July 8, 2021

“I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”
– John 17:20-23

Dear Lower Susquehanna Synod Rostered Ministers:

I deeply value your ministry and care about your spiritual health. I acknowledge the reality of mental fatigue and exhaustion due to high levels of physical and especially emotional demand during this season. There are so many variables you have been dealing with – agonizing questions, decision fatigue, a world wanting instant answers, and, in general, many people are tired, frustrated, some are even angry. 

I believe that baptized children of God share responsibility for faithfully focusing our lives on Christ and deepening our connection to the Holy Spirit. As your bishop, I encourage you to take the time you need to breathe and heal, remembering that we are one in the body of Christ. 
In his book Reaching Out, Henri Nouwen speaks of healing as, “the humble but also very demanding task of creating and offering a friendly empty space where strangers can reflect… without fear and find the confidence that makes them look for new ways right in the center of their confusion.” God, who is always ready to listen, heal, and love us, invites us to be the healing body of Christ together.

You are not alone. Our staff is prayerfully creating opportunities to equip and strengthen your spiritual wellbeing, as well as encouraging cooperation among our rostered ministers. I invite you to pay attention to what it is your soul needs. The inter-connectedness of an in-person, late summer relaxed colleague gathering might refresh your spirit. Perhaps a small group of ministers seeking to deepen their life in God would be a precious gift to you right now. Maybe a four-day retreat free of decision fatigue and work expectations would be of greatest service to you and your ministry this fall. Below you will find information on opportunities such as these and others.   

You are a gift to Christ and this community. In this not-so-typical, ordinary time liturgical season, may we notice how God continues to be present and at work, growing in each one of us. Please know my prayers of caring gratitude for you, your family, and your ministries are lifted daily. 

Yours in Christ,
†James S. Dunlop, bishop
Lower Susquehanna Synod, ELCA 
717-652-1852
August 27 Rostered Ministers’ Gathering

Bishop Dunlop and staff have missed face-to-face connection with our rostered ministers, and we invite you to join us on August 27, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., at St. Paul Lutheran Church’s Backyard gathering spot, 1258 Newport Rd., Penryn, for an afternoon of fellowship, bible study, conversation, relaxation, and worship. Please register here before August 20.

Our rostered ministers’ gathering will be followed with an on-site community brew and food truck event beginning at 4:00 p.m., when a new “Bishop’s Brew” will be unveiled. For those opting to stay for the evening community event, Bishop Dunlop would like to buy your dinner.

Questions? Please contact Deacon Marsha Roscoe, [email protected] or 717-652-1852 ext. 103.
Spiritual Wellbeing Cohort Grants Now Open

Because peer-to-peer support creates long-lasting relationships, both personally and professionally, Bishop Dunlop is offering up to ten (10) $1,000 spiritual wellbeing grants for rostered ministers' cohort groups to gather around a self-identified area of spiritual growth or edification.  Each grant will reimburse up to $1,000 of actual expenses incurred, including how each cohort gathers and pursues their area of affinity - books, speakers, meals, retreat spaces, tickets, classes, and the like.

In Partnership with Regions 7 & 8 Synods, United Lutheran Seminary Presents
Summer Institute for Ministry:
Rest - Renew – Reframe, Rostered Ministers’ Retreat
August 9-12, 2021
Claggett Retreat Center outside Frederick, Maryland

Feeling emotionally spent, spiritually absent, and heading toward burnout? You are not alone! Join us for the 2021 ULS Summer Institute at Claggett Retreat Center in the rolling hills of Maryland where we will begin to breathe out the feelings of guilt, cynicism, and confrontation, and explore ways to be resilient, hold holy space, and seek wellness even in the face of trauma and grief. Gather with other rostered ministers to rest, renew, reframe, and breathe in God’s calling for us in this time. Registration limited to first 50 participants.

Boundary Training for Rostered Ministers
Identifying as Female
July 22 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Our synod holds boundary workshops so that rostered ministers can spend intentional time alongside colleagues considering the boundaries we keep in order to keep ourselves and others safe. The Rev. Beth Martini will facilitate this training. Our synod clergy sexual abuse prevention policy requires that rostered ministers complete a boundary workshop at least once every three years. This is a virtual one-day training beginning at 9:00 a.m. and ending at 3:00 p.m. 
Cost is $30.00 per person. Registration closes one week prior to the workshop. 


Our LSS Wellness Retreat will Return in 2022!  

We are currently looking into reserving space and plan to offer a two-day retreat in late January/early February of 2022. Stay tuned for more details.
Important Update:
Our Synod Office will be moving! 

As of August 30, the synod office address will be
1959 Market Street, Camp Hill, PA 17011.
900 S. Arlington Ave. Suite 220B
 Harrisburg, PA 17109