Confirmation Camps in the LSS

Faith formation, fun, inspired worship in the midst of God’s creation, and authentic Christian community help define our three collaborative synod-wide Confirmation Camps. Bishop Steve Herr became the first sitting synod bishop to visit all three camps in the same summer and participate in worship or programming. Church in the Woods was held at Camp Kirchenwald June 13-19, while All Saints Confirmation Camp took place simultaneously at Camp Nawakwa. The following week, June 21-27, Harrisburg Area Confirmation Camp was also held at Camp Nawakwa.

Participants shared in small group learning centered on common faith themes such as faith & doubt, baptism, spiritual gifts, and leadership development, while also enjoying traditional camp activities like swimming, hikes, labyrinth walks, crafts, climbing, ropes courses, and more. Many participants point to the sense of authentic Spirit-filled community as the reason they keep returning to these camps year after year. Equally noteworthy is the impact these weeks have on the adult leaders. Pastors, deacons, lay youth leaders, and volunteers often comment how important these weeks are to their own faith formation, sharing how blessed they are to have this time to worship, learn, converse, and deepen relationships with colleagues and peers.

One significant milestone this summer was the baptism of Analee Tomlinson, daughter of Camp Nawakwa Director Kelsey Tomlinson, during worship at All Saints Confirmation Camp on Thursday, June 18. Other highlights include singing, campfires, pool games, Capture the Flag, time with counselors, and making new friends. Planning is already underway for all three camps for the summer of 2027. All three camps are currently welcoming new congregations interested in participating. To learn more about these shared camps and their respective ministries, visit our synod website.

All Together in One Place

America at 250: Holding Gratitude and Humility

ELCA Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry issues his second in a series of monthly messages that continue through the end of this year, titled "All Together in One Place." Each message will share a pastoral word, rooted in Scripture, that witnesses to God's presence today, our rich theological tradition and the social teaching that connects us.

Read More.

Fourth of July Blessings

As we celebrate Independence Day and mark the 250th anniversary of our nation's founding, we give thanks for the freedoms we enjoy and for all who have served and sacrificed for the common good. As we celebrate this historic milestone, may we continue to give thanks for God's abiding presence, seek the good of our neighbors, and faithfully participate in God's work of bringing hope and healing to the world. We wish you and your loved ones a blessed and joyful Fourth of July.

Worship with Rite of Ordination

With thanksgiving to God, the Lower Susquehanna Synod invites you to the ordination of John Evans into the Ministry of Word and Sacrament during a Service of Holy Communion with the Rite of Ordination on Saturday, July 18, at 11:00 a.m. in Shells Evangelical Lutheran Church, 287 Shells Church Road, Grantville. Rostered Ministers are invited to vest and join the procession. The liturgical color for the day is red.

John Evans has been called by the Holy Spirit through the people of St. Paul's Lutheran Church Stoverstown, Spring Grove, to serve as their pastor. As John and St. Paul's begin this new chapter of ministry together, we invite your prayers. 

The service will be livestreamed here.

2026 Lower Susquehanna Synod Hunger Grants

How might God be inviting your congregation to respond to hunger in your community? Whether you're launching a new hunger ministry, expanding an existing outreach, partnering with others in your community, or addressing the root causes of hunger through advocacy, the Lower Susquehanna Synod's World Hunger Committee is here to help. Grant funding is available to support innovative and meaningful local ministries.

Applications are due Monday, August 24, 2026. Grant recipients will be announced in October 2026, with funds distributed shortly thereafter.

Questions? Please contact Pastor Beth Martini at bmartini@lss-elca.org.

Download the application and see the ways in which the 2025 Hunger Grants supported ministries.

The Lower Susquehanna Synod has a long-standing commitment to responding to hunger through hands-on ministry, advocacy, education, and partnerships that strengthen communities. One example is the Wittel Farm Growing Project, where volunteers help cultivate fresh produce that is shared with neighbors experiencing food insecurity. Individuals, families, youth groups, and congregations are invited throughout the growing season to participate in planting, tending, and harvesting crops that feed others. Learn more and volunteer here.

LT Camp 2026

Final Call for Recommending Young Leaders

Our annual synod-wide Leadership Training Camp (LT Camp) will be held July 26-August 1 at Camp Nawakwa’s Upper Camp. Designed for young leaders entering grades 9-12 who are recommended by a pastor or youth leader, there are a few spots available in this summer’s class. Thanks to the generous support of alumni, staff, congregations, and donors, including Chris and Missy Grant, there is no cost for participants or their congregations. Leaders can look forward to a week of fun, faith formation, and fellowship with peers and adult leaders as they are encouraged to identify their gifts and consider how they might use those leadership gifts to serve God and others.

Learn more about camp & register a young leader.

Summer Nourishment

Working With the Season Instead of Against It

As the first days of summer arrive, we look forward to sunshine, gardens, vacations, and time outdoors. At the same time, summer can also leave us feeling overheated, dehydrated, sluggish, and out of balance … even exhausted. In this blog, Deacon Marsha Roscoe explores simple, seasonally-inspired practices to nourish body, mind, and spirit. From hydrating before your morning coffee and enjoying summer's abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables to embracing lighter meals, herbal teas, swimming, and gentle movement, discover ways to work with the season rather than against it.

Read Blog.

LAMPa Communications and Advocacy Engagement Manager

Do you (or someone you know) have professional communications experience, a passion for justice and a call to serve God's mission in the world, especially in the public square? Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania is seeking a communications and advocacy engagement manager. Learn more here, including how to apply for this full-time position within ELCA Witness in Society.

Updates From Across our Synod

New Employment Listings

New employment listings are now available on our website!

• Trinity Lutheran, Lemoyne, is seeking a director of music/organist.
• St. John's, Shiremanstown, is searching for an office manager.
• St. John's, Shiremanstown, is also looking for a cemetery manager.

To learn more about this and other employment opportunities from around our synod, or to submit a job posting, visit the LSS Employment Listings page.

Preaching the Paradox

A Festival of Lutheran Proclamation | August 9-13, 2026

This inaugural festival at ULS Gettysburg is an invitation for preachers to step away from the weekly grind and into a week shaped by worship, conversation, and shared reflection on the strange and life-giving work of proclaiming the gospel. At the heart of the week is daily worship and preaching in the seminary chapel, grounding us again in the paradox we preach: law and gospel, death and resurrection, despair and promise. Alongside worship, the festival will offer practical workshops meant to add tools to the preacher’s kit, exploring topics like faithfully preaching on demons, creation, and centering the sermon within the whole of worship.

A daily commuter option is now available for those who aren't able to attend the entire festival.

Learn More & Register.

We Pray Together

We are a synod that prays together and for one another. Be sure to visit our website prayer page each week.

Prayer Lists.

ELCA June 2026 Mission Support Memo

In the June 2026 Mission Support Memo we learn about the 956 River of Faith Network, a Synod Authorized Outreach ministry of Southwestern Texas Synod. The network serves the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) as a ministry focused on sharing resources, support, and creativity; exploring contextualized forms of worship and belonging; and connecting with partners seeking justice, compassion, and Christ’s unconditional love. You will find in this network the Holy Spirit actively weaving congregations, communities, and partners together like tributaries feeding into something greater and carrying it out “to the ends of the earth.”