sense of purpose in ministry!

What is involved?
The Transformational Ministry process involves three 1 ½ day events (Friday night and Saturday) spaced 6 months apart. Cost for each event is $100 per congregational team (to help defray the synod team & materials expenses) + cost of meals. Events focus on:

(1) Personal Transformation (reorienting ourselves towards God),
(2) Congregational Transformation (reorienting our congregation towards God), and
(3) Transformation of the Community (reorienting our congregation towards the
community and the community towards God)!

Congregational teams attend each event and return to their congregations to work the material with their members for the next 6 months.

Who can participate?
In Upper Susquehanna Synod, the Team is now inviting clusters of congregations to participate in TM together - so that they can support each other...& also not have to travel! The first cluster to participate includes St. Johns and Grace in Jersey Shore, Garman, Trinity Avis and St. James, Rauchtown on October 1 & 2, 2010.

How do we get started? For more information please contact:
• Beth Yenchko, Director for Evangelical Mission at 570-524-9778 or eyenchko@uss-elca.org
• Rev. Karl John Stone, Bishop's Assistant, at 570-524-9778 or karljohn@uss-elca.org

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God-what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2

Jesus said, "I have come to bring good news to poor people." (Luke 4:18) In 2009, three pastors of the Virginia Synod took these words literally; and biking for God, visited within 100 days all of the 65 synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America to raise awareness and money to end hunger in the world. Thanks also to you, you faithful stewards, on behalf of the hungry and needy in this world! Without your generous participation and giving, their trip could not have happened. The Upper Susquehanna Synod (USS) was able to provide a check of over $50.000!

The Rev. Erwin Roux, Turbotville, was representing the USS at the World Hunger Leader's Gathering in Mexico City last fall and brought some challenging approaches on how to help people in need. Looking ahead, the task force is working on a World Hunger Lenten Series for 2011. The theme is: Give us today our daily bread. With the help of pastors from our synod, the task force will provide for Wednesdays in Lent Bible Studies; Children sermons; Take Home Sheets; Liturgies; Sermons/Drama; and, because we are Lutherans, some ideas for food that match the theme will complete the project.

I like to thank especially the ELCA World Hunger team in Chicago who provides the World Hunger Task Force with information, knowledge, encouragement, wonderful ideas, and material to learn more about hunger and thus get more people involved to end it.

We welcome our new member The Rev. Erwin Roux, Turbotville; and I like also to thank The Rev. Sarah Hershberger, Millmont; Kathy Kaufmann, Lewisburg; The Rev. Beth Ann Stone, Assistant to the Bishop; and Clissie Sheatler, Turbotville. We thank Zee Layne Merkel, Jersey Shore, and H. Donald Wolfe, Bellville, who stepped back from their position due to health reasons.

Respectfully submitted,
The Rev. Carla Volland, Chairperson 570-546-6381

Mission Statement
Our mission is to inform people of the Upper Susquehanna Synod of hunger and starvation throughout the world. To provide information and encourage their response to take action through existing programs to eliminate hunger.

The Bishop's Committee on Worship has the responsibility for planning and providing the worship experiences at synodical events, as directed by the bishop. The committee includes lay and ordained members, musicians and liturgists.

Since the committee's report to the 2009 Synod Assembly, we have planned and provided worship at the following synod events:

• "Bishop's Day for Rostered Leaders" at Faith Lutheran Church, Lewisburg, on Thursday, October 8, 2009.

• "Bishop's Day for Confirmands and Their Families" at United Lutheran Church, Sunbury on Sunday, March 21, 2010 at 2:00 PM.

• "Chrism Mass and Affirmation of Vows: Holy Tuesday Eucharist" at Christ Lutheran Church, Lewisburg on Tuesday, March 30, 2010 at 10:30 AM.

• Bishop's Retreat Opening Eucharist, Evening Prayer, and Morning Prayer at Wellsboro Episcopal Church, Wellsboro, on Thursday- Friday, May 6-7, 2010.

• Synod Assembly Worship at Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, June 18-19, 2010; including session-starting Prayers and Hymns, Healing Service, and two main assembly services.

We are grateful for the opportunity to plan worship for gatherings of God's people in our synod, and to our synod's many leaders and musicians for sharing their gifts in worship.

Members of the Bishop's Committee on Worship include: The Rev. William Esborn, Constance Fladland, David Reier, The Rev. Erwin Roux, The Rev. Breen Marie Sipes, The Rev. Beth Ann L. Stone, Carol Waltz, Bishop Robert L. Driesen.

Respectfully submitted,
The Rev. Beth Ann L. Stone, chair

Buffalo Valley Conference - Dean Jill Seagle

Juniata Valley Conference - Dean Erin Bovendam

Middle Creek Conference - Dean Breen Marie Sipes

North Branch Conference - Dean Chad Hebrink

Tulpehocken Conference - Dean Brian Beissel

West Branch Conference - Dean Maurice Frontz

Throughout the course of the year, the Buffalo Valley Conference has met from September-April on the first Thursday of each month. At those gatherings, clergy and rostered leaders have participated in worship, usually Holy Communion, and then have entered into a time of meeting. In May, we conducted our Conference Assembly.

During the course of the year we have had special presentations by LAMPA, Kevin Derr (regarding Mandated Reporting laws in PA), Christ United (regarding Elijah's Cupboard and Hope's Haven), and Bishop Robert Driesen. We have discussed issues addressed at Churchwide, including racism and youth involvement.

A group of Buffalo Valley Conference clergy continues to meet every Tuesday morning, 8:00 a.m., at Country Cupboard for a pericope study.

After 5 years of inactivity, the conference Dean's account has been updated. At the conference assembly, those present voted to add a second signatory on the account to avoid problems with the transfer of the account in the future.

"Northern Lights," a cooperative ministry of the ELCA churches in northern Northumberland County, continues to be active within the Buffalo Valley conference. They have cooperated in many events and challenges over the course of the year, including sponsoring Wednesday evening Lenten services that rotated between five churches involved in the ministry group.

The Buffalo Valley conference continues to look for ways to strengthen ministry in our area. We look to God's will to continue to guide us into the future.

Respectfully submitted,

The Rev. Jill V. Seagle, Conference Dean

Juniata Valley Conference consists of the Lutheran churches in Mifflin and Juniata Counties. The rostered leaders and authorized lay worship leaders of these counties join together to participate in the following activities:

o Weekly Pericope Study with devotions and prayer and then lunch

o Bimonthly business meetings from September to May

o Conference Assembly, followed by social time and, of course, food

o Social Events, including a Post-Epiphany Party

o General Support of one another

Respectfully Submitted,

Pastor Erin Bovendam
Conference Dean

The North Branch Conference consists of 22 congregations located primarily in Columbia and Montour counties.

The pastors of the North Branch conference typically gather on the 3rd Wednesday of each month from September through May. At the monthly meetings, the pastors gather together for worship, fellowship, and the sharing of information and concerns. During the 2009 - 2010 year, our meetings were held at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Bloomsburg. Thank you to Pastor Jeff Bohan, Vicar Peter Horn, and the members of St. Luke Lutheran Church for serving as the hosts for our meetings.

Highlights from our monthly conference meetings included:
· Visit from Bishop Driesen to discuss the actions of the 2009 Churchwide Assembly.
· A site visit to Agape Ministries in Bloomsburg to learn about their distribution of items from Kathryn's Kloset.
· Presentation by Sandy Grier, Social Ministry Outreach Project Coach
· Presentation by Bishop Driesen regarding clergy wellness
· Presentation by Robin Kunkel representing the synod's LEARN Team
· Pastor Karl-John Stone, Assistant to the Bishop, and Deb Best, Congregational Health Ministries Coordinator at Diakon, regularly attend our conference meetings.

The North Branch Conference Assembly was held on May 2, 2010 at St. Luke Lutheran Church, Bloomsburg. At the assembly, pastors and voting members from the congregations gathered in prayer, received reports, made nominations, and conducted elections.

Today's Lutherans in Christ, a cooperative ministry within the North Branch Conference, continues to be active in working on the goals of communication, Lutheran identity and social ministry. Here are a few highlights of the activities of Today's Lutherans in Christ:
· In summer 2009, congregations did a teddy bear project - dressing up teddy bears and getting members to vote for their favorite bear with monetary gifts - to raise funds for five area food cupboards. The dressed up bears were given to the Ronald McDonald House at Geisinger Medical Center. The bears were on display at a joint picnic held at Hidlay Lutheran Church.
· A number of congregations participated in an Advent Gift Exchange.
· Hosted an informational table at the Danville Spring Fling to share information about all of the area Lutheran congregations and give away some promotional items.

We are thankful for the mission and ministry that we share as the North Branch Conference. We continue to pray that our work together may uplift and support each of our congregations.

Respectfully submitted,

The Rev. Chad A. Hebrink
North Branch Conference Dean

The Tulpehocken Conference is comprised of congregations in parts of Northumberland, Dauphin, and Montour Counties. The pastors of the Tulpehocken Conference meet on the first Tuesday of each month from September through June for a monthly Conference Meeting, which takes place at a rotating site (usually a church building within the Conference itself). At the monthly meetings, many items are discussed, including the prayer concerns of the pastors and their congregations, planning and implementing of Conference-wide events, and other ministry opportunities we may have participation. We have Synodical representation at each meeting, usually Rev. Beth Ann Stone, and the Conference has found that resource to be of utmost importance as we seek to have open communication throughout our various ministries. On occasion, the Conference does host a special guest at its monthly meeting, this year including Sandy Grier, who discussed with the Conference her position as this Synod's Social Ministry Coach, and Bishop Driesen, who discussed clergy wellness. Each meeting is preceded by pericope study of the upcoming Sunday's scriptures and a devotion led by the host pastor.

In addition to monthly meetings the pastors of the Tulpehocken Conference engage in weekly pericope study at Jay's Tiffany's restaurant in Sunbury every Tuesday morning when we do not have a Conference meeting.

This year, the Tulpehocken Conference held a Confirmation Overnight at United Lutheran Church at Wolf's Crossroads outside Sunbury, in which we gathered our confirmation students together for a night of games, food, and talking about the Apostles' Creed. This event continued into the next day, where the confirmation students participated in worship at United and then participated in the Bishop's Day for Confirmands and their parents.

The congregations of the Tulpehocken Conference also participated in United Lutheran Church's Fall Festival, in which various congregations sold a variety of food. At the Fall Festival, we gave out free devotional material, including copies of The Lutheran magazine and The Little Lutheran.

Twice this year, a Day Away was held at a pastor's residence, in which the pastors of the Conference came for a day of refreshment, food, and fellowship.

The Tulpehocken Conference's Annual Burning of the Greens festival was held this year around Epiphany; however, because of the wind, the giant tree was sadly not lit on fire to close the service. The Tulpehocken Conference also has an annual Epiphany Dinner, which this year was held at Bloomin' Thai restaurant in Bloomsburg.

Our Conference Assembly took place on May 2 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sunbury.
Upcoming projects for the Tulpehocken Conference include a planned Ministry Trip to Washington D.C. with 23 people from throughout the conference, where the participants will work at a homeless shelter and engage in urban ministry for four days.

On a personal note, it is a joy to serve as this Conference's Dean. The pastors are a tremendous resource for each other, providing genuine support and understanding while we all shepherd our congregations through this part of the 21st century together.

Respectfully submitted,
Rev. Brian Beissel, Conference Dean

Camp Mount Luther is Making Christ Known through Outdoor Ministries. We proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ in the beauty of creation and serve the people of Central PA, while providing worship, study, recreation and Christian fellowship in a place set apart by God.

2009 was our 47th year of ministry. During the summer camping season, 349 campers attended our programs. Another 362 attended our off-site Day Camps. New offerings this year included Pirate, Mount Luther Heritage, and Colors of the Rainbow Theme Weeks, History Adventure Camp, LEGO Adventure Camp, Mini-Intermediates and Two-Week Camp. In addition, we were very excited and pleased with the fourth year of our partnership with the Episcopal Diocese of Central Pennsylvania. During our last week of camp, both Lutherans and Episcopalians sent campers to Mount Luther as we lived out our Call to Common Mission. Both Upper Susquehanna Synod Bishop Emeritus A. Donald Main and Episcopal Bishop Nathan Baxter were present during our closing day. We are committed to the joint week again in 2010 and are expanding our partnership with the addition of two new seats on our board designated specifically for members of the Episcopal Diocese.

Our trained staff and volunteers worked hard to take care of the needs of our campers and provide a good Christian camping experience. As we look forward to our 2010 camping season, we will celebrate the retirement of Carol Segraves, our food service manager. Carol has served for 20 summers with us at Mount Luther and will be greatly missed. This year's summer theme is "Keeping the Earth," focusing on environmental stewardship.

List of Other 2009 Accomplishments and Activities:
• Continued Day Camp Program at sites throughout synod. Day Camps were held at Trinity, Milton; St. Matthew, Shamokin Dam; St. John, Richfield; Bethany, Montoursville; First, Watsontown; Pine Street, Danville; Beaver, Beaver Springs; St. John's, Bloomsburg; Centre, Mifflintown; Emmanuel, Middleburg, and Zion, Turbotville
• Enjoyed a successful Family Camp program with Rev. Chip Frontz serving as adult Bible Study leader
• Sponsored Summer Preview Parties for Campersons, Spring Brunch Fundraiser and Open House, Summer Camp Kickoff and Chicken Barbecue, Women's Retreat, Spring Work Day, Dandelion Trail Run, and Benefit Auction
• Celebrated the sixth synod-wide Camp Mount Luther Sunday in January
• Held the fourth annual Bishop's Open Golf Tournament, raising around $18,000 for the 40 By Faith Campaign
• Continued the monthly E-Newsletter
• Purchased new tables and chairs for Pine Village
• Installed censor lights in Evergreen Center restrooms and walk-in freezer to help save energy; moved refrigeration compressor to outdoors
• Trinity, McAlisterville, constructed and installed a dock at the pond in honor of Rev. James Park Bricker's retirement
• Repaired roof on A-Center and replaced roof on Maintenance Shed. The maintenance shed project was done by volunteers from St. Luke, Bloomsburg.
• Upgraded pool drain as per new federal regulations
• Began upgrade of electrical system after suffering lightning strike in July
• A director's task force met in September to reinvent the summer camping weekly schedule with changes beginning in 2010
• The Development Team established an Endowment Fund and worked on the Black Walnut Tree Society and Alumni Association

This summer marks my tenth summer as director of Camp Mount Luther. In many ways, it seems like just yesterday when I began; in other ways, it seems like ten years! Together, we have accomplished much in this decade of ministry together and our work is not done. I thank the Upper Susquehanna Synod and its congregations for their support throughout these years. I also thank our hardworking Board of Directors who support me, and provide vision, guidance, and governance for the camp. We are blessed with volunteers who put extra effort into what they do.

This year, I especially thank our year-round ministry team. They serve each and every day to further our mission. To Tom and Linda, my daily work partners, thank you for your commitment to this place. And to our retiring Carol, a heartfelt thank you for your dedication to camp, your grandmotherly love toward our campers and staff, and your homecooking for all these years. I will miss you and will cherish my memories of our work together in God's name.

Respectfully Submitted,

Chad W. Hershberger, Executive Director

FULL-TIME MINISTRY TEAM

Executive Director: Chad Hershberger
Office Manager: Linda Aurand
Site Manager : Tom Watters
Food Service Manager: Carol Segraves

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President - Mr. Chris Sands, Lewisburg (Term ends 2011, Middle Creek Conf)
Vice President- Rev. James Park Bricker, Mifflintown (Term ends 2011, Buffalo Valley Conf)
Secretary - Rev. BJ Collins, PottsGrove (Term ends 2012, Buffalo Valley Conf)
Treasurer - Rev. Gary Roth, Lewistown (Term ends 2012, Juniata Valley Conference)
Rev. Patrick Collins, Harrisburg (Term ends 2012, At-Large Member/Episcopalian)
Mr. Richard DeWald, Catawissa (Synod Council Representative)
Mrs. Shirley Heasley, Mifflinburg (Term ends 2010, Buffalo Valley Conference)
Mrs. Nancy Hodge, Hughesville (Term ends 2010, West Branch Conference)
Rev. Karl-John Stone, Mifflinburg (Bishop's Representative)
Rev. Patrick Strohl, Harrisburg (Term ends 2011, At-Large Member/Episcopalian)
Mr. James VanBrakle, Hershey (Term ends 2010, At-Large Member)

2009 OPERATING BUDGET SUMMARY
(Note: the following are unaudited amounts for the year ending December 31, 2009)

INCOME 2009 Budget YTD Actual
Synod Income $45,500.00 $45,500.00
Fees $245,650.00 $267,399.53
Annual Fund $60,500.00 $38,410.81
Store Income $11,000.00 $9,945.69
Subsides $5,400.00 $5,019.58
Interest Income $450.00 $180.07
Fundraiser $9,500.00 $4,164.75
Unexpected Income $300.00 $260.00
TOTAL INCOME $378,300 $370,880.43
EXPENSE 2009 Budget YTD Actual
Year-Round Salaries $120,000.00 $120,000
Summer Salaries $48,385.00 $45,643.33
Second Season Wages $10,850.00 $10,605.19
Benefits $52,620.00 $59,365.89
Administration $27,850.00 $28,845.13
Transportation/Travel $6,400.00 $7,962.30
Utilities $47,000.00 $35,691.89
Property $11,520.00 $17,288.72
Program $3,150.00 $3,233.43
Store Expense $6,250.00 $7,993.39
Food Service $34,725.00 $35,278.46
Promotion $4,975.00 $3,925.73
Development $1,425.00 $5,994.26
Fundraiser Expense $1,500.00 $375.90
Interest Expense $1,550.00 $952.52
Miscellaneous Expense $100.00 $608.27
Unexpected Expense $0.00 $0.00
TOTAL EXPENSE $378,300.00 $383,764.41
INCOME LESS EXPENSES $0.00 ($12,883.98)

USE OF CAMP MOUNT LUTHER IN 2009

CAMPING STATISTICS
Buffalo Valley Conference- 106
Juniata Valley Conference- 34
Middle Creek Conference- 35
North Branch Conference- 27
Tulpehocken Conference- 07
West Branch Conference- 54
Other Synods- 33
Episcopal Diocese of Central PA- 23
Other Denominations- 20
Non-Church Affiliated- 10
TOTAL: 349

DAY CAMP SITES
Camp Mount Luther Mifflinburg
Bethany Lutheran Church Montoursville
Trinity Lutheran Church Milton
St. John's Lutheran Church Richfield
Beaver Lutheran Church Beaver Springs
St. Matthew's Lutheran Shamokin Dam
First Lutheran Church Watsontown
Emmanuel Lutheran Church Middleburg
St. John's Lutheran Bloomsburg
Pine Street Lutheran Danville
Centre Lutheran Mifflintown
Zion Lutheran Turbotville

RETREAT AND OUTDOOR EDUCATION USE AT MOUNT LUTHER
We had about 3,038 people use camp in our retreat season including these groups:

Advanced Concrete Systems
Asian American Christian Fellowship, PSU
Brookside Homes, Selinsgrove
Bucknell University, Lewisburg
Campus Crusade for Christ
Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Middleburg
Episcopal Diocese Children's Commission
First Lutheran Church, Mifflinburg
First Lutheran Church, Watsontown
FLOOD, Upper Susquehanna Synod
Grace Fellowship Church, Milton
Hackenberg Family, Middleburg
Hartman Family, Mifflinburg
Hess/Walter Families, Millmont
Korean Students for Christ, State College
Midd-West School District, Middleburg
Miller Family, Lewisburg
Mitchell Family, Mifflinburg
Mt. Zion Lutheran Church, Lewisberry
Paxtonville United Methodist
Revival Tabernacle, West Milton
Selinsgrove Middle School, Selinsgrove
Shady Grove Mennonite Church, Mifflinburg
Shikellamy School District, Sunbury
South Williamsport School District
St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Muncy
St. John Lutheran Parish, Snyder Co.
St. Matthew Lutheran, Shamokin Dam
Trinity Lutheran Church, Mount Joy
Trinity Lutheran, McAlisterville
Tulpehocken Conference, USS
Union Snyder Community Action
Upper Susquehanna Synod
WELCA-U.S.S.
White Deer Run Inc., Allenwood
Zion Lutheran Church, Sunbury

RENEW, RESPOND, REJOICE! The women of the Upper Susquehanna Synod strive to live this theme of the coming 2011 Triennial Gathering of Women of the ELCA. Each day we seek to carry out our mission, to urge women to act boldly in their faith in Jesus Christ, to continue to rejoice in God's gifts, and to be renewed. The USSWO plans and works through the organization's committees-Mission Growth, Mission Action, Mission Community, and Convention.

Mission Growth committee developed the theme for the Fall Cluster gatherings, "God's hands at Work," using scriptures - Isaiah 41: 8-10; Luke 22: 27; and Psalm 111: 7-8. Each Cluster of the Synod then developed their own program from this theme and these scriptures.

Mission Action sponsored the annual Blanket Sunday and arranged for the many quilts, blankets, and kits to be transported to Lutheran World Relief, in New Windsor, Maryland. The women contributed $16,265.00, for blankets and freight cost, in addition to the blankets, quilts, and kits, that were given.

The Peace Pole service was held Saturday, October 24, 2009, at the Synod office. The theme for the service was "God's Gift of Simple Living." Deb Best was the speaker.

The Day of Renewal, to have been February 27, 2010, was not held, due to some unavoidable conflicts for the program presenters. HOWEVER, keep this date, February 26, 2011, open for next year.

Mission Community held the Day of Learning, Saturday, April 24, 2010, at St. Luke Lutheran Church, Williamsport. The theme for the day was "God's Work, Our Hands in Service." Pastor Anke Deibler led a Bible Study, based on John 13: 3-16. Two workshops were conducted, one by the Shepherd of the Street (Williamsport) and one by the Salvation Army.

July 25, 2009 the women met at Camp Mt. Luther, for their Twenty-Second Annual Convention. The theme was "Come to the Waters Lifegiving-Inside and Out," with scripture text, John 7: 37b-38 and Isaiah 44: 30. The women shared fellowship with one another and God's bounty with others. The Mission Ingathering offering was split between Susquehanna Valley House of Hope in Riverside (Danville) and the Lumina Center, Lewistown, plus In-Kind gifts for Haven Ministries.

This year the Twenty-Third Annual Convention will again be held at Camp Mt. Luther, Saturday, July 24, 2010. The beautiful setting will help us experience our theme - RENEW AND REJOICE. The scripture for the day will be Romans 5: 1-5 & 12: 1-2 and Philippians 4: 4-7. Elections will be held for president, vice president, three board members, and three triennial delegates.

All events, gatherings, offerings, and current information about the USSWO and the Women of the ELCA are published in our newsletter, SHARE, by editor, Emily DeWald. SHARE and the USSWO website help congregational/inter congregational units and pastors keep current with USSWO activities.

This past year has been one in which women have responded "to the call of discipleship, empowered by the Holy Spirit. The women have committed themselves to grow in faith, affirm our gifts, support one another in our callings, engage in ministry and action, and promote healing and wholeness, in the church, the society, and the world."

I want to thank the women of the Upper Susquehanna Synod for their faith, their prayers, and their service to our Lord. Nothing would happen without them and their faithfulness.

I especially want to thank the officers, board, and committee leaders of the USSWO - vice president, Sandy Grier; secretary, Peggy Bohart; treasurer, Barbara Houseknecht; SHARE editor, Emily DeWald; executive board members - Elizabeth (Sue) Baylor, Grace Lucas, Peggy Starr, Eileen Stauffer, and Donna Treaster; convention chairs, Peggy Starr and Eileen Stauffer; committee chairs - Elizabeth (Sue) Baylor, Grace Lucas, Sandy Grier, and Peggy Bohart.

May God continue to guide and direct the USSWO, as they seek to fulfill their mission and purpose. May we be Renewed, may we Respond, and may we Rejoice, hearing God's call.

Carol A. Winter
USSWO president

Region 8 is composed of eight synods in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States of America: (a) Northwestern PA Synod, (b) Southwestern PA Synod, (c) Allegheny Synod, (d) Lower Susquehanna Synod, (e) Upper Susquehanna Synod, (f) DE/MD Synod, (g) Metropolitan Washington DC Synod, and, (h) WV/WMD Synod. On this territory, we find the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, (the first and oldest Lutheran Seminary in North America) founded in 1826; three colleges of our Church: Gettysburg, Susquehanna and Thiel, eight outdoor ministry sites and numerous expressions of social services, schools and advocacy ministries. The region is composed of nearly 1150 congregations and nearly 453,000 baptized members and contains three major urban centers: Washington, DC, Baltimore and Pittsburgh, as well as many mid-sized cities and suburbs, and numerous town and country parishes (some dating to pre-Revolutionary War days). From open farm land, to the industries of coal and steel, to the centers of government, cultural, social and educational centers, the region encompasses a great variety of people, places and issues. The industrial, mining and farming communities have seen declines in population, as has the Lutheran Church in this region. Yet the cities have seen significant growth, including African American, Latino and African immigrant population increases.

During this past year several events are highly symbolic of the important ‘grassroots' ministry work going on in and throughout Region 8, involving people from throughout the Region. First, the Region 8 bishops worked with regionally based staff from the Evangelical Outreach and Congregational Ministry Unit to kicked-off a multiple year "Missional Leadership Training" opportunity and participants in this learning opportunity will continue to work in colleague groups and with the larger learning group for three years. Second, as they shared at the ELCA Churchwide Assembly, three pastors from the WV/WMD Synod created "Tour de Revs", an exciting bicycle expedition that benefitted both ELCA World Hunger and Disaster Response. Their ride through the synods of Region 8 and throughout the ELCA promoted excitement and amazing creativity that financially supported both World Hunger and Disaster Response and generated lots of publicity for the ELCA. Check out this incredible story at http://www.tourderevs.org/

Region 8 synods work collaboratively in many ways, but in this year's report I share that the work of the new Directors for Evangelical Mission (DEMs) is taking root throughout synods of Region 8. On one end of the Region, and one end of the activity spectrum, in the rural Northwest PA Synod (where economics and age continue to challenge evangelism efforts) Bishop Jones and DEM Pastor Jake Jacobson are beginning to map out appropriate strategies for this important work. On the other end of the Region, and on the other end of the activity spectrum, in the Metropolitan Washington DC Synod (where thousands of young adults move to serve any number of government agencies) Assistant to the Bishop Pastor Amy Sevimli continues her valuable work with young adults and what church means in their lives and DEM Pastor Phil Hirsch embodies a committed partnership in this ministry adventure as he considers how a "church plant" might best nurture an essential location for faith community in the lives of these young adults. Bishops and other assistants to bishops are eager to partner with this cadre of leaders who are charged with leading us into a faith filled and faith vital future.

The coming year promises to be one where we in Region 8 seek appropriate balance between carrying forward what have been helpful and beneficial ministry activities while exploring and engaging in new opportunities for cooperative ministry, especially in light of 2009 Churchwide Assembly actions. There is a good spirit among the leaders of the Region who are committed to the mission of the ELCA and who desire to find ways to embody that mission, particularly in the area of campus ministry and candidacy.

Respectfully submitted,
Nancy E. Gable, Diaconal Minister
Coordinator for Ministry Leadership - Region 8

FY 2009 OPERATIONS REPORT - UPPER SUSQUEHANNA SYNOD SUMMARY
March 5, 2010

The following summary covers the activities and accomplishments of the part-time Region 8 Archivist during the synodical fiscal year from February 1, 2009 to January 31, 2010.

Activities/Accomplishments
The Archivist began the fiscal year by responding to several email inquiries and a revisiting of an older accession (#2005.006) based on an inquiry received concerning the Central Pennsylvania Synod, Commission on Camping's "GO" (Greater Opportunities in God's Outdoors) Campaign. He also continued the cataloging of the images contained in a photograph album compiled between 1960 and 1967 by a Sunday School class from Emmanuel (Baust's) Lutheran Church, formerly located in Carroll County, Maryland (#2006.015). This preliminary work generated 20 catalogue records. During the remainder of March, 15 catalogue records were generated most of them photographs from the above-described Baust's church photo album, and accessioned and catalogued the previous year's compilation of the Lower Susquehanna Synod's email newsletter, "Carings and Sharings" (#2009.001). He also updated 3 catalog records.
April was a productive month. The Archivist completed the cataloguing and scanning of the images from Baust's church. In all, the Archivist processed some 37 records and updated 8.
During May, the Archivist created 66 records all from a deposit from St. Matthews Lutheran Church, Martinsburg, PA, a member congregation of the Allegheny Synod (#2008.020). He also cataloged items deposited by the Rev. Evin L. Bovendam, from which the Archivist created the Rev. Harry R. Billow Collection, a group of records pertaining to Camp Juniata, one of the first Lutheran outdoor ministry camps, with which Rev. Billow was closely associated (#2009.004). The Archivist also updated 46 records.
The month of June was not as productive as May, due to the Archivist taking a two-week hiatus to complete a historical consulting project for the Borough of Gettysburg. Nevertheless, he catalogued 17 items from St. Paul's (Potter's Creek) including three items already in the collections, but never accessioned. However, during the month he also updated 245 records.
In July, August, and September, the Archivist continued his cataloging: respectively by month - 112, 89, and 111 records, and updated 141, 44, and 1 records. In July, the Archivist received the pre-assembly mailing from the Upper Susquehanna Synod (#2009.008). October was a very productive month. Continuing to weed through backlogged accessions, he generated an additional 252 catalog records, 247 of photographs. The number of updated records reached 128.
During the last months of the fiscal year, the Archivist created/updated the following number of records: November - 95/4; December - 200/12; and January 2010 - 109/12.
Based on entries in the archives' database, the Archivist created a total of 1,123 catalogue records associated with 41 accessions between February 1, 2009 and January 31, 2010. The number can be broken down by category: the Archivist cataloged 9 objects, 330 documents or group of documents, and 784 photographs and negatives.

Acquisitions
Of 17 acquisitions this year, one was received from the Upper Susquehanna Synod office.

Visitations
During FY 2009-2010, the Archives received and sent approximately 493 communiqués, a decrease of 128 from last fiscal year. Only a handful of the communications were in written form. The total figure, however, includes 111 e-mailed "Carings and Sharings" newsletters received from the Director of Communications of the Lower Susquehanna Synod; 5 messages to/from the remnant of the Region 8 Archives-East Advisory Committee members; 67 messages to/from the Lutheran Theological Seminary-Gettysburg staff (34 of which were from the seminary's Director of Information Technology); about 6 messages to/from the Mid-Atlantic Region 8 ELCA (MAR8) Coordinator; about 158 messages sent/received from synodical and churchwide offices; and some 50 items concerned other ELCA or Lutheran archives.
Thus outside inquisitors sent/received a total of approximately 205 communiqués, 20 less than last fiscal year. During the year, the Archivist performed research, responding to several inquires about Lutheran pastors: the revs. John Darmstaetter; John Jacob Suman (1818-1884); George Philip Goll (1868-1931); John L. Smithdeal (c. 1826-1871); and Samuel Hunziker (ca. 1836-1899).

Respectfully submitted,

Elwood W. Christ, ELCA Region 8 Archives-East
EWC/ewc

In 2009, Gettysburg Seminary weathered a perfect economic storm that affected all educational institutions, by engaging in serious "belt-tightening" to cope with effects of the global economic downturn, which caused a reduction in the endowment and church support. In order to plan for a sustainable long-term future, the Board of Directors' chair appointed a Seminary Futures task force, which is hard at work seeking ways to enhance our robust educational offerings even as we balance expenditures with anticipated income in the years ahead. Prudent investment strategies employed by the endowment foundation contained losses at lower than average level.  Yet the full recovery of endowment losses remains years away. Thanks to the steadfastness of unrestricted support from Region 8 synods, the Seminary plans to keep its scholarship offering to students at least on par with last year, if not increased in the year ahead.  We will also maintain tuition and other student costs on the lower end of the scale. 

Redoubled commitment to churchly service and academic freedom: As some began to ask, "where does the Seminary stand?" following historic decisions to permit ordination of openly gay and lesbian candidates by the ELCA, the board chair and seminary president issued a statement reiterating Gettysburg Seminary's intent to honor churchly decisions and processes. We also underscored our commitment to ensure a campus climate permeated by academic freedom wherein unfettered holy conversations about important matters are encouraged.

New Certificate program in Leadership of Faith-based Organizations:  Gettysburg's program is part of a new shared endeavor called Intersections Institute, which in partnership with Philadelphia Seminary, will provide degree and certificate programs for leaders in social ministry organizations and other vocations that mix theology and management skills in their ministries. Dr. Mary Christine (Christy) Lohr directs the new program at both schools.  (See http://www.intersectionsinstitute.org/ )

Faculty news: The Seminary honored a beloved late president by conferring the Herman G. Stuem+pfle Chair of the Proclamation of the Word upon the Rev. Dr. Susan Hedahl. As of July 1^st, several faculty members will be advanced to the rank of full professor.  Already serving as registrar and Old Testament instructor, Dr. Marty Stevens also became the Seminary's chief financial officer during the year. The faculty's senior professor, Dr. William Avery, officially retired during the fall and is serving as the primary coordinator of the Seminary's major reaccreditation self -study.  Faculty publications multiplied, including: What Christians Can Learn from Buddhism (Kristin Largen); No Greater Jewel: Thinking about Baptism with Luther (Kirsi Stjerna); The Comeback God (Michael Cooper-White); No Mere Dialogue: Engaging World Religions (Lawrence Folkemer) among many other contributions.

Rounding out the newsworthy year:  Forty new leaders for service in the church and world received diplomas; a Green Task force began its work to help the campus community become better stewards; and student-led fund raising assisted local service agencies stressed by a Pennsylvania budget crisis.  Theological Education with Youth (TEY) and Project Connect (both programs shared with Eastern Cluster partners) received sustaining grants totaling a combined $1.9 million from the Lilly Endowment.  The Seminary extends its deep thanksgiving for the faithful support, for the students, and for the elected directors who come from among the synods and people of Region 8.

The Rev. Michael L. Cooper-White, President           

The Rev. Glenn E. Ludwig, Chair of the Board

Matters of urgency and joy continue to be the focus of the Cluster and the three Seminaries in the Cluster.

We rejoice that the Lilly Foundation approved the grant request for the continuation of Project Connect. At the March meeting of the Cluster Board, Don Johnson was re-appointed as director of this vital program. This grant allows the program to continue and become a stronger partner with congregations, synods, and other ministries within the Cluster.

Each Seminary in the Cluster has a board committee to discern the faithful future for the institutions. These reports will be considered at the spring meetings of each Seminary and will shape the future of the Seminaries and the Cluster as recommendations are received and implemented.

The cluster board also approved revised governing documents. The new structure streamlines the work of the cluster, reducing the number of members on the cluster board, and allows for more flexibility in programming. The revised structure also reduces expenses for the cluster so that more dollars are allocated for This proposal provides a helpful way forward for the Cluster intending to keep us working together and providing space for possibilities that will need to be considered by each Seminary.

The cluster continues to seek ways for deeper collaboration between member seminaries and among the seminaries of the cluster.

From: Marcus Miller
Program: Eastern Cluster
Date: March 3, 2010

"God's Work. Our Hands...and Voices!"

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania (LAMPa) is a partnership ministry of the Church in Society Program Unit of the ELCA, ELCA World Hunger, the seven ELCA Synods, Lutheran Social Ministry Organizations, Seminaries, Colleges and other agencies and institutions located in the Commonwealth. Our advocacy ministry is guided by Scripture, the ELCA Constitution and continuing resolutions as well as the Social Statements passed by the church in Assembly.

Advocacy is part of the vocation of the baptized to "strive for justice and peace in all the earth". LAMPa partners with the Upper Susquehanna Synod through providing education, equipping events and opportunities for congregations and individuals to engage in advocacy with their representatives for just public policy in our state government. Through congregational forums, synodical workshops, youth gatherings and the annual Lutheran Day at the Capitol, LAMPa provides education on these complex issues and how we as Lutheran Christians discern our baptismal calling to respond to the needs of our neighbors. LAMPa offers advocacy opportunities through ACTIONET, a network of Lutherans who write, call, and visit legislators around issues of the common good, the Ambassadors Ministry of individuals in an intentional relationship with their legislators and a Facebook group. Contact the LAMPa office (www.lamp.org) to sign up, and pass the word around to friends and fellow congregants!

LAMPa is engaged in the effort to end hunger in Pennsylvania and we are working to ensure that state budgetary priorities are faithful to the needs of the poor and vulnerable. In 2009 we worked towards increasing affordable housing through creation of a state housing trust fund and sufficient funding for programs that serve the poor, such as emergency food, home heating assistance, basic and early childhood education. LAMPa also worked to promote access to healthcare through advocacy for expansion of health care options for low income persons in Pennsylvania and partnered with the ELCA Washington Office in national health reform. In 2010 LAMPa will be leading efforts to establish a statewide Poverty Reduction Commission to provide the first comprehensive overview of poverty, and poverty solutions, in Pennsylvania.

LAMPa is deeply appreciative for the financial commitment of the Upper Susquehanna Synod to advocacy and public policy ministry in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with and for the poor, vulnerable, disenfranchised, and for all of God's creation. We were blessed in 2009 by the public leadership of Bishop Robert Driesen and the time, talents and commitment of Ruth Koble and the Rev. Dennis Smith, synod representatives to the LAMPa Policy Council. Both have just stepped down after serving for six years. We welcome new synod Policy Council representatives, the Rev. Ricky Phillips and Mark Elliott who are beginning three year terms.

The success of our advocacy efforts depend on the involvement of Lutheran Christians to advocate for just public policy. The churches of the Upper Susquehanna Synod have a strong sense of mission to serve those in need. We ask you to consider working with LAMPa and together address the root causes of hunger in Pennsylvania. As a ministry of advocacy for this Synod, we are available to speak to your congregation. To schedule a visit, or learn more about the work of LAMPa please call or email us.

In Christ,

The Rev. Amy E. Reumann, Director
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania
900 S. Arlington Avenue, Suite 234A, Harrisburg, PA 17109-5027
Phone: 717-545-3500
E-mail: lampa@lamp.org; Web: www.lamp.org

"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." -Proverbs 16:3 (NRSV)

"Put God in charge of your work, then what you've planned will take place." - Proverbs 16:3 (The Message)

        Whatever version you choose, and however you look at it, God has been blessing ELCMA with people and funds this year.  Our ministry has grown in a time when many ministries are struggling.  There are many examples.  Our staff now includes not only an Administrative Assistant but also a Financial Secretary and a Bonding Gardens Coordinator!  Just three short years ago it was only me trying to connect sixteen synods and various community groups with each other and resources and trainings.

          The Bonding Garden project has been wonderfully blessed.  In the 2008-2009 gardening season we began this program with $3350 and set up five gardening sites.  The goal is to teach food pantry recipients to garden in containers.  But more than that, ELCMA works to connect participants with resources in their areas such as the cooperative extension office, congregations and matriarchs, local retailers, and their own families.  That way each gardener is able to continue gardening in the future, even if we don't get more grants to work with them.  ELCMA is working to cut the co-dependency that often accompanies food pantry use.  Because of our successes on a small scale last year, we were able to leverage a larger grant for 2009-2010 gardening season.  Our goal is to have at least six more sites up this year and in three years to have at least one site in each synod.  Further, by the fall of this year we will have a training manual at our website so anyone can follow our model.  We want to give a enthusiastic thank you to Dr. Job Ebenezer (http://www.technologyforthepoor.com/) for his idea and his eagerness to mentor us through this process.  Look for the Bonding Garden site in your area.  Plan a visit to see if this idea would work in your location.

          ELCMA's connection with the Directors for Evangelical Mission (DEM) in each synod is growing.  We are connecting with various new mission starts including Mountain of Life LC in Blairsville GA, Cross of Grace LC in Jonesborough TN, Trinity LC in Jasper TN, and Pickens SC among others.  ELCMA brings our network to these sites offering prayer partners, encouragement, trainings and connections, and as a result ELCMA assists in redistributing resources around our region and beyond.  Our commitment to and work with other specialized ministries such as Living Waters LC in Cherokee, NC and Messiah Korean LC in Norcross GA continues as strong as ever.  We also remain committed to our work with community groups, especially those with no other Lutheran presence in their areas, such as Appalachian Women's Alliance in Clinchco VA. 

          As the future unfolds, I see ELCMA moving toward assisting more sites with economic development projects that will strengthen the Lutheran presence in the area.  Momentum is growing in rural groups in WV and SC already.  Potential jobs relating to the greening of America are offering hope to many areas. 

          In an effort to finish this report in one page, I want to close by thanking you for your continued support of our ministry, even in the hard times.  And these hard times are when we really need to show our commitment to walk with our people.  Your shared "people power", who make that possible for ELCMA, include: BJ Collins, Lee Cooke, Bp. Robert Driesen, Diane Force, Shirley Heasley, Juraj Kittler, Beth Yenchko, Thomas Light, Bp. Donald Main, Dan May, Roy Meyer, Keith & Pat Pittsnogle, Karl-John & Beth Ann Stone, Carla Volland, and Sonja Ware.  These dedicated ELCMA people can answer some of your questions.  Or feel free to contact the staff at the ELCMA office at http://www.elcma.org/ or 724/463-8422.

Respectfully,

Dory Campbell, ELCMA Coordinator

Mission
The Pennsylvania Lutheran Network (PLN) is committed to cooperation, collaboration, and support for mutual benefit in ministry to insure that no part of the church need stand alone in our calling to be faithful to the mission God has entrusted to us.

Value Statement & Purpose
The PLN is an aggregation of the Specialized Ministries of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in Pennsylvania intentionally organized for mutual support and collaboration as we work to extend and focus the ministry of ELCA congregations in Pennsylvania.

The PLN is a facilitating mechanism through which the synods, institutions, and organizations related to the ELCA in Pennsylvania can maintain relationships, cooperate, and collaborate in ways that can fulfill already existing commitments to the ELCA, to each other, and to the public.

The PLN is not a new organization to join, but a network in which all can participate, fully or selectively, to sustain values and fulfills goals for their mutual benefit in ministry, education, and service in church and society.

Activity
The PLN gathers annually in assembly to consider a topic of interest, to reconnect partners in ministry, and to provide the opportunity for cooperative efforts in our shared ministry.

In 2010, the assembly focused on The Ecology of the Church: Planning for the Future of the ELCA in Pennsylvania. Participants were engaged in a conversation around the present study of the ELCA and its implications for our life together. Our presenter was the Rev. Dr. Wyvette Bullock who serves as the Executive for Administration in the Office of the Presiding Bishop.

A Planning Council meets between assemblies to provide direction for the network.

Bishop Ralph E. Jones, Convener

OUR MISSION
Article 12 of the Council's Constitution and Bylaws sets its mission: "The Pennsylvania Council of Churches is a voluntary association of separate and autonomous Christian churches, within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, through which its members seek to manifest their fellowship (koinonia) with one another, to engage in common ministries of witness and service, and to advance towards the goal of visible unity." This brief annual report illustrates how the Council tried to fulfill its mission in 2009. For additional in-formation, visit www.pachurches.org.

FELLOWSHIP
The former presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Pr. H. George Anderson, argued in an article in Ecumenical Trends that "it is clear that personal relationships between our bishops and leaders of other traditions enabled them to take the lead in ecumenical arrangements of all sorts." Personal relationships, together with the fellowship that is both created by and nurtured by them, are central to any ecumenical enterprise. The Council has focused on building and sustaining fellowship among the leaders of its member church bodies by
? engaging in common prayer and worship at its board meetings,
? encouraging leaders to share stories of their coming to faith and their call to ministry,
? encouraging the sharing of both the opportunities offered by and the concerns of member church bodies around Pennsylvania, and
? hosting an overnight gathering for religious leaders at the Nittany Lion Inn in State College.

COMMON MINISTRIES OF WITNESS AND SERVICE
WITNESS FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE
Through its public advocacy ministry, the Council witnessed on behalf of social justice and for the com-mon good. Priorities for the 2009-2010 legislative session were poverty (including all related issues like housing, hunger, health care) and public education. Additional work was done on civic engagement (thanks to an unsolicited grant from the Wallace Global Fund), torture (through the National Religious Campaign Against Torture) and gun violence (which resulted in the endorsement by the Council's Board of Directors of a resolution on gun violence).
Working in coalition with like-minded groups-both religious and secular-is essential to the Council's public witness. Some of the coalitions are informal; others, like the Interfaith Justice Coalition, are ongoing opportunities for sustained engagement with allies representing a variety of constituencies. The Council's role, whatever the coalition, includes representing the interests of the Council and its members as outlined in its Principles for Public Advocacy. Information on issues and opportunities for involvement can be found at www.pachurchesadvocacy.org.
MINISTRIES OF SERVICE
The Council supported local churches engaging in trucker and traveler ministry at three sites, where three chaplains served along with volunteers and local church leaders. The Council also supported local churches (in the Fruitbelt and in Chester County) engaged in ministry with migrant and seasonal farm workers. Field chaplains and volunteers offer farm workers and their families worship services, spiritual counseling, clothing and other material aid, assistance with immigration issues, emergency transportation for medical care, translation services, emergency housing and food, and recreation.
For these ministries of service, the Pennsylvania Council of Churches provided management services, coordination, and advocacy. The Council business office handled insurance, chaplains' salaries, and expenses. Designated funds and the funds raised by local committees meet the basic expenses of the program.
WITNESS AMONG PERSONS AT LEISURE
The Council also worked with local park ministry committees to assist in chaplain recruitment and program administration. The annual training held just after the Memorial Day holiday ensured that chaplains were equipped for their ministry and a mid-season retreat gave them opportunity to share experiences and further hone skills. Twenty-three chaplains served campers in 37 state, federal, and private campgrounds.
CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR CHURCH WORKERS
The Council sponsored a three-day continuing education event for clergy and other church workers, the Pennsylvania State Pastors' Conference. Planned by a committee of representatives from member bodies, the conference featured the Rev. Dr. Gilbert R. Rendle, senior consultant, Texas Methodist Foundation Institute for Clergy and Congregational Excellence.

TOWARD VISIBLE UNITY
In one sense, all the ministries and activities of the Council witness to a visible-though still incomplete-unity. Cooperating together in significant ways, the forty-three member bodies of the Council give evidence of their unity in Christ. Even as we are mindful of all the barriers to full visible unity that still remain, we can rejoice in the measure of common commitment and common life that we can demonstrate.
We continue to look for new ways to strengthen our witness to visible unity and to encourage member church bodies to "live into" their ecumenical relationships-especially relationships of full communion, interim Eucharistic sharing, Churches Uniting in Christ, and Christian Churches Together in the U.S.A.

THE MINISTRY OF ADMINISTRATION
Officers for 2009 were the Rev. Dr. Marja Coons-Torn (Conference Minister, Penn Central Conference, United Church of Christ), president; Bishop Gregory A. Pile (Allegheny Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America), vice-president; Elder Barbara Adams-Smelter (Synod of the Trinity, Presbyterian Church (USA)), secretary; and Mr. David Hoffman, CPA (Central Pennsylvania Conference, United Methodist Church), treasurer.
The Council ended 2009 with an operating deficit of just over $17,000 (a deficit of nearly $60,000 had been projected). Careful stewardship, a better return on invested funds, and a very small increase in support from member church bodies made the difference. Deficits are projected for 2010 and 2011.
Finally, the Council serves as the "landlord" for the Pennsylvania United Church Center, an office complex in suburban Harrisburg in which its offices are located. At present, all available space is occupied, with 19,500 square feet under lease to 21 tenants.

Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries celebrates our continuing partnership with the Upper Susquehanna Synod and its congregations, as we live out our mission, through Many Hands and One Heart, to demonstrate God's command to love the neighbor through acts of service. Diakon maintains a nearly 145-year tradition of care for people of all ages, especially those with limited financial resources. In 2009, Diakon increased the amount of its uncompensated care by more than $1 million to $14.575 million, including nearly $2.4 million within the synod. The increased benevolent care reflects Diakon's mission and its response to current economic conditions, which find more people with limited financial resources seeking service.

As part of our focus on developing continuum-of-care senior living communities, Diakon completed construction of the first phase of new homes at Buffalo Valley Lutheran Village, Lewisburg; similar homes had been constructed the year before at The Village at Ohesson in Lewistown. In other developments, Buffalo Valley refurbished its nursing and rehabilitation center shower room and completed integration of Diakon Hospice Saint John services into the campus; in fact, the village served as one site for the hospice program's 30th anniversary celebration. The Ohesson Manor nursing care center experienced the highest number of admissions in its 32-year history.

Diakon Family Life Services - Upper Susquehanna offers counseling, supportive, and educational services at licensed sites in Williamsport, Newberry, and Lewisburg. Having served more than 4,000 persons last year, Diakon Family Life Services provides individual, couple, and family counseling; family-based mental health services, which expanded in 2009 with the addition of a second team; a range of congregational services including pastoral, grief, and mental-health support groups, parenting programs, and church consultation; student assistance program training to enable school personnel to meet children's needs; and Girls on the Run® programming to promote positive lifestyle choices for girls in grades 3 to 5. The GOTR program served 163 Lycoming County girls last year, while expanding community sites to include the YWCA, the YMCA, and Campbell Street Community Center.

In 2009, the services of Diakon Congregational Health Ministries within the Upper Susquehanna Synod were incorporated into Diakon Family Life Service. Including health ministry development, health education, parish nurse education, and bereavement ministry development, the service provided 113 hours of programming for the synod, CPE students, clergy, committees, and congregational members.

While based in Baltimore, a new Diakon service began to build connections within the Upper Susquehanna Synod in 2009, resulting in congregational and other partnerships to serve those with limited resources, including one with St. Matthew, Shamokin Dam. Diakon Kathryn's Kloset partners corporate donations of new, unused non-perishable and some perishable products with non-profit organizations serving the basic needs of people. Named for the mother of a retired Unilever employee who had begun similar work while still with the corporation and who now heads Diakon Kathryn's Kloset, the program gathers and stores merchandise for pick-up by shelters and other non-profit organizations, which in turn distribute the goods, free of charge, to people in need in the community. The program served more than 500,000 people in 2009, responsible for the significant increase in Diakon's overall service last year.

Diakon Youth Services, whose Diakon Wilderness Center near Boiling Springs, Pa., offers residential treatment, weekend alternative, and wilderness challenge programs for at-risk youths, served nearly 1,000 teens from across Pennsylvania last year. Additional family-based services for at-risk youths are provided in Mifflin County through Diakon Family Life Services - Capital Region.

As the prime contractor for Pennsylvania's Statewide Adoption & Permanency Network, or SWAN, Diakon helps to coordinate all public adoptions across the state, another way the organization touches the lives of people within the region. SWAN provided services to 27,133 children and families in 2009.

We thank God for the gifts of staff, volunteers, congregations, donors, and board members who, together, enabled us to touch the lives of more than half-a-million people last year, including approximately 11,000 within the Upper Susquehanna Synod.

Mark T. Pile, MSHA, MSW
President/CEO

The Mission Investment Fund of the ELCA continues to serve this synod by providing vital loans for capital projects to new mission congregations, established congregations and ELCA-related ministries. The fund is able to fund these loans through the sale of investments to ELCA ministries and congregation members.

Nearly 800 MIF loans totaling more than $465 million are at work today in ELCA ministries throughout the United States, Virgin Islands and the Caribbean.

In the Upper Susquehanna Synod 1 congregation currently has a Mission Investment Fund loan totaling $7,565, while many individuals and ministries, including this synod, have investments in the Fund totaling $1.92 million.*

MIF serves ELCA ministries. In addition to the ministry loans and investments that it offers, the fund provides consulting services to ELCA congregations through its church building consultants and staff architects. The consultants help congregations design building programs that support their mission and evaluate the effectiveness of existing facilities or plans for new facilities. Staff architects provide initial schematic design proposals that congregations can take to local architects. The consultants and architects' services are provided at no charge. Area representatives are available to meet with congregations and ELCA-related ministries regarding the fund's loan and investment opportunities.

Has your congregation invested? Have members of your congregation invested? Join the thousands of individuals, ELCA congregations, ELCA-related ministries and synods - including the Upper Susquehanna Synod - that are earning interest on their investments as they help to build the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Your participation enables the fund to continue this vital ministry. A variety of fixed- and adjustable-rate investment opportunities are available and may be opened with initial investments of as low as $5. Information on investments and ministry loans is available at www.elca.org/mif and through the fund's representative(s) listed below who serve this synod.

Thank you for your support of and participation in the Mission Investment Fund. It is a joy to work in partnership with you for the advancement of God's kingdom.

Yours in Christ,

Pr. Mark Wimmer Jeff Spann
Area Representative Church Building Consultant
267-203-1137 973-625-2568
Mark.wimmer@elca.org jeff.spann@elca.org

Lutheran Planed Giving of Central and Northeastern Pennsylvania brings together the ministry partners in our area along with the churchwide ministries of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America to promote charitable giving. As the Executive Director of Lutheran Planned Giving and a charitable gift planner for the ELCA Foundation, I am ready to provide donor education, assist donors with their charitable gift planning, work with congregations as they establish a mission endowment fund, and assist congregations to grow their endowment fund. These services are available to any Lutheran congregation or ministry without charge or obligation.

Even though the economy is slowly rebounding, the economic recovery is far from over and the times continue to remain unsettled. The stock market has made a steady climb since 10 March 2009 but many people still remain unemployed or underemployed. The demand for charitable services remains high. Furthermore, as I write this report, it is one month since the devastating earthquake in Haiti. The nation of Haiti will need support for many years to come to overcome the disaster. Though all of this, members of the ELCA remain generous in giving to those ministries which catch their passion. Whether it means a hot meal and shelter for the homeless, a bed in a nursing home for someone who cannot otherwise afford it, more affordable education, an outdoor camping experience to help grow faith, or a place to worship on a Sunday morning, your gifts can make a difference. One of the goals of the Lutheran Planned Giving program is to encourage folks to include charitable giving as part of their estate plan. And a second goal is to encourage people to remember their congregation and other favorite church ministries in those gifting plans.

In the seven years of operation, LPG has closed over $5 million of revocable and irrevocable gifts. In 2009 I conducted 8 Legacy Seminars and made 26 mission endowment consults helping congregations establish endowment funds or tune-up existing endowment funds. I made 188 donor calls which resulted in 33 irrevocable gifts totaling $319,158 and 2 revocable gift for $1,000,000. In my service area, I also assisted 3 congregations to establish new accounts in ELCA Endowment Pooled Trust-Fund A and directly or indirectly helped many other congregations increase their participation in Fund A. The ELCA Endowment Pooled Trust-Fund A is a balance fund managed by the ELCA available to any ELCA related ministry.

In 2009, the ELCA provided several training opportunities for me to keep my skills up-to-date. First, the regional gift planners and the senior staff of the ELCA Foundation met twice for staff training. I attended the annual educational conference of the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning (formerly National Committee on Planned Giving). Also, I am a member of the Planned Giving Council of Central PA, a local chapter of the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning. In 2009, I attended 4 educational seminars presented by the Planned Giving Council.

Finally, thank you very much for your support. Your synod, 16 other ministries, and the ELCA underwrite the Lutheran Planned giving program. Without your financial support, words of wisdom and encouragement, and especially your prayers, I would not have been able to accomplish what I did. Your support is essential to the success of this program. For more information about the Lutheran Planned Giving Program or to schedule a Legacy Seminar, please contact me at 570-374-2044 or kramerga@ptd.net.

The Rev. Gregory A. Kramer, Executive Director

The Committee for Reference and Counsel submits the following Resolutions for consideration by the 2010 Assembly of the Upper Susquehanna Synod:

• Resolution Regarding the Teaching of Evolution
• Resolution Regarding Rostered Leader Profiles

A RESOLUTION REGARDING THE TEACHING OF EVOLUTION

WHEREAS, the Lutheran Church traces its heritage through the Holy Scriptures, embracing both the Old and New Testaments; and,

WHEREAS, the Lutheran Confessions began its witness to the Gospel within the university tradition of early modern Germany; and,

WHEREAS, Lutheran bodies throughout the world continue to advocate for both an educated clergy and laity, founding primary and secondary schools, colleges and universities, as integral components of the Lutheran witness to the world for the advancement of education and knowledge; and,

WHEREAS, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America continues to demonstrate a notable history of academic leadership in the arts and sciences through a variety of educational settings; therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Upper Susquehanna Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, affirm the Lutheran heritage of academic and scientific inquiry in all of our educational institutions; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Upper Susquehanna Synod commend the pursuit of credible scientific inquiry as a valid endeavor for reason to inform and enlighten people of faith to the continuing revelations of our Creator and to further pursue insights into creation that have yet to be discovered; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Upper Susquehanna Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America,, affirm the teaching of Darwin's Theory of Evolution as a valid understanding for educational instruction and scientific inquiry within our schools, both private and public: elementary, secondary, and post-secondary.

Submitted: West Branch Conference, Upper Susquehanna Synod,
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

RESOLUTION REGARDING ROSTERED LEADER PROFILES

WHEREAS, the Pastoral Call is an intimate relationship between the pastor and the congregation; and,

WHEREAS, a knowledgeable evaluation from many perspectives of a pastor's current situation and style is most appropriate for the Call process; and,

WHEREAS, the current Rostered Leader Profile (RLP) of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) requires a current member of the pastor's congregation to provide a personal reference for a pastor seeking a Call in another congregation; and,

WHEREAS, this requirement is sometimes not practical and may threaten the pastor/ congregation relationship; therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Upper Susquehanna Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, request the ELCA Program Unit for Vocation and Education to modify the current clergy RLP to remove the requirement for a recommendation by a current congregational member; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Upper Susquehanna Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, request the ELCA Program Unit for Vocation and Education to modify the current RLP to replace the requirement for a recommendation by a current congregational member to instead require a recommendation by "a non-rostered person who knows the pastor's current situation and pastoral style" or words to that effect.

Submitted: The Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Zetto
West Branch Conference, Upper Susquehanna Synod,
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

RATIONALE

While the recommendation process is supposed to be confidential, both pastor and those recommending the pastor are under tremendous pressure, not only for confidentiality, but just to live through the expectations (and disappointments) of the Call Process.

In the unfortunate circumstance when a congregation learns that a pastor is in a Call Process before that Call is ratified (indeed, the Call Process may not be completed with a Call), the ministry of the pastor can be compromised by feelings of betrayal and the ministry of the congregation can be compromised by uncertainties in the planning process.

In some cases, a pastor may not be actively seeking a Call, but may be asked to be nominated. Again, unless the pastor refuses nomination, Mobility Papers need to be completed.

This resolution has been vetted with the Office of the ELCA Secretary and the Program Unit for Vocation and Education. They acknowledge the weakness of the current Form and welcome an "official" suggestion.

The Committee for Reference and Counsel submits the following Memorials for consideration by the 2010 Assembly of the Upper Susquehanna Synod:

• Resolution Regarding the Teaching of Evolution
• Resolution Regarding Clergy Mobility Papers

Memorial Regarding Augsburg Fortress Pension Plan Termination

WHEREAS, "‘Social statements establish policy for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's (ELCA) work in the areas of advocacy and corporate social responsibility, enabling, limiting, and directing these activities.' (Policies and Procedures of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America for Addressing Social Concerns, p.13). Social policy resolutions serve the same function"; and,

WHEREAS, in 1999 the ELCA adopted a social statement entitled, "Economic Life: Sufficient Sustainable Livelihood for All," which states, "God is at work in economic life. Economic life is intended to be a means through which God's purposes for humankind and creation are to be served. When this does not occur, as a church we cannot remain silent because of who and whose we are"; and,

WHEREAS, that statement further says, "We commit ourselves as a church to: provide adequate pension and health benefits, safe and healthy work conditions, sufficient periods of rest, vacation, and sabbatical, and family-friendly work schedules"; and,

WHEREAS, Augsburg Fortress Publishers, legally incorporated as "The Publishing House of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America", a unit of the ELCA, has terminated its defined benefit pension plan, thus potentially effecting a significant number of past and present Augsburg Fortress retirement plans of participants; therefore

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America call upon Augsburg Fortress to reevaluate this matter in order to ensure adequate financial support for these faithful servants so they may realize a "sufficient, sustainable livelihood" consistent with the defined benefit plan had it been fully-funded; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America publish annually on its website the financial reports of the pension funds of all units and agencies under the ELCA umbrella to help reduce the likelihood that such a pension plan failure occurs again in this church.

Submitted by: Pr. Gregory Davidson, Faith Lutheran Church, Lewisburg
Buffalo Valley Conference, Upper Susquehanna Synod,
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

To view a letter from Augsburg Fortress related to the Pension Termination, click here.

MEMORIAL REGARDING SACRAMENTAL OBEDIENCE IN HOLY COMMUNION

WHEREAS, our Lord says "You are my friends if you do what I command you." (John 15:14); and,

WHEREAS, St. Paul indicates an enduring tradition when he repeated the Lord's command: "For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, [gave] thanks...broke it and said "This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me...."" (1 Corinthians 11:23-24); and,

WHEREAS, Christ established a covenantal relationship in this sacrament when He said, "...for this is the blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many...." (Matthew 26:28), and as children of God we have a duty and delight to obey his will to "Take, eat; this is my body...Drink from it, all of you." (Matthew 26:26-27): and,

WHEREAS, our Lord warns us "Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you." (John 6:53); and,

WHEREAS, in the Augsburg Confession we claim that "Our churches are falsely accused of abolishing the Mass. Actually, the Mass is retained among us and celebrated with the greatest reverence." (AC.XXIV.1) and "... one common Mass is observed among us on every holy day, and on other days, if any desire the sacrament... Chrysostom says that the priest stands daily at the altar, inviting some to Communion and keeping others away." (AC.XXIV.34,36); and,

WHEREAS, Martin Luther in the Large Catechism observed that "...we go to the Sacrament because there we receive a great treasure....as a daily food and sustenance so that our faith may refresh and strengthen itself." (LC.V.22,24) "...those who claim to be Christian should prepare themselves to receive this blessed sacrament frequently." (LC.V. 40) "...no one should be coerced,...Nevertheless, let it be understood that those who abstain and absent themselves from the sacrament over a long period of time are not to be considered Christians." (LC.V.42) "As in other matters...there must also be daily exhortation, so on this subject we must be persistent in preaching." (LC.V.44) "What should move and impel you is the fact that Christ desires it, and it pleases him." (LC.V.52) "If you wait until you are rid of your burden in order to come to the sacrament pure and worthily, you must stay away from it forever." LC.V.74); and,

WHEREAS, our congregational constitutions call the Augsburg Confession "a true witness to the Gospel" (C2.05), accept the other confessional writings including the Large Catechism as "further valid interpretations of the faith of the church", (C2.06), and "accept the canonical Scriptures of Old and New Testaments as the inspired Word of God and authoritative source and norm of its proclamation, faith, and life." (C2.03); and,

WHEREAS, the Augsburg Confession professes that the normative practice of the church is to "celebrate the Mass on Sunday and other festivals" (Ap.AC XXIV.1), and all Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) congregations by ratifying the ELCA model constitution for congregations have already accepted their responsibility to defend and implement the practice of celebrating the Eucharist weekly; therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED, in obedience to the unquestionable command of Christ, and in concord with the church's Confessions and constitutions, that the Upper Susquehanna Synod in Annual Assembly memorialize the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) in its next Biennial Assembly to embrace this Gospel treasure with joy; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Upper Susquehanna Synod in Annual Assembly memorialize the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) in its next Biennial Assembly to recognize that this is a divine mandate and not a human agenda, and is already firmly established in the scriptures, confessional documents, and constitutions of the Church; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Upper Susquehanna Synod in Annual Assembly memorialize the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) in its next Biennial Assembly to devise and implement a plan to encourage all of the congregations of the ELCA to exhort one another to obedience to Christ's command, to the desirable end that all congregations share in the Holy Communion weekly by Reformation Sunday, 2012.

Submitted by: The Rev. Kenneth Elkin, Williamsport,
The Rev. William Jones, Middleburg,
The Rec. Erwin Roux, Turbotville,
The Rev. Gordon Smith, Espy

The Rev. Richard C. Fangmann, Chair
[Positions on the ballots were determined by lot. An asterisk (*) indicates an incumbent.]

 SYNOD COUNCIL - ADULT
Terms expire 2013
Vote for ONE IN EACH CONFERENCE

BUFFALO VALLEY CONFERENCE
[ ] R. Jeffrey Coup (Trinity, Milton)
[ ] Terry L. Gardner (Zion, Turbotville)
[ ] _______________________

JUNIATA VALLEY CONFERENCE
[ ] Samuel Leister (Messiah, Mifflintown)
[ ] _______________________

MIDDLE CREEK CONFERENCE
[ ] *Andrew C. Weaver (St. John Lutheran Parish, Mt. Pleasant Mills & Richfield)
[ ] Lisa Schuster (Trinity, McClure)
[ ] _______________________

NORTH BRANCH CONFERENCE
[ ] Ronald G. Montgomery (St. John, Unityville)
[ ] Jeffrey G. Bohan (St. Luke, Bloomsburg)
[ ] _______________________

TULPEHOCKEN CONFERENCE
[ ] Maryann Reier (Zion, Sunbury)
[ ] Pamala Rhoades (Grace, Shamokin)
[ ] _______________________

WEST BRANCH CONFERENCE
[ ] *Carol A. Waltz (Messiah, South Williamsport)
[ ] Alice Girven (Messiah, Clarkstown)
[ ] _______________________

SYNOD COUNCIL (ADULT) - TO FILL UNEXPIRED TERMS

JUNIATA VALLEY CONFERENCE - Lay Female - Term Expires 2011
Vote for ONE

[ ] Donna Treaster (St. John, Lewistown)
[ ] _______________________

TULPEHOCKEN CONFERENCE - Lay Male - Term Expires 2012
Vote for ONE

[ ] James Neitz (Trinity, Pt. Township, Northumberland)
[ ] _______________________

SYNOD COUNCIL - YOUNG ADULT - Term Expires 2013
Vote for ONE

[ ] Christopher Sands (Sharon, Selinsgrove)
[ ] _______________________

SYNOD COUNCIL - YOUTH - Term Expires 2012
Vote for ONE

[ ] Katie Zeigler (St. Luke, Sunbury)
[ ] _______________________

CONSULTATION COMMITTEE - CLERGY
Vote for ONE
Term Expires 2013
(To fill the unexpired term of Pr. Charles W. Coates)

[ ] Kenneth R. Elkin (St. Mark, Williamsport)
[ ] Carla Volland (Messiah, Clarkstown)
[ ] _______________________

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
LUTHERAN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY AT GETTYSBURG
Vote of ONE
Term Expires 2014

[ ] _______________________
[ ] _______________________

VOTING MEMBERS TO THE ELCA CHURCHWIDE ASSEMBLY
August 14-20, 2011
Orlando, Florida

(You may vote for the entire slate of nominations from the conferences by checking the "yes" or "no" box immediately below. OR, you may vote for individual nominees by checking the appropriate box to the right of the nominee's name.)

[ ] YES
[ ] NO

YES NO
Buffalo Valley Clergy - Cheryl Berner [ ] [ ]
Conference Alternate - Barbara J. Collins [ ] [ ]

Juniata Valley Lay Female - Betty Longfield [ ] [ ]
Conference Alternate - Donna Treaster [ ] [ ]

Middle Creek Clergy - Patrick Sipes [ ] [ ]
Conference Alternate - Andrew Weaver

North Branch Lay Male - Dana Creasy [ ] [ ]
Conference Alternate - James Stanley [ ] [ ]

Tulpehocken Clergy - Brian Beissel [ ] [ ]
Conference Alternate - Constantine Havir [ ] [ ]

West Branch Lay Female - Peggy Bohart [ ] [ ]
Conference Alternate - Jodi Ellis [ ] [ ]

AT-LARGE VOTING MEMBERS TO THE ELCA CHURCHWIDE ASSEMBLY
August 14-20, 2011, Orlando, Florida
Lay Male - Vote for ONE

[ ] Thomas Booth (Christ, Lewisburg)
[ ] Malvern C. Keifer, Jr. (United In Christ, West Milton)
[ ] _______________________

AT-LARGE VOTING MEMBERS TO THE ELCA CHURCHWIDE ASSEMBLY
August 14-20, 2011, Orlando, Florida
Lay Female - Vote for ONE

[ ] Mindelle K. Bartholomew (Mindy) (Trinity, Milton)
[ ] Christy Zeigler (St. Luke, Sunbury)
[ ] _______________________

NOMINEE IDENTITY INFORMATION
(Names appear here in the order in which they appear on the ballot.)

SYNOD COUNCIL - ADULT

R. Jeffrey Coup - Trinity, Milton.
Current Employment: President: The Coup Agency, 49 Broadway, Milton, PA.
Church Leadership: Usher; Council member; past President & current Vice President; Finance Ministry Team; Mutual Ministry Team.
Community Leadership: Rotary: past Club President; Past District Governor; Boy Scouts: past Council President; Current Board Member; The Improved Milton Experience (TIME) - current President.

Terry L. Gardner - Zion, Turbotville.
Current Employment: Brodart Company, Helpdesk Technician - 14 years.
Past Employment: Koroseal Wall Protection Systems - 5 years; Construction Specialties, Inc. - 16 years.
Church Leadership: Past Council President, Zion Evangelical Lutheran - multiple terms (6 years total); various committees, Social Ministry, Fund Raising; Computer Support for congregation.

Samuel Leister - Messiah, Mifflintown.
Current Employment: Director of Technology, Juniata County School District.
Past Employment: Elementary Principal, Assistant Elementary Principal, Elementary Teacher, Juniata County School District.
Church Leadership: Current President; Parish Planning Council; teacher and member of Disciples' Adult Sunday School Class.
Community Leadership: Past President, Mifflintown Lion's Club; currently Third Vice President, Mifflintown Lion's Club; member of George's Gee Bee's Relay for Life Team; current treasurer of Company B; First PA Rifles Civil War Reenactment Group.

Andrew C. Weaver - St. John Lutheran Parish, Mt. Pleasant Mills, Richfield.
Current Employment: Pastor, St. John Parish, 1998-present.
Past Employment: Camp Mt. Luther, several positions; food service ages 14-24.
Church Leadership: Served one term Synod Council; previous member and officer Board of Directors, Camp Mt. Luther; camp chaplain at Camp Mount Luther.
Community Leadership: Volunteer for Red Cross; Boy Scouts; Fremont Rocket Club; Richfield Dutch Days.

Lisa Schuster - Trinity, McClure.
Current Employment: Pastor, Trinity Lutheran Church, McClure.
Pastor Employment: High School English teacher.
Church Leadership: Middlecreek Valley Ministerium, secretary.

Ronald G. Montgomery - St. John, Unityville.
Current Employment: Pastor, St. John Lutheran Church, Unityville.
Past Employment: The Upjohn Company; Pharmacia-Upjohn; ClinTrials Inc.; Private consulting-Dept. of Defense; NIH; Rochelle Associates.
Church Leadership: Pastor, St. John Lutheran Church since December 2008. Presently on USS Reconciliation Team.
Community Leadership: Volunteer at United Churches of Lycoming County Food Pantry, Williamsport, PA. Millville Ministerium.

Jeffrey G. Bohan - St. Luke, Bloomsburg
Current Employment: 5/2009 - current - Senior Pastor, St. Luke Lutheran Church, Bloomsburg.
Past Employment: 11/2008 - 5/2009 - Interim Senior Pastor, St Luke Lutheran Church, Bloomsburg; 2004 - 11/2008 - Associate Pastor (Administration/Youth), St. Luke Lutheran Church, Bloomsburg; 1997 - 2004 - Pastor, Pine Street Evangelical Lutheran Church, Danville; 1994 - 1997 - Pastor, Line Mountain Lutheran Parish, (St. John's, Leck Kill & St. James, Pitman); 1988 - 1990 - Accountant, Chester M. Kearney, CPA Firm, Presque Isle, Maine; 1985 - 1988 - Certified Fingerprint Examiner, FBI, Washington DC.
Church Leadership: Current - Upper Susquehanna Synod - Constitution Committee, Personnel Committee; Current - Treasurer, North Branch Conference; Previous - Dean, North Branch Conference; Previous - Upper Susquehanna Synod Council; Previous - President, Danville/Riverside Ministerial Association.
Community Leadership: Current - Treasurer, Bloomsburg Ministerium; Boy Scouts & Cub Scouts - Various positions over the years, & Chartered Organization Rep.; Previous - Habitat for Humanity.

Maryann Reier - Zion, Sunbury.
Current Employment: Retired.
Past Employment: Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit.
Church Leadership: President - Church Council; Christian Education Committee; Chairman of Property Committee; Coordinate Acolyte schedule, Lector and Communion Assistant schedules.

Pamala Rhoades - Grace, Shamokin.
Current Employment: Family and Health Coordinator for Northumberland Area Head Start in Shamokin.
Past Employment: CNA for SUN Home Health Services; teacher for Northumberland Area Head Start in Shamokin; Secretary for the PA League of Cities in Harrisburg; Served 2 years in the U.S. Air Force.
Church Leadership: Sunday School teacher; Mutual Ministry Committee; Assisting Minister; involved with local LARC Group.
Community Leadership: Secretary of Board for Manna for the Many (Food Bank); member of Library Board; member of Early Care in Education Coalition; Vision for Growth Christian Community Group; Treasurer of Citizens for a Better Community.

Carol A. Waltz - Messiah, South Williamsport.
Current Employment: Organist, Messiah, South Williamsport; Piano/Organ teacher.
Past Employment: Church musician in other Lutheran, United Methodist, & Presbyterian churches; public school math teacher.
Church Leadership: Synod Council; Bishop's Committee on Worship; Synod Nominating Committee; past member and president of Lutheran Shared Ministry; Thrivent Congregational Coordinator; Partner in Evangelical Worship (ELCA).
Community Leadership: Blooming Grove Historical Society (Board member); Williamsport Music Club (Corresponding Secretary); Williamsport Chapter American Guild of Organists (Board member); Association of Lutheran Church Musicians.

Alice Girven - Messiah, Clarkstown.

Donna Treaster - St. John, Lewistown.
Current Employment: Retired licensed Social Worker; member of Academy of Certified Social Workers.
Past Employment: Self-employed counselor for children, adults & couples; Director of Handicapped Children's Partial Program --ages 3-5 years in Juniata County; Social Worker at a private psychiatric hospital, where I did counseling and Family Weekends; Director of Mental Health in Huntingdon County; Supervisor of Intake, Volunteers and Family Day Care at Berks County Children & Youth; caseworker in public assistance in Berks, Montgomery and Delaware county Board of Assistance.
Church Leadership: Synod Council - 2 terms; delegate to Churchwide Assembly in Chicago; committee to research child abuse prevention in congregations; Beth Yenchko's committee with the Lower Susquehanna Synod; Church in Society committee; Authorized Lay Worship Leader committee; Authorized Lay Worship Leader since 2000; Vice President of Congregational Council for 2 years; Chair of Stewardship committee; member of Altar Guild; member of personnel and finance committees; Sunday School teacher of adults; member of board of the Upper Susquehanna Synod's Women's board; speaker at Women's Cluster meeting; member of the Sanctuary Renovation and the carpet committees; chaired a committee to introduce the LBW to the congregation, lay lector, Bell Choir member; Worship & Music committee; Treasurer of Thrivent in Mifflin County.
Community Leadership: President of the Sunshine Connection for Mentally Ill; La Leche League Leader; taught breastfeeding at Hospital's prenatal classes; Secretary of the Human Relations Council--and speaker there; Inter- Disciplinary Team at Children & Youth; Board of Children & Youth; assisted Judge in setting up custody mediation in Mifflin County; did custody mediation; set up and lead groups for children who are truant from school; set up lead and group for parents of children who are truant from school; set up and lead foster parent training; set up and lead groups for parents whose children are in foster care.

James Neitz - Trinity, Northumberland.
Current Employment: Road foreman for Point Township - 35 years.
Past Employment: As a teenager I worked for Furman Foods.
Church Leadership: Served on church council; Sunday school superintendent for 15 years.
Community Leadership: Township supervisor for 40 years vice chairman;
active member of Point Township fire company;
president of Northumberland County Township Association; served on PSATS 3 different committees.

SYNOD COUNCIL - YOUNG ADULT

Christopher Sands - Sharon, Selinsgrove.

SYNOD COUNCIL - YOUTH

Katie Zeigler - St. Luke, Sunbury.
Current Employment: High School Student at Sunbury Christian Academy.
Church Leadership: The Helping Hands Volunteers of St. Luke; acolyte; office volunteer.
Community Leadership: St. Matthew's Food Pantry; volunteer (Episcopal Church in Sunbury).

CONSULTATION COMMITTEE

Kenneth R. Elkin - St. Mark's, Williamsport.
Current Employment: Pastor of St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Williamsport, 1996 - present.
Past Employment: Pastor, Christ United Church, Catawissa 1982- 1996; Associate Pastor Memorial Church, Harrisburg 1977-1982.
Church Leadership: Past Synodical positions: Candidacy committee; Worship and Music committee; Consultation committee; Dean 3 times.
Community Leadership: Vice President of Family Promise of Lycoming Co., Inc.

Carla Volland - Messiah, Clarkstown.
Current Employment: Pastor, Clarkstown/Lairdsville Lutheran Parish
Church Leadership: Chairperson, USS World Hunger Task Force; member of USS Spirituality Task Force; member of East Lycoming County Cluster.
Community Leadership: Member of Prison Ministry of Lycoming County; member of Muncy Ministerium.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF LUTHERAN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
AT GETTYSBURG

CONFERENCE NOMINEES FOR VOTING MEMBERS TO THE
ELCA CHURCHWIDE ASSEMBLY
August 14-20, 2011, Orlando, Florida

Cheryl Berner - Trinity, Milton.
Current Employment: Pastor of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Milton, PA since February 2005.
Past Employment: Pastor of Faith Lutheran Church, Aliquippa, PA, and VanKirk Lutheran Church, Monaca, PA, July 2001 to January 2005; legal secretary Wellsboro, PA, 1978-1997 and Lansdale, PA, 1972-1978; various waitress positions & newspaper girl.
Church Leadership: Current member USS Synod Council & Bishop's Spirituality Task Force; served on USS "Crossroads Campaign" for LTSG; former SWPA Conference Secretary & Chairperson SWPA Synod Assembly Minutes committee; served on SWPA Synod Assembly Planning Team; Theological Convocation Team and "Faith for the Future" Team for LTSG: served on Town & Country Church Institute Advisory Board at Gettysburg; as senior class president served in advisory position on Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg Board of Directors; volunteer church organist 1982-1997; Council Officer; chair Music & Worship; Youth committees.
Community Leadership: Current secretary of Milton Ministerium; former member Monaca Ministerium; Relay for Life Teams; Wellsboro Women's Chorus.

Barbara Jeanne Collins - Follmer & St. John's Lutheran Churches, Potts Grove.
Current Employment: Pastor of Follmer Parish.
Past Employment: Director of Youth, Trinity Lutheran, Milton.
Part owner of AC Saddlery, Bloomsburg, PA.
Church Leadership: Current Conference secretary; secretary of Camp Mt. Luther's Board of Directors; USS Transformation Team.
Community Leadership: Secretary of the Potts Grove Volunteer Fire Company; Girlfriends Unlimited Co-ordinator in Potts Grove.

Betty F. Longfield - Evangelical, Reedsville.
Current Employment: High School Science teacher.
Church Leadership: Youth Sunday School teacher; Youth Group Leader; Senior Choir; Bell Choir; former President of Camp Mount Luther; Churchwide Assembly 1999.
Community Leadership: Meals-on-Wheels; Girl Scout Leader; Advisor of the High School Science Club; Board of National Honor Society; Towpath Naturalists.

Donna Treaster - St. John, Lewistown.
Current Employment: Retired licensed Social Worker; member of Academy of Certified Social Workers.
Past Employment: Self-employed counselor for children, adults & couples; Director of Handicapped Children's Partial Program --ages 3-5 years in Juniata County; Social Worker at a private psychiatric hospital, where I did counseling and Family Weekends; Director of Mental Health in Huntingdon County; Supervisor of Intake, Volunteers and Family Day Care at Berks County Children & Youth; caseworker in public assistance in Berks, Montgomery and Delaware county Board of Assistance.
Church Leadership: Synod Council - 2 terms; delegate to Churchwide Assembly in Chicago; committee to research child abuse prevention in congregations; Beth Yenchko's committee with the Lower Susquehanna Synod; Church in Society committee; Authorized Lay Worship Leader committee; Authorized Lay Worship Leader since 2000; Vice President of Congregational Council for 2 years; Chair of Stewardship committee; member of Altar Guild; member of personnel and finance committees; Sunday School teacher of adults; member of board of the Upper Susquehanna Synod's Women's board; speaker at Women's Cluster meeting; member of the Sanctuary Renovation and the carpet committees; chaired a committee to introduce the LBW to the congregation, lay lector, Bell Choir member; Worship & Music committee; Treasurer of Thrivent in Mifflin County.
Community Leadership: President of the Sunshine Connection for Mentally Ill; La Leche League Leader; taught breastfeeding at Hospital's prenatal classes; Secretary of the Human Relations Council--and speaker there; Inter- Disciplinary Team at Children & Youth; Board of Children & Youth; assisted Judge in setting up custody mediation in Mifflin County; did custody mediation; set up and lead groups for children who are truant from school; set up lead and group for parents of children who are truant from school; set up and lead foster parent training; set up and lead groups for parents whose children are in foster care.

Patrick L. Sipes - Arbogast's Lutheran Church, Mt. Pleasant Mills.
Current Employment: Pastor of Arbogast's and Leininger's Parish.
Past Employment: Cafeteria Cook - Luther Seminary; Pastoral Intern - Avon, CT; Youth Director - St Paul, MN.
Church Leadership: I have served in my present call for close to 6 years. I work on the Synod Youth Council. Have served as Camp Chaplain for 1 week.
Community Leadership: Participating in Relay for Life, Selinsgrove; lead monthly worship service at Grayson View in Selinsgrove.

Andrew C. Weaver - St. John Lutheran Parish, Mt. Pleasant Mills, Richfield.
Current Employment: Pastor, St. John Parish, 1998-present.
Past Employment: Camp Mt. Luther, several positions; food service ages 14-24; camp chaplain at Camp Mount Luther.
Church Leadership: Served one term Synod Council; previous member and officer Board of Directors, Camp Mt. Luther.
Community Leadership: Volunteer for Red Cross; Boy Scouts; Fremont Rocket Club; Richfield Dutch Days.

Dana Eugene Creasy - St. Luke, Bloomsburg.
Current Employment: Communications Consultant, self-employed; Security Officer, CareerLink of Columbia/Montour (part time).
Past Employment: Vice President, Operations, L'Experiences, Inc., Bloomsburg, PA (media company) (2008-2009); Police Office, Borough of Nescopeck, PA (2004- 2006); Pennsylvania State Constable (2002-2007); Lecturer of Communications, Albright College, Reading, PA (2002-2003); Instructor of Mass Communications, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, Bloomsburg, PA (2002); Adjunct Professor of Communications, Passaic County Community College, Paterson, NJ (2000-2001); Director, Compliance & Operations, PrimeTime 24, New York, NY (television network) (1999-2000); Manager, Network Affiliate Affairs, PrimeTime 24, New York, NY (television network) (1996-1999); Manager, Information Services, Request Television, Denver, CO (television network) (1993-1995); Manager, Systems Services, CNBC, Englewood Cliffs, NJ (television network) (1992-1993); Manager, Scrambling Operations, CNBC, Englewood Cliffs, NJ (television network) (1992); Lead Finance Associate, CNBC, Englewood Cliffs, NJ (television network) (1991-1992); News Associate/Associate Producer, CNBC, Englewood Cliffs, NJ (television network) (1990-1991).
Church Leadership: Former member, Congregation Council, All Saints Lutheran Church, Aurora, CO (Rocky Mountain Synod); former Sunday School Teacher, St. John Lutheran Church, Mifflinville, PA (USS), St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Bloomsburg, PA (USS), All Saints Lutheran Church, Aurora, CO (Rocky Mountain); former Advisor, FLY, St. John Lutheran Church, Mifflinville, PA (USS) and St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Bloomsburg, PA (USS); present member, Christian Education committee, St. Luke Lutheran Church, Bloomsburg, PA (USS); present member and Devotional leader, Meet, Eat and Talk (Men's Breakfast) Group, St. Luke Lutheran Church, Bloomsburg, PA (USS); present member, Sawdust Ministry Group, St. Luke Lutheran Church, Bloomsburg, PA (USS); present leader, "Dinner and a Movie" Ecumenical Film Series, St. Luke Lutheran Church, Bloomsburg, PA (USS); presently have filed for candidacy for seminary attendance in preparation for rostered leadership in the ELCA.
Community Leadership: Past vice president, Habitat for Humanity in Columbia and Montour Counties, and past member, Board of Directors; former Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Rural Advocate, The Women's Center of Columbia/Montour, Bloomsburg, PA; former Police Officer, Deputy Sheriff and State Constable, various municipalities within Pennsylvania; former Reserve Police Officer, City of Passaic, NJ; former Cubmaster, Pack 7, Mifflinville, PA; former Assistant Scoutmaster, Troop 7, Mifflinville, PA; former Chaplain, Troop 839, Aurora, CO; former Merit Badge Counselor, Columbia-Montour Council, PA and Denver Area Council, CO; presently undergoing training to reactivate adult leader status (Chaplain), Columbia- Montour Council, PA for Troop 20, Lightstreet, PA and Pack 20, St. Luke Lutheran Church, Bloomsburg, PA.

James L. Stanley - Good Shepherd, Berwick.
Current Employment: Truck driver, Central Penn Transportation.
Church Leadership: Authorized Lay Worship Leader; past council president; leader of Men's Prayer Breakfast.
Community Leadership: Retired EMT 20 year's ambulance driver.

Brian Beissel - Grace, Point Township.

Constantine Havir - Trinity, Sunbury.

Peggy Bohart - St. Michael, Cogan Station.
Current Employment: Retired.
Past Employment: Griggs Coffee Store.
Church Leadership: Authorized Lay Worship Leader; president St. Michael's WELCA; secretary USSWO; delegate Synod Assembly.
Community Leadership: ABWA (Susquehanna Chapter) Treasurer; Penn College Campus Ministry Board; Thrivent Financial Lycoming/Sullivan Board.

Jodi Ellis - St. John, Montgomery.
Current Employment: Millersburg School District - teacher 11 years.
Church Leadership: Authorized Lay Worship Leader since 2003; Voting Member national Assembly 2003; former Sunday School Teacher.
Community Leadership: Volunteer - American Red Cross (25 years); Coordinator - Upper Dauphin Learn-to-swim; 201st Red Horse Family Readiness.

AT-LARGE VOTING MEMBERS TO THE ELCA CHURCHWIDE ASSEMBLY
August 14-20-, 2011, Orlando, Florida

Thomas Booth - Christ, Lewisburg.

Malvern C. Keifer, Jr. - United In Christ, West Milton.
Current Employment: Weis Markets, Milton, PA - Early Deli Person.
Past Employment: Retired - Federal Bureau of Prisons; Retired - School District of Duluth MN; worked - School District of Baraboo, WI - Aide, grades 1-6.
Church Leadership: Assisting minister; council member; president of church council.
Community Leadership: Commander American Legion #71, Milton; American Legion Honor Guard for Military Funerals, Flag Day, etc.

Mindelle Bartholomew - Trinity, Milton.
Current Employment: Activity Director, Kramm Healthcare Center, Milton.
Past Employment: Retail clerk and substitute teacher.
Church Leadership: Synodically - Authorized Lay Worship Leader; chair of Buffalo Valley Conference nominating committee 2009; former congregational council member and vice president; former Sunday school teacher; long time Worship and Music team member and current chair; lector; church choir and bell choir member; former Sunday school superintendent; active with Northern Lights and member of Trinity's Relay for Life team; member of Home Communion team.
Community Leadership: Member and past president of North Central District Recreation Coordinators; member and past board member of the Susquehanna Valley Chorale; member of the West Branch Chorale; incoming Registrar of Lycoming Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution; member of various historical and genealogical societies; previously served as co- chair of the Milton Harvest Festival Princess Pageant; former charter member and past president of the former Milton Area Theatre of the Arts (MATOTA).

Christy Zeigler - St Luke, Sunbury.
Current Employment: Office Secretary, St. Luke Lutheran Church, Sunbury.
Past Employment: Grace Lutheran, Sunbury, Office Secretary; Parent- to-Parent, Northumberland County, IM4Q monitor for quality; Scullin Oil Co., Office Secretary; Central Penna. Savings Assoc., loan assistant & teller.
Church Leadership: Authorized Lay Worship Leader; Lay Catechist; member Synod Council; Synod Assembly Planning committee; Lay Ministry Board of Directors; Nominating Committee; Call Vote Committee; St. Luke's Church council; St. Luke's treasurer; chairman of St. Luke's Helping Hands; altar guild; assisting minister; St. Luke's soup crew.
Community Leadership: His Disciples Food Pantry volunteer.

Click here to view PDF file with worship schedule/locations 

"Your Global Mission Dollars at Work Across West Africa"

Friday at 11:45, led by Rev. Viking Dietrich

Description:  A former missionary in the French-speaking country of Senegal presents an illustrated talk on current ELCA programs, projects, and personnel in several countries of West Africa, including Liberia.

"Mapping Your Mission Field"

Friday at 11:45, led by Beth Yenchko

Description: Mapping Your Mission Field is a self-study which allows you to become familiar with actual local demographic statistics, and how church statistics compare; to see "what God is up to" and to discern God's call to ministry in the community; to use this information as an entry point for hands-on research and ministry out in the community. Come and see! 

"Technology, Computers, and the Church in the 21st Century"

Friday at 11:45, led by Rev. Andy Weaver

Description: Join Rev. Andy Weaver on a journey through the technological advances in our society today and how our congregations can use these advances to enhance our ministry!  Come and see what churches can do with websites, social networking, and streaming video, among other things. 

"Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread"

Friday at 11:45 and Saturday at 12:00, led by Rev. Carla Volland and Rev. Erwin Roux

Description: How do your contributions to the ELCA World Hunger Appeal affect the lives of the poor in Mexico City? Pastor Erwin Roux was there and tells the story. Also discover how you can participate in a World Hunger Mid-Week Lenten Series designed for the Upper Susquehanna Synod by USS members.

"Ministry with Alzheimer's and Dementia"

Friday at 11:45, led by Rev. Ted Cockley

Description: Rev. Ted Cockley, Chaplain at Buffalo Valley Lutheran Village, will present on what it means to minister to those suffering from dementia and Alzheimer's Disease.  Those who attend this workshop will learn more in depth about communication and spiritual life with those afflicted by such conditions.

"Exploring the Book of Faith"

Friday at 11:45 and Saturday at 12:55, led by Rev. David Byerly

Description:  Rev. David Byerly and members of the Book of Faith team will be presenting on the "Book of Faith" initiative and what it means for us Lutherans in the 21st century.  Have questions about what "Book of Faith" is really about?  Come and join in the conversation!  Participants in this workshop will discover and find out the resources for this initiative, as well as discuss our need to become more biblically literate.

"Awesome Encounters: A Decade of Progress"

Friday at 12:45, led by Ruth Koble

Description: "Mother Ruth", as she is affectionately known in Liberia, invites you to see and hear how our Companion Synod, the Lutheran Church in Liberia, is restoring its war-ravaged country, as we offer to God our services in accompaniment.

It's Good to be the Small Church"

Friday at 12:45, led by the Small Church Committee

Description: Are you a member of a "Small" Congregation?  Did you know that the majority of congregations in our synod are "small" in membership?  Have you ever found yourself struggling over how many people you see in worship on a Sunday morning?  This is the workshop for you!  The goal of this particular session is to empower members of small congregations by sharing ideas and information to show how small congregations still participate in the important work of the church!

"Exploring Outreach Ministries"

Friday at 12:45, led by members of Grace, Point Township, St. John's, Northumberland, and St. Matthew's, Shamokin Dam

Description: Come and see what different kind of outreach ministries are going on in our congregations.  Three congregational groups will be there to talk about what they do to share God's love with the community through things like food pantries, clothing rooms, and health clinics.

"Life-Long Christian Education"

Friday at 12:45 and Saturday at 12:00, led by Sherry Bingaman

Description: Christian Education isn't just for children and confirmands!  Come and see what we have to learn about:

- Luther's view of Christian education

- the importance of adult Christian education

- what is happening in our congregations today: what works and what doesn't

- types of adult studies.

"Paul's Collection: A Bible Study"

Friday at 12:45 and Saturday at 12:00, led by Rev. Brian Beissel

Description: In the Book of Acts as well as throughout Paul's letters, we are told of a collection Paul worked to build throughout the newer churches in the Roman Empire to send to the church in Jerusalem.  What does this have to do with our mission today?  Come and see what Paul had to say about this collection, and what it means in the grand scheme of the story of Christianity!

"The Exciting World of Internship!"

Saturday at 12:00 led by Rev. Jeff Bohan and Intern Peter Horn

Description: Rev. Jeff Bohan and Intern Peter Horn will be with you to talk about their particular journey as intern and supervisor in an ELCA congregation.  Ever
wonder what internship is like, or wonder how a congregation can participate in the Internship program?  Come and see!

"Under the Tree: A Look at Theological Education and Other Ministries of the Lutheran Church in Liberia:

Saturday at 12:00, led by Rev. Ronald Shellhamer

Description: With the aid of a 20-minute DVD, Pastor Ron will take you on a tour through Liberia to gain insight into several of the LCL's ministries; the primary focus will be on the 2008 USS volunteer work-team's construction of a new library building (with 3000+ theology books) to strengthen education for LCL deacons, evangelists, and ordained pastors at the Louis T. Bowers Training Center in Totota.

"Transformational Ministry"

Saturday at 12:00, led by Upper Susquehanna Synod Transformational Team

Description: What is this all about? Why should your church congregation to engage in the Transformational Ministry process?

- So that God's Word & God's church become more relevant to ours & others' lives!

- So that our congregations are revitalized with a renewed sense of purpose in ministry!

- So that we can live out more fully our Baptismal Covenant in our communities!

Come and talk with the Upper Susquehanna Synod TM team about your congregation's participation!

"Mission Trips Away From Home!"

Saturday at 12:00, led by Elaine Benner and Paul Billow

Description: Curious about how to plan a mission trip away from home? Come and hear how the lives of church members changed through what they experienced doing God's work in Mississippi. Elaine Benner of Salem Lutheran Church, Salem and a team from Himmel's Lutheran/UCC Church, Dornsife present details of how to plan and ideas of what you can expect on a mission trip. 

"Food Pantries and Kathryn's Kloset"

Saturday at 12:00, led by teams from Zion Lutheran/Trinity Episcopal, Renovo, and St. Matthew,

            Shamokin Dam!

Description: Are you thinking of starting a food pantry? Are you giving away items to people in need? What can you expect to run into? Who can you partner with? Where might you get your supplies?

This workshop focuses on two main themes:

(1) Starting and running a food pantry - presented by a team from Zion Lutheran and Trinity Episcopal Churches, Renovo.

(2) Accessing products and food for free giveaways to people in need in your community - the resource of Diakon's Kathryn's Kloset, presented by representatives of St. Matthews Lutheran Church, Shamokin Dam. 

"Mission Interpreters"

Saturday at 12:55, led by Vince Meisinger and Beth Yenchko

Description: We invite you into an adventure! Invite a Mission Visitor to your congregation some Sunday! Mission visitors are passionate about God's mission. They tell stories about how your church & others work together to participate in God's work and how you have made a difference in people's lives! Come and meet USS Mission Visitors and talk with them about what they can share with your congregation and how they can help you connect with ministry happening all across the ELCA!

"How Does Someone Become a Rostered ("Professional") Church Leader, Anyway?"

Saturday at 12:55, led by the Synod Candidacy Committee

Description: God calls all kinds of leaders to serve others through the church.  In a process called "candidacy", a person hearing God's call to professional, public leadership in the church (in one of the four "rosters" of the ELCA--deaconesses, associates in ministry, ordained ministers, diaconal ministers) is accompanied by a synod committee as they discern God's call both publically and privately.  Come and learn more about the discernment and candidacy process from members of the synod's Candidacy Committee.

"Clothing Closets"

Saturday at 12:55, led by a team from Christ's United, Millmont, and Redeemer, Williamsport

Description: More and more churches are collecting clothing to distribute to those in need in their immediate communities. How did they get started? What do they wish they knew back them? What stories do they have to tell? What trends have they seen as they serve people in their "backyards"? A team from both Christ's United Lutheran Church, Millmont and Redeemer Lutheran, Williamsport will be on hand to share their experiences with you and answer questions about how to get started and what to expect as you begin a "Clothing Closet" ministry. 

"Building Ministries"

Saturday at 12:55, led by Dan Hering and Mike McKay

Description: It usually starts when someone is in dire need of work done on their home, and can't manage to pay for it. As an outreach ministry, a group of folks from a church and go out and do things like build wheelchair ramps, steps, etc. Often the projects grow and multiply, and a "building ministry" is born! Dan Hering from First Lutheran Church, Watsontown and Mike McCay from St. Luke Lutheran Church, Bloomsburg will be on hand to tell their stories and share with you how to get started in a building ministry in your own community. 

"After-School Programs"

Saturday at 12:55, led by Rev. Gunther Bernhardt

Description: Are there children in your community who are home alone after school? Or children who need extra help with homework? Come and listen to the story of a congregation which partners with a school and has established an after school program for children in their town. Rev. Gunther Bernhardt from Christ Lutheran Church in Montgomery will talk about how to get a program started and what the congregation has experienced in their after school program.