2026 Synod Assembly Updates

We are excited to gather together as a synod to worship, connect, learn, grow in faith, and conduct important business in the life of our synod. We will gather under the theme of Confluence in Christ, reminding us that we come together and are connected through Jesus Christ, our crucified and risen savior.

As a reminder to voting members, on Tuesday, May 26, at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom, we will hold a pre-assembly learning opportunity about our Fiscal Year 2027-28 proposed budget. If you are a voting member and need access to the Zoom information for this session, please contact Deacon Marsha Roscoe.

Tech Help Team Volunteers Needed

Last year, our tech help team did a fantastic job making sure everyone could access the information they needed, and assisted those who were having technology issues. We want to repeat the experience, and make it better! Interested in helping? Contact Becca Brewster to volunteer.

Bulletin of Reports & Synod Assembly Materials

Updates to the 2026 Bulletin of Reports and new Synod Assembly materials have been posted on the 2026 Synod Assembly Page. Visit this webpage often to stay up to date.

Livestream at Assembly

Help us spread the word! Synod Assembly will be livestreamed to St. Matthew's YouTube channel. 

If you have any questions about this year's assembly, please visit our website below or contact our synod office at (717) 652-1852.

Homeless Memorial Blanket Initiative 2026

December 21, 2026 in 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 December, we will once again load vehicles full of blankets and travel to New York City to distribute them directly to those experiencing homelessness.

This year carries special significance. As we approach the 25th anniversary of 9/11, we are mindful of the courage and sacrifice of first responders, and also of the many ways people find themselves suddenly displaced and vulnerable, without stability. Homelessness is often closer than we realize: one loss, one crisis, one unexpected event away. So this year we are adding a new one-time initiative!

Backpack Challenge: New for 2026

At Synod Assembly, congregations will be 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. 


This year’s backpack challenge helps us imagine the realities another human being may be carrying every single day and is a one-time initiative for 2026, and we hope congregations across our synod will participate.

Another Way to Support the Initiative

This year Deacon Marsha Roscoe also released her new book: Breathing in Christ: Experiencing Jesus in an Exhausting World. The book explores exhaustion, holy rhythm, identity in Christ, and practical ways to reconnect with the presence of Jesus in ordinary life. And most importantly: 100% of the proceeds support the Homeless Memorial Blanket Initiative. Every purchase helps place blankets, supplies, and care directly into the hands of people experiencing homelessness. You can learn more or purchase the book here: www.breathinginchrist.com/book/. The book is also available locally at Hearts & Minds Books in Dallastown, Pennsylvania, and anywhere books are sold online.

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.

Pride Events 2026

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

Learn More.

Day of Service at the Wittel Farm

LSS NEXT | LutheranHANDS | The Empowerment Project

LSS NEXT Young Adult Ministry is partnering with The Empowerment Project and LutheranHANDS to offer a day of service at the Wittel Farm Growing Project on Saturday, May 23, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The day includes time for planting and working the farm, and also a picnic lunch with friends who attend. There is no cost to attend; however, participants are welcome to support the Wittel Farm Growing Project (WFGP) with a recommended $10 donation.

Learn More.

Installations

Installation of The Rev. Ursula Schreffler

The Rev. Ursula Schreffler will be installed as co-pastor for Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, 100 W. Main Street, Hummelstown, on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. All are invited to attend. The liturgical color of the day is white.

Installation of Kimberly Todd

Kimberly Todd, to be ordained at Synod Assembly, will be installed as pastor for Friedens Lutheran Church, 301 W. Washington Avenue, Myerstown, on Sunday, June 7, 2026, during the 10:30 a.m. service. All are invited to attend.

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!

• Memorial Lutheran, Shippensburg, is searching for a preschool director/teacher.

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.

Synod Office Schedule

Please note that our synod staff will be on site at St. Matthew Lutheran Church on June 4 and 5. We will be closed on Monday, June 8, 2026, following the 2026 Synod Assembly. We will reopen on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 8:30 a.m.

ULS Kindling Faith Upcoming Events

Equipping Pastoral Leaders: Faithful Ministry with People of All Abilities | May 27, 12:00 p.m. or May 28, 7:00 p.m.

All too often, persons who live with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are marginalized by the church and the world. This online course, by bringing in subject matter experts, will offer both a holistic overview and practical ministry tools to support those with IDD and their guardians and families. CEU certificate available.

Learn More & Register.

When Cultures Collide With Rev. Angela Zimmann, PhD CFRE

May 30, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Thanks to the Go Tell It IN the Mountains initiative in ELCA Region 8, the Rev. Dr. Angela Zimmann will present on the topic “(P)reaching Across the Divide” on Saturday, May 30 from 10 a.m. to Noon EDT on the Gettysburg campus of ULS. A zoom option is also available.

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.

How to Love Someone in Recovery

Free Webinar | May 27, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. ET

Join a one-hour free webinar titled “How to Love Someone in Recovery” with Author Caroline Beidler hosted by the Center of Addiction & Faith. Caroline Beidler, MSW, joins us for a discussion seeking to answer the question: "How do we practically love someone in or seeking addiction recovery?" Caroline is an author, speaker, and managing editor of Recovery.com, where she combines research and expert insight on addiction and mental health. Caroline will share her thoughts from her latest book, When You Love Someone in Recovery: A Hopeful Guide to Understanding Addiction.

Register.

Get Ready for LSM 2026!

Lutheran Summer Music (LSM) returns to St. Olaf College for its 2026 season, June 21 through July 19, featuring more than 40 free concerts, recitals, worship services, and special events free and open to the public.

Highlights include the inaugural LSM Choral Gathering, guest performance by Cantus, Bach’s St. Matthew Passion, the Bach Cantata Eucharist, and Festival Week concerts featuring LSM’s Festival Band, Choir, and Orchestra. Most events will also be available online via Live from LSM. 

View the season brochure, explore events, and reserve free tickets at LSMacademy.org/2026season.

Lutheran Men in Mission Ambassador-Gram

Spring 2026

Read the latest from Lutheran Men in Mission here.