A note from the bishop's desk

Merry Christmas! We just wanted to take one more opportunity this year to tell you how much we appreciate you. We want to celebrate once more God's goodness and provision in 2025. We want to remember once again this child King who would lay down his life for us and send his Spirit to dwell in us: guiding, teaching, and empowering.

As I reflect over 2025, I acknowledge that in some ways, it has been an incredibly challenging year. We have walked through some very painful, threatening situations together. We have laid hands on one another and prayed for one another. And we have seen God do miracles!

As I have been praying about 2026, my sense is that God is leading us into a year of MORE. I invite you to approach the throne of grace with me, collectively asking God for MORE. More of Himself. More of His power. More of His harvest. More of His fruit in our lives and in our midst. Why? For one reason and one reason only: Because we desire more of His glory.

In Isaiah 40:5, the prophet declares:

"The glory of the Lord will be revealed,

and all the people will see it together.'

For the mouth of the Lord has spoken."

I am trusting that God will reveal MORE of His glory to us this year, and He will reveal MORE of His glory through us this year. Let us be waiting for Him and watching for Him together, fully yielded and surrendered to join Him in whatever ways He leads us!

Have a wonderful Christmas, rejoicing in the birth of our King. Let us exalt His name together this week, and let us wait on Him with expectation and anticipation of what He will do in our midst in 2026.

Blessings,

Bishop Heather & the Susquehanna Leadership Team

Join us for the 2026 Week of Prayer and Fasting! Click here to access Daily devotionals.

We will once again host an in-person prayer gathering at the Grantham Church on Tuesday, Jan. 6, from 10:00 -11:00 a.m.

If there are specific ways we can be praying for your congregation, please send those to the Susquehanna Office by the end of December:

bicsusquehanna@bicus.org

We have so many reasons to celebrate God's goodness across the conference. This year, we have seen God answer many prayers for healing, restoration, provision, and protection.

We give God praise, and we want to thank all of you who pray faithfully for our pastors and congregations. If you want to join us in praying, you can c lick here to download our Conference Prayer Calendar.

Save the Date!

There are a few important events coming in the next few months. Please make sure they are on your calendar.

Susquehanna MDD
Thursday, Feb. 19, 9:00 am

Mechanicsburg BIC Church

Please mark your calendar to reserve this date in February for a Ministry Development Day as we delve into "Navigating Trauma in the Church." We have seen a noticeable increase in the abuse, mental health, and general trauma situations that pastors and churches face. During this Ministry Development Day, we will hear from professionals working in the field and have opportunity to discuss how we best navigate these issues when they impact our church family.

This is a required MDD for all lead pastors, but will facilitate conversation among all staff who are able to attend.

Click here to register your team.

BIC U.S.

General Assembly

July 24-27, 2026

Plans are being finalized for the 2026 General Assembly in Miami Florida. The dates are July 24-27, 2026 and registration opens in January with early bird pricing. This is an important event for credentialed pastors, so save the date and plan to attend with your elected delegates this July.

Find details by clicking here.

Sessions run through the evening of July 27, so you should plan your return trip home on Tuesday, July 28!

If your congregation will struggle financially to send delegates, please reach out to the Susquehanna office to inquire about grant funds.

Events by Month

January

Week of Prayer and Fasting
January 4-11

February

Ministry Development Day
Thursday, February 19, 9:00 am
McBIC, Mechanicsburg PA

The Theological Study Forum Thurs., February 26, 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (Zoom)
Topic: Generation Z and the Church: The Opportunities for Ministering to Rising Generations.

Presenter: Christina Embree, minister of generational discipleship for the Great Lakes Conference and NextGen pastor at Open Door Church in Lexington, KY

Registration: contact Bob Verno (pastorbob73@gmail.com)

April

Susquehanna Conference Annual Meeting
Evening of Prayer and Worship
Fri., April 10, 7:00 pm
Location: LAE, York Springs, PA
Sat. April 11, 9:00 am
Location: Mountain Ridge Church Dillsburg, PA

July

BIC U.S. General Assembly
Friday. July 24 - Monday , July 27
Miami, Florida