Up and Down the Valleys: September 2024

The Missional Outreach Committee of Messiah, South Williamsport (Interim Pastor Jeff LeCrone) invited the congregation to a “Pack the Pantry Challenge” in June. The congregation stepped up to the challenge and collected 942 items for their food pantry which was set out on the pews and then used to stock their pantry.

Faith Lab is a new initiative from United In Christ, West Milton (Pastor Justin Lingenfelter), Milton Lutheran (Pastor Gary Schaeffer), and Christ’s, Lewisburg (Pastor Katy Moran) working together to provide programming for pre-K to 6^th graders. Each month they will gather on the second Sunday of the month for Bible study, games, crafts, and a free family dinner sponsored by the host congregation! Parents are also invited to stick around for a time of Bible study with one of the pastors that will focus on the same stories the kids hear during the program!

Seafarers International House’s Fall 2024 Port Call Newsletter is about changes on the watch, some joyful, some sad. It covers their expansion to the Port of Duluth and Superior and highlights their Christmas-at-Sea initiative with an article from the Upper Susquehanna Synod’s own Rev. Sarah Hershberger (Grace, Shamokin). https://tinyurl.com/prea2akk

As part of “God’s work. Our hands.” Day, St. Matthew’s, Bloomsburg (Pastor Joel Zeiders) had a brief liturgy of thanksgiving and commitment to their Community Blessing Box. The box provides food, personal care items, and clothing to those in need.

In July, during his trip to Jerusalem, Bishop Miller shared a prayer shawl from Trinity, McAlisterville (Pastor Karen Ward) with Ranan Issa Abu Shanab. Ranan works in the Gender Justice Ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land.

On Saturday, September 7, Bishop Miller presented a worship practicum to Lay Worship Leaders at the Synod Office, 100 Mahoning Street, Milton. He covered terminology, preparation for worship, and practical tips. The event ended with a service of Holy Communion including a healing service. About 30 people attended.

Bishop Miller was given honorary membership in ALLIA and received a Certificate of Appreciation for his “support of the vision to impact our communities through cultural, civic, education and humanitarian efforts” of the association. The Association of Liberian Lutherans in the Americas fosters, solicits and consolidates relationships for enhanced cooperation within and across Liberian communities and partner networks.