Emanuel Nine, martyrs, 2015

Today, June 17, we remember the Emanuel Nine: 

The Rev. Clementa C. Pinckney, Cynthia Marie Graham Hurd, Susie Jackson, Ethel Lee Lance, DePayne Middleton-Doctor, Tywanza Sanders, The Rev. Daniel Lee Simmons Sr., Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, and Myra Thompson.

Eleven years ago, these disciples were gathered for Bible study and prayer at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina when their lives were taken in an act of racist violence and white supremacy. 

In 2019, the ELCA designated June 17 as a Day of Repentance for the martyrdom of the Emanuel Nine, calling the church to prayer, learning, repentance, and renewed commitment to confronting racism and white supremacy.

Today, we honor their witness, grieve the wounds that persist in our communities, and recommit ourselves to the work of justice, reconciliation, and Christ-centered love.

Let us pray. 

God of justice and mercy,

We remember the Emanuel Nine and give thanks for their faithful witness to Christ.

We lament the sin of racism and the violence born of hatred and white supremacy. Forgive us where we have been silent, indifferent, or complicit. Open our eyes to see the dignity of every person you have created in your image. Strengthen your church to be a community of repentance, courage, healing, and hope. Help us to follow Jesus more faithfully, working for justice, seeking peace, and loving our neighbors as ourselves. May the memory of the Emanuel Nine continue to call us toward a deeper commitment to your beloved community.

In the name of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.

Amen.

Juneteenth 2026

Resources & Events

We commemorate Juneteenth (June 19) as a vital day of reflection, repentance, and celebration of freedom. The church acknowledges the end of legalized slavery while actively engaging in collective work against racism, providing resources for synods and congregations to observe the holiday. 

ELCA Juneteenth Observance Resources.

Juneteenth Block Party Celebration | Union Lutheran, York

Friday, June 19, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Celebrate African-American Independence Day with Union Lutheran, and many other community partners. Together we commit to continuing the work of freedom through the pillars of prayer, education, service, and mentorship. This block party will offer free food, music, free clothing, bounce house, games, and more.

Learn More.

Juneteenth | Emancipation Proclamation Commemoration

An Emancipation Proclamation Commemoration takes place on Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at historic Christ Lutheran Church in Gettysburg, with an open house beginning at 2:00 p.m. The program invites the community to gather for a special Juneteenth observance reflecting on the significance of the Emancipation Proclamation and its lasting impact on the American journey toward freedom.

Learn More.

If there are other Juneteenth observances or programs, please share them with our office.

2026 Synod Assembly Updates

The 39th Assembly of the Lower Susquehanna Synod gathered June 5-6, 2026, in St. Matthew Lutheran Church, York. More than 420 voting members and guests came together under the theme Confluence in Christ for worship, learning, fellowship, and the work of the church. Highlights included the ordination of Kimberly Rose Todd, keynote presentations by the Rev. Dr. Eric D. Barreto, greetings from ELCA churchwide representative Mary B. Campbell, ecumenical greetings from ministry partners, elections to Synod Council positions, and opportunities to connect through forums and affinity groups. The assembly also celebrated milestones in ministry, remembered saints who have died, and reflected on the synod's shared mission and ministry.

Forum Presentations

Presentations and resources provided by our forum leaders are now available on the Synod Assembly Forums webpage. We encourage you to explore these materials and share them with others in your congregation or ministry setting.

Voting Member Feedback Survey

If you served as a voting member at this year's Synod Assembly, we invite you to share your feedback through our assembly evaluation survey. Your insights will help future assembly planning teams as they discern how best to gather, worship, learn, conduct the business of the church, and support the ministry we share together. Whether you have ideas for improvement, observations about your experience, or aspects of the assembly that were particularly meaningful, we would be grateful to hear from you. Please complete the survey by June 30.

Take Survey.

Homeless Memorial Blanket Initiative 2026

December 21, 2026 | New York City

For the past five years, the Homeless Memorial Blanket Initiative has gathered people together on December 21 - the longest, darkest night of the year - to remember lives lost, honor human dignity, and respond with compassion to those experiencing homelessness. Each year, hundreds of handmade blankets are created and shared with people who need warmth. This year we are adding a new one-time initiative!

Backpack Challenge: New for 2026

At Synod Assembly, congregations were invited to take a backpack and accept the challenge of filling it and returning it to the synod office as soon as you have it filled, or by the end of September. What should go inside? That is up to you. We invite you to begin with one question: “If I suddenly lost my home, what would I hope I could carry on my back?”


Maybe it’s warm socks, granola bars, hand sanitizer, a reusable water bottle, a fast-food gift card, sunscreen, basic pain relievers, a can opener, gloves, toiletries and perhaps most importantly zip lock bags. Because when your important papers - your birth certificate, Social Security card, or identification - are exposed to rain and weather, something as simple as a plastic bag can protect what little stability remains. 


Blankets Still Needed

Of course, blankets remain at the heart of this initiative. We are once again inviting individuals, congregations, quilting groups, schools, scout troops, families, and community organizations to make blankets for distribution this December. Every blanket helps. Every backpack makes a difference. Every act of compassion matters to God.

Learn More.

Finding Holy Rhythms in Busy Seasons

Simple spiritual practices for stress, exhaustion, and everyday life

August 27 | 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. on Zoom

As summer winds down, many of us find ourselves looking ahead to a fuller season. School schedules return, church programs begin again, meetings fill the calendar, and the pace of life starts to accelerate. Before fall ramps up, take an evening to pause, breathe, and consider how you want to move into this next season.

Deacon Marsha Roscoe will lead a practical and encouraging conversation about creating healthy rhythms to help us stay connected to Christ in the midst of everyday life. Together, we’ll explore simple spiritual practices that can help us navigate stress, avoid exhaustion, and approach busy seasons with greater intention.

Learn More & Register.

Breathing in Creation: Family Friendly Hike

October 12 | 9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Pine Grove Furnace State Park

1100 Pine Grove Road, Gardners, PA 17324

As the leaves begin to change and the beauty of autumn surrounds us, join us for a relaxed morning of walking, conversation, and reflection in God’s creation. Together, we’ll enjoy the trails and natural beauty of Pine Grove Furnace State Park while taking time to slow down, connect with one another, and notice God’s presence in the world around us. Along the way, we’ll offer a few simple reflections and opportunities to pause, wonder, and appreciate the gift of creation.

This family-friendly event is open to all ages. Whether you come on your own, with colleagues, friends, or with family, you’re welcome to join us. Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. Participants are encouraged to bring water and a packed lunch as we conclude our time together. Registration is requested.

Learn More & Register.

Pride 2026

Learn more about pride events happening around the Lower Susquehanna Synod!

Learn More.

Praying For and Honoring Our Nonbinary Siblings

Living Lutheran Voices of Faith

Today, we give thanks for our nonbinary siblings as we continue to celebrate Pride Month and honor the diversity of God’s people.

Read More.

Installations

Installation of The Rev. Alex Sheppard-Witt

The Rev. Alex Sheppard-Witt will be installed as pastor for St. Michael Lutheran Church, 118 State Street, Harrisburg, on behalf of St. Michael Lutheran Church, Harrisburg, and St. Peter Lutheran Church, Highspire, on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. All are invited to attend. The liturgical color of the day is green.

Updates From Across the Synod

New Employment Listings

New employment listings are now available on our website!

• Saint Paul Lutheran, Stoverstown, is seeking a pianist and choir director.
• St. Paul Lutheran, Adamstown, is searching for a pianist or organist.
• St. Peter Lutheran, Highspire, is looking for an organist.
• St. Bartholomew's United Lutheran, Hanover, is seeking an organist and/or a pianist.

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

Synod Office Schedule

The synod office will be closed on Fridays through September 4. There is always a staff member on call for pastoral emergencies and that person can be reached at 717-652-1852. Please follow the prompts to connect with the person on-call. 

ULS Kindling Faith Fall Training Opportunities

LGBTQIA+ Cultural Competency and Gender Training

• September 9 & 10, online, 6 - 8:30 p.m. (one training, two nights)
• October 5, Gettysburg Campus in person, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
• November 9, online, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Toward Racial Justice Training

• September 14 & 15, online, 6 - 8:30 p.m. (one training, two nights)
• October 13, Gettysburg Campus in person, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
• November 10, online, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Boundary Training

• September 21 & 22, online, 6 - 8:30 p.m. (one training, two nights)
• October 6, Gettysburg Campus in person, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
• November 11, online, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

These trainings fulfill ELCA rostered ministers' requirements.

Learn More & Register.

Learn more about ULS Kindling Faith events here.

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.

Equipping the Church to Dismantle White Supremacy

ELCA Racial Justice Ministries invites you to "Freedom of a Christian: Reclaiming the Gospel for Justice" webinar 2 of Equipping the Church to Dismantle White Supremacy, a five-part webinar series. This series will provide a foundation for understanding white supremacy, its historical roots, and its ongoing impact within our society and the church. Participants will be equipped with tools and theological grounding to engage in faithful, justice-centered transformation. Webinar 2 focuses on the Freedom of a Christian study guide.

Learn More.

Worship Resources

July 2026 US Semiquincentennial

The 2026 semiquincentennial of the signing of the Declaration of Independence arrives at a fraught time in the nation’s history. While Sundays and Seasons and other ELCA worship resources in general refrain from commemorating Independence Day as a liturgical occasion outside of intercessory prayer, this milestone anniversary and its broader national context present a unique situation. In witness to the church’s ardent stand against Christian nationalism in its various and insidious forms, and in response to implementing resolution CA25.05.25 of the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, the Worship Resource Development Working Group of the ELCA Churchwide Organization and Augsburg Fortress has developed resources for this specific occasion that both celebrate and lament our nation’s history, affirm the reality of the current moment, and seek to unite the diverse body of Christ for the life of the world.

Learn More.

50th Year Anniversary of Ordination Celebration for The Rev. Hans-Peter Helmers

July 1, 2026 | 6:00 p.m.

You are invited to join for a church service celebrating 50 years of ordination for the Rev. Hans-Peter Helmers, starting at 6:00 p.m. on July 1, in St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, 150 N. Hoernerstown Road, Hummelstown. Dinner will follow the service in the Fellowship Hall.

Tending the Inner Garden: How Faith, Awareness and Practice Create Real Change

June 24, 2026 | 1:00 - 2:00 PM ET

Join a one-hour free webinar titled “Tending the Inner Garden: How Faith, Awareness, and Practice Create Real Change” with Author Karen Rubinstein hosted by the Center of Addiction & Faith. Karen Rubinstein will explore how lasting change happens in recovery. Learn why our reactions often stem from old fears rather than the present moment, how emotional patterns shape our decisions, relationships, and recovery, and how truth, faith and practice help create lasting change.

Register.

Annual Convention of the WELCA LS SWO

The 38th Annual Convention of the Women of the ELCA Lower Susquehanna Synodical Women's Organization is scheduled for Friday, August 14, in Memorial Lutheran Church, Shippensburg. All information is included in their Convention Newsletter to register as a voter or participant.

Learn More.

Watch LSM 2026 Live This July


Through Live from LSM, enjoy more than 30 free concerts, recitals, and worship services streamed live from Lutheran Summer Music at St. Olaf College. Highlights include a special guest performance by Cantus, Bach's St. Matthew Passion, the Bach Cantata Eucharist, the Festival of Hymns, and joyful performances by the Festival Band, Choir, and Orchestra.

View the full schedule and watch live at LSMacademy.org/calendar.