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       David D. Swartling, Secretary, ELCA

Assembly Planning Committee
Ms. Christy Zeigler, Chair
Ms. Virginia Frantz, Mr. George Groff, Ms. Shirley Heasley, Ms. Clarice Pellman, Ms. Keelie Schock, The Rev. Jill Seagle, The Rev. Christophe Teille, The Rev. Michael Ware, The Rev. Andrew Weaver, The Rev. Beth Ann L. Stone

Committee of Reference and Counsel
The Rev. Michael A. Greenauer, Chair
The Rev. Cheryl L. Berner
Ms. Debbie Best
The Rev. Maurice C. Frontz, III
Mr. Ashley Reasner

Elections Committee
The Rev. John Koons, Chair
The Rev. Erin Bovendam
The Rev. Theodore Cockley
The Rev. Gregory Davidson
Ms. Megan Harter
The Rev. Chad Hebrink
Ms. Holly Frey
George Groff
Vicar Terry Langdon
The Rev. Martha Sue Moll
Mr. Kenneth Stitley

Ansbach-Würzburg Kirchenkreis Taskforce

The Rev. Dr. Lois Martin, Chair
The Rev. Kerry Aucker
The Rev. Gunther Bernhardt
The Rev. Detlef Huckfeldt
Dr. Thomas Martin
Mr. Daniel Spigelmyer
The Rev. Sonja Ware
The Rev. Beth Ann L. Stone

Bishop's Committee on Ecumenical Relations
The Rev. Karl-John Stone, Chair
The Rev. Maurice Frontz
The Rev. Dr. Lois Martin
The Rev. Wayne Muthler
The Rev. Ricky Phillips

Bishop's Committee on Worship
The Rev. Beth Ann L. Stone, Chair
Ms. Connie Fladland
The Rev. William Esborn
Mr. David Reier
The Rev. Erwin Roux
The Rev. Breen Marie Sipes
Ms. Carol Waltz

Bishop's Task Force on Weekly Eucharist
The Rev. William Henderson
The Rev. William Jones
The Rev. Erwin Roux
The Rev. Karl-John Stone

Campus Ministry Team
The Rev. Ray Jones, Co-Chair
The Rev. Detlef Huckfeldt, Co-Chair
Ms. Alicia Anderson, Associate in Ministry, PSU
The Rev. Deb Casey, MU
Ms. Sharon Comini, Coordinator, PCT
The Rev. Maggie Gillespie, BU
The Rev. Dr. Mark Radecke, SU
Mr. Eric Shearer, PSU board
The Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Seeley, LHU
The Rev. Steve Shipman, LHU board
The Rev. Gordon Smith, BU board
The Rev. Beth Ann L. Stone

Candidacy Committee
Dr. Karla Bohmbach, Chair
The Rev. Kerry Aucker
The Rev. Anke Deibler
The Rev. Theodore Cockley
Mr. James Donnell
Ms. Clarice Pellman
The Rev. Mark Radecke
Ms. Lana Snyder
The Rev. Dr. Gil Waldkoenig
Ms. Nancy Gable, Diaconal Minister, Region 8
The Rev. Beth Ann L. Stone, administrator

Committee on Discipline
Ms. Mary Lazor (2011)
Mr. George Groff (2011)
The Rev. Richard Fangmann (2011)
The Rev. Ralph Heagy (2011)
Ms. Sandra Westover (2013)
Dr. Bruce Romanic (2013)
The Rev. Dale Biesecker (2013)
The Rev. Breen Marie Sipes (2013)
(four to be elected at 2009 Synod Assembly)

Constitution Committee
The Rev. Adrian Shearer, Chair
Ms. Margaret "Peggy" Biesecker
The Rev. Jeff Bohan
Ms. Grace Lucas
Attorney Benjamin E. Landon

Consultation Committee
Ms. Dorothy Anderson (2011)
Mr. Kenneth Roush (2011)
The Rev. Louise Reynolds (2011)
Ms. Barbara Smillie (2013)
The Rev. Charles Hershberger (2013)
Mr. James Doebler (2013)
The Rev. Charles Coates (2013)
(five to be elected at 2009 Synod Assembly)

Economic Task Force
The Rev. John Yost, Chair
The Rev. Gunther Bernhardt
The Rev. David Byerly
The Rev. William Esborn
The Rev. Chad Hebrink
The Rev. Karl-John Stone

ELCA World Hunger Taskforce
The Rev. Carla Volland, Chair
Ms. Carol Conrad
The Rev. Sarah Hershberger
Ms. Kathy Kaufmann
Ms. Zee Layne Merkel
Ms. Clissie Sheitler
Mr. H. Donald Wolfe
The Rev. Beth Ann L. Stone

Fiscal Management Ministry Team
Mr. Steve Schlesing, Chair
Mr. James Doebler, Synod Council repr.
Ms. Virginia Frantz, Associate in Ministry
The Rev. Chad Hebrink
Mr. William Hockenbroch
Ms. Janet Matz
Mr. Ross Metz
Mr. Jeff Mitchell
Dr. William Sheaffer
Ms. Cami Zimmerman

Global Mission Ministry Team
Ms. Deborah Bernhisel, Chair
Ms. Carol Bradford
Dr. Robert Bradford
The Rev. Catrina Ciccone
Ms. Ruth Doran
The Rev. Anna Ritter-Esborn
Ms. Carol Harrison
Ms. Shirley Heasley
The Rev. Dr. Lois Martin
The Rev. Beth Ann L. Stone

Healthy Congregations Taskforce
The Rev. Beth Ann L. Stone, Chair
Ms. Debbie Best
The Rev. Ken Longfield
The Rev. MarthaSue Moll
Mr. Kenneth Roush
The Rev. Louise Reynolds
The Rev. Karl-John Stone
Lay Ministry Institute Board
The Rev. Wayne Muthler, Chair
The Rev. Melody Sell, Director of LMI
Mr. Harry Deitz
Ms. Virginia Frantz, Associate in Ministry
Mr. Mark Giesen
The Rev. Charles Hershberger
The Rev. Gretchen Johanson
The Rev. John Koons
The Rev. Dan May
The Rev. David Pennebaker
The Rev. Gary Roth
Ms. Christy Zeigler
The Rev. Beth Ann L. Stone

Liberia Taskforce
Dr. Robert Bradford, Chair
The Rev. Brian Beissel
Ms. Carol Bradford
Ms. Ruth Doran
Mr. and Mrs. George Gehrig
Ms. Carol Harrison
Ms. Shirley Heasley
Mr. Kenneth Kahler
Mr. Joseph Kanagy
Ms. Ruth Koble
The Rev. Mary Peterhaensel
The Rev. Ronald Shellhamer
Ms. Susan Tweh
The Rev. Beth Ann L. Stone

Mission Interpretation Task Force
The Rev. Josh Reinsburrow, Chair
Mr. Charlie Benner
Mr. David Diehl
Ms. Virginia Frantz, Associate in Ministry
Mr. Terry Moll
The Rev. Ron Montgomery
The Rev. Keith Pittsnogle
The Rev. Patricia Pittsnogle
The Rev. Karl-John Stone

Passing On Faith Network
Ms. Bernadette Jones
The Rev. Eric Deibler
Ms. Sharon Comini
The Rev. Steve Shipman
The Rev. Karl-John Stone

Personnel Ministry Team
Ms. Dorothy Anderson
The Rev. Jeff Bohan
Mr. Thomas Booth

Small Church/Outreach Ministry Team
The Rev. Roy Meyer, Co-Chair
Ms. Diane Force, Co-Chair
The Rev. Brian Beissel
The Rev. Gunther Bernhardt
Ms. Jodi Ellis
Ms. Shirley Heasley
Vicar Terry Langdon
The Rev. Dan May
The Rev. Karl-John Stone
Ms. Beth Yenchko

Stewardship Ministry Team
Mr. Thomas Booth
Mr. David Diehl
Ms. Ruth Doran
The Rev. Josh Reinsburrow
Mr. Mike Schrey, Synod Council representative
Ms. Christy Zeigler
The Rev. Karl-John Stone

Youth and Family Ministry Team
The Rev. Patrick Sipes, Chair
The Rev. Kerry Aucker
The Rev. Catrina Ciconne
Ms. Molly Mitchell
The Rev. Bill Petry
The Rev. Breen Marie Sipes
The Rev. Andrew Weaver
The Rev. Karl-John Stone

Note: Bishop Robert L. Driesen is a member of all synodical committees and taskforces.

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.

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".

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).

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 front section of the Weber Chapel auditorium.  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 2009 Synod Assembly.  Deadline for such resolutions and memorials to be received in the synod office is May 18, 2009.  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.

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 2008/2009 Synod Council meetings were held on July 24, 2008, September 23, 2008, December 4, 2008, January 24, 2009, March 24, 2009 and April 29, 2009.

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.

Following dinner at Camp Mount Luther, the meeting was called to order by Bishop Robert Driesen.

Introductions of members of the council were made and a welcome was extended to new members to the council.  Farewell thanks were extended to council members whose terms expired.

Due to the schedule of the camp director, the report from Camp Mount Luther was moved to first on the agenda.  Chad Hershberger reported that summer camp is going well although the numbers of campers is down.  The camp staff is excellent this year.

Five off site day camps have been scheduled for the last week of July.  The last week of camp will be the week of August 3^rd with the Episcopal church in attendance.  Upcoming events at the camp include:

September        Women's Retreat with guest speaker, Pastor B.J. Collins and the topic will be Women of the Bible

October           Men's Retreat with guest speaker, Bishop Robert Driesen

November        Quilt Auction

Labor Day weekend is the date for the annual Dandelion Run.  Pastor Andy Weaver is working on a promotional video for the camp.

Pastor Dave Pennebaker requested that item #9 (Authorization signatures for expenditures) be removed from the Consent Agenda. 

SC.08.07.29. MOTION: (Deibler/Greenauer) - That with item #9 removed from the consent agenda and added to New Business on the regular agenda, the remainder of the consent agenda be adopted.  Motion carried.

Mission related discussion concerning the Synod Assembly was held.

Q. 1)  How can our synod assembly best serve the mission of the church in all of its expressions?          

• Worship was uplifting and the business of the assembly should be educational as well as business.
• Saturday morning worship attendance was better. The change in the worship format was for the better.
• There may have been too many workshops on one topic.
• It was thought that perhaps workshops could be geared to encourage people to interact more and offer more types of worship i.e. traditional, contemporary.
• Beth Yenchko is good at leading "give and take" type workshops.
• People felt that the times allotted for workshops was too short. As soon as the introductions are done, the time is just about over.
• The structure of this year's assembly is the best that it has been in years. The centrality of worship was appreciated.
• The use of the screens was very helpful.
• The audio was good but it was difficult at time to identify the speakers at the microphones.
• It was suggested that we may consider placing cameras on the speakers at the microphones.
• You get tired of hearing "Greetings from...". People are more interested in reports especially the Campus Ministry report where you can see and hear people's stories.
• It was suggested that a guideline/suggestion sheet be composed for presentations.
• It was suggested that it be a practice that we hold special events on Saturday (for example the "Passing on Faith" event) and invite everyone from every congregation to attend. Possible themes could be the activity of the wider church, aspects of being evangelical, global mission, to name a few possibilities.
• Possibly Women's issues.
• Human trafficking
• If we concentrate on women's issues, we may cut out half of a gender.
• We could choose a broad topic and from that get more specific subtopics.

Bishop Driesen will take these suggestions and feedback to the Synod Assembly Planning Committee.

Chad Hershberger gave his thanks for installing the Camp Mount Luther Staff at the synod assembly.   Pastor Dave Pennebaker noted that it was nice that people were able to stay within their allotted time frame.  It was asked that the order of reports be rotated from year to year so that the committees and groups don't all get the same priority.  The Youth report is always near the end and by then the attention span is diminishing.  Virginia Frantz noted that at times we must work around presenters' schedules.  Tom Booth appreciated the good quality Bible Study this year.

The Report of the Bishop:

Bishop Driesen presented letters of thanks from Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries and the Gettysburg Seminary for the Upper Susquehanna Synod's support.

Bishop John Schleiker, Northwest Lower Michigan Synod visited our synod July 1-2, as part of the Partner Synod Bishops program.  He toured Camp Mount Luther, Buffalo Valley Lutheran Village, and some of our area congregations.  Bishop Driesen will visit Bishop Schleiker's synod August 26-27.

Bishop Driesen will be speaking at the State Pastors' Conference, PA Council of Churches, November 10-12, during the closing luncheon.

Retiring members of synod council are Dan Spiegelmyer, Pastor A.J. Shearer, Donna Treaster, and Shirley Heasley.  Certificates of appreciation will be sent to them along with thanks for their service.

Bishop Driesen will be on vacation July 27-August 6.  Pastors Karl-John and Beth Ann Stone, Assistants to the Bishop, and Virginia Frantz will be in the office while Bishop is away.

There is a property issue at the synod office.  The parking lot is in disrepair and an estimate on sealing and resurfacing the lot was suggested.  There are also places where standing water is causing deterioration. Bishop Driesen will refer this to the Property Committee.

The Synod Personnel Committee will meet to interview for the part-time bookkeeper position. The deadline for applications is August 11^th.

The Summary of Congregational Statistics Report for the synod was distributed and time was given to review. 

There was no report of the Vice President or Secretary.

Report of the Treasurer

Steve Schlesing, Treasurer, distributed a written treasurer's report as of June 30, 2008 for review.  He explained that on occasion, cash withdrawals were necessary for travel in Liberia.

Report of the Upper Susquehanna Synodical Women's Organization:

Carol Winter, Upper Susquehanna Synod Women of the ELCA, reported that there will be a retreat at Camp Mount Luther which will stress nature and the environment, the use of non-plastics, and the need of support of women's groups by the clergy.

Pastor Anke Deibler reported that there was a retreat for middle school students interested in pursuing a career in the ministry.  She indicated that this workshop will be held next year and open to high school students.  Pastor Michael Greenauer suggested that job shadowing be encouraged as an option for youth interested in the ministry.  Anke agreed that we should be more pro-active in encouraging careers in ministry which are not really promoted in the public schools.

The Constitution Ministry Committee:

Pastor Andy Weaver inquired as to the status of the Constitution Committee.  He noted that Pastor A.J. Shearer is the "Ben Franklin" of the constitutional law and asked if it is going to be necessary to find a replacement for Pastor A.J. since he is retired.  Bishop Driesen indicated that Pastor Shearer has agreed to continue to serve as the chair.

The Stewardship Committee

The Stewardship Committee report seemed to be incomplete. Virginia reported that the back of the copy was not included and she will email that information.

There were no questions or comments concerning any of the other reports on the agenda.

Old Business

1)  Tom Booth reported that the personnel manual is still in the works.  A time off issue is being taken into further consideration.

2)  Tom Booth reported that the security system is still being pursued.  The system will enable employees inside the building to manage the outside synod office doors internally. 

New Business

Letters were received from Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson and Bishop Allan Bjornberg, Chair of the Conference of Bishops, urging the synod's support of Bishop Driesen and the Conference Bishops' visit to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land.  Bishop Driesen stated that he would appreciate the support and would like to represent the USS for the two weeks that the conference would take.  Steve Schlesing stated that funds could be used from the Bishop's Academy Fund or the Unrestricted Reserve.

SC.08.07.31. MOTION: (Pennebaker/Booth) - That the Upper Susquehanna Synod support Bishop Driesen's attendance at the conference and pay expenses up to $5000 from the unrestricted reserve.  Motion carried.

Discussion was held concerning the fact that synod officers are required to attend synod assembly and pay for their expenses to attend.  It was noted that since all members of synod council are required to pay for their attendance at synod assembly, we should consider waiving the registration fee for all synod council members.

SC.08.07.32. MOTION: (Greenauer/Ware) - That the registration fee only, be waived for any council member, non-ordained or non voting member of their congregation.  Motion carried.

Consent Agenda Item #9 - Authorized signatures for expenditures

Pastor David Pennebaker requested further discussion regarding the procedure used in writing checks and authorized signatures.  As a result of this year's audit, our auditors indicated that the Synod Council reflect in its minutes who is authorized to approve expenditures for the purpose of paying bills and writing checks.

SC.08.07.32. MOTION: (Pennebaker/Greenauer) - That the synod's officers, assistants to the Bishop including the administrative assistant to the bishop, and the chairpersons of synodical entities (committees) verify expenditures and approve requests for expenditures consistent with funds allocated to their ministry.  Motion carried.

Pastor Michael Greenauer noted that any interested persons may contact him concerning the formation of the Upper Susquehanna Synod Veterans' Ministry Team.

It was requested that item #3 (regarding Ms. Jennifer Hubler) be removed from the consent agenda and added to the meeting agenda for September 23, 2008.

SC.08.09.34 MOTION: (Booth/Zeigler) - That the consent agenda and revised agenda be adopted. Motion carried.

Jennifer Hubler, Associate in Ministry, has been on the roster of the Upper Susquehanna Synod with a status of one leave from call. She has been on leave from call for three years. She has failed to keep in regular contact with the Upper Susquehanna Synod. As a result, Bishop Driesen recommends that the Conference of Bishops not be requested to grant her an extension and that she be removed from the roster of the ELCA and that both she and the Office of the Secretary of the ELCA be informed.

SC.08.09.35 MOTION: (Harrison/Ware) - That Ms Jennifer Hubler be removed from the roster of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America as of September 30, 2008. Motion carried.

Mission Related Discussion: Synodical Communications
Pastor Beth Ann Stone referred us to the Communications of the Upper Susquehanna Synod handouts. She explained that:
Currents is emailed to 482 people and 35 hard copies are mailed to both rostered and lay members in the synod and other ELCA partners.

Headwaters is primarily for rostered leaders of the USS and other ELCA partners. 125 are e-mailed and 35 are sent in the mail.

USS Ark has been "resurrected" and is a reproducible page of the mission and ministry of congregations to be used primarily in congregational newsletters. 482 are emailed and 35 and sent through the postal system.

Stream of Information is like the USS Ark but only pertains to one topic.

uss-elca.org is the synod's website which provides general information about the Upper Susquehanna Synod.

Discussion was held about changing the current website. There are two people interested in designing a new website for the USS. Pastor Andy Weaver mentioned that the navigation bar of the left makes navigation easy.
The new ELCA web page was viewed. It was noted that the colors and logo let you know whose website you are on. Web pages of the Metro New York Synod and South East Penn Synod were viewed.
A possible page may be a digitized map of push pins that would bring up information on individual churches in the synod.
The website may include a synod calendar, youth events, council meetings because the primary audience would be members of the Upper Susquehanna Synod.
A contact list of rostered leaders on the website would be helpful.
It was also suggested that forms to be completed throughout the year be available in Word so that they could be filled out on the computer and emailed.
A pastor's compensation calculator would be helpful with a spread sheet of formulas built in.
An idea sharing page for congregations or open forum space for congregations to communicate with one another may be beneficial.
Comments on the Book of Faith initiative could be posted on the website.
A classified section would enable congregations to share materials, etc.

Two webmasters, Summit Design Studio, Lewisburg and Kolb Net Works Inc., Williamsport, have submitted proposals for website design. Copies of each proposal were reviewed by members of council. Pastor Beth Ann recommended Summit who is willing to train synod staff to make website changes and do content management and is a local company.

It was asked from where the money would come because the 2008 and 2009 budget has no budget for technology. Treasurer, Steve Schlesing stated that funds from the unrestricted reserve may be used.

SC.08.09.37 MOTION: (Booth/Pennebaker) - That the Synod Council authorize Summit Design Studio, Lewisburg to design a website for the Upper Susquehanna Synod. Motion carried.

SC.08.09.38 MOTION: (Pennebaker/Ware) - That up to $3,000 from the unrestricted reserve be used to fund the website design project. Motion carried.

Because other websites were examined and ideas of what we needed and wanted were considered, it was determined that the estimate of this proposal is close to the actual cost.
Although Kolb, our current web consultant, did everything in a timely manner and said that ideas given to them could be done, Summit offered suggestions and provided site references. Mike Schrey suggested that Summit's references be contacted.

Report of the Bishop:

Pastor Beth Ann Stone reported that Pastor Erwin Roux will be a convener for a meeting of first call pastors on January 4, 2009. There is $2000 Lily Endowment for first call congregations. It is a unique calling to be a first call congregation. A resource is in the works that a call committee may use and a handbook for first call pastors in their first year with the objective of a mutual ministry for the second year. A workshop may be developed for congregational councils and call committees to call a first call pastor.

There is planning for boundaries training for rostered leaders which will be four sessions. The trainers will be the Assistants to the Bishop. At the end of the sessions, participants will be given a certificate of completion.

The Authorized Lay Ministry Institute is working on a handbook that will contain program information guidelines, etc. for authorized lay leaders. This information will be available to congregations by the end of the year.

In the works and coming soon will be a handbook for first year pastors and pastors new to the Upper Susquehanna Synod.

Bishop's Day will be October 12, 2008 at Zion Lutheran Church, Sunbury. A continuing education event is planned for March and the Bishop's Retreat will be held in May 2009.

Volunteers are being sought to be trained to conduct call votes. Tom Booth, Christy Zeigler, Steve Schlesing, and Charlie Benner volunteered to participate. A training session will be held in the near future and these four will be contacted.

Pastor George Bradshaw's three year leave from call has expired. At the current time, he is looking for a call to a VA hospital. He would like an additional year and is in need of approval of the Conference of Bishops to continue this endeavor.

SC.08.09.39. MOTION: (Weaver/Ware) - That Pastor George Bradshaw be granted an extension of leave from call. Motion carried.

Bishop Robert Driesen and Neal Harrison, Executive Director of LAMPa went to Washington, D.C. to meet with both Pennsylvania Senators Carney and Petersen to share teaching documents of the ELCA and be a voice for the poor.

Bishop's Gathering of Congregational Councils: Councils as Effective Servants of the Church's Mission will be held by conferences beginning September 30. Topic discussed will include their holy calling, stress in anxious times and implications of structure for mission.

Reformation Liturgy honoring newest members of the synod will be held Sunday, October 26, 2008 in Milton.

Bishop Driesen will be teaching a seminar "The Good News Perceived as Bad News: the Promise of Resurrection", Middle Creek Conference which will be held November 12 and 19, 2008 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Middleburg and Society of Holy Trinity Retreat, on December 1.

The Evangelical Outreach and Congregational Mission Unit of the ELCA is restructuring all deployed staff which includes Roger Smith and Beth Yenchco. There are currently 110 positions which will be reduced to 55 positions which may be shared by two part time people. Region 8 synods will meet with Steve Bowman in October to lobby for six positions but will probably result in only five full time positions. At this time it is unclear what is happening but it will definitely impact our synod because we use Roger and Beth regularly.

Susquehanna University is celebrating their 150 year anniversary and will be serving a 300 pound birthday cake at the Selinsgrove Street Festival.

Report of the Vice President:
Mike Schrey will be attending a conference of Synod Vice Presidents in Chicago in October.

Report of the Secretary:
No report

Report of the Treasurer:
Steve Schlesing supplied the financial reports to the council. He stated that the fiscal year, which starts February is currently at 51%. Synod reserves of $5,000 will be used for Bishop Driesen's trip and $3000 may be used for webpage. The year-to-date deficit could go as high as 45%. We have $248,816.79 to "play" with.

SC.08.09.40. MOTION: (Deibler/Harrison) - That the Treasurer's report be accepted. Motion carried.

Report of the Women of the ELCA
Carol Winter reported that cluster gatherings are currently going on. The 2008 Apple Corps Retreat at Camp Mount Luther was successful. October 5th will be Blanket Sunday.

Report of Camp Mount Luther
Chad Hershberger reported that 45 people attended the Apple Corps Retreat.
October 4th is the Chicken Barbeque
Men's Retreat (led by Bishop Driesen) and Chili Cookoff will be held Oct. 25th
There will be a Quilt & Craft Auction/Silent Auction of Theme Baskets on Nov. 8
Camp Mount Luther adopted a master plan for camp priorities.
Pedd, a former counselor from Liberia, sends greetings. He is currently recovering from typhoid fever.
Pastor Barbara Collins handed out a copy of the resolution adopted at synod assembly in June. She addressed the council, reminding of this resolution and strongly urged action be taken. Support of the camp is needed as there is still an outstanding balance of $375,000 due on the $750,000 construction loan on the Evergreen Center. Pledges from fund raiser programs stop October 2009. We need to make further plans to raise funds and support the camp as promised at assembly.
After discussion among council members, Pastor Andrew Weaver proposed that videos featuring the camp, Bishop Driesen, and the Episcopal Bishop be produced, one geared toward youth campers and one geared toward people who may be potential financial supporters.
We also need to get the word out to congregations that we need to support Camp Mount Luther. It was suggested that we re-initiate a pledge campaign, and ask former campers to do testimonials and speak to their congregation.
It was also suggested that we use Stream of Information to focus on CML and get the word out.

Other Reports:

Book of Faith: is featured on the second page of the current copy of the USS Ark. It was noted that our opening devotions were conducted according to the Book of Faith.
This initiative can be used to write Lenten devotions, home Bible readings, devotions shared by conference pastors. It would be helpful to share what is happening within other congregations that can be shared. We could encourage congregations to trade ideas on how we can be creative in our approach. Pastor Andrew Weaver suggested a questionnaire about what will inspire people to read the Bible. Pastor Steve Shipman is willing to let the USS use him with any project.

Mission Interpretation Task Force: Pastor Andy Weaver suggested that find someone to document events in congregations and make DVD's. Digital pictures can be made into slide shows.

Other written reports were distributed at the beginning of the meeting and no action was required

Old Business:
Pastor Karl-John Stone reported on the current policy written with recommendations from Debbie Best, Diakon representative and Ben Landon, synod attorney. New laws in Pennsylvania require background checks of anyone working with children including clergy. It is strongly recommended to the congregations that these checks be performed.

It was requested that the following changes be made to the current policy:
1) that page numbers be added
2) that there be a check on the cost of fingerprinting, etc.
3) that the roman numerals within the document be changed

SC.08.09.41. MOTION: (Harrison/Schlesing) - that the Upper Susquehanna Synod adopt the Child Protection Policy contingent on listed changes. Motion carried.

Tom Booth reported that it was previously estimated that it would cost $4500 for the proposed security system for the synod office building. An estimate of $4881.00 was received from A1 Lock and Key and a bid of $5525 was received from Lock Pro, Milton. These both exceed the old proposal bid.

SC.08.09.42. MOTION: (Harrison/Deibler) - That council re-approve, with cost not to exceed $5,000, to hire A-1 Lock and Key to install the proposed security system. Motion carried.

New Business:

Tom Booth distributed a paper listing maintenance items for the synod office. He reported that the roof is in bad condition. A contractor examined the roof and found that double sealed shingles are splitting. The valley is pushing water into the building through vents, insulation, and into the ceiling causing mold and mildew. There was a bid of $14,474 + $2,000 to fix other minor repairs to facia, etc. received from Bob Sampsell.

SC.08.09.43. MOTION: (Booth/Dewald) - That roof replacement, facia repair, etc. done by Sampsell not exceed $17,500. Motion carried.

Following discussion concerning the possibility of other unseen damage may not be discovered until the old roofing is removed, the previous motion was amended.

SC.08.09.44. MOTION: (Schlesing/Zeigler) - That, due to the unknown, up to $20,000 be made available from the reserve fund for the roofing project. Motion carried.

The power washing of the building is being put on hold until the completion of the roofing project.

A bid from Eastern Industries was received for the parking lot work. It was suggested that the base of the lot has failed, that the lot be torn out and reconstructed. It will however, be fine for the winter. Tom Booth suggested that we hold off until next year to see if the price of black top comes down. The current bid on this project is $23,000.

Future projects and bids included an estimate on water drainage system around building to reduce mold and mildew. Water drains from church across the road onto synod property.

The HVAC system is in good condition. Sunbury Supply has been doing routine maintenance on our system but reports that in a few years the AC may need work. If we get moisture under control, it may be less taxing on our system.

Bishop Driesen requested that the 2009 Nominating Committee be removed from the Consent Agenda.

SC.08.12.47. MOTION: (Deibler/Weaver) - That the Consent Agenda be adopted without the 2009 Nominating Committee. The motion was adopted.

Several errors were noted in the minutes of the September 23, 2008 minutes including: Harry Deitz was spelled incorrectly; the discussion and corresponding motion for the funds for the web site should read restricted; the Rev. Neil Harrison is Executive Director of LAMPa; Steve Bouman will be lobbying for six positions in Region 8; Pedd was the former counselor from Liberia at Camp Mount Luther; under Mission Interpretation Task Force, Pastor Weaver suggested that leaders find someone to document events; and Peggy Biesecker is the Synod Secretary.

Two errors were noted in the Executive Committee minutes: Michael Schrey was present and the Synod Council meeting scheduled for July 23, 2009 at Camp Mount Luther was omitted.

The Mission-related discussion was on the Synodically Authorized Lay Ministries.

The Lay Ministry Institute has been reviewing our synod's program to bring it in line with the ELCA guidelines. Pastor Beth Ann Stone reviewed the highlights of the changes.
1. For a lay person to preside at the Eucharist, authorization is needed and the person must be someone who is trained and vetted by the synod and is accountable to the synod.
2. There are new requirements for the newly authorized.
a. They must submit copies of their background checks to the synod.
b. They must complete the ELCA standards questionnaire.
c. They must complete a statement of commitment.
3. New and existing authorized leaders must have a mentor pastor; both of whom must develop a covenant which must be completed annually.
4. A single enduring letter for an authorized leader for the tenure of the pastor will be granted.

SC.08.12.50. MOTION: (Weaver/Greenauer) - That the Lay Ministry Handbook be adopted. The motion was adopted.

Report of the Bishop:

Bishop Driesen will be attending the Conference of Bishops to be held in the Holy Land. Bishop Driesen will leave on January 5, 2009 and return January 16, 2009. Bishop Ralph Jones will be on-call for all of the bishops of Region 8.

The Bishop reminded the synod council that the new IRS mileage reimbursement rate for 2009 is $.55 per mile. The new supply rates will take effect January 1, 2009. These rates are $100.00 for one service, $125.00 for two services and $140.00 for three or more services.

Pastor Ronald Montgomery will be ordained on December 13, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at St. John, Unityville.

Staff salaries for 2009 need to be addressed. Mike Schrey and Steve Schlesing will develop new salary figures and obtain e-mail vote by the executive committee.

Report of the Treasurer:

October is the end of the third quarter of the synod's fiscal year. The percent of giving is a little ahead and the income looks a lot better than expected. Restricted giving is still up. Steve provided detail on the unrestricted reserve.

SC.08.12.51. MOTION: (Weaver/Berner) - That the Treasurer's report be adopted. The motion was adopted.

Report of the Upper Susquehanna Synodical Women's Organization:

A written report was submitted. The Lutheran Training Institute monies will be administered through Ruth Koble.

Report of Camp Mount Luther:

A written report was submitted. Pastor James Bricker is developing intercessory prayers for congregations to use to raise awareness of the camp. The turkey dinner/quilt and craft auction raised $5,000.00. Chad Hershberger will be attending the Outdoor Ministry Conference in Nevada. The Annual Mount Luther Sunday is January 18, 2009. A new camp person program will be developed in February.

Book of Faith Advocate:

Everyone is reminded to take opportunities for the Book of Faith.

Campus Ministry Team:

A written report was submitted. The team is requesting prayers for their ministry.

Mission Interpretation Task Force:

A written report was submitted. The committee would like to know if funding is required. Funding will be provided under Stewardship.

Property:

The repairs to the roof were done just in time. The spouting was changed to better carry the water away. The foundation was sealed.

The new security system was installed and is working well.

Plans for a drainage system need to be made. The office building sits in a wet-land. Two bids have been received to correct the problem. Fairchild Brothers submitted a bid for $13,050.00 to drain the east area and front of the building. Gutelius Excavating submitted a bid of $12,500.00 - $14,500.00 to drain the property, changing the down spouting for better draining and re-seeding the property.

SC.08.12.52. MOTION: (Booth/DeWald) - That the bid, not to exceed $15,500.00, from Gutelius be accepted with monies coming from the restricted reserve. The motion was adopted.

Tom Booth shared that the synod office building has a unique heating/cooling system. He recommends that the maintenance of the heating/cooling system be switched to Air Management Systems.

Long range plans include new siding and parking lot issues.

Stewardship Ministry Team:

A written report was submitted. The team is requesting approval to develop an education event. It was decided that no vote was needed.

World Hunger Task Force:

A written report was submitted. The "Tour de Revs" world hunger appeal was described. Three ordained persons will bicycle through all 65 synods to raise awareness for world hunger and encourage gifts to world hunger. Our synod will be promoting a "ride along" from Mifflinburg to Lewisburg. The team is also hoping to request congregations to sponsor an amount per mile.

SC.08.12.53. MOTION: (Weaver/Deibler) - That the Upper Susquehanna Synod promote "Tour de Revs". The motion was adopted.

New Business:

SC.08.12.54. MOTION: (Bishop Driesen/Greenauer) - That the Synod Council accept the revised 2009 Nominating Committee. The motion was adopted.

Pastor Beth Ann Stone shared website addresses for new templates for letterhead, business cards and other items.

SC.08.12.55. MOTION: (Deibler/Berner) - That the Upper Susquehanna Synod adopt the emblem of the ELCA for official correspondence when new supplies are needed. The motion was adopted.

An addition to the agenda is needed. The adoption of the 2009 Assembly Agenda needs to be added under new business.

No items were removed from the Consent Agenda.

SC.09.01.02. MOTION: (Greenauer/Harrison) - That the Consent Agenda be adopted. The motion was adopted.

The Synod Council Executive Committee voted via e-mail on the staff's salary increases. The recommended salary for the Bishop would be $55,500.00 with a housing allowance of $14,500. The salaries for the Assistants to the Bishop would be $32,975.00 each with a housing allowance of $14,500.00 each. The cost of living adjustment for the other staff would be 3% with the exception of the bookkeeper because of her short tenure.

The Mission Related Discussion included two items: the Diakon grant and a letter from the West Virginia/Western Maryland Synod.

It is time to reapply for a grant from Diakon. The last grant was designated to help establish new pre-school and after school programs in congregations. The council needs to decide whether we should continue in that vein or venture into other areas of social ministry. Several ideas were presented: dysfunctional families/parenting skills, existing pre-school programs, emergency child care/early school dismissals, shelters for homeless/Family Promise, food pantries, financial education/credit counseling.

It was the consensus of the group that if a tangible project is found that is close to starting, we should lean in that direction.

A letter was received from the West Virginia/Western Maryland Synod regarding synodical mission support. This synod voiced a concern that the synodical mission support is inequitable because people with lower incomes are giving more than their fair share. Several thoughts were voiced: is this an ALC vs. LCA difference, is their really an injustice? How can we be more faithful to the church? Bishop Driesen will share with the other bishops of Region 8 that the issue is probably worth a discussion.

Report of the Bishop:

Bishop Driesen reported that he did not journey to the Holy Land but there is a possibility for a trip at a later date. Based on feedback that he has received, his decision has been reinforced. The funds for the trip will be reimbursed from the ELCA to subsidize future travel.

He has visited all but two conferences.

There is one more session for Boundaries Training scheduled for the third Saturday in February.

There are numerous opportunities for education in our synod including one in the Middle Creek Conference entitled "Promise of Resurrection", one at Men's Retreat at Camp Mount Luther, and another at the Men's Prayer Breakfast at Christ Lutheran, Lewisburg.

Report of the Treasurer:

Based on December, 2008 information, there is a projected shortfall of a $62,000.00 in income. However, there will not be much of a deficit (less than $5,000.00). A review of the controlled accounts is underway.

Total funds availability from Brotherhood Mutual should be $56,742.00.

SC.09.01.05. MOTION: (Deibler/Weaver) - That the Treasurers report for December, 2008 be accepted. The motion was adopted.

Stephen Schlesing presented the new account structure for the 2009 budget. This new structure better reflects the new structure of the synod. He is requesting approval of the new chart of accounts with the "roll-in" outline of the 2009 budget.

SC.09.01.06. MOTION: (Weaver/Harrison) - That the new Chart of Accounts for the 2009 Budget as well as the criteria for moving the dollar amounts from the original Chart of Accounts for 2009 into the new format be approved. The motion was adopted.

Report of the Upper Susquehanna Synodical Women's Organization:

The board has a meeting this Saturday. It is updating the unit assessments for the ELCA.

Report of Camp Mount Luther:

A written report was submitted. Additionally, there will be summer camp preview parties. Congregations are encouraged to send a representative to attend in order to learn to be a camp person.

The Annual Bishop's Golf Tournament will be held May 11, 2009.

There is a new video promoting Camp Mount Luther.

Report of the Candidacy Committee:

A written report was submitted and no action is required.

Report of the Lay Ministry Committee:

A written report was submitted and no action is required.

New Business:

A request was received from Brotherhood Mutual to use informational inserts in synod communications. Since the inserts will have Brotherhood Mutual's name on them, it will be a form of indirect advertising.

SC.09.01.07. MOTION: (Berner/King) - To allow Brotherhood Mutual information sheets to be included in Headwaters which is the communication piece provided to rostered leaders only. The motion was adopted.

Report of the Synod Assembly Planning Committee:

This year's theme will be "God's Work - Our Hands" with an emphasis on "Mission in Action". Friday's workshops will feature Synodical Mission in Action and Saturday's workshops will feature Congregation Mission in Action. There will be no increase in fees.

SC.09.01.08. MOTION: (Deitz/Schlesing) - To accept the proposed 2009 Synod Assembly Agenda. The motion was adopted.

No items were removed from the Consent Agenda.

SC.09.03.11. MOTION: (Booth/King) - That the Consent Agenda be adopted. The motion was adopted.

The Mission Related Discussion centered on the document "The Reconciliation of Conflicts within a Congregation".

The Bishop reviewed the document. The goal for conflicts between people is reconciliation. The document puts more responsibility on the congregation to resolve issues. If reconciliation fails, then a congregation must turn to constitutional guidelines. The spirit of the document is to avoid the legalities of resolution by the legal steps of the constitution.

A few editing changes were suggested.

The next task of the Healthy Congregation Task Force is addressing the Mutual Ministry Committee. The Mutual Ministry Committee should not be the Personnel Committee. The role of Mutual Ministry may vary with the size of a congregation. The Mutual Ministry Committee should be composed of people who are good listeners. Some guidelines for the interaction between the Mutual Ministry Committee and the Congregation Council should be developed. Each congregation's constitution defines the make-up of the Mutual Ministry Committee. The Mutual Ministry Committee should enforce the accountability of the laity and provide a forum for the Pastor to air grievances.

SC.09.03.14. MOTION: (Deibler/Weaver) - That the Reconciliation Document be adopted provided that the editorial changes are made and a paragraph is included regarding misconduct by lay members. The motion was adopted.

Report of the Bishop:

Bishop Driesen shared with the group the news of the death of Mae Diggs, wife of The Rt. Rev. Ronald T. Diggs.

The new website for the Upper Susquehanna Synod will be launched May 1, 2009.

The ELW Occasional Service Book will be available soon.

A reminder was given to the group that the ELCA Churchwide Assembly is scheduled for August 17th through August 23rd, 2009 in Minneapolis, MN.

There is a conflict with the previously published Synod Council meeting date in July. The new date is July 16, 2009. The meeting will be held at Camp Mount Luther with dinner starting at 5:00 p.m. The pool will be available for swimming at 4:00 p.m.

Report of the Vice President:

Michael Schrey reminded the group that the Synod Council retreat will be held April 18, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Common. Since some business needs to be conducted, please advise the synod office of your attendance.

Michael reviewed a letter from Presiding Bishop Hanson regarding the over $1 million negative variance from budget. Bishop Driesen reported that this shortfall has some serious impacts particularly with personnel and there are concerns regarding Lutheran Disaster Relief.

Michael shared with the group that all synodical vice presidents interact via e-mail. They have been discussing methods for the distribution of the bulletin of reports for Synod Assembly. This question should be considered for future assemblies and included in the questionnaire that is distributed at the assembly. The constitution of the Upper Susquehanna Synod needs to be reviewed. This item will be referred to the Constitution Committee.

Report of the Secretary:

Peggy Biesecker read a letter of resignation from Amy Hart.

SC.09.03.15. MOTION: (King/Deitz) - That the resignation of Amy Hart be accepted with her position being placed on the ballot for Synod Assembly. The motion passed.

Report of the Treasurer:

The fiscal year 2008 ended with an excess of $6,619.00 even though income was down. The surplus is due primarily to unfilled personnel positions.

The 2010 Budget handout is a worksheet and not a proposed budget. It has a new line item "Grant Income Restrictive Funds."

Report of Camp Mount Luther:

The annual board retreat was held in January. Thirty five congregations were represented at the camp-person event. Upcoming events include the Bishop's Golf Tournament on May 11, 2009, the spring work day on May 16, 2009 and the summer camp kick-off on June 14, 2009.

Some staff is still needed. Registrations are coming in.

Report of the Synod Assembly Planning Committee:

The next meeting will be April 2, 2009.

Report of the Constitution Committee:

The entire constitution of the Upper Susquehanna Synod was reviewed predominantly for "clean-up" purposes. Numbering was corrected where by-laws had been changed, changes for the new synodical structure were clarified and institutions that are no longer supported were removed.

SC.09.03.16. MOTION: (Weaver/Booth) - That the proposed changes to the Constitution of the Upper Susquehanna Synod be presented to the Synod Assembly for adoption. The motion was adopted.

Report of the EconomicTask Force:

This task force is developing new strategies in light of the current economic situation. They are now investigating the implementation of Kathryn's Kloset - a Diakon project. New and unused goods will be donated for distribution to the poor. Since the goods would be delivered in bulk, the synod would need to warehouse the items and break down the pallets for distribution.

Report of the Liberia Companion Synod Task Force:

The task force is encouraging Bishop Driesen to visit Liberia.

Report of the Property Committee:

The services of Sunbury Supply have been terminated and a contract with Mid State Mechanical made. However, this firm feels that our current HVAC system is beyond maintenance and the entire system needs to be revamped.

Thomas Booth reviewed in some detail the recommended changes by Mid State Mechanical which will cost $23,144.00 for the proposed changes to the HVAC system and $733.00 for an attic fan.

SC.09.03.17. MOTION: (Benner/DeWald) - That the recommendations of Mid State Mechanical be accepted at a cost not to exceed $24.000.00

Considerable discussion followed and Jim Doebler called for the vote.

The motion was adopted.

Report of the Small Church/Outreach Ministry Team:

On April 20, 2009, a joint meeting with Evangelism, Christian Education, Stewardship and others will be held to launch a strategic plan.

Old Business:

The status of the Diakon grant is not determined but it will not be going to Family Promise.

New Business:

A request from Camp Mount Luther was made to renew the funding from the Brotherhood Mutual dividends. Two possibilities were considered: a) give a percentage from Brotherhood Mutual or b)put a line item in the operating budget and allocate through the budget.

SC.09.03.18. MOTION: (Weaver/King) - That Camp Mount Luther's request be tabled. The motion was adopted.

SC.09.04.21. MOTION: (Deitz/King) - That the Synod Council recommends to the Synod Assembly the adoption of the 2010 Clergy Salary Guidelines. The motion was adopted.

Bishop Driesen explained that the incremental steps for date of ordination are still in place but there is no recommended cost of living increase.

SC.09.04.22. MOTION: (Weaver/Berner) - That the Synod Council recommends to the Synod Assembly the adoption of the 2010 Recommended Minimum Housing Allowance. The motion was adopted.

SC.09.04.23. MOTION: (Greenauer/Deitz) - That the Synod Council recommends to the Synod Assembly the adoption of the 2010 Minimum Salary Guidelines for Associates in Ministry (or those with masters degrees or equivalent experience). The motion was adopted.

Stephen Schlesing reported that a new income line item (1-516-0000 - Grant Income Restrictive Funds) was added to the budget. The $36,000.00 allotted to this line item is coming from the restricted reserve account in order to support the upcoming expenditures and to support some outside agencies. These monies are under Synod Council control.

SC.09.04.24. MOTION: (King/Berner) - That the Synod Council recommends to the Synod Assembly the adoption of the 2010 Budget. The motion was adopted.

Pastor Berner was reassured that the salaries for the assistants to the bishop are not decreasing but are a reflection of their start date versus budget preparation.

Bishop Driesen reminded us that a memorial will be coming to Synod Assembly concerning the lack of direction/vision in responding to disaster situations.

Spring 2009

I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ....for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure (Philippians 1: 6; 2:13).

I write this letter with profound gratitude for your leadership within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. You have a very important responsibility as voting members for the spring 2009 Synod Assembly. In the midst of deep concerns about the world's ongoing wars, a global economic crisis, struggles within communities and families, and pending Churchwide Assembly decisions, we gather in hope, confidence (literally meaning "with faith"), and joy that God is at work among us.

As I travel throughout this church, people often say, "I have such hope when I hear about the church you describe to us." What do I describe? A church whose mission and ministry inspired the ELCA's new tagline: "God's work, our hands." A church excited about becoming fluent in the "first language of faith," the language of Scripture. A church that takes its time to listen deeply before making difficult decisions. A church committed to ending two major diseases of poverty: malaria and HIV/AIDS. A church with congregations that are vibrant centers for evangelical mission. A church sought by young people because it "matters and makes a difference." A church known for its generosity and long-term commitment to people affected by disasters. A church that accompanies partners, both close to home and throughout the world. A church that is "marked with the cross of Christ forever [and] claimed, gathered, and sent for the sake of the world."

You, your congregations, and your synod are part of God's work throughout this church. The Affirmation of Christian Vocation in Evangelical Lutheran Worship asks, "Sisters and brothers, both your work and your rest are in God. Will you endeavor to pattern your life on the Lord Jesus Christ, in gratitude to God and in service to others, at morning and evening, at work and at play, all the days of your life?" The response is my prayer as we gather for the 2009 Synod Assemblies:

Almighty God, by the power of the Spirit you have knit these your servants into the one body of your Son, Jesus Christ. Look with favor upon them in their commitment to serve in Christ's name. Give them courage, patience, and vision; and strengthen us all in our Christian vocation of witness to the world and of service to others; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen (Evangelical Lutheran Worship, p. 84).

God's blessings to you as you gather for your Synod Assembly. Listen for descriptions of this church as you worship, greet friends, pray for God's presence, and discuss and make decisions about matters that are important to this church. As you gather, recall Paul's words to the Corinthians:

Such is the confidence that we have through Christ towards God. Not that we are competent of ourselves to claim anything as coming from us; our competence is from God, who has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant, not of letter but of spirit; for letter kills, but the Spirit gives life (2 Corinthians 3:4-6).

In God's grace,

Mark S. Hanson

Presiding Bishop

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!

The world, and our little place in it, is far different than when I wrote to you last year. It always has been so, of course, as anyone can attest who remembers 9-11, or even the Babylonian captivity of Israel, the slaughter of the Holy Innocents or St. John the Divine's exile to the isle of Patmos. New challenges to both faith and life always confront the people of God. During the past year, and in particular the last six months, it has been the bombardment, almost on a daily basis, of stories about financial ruin and the loss of jobs and homes. We hear of, and perhaps even experience for ourselves, the decimation of life savings and the depletion of retirement accounts.

This synod has been directly impacted not only by these harsh realities themselves, but also the fear they engender. Historic congregations that once seemed rock solid are now more fragile than anyone could have imagined. Endowment funds that supported ministries are no longer available. Ministries that were financially prosperous are worried about money. The churchwide expression has cut back its expenses and laid off staff, then laid off staff again, resulting in what some have described as "an environment of fear." Pastors are talking about delaying their retirements and expressing concern about their congregations' viability. Congregations are exploring the possibilities of part-time ministries and want to know if they can merge or consolidate with others.

The great temptation for us is to blame the economy for all of this, but the truth lies elsewhere. The economy has merely exacerbated a problem that has been years in the making. Newsweek magazine reports that in the past twenty years the number of persons who identify themselves as Christians has declined by 10 percentage points. The decreasing membership of the Upper Susquehanna Synod reflects this reality. There are other reasons for this as well, including the fact that young people routinely leave our communities to find employment elsewhere, resulting in Pennsylvania becoming one of the grayest states in the Union.

The greater truth, however, is this: "The present form of this world is passing away" (1 Corinthians 7:31). As people of faith, we know that what is, and what has been in this world, is not what God ordains for us. The challenge for us is that we live in an age that believes it is the present reality that is certain and the future that is a mystery. Our biblical faith proclaims precisely the opposite. The present is a mystery, the future is certain, for into the midst of our current fear and uncertainty comes a word of hope from a future that is more certain than the present. "Can't you see it? Salvation draws near!" ( 2 Corinthians 6: 2b)

Much of life, as it is experienced in the present, challenges faith and leads to doubt and uncertainty, but this is God's answer to our prayers: A new kind of life is at hand; a better kind of world is in the throes of being born. In the meantime, we are called to be faithful, knowing only that "perfect love casts out fear." God is faithful. The gates of hell shall not prevail against us. Therefore, trust God.

No one knows better than I how difficult it is to trust in the face of hardship, but this is precisely the life to which disciples of the Lord Jesus are called. What, then, does it mean for us to remain faithful in this present situation and to trust in the God who is always faithful? Just this, love our neighbors as God loves us. Because Jesus is risen we have been freed from longing for the past and lamenting the present. Instead we may envision the future into which the Spirit is leading us, a future in which all of creation lives in communion with God and one another. And let us live that future now! This is not a call to denial. It is instead a call to face the challenges of the present in a different way than is our usual inclination. Let those who have ears hear: Our Lord Jesus is calling us to pick up our cross and follow him.

I take heart in the many faithful ways the people and congregations of this synod are seeking to move forward in the mission that is ours; and I can assure you that the members of the synod staff and I stand ready to support you in this effort. Together we are traveling on the same road, which is precisely what the word "synod" means. We have a mission that is concretized in action. Thanks be to God! Allow me to share some of the reasons I am thankful.

• I give thanks to God for the scores of creative and varied ministries of our 137 congregations which directly impact their communities, carried out in Christ's name.

• I give thanks to God for our congregations that are wrestling with new ways to serve God and their communities in the face of current challenges, rather than wringing their hands in despair.

• I give thanks to God for the thirty-five lay persons who have been trained by the Lay Ministry Institute to use their gifts as worship leaders, catechists, and evangelists for the sake of their congregations and this synod, especially in light of the challenges we face to provide congregations with qualified leaders.

• I give thanks to God for our new synodical websites, and for the many hours invested in them, so that we can connect with one another in new ways as we seek to serve (www.uss-elca.org and www.uss-elca.org.ning.com).

• I give thanks to God for the Tour de Revs and our support of World Hunger.

• I give thanks to God for the many people who help us to connect with our partners in the Lutheran Church in Liberia and the Ansbach-Würzburg Kirchenkreis.

• I give thanks for our Healthy Congregations Task Force and our newly appointed Reconciliation Team for the development of a strategy for responding to congregations facing conflict not for the purpose of seeking scapegoats but rather for seeking reconciliation.

• I give thanks to God for the dedicated leaders who as the Ministry Partnership Team are exploring new ways to encourage, resource, and set free those who have ideas for ministry on this synod's territory.

• I give thanks for Camp Mt. Luther and its care for both young and old, and for its impact on the lives of so many who begin to discern a possible call in a church vocation.

• I give thanks to God for Diakon Lutheran Social Services for its care of the elderly and its support of this synod by making it possible for us to help the needy through Kathryn's Closet and considering our grant proposal to appoint a coach to assist congregations seeking ways to serve in their own communities.

• I give thanks to God for our seminaries, universities, and campus ministries as together we touch the lives of so many.

• I give thanks to God for the Women's Organization of the ELCA, its synodical expression, and the many ways it seeks to equip women in their ministries.

• I give thanks to God for the many thousands of persons, both clergy and laity in this synod, who are giving of their time, talents, and treasure for the sake of God's mission in this place.

• I give thanks to God for the many other ministries that are occurring that I cannot specifically mention due to time and space limitations.

It is a privilege to serve as your bishop, and an honor to share this ministry with such talentedand devoted people as Virginia Frantz, Sandy Grier, Chad Hershberger, Brenda Jeirles, Melody Sell, Susan Mahserjian-Smith, Beth Ann Stone, Karl-John Stone, and Beth Yenchko, as well as our synod officers, Michael Schrey, Peggy Biesecker, and Steve Schlesing, and all the members of our Synod Council.

Thank you for the opportunities you have given me, and for the chance to share in so many of your lives. As St. Paul said to the Corinthians, "The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. My love be with all of you in Christ Jesus."

Yours in Christ Jesus,
+ Robert L. Driesen, Bishop

Vice President Michael Schrey

Secretary Margaret "Peggy" Biesecker

Treasurer Stephen A. Schlesing

Reports of the Assistants to the Bishop

• Report of Virginia Frantz, Administrative Assistant to the Bishop
• Report of Pastor Beth Ann L. Stone, Assistant to the Bishop
• Report of Pastor Karl-John Stone, Assistant to the Bishop
• Report of Elizabeth Yenchko, Director for Evangelical Mission and Assistant to the Bishop

Sisters and brothers in Christ, it is a joy and a privilege to serve Christ's church in my current call as a pastor and an assistant to Bishop Driesen.  I'm thankful for the new addition of Chad Hershberger to the synod staff in the part-time role of synod Communications Director.  As he takes over the communications work I've been doing, I expect to be able to offer more of my time to our synod in new ways.  What follows is a summary of my portfolio since my report to the 2008 Synod Assembly:

Candidacy Committee (ongoing)

• Receive and process candidates' paperwork and correspondence.
• Encourage individuals who are in discernment of God's call.
• Coordinate and support the work of the Candidacy Committee.

Communications (through May 2009)

• Served as editor of monthly Headwaters, Currents, and USS Ark publications.
• Coordinated development of the revamped www.uss-elca.org website.

First Call Theological Education

• Worked with other synodical representatives in Region 8 to plan for annual FCTE retreat, Nov. 4-6, 2008.
• On behalf of the USS, applied for and received a $2,000 mini-grant through the ELCA from the Lilly Endowment "Vocation of a First Call Congregation" project.  Followed through with the projects supported by grant funds: development of Transition Team resource (writers: Pastors Jim Bricker and Catrina Ciccone), and development of a First Call Congregation workshop (writers: Pastors Dan May and Zach Labaugh).
• Began work with other Region 8 synod representatives to plan for 2009 FCTE retreat.

Other Ministries (ongoing)

• Relate to the synod's Global Mission Committee, Campus Ministry Team, Lay Ministry Institute Board, World Hunger Task Force, and the Women Clergy support group.
• Chair the Bishop's Committee on Worship in planning synodical worship events.
• Chair the Healthy Congregations Taskforce.
• Facilitate a quarterly gathering of interim ministers of the USS, the Penn Central Conference-UCC, and the Diocese of Central PA-Episcopal Church.
• Facilitate continuing education events such as Bishop's Days, Bishop's Retreat, and events for lay and rostered leaders.
• On behalf of the USS, applied for a grant application from Diakon Social Services in support of a Social Ministry Projects Coach (application pending).
• Participate in the monthly Conference meetings of the Buffalo Valley, Tulpehocken, and West Branch Conferences.
• Preached and presided at worship at the 2008 USS Women of the ELCA Convention.
• Served on a task force of the Pennsylvania Leaders Network on "Vocation".
• Other tasks as assigned by the bishop.

God continues to bless my life with a supportive and loving husband, two inspiring and challenging children, fine colleagues, meaningful work, and hope in Christ.  I am so grateful.

Peace in Christ, Beth Ann

2009 Report of the Upper Susquehanna Synod Director for Evangelical Mission: 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

2008-2009 has seen a major restructuring of the EOCM unit with a direct impact on the Upper Susquehanna Synod. On Feb. 1, 2009, EOCM leadership implemented a new partnership/vision with all 65 synods as follows:

• Congregations, members and leaders - closest to the people and situations in their respective communities - are best positioned to make ministry decisions for their areas.
• Neighboring congregations and leaders (in clusters or conferences) are natural partners in issues concerning congregational ministry and mission - all as members of the body of Christ.
• The Synod provides assistance to these ministries and congregations - ministry Partners - through providing an ever-expanding network of skilled, spirit-led lay and clergy leaders who accompany them as needed - encouraging ministry implementation in a missional and Spirit-led manner, with biblical and prayerful grounding - and who connect them to resources and networks that can enhance their work.
• This network of synod leaders/facilitators is organized as a Ministry Partnership Team covering three areas: Mission/Evangelism/Renewal of Congregations and New Congregations; Discipleship/Stewardship/Mission Interpretation/Mission Support; and Christian Education.
• In a partnership between the synods and EOCM, the Director for Evangelical Mission is an integral part of the Bishop's staff, equipping and resourcing leaders within the Ministry Partnership Team and encouraging the building of networks among local congregations and ministries.

In the Upper Susquehanna Synod, the Bishop and Synod Council have called me as former EOCM Mission Director for Upper and Lower Susquehanna Synods to fill the half-time position of Director for Evangelical Mission and Assistant to the Bishop, funded by EOCM. In transition to this new structure, EOCM Stewardship Specialist Roger Smith has retired and in April the Synod honored him for his long-time work among us.

My recent work is in recruiting and partnering with lay and clergy leaders who wish to engage at the synod level in working with other congregations/clusters/conferences as described above, and overseeing the transformation from former committee structures to the Ministry Partnership Team. Working with leaders in the Team, I coordinate the  current tools available in the synod for congregations to advance their mission and outreach including Mapping Your Mission Field, Transformational Ministry, Natural Church Development and Mission at the Crossroads processes. Team members have recently accompanied 5 congregations in the Mapping process, and one is about to start Mission at the Crossroads. Several others are considering engaging as a group in Transformational Ministry. The Mission in Action workshops at this 2009 synod assembly are part of this work.

On the Stewardship side of the position, I am working with leaders already engaged in the work to continue stewardship resources for congregations, such as Mission Interpretation,  Stewardship Basics for congregational stewardship leaders, and Stewardship Consultations for individual congregations. We will be introducing the new ELCA EOCM resource, Make It Simple, which is now available through the ELCA website for all to use.

As a churchwide staff person, I am involved in regional/national Transformational Ministry and Coaching trainings, as well as interviewing potential mission leaders for emerging and renewing congregations throughout the ELCA. I also serve as coordinator of our EOCM partnership with the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg to encourage and resource seminarians in the area of mission development and redevelopment.

In addition, I partner with ELCA Mission Investment Fund Building Consultant Jeff Spann, who  is available to consult with congregations on renovations, handicapped accessibility, new construction, building plans, site purchase for relocations and new ministries, as well as financing options through the Fund.

Your Sister in Christ,

Beth Yenchko

Director for Evangelical Mission and Assistant to Bishop Driesen

Reports for Church in Society

• Report of Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries
• Report of the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania (LAMPa)
• Report of World Hunger Task Force

Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries celebrates our continuing partnership with the Upper Susquehanna Synod and its congregations, as we live out our mission to demonstrate God's command to love the neighbor through acts of service. Diakon maintains a nearly 150-year tradition of care for people of all ages and faiths. In 2008, Diakon increased benevolent care by more than $1 million to $13.27 million, including $1.757 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 new senior living homes at The Village at Ohesson in Lewistown and broke ground and began building similar homes at Buffalo Valley Lutheran Village, Lewisburg. In other developments, Buffalo Valley completed landscaping upgrades, refurbished a number of sections within its nursing care center, and added both therapy-focused Wii and Dakim [m]Power brain-fitness systems; the community also expanded services through association with Diakon Hospice Saint John. Ohesson completed similar additions involving technology such as [m]Power and the TouchTown system, which allows family members to see village-based communications; Ohesson also initiated a staff scholarship fund.

Diakon Family Life Services - Upper Susquehanna offers counseling, supportive, and educational services at licensed sites in Williamsport, Newberry, and Lewisburg. Having served more than 3,750 persons last year, Diakon Family Life Services provides individual, couple, and family counseling; 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 some 280 Lycoming County girls last year.

Services of Diakon Congregational Health Ministries within the Upper Susquehanna Synod include health ministry development, health education, parish nurse education, and bereavement ministry development. Serving nearly 775 people during 2008, the program developed a support group for female clergy, assisted with development of a task force on early intervention in congregational conflicts, and provided a number of presentations or consultations on health ministries or congregational concerns.

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 more than 1,000 teens last year, including young people from Juniata, Mifflin, and Snyder counties. An additional 1,328 persons from universities, churches, youth services, schools, and non-profit groups took part in team-building activities at the Diakon Wilderness Center. Additional family-based services for at-risk youths in Mifflin County are provided by 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, another way the organization touches the lives of people in need within the region. SWAN provided services to some 40,000 children and families during 2008.

We thank God for the gifts of staff, volunteers, congregations, donors, and board members who, together, enabled us to touch the lives of some 80,000 persons last year, including more than 8,000 within the Upper Susquehanna Synod.

The Rev. Daun E. McKee, Ph.D., President/CEO

In Partnership with the Upper Susquehanna Synod  

"To be an advocate is to plead on behalf of another.  For the Church, it means to speak for those without worldly power; those whose voices are not heard; those who may not have a vote.  Advocacy is a crucial part of the Church's ministry - part of its total effort in search of justice for all of God's people."

-Advocacy, A Ministry of the Church, DMNA, LCA, 1986)

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania (LAMPa) is a partnership ministry of the Church in Society Program Unit of the ELCA, the seven ELCA Synods in PA, the ELCA World Hunger Appeal, and the Lutheran Social Ministry Organizations (SMOs), Seminaries, Colleges and other agencies and institutions located in PA.  Our advocacy ministry is guided by the Constitution and continuing resolutions of the ELCA as well as the Social Statements passed by the church in Assembly.  The Constitution commits the church "to discern, understand and respond to the needs of human beings, communities, society, and the whole creation through direct human services and through addressing systems, structures, and policies of society, seeking to promote justice, peace and the care of the earth."

Where is Advocacy Done? 

LAMPa advocates in the places of power, where important decisions are made, with and for those whose voices have been muted by oppression and economic injustice.  The Pennsylvania General Assembly and other state government policymakers are the central focal points for this advocacy.  LAMPa is part of the ELCA Advocacy Network, which ensures that the concerns of the vulnerable are lifted up in Washington DC, other state capitals, as well as in business and international communities.

What do we Advocate?

Social Statements and Messages of the ELCA as well as our Lutheran theological understanding of the role of government are the foundation for LAMPa's advocacy.  Two primary categories are at the center of LAMPa's public policy advocacy priorities for the 2009-2010 legislative session:

• Poverty/Hunger
• Health/Health Care/Human Services

Who Should Do Advocacy?

No amount of direct advocacy with policymakers in Harrisburg by the LAMPa staff can equal the power of voters...in LAMPa's case, the voices of Lutherans who take seriously their faith as they seek justice for all people.

By sharing resources, conducting adult issue forums and doing advocacy training, LAMPa seeks to equip Lutherans in PA to become advocates.  Primarily, this happens through ACTIONET.

• Actionet is a growing network of Lutherans who take seriously their role as "citizens with faith."  They write, call, and visit legislators to share their commitment to the basic worth of all people and to the responsibility of government to serve the common good.  Actionet is central to how Lutheran advocacy happens in PA.  Contact the LAMPa office (www.lamp.org) to sign up, and pass the word around to friends and fellow congregants!
  

Year in Review

• LAMPa collected over 1,000 signed letters from Lutherans about the importance of addressing the issue of hunger with increased dollars in the state budget.
• Over 150 Lutherans gathered in Harrisburg on April 9, 2008 for Lutheran Day at the Capitol.
• LAMPa staff expanded to include a full time Advocacy Developer to increase LAMPa's equipping presence at gatherings of Lutherans across the state.
• LAMPa worked to more fully interact with all our various partners in ministry.
• New initiatives in 2009 include:  The LAMPa Ambassador Ministry - LAMPa's way of facilitating 1 to 1 relationships between all 253 State Legislators and individual Lutherans!
  

Gratitude for Synod Support

A word of gratitude to the Upper Susquehanna Synod for its financial support, for the many years of vision and commitment to justice, and the leadership of LAMPa Policy Council members, the Rev. Dennis Smith and Ruth Koble.

In 2009, LAMPa celebrates 30 years of public policy and advocacy ministry in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  Thanks be to God for our partnership in advocacy ministry with and for the poor, vulnerable, disenfranchised, and for all of God's creation!

Respectfully submitted,

Marissa Harris, LAMPa Advocacy Developer

"People of faith must step boldly into the public square and exert their individual and collective political power for the sake of the common good.   This is not a choice but a moral imperative based on scripture, faith traditions and God's call to live out our faith in the public world."

 - ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson

 Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania

900 S. Arlington Avenue, Suite 117, Harrisburg, PA 17109-5027

Phone: 717-545-3500

E-mail: lampa@lamp.org; Web: www.lamp.org

The Task Force set up a display table at last year's Synod Assembly and introduced God's Global Barnyard and Mission Mall Projects.

In November the Task Force implemented a Hunger 101 event in Williamsport as a pilot project for Pennsylvania. A unique simulation, Hunger 101 brings participants face-to-face with the gritty substance of "domestic poverty." In their roles, participants learn to deal with the day-to-day realities faced by people who are living on limited incomes with limited options.

Currently the task force is preparing for "the Tour De Revs." In Micah 6:8 we hear these words of God, "What does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk with your God." Three pastors of the West Virginia-Western Maryland Synod take these words literally and bike for God, visiting within 100 days all 65 synods of the ELCA to raise awareness and money to end hunger in the world.

The Rev. Erwin Roux will be presenting the USS this year at the World Hunger Leaders Gathering in Mexico City this fall.

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.

I like to thank the Task Force members: We welcome our new members Rev. Sarah Hershberger, Millmont, and Kathy Kaufmann, Lewisburg; Rev. Beth Ann Stone, Assistant to the Bishop; Zee Layne Merkel, Jersey Shore; Clissie Sheatler, Turbotville; H. Donald Wolfe, Bellville. We also thank Carol Conrad who stepped back from her position for health reasons.

Respectfully submitted,

The Rev. Carla Volland, Chairperson

World Hunger Task Force 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.

Reports for Global Mission Committee

• Lutheran Church in Liberia Companion Synod
• Ansbach-Würzburg Kirchenkreis Companion Synod
  

Dr. Robert Bradford, Chair

The Ansbach-Würzburg Kirchenkreis Sub-Committee of the Global Missions Committee met on several occasions in the past year.  Members who were active on the sub-committee were:

Rev. Sonja Ware (Trevorton)
Rev. Detlef Huckfeldt (Quiggleville)
Rev. Gunther Bernhardt (Montgomery)
Rev. Kerry Aucker (Jersey Shore)
Rev. Lois Martin (Belleville)
Rev. Beth Ann Stone (Assistant to the Bishop)

The purpose of the Sub-Committee is to develop the partnership that we, as a Synod, have established with the Ansbach-Würzburg Kirchenkreis of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bavaria, Germany, back in 1999.

With the economy that way it has been, the euro has not been in our favor. However, we did have a visit from Franziska Kneißl who is a student at the Lutheran Seminary at Neuendettelsau in our companion synod in Bavaria. She was here for three weeks to experience ministry in the Parish in an American context. She spent time with Pastor Lois Martin (Beaver Lutheran, Beavertown) and Pastor Maurice Frontz (Messiah, South Williamsport) learning about the functions of a Pastor and ministry in real life.

We have heard there have been exchanges and communications back and forth between people as a result of previous exchanges and we encourage such exchanges.

Pastor Aucker took 4 youth and 3 adults from his congregations of St. John and St. James to Bavaria the week after Easter. They toured Rothenburg, Würzburg, the Alps, Fusen, Nurnburg, Bamberg, and stayed in Bad Windsheim. He will be leading a workshop during the Synod Assembly and would be glad to provide information for anyone wishing to take a group to Germany. While there he met two leaders who hope to bring groups to America in 2010.

Our goal is to have annual exchanges of both youth and adults happening simultaneously in the coming years. By so doing, we hope to build close and meaningful relationships with sisters and brothers in Christ in our companion synod.

We are grateful to the members of the Ansbach-Würzburg Committee who are faithful in their assistance and support as we plan opportunities for building bonds of friendship between our companion churches. After serving as chair of the committee for ten years, I have decided to step down as chair. Pastor Lois Martin has volunteered to serve as the future chair of the Committee.

Respectfully submitted,
The Rev. Kerry Aucker
Chairperson

Reports for Campus Ministry Team

• Report of Susquehanna University
• Report of Gettysburg College
• Report of Lutheran Campus Ministry at Penn State
• Report of Protestant Campus Ministry at Bloomsburg University
• Report of United Campus Ministry at Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport
• Report of Campus Ministry at Mansfield University
• Report of Campus Ministry to Lock Haven University

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

Founded in 1858 as the Missionary Institute of the Evangelical Lutheran Church and Susquehanna Female College, Susquehanna University appreciates both its Lutheran heritage and its continuing relationship with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. As one expression of that relationship, SU President L. Jay Lemons serves as chair of the board of the ELCA Council of College and University Presidents.

General University Developments in the Past Year

SU opened its Sesquicentennial Year with an enrollment of 2087 full-time students.

Thanks to years of careful financial management which have produced substantial reserves, Susquehanna is in a better position than many other small, tuition-dependent colleges and universities to weather a protracted, deep recession.

Despite the economic downturn, the university's Changing Lives, Building Futures Campaign has raised $60.1 million against a goal of $70 million by 2010. Construction of Susquehanna's new 75,000 square foot science building is on budget and ahead of schedule, as are the new West Village III residence halls. Both projects demonstrate Susquehanna's commitment to sustainability and environmental consciousness. The buildings are designed to meet or exceed the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification criteria.

A new Central Curriculum that takes effect for the class that enters in August 2009 will require every student to complete a cross-cultural study away experience either domestically or internationally and, upon return, engage in critical reflection on that experience with an SU faculty member. Academic credit will be awarded not simply for having an experience, but for reflecting on that experience.

Susquehanna continued its commitment to hurricane relief efforts. Since 2005, a total of eleven teams totaling approximately 220 students, faculty and staff have spent a week working in Louisiana. A twelfth trip is scheduled for May, and three trips are planned for the next academic year.

The university recently increased its Ministerial Grants program, which provides scholarship to dependent children of ordained Lutheran clergy, to $2,500 per year. Recipients of the ministerial grant are also eligible to be full participants in the merit and need-based components of SU's financial aid program, based upon admission credentials and, in the case of need-based aid, on the individual family's financial data.

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. With 42 active members, SU's Lutheran Student Movement group is currently one of the larger and faster-growing religious life groups at SU.

New this year is the presence of Ms. Lori Feldstein-Gardner, a rabbinical intern from the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in Wyncote, PA. On campus three weekends each semester, Lori works with the student Hillel group and serves as a resource to the wider university regarding Jewish faith, life and culture. 

SU CASA, the Susquehanna University Central America Service Adventure, took its 11th 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 with churches and church-related organizations in Central America. The teams have delivered a combined total of more than $400,000 in materials and donor-designated cash gifts, and contributed at least 12,200 hours of volunteer labor through the two-week service-learning courses sponsored by the Office of the Chaplain and the Department of Religion, Philosophy and Classical Studies.

The university's Office of the Chaplain and Center for Civic Engagement won a national award for a service-learning program they jointly sponsor. NASPA, the preeminent national organization for student affairs in higher education, awarded SU SPLASH (Students Promoting Leadership and Awareness in Serving the Homeless) a silver award in the "Careers, Academic Support, Service Learning and Community Service" category. Begun in 2005 with a grant from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, SPLASH is a week-long summer program that immerses twenty incoming first-year students in learning about homelessness while providing direct service to and exploring advocacy for people experiencing homelessness. Half the group's time is spent on campus and the other half in Washington, DC. This is the third consecutive year Susquehanna has won an award in this category. The university's Hurricane Response Teams won a Bronze Award in 2007 and SU CASA won a Bronze Award in 2008. SPLASH placed second behind American University and ahead of Vanderbilt University. 

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 three 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 Pr. John Yost, a member of the synod who serves on the university's board of trustees, and John Apple and Gary Baylor, trustees emeriti.

Happily, I am able to report that life at Gettysburg College is vibrant, future oriented and governed by the enduring social values born of a caring, compassionate service oriented community. The election and appointment by the Board of Trustees this past February 2009 of Dr. Janet Morgan Riggs '77 as President of Gettysburg College was met by a flood of supporters including virtually every facet of academic life.  Students, faculty, administrators, support staff and alumni have enthusiastically embraced the passion, commitment and vision Dr. Riggs demonstrates for her alma mater.      

Dr. Riggs is the first alumna to be named president.  Three alumni who graduated from Pennsylvania College (now Gettysburg College) in the 19th century have also served as president to their alma mater.  They were: Milton Valentine, Class of 1850, served from 1868 to 1884; Harvey Washington McKnight, Class of 1865, served from 1884 to 1904; and Samuel Gring Hefelbower, Class of 1891, served from 1904 to 1910.  With the appointment of Dr. Riggs, the climate on the Gettysburg College campus is positive and quietly electric. There is an over-all 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 the doldrums.

Spring semester this 2008-2009 academic year opened with dozens of members of the Gettysburg College Community braving freezing temperatures and falling snow to participate in a candlelight vigil, featuring readings, prayers and reflections on the life of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The vigil was sponsored by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and coordinated by the Chaplain of the College.

Gettysburg College faculty, students, administrators, staff and alumni continue to make significant contributions to scholarly conferences, domestic service programs, educational and health research as well as the political arena.  This week finds six Gettysburg College students traveling to The Hague in the Netherlands to participate in a model United Nations International Conference.  Gettysburg alumnus, Dr. J. Michael Bishop '57 and Noble Prize Laureate was present among those who witnessed President Barack Obama's signing of an order permitting further human embryonic stem cell research.  Former Gettysburg College Professor, Dr. Johannes Bulholf recently delivered the Norman E. Richardson lecture focused on the ethical treatment of strangers.   Dr. Gabor Borritt received a National Humanities Medal for a distinguished career of scholarship on Abraham Lincoln and the Civil this past winter.  Three Gettysburg Students have won Fulbright awards and three others have won Goldwater Hollings scholarships.  Groundbreaking for a new athletic center occurred at the end of the spring semester 2008.  Preliminary plans call for the center to open by the coming Fall Semester.

Religious spiritual life at Gettysburg College has been enhanced this current year through the co-operative sharing with Christ Church, Gettysburg, of an intern, seminarian Richard Adams.  Student involvement in religious spiritual life continues with approximately 65 per cent of students indicating that they are "greatly involved" or "somewhat involved" in religious spiritual life. New Testament scholar, Dr. Marcus Borg, made two presentations this fall aimed at deepening understanding of current New Testament scholarship and views of the religious experience.  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,

Chaplain of the College

March 26, 2009

God's Work.  Our Hands.  Can you see the hands in your mind's eye?  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 holding hammer and nails, framing the walls of a Habitat for Humanity house.  Hands hauling food donations to the local food bank.  Hands turning the pages of the Bible in study.  Hands offering 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 hands 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 a number of 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 to serve their neighbor 
• Meals and other social gatherings connects students in a community of faith
• Pastoral care 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

Many Hands Share the Work

Alicia Anderson continues to serve as Campus Minister, and is in her 14^th year at PSU.  This year the Lutheran Student Community Council used a "working-group configuration" which led to even more student input and leadership.  Our bright and gifted students have a real passion for ministry with and among their peers. 

Lutheran Campus Ministry is grateful for the blessing of continued partnership with Grace Lutheran Church in State College, providing a seamless presence for students on and near campus.  The leadership of Grace and their pastoral staff, Pastor Steve Lynn, Pastor Larry Louder and Pastor Alison Bowlan, have been marvelous companions this ministry.  In addition, we are grateful for several pastors in the county have given their time to work with students in campus ministry programs, including Pastor Kevin Shock, Pastor Michael Price, Pastor Nathan Pile, Pastor Carl Miller and Pastor Susan Williamson. 

We are sad to see the departure of Pastor Jack Saarela, who has served as Campus Ministry Coordinator for Regions 7, 8 & 9.  His position has been eliminated due to funding cuts in the Vocation and Education unit of the ELCA.  We have been blessed by his passion for campus ministry, his experience and advocacy.  His help and insight will be greatly missed.    

Ecumenical and Interfaith Opportunities

Lutheran Campus Ministry is fortunate to have offices in Pasquerilla Spiritual Center on the Penn State Campus, as well as access to program space there.  Our relationship with the Episcopal Campus Ministry and Westminster Presbyterian Fellowship has grown to include a weekly ecumenical worship service offered at Eisenhower Chapel throughout the semester.  We also share service and discussion programs several times each month, offering students a wider experience of the Christian community.  We hosted a screening of the National Geographic film, "In God's Name" for the wider community and are making plans to show the film again in conjunction with a visit from the filmmakers in the fall.  An Interfaith Seder Dinner has become something of a tradition each spring, when Rabbi David Ostrich from the Jewish Community Center - Congregation Brit Shalom leads us through the Passover meal and explores one intersection between our Christian faith and the Jewish faith.      

Part-Time Campus Pastor Position

The Lutheran Council for Campus Ministry Board has worked hard this year exploring staffing options for LCM.  We are blessed with a group of dedicated, passionate and faithful board members who have decided to proceed with a part-time ordained staff position to work with Alicia Anderson.  While our funding from synods and churchwide are stable, costs have been increasing for years and our budget can no longer fund two full-time pastoral staff.  Alicia has been named lead staff and will oversee the work of the ministry.

Base of Support Grows

As institutional funding has remained static, we have been pleased to see growth in contributions to support Lutheran Campus Ministry at Penn State from congregations and individuals.  It is a blessing to have so many friends and supporters who are committed to keeping this ministry with and among Penn State students active and vital.  Last summer we began an event for these and other supporters to gather in State College on Saturday of Arts Festival.  This year during the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, we will again host a picnic for students, friends, and supporters on July 11^th from 11:30 am - 1 pm at Sunset Park in State College.  Mark your calendar and watch for RSVP information.

We are grateful for the ongoing support of the Upper Susquehanna Synod Synod.  Our ministry could not continue without your faithful financial support.  We also rely on 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 for so many partnerships in this important work among young adults.

God is certainly keeping our hands busy. There is much ministry to be done. As students help care for their neighbors in need, 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

2008/09 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 - Bible studies, book groups, and food recovery were some of the weekly events we shared.

October - We helped with the local CROP Walk by setting up signs and directing traffic.  Some of us also walked the walk and helped raise money.

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 spent a night wrapping and humming along to Christmas carols and happily sent off 53 boxes to children around the world.

Our Advent Banquet fell on November 22, just a tad early.  We spent a festive evening with more than 100 guests, the Bloomsburg University Gospel Choir, and speaker Rev. Dr. Riess Potterveld giving thanks!

December - We celebrated with our graduating seniors and wished them blessings on the next stage of their journeys.

January - We gathered in worship and remembered our baptisms as we prepared for a new semester.  We prepared and served a meal at our community soup kitchen and had a wonderful time!

February - Our winter retreat focused on identity.  We spent a weekend in worship and reflection on how we find our identity and how we live into the identity God has for us.

March - We painted bowls for the Empty Bowls banquet - a fundraiser for the local food cupboard.  At the banquet we helped entertain children and clean up after the event.

April - With the University Forum on Immigration taking place, we spent some time thinking about what a Christian response to immigration issues should look like, with the scriptures as our guide.  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.  Campus Ministry is more precious than gold and we couldn't do it without you.

 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

Director: Rev. Dr. Maggie Gillespie

Sunday
Students worship with their congregation in town, or sleep in.

Monday
Local pastors provide Faith Talk, an on-campus Bible studies in a wide variety of themes and styles. The students enjoy the wide range that an ecumenical ministry can provide.

Tuesday
Campus Ministry Coordinator Sharon Comini greets students in the cafeteria.

Wednesday
Food for Taught is a short lunch devotion that Sharon offers at the cafeteria.

Wednesday Night
Our key event is still the worship service led by local pastors. The worship is followed by a dinner provided by a local congregation. The students use the time after dinner for student-group business meetings or simply to hang out.

Thursday
Campus Ministry Coordinator Sharon Comini greets students in the cafeteria.

Mission and Service
Students raised funds by serving a lasagna dinner, matched by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, in order to go on a mission trip to Pittsburgh. They served the homeless by working at a soup kitchen, at a food pantry and at the food bank.

Support
The Upper Susquehanna Synod is committed to a $1,500 annual funding level for UCM at Penn College. We receive grants from Presbyterian USA, United Methodist, Episcopal, and American Baptist judicatories, as well as from individuals and congregations in the Williamsport area. Equally important is the many ways individuals and congregations support of this ministry, providing food, music, worship, and Bible study. Pastors and lay members (many of them Lutherans) have contributed countless hours of leadership.

Campus Ministry Coordinator: Sharon Comini, Montoursville, 419-5376, ucm@uclc.org
Co-chair: Rev. Detlef Huckfeldt, St. Michael's Lutheran Church, Quiggleville, 998-3106
www.uclc.org/ucm - Check us out on facebook: United Campus Ministry at Penn College

Click here for PDF of Campus Ministry at Mansfield University report.

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.  Its 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 goals for 2009 are:

• To empower the students who expressed a willingness to actively participate in PCM
• To hold two weekly Bible studies (one in afternoon, one in evening)
• To hold regular Sunday evening worship services led by local pastors
• To hold 1 overnight retreat each semester
• To partner with a community organization, such as Big Brother-Big Sister or prison ministries
• To hold at least 1 holiday event or theme party each semester
• To bring a contemporary Christian music artist to campus for a concert, in cooperation with the Campus Ministries Association at LHUP
• To build a PCM website
• To develop an active PCM Facebook presence on campus
• To visit and/or preach at all sponsoring churches during the summer
• To continue monthly articles in church newsletters
• To send bi-weekly email newsletters to the campus community
• To work with the Board in significant fundraising efforts
• To develop an Adopt-a-Student program

To that end, the following goals were achieved (or are in process) as of the end of the 2009 spring semester:

• Worship services were offered from the various traditions of the sponsoring church pastors.
• Weekly bible studies and faith talks were held.
• Free pizza parties were offered in each of the dorms.
• The group hosted a speaker on prison ministries.
• The ministry participated in fundraising for the Housing Coalition.
• Leadership skill development was offered to the officers.
• The campus minister participated in local church and community worship.
• A PCM magazine was begun.
• Contemporary Christian musician, Brett Rush, performed a concert on campus.
• Monthly newsletter articles were written for church newsletters.
• A website was begun and will be up and running by the fall.

The remaining goals will be pursued during the fall semester.

There has been noticeable growth, having started the 2008-09 year with 1 member and concluding the year with 12 active members.  There are also a dozen or so "on lookers" and 70 on our email newsletter list.  We celebrate what God is doing on our campus and wait expectantly for what is yet to come.

Rev. Dr. Jeffery Seeley, Protestant Campus Minister

P.O. Box 133

Lock Haven, PA 17745

570-244-8260

jseeley@lhup.edu

Reports for Leadership Ministries

• Report of Candidacy Committee
• Report of Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg
• Report of the Eastern Cluster of Lutheran Seminaries
• Report of the Lay Ministry Institute

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).

 The candidacy process includes the following steps, summarized here in brief:

1. Application: includes an application form, autobiographical essay, congregational registration, initial interview, background checks, and psychological evaluation.
2. Entrance: after an application is completed, the applicant meets with the Candidacy Committee for an Entrance interview and decision.  A positive Entrance decision is required for admission to an ELCA seminary as a candidate for ministry.
3. Endorsement: candidates who have completed their first year of study and an Endorsement Essay meet with an Endorsement Panel at their seminary in the fall of their second year.  The Panel makes a recommendation to the Candidacy Committee regarding the candidate's Endorsement decision.  The Candidacy Committee determines whether to Endorse a candidate.  A positive Endorsement decision is required for candidates to participate in an ELCA internship or field experience.
4. Approval: candidates who have completed their internship or field experience prepare an Approval Essay.  The seminary faculty and internship/field experience supervisor make recommendations about the candidate's readiness for ministry.  The candidate meets with the Candidacy Committee for an Approval interview and decision.  A positive Approval decision is required for candidates to become available for a first call.
5. First call: upon receiving and accepting a call, approved candidates for ordained ministry, in concert with their synod, will schedule their service of ordination.  Approved and called candidates to positions as associates in ministry, in concert with their synod, will schedule their service of commissioning.  Approved and called candidates for diaconal ministry or ministry as a deaconess, in concert with their synod, will schedule their service of consecration.

If you may be discerning a potential call to rostered ministry in the ELCA, please call the synod office to further the conversation.  You may also consult the synod or ELCA websites for more information about ministries of the church and the candidacy process.

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 on Dec. 12, 2005.  She was assigned to the Northwest Minnesota Synod, along with her husband, a called pastor.  She is awaiting her first call.

Kristina Blanchek is completing her senior year of classes at Wartburg Seminary (spring 2009) before graduating from the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Chicago in May, 2009.  Kris is scheduled for her Approval interview with the committee on August 10, 2009.  Kristina is a member of Good Shepherd, Berwick.

Brandon Cian was endorsed as a candidate for ordained ministry in December, 2008.  He is continuing his third year of study at Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, anticipating a fourth-year internship. Brandon is a member of Christ, Lewisburg.

James Fladland was approved for reinstatement to the roster of ordained ministers on April 30, 2008, pending a call to serve.  He received a call to First, Watsontown on March 15, 2009, and will be installed as their pastor on May 17, 2009.

Tonya Gunton was approved for call as a consecrated diaconal minister on Dec. 6, 2006.  She was assigned to the Florida-Bahamas Synod in October, 2008, and is awaiting her first call.

Ron Montgomery was approved for call as an ordained minister in August, 2008.  He was assigned to the Upper Susquehanna Synod in October, 2008, and received and accepted a call to St. John, Unityville.  He was ordained on December 13, 2008. 

Janice Moody was approved for call as an ordained minister in August, 2008.  She was assigned to the Easter North Dakota Synod in October, 2008, and is awaiting her first call.  Janice is a member of Trinity, Danville.

Bruce Romanic was endorsed as a candidate for diaconal ministry on Sept. 24, 2005.  He completed his diaconal ministry field experience and project in May, 2006.  Bruce is a member of Grace, Shamokin.

Rick White received positive Entrance as a candidate for ordained ministry in August, 2008.  In January, 2009, Rick began his seminary studies through the Distributive Learning program of Luther Seminary.  His contextual education site is Zion, Sunbury, where his partner pastor is the Rev. Richard Fangmann.  Rick is a member of St. John's, Leck Kill.

Shelby Wyland received positive Entrance as a candidate for diaconal ministry in August, 2008.  In September, 2008, she began her seminary studies at Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio.  This summer she is pursuing a unit of Clinical Pastoral Education at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus.  Shelby is a member of Bethany, Montoursville.

One candidate was approved for admission to the ordained ministry roster from another Christian tradition on Dec. 6, 2006, pending receipt of a call to serve.  Two applicants for candidacy (one for Associate in Ministry, one for ordained ministry) are scheduled for Entrance interviews in May or August 2009. 

U.S.S. Candidacy Committee members include: Dr. Karla Bohmbach, The Rev. Kerry Aucker, Clarice Pellman, Shirley Jones (resigned April 2008), The Rev. Anke Deibler, The Rev. Dr. Mark Radecke, The Rev. Theodore Cockley, James Donnell, Lana Snyder, The Rev. Dr. Gil Waldkoenig, Nancy Gable, The Rev. Beth Ann L. Stone, and Bishop Robert L. Driesen.

Dr. Karla Bohmbach, Chair

Rev. Beth Ann L. Stone, Synod staff

Gettysburg Seminary welcomed a younger student body, noted progress in its diversity, endured a two month paving project in its main street, added a curricular concentration in Youth and Young Adult Ministry, recognized the tenure of the Rev. Dr. Mark Vitalis Hoffman and celebrated the publishing prowess of its faculty, continued its pathway to green its future carbon footprint and braced for economic challenges.

Faculty Publishing and Scholarship: As the seminary welcomed the re-election of the Rev. Dr. Robin Steinke to her 2^nd term as dean, it celebrated its historians who published significant books this year, including Gerald Christianson's early medieval The Church, The Councils & Reform, Maria Erling's The Augustana Story (with fellow historian Mark Granquist), and Frederick Wentz' biography of Abdel Ross Wentz (Expanding Horizons for America's Lutherans) by the new Seminary Ridge Press.  Stephen Folkemer and Mark Oldenburg teamed up on texts and music for a series of choral hymns for Lenten seasonal use and President Cooper-White's Comeback God  (Augsburg/Fortress) arrived in early 2009.

Weathering Stressful Economic Storms: A decade of balanced budgets, prudent investment, steadfast financial support and careful borrowing helped keep the Gettysburg Seminary in relatively stable condition during stormy economic times. Gifts to the endowment and annual support to the Gettysburg Seminary Fund remain critical for sustaining a healthy theological education for church leaders.

Remarkable Progress: Reflecting years of intentional focus and assisted by the cluster's Project Connect (see seminary cluster report), Gettysburg Seminary's student body is younger on average this year, and the most diverse in Seminary's history (10% persons of color). Continuing to be richly blessed by "second career" persons preparing for ministry, the Seminary welcomed an incoming class with many who are now in their 20's.  

Crossroads Campaign Expands: Surpassing its original goal and destined to strengthen several aspects of the Seminary's program, the Crossroad Campaign's original ambitious goal was $12.5 million. When that level was surpassed mid-way through the effort in all regional synods, the Seminary's Board of Directors said, "let's go for twice as much!" doubling the goal to $25M. It was also gratifying to receive strong response to new scholarship appeals. Preparation is underway for the campaign to reach WV-WMD, SW Penn and NW Penn synods in 2009-2010. 

Luther Institute Milestone: On the occasion of the Luther Institute's 25^th anniversary celebration, more than 125 ELCA and Missouri Synod church leaders gathered together on Nov. 8 to hear world-renowned Lutheran author and historian Dr. Martin Marty challenge them to embrace "the radical thought" of  tapping the Lutheran tradition in search of new metaphors of faith in the public square. The Washington-based affiliate of the Seminary looks ahead to development of its role and mission as one of four "international learning centers" of the ELCA and helping advance the role of faith and ethics in public life.

Explicitly Thankful: The seminary expresses abiding gratitude to its many generous supporters and partners, especially the synods of Region 8. Gettysburg Seminary also acknowledges, with special appreciation, the leadership of those who serve on its board of directors, offering their time and support to the mission of theological education.  

The Rev. Michael L. Cooper-White, President

The Rev. Glenn Ludwig, Chairman of the Board

Introduction

Since its founding in 1995, the Eastern Cluster of Lutheran Seminaries (ECLS) has fostered strong collaboration between the three eastern schools, enhancing our common task of theological education for a broad spectrum of students.  Major Cluster-sponsored programs include diaconal ministry formation (based at Gettysburg), a Doctor of Ministry degree (Philadelphia-based), and partnership in the Atlanta program centered in the predominantly African-American Interdenominational Theological Center (with Southern being the primary Cluster connection point).  A separately incorporated entity, the Cluster is governed by a Board of Directors made up of board representatives and key academic and administrative leaders from each of the three schools.  One of the three seminary presidents serves in rotation as Cluster executive director, assisted by a contracted part-time cluster coordinator. With only modest core funding from the seminaries, the Cluster has been blessed to receive nearly $5 million in grants from foundations.

Current Collaborative Programs

• The Cluster's One Library Under Three Roofs links the collections at Gettysburg, Philadelphia and Columbia, providing students, faculty and other borrowers with access to a vast array of books, periodicals and e-resources.
• Vocational discernment emphases focused on young adults is carried out by means of Project Connect, which works in close concert with the Admissions offices of each school.
• Faculty collaboration occurs especially through the diaconal formation event and shared D.Min. A joint faculty retreat in March 2009 provided opportunity for the three faculties to envision additional areas where sharing might occur.
• Theological Education with Youth (TEY), a program jointly sponsored by the two Pennsylvania schools, is in its 10th year of providing in-depth study, fellowship and service opportunities for junior- and senior-high young persons.
• A pioneering effort is being launched in 2009 to provide both theological and managerial/leadership education for social ministry organization staff persons. Intersections Institute has received grants from the ELCA, Diakon and Thrivent.

Future Cluster Directions

In the current context of economic challenges, a call has been issued to review the Cluster governance structure with an eye toward achieving greater efficiencies.  Concurrently, as each school engages in "belt-tightening," Cluster conversations will explore options for additional areas of shared administrative and pedagogical endeavors. 

With Appreciation

The Cluster is grateful for support to theological education and our seminaries from the synods and churchwide organization.  As he concludes his service as dean at Southern, appreciation is expressed to Dr. Michael Root.

Rev. Glenn Ludwig, Cluster Board Chair                 

Rev. Marcus Miller, Exec. Director

Greetings! Over the past year the Lay Ministry Institute Board has been very busy guiding and shepherding the current class of Authorized Lay Worship Leaders, Catechists, and Evangelists through the final year of their two-year training program. We have completed a mid-term evaluation process with each candidate and will complete a final evaluation with interview before the beginning of May. The Institute Board will review all of those evaluations and interviews and recommend that those who have completed all requirements be forwarded to the Bishop for approval to be installed at the upcoming Synod Assembly in June. Currently, there are 36 candidates to become authorized lay worship leaders, catechists, and evangelists. All of these candidates have worked very hard over this two year period by immersing themselves in the classroom presentations as well as in working closely with mentors on special projects, worship leadership, and preaching.

Over the last three or four years, the Lay Ministry Institute Board along with the Bishop has been exploring the possibility of establishing guidelines for this ministry. This long exploration process has now resulted in the creation of a brand new Lay Ministry Handbook that has been shared with congregations, pastors, and authorized lay ministry leaders. The new Handbook seeks to place our Synod's authorized lay ministry within the context of the ELCA's understanding of lay ministry as well as to serve as a guiding document for our ongoing life together. The Handbook will assist new pastors to our Synod in understanding this important ministry that we share together. Plus, it will serve as an ongoing foundation for the work of Authorized Lay Leaders within our congregations and will strengthen ongoing relationships with pastors/mentors and with our Synod staff. The Handbook features a theological understanding and undergirding of authorized lay ministry by Bishop Driesen.

Other highlights of the Handbook include a history of authorized lay ministry and expectations, requirements, and code of practices for authorized lay leaders within the life of our Synod. It features a covenant relationship form to be signed by an Authorized Lay Leader and that person's pastor/mentor. The Lay Ministry Board along with the Bishop has sought to strengthen that very vital ongoing relationship in this program through these covenants. The Handbook also includes the ongoing expectations for Authorized Lay Ministers within our Synod.

Beginning this coming September of 2009, the Lay Ministry Institute Board will be starting another class for training for Authorized Lay Worship Leaders, Catechists, and Evangelists. Please consider exploring this unique opportunity for training for yourself or suggest the possibility to a friend or family member. Please contact the Synod Office to receive an application packet. The application as well as the course outline can also be found in the new Handbook!

On behalf of the Lay Ministry Institute Board I want to thank all of those who have responded to this unique call to serve in these special ministries. We want to thank all of those pastors who have worked with candidates in the training program as well as those who continue to work with and support current Authorized Lay Leaders in their ministry. Thanks to the whole Synod for the ongoing support of this ministry that has served our congregations and pastors so very well over the last decade.

As chair of the Institute Board, I want to say a huge and sincere thank you to each Board member for their faithful service in this important ministry of our Upper Susquehanna Synod. I greatly appreciate their presence, leadership, and commitment to serving together to lift up and enhance lay ministry across our Synod. I would also like to offer a very special thank you to Pastor Melody Sell who serves as the coordinator of our program, to Bishop Driesen for his insightful leadership, to Pastor Beth Ann Stone for her guiding presence, and to Virginia Frantz, Associate in Ministry, for her unwavering nuts and bolts support of and for her commitment to our work together. It continues to be a great blessing for me to be able to work with the Board, the Synod Staff, and Bishop Driesen in this special ministry of our Synod.

Submitted on behalf of the Lay Ministry Institute Board of Directors by;

The Rev. Wayne C. Muthler; Chairperson

Members of the Lay Ministry Board:
Harry Dietz
Mark Giesen
Christy Zeigler
Virginia Frantz, Associate in Ministry
The Rev. Beth Ann Stone, Assistant to the Bishop
The Rev. Melody Sell, Institute Coordinator
The Rev. David Pennebaker
The Rev. Gretchen Johanson
The Rev. Gary Roth
The Rev. Charles Hershberger
The Rev. Dan May
The Rev. John Koons
The Rev. Wayne Muthler, Chairperson

• Report of Small Church/Outreach Committee
• Report of ELCMA
  

Click here for PDF of Small Church/Outreach Committee report.

Evangelical Lutheran Coalition for Mission in Appalachia

ELCMA "Connects and Equips God's People for Christ's Mission in Appalachia" in various ways:

• Grant writing seminars offered to congregational and community leaders equip participants to develop funds continuing the ministries needed in their neighborhoods
• An advocacy agenda came from the people - A Sustainable Living Campaign connects and equips individuals and congregations to make choices that protect the environment
• Writing confirmation curriculum with a volunteer task group connects small congregations to affordable material equipping their youth with the fundamentals of Lutheranism
• The Handbook for Small Congregations connects congregations to ideas that are tried and true, designed for the rural and small places, equipping leaders for ministry
• The Glenn Heasley Award in Appalachian Ministry equips Appalachian leaders with a sabbatical grant allowing them to  re-connect with their families in whatever way they choose
• The Don Roth Award spotlights congregations who are reaching out to their communities in meaningful and sensitive ways encouraging others to connect with these models of ministry
• The annual Appalachian Assembly connects rural and small ministry leaders to each other and equips them to continue their work refreshed and renewed

We invite you to join us in our ministry by:

• PRAYING for the ministries of ELCMA using Prayer Invitations found at our website
• Attending our annual Appalachian Assembly announced at our website each January
• Joining ELCMANEWS and connecting with our network of rural and small town leaders by registering at our website on the home page
• Learning about the issues at the coordinator's corner and the advocacy agenda of the website
• Championing the causes you believe in and contact us at the website for additional helps
• Sponsor ELCMA trainings at your congregations  by linking to us through the website
• Joining  a servant opportunity within the Appalachian Region at the volunteer link of the website
• Using GoodSearch and GoodShop - just hop on through the link on our home page
• Becoming an Appalseed supporter by clicking on the "ways to give" button of the website
• Volunteering in the ELCMA office as special projects arise or offering to represent ELCMA within your synod at a special event by contacting us at the website
• Don't have access to the web?  Call us at the ELCMA office and we will connect you and equip you to participate with us

Learn more about ELCMA through your synod representatives to our ministry.  They include:  Bishop Driesen, Revs. Karl-John Stone, Dan May, Roy Meyer, B.J. Collins, Pat Pittsnogle, Keith Pittsnogle, Brian Beissel, Carla Volland, Sonya Ware, Ms. Beth Yenchko, Shirley Heasley and Diane Force.  Thank you for your continued partnership in this ministry.

ELCMA, PO Box 338, Indiana, PA  15701-0338; 724/463-8422; www.elcma.org

The Stewardship Committee accomplished several goals during the past year, many of them through the use of task forces that worked on specific projects. 

On October 11, 2008, the Congregational Treasurers Task Force held a successful workshop at Sharon Lutheran Church in Selinsgrove.  Topics covered included Church Finance 101 (Software Programs, Accounts Structure, & Internal Reporting; Controls & Congregational Audit Guidelines; and Synodical Remittances & Reports), and Clergy Tax & Compensation Issues.  Participants also had the opportunity to learn talk some more with one of the presenters about the topic of their choice.  About 45 people attended, and many indicated an interest in future treasurers' workshops; clergy taxes and housing allowance were noted as areas of particular interest in the evaluations.

One idea from the Stewardship Committee resulted in Bishop Driesen going to each of the six Conferences, and talking with congregational council members about possible ways they might organize themselves as more mission-focused bodies.

Roger Smith, Stewardship Specialist of the ELCA, led a successful Stewardship Educational Workshop at Christ's United Lutheran Church, Millmont, on May 16, 2009.  Topics covered at this three-hour-long workshop included the Six Competencies of a Steward, Principles of Stewardship, Money Autobiography, Congregational Stewardship discussion, and Proven Effective Stewardship Resources and Programs.  These resources and programs included Consecration Sunday, Walk with Jesus, Make it Simple (available for free download from Augsburg Fortress), Thrivent Simply Giving, the Augsburg Fortress Quarterly Envelop mailings, the Stewardship of Life Institute (www.stewardshipoflife.org), Mission Interpretation Activities/Educational Tools, and the book Ask, Thank, Tell by Chick Lane.

The Mission Interpretation Task Force has also been very active this year, including producing a DVD, and sending people to Mission Interpretation training.  This task force has written a separate report for the synod assembly.

Some significant transitions also occurred this year in how the ELCA churchwide organization relates to stewardship ministry in our synod.  For over thirty years Roger Smith has served as "Stewardship Specialist" for our synod, and four other synods in Region 8 of the ELCA.  We congratulate Roger on his May 2009 retirement, and offer him our thanks for so many years of faithful service.  Beth Yenchko now holds a new position as "Director of Evangelical Mission"; this is a half-time position in our synod, funded by the churchwide organization.   In this new position, Beth takes on Roger's previous responsibilities, as well as continuing with her responsibilities as what used to be called "Mission Director", which had been a quarter-time position in our synod.

In keeping with these transitions, and in seeking great synergy among synodical ministries, the Stewardship Committee will be part of the Ministry Partners Team, which is discussed elsewhere in the book of reports.

Submitted by the Rev. Karl-John N. Stone, Assistant to the Bishop

Mission Interpretation is telling the story of how God is changing lives through our giving.

On behalf of the Upper Susquehanna Synod, the Mission Interpretation (MI) Task Force extends greetings and gratitude to the congregations, who form this body and proclaim the Good News of the Gospel in so many life-giving ways.

The task force wants to thank you for your partnership in the ministry to which God has called us. The one-hundred and thirty- seven congregations of this synod have made a great and bold witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Exciting and vital ministry is happening throughout the USS, our region and the world. God has abundantly blessed us, and your generosity is essential in continuing and growing the ministries of the people of God in the USS and the ELCA.

Over the last year the MI task force has been reorganized and working attentively. Our main goal is to help the people and congregations of our synod to answer the following questions. Where is God at work in your life? How about in your community? How about beyond your community?

Our main project since reorganization was the production of a DVD highlighting stories of ministry in the USS. During our time together at Synod Assembly you will have an opportunity to hear stories of our faith in action here in the USS. You will see how your support has changed lives. God's Work. Our Hands.

Around the corner and across the globe, Evangelical Lutherans are making a difference -- feeding the hungry, supporting children and families, working for global justice, and sharing the good news to make Christ known in every place. The task force is here to help your congregation tell the story of the ministries ELCA Lutherans are offering locally, nationally and globally. If you want to be part of the team or have a story to share about God's work in your congregation let us know.

Thank you again for your faithful and generous support!

In Christ,

The Rev. Joshua L. Reinsburrow, Co-Chair
Mission Interpretation Task force

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 2008 Synod Assembly, we have planned and provided worship at the following synod events:

• Bishop's Day Eucharist at Zion Lutheran Church, Sunbury on Oct. 9, 2008.

• "Festival of the Reformation" at Christ Lutheran Church, Milton on Oct. 26, 2008.

• "Bishop's Day for Confirmands and Their Families" at Zion Lutheran Church, Kratzerville on Sunday, March 29, 2008 at 2:30 PM (event cancelled).

• "Chrism Mass and Affirmation of Vows: Holy Tuesday Eucharist" at Messiah Lutheran Church, Mifflinville on April 7, 2009.

• Bishop's Retreat Opening Eucharist at Wellsboro Episcopal Church, Wellsboro, PA on Thursday, May 7, 2009.

• Synod Assembly Worship at Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, June 19-20, 2009; 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, Dr. Susan Hegberg (resigned fall 2008), David Reier, The Rev. Erwin Roux, The Rev. H. Frank Showers (resigned April 2009), The Rev. Breen Marie Sipes, The Rev. Beth Ann L. Stone, Carol Waltz, Rick White (resigned January 2009), Bishop Robert L. Driesen.

The Rev. Beth Ann L. Stone, Chair

The Rev. Patrick Sipes, Chair

            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).

            The committee meets to review congregation constitutions, changes to constitutions, and other questions posed to it. Following the guidelines set for by the Office of the Secretary of the ELCA and certain considerations of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania laws and rulings for non-profit institutions, we approve constitutions as received, give approval with suggested editorial changes or send back constitutions to congregation committees for further work.  (Please include the bylaws and continuing resolutions with constitution.)  Please submit to the committee for review the before the congregation votes on the constitution or changes to the constitution. This avoids the situation where our committee recommends changes, which then require another meeting of the congregation to adopt the changes. The committee currently has a number of congregation constitutions before it for review.

            A "Guide for Congregation Constitution Committees" was prepared for distribution to aid congregation committee is their work. The committee has also changed it's meeting schedule from an as needed to 4 times a year.  Constitutions need to be received by January, April, July and October 15 to be considered at the February, May, August and November.  Lead-time is necessary for members to review constitutions before the meeting.

            Model constitutions for the congregation are available in two forms: in booklet form that may be bought at Augsburg Fortress or  "at no" cost the model may be downloaded from the ELCA web site at elca.org. Downloading instructions: When the homepage appears, you will need to type "model congregation constitution" in the search box, which appears at the upper right of the screen. This will take you directly to the constitution page that contains the links for models for congregations, synods, and the churchwide constitution. Click on "Model Constitution for Congregations of the ELCA." When page appears in the right hand column, you will find down load links in Word, PDF, or WordPerfect format depending on your need. Following each churchwide assembly by a month or two the changes made to the congregation model will also be posted on the web site of the E.L.C.A. If you have the ability to down load the model we strongly suggest using this method. It will save having to type the finished constitution.

            The committee is also charged with the care of the constitution of the Upper Susquehanna Synod. Currently we are engaged in a lengthy review of the synodical constitution and bylaws.  A number of proposed bylaw changes will before the assembly this session.

            Questions concerning the constitution may be directed to my e-mail at AJSREV@aol.com or by phone at 570-473-9948. 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 basic commitments of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) as well as its organizational outline, structural patterns, and rubrics or governance are reflected by this church's constitutions, bylaws, and continuing resolutions. These documents govern our life together as congregations, synods, and churchwide organization.

We find ourselves consulting these documents again and again to guide, direct, and assist us. They express for us, as a church body, our understanding of the nature of the Church. They contain our statement of purpose and our principles of organization. They define our membership, our relationship, and our operating patterns."  The Rev. Lowell G. Almen, Past Secretary; Day of Commemoration for Henry Melchior Muhlenberg; October 7, 2007

The constitution of a congregation is the most important governing document and the most difficult to amend. It sets forth in general brief terms our confessional statements, the congregation's relationship with the E.L.C.A and the Upper Susquehanna Synod. It defines basic structure. By its' very nature some sections [i.e. confessional, relational and structural] are required and CANNOT be changed. Amending the changeable sections is a difficult and time-consuming procedure.  Therefore, day-to-day and specific items for a congregation are contained in bylaws and continuing resolutions.

Bylaws address details specific to a congregation's operation and serve as instruction to the congregation council and committees.

Continuing resolutions address the day-to-day operations of the congregation, council and committees.

1. Why should a congregation keep the congregation up to date?

Congregations are a 501c3 non-profit that operate in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  Hence, certain corporate functions the Commonwealth oversees. This includes such items as tax exception status. As a matter of good governance, documents such as the constitution need to be kept up to date.  If for example a congregation were sued, an out of date constitution may be seen as a sign of general neglect.

2. How often should congregation constitutions be updated?

Constitutions should be reviewed annually. Following the churchwide assembly, check the web site [after a reasonable amount of time] for any changes made to the congregation model constitution. Other changes should be made as needed.

3. How are amendments made to the constitution? 

Instructions to amend are found in Chapter 17 of the model constitution.  Note there is two different methods to amendment the constitution.  *C 17.01,  .02 and .03 deals with changes not made to the model by churchwide in assembly.  *C17.04 deals with amendments necessary because of changes to model at churchwide.

4. How are amendments made to the bylaws of the constitution? 

Instructions to amend are found in Chapter 16.  Note the preferred method to number bylaws is having the bylaw in the section of the constitution it refers to.  For example, C10.01 deals with the annual meeting stating the  "specific time" shall be in a bylaw.  The bylaw for this section would be C10.01.01. Some congregations will also print bylaws in italics.

5. How are amendments made to the continuing resolutions?

Instructions to amend continuing resolutions are found in Chapter 18. Note the preferred method to number continuing resolutions is having the resolution in the section of the constitution that is referenced. Resolutions are numbered by using the section number and then adding a capital letter and the year, it is adopted. A09, B09 etc.

6. What does the "*" denote in front of a section of the constitution? 

Sections of this constitution marked by an asterisk [*] are required when a congregation amends its governing documents.  These sections must be used without alteration or amendment of the text in any manner (neither additions nor deletions).  This is in keeping with provision 9.52. in the Constitution, Bylaws, and Continuing Resolutions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.  This provision stipulates that when a congregation of this church "wishes to amend any provision of its governing documents, the governing documents of that congregation shall be so amended to conform to 9.25.b." in the churchwide constitution.  The provisions herein marked by an asterisk are those that are indicated as required in ELCA constitutional provision 9.25.b.  (Quote from instructions with model) THE ONLY EXCEPTION to this is changing the word "State" to "Commonwealth", because Pennsylvania is not a state but Commonwealth.

7. Why are some numbers missing from the model? 

This is intentional to leave room for future changes to the model.

8. Our congregation has not reviewed or changed the constitution for 10 years. How do we go about update our constitution?  

The easiest method is a motion to substitute one constitution for another.  Start with the current model of the constitution for the congregation. Make the necessary choices where noted, add your bylaws and continuing resolutions. At the congregation meeting, adopt the newly prepared constitution in place of the current constitution.

9. We are amending the constitution with changes which do not fall under Section *C17.04. What is the proper procedure? 

Prepare the changes. Submit a copy of the changes to the synod Constitution committee.  The committee meets in February, May, August and November.  All items for the meeting have to be to the committee by the 15^th of the prior month.  The committee will either approve, suggest changes or request further work on the constitution. After the constitution is approved by the synod constitution committee, it is presented to the congregation for vote of approval as noted in Section 17.

10. Please read the Introduction section of the model before starting your work.

11. PLEASE REMEMBER that as important as updating the constitution is, to complete the task after the congregation votes on the changes a copy of the constitution needs to be sent to the synod office to be included in your congregational file.

1. This committee will publish a list of changes following churchwide assembly to be distributed via E Mail when the changes are available.

2. Questions may be direct to the committee via the chair at any time. E Mail address is AJSREV@ aol.com, Phone 570-473-9948. Someone from committee will meet with committees needing help.

• Report of Bishop's Committee on Ecumenical Relations
• Report of Pennsylvania Council of Churches
  

The Rev. Karl-John N. Stone, Chair

Making It Work

In 2008 the Council began to live under its reordered structure featuring

• a Board of Directors, composed almost entirely of church body executives and bishops, to provide direction for the Council and to model ecumenical fellowship and commitment;
• an elected Executive Committee, including both lay and clergy members, to oversee the administration of the Council's programs and resources; and
• three newly configured program commissions to oversee the Council's activities promoting Christian unity and its common ministries of witness and service.

While our experience with this new structure is still unfolding, those involved in the commissions, the Executive Committee, and the Board of Directors are appreciating its straightforwardness and clarity. We will discover over the next few years whether this way of shaping and managing Council life will prove effective; in the meantime, we will continue to be about ministries that promote Christian unity, justice, and the common good and address the needs of others.

Common Ministries of Witness and Service

Our member bodies, through the Council, engaged in five common ministries of witness and service in 2008.

WITNESS FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND THE COMMON GOOD

First, through its public advocacy ministry, the Council worked for the common good. We emphasized helping citizens to influence their government, to find appropriate and effective ways to put their faith and its values to work in the public square. The Commission on Public Witness (made up of representatives from the member bodies of the Council) supervised this ministry and set priorities for its legislative and social justice work. The Rev. Sandra Strauss serves as the director of public advocacy; visit the redesigned Web site, pachurchesadvocacy.org, for her frequent updates and action alerts on selected state and federal issues.

The Council's major advocacy efforts focus on health care reform and government reform (the latter assisted with a grant from the Wallace Global Fund). While some progress has been made on both issues, partisan disagreement, entrenched special interests, and recurring election cycles have made significant change difficult to achieve.

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 Welfare Coalition or 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 our Principles for Public Advocacy.

MINISTRIES OF SERVICE

Trucker/Traveler Ministries-Second, the Council continued to support local churches engaging in trucker and traveler ministry at Brookville, Carlisle, and Breezewood. Three chaplains serve, along with volunteers and local church leaders.

Farmworker Ministry-Third, with Council assistance, congregations (in the Fruitbelt and in Chester County) include migrant and seasonal farmworkers in their ministry. Field chaplains and volunteers offer farmworkers 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

Fourth, leisure ministry coordinator the Rev. Dr. Paul Herring worked with local park ministry committees to assist in chaplain recruitment and program administration. Annual training just after the Memorial Day holiday ensures that chaplains are equipped for their ministry and a mid-season retreat gives them opportunity to share experiences and further hone skills. In 2008 twenty-five chaplains served campers in 43 state, federal, and private campgrounds.

For additional information on the 2009 leisure ministry programs, visit the Council's Web page (www.pachurches.org). Chaplains will again be in parks and campgrounds across the state from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR CHURCH WORKERS

Fifth, the Council continues to sponsor an annual 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 2008 conference, "Inspiration for the Coming Days: Preachers and Preaching," featured four outstanding preachers, each both preaching a sermon and describing their practice of the craft of preaching.

The 2009 conference will feature the Rev. Dr. Gilbert R. Rendle, senior consultant, Texas Methodist Foundation Institute for Clergy and Congregational Excellence. A Reading resident, Dr. Rendle is a well-known author and consultant to congregations. In four conference presentations, he will focus on effective and appropriate leadership in the "particular wilderness" that represents the on-going change of the past five decades.

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.

In 2008 we again sponsored two events intended to foster this common commitment and common life. Lead staff from local and county ecumenical agencies gathered in September under the Council's auspices for their annual retreat. Program planned by local agency staff, fellowship, and informal conversation again built bridges between agencies and renewed a sense of common purpose.

In December religious leaders from across the state gathered again at the Nittany Lion Inn in State College for the annual Pennsylvania Religious Leaders' Gathering-twenty-four hours of fellowship, prayer, and conversation about resource networking.

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 the 2008-2009 biennium are 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 2008 with a significant core budget deficit, due largely to the declining value of its investment portfolio, and we project continuing deficits for 2009 and 2010. Yes, we monitor expenses carefully, tend the relationships that ensure our operating revenue, and seek grant monies where appropriate; however, more attention to this structural deficit is needed.

Among its other responsibilities, the Council serves as the "landlord" for the Pennsylvania United Church Center, the office complex in suburban Harrisburg in which our offices are located. Jan Gulick, as the director of finance and facilities, manages the building on behalf of the Council (and also tends the Council's other financial resources). At present, all available space is occupied (with one exception, all tenants are either church-related or secular not-for-profit agencies), and the use of the Center's service department (primarily printing and duplicating) continues to grow. Because rental income is no longer keeping pace with expenses (utilities, maintenance, janitorial services, etc.), rent is being modestly increased in a series of steps (beginning in the fall of 2008).

A Reminder

Finally, everything that happens in and through the Council happens because member bodies have chosen to covenant together to be a council of churches,

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. (Constitution and Bylaws-Pennsylvania Council of Churches, §12)

As part of this covenant, member bodies provide

• Financial support-The Council counts on members to provide two-thirds of the financial resources needed for its programmatic and administrative ministries.
• People-The Council needs member bodies to identify people willing to engage in its programs and activities.
• Prayers-The Council needs the prayers of God's people. Remember the Council frequently in personal prayer. When member body governing groups meet, include intercessions for the Council and its ministries in worship and group devotions. Urge congregations to mention frequently the Pennsylvania Council of Churches, as well as their own local ecumenical agency, in Sunday intercessions.
• Interpretation-Visit our website (www.pachurches.org) and publicize its address; mention Council activities in church body communications; promote the Council and its mission to congregations and clergy; distribute Council information and event brochures. Above all, tell others how important being a part of the Council is to your ecumenical witness.

You, with 42 other member bodies in Pennsylvania, are in fellowship with one another through the Pennsylvania Council of Churches. Together we express who we are as church as we display the unity God wills.

(The Rev.) Gary L. Harke, executive director

For the Pennsylvania Council of Churches, January 2009

The Healthy Congregations Task Force was called into being by Bishop Robert L. Driesen on Feb. 18, 2008.  While first focusing on addressing the needs of congregations in conflict, the task force is now also at work developing ways to support and nurture congregations as they seek to live as healthy communities and centers for mission. 

In the past year, the task force spent a considerable amount of time examining how other synods and church bodies use teams of people trained to serve in situations requiring conflict intervention.  Using what we learned, the task force created a plan for a "Reconciliation Team" for our synod.  The Reconciliation Team is "a team of trained persons available to assist the bishop and the congregations of this synod to address conflicts that have been intractable within the congregations' own context".  The Rev. Bill Henderson (Christ's, Lewisburg) has been asked to serve as this team's chair, and the team is being formed in May, 2009.

The task force has created a resource entitled "The Reconciliation of Conflicts within a Congregation", now available on the synod website (www.uss-elca.org).  The resource provides guidance, advice, and possible alternatives for a congregation to use in trying to resolve its conflicts.  The resource also describes in detail how the synod's Reconciliation Team may be utilized in such situations.  When the newly formed Reconciliation Team is ready to serve the congregations of this synod, announcements will be made in synod communications.

The synod website also now includes a list of outside resource people whom congregations may choose to contact in situations of entrenched conflict.  Most of these resources are available on a contract basis.

The task force next turns to supporting the work of Mutual Ministry Committees in congregations.  (Note: a Mutual Ministry Committee is a requirement for all ELCA congregations under the ELCA's Model Constitution for Congregations.)  The task force is preparing to offer an event or events in the coming year to rostered leaders and/or members of Mutual Ministry Committees for the purpose of uplifting positive practices in their work together.  Congregations who currently have useful, healthy Mutual Ministry Committees in place are encouraged to contact members of the task force to share their ideas.

Members of the Healthy Congregations Task Force include: Debbie Best, The Rev. Ken Longfield, The Rev. Kerry Maurer (resigned October 2008), The Rev. MarthaSue Moll, The Rev. Louise Reynolds, Ken Roush, The Rev. Beth Ann Stone, The Rev. Karl-John Stone, The Rev. Phil Tundel (resigned April 2009), and Bishop Robert Driesen.

The Rev. Beth Ann L. Stone, Chair

Click here for PDF of LMM report.

Click here for PDF of USSWO report.

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. 

2008 was our 46th year of ministry.  During the summer camping season, 375 campers attended our programs.  Another 350 attended our off-site Day Camps.    New offerings this year included Christmas Celebration Theme Week, Holiday Celebration Thursdays, Gettysburg Adventure Camp and Mini-Interns.  In addition, Junior Sports and Fishing, JAM Camp, SURE (Surviving Using the Resources of the Environment), Arts and Crafts, Water Adventure and Intermediate Sports/Biking and a Fishing Trip to Potter County returned to the schedule.  In addition, we were very excited and pleased with the third 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 Robert L. Driesen and Episcopal Bishop Nathan Baxter were present during our closing day.  We are committed to the joint week again in 2009 and this spring we did some camping presentations in Episcopal parishes. 

Our trained staff worked hard to take care of the needs of our campers and provide a good Christian camping experience.  In the spring, we lost our full-time Director of Finance and Development David Shank.  He was accepted into the Master of Divinity Program at Gettysburg Seminary.  Our 2008 Summer Ministry Team was one of the best ever and helped to provide a top-notch camping program.          

This year's summer theme is "Love to Serve" focusing on service opportunities.  Some old specialty camps have returned to the schedule and we are adding a few new ones. 

List of Other 2008 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; and Emmanuel, Middleburg.   
• Enjoyed a successful Family Camp program with Rev. Dan May serving as adult Bible Study leader. 
• Sponsored a Spring Brunch Fundraiser and Open House, Women's Retreat, Spring Work Day, Dandelion Trail Run, Fall Chicken Barbecue, Quilt and Craft Auction and Men's Retreat
• The board adopted a new master plan for the camp done under the guidance of MM Architects, headed by Donald Main. 
• Celebrated the fifth synod-wide Camp Mount Luther Sunday in January. 
• Held the third annual Bishop's Open Golf Tournament, raising around $20,000 for the 40 By Faith Campaign.
• The camp experienced two lightning strikes during the summer which caused power outages.  These were the third and fourth strikes in two years. 
• Pine Village cabin ceilings were replaced and several of the Maple Village cabins were painted on the outside. 
• Began the "Go Green" initiative, asking folks to get camp correspondence electronically rather than U.S. Postal Mail.
• Continued the monthly E-Newsletter
• Began a new Alumni Network under the direction of Chris Sands. 
• Hosted an international camp counselor, Philipp Kuhn, from our companion synod in Germany.   

At the end of the year, we were saddened to report the death of my predecessor, Bambie L. (Flickinger) Kauffman.  Bambie, 51, died on Friday morning, December 12, 2008 at Evangelical Community Hospital in Lewisburg, PA following a courageous battle with cancer.  Bambie was hired as Mount Luther's summer director in late 1990 and served in that capacity for two summers.  In 1992, the Camp Mount Luther Corporation Board of Directors hired Bambie as the corporation's first full-time executive director.  She served in that post until October 2000.  Prior to her coming to work at camp full-time, Bambie was a school teacher in the Penns Valley School District and directed several day camps in that area.  She also had served as a counselor at Mount Luther in the mid-1970s.  As director, Bambie was instrumental in starting both the on and off-site day camp programs and added many new retreat and summer season programs, including first grade mini-camps.  She worked tirelessly with the board on the GROW and GROW MORE capital campaigns, completing infrastructure improvements towards building a new dining facility.  The full-time maintenance manager and office manager positions as well as the year-round part-time food service manager position were created during her tenure.  She was also instrumental in expanding the A-Center with addition offices, upgrading equipment throughout camp and starting the Annual Fund Appeal.        

As always, I also personally want to thank our hardworking Board of Directors who provide vision and guidance in the governing of the camp; to our year-round ministry team (Linda, Tom, and Carol) who serve each and every day to further our mission; and to our summer ministry team and volunteers for all they do at the camp.  Finally, I give a big round of applause to the congregations of the Upper Susquehanna Synod for their partnership and support.  We couldn't do it without you!

Respectfully Submitted,

Chad W. Hershberger, Executive Director

FULL-TIME MINISTRY TEAM

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 2009, Buffalo Valley Conf)

Treasurer - Rev. Gary Roth, Lewistown (Term ends 2009, Juniata Valley Conference)

Rev. Patrick Collins, Harrisburg (Term ends 2009, 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)

2008 OPERATING BUDGET SUMMARY

(Note:  the following are unaudited amounts for the year ending December 31, 2008)

CAMPING STATISTICS

Buffalo Valley Conference-             118

Juniata Valley Conference-             27

Middle Creek Conference-              35

North Branch Conference-             25

Tulpehocken Conference-              07

West Branch Conference-              56

Other Synods-                              33

Episcopal Diocese of Central PA-     34

Other Denominations-                             33

Non-Church Affiliated-                  7

TOTAL:                                      375

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

RETREAT AND OUTDOOR EDUCATION USE AT MOUNT LUTHER

We had about 4,515 people use camp in our retreat season including these groups:

Asian American Christian Fellowship, PSU

Aurand Family, Lewisburg

Brookside Homes, Selinsgrove

Bucknell University, Lewisburg

Campus Crusade for Christ

Episcopal Diocese Children's Commission

Mifflinburg Alliance Church         

First Lutheran Church, Mifflinburg

FLOOD, Upper Susquehanna Synod

Girl Scouts in the Heart of PA

Hartman Family, Mifflinburg

Hassinger Family, Mifflinburg

Kaiser Family, Williamsport         

Korean Students for Christ, State College

Lewisburg Area School District, Lewisburg

Leitzel Family

Lutheran Campus Ministry at Penn State

Lutheran Student Movement

Midd-West School District, Middleburg

Elliot Family

Mt. Zion Lutheran Church, Lewisberry

Reitenbach Family

Revival Tabernacle, West Milton  

Selinsgrove Middle School, Selinsgrove

Shikellamy School District, Sunbury

South Williamsport School District

St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Muncy

St. John Lutheran Parish, Snyder Co.

St. John UCC, Mifflinburg

St. Matthew Lutheran, Shamokin Dam

Stahl Family

Stigerwalt Family, Mifflinburg

Stoffer Family

Susquehanna University

Trinity Lutheran Church, Danville

Trinity Lutheran Church, McAlisterville

Trinity Lutheran Church, Mount Joy

Tulpehocken Conference, USS     

WELCA-U.S.S.

White Deer Run Inc., Allenwood

York Student Ministries

Zion Lutheran Church, Kratzerville

Zion Lutheran Church, Sunbury

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 a 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.  Participants in this learning opportunity will continue to work in colleague groups and with the larger learning group for three years.  Second, over 300 people participated in the Region 8 Mini-Global Missions Event. This remarkable event was entirely a grass-roots effort from start to finish with no funding or advertising support from the churchwide expression.   Third, three pastors from the WV/WMD Synod created "Tour de Revs".   Check out this incredible story at   http://www.tourderevs.org/  and join an exciting journey that will benefit ELCA World Hunger and Disaster Response programs.

In coming years all partners in Region 8 are committed to the continuing development of emerging relationship with the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg's (LTSG) Certificate in Theological Studies program. Born as a result of conversations between the Region's bishops, the Coordinator for Ministry Leadership, and the faculty of LTSG, this certificate program provides all participants an opportunity to deepen their faith, nurture and satisfy their hunger for greater theological understanding, grow in their passion for the gospel and for God's people, and enhance their understanding of the practice of ministry.   Of particular interest for the work of Region 8 Candidacy Committees is the opportunity this program offers to meet the academic requirements of those preparing for rostered ministry through the Theological Education for Emerging Ministries (TEEM) program.  Through the Certificate program, the opportunity for those preparing for service in ministry through the TEEM process is enriched in a learning environment where members of congregations throughout the Region join in study and conversation.  Hence, the learning environment for the practice of ministry is enriched by study and conversation with persons who are members of the Region's congregations.   

Respectfully submitted,

Nancy E. Gable, diaconal minister

Coordinator for Ministry Leadership - Region 8

A. R. Wentz Library, Lutheran Theological Seminary, 66 Seminary Ridge, Gettysburg PA 17325

OPERATIONS REPORT - UPPER SUSQUEHANNA SYNOD SUMMARY

February 1, 2008 - January 31, 2009

Activities/Accomplishments

                The Archivist began the fiscal year by accessioning and cataloguing three small acquisitions, compiling annual statistics, and preparing the 2007-2008 annual operations report, not only producing it but also generating short synopses for each of the five synods to be included in annual assembly bulletins of reports.  Copies of the main report and the short versions were mail out to the various synod offices.

                The advent of spring brought with it an interesting acquisition - records of Trinity Lutheran Church an active congregation located in Wrightsville, York, Co., PA that included older council minutes, Bible and Sunday School records and ten oral histories.  May was a busy month during which the Archivist accessioned and catalogued several modest acquisitions as well as answering correspondences.  These acquisitions included a nice collection of papers generated by Alice P. Mayer, formerly of Silver Spring, MD, regarding the Constituting Convention of the Metropolitan Washington DC Synod. 

                During the period April through May, while working on recent accessions, the Archivist attempted to set up a meeting to reinvigorate the archives advisory committee.  The effort was unsuccessful.  

                With the first day of summer several weeks away, the Archives received records from the Lower Susquehanna Synod office including items from disbanded Emmanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church once situated in the Windsor Park section of York, PA.  Within a few weeks two other deposits were received from the Lower Susquehanna that included a few additional records from disbanded Evangelical Lutheran Church, which closed about two years ago in Mt. Holly Springs, Cumberland Co., PA.  Beginning the cataloguing process with the Emmanuel (Windsor Park) records, to date the Archivist has entered 193 items into the data base.  One of the more interesting items was a scrapbook assembled by the congregation's bible class containing images, hand-made cards, and letters received from a South Korean orphan who the congregation adopted in 1959. 

                During the summer and early fall of 2008, besides responding to inquiries and continuing his cataloguing of the Windsor Park collection, he also catalogued five accessions Three of the more interesting accessions were a collection of records from Evangelical-Mt. Holly Springs; a modest collection of old newsletters from St. Mark's and Incarnation  Lutheran Church of Washington DC;  and records from St. John's-Potter Creek and St. Paul's (Barley's)-Baker's Summit.   These sizable accessions, unfortunately, remain to be catalogued.

                A good portion of December 2008 and January 2009, was occupied by cataloging a small acquisition from the Allegheny Synod and assisting a congregant of Grace Lutheran Church, Lancaster, PA, in preparations for the publication of an anniversary congregation history.  The assistance involved the documentation of several former pastors, and the brief existence of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, once located in the Dillerville, a defunct village located just outside the boundary of Lancaster, PA, a short distance north-northwest of the Lancaster Theological Seminary.

                Based on entries in the archives' database, the Archivist created a total of 249 catalogue records between February 1, 2008 and January 31, 2009. 

Acquisitions 

                One acquisition was received from the Upper Susquehanna Synod office. 

Visitations

                Over the 68.5 days of archives operations during FY 2008-2009, only 4 people visited the archives.   As usual, most parties were involved with genealogical research.  However, the numbers do not include visitations by individuals or groups that A. R. Wentz Library personnel assisted utilizing records in the Region 8 Archives on days other than regular office hours.

Communiqués

                During FY 2008-2009, the Archives received and sent approximately 621 communiqués, a decrease of 43 from last fiscal year.    The total figure, however, includes 125 e-mailed "Carings and Sharings" newsletters received from the Director of Communications of the Lower Susquehanna Synod; 4 messages to/from the remnant of the Region 8 Archives-East Advisory Committee members; 95 messages from the Lutheran Theological Seminary-Gettysburg staff (40 of which were from the seminary's Director of Information Technology);  about 138 messages sent to or received from synodical and churchwide offices; and 38 items concerned other archives.                Therefore, outside inquisitors were sent or received a total of approximately 225 communiqués, 116 less than last fiscal year.  As usual, genealogical inquires and responses to them (about 41) were about 18.2% of the outside public communications. 

Respectfully submitted,

Elwood W. Christ, ELCA Region 8 Archives-Gettysburg

EWC/ewc   

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. MIF is able to fund these loans through the sale of investments to ministries and congregation members. 

More than 800 MIF loans totaling nearly $500 million are at work today in ELCA ministries throughout the United States, the Virgin Islands and the Caribbean.

In the Upper Susquehanna  Synod, 46 congregations and ministries currently have Mission Investment Fund loans totaling $16,000, while many individuals, ministries and this synod have investments in the fund totaling $1,997,970.*

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 review plans for building projects and assist with church construction financing. Staff architects provide initial schematic design proposals that congregations can take to local architects. The consultants and architects' services are provided at no charge. MIF's area representatives are available to meet with congregations and ELCA-related ministries related regarding the loan and investment opportunities offered by the fund.       

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 representatives 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.

Sincerely,

Mark Wimmer                                     Jeff  Spann           

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

                                                                          * as of December 31, 2008

Mission Investment Fund | 8765 West Higgins Road | Chicago, Illinois 60631 | 877.886.3522

Lutheran Planned 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.

In these unprecedented and unsettling financial times, charitable giving may seem a luxury that could easily be eliminated from ones budget.  However, the need for charitable giving remains high.  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.

For the record, I am continuing the process of visiting all the conferences and/or mission districts of the four synods I serve.  I conducted 15 Legacy Seminars and made 22 mission endowment consults helping congregations establish endowment funds or tune-up an existing fund.  I made 192 donor calls which resulted in 45 irrevocable gifts totaling $318,719 and 1 revocable gift for $50,000.  In my service area, I also assisted many congregations and institutions to invest in the Pooled Trust Fund A, which is a balance fund investment managed by the ELCA available to any ELCA related ministry.

In 2008, the ELCA provided several training opportunities for me.  First, the regional gift planners and the senior staff of the Foundation of the ELCA met twice for staff training.  I attended the annual educational conference of the National Committee on Planned Giving (now the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning).  Also, I am a member of the Planned Giving Council of Central PA, a local chapter of the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning.  In 2008, I attended 4 educational seminars presented by the Planned Giving Council.

Finally, thank you very much for your support.  Your synod, 18 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

• Buffalo Valley Conference; Dean John Yost
• Juniata Valley Conference; Dean David Pennebaker
• Middle Creek Conference; Dean Breen Sipes
• North Branch Conference; Acting Dean Gordon Smith
• Tulpehocken Conference; Dean Michael Ware
• West Branch Conference; Dean Anke Deibler
  

Conference pastors and guests met monthly from September through May, usually on the first Thursday of the month. Gatherings began with Eucharist, and followed with a business meeting. Hosting this year's gatherings were Messiah, New Berlin; Trinity, Milton; First, Mifflinburg; Faith, Lewisburg;  Mazeppa; Christ's, Lewisburg; Holy Spirit, Turbotville; and Buffalo Valley Lutheran Village.

Conference pastors and lay leaders produced an Advent Devotional that was distributed to area eateries and places of lodging. Conference gatherings also addressed sessions devoted to boundary training and mapping the mission field. We also had occasion to hear Pr. Mark Radecke speak about Susquehanna University's servant ministry to countries in Central America.

The Rev. David Pennebaker, Dean

In 2008, the Middle Creek conference clergy and rostered leaders were invited to attend weekly text study pertaining to the appointed Sunday lessons every Wednesday at 11 AM with lunch following the study. Approximately five pastors regularly attended this study.

The conference also had monthly conference meetings for clergy and rostered leaders, hosted by different pastors/congregations each month. Conference meetings include worship, business, presentations by visitors, time for sharing, and lunch. These meetings were held one Wednesday per month, excluding the summer months, from 9 AM- 1 PM.

The conference also has a yearly "Reformation Day Retreat" for clergy, spouses, and friends of the conference in late October. This is a day of fun, fellowship, and relaxation for all involved. Many thanks to Rev. William Henderson for leading this event.

In order to complete the boundary training offered by the synod, the Middle Creek Conference held a two day retreat in January. This retreat completed all of the requirements for participants in more compressed time frame.

Pastors and other Youth leaders from the Conference have written a weekly Family Devotion booklet for years years A, B, and C. Each week's devotion has a text, song, short devotion or activity, and prayer, and is appropriate for elementary aged children and younger. This resource is available to any congregation of the synod, free of charge. Stop by our table at the synod assembly to pick up a copy for your church, or email Rev. Breen Marie Sipes at breenmarie@hotmail.com.

We have been preparing and will continue to prepare to take our youth to the National Youth Gathering in the summer of 2009 as a conference, as is our custom.

God willing, we intend to continue the above ministries in 2009-2010.

Respectfully submitted,

Rev. Breen Marie Sipes, conference dean

TLC - Today's Lutherans in Christ - The Lutheran Congregations of Columbia and Montour Counties

TLC WITNESS TO THOUSANDS

The Danville Spring Fling attracted thousands on May 2, 2009 and TLC was there representing the 23 Lutheran congregations of Columbia and Montour counties. TLC gave away over 70 bags of information about Lutherans and a few goodies. Many people stopped to look at the display pictures and identify area churches. Children enjoyed picking up the goodie bags and the pop-up activity packets. It was a good day for conversation and inviting people to worship with the Lutherans in the area or near their homes.

TLC is currently investigating additional opportunities for sharing the good news. Volunteers are needed to staff these events. If you and your congregation would like to be a part of this outreach project email pmsell@chilitech.net.

TEDDY BEAR PROJECT #2

The Teddy Bear Project which collected $1300 for World Hunger and provided teddy bears to the Ronald McDonald House last summer will be done again this summer. Each congregation will receive a teddy bear to dress and use as the focal point for donations which will count as votes for the best bear. Donations will be divided among the local food banks to help our friends and neighbors in need. Bears will be distributed to congregations beginning in June.

TLC PICNIC

TLC AT UPPER SUSQUEHANNA SYNOD ASSEMBLY

Look for Today's Lutheran Christians at the Upper Susquehanna Synod Assembly, June 19-20 at Susquehanna University. TLC will have a display table to share ideas and the mission of the group. Visit the table and learn about how TLC represents the 23 Lutheran congregations in Columbia and Montour Counties.

Saturday, June 20 will be a day to celebrate lay ministries in our Synod. TLC will be making a presentation on its activities during the afternoon ministry workshops.

LOOKING AHEAD

TLC has other things in the works and invites YOU and YOUR CONGREGATION to be a part of this exciting outreach to our community:

• TLC is developing a ‘Holy Trail' to be offered to Pastors for use in confirmation instruction this Fall. The Trail will involve visits to several area congregations to help people understand how Lutherans came to Central Pennsylvania. In addition to history the trail will cover the wide variety of Lutheran practice and architecture. This will also be a time for young people from various congregations to get to know each other.
• TLC is investigating the possibilities for producing a placemat to be distributed to all congregations. The placemat might include pictures and addresses for all congregations, and a game or two. The mats could be used for public dinners to introduce people to area Lutherans or at congregational gatherings to raise awareness of sister congregations.
• The Advent Gift Exchange will take place in December 2009. It has been such fun for the last two years that we had to do it again - Surprises have been planned; choirs have sung; Coffee Hours exchanged; special gifts given. Best of all we have gotten to know other congregations and had some fun in the name of Jesus. Names will be drawn at the October TLC meeting.

 WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT TLC???

TLC would like to have every congregation in Columbia and Montour Counties participate in its mission and activities.

TLC's goals are to promote Communication, Lutheran Identity, and Social Ministry among our congregations and in our communities.

Meetings are usually the last Tuesday of each month at 7pm.

For more information contact:

Holly at Holly@pshi.com

Pastor Sell at pmsell@chilitech.net

Greetings Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Over the last year since our 2008 Synod Assembly the Tulpehocken Conference has continued it's tradition of fellowship and cooperative ministry activities. To that end, this past year saw the Tulpehocken Conference participate in:

Weekly Pastors' Bible Study (Tuesday mornings - breakfast followed by pericope study)
Confirmation Camp at Camp Mt. Luther
Conference Youth Day at Knoebel's Grove
Conference Pre-Assembly Assembly
A Love Gift for Rev. Ronald Shellhamer in Liberia ($1000)
Conference Pastors' Epiphany Dinner (Penn's Tavern, Fisher's Ferry)
Conference Burning of the Greens Service (Wolf's Crossroads)
Fall Festival & Book of Faith Bible Giveaway (Wolf's Crossroads)
Boundary Training Seminars
Bishop's Congregational Council Workshop (Wolf's Crossroads)
Installation of Pastor Brian Beissel @ Grace, Point Twp. & Trinity, Oak Grove
Installation of Pastor David Byerly @ Grace, Shamokin & St. Paul, Gowen City

The pastors of the Tulpehocken Conference give thanks to God for the opportunity to serve the local congregations and the larger Church in these various ministries, and we look forward to many new opportunities in the days ahead.

On a personal note, I wish to thank my conference colleagues for their faithful support and prayers during my four year run as dean of the conference. It has been an honor to serve you as dean, and I give thanks to our God everyday for the wisdom and fellowship that has come from our time spent together.

Respectfully Submitted,
Rev. Michael Ware
Dean - Tulpehocken Conference

The clergy and AIMs of the West Branch Conference meet monthly, September through May, for worship of word and sacrament, to attend to the business of the conference, to engage in a program or presentation on a ministry related subject, to support each other, and often to enjoy lunch together afterwards.

Pastoral Changes:

Since the last Synod Assembly, the following changes in ministry took place on the territory of the West Branch Conference:

Pastors Andrea and Nathan Rice left the Nittany Valley/Sugar Valley Parish in order to accept a call in North Carolina. Pastor Stevens Shipman, United/Lock Haven, is interim pastor for the parish.

Pastor Gregory Davidson left Trinity and Mount Zion, Hughesville, to accept a call to Faith Lutheran Church, Lewisburg. Pastor Eric Deibler, St. Luke/Williamsport, serves as interim.

Pastor David Byerly has left the Liberty Parish to accept a call to Grace and St. Paul Lutheran Churches, Shamokin. Pastor Detlef Huckfeldt serves as interim pastor.

Intern Aaron Werner finished his internship at St. James Lutheran Church in Rauchtown. He was not succeeded by another intern. Pastor Dennis Smith is stated supply pastor and Pastor Kerry Aucker is interim pastor for the congregation.

Conference Cabinet:

The conference cabinet voted to abandon quarterly meetings. Instead, it was suggested to have cluster events, designed to draw Lutheran congregations together with neighboring Lutherans to engage in joint service and ministry. The first such cluster events were three Ascension Day services offered throughout our conference.

The annual St. Nicholas Day service and party was suspended this year in order to support the Lutheran Shared Ministry performance of "A Christmas Carol", a fundraiser for the United Campus Ministry at Penn College.

Topics Discussed at West Branch Conference Meetings:

Boundary training for pastors (two sessions)

Congregational disaster preparedness

Albright Life Services

Legal advice for navigating between pastoral confidentiality and mandated reporter issues

Outreach to totally unchurched people

Hunger 101, a training in understanding hunger issues in PA (This was a pilot project in the Upper Susquehanna Synod, organized by the World Hunger Task Force.)

Respectfully submitted,

Pastor Anke Deibler, Dean

The Rev. Richard Fangmann, Chair

The Rev. Michael Greenauer, Chair