• New Notes or Changes to Notes will have this bullet and will remine new notes for two weeks, then will shift to the • until they are removed from the Notes. Upcoming Events changes or additions will be italicized and then shifted to Ø until removed.

 
Upcoming Events:

• The following is a list of upcoming events I will be attending in person. If I am in your area and you would like to go to lunch, coffee, have a chat, etc. let me know.

 

• 23 October Trinity, Meadville
• 23-26 October Rostered Leaders/ALWL Convocation
• 30 October  St. John, Oniontown
• 2 November @ Synod Office
• 3-6 November Camp Swift, TX for Army Reserves
• 9 November @ Synod Office
• 13 November Trinity, Smethport
• 14-16 November FCTE (First Call Theological Event) Capitol Retreat Center
• 19 November Vocations Committee Meeting
• 19 November Faith, Erie
• 20 November Faith, Erie
• 23 November @ Synod Office
• 27 November St. Paul, Warren
• 29 November @ Synod Office
• 30 November LAMPa, Harrisburg
• 3-4 December  @ Army Reserves
• 7 December @ Synod Office
• 9-10 December Region 8 Steering Committee
• 14 December @ Synod Office
• 18 December St. John/Bethany, Warren
• 26 December – 2 January Synod Office Closed.
• 26-31 December Family Vacation
• 4-8 January 2023 Conference of Bishops Academy, Minneapolis, MN
• 11 January 2023 @ Synod Office
• 15 January 2023 First English and Mt. Zion, Punxsutawney
• 16 January 2023 30th Anniversary of Ordination
• 17 – 30 January 2023 ELCA Bishop’s Holy Land Visit
• 1 February @ Synod Office

 
·        Sunday Supply Dates: 2023 February 19, 26;  March 12, April 9*, 23. *Mercer/Crawford/Erie.
 
Churchwide Events:

• I will be visiting the Holy Land next January with 17 other ELCA Bishops. This trip was to occur in 2020 but COVID. While in the Holy Land, there will be an ordination. Sally Anzar, daughter of Bp. Sani Ibrahim Anzar, will be ordained as the first woman pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Jordan and the Holy Land. Prayers for Sally and the Anzars are welcomed. I am planning on bringing a gift from our synod to her ordination. Ideas are welcome.

 
Ecumenical Events:
 
Region 8 Events:

• The Rev. Dr. Craig Satterlee will be presenting the theme, "My Burden is Light: Making Room for Jesus in Preaching," at the WV-WMD Synod's Fall Clergy Continuing Education Event to be held 16-18 Nov. 2022 at Cacapon Resort State Park (Berkeley Springs, WV). Registration information and other details are posted on the WV-WMD Synod's Education for Clergy & Laity webpage (http://wv-wmd.org/education/index.html#Fall2022). Event registration is free (for content), but attendees are on their own for room & board. This event is for clergy, seminarians, and SAMs. It is open to all judicatories.

 
Other Continuing Education Opportunities:

• Upcoming Kindling Faith continuing education events at ULS:
• We are planning a reboot of the Symposium of Evangelical Lutherans in Appalachia (SELA) on the Gettysburg campus from October 26th – 28th 2023. This event is a time of formation and renewal for rostered leaders or synodically-authorized lay leaders. I would like to hear from folks who would be likely to participate at a special informational session on November 13th at 7 pm. The zoom link for those who are interested in or currently serving in a Appalachian ministry contexts: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88294752114?pwd=Y25nWDlicHFCam5JcGxWMnU1bG55UT09
• Soul Care is a new multi-event program in collaboration with the Lower Susquehanna Synod. You can register here.
• Transgender and Lutheran with Dr. Stephanie Dykes. Sunday, October 23, 7 pm. Join Stephanie on zoom for a delightful introduction to her experience as a transgendered Lutheran living in the Seattle area.
• Luther Colloquy with featured speakers President Guy Erwin, Dr. Volker Leppin, Dr. Monica Melancthon, and Dr. Amy Nelson Burnett speaking on the topic of “Lutheranism and the Status Quo.” Wednesday October 26th on the Gettysburg campus. Livestream is available.
• An Evening with Pastor Franklin Morales will be held via zoom on Sunday, November 20th at 7 pm EST. is an opportunity to meet an ELCA Latino pastor who has an amazing story to share about his many journeys that led him to rostered service in the ELCA’s Metro DC synod. It is a beautiful story of love and courage. I hope you can join us.

 
Walking Together as Synod:

• Just a quick a note to say thank you to our congregations across the Synod, as we are currently ahead/exceeding our budget for Mission Support. Pr. Jacobson once again affirmed we are noticed in Chicago and Chicago wonders what it is that we do to continue to be such faithful, joyful givers. As always, Pr. Jake, just tells them… “That’s who we are!” Thank you for being you and being such faithful, generous servants! – Ron King, Synod Treasurer

 

• Second Class of ALWL training and Continuing Education for current ALWLs. Introduction to the Lutheran Confessions 2023: This course will delve into the writings of Martin Luther and the early reformers. Audio, video and written materials will be used to introduce Lutheran history and theological concepts. Conversation, lecture and the adult learning model will facilitate individual and group synthesis of the materials. Weekly questions and small projects will assist individuals in discovering the application of Lutheran theology for application for the authorized lay worship leader instructional program.

Course Dates: February 18, 25, March 11, 18, 25 and April 8.
More information will be posted after the first of the year.

• Check out Lutherlyn’s Capital Campaign video at www.lutherlyn.com/future. Lutherlyn has set a goal of two million dollars to be raised with a challenge goal of two and half million dollars. Lutherlyn will be reaching out to our congregations to determine your support as communities of believers in the work and mission of Lutherlyn. Wouldn’t it be interesting if our synod outgave SWPA synod?

 
Congregations in Transition:

1. Christ, Sharon and Holy Trinity, Hermitage. The congregation councils working on a model of shared pastoral ministry.
2. Grove Chapel, Indiana and Harmony Grove, Creekside. Two-point parish.
3. Zion, Mayport
4. Luther Memorial, Erie. Call Committee considering Candidate
5. St. Paul, Erie Call Committee developing MSP
6. Tabor, Kane Call Committee developing MSP

 
Clarion-Forest-Venango-Warren Conference:
 
Cameron-Elks-McKean-Potter Conference:
 
Crawford-Mercer Conference:
 
Erie Conference:
 
Indiana-Jefferson Conference:
 
Commentary:
Today I found myself at Thiel College for a conversation with the Campus Pastor, Rev. Brian Riddle. The air was crisp, the leaves on the trees and ground golden yellow, tan and red. It was good, we both agreed, to see the students back on campus. Students popped in or waved as they passed Pr. Riddle’s office while we chatted. And President Susan Traverso stopped in as well. It was good to see her and to hear about the challenges and accomplishments of the students, faculty and staff at the college. Of note, Thiel was one of four colleges in western Pennsylvania whose enrollment grew during the last two years of COVID. Why did enrollment grow? President Traverso said it was because the college focused on being community. Why are we as a synod recognized by the ELCA churchwide staff for our giving toward mission support? Because we focus on our communities – local, synod, national and global. I am proud of our synod and our ELCA college and all the other agencies and institutions within and across our boundaries which build, sustain and promote communities of care towards one another’s needs and concerns and beyond.
 
Called to Serve,
 
Bp. Lozano
 
Rev. Michael L. Lozano, Bishop
Northwestern Pennsylvania Synod
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
22598 Titusville Road
PO Box 43
Pleasantville, PA 16341
 
bplozano@outlook.com
(o) 814.589.7660
(c) 724.931.4848

 

• New Notes or Changes to Notes will have this bullet and will remine new notes for two weeks, then will shift to the • until they are removed from the Notes. Upcoming Events changes or additions will be italicized and then shifted to Ø until removed.

 
Upcoming Events:

• The following is a list of upcoming events I will be attending in person. If I am in your area and you would like to go to lunch, coffee, have a chat, etc. let me know.

• 15 October Synod Council, Grace, Franklin
• 15 October ALWL Training @ Grace, Franklin
• 16 October Hope, Homer City 200th Anniversary Celebration
• 19 October @ Synod Office
• 23 October Trinity, Meadville
• 23-26 October Rostered Leaders/ALWL Retreat
• 30 October  St. John, Oniontown
• 2 November @ Synod Office
• 3-6 November Camp Swift, TX for Army Reserves
• 9 November @ Synod Office
• 13 November Trinity, Smethport
• 14-16 November FCTE (First Call Theological Event) Capitol Retreat Center
• 19 November Vocations Committee Meeting
• 19 November Faith, Erie
• 20 November Faith, Erie
• 23 November @ Synod Office
• 27 November St. Paul, Warren
• 29 November @ Synod Office
• 30 November LAMPa, Harrisburg
• 3-4 December  @ Army Reserves
• 7 December @ Synod Office
• 9-10 December Region  8 Steering Committee
• 14 December @ Synod Office
• 18 December St. John/Bethany, Warren
• 26 December – 2 January Synod Office Closed.
• 26-31 December Family Vacation
• 4-8 January 2023 Conference of Bishops Academy, Minneapolis, MN
• 11 January 2023 @ Synod Office
• 15 January 2023 First English and Mt. Zion, Punxsutawney
• 16 January 2023 30th Anniversary of Ordination
• 17 – 30 January 2023 ELCA Bishop’s Holy Land Visit
• 1 February @ Synod Office

 
·        Sunday Supply Dates: 2023 February 19, 26;  March 12, 19, April 9*, 16, 23. *Mercer/Crawford/Erie.
 
Churchwide Events:

• I will be visiting the Holy Land next January with 17 other ELCA Bishops. This trip was to occur in 2020 but COVID. While in the Holy Land, there will be an ordination. Sally Anzar, daughter of Bp. Sani Ibrahim Anzar, will be ordained as the first woman pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Jordan and the Holy Land. Prayers for Sally and the Anzars are welcomed. I am planning on bringing a gift from our synod to her ordination. Ideas are welcome.

 

• Subscribe to Seeds Monthly by clicking on the underlined link.

 
Ecumenical Events:
 
Region 8 Events:

• The Rev. Dr. Craig Satterlee will be presenting the theme, "My Burden is Light: Making Room for Jesus in Preaching," at the WV-WMD Synod's Fall Clergy Continuing Education Event to be held 16-18 Nov. 2022 at Cacapon Resort State Park (Berkeley Springs, WV).

 
Registration information and other details are posted on the WV-WMD Synod's Education for Clergy & Laity webpage (http://wv-wmd.org/education/index.html#Fall2022).
 
Deadline for room reservation is 15 October 2022; after that, the block of rooms will be released from, meaning there may very well still be rooms available, but there is no guarantee. Event registration is free (for content), but attendees are on their own for room & board.
 
This event is for clergy, seminarians, and SAMs. It is open to all judicatories.
 
Other Continuing Education Opportunities:

• Upcoming Kindling Faith continuing education events at ULS:
• We are planning a reboot of the Symposium of Evangelical Lutherans in Appalachia (SELA) on the Gettysburg campus from October 26th – 28th 2023. This event is a time of formation and renewal for rostered leaders or synodically-authorized lay leaders. I would like to hear from folks who would be likely to participate at a special informational session on November 13th at 7 pm. The zoom link for those who are interested in or currently serving in a Appalachian ministry contexts: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88294752114?pwd=Y25nWDlicHFCam5JcGxWMnU1bG55UT09
• Soul Care is a new multi-event program in collaboration with the Lower Susquehanna Synod. You can register here.
• Implicit Bias Training with Stacey Waters of the Pennsylvania Human Rights Commission is being offered free of charge via zoom. The first opportunity is on October 17th at 2 pm. The second opportunity at 7 pm. Again, both events are available via zoom.
• Transgender and Lutheran with Dr. Stephanie Dykes. Sunday, October 23, 7 pm. Join Stephanie on zoom for a delightful introduction to her experience as a transgendered Lutheran living in the Seattle area.
• Luther Colloquy with featured speakers President Guy Erwin, Dr. Volker Leppin, Dr. Monica Melancthon, and Dr. Amy Nelson Burnett speaking on the topic of “Lutheranism and the Status Quo.” Wednesday October 26th on the Gettysburg campus. Livestream is available.
• An Evening with Pastor Franklin Morales will be held via zoom on Sunday, November 20th at 7 pm EST. is an opportunity to meet an ELCA Latino pastor who has an amazing story to share about his many journeys that led him to rostered service in the ELCA’s Metro DC synod. It is a beautiful story of love and courage. I hope you can join us.

 
Walking Together as Synod:

• The first roundtable discussion for the NWPA Synod Book club was held by Rev. Tedd Cogar. It was not well attended as only he and I were on the zoom call. Pr. Cogar is willing to reset and hold another discussion on another date. If you are interested in the book and discussion please reach out to him directly so he can find a time which will work on everyone’s calendar. The book, two remaining copies at synod office, is Becoming a White Antiracist: A Practical Guide for Educators, Leaders, and Activists by Stephen D. Brookfield and Mary E. Hess.

 
Congregations in Transition:

1. Christ, Sharon and Holy Trinity, Hermitage. The congregation councils working on a model of shared pastoral ministry.
2. Grove Chapel, Indiana and Harmony Grove, Creekside. Two-point parish.
3. Zion, Mayport
4. Luther Memorial, Erie. Call Committee considering Candidate
5. St. Paul, Erie Call Committee developing MSP
6. Tabor, Kane Call Committee developing MSP

 
Clarion-Forest-Venango-Warren Conference:
 
Cameron-Elks-McKean-Potter Conference:
 
Crawford-Mercer Conference:
 
Erie Conference:
v  Pr. Karen Parsh, Interim Pastor at Abiding Hope writes, “On Saturday, October 15 from 1:00 to 3:00 Abiding Hope in partnership with St. Paul's Lutheran Church and New Hope Presbyterian Church will be hosting a PUMPKINFEST at Abiding Hope, in support of Youth Ministry Outreach and the Kearsarge Food Bank. There will be plenty of Pumpkins provided by Baytree Farms in Emlenton, and Bethesda will be sponsoring a food truck for snacks. There will be performances by the Sonlight Puppeteers and games and crafts for children. All are welcome to join us.
 
Indiana-Jefferson Conference:
 
Commentary:
I’ve heard this a lot lately within various Lutheran circles… “Where’s Jesus?” It’s either a gentle or blunt reminder to everyone of where is Jesus in this conversation, this action, this event. Or have “we” pushed Jesus out of the conversation, action or event. Perhaps it’s a question we should carry with us at all times and ask regularly of ourselves and others. The question just might change our answer to whatever we are considering. “Where’s Jesus?”
 
Called to Serve,
 
Bp. Lozano
 
 
 
Rev. Michael L. Lozano, Bishop
Northwestern Pennsylvania Synod
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
22598 Titusville Road
PO Box 43
Pleasantville, PA 16341
 
bplozano@outlook.com
(o) 814.589.7660
(c) 724.931.4848

Update Highlights:

• New Notes or Changes to Notes will have this bullet and will remine new notes for two weeks, then will shift to the • and until they are removed from the Notes. Upcoming Events additions/changes are italicized.

 
Upcoming Events:

• The following is a list of upcoming events I will be attending in person. If I am in your area and you would like to go to lunch, coffee, have a chat, etc. let me know.

• 9 October Grace, Brookville/ Trinity, Reynoldsville
• 11 October Erie Pericope Study Group
• 12 October @ Synod Office
• 13 October – Installation Anniversary as Third Bishop of NWPA Synod
• 15 October Synod Council, Grace, Franklin
• 15 October ALWL Training @ Grace, Franklin
• 16 October Hope, Homer City
• 19 October @ Synod Office
• 23 October Trinity, Meadville
• 23-26 October Rostered Leaders/ALWL Retreat
• 30 October  St. John, Oniontown
• 2 November @ Synod Office
• 3-6 November Camp Swift, TX for Army Reserves
• 9 November @ Synod Office
• 13 November Trinity, Smethport
• 14-16 November FCTE (First Call Theological Event) Capitol Retreat Center
• 19 November Vocations Committee Meeting
• 19 November Faith, Erie
• 20 November Faith, Erie
• 23 November @ Synod Office
• 27 November St. Paul, Warren
• 29 November @ Synod Office
• 30 November LAMPa, Harrisburg
• 3-4 December  @ Army Reserves
• 7 December @ Synod Office
• 9-10 December Region  8 Steering Committee
• 14 December @ Synod Office
• 18 December St. John/Bethany, Warren
• 26 December – 2 January Synod Office Closed.
• 26-31 December Family Vacation

 
v  Sunday Supply Dates: December 11. 2023 February 19, 26;  March 12, 19, April 9*, 16, 23. *Mercer/Crawford/Erie.
 
Churchwide Events:

• Subscribe to Seeds Monthly by clicking on the underlined link.

 
Ecumenical Events:
 
Walking Together as Synod:

• The first roundtable discussion for the NWPA Synod Book club was held by Rev. Tedd Cogar. It was not well attended as only he and I were on the zoom call. Pr. Cogar is willing to reset and hold another discussion on another date. If you are interested in the book and discussion please reach out to him directly so he can find a time which will work on everyone’s calendar. The book, two remaining copies at synod office, is Becoming a White Antiracist: A Practical Guide for Educators, Leaders, and Activists by Stephen D. Brookfield and Mary E. Hess..

• Check out ULS’s Continuing Education opportunities at…

 
 
 
Congregations in Transition:

1. Christ, Sharon and Holy Trinity, Hermitage. The congregation councils working on a model of shared pastoral ministry.
2. Grove Chapel, Indiana and Harmony Grove, Creekside. Two-point parish.
3. Zion, Mayport
4. Luther Memorial, Erie. Call Committee awaiting Candidate
5. St. Paul, Erie Call Committee developing MSP
6. Tabor, Kane Call Committee developing MSP

 
Clarion-Forest-Venango-Warren Conference:
 
Cameron-Elks-McKean-Potter Conference:
 
Crawford-Mercer Conference:
 
Erie Conference:

1. Pr. Karen Parsh, Interim Pastor at Abiding Hope writes, “On Saturday, October 15 from 1:00 to 3:00 Abiding Hope in partnership with St. Paul's Lutheran Church and New Hope Presbyterian Church will be hosting a PUMPKINFEST at Abiding Hope, in support of Youth Ministry Outreach and the Kearsarge Food Bank. There will be plenty of Pumpkins provided by Baytree Farms in Emlenton, and Bethesda will be sponsoring a food truck for snacks. There will be performances by the Sonlight Puppeteers and games and crafts for children. All are welcome to join us.

 
Indiana-Jefferson Conference:
 
Commentary:
It’s a quite week to enjoy the changing weather and leaves. Take time to breathe and be well.
 
Called to Serve,
 
Bp. Lozano
 
 
 
Rev. Michael L. Lozano, Bishop
Northwestern Pennsylvania Synod
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
22598 Titusville Road
PO Box 43
Pleasantville, PA 16341
 
bplozano@outlook.com
(o) 814.589.7660
(c) 724.931.4848
 

 
Update Highlights: Calendar, Supply, Convocation, Youth Gathering and ULS.
 

• A reminder I am traveling between Central and Eastern time zones until 1 October.

 

• The following is a list of upcoming events I will be attending in person. If I am in your area and you would like to go to lunch, coffee, have a chat, etc. let me know.

• 10-24 September Annual Training, Darien, IL
• 17 September Upper Susquehanna Synod Bishop Installation, Zion, Sunbury
• 18 September Minneapolis, MN
• 25 September, Gettysburg, PA
• 26-27 September ULS Board Meeting Gettysburg, PA
• 28 September – 1 October Conference of Bishop’s Meeting, Chicago, IL
• 2 October Emanuel, Bradford
• 5 October @ Synod Office
• 9 October Grace, Brookville/ Trinity, Reynoldsville
• 11 October Erie Pericope Study Group
• 12 October @ Synod Office
• 15 October Synod Council, Grace, Franklin
• 15 October ALWL Training @ Grace, Franklin
• 16 October Hope, Homer City
• 19 October @ Synod Office
• 23-26 October Rostered Leaders/ALWL Retreat
• 30 October  St. John, Oniontown
• 2 November @ Synod Office
• 9 November @ Synod Office
• 13 November Trinity, Smethport
• 14-16 November FCTE (First Call Theological Event) Capitol Retreat Center
• 19 November Vocations Committee Meeting
• 20 November Faith, Erie
• 23 November @ Synod Office
• 27 November St. Paul, Warren
• 29 November @ Synod Office
• 30 November LAMPa, Harrisburg
• 3-4 December  @ Army Reserves
• 7 December @ Synod Office
• 9-10 December Region  8 Steering Committee
• 14 December @ Synod Office
• 18 December St. John/Bethany, Warren
• 26 December – 2 January Synod Office Closed.
• 26-31 December Family Vacation

 
·        Sunday Supply Dates: December 11, 25*. *Mercer/Crawford only. 2023 February 19, 26;  March 12, 19, April 9, 16, 23.
 
·        The Synod Supply Pastor Policy took effect 1 September 2022.
 

• Rev. Tedd Cougar writes: All are invited to join in a roundtable discussion on our NWPA Synod book club reading of Becoming a White Antiracist: A Practical Guide for Educators, Leaders, and Activists by Stephen D. Brookfield and Mary E. Hess, Thursday, September 22, 2:00 pm (https://iupvideo.zoom.us/j/7056259230).

 

• Our ecumenical partners in the UMC have extended an invitation to our Rostered Leaders in SWPA and NWPA Synods to join them in becoming part of Communities of Practice. The letter of invitation is attached. I would encourage our pastors/deacon to join a COOP and our congregations to support our rostered leaders in joining with our UMC colleagues. The deadline is September 23, 2022.

 

• The Pennsylvania Council of Churches is beginning a dialogue on Christian Nationalism, a topic of rising interest in a critical election year where individual candidates describe themselves as members of this movement. The Council of Churches will present a forum titled “Christianity in America: Sacred or Supremacist?” The program will be held on ONLINE and IN PERSON  October 6, 2022. Please see the attached document for more information.

 

• The 2022 ELCA Youth Leadership Summit is taking place November 3 – 6, 2022 in Ashland, Nebraska. Each synod may nominate 2 youth and 1 adult to attend. The letter with details on the event is attached to this email. If you are interested or know of someone who might be interested please email me at bplozano@outlook.com.

 
·        On Oct. 24 the theme for the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, the Multicultural Youth Leadership Event and the tAble will be announced! The National Youth Gathering will be held in New Orleans from July 13-16. Mark your calendars now.
 
·        The ELCA Youth Gathering Team writes, “We’ve decided to make a few changes to the Synod Day program… In past cycles, …select two ministry leaders to serve as Gathering Synod Coordinator and Synod Day Director. For 2024 we are combining these roles and ask that you select one person for the role of Gathering Synod Champion. … To provide further support to congregations as they prepare for the Gathering, MYLE and the tAble, we will provide resources and training to each synod’s champion for 18 months prior to the Gathering. GSCs are expected to develop relationships with congregational adult leaders by answering questions, curating Gathering resources and creating community among participating congregations in the year leading up to the Gathering. This individual will also be responsible for the planning and execution of worship and your Synod Experience. Champions are required to attend one training in New Orleans, Jan. 16-18, 2024. Travel and other training-related expenses will be covered by the Gathering. We will provide online onboarding and training as well as other meetings (dates TBD) to help GSCs in this work. A detailed job description can be found here. Be mindful that this is a different position from the previous cycles. The successful candidate will be organized, detail-oriented and capable of communicating effectively for the sake of building community with other adult leaders in the synod. We ask that you nominate a Gathering Synod Champion no later than Nov. 1, 2022.”
 
·        It is not too late for Rostered Leaders in our Synod to begin planning to attend the 2023 Rostered Leaders Gathering July 17-20 in Phoenix, AZ. More information can be found at: https://elca.org/rmg. I attended the first Gathering and found the event informative and a wise use of continuing education funds I would encourage our congregational leaders to support your pastors and deacons to attend this event.
 
·        Fall Convocation. HOTEL RESERVATION DEADLINE IS SEPTEMBER 23. PLEASE MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS NOW. AFTER THE CUT OFF DATE HOTEL RATES INCREASE. The dates for Convocation are 24-26 October. The NWPA Convocation registration is open. We will gather at the Sheraton Bayfront, Erie for this year’s event. When registration opens you will need to register with our synod (website) and with the hotel if you are staying at the Sheraton. The cost of the hotel is $149+tax per night. Our synod will reimburse room cost of $50 per night for Monday and Tuesday per room. You will need to submit a request for reimbursement in order to receive the funds. Single and double rooms are available. You will also be responsible for meals.
 
We will be using The Post Quarantine Church by Thom S. Rainer as a focus for the educational time together. Purchasing the book is not necessary for the event but it might be helpful.
 
Attendees are invited to check in on Sunday afternoon and relax Sunday evening into Monday morning. Onsite registration will open on Monday and the Convocation will begin after lunch. Monday night we will gather at Brewerie at Union Station for a hymn sing (beer will be involved for those who wish to partake.) Tuesday will continue our convocation learning time along with opportunities to explore the Erie area. We will end by noon on Wednesday. There will be time to worship and pray together along with other updates from around our synod and churchwide.
 
·        Our 2023 NWPA Assembly will be (8) 9-10 (11) June 2023 at Thiel College. I will form a Synod Assembly Planning Team in the next few weeks. I will ask each Conference to nominate one lay person to be on this Planning Team. This core group along with the synod staff will begin the initial planning process for the next three Assemblies 2023,2024, 2025. As the core team progresses other individuals within our synod will be asked to join specific teams or committees centering around our upcoming 2023 Assembly and beyond.
 
·        The following congregations are in transition:

1. Christ, Sharon and Holy Trinity, Hermitage. The congregation councils working on a model of shared pastoral ministry.
2. Faith, Venus and Holy Trinity, Shippenville. Congregational Meeting set
3. Grove Chapel, Indiana and Harmony Grove, Creekside. Two-point parish.
4. Zion, Mayport
5. Luther Memorial, Erie. Call Committee awaiting Candidate
6. St. Paul, Erie Call Committee developing MSP
7. Tabor, Kane Call Committee developing MSP

 

• Rev. Allison Leitzel reached out to me to offer her expertise in helping churches organize their financial records/systems. She is willing to help develop new chart of accounts, set up new/easier software programs, and trained staff/volunteers to use the system, assisted in setting up an internal auditing process and using the ELCA guidelines. If your congregation can use Pr. Leitzel’s gifts please reach out to her at allieleitzel1@gmail.com. There is a cost for mileage and time involved which can be negotiated with her.

 

• Twix candy filling is, believe it or not, twix candy. So if twixes are filled with twixes, what filled the first twix?

 

• Rev. Ralph Mineo offers: "BUTTERFLIES AND PENGUINS - The Ralph and Jo Show" is a musical story-telling event about the joys and struggles of the journey of Pastor Ralph & Jo Mineo, from Ralph's time in seminary and ordination as a Roman Catholic priest, to their marriage, and pastoral ministry in the Lutheran Church. The centerpiece of the program is several songs that Pastor Ralph has written over the years for Jo, including "Butterflies and Penguins" (Jo's signature song) and others such as "Always Remember the Love." Also included will be some of the songs Pastor Ralph has written for prayer and worship, including the first prayer-song he wrote. Congregations may contact Pastor Ralph at 419-581-1837 to schedule the program (which is about 75 minutes long).

 

• Rev. Mark Fischer, Twelve Apostles reports, “On September 25th we will hold our Harvest Home Dinner. Donations will go to Lutheran Disaster Response for Kentucky Flood victims.” IF your congregation is working to lift up the ministries in your community and beyond please let me know so I can share your work within this email AND invite those who might be interested in supporting your local efforts to show up in support.

 

• Chris Curran writes, “Grace Franklin welcomes Rev. Shawn Clerkin as their interim pastor. This is another step in collaborative joint ministry between Grace Lutheran and St. John’s Episcopal churches in Franklin who have shared a building since 2009 and now share a pastor and priest. We are better together.” I had lunch with Fr. Clerkin and Chris Curran this week. Fr. Clerkin brings many gifts, skills and talents to Grace Lutheran and to our synod. He is planning on being with us at Convocation.

 
This weekend I will be attending the Installation of Bp. Craig Miller, Upper Susquehanna Synod and then traveling to Ft. Snelling (had to look it up, just outside of Minneapolis, MN) to visit with a chaplain and his unit. Both events remind me of how connected we are. The Church takes on many expressions and forms – be it cathedral or open field – we gather to proclaim and to receive the gospel. We are interconnected – one might even say like a body – to each other. And as I travel know I carry you with me (and no, not like a virus or bacteria).
 
Called to Serve,
 
Bp. Lozano
 
Rev. Michael L. Lozano, Bishop
Northwestern Pennsylvania Synod
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
22598 Titusville Road
PO Box 43
Pleasantville, PA 16341
 
bplozano@outlook.com
(o) 814.589.7660
(c) 724.931.4848

​Update Highlights: Calendar updates, Community of Practice Invitation, Congregations in Transition, Commentary and few other items along the way…
 
NOTE: I continue to add individuals to the email list as you share the Notes. Please continue sharing the Notes and sending me individuals to add to the email list as well.
 
The following is a list of upcoming events I will be attending in person. If I am in your area and you would like to go to lunch, coffee, have a chat, etc. let me know.

• 10-24 September Annual Training, Darien, IL
• 17 September Upper Susquehanna Synod Bishop Installation, Zion, Sunbury
• 18 September Minneapolis, MN
• 25 September, Gettysburg, PA
• 26-27 September ULS Board Meeting Gettysburg, PA
• 28 September – 1 October Conference of Bishop’s Meeting, Chicago, IL
• 2 October Emanuel, Bradford
• 5 October @ Synod Office
• 9 October Grace, Brookville/ Trinity, Reynoldsville
• 12 October @ Synod Office
• 15 October Synod Council, Grace, Franklin
• 15 October ALWL Training @ Grace, Franklin
• 16 October Hope, Homer City
• 19 October @ Synod Office
• 23-26 October Rostered Leaders/ALWL Retreat
• 30 October  St. John, Oniontown
• 2 November @ Synod Office
• 9 November @ Synod Office
• 13 November Trinity, Smethport
• 14-16 November FCTE (First Call Theological Event) Capitol Retreat Center
• 19 November Vocations Committee Meeting
• 20 November Faith, Erie
• 23 November @ Synod Office
• 27 November St. Paul, Warren
• 29 November @ Synod Office
• 30 November LAMPa, Harrisburg

 
·        Sunday Supply Dates: October 23*; December 11, 25*. *Mercer/Crawford only. February 19, 26 2023; March 12, 19 2023.
 

• Rev. Tedd Cougar writes: All are invited to join in a roundtable discussion on our NWPA Synod book club reading of Becoming a White Antiracist: A Practical Guide for Educators, Leaders, and Activists by Stephen D. Brookfield and Mary E. Hess, Thursday, September 22, 2:00 pm (https://iupvideo.zoom.us/j/7056259230).

 

• Attached to this week’s notes is a document on SELECT Courses. This catalog of courses can be used for congregational and individual education.

 

• Our ecumenical partners in the UMC have extended an invitation to our Rostered Leaders in SWPA and NWPA Synods to join them in becoming part of Communities of Practice. The letter of invitation is attached. I would encourage our pastors/deacon to join a COOP and our congregations to support our rostered leaders in joining with our UMC colleagues. The deadline is September 23, 2022.

 

• The 2022 ELCA Youth Leadership Summit is taking place November 3 – 6, 2022 in Ashland, Nebraska. Each synod may nominate 2 youth and 1 adult to attend. The letter with details on the event is attached to this email. If you are interested or know of someone who might be interested please email me at bplozano@outlook.com.

 
·        On Oct. 24 the theme for the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, the Multicultural Youth Leadership Event and the tAble will be announced! The National Youth Gathering will be held in New Orleans from July 13-16. Mark your calendars now.
 
·        It is not too late for Rostered Leaders in our Synod to begin planning to attend the 2023 Rostered Leaders Gathering July 17-20 in Phoenix, AZ. More information can be found at: https://elca.org/rmg. I attended the first Gathering and found the event informative and a wise use of continuing education funds I would encourage our congregational leaders to support your pastors and deacons to attend this event.
 
·        Fall Convocation. The dates for Convocation are 24-26 October.
The NWPA Convocation registration is open. We will gather at the Sheraton Bayfront, Erie for this year’s event. When registration opens you will need to register with our synod (website) and with the hotel if you are staying at the Sheraton. The cost of the hotel is $149+tax per night. Our synod will reimburse room cost of $50 per night for Monday and Tuesday per room. You will need to submit a request for reimbursement in order to receive the funds. Single and double rooms are available. You will also be responsible for meals.
 
We will be using The Post Quarantine Church by Thom S. Rainer as a focus for the educational time together. Purchasing the book is not necessary for the event but it might be helpful.
 
Attendees are invited to check in on Sunday afternoon and relax Sunday evening into Monday morning. Onsite registration will open on Monday and the Convocation will begin after lunch. Monday night we will gather at Brewerie at Union Station for a hymn sing (beer will be involved for those who wish to partake.) Tuesday will continue our convocation learning time along with opportunities to explore the Erie area. We will end by noon on Wednesday. There will be time to worship and pray together along with other updates from around our synod and churchwide.
 
·        Our 2023 NWPA Assembly will be (8) 9-10 (11) June 2023 at Thiel College. I will form a Synod Assembly Planning Team in the next few weeks. I will ask each Conference to nominate one lay person to be on this Planning Team. This core group along with the synod staff will begin the initial planning process for the next three Assemblies 2023,2024, 2025. As the core team progresses other individuals within our synod will be asked to join specific teams or committees centering around our upcoming 2023 Assembly and beyond.
 
·        The following congregations are in transition:

1. Christ, Sharon and Holy Trinity, Hermitage. The congregation councils working on a model of shared pastoral ministry.
2. Faith, Venus and Holy Trinity, Shippenville. Congregational Meeting set
3. Grove Chapel, Indiana and Harmony Grove, Creekside. Two-point parish.
4. Zion, Mayport
5. Luther Memorial, Erie. Call Committee awaiting Candidate
6. St. Paul, Erie Call Committee developing MSP
7. Tabor, Kane Call Committee developing MSP

 

• The Synod Supply Pastor Policy took effect 1 September 2022.

 

• Rev. Allison Leitzel reached out to me to offer her expertise in helping churches organize their financial records/systems. She is willing to help develop new chart of accounts, set up new/easier software programs, and trained staff/volunteers to use the system, assisted in setting up an internal auditing process and using the ELCA guidelines. If your congregation can use Pr. Leitzel’s gifts please reach out to her at allieleitzel1@gmail.com. There is a cost for mileage and time involved which can be negotiated with her.

 

• Rev. Ralph Mineo offers: "BUTTERFLIES AND PENGUINS - The Ralph and Jo Show" is a musical story-telling event about the joys and struggles of the journey of Pastor Ralph & Jo Mineo, from Ralph's time in seminary and ordination as a Roman Catholic priest, to their marriage, and pastoral ministry in the Lutheran Church. The centerpiece of the program is several songs that Pastor Ralph has written over the years for Jo, including "Butterflies and Penguins" (Jo's signature song) and others such as "Always Remember the Love." Also included will be some of the songs Pastor Ralph has written for prayer and worship, including the first prayer-song he wrote. Congregations may contact Pastor Ralph at 419-581-1837 to schedule the program (which is about 75 minutes long).

 

• Rev. Mark Fischer, Twelve Apostles reports, “On September 25th we will hold our Harvest Home Dinner. Donations will go to Lutheran Disaster Response for Kentucky Flood victims.” IF your congregation is working to lift up the ministries in your community and beyond please let me know so I can share your work within this email AND invite those who might be interested in supporting your local efforts to show up in support.

 

• Chris Curran writes, “Grace Franklin welcomes Rev. Shawn Clerkin as their interim pastor. This is another step in collaborative joint ministry between Grace Lutheran and St. John’s Episcopal churches in Franklin who have shared a building since 2009 and now share a pastor and priest. We are better together.” I had lunch with Fr. Clerkin and Chris Curran this week. Fr. Clerkin brings many gifts, skills and talents to Grace Lutheran and to our synod. He is planning on being with us at Convocation.

 
Over the next several weeks I will be moving between the Eastern and Central time zones for my Army Reserve Annual training time, participate in the installation of Rev. Craig Miller as the fourth bishop of Upper Susquehanna Synod, the fall ULS Board Meeting and the fall Conference of Bishops Meeting. Recently Christopher and I were discussing our digital presence online, he googled my name, and found some old references to me. He found one in particular, a video, of me in uniform (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLjmaIPbbgw), which we talked about. I’ll be wearing several uniforms over the weeks I am away from my family and our synod, but I mindful the uniform I always wear is through baptism I am clothed in Christ. Dear Synod as I enter my fourth year as bishop I give thanks to wear the uniform which represents us all and whichever other uniform I wear I am mindful that I am …
 
Called to Serve,
 
Bp. Lozano
 
Rev. Michael L. Lozano, Bishop
Northwestern Pennsylvania Synod
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
22598 Titusville Road
PO Box 43
Pleasantville, PA 16341
 
bplozano@outlook.com
(o) 814.589.7660
(c) 724.931.4848
 

​Update Highlights: Calendar, ALWL, CWA, Synod Happenings, Commentary
 
The following is a list of upcoming events I will be attending in person. If I am in your area and you would like to go to lunch, coffee, have a chat, etc. let me know.

·        18-19 August Joint Base Lewis McCord Building Dedication
·        20 August One Year Anniversary Stem Cell Transplant
·        21 August Luther Memorial
·        24 August @ Synod Office
·        27 August Bp. Collin’s Retirement Pizza Party, Camp Mt. Luther
·        28 August St. John, Girard
·        31 August @ Synod Office
·        7 September @ Synod Office
·        10-24 September Annual Training, Darien, IL
·        17 September Upper Susquehanna Synod Bishop Installation, Zion, Sunbury
·        26-27 September ULS Board Meeting Gettysburg, PA
·        28 September – 1 October Conference of Bishop’s Meeting, Chicago, IL
·        5 October @ Synod Office
·        9 October Grace, Brookville/ Trinity, Reynoldsville
·        12 October @ Synod Office
·        14-15 October Synod Council Retreat
·        15 October ALWL Training @ Grace, Franklin
·        19 October @ Synod Office
·        23-26 October Rostered Leaders/ALWL Retreat
·        30 October  St. John, Oniontown
·        2 November @ Synod Office
·        9 November @ Synod Office
·        14-16 November FCTE (First Call Theological Event) Capitol Retreat Center
·        19 November Vocations Committee Meeting
·        20 November Faith, Erie
·        23 November @ Synod Office
·        27 November St. Paul, Warren
·        29 November @ Synod Office
·        30 November LAMPa, Harrisburg

 
·        Sunday Supply Dates: October 23*; December 11, 25*. *Mercer/Crawford only. January 15, 29 2023; February 19, 26 2023; March 12, 19, 26 2023.
 
·        ALWLs: Please mark your calendars for Saturday October 15th. ALWLs will gather at St. John's Episcopal/Grace Lutheran Church in Franklin. The day will begin at 10:00am and include a tour of the church’s Tiffany windows, Fr. Shawn Clerkin will offer a meditation /discussion, lunch and an open discussion among ALWLs on needs, wants, concerns and future gatherings. The day will conclude by 2:30pm.
 
·        Attached to this email is an application for NWPA ALWLs. If you are interested in serving as an ALWL please fill out the form and return to bplozano@outlook.com. If you know of someone who would serve well as an Authorized Lay Worship Leader please pass the form along to them.
 
·        ALWL Training: The next iteration of ALWL training begins in September with Rev. Jake Jacobson leading in the study of the Old and New Testaments. This is a  joint training between Northwestern Pennsylvania Synod, Alleghany Synod and Upper Susquehanna Synod.
Introduction to Scripture Old Testament/New Testament Rev. Jake Jacobson
Course Design: The course will include assigned readings, prerecorded lectures, an introductory Zoom meeting and four 2 hour Zoom/In Person gatherings.
Text: Holy Talk: An Introduction to Scripture for the Occasionally Biblically Embarrassed, Jake Jacobson (Lulu.com or Amazon)
Cost: $50.00/person payable to NWPA Synod plus textbook
Calendar:
September 10 (10:00-Noon): Introduction of Course (Zoom)
September 24 (10:00-Noon): Pentateuch Zoom
October 8 (10:00-Noon): Prophets/Writings Zoom/In Person @ Allegheny Synod
October 22 (10:00-Noon): Gospels Zoom/In Person @ Upper Susquehanna Synod
November 5 (10:00-Noon): Paul/NT Writings Zoom/In Person @ NWPA Synod Office

• Attached to this email is highlights from the CWA. Please review and share.

 

• Congratulations to Ms. Olivia L. Martin-Call on her election as a young adult representative from our synod to the ELCA Church Council. Olivia is a member of Holy Trinity, Greenville and until recently Vice-President of the Congregation Council.

 
·        Fall Convocation. The dates for Convocation are 24-26 October. The location will be the Sheraton Bayfront on the lake. The concept for this year’s Convocation is to gather for time to relax and share and learn. Rostered and ALWL Leaders will be able to check in to the hotel on Sunday afternoon for a relaxing evening in Erie, followed by a program starting Monday afternoon through Wednesday morning. The topic will be “The Post Quarantine Church” based off the book by the same title. We will use our time together to learn from one another, develop ideas, and plans we might implement in our congregations and communities. There will be time built into the schedule for relaxing / exploring Lake Erie and Erie, PA, worship and conversation. And maybe another surprise or two.
 
·        Our 2023 NWPA Assembly will be (8) 9-10 (11) June 2023 at Thiel College. I will form a Synod Assembly Planning Team in the next few weeks. I will ask each Conference to nominate one lay person to be on this Planning Team. This core group along with the synod staff will begin the initial planning process for the next three Assemblies 2023,2024, 2025. As the core team progresses other individuals within our synod will be asked to join specific teams or committees centering around our upcoming 2023 Assembly and beyond.
 
·        The following congregations are in transition:

1. Christ, Sharon and Holy Trinity, Hermitage. The congregation councils are working to develop a model for shared pastoral ministry.
2. Faith, Venus and Holy Trinity, Shippenville. Call Committee working with Candidate
3. Grove Chapel, Indiana and Harmony Grove, Creekside. Two-point parish.
4. Immanuel, Erie
5. Zion, Mayport
6. Luther Memorial, Erie. Call Committee working with Candidate
7. St. Paul, Erie Call Committee developing MSP

 

• Supply Pastor Policy: Our Synod Council approved the attached Supply Pastor Policy. Individuals who are currently serving as supply pastors in our synod need to let Ellen and I know by 1 September your willingness to serve beyond 1 September. Why was this policy proposed by me and enacted by our synod council? I have received reports of congregations using Sunday supply pastors who are not recognized as such by our synod and reports of pastors and individuals who think they are recognized as pastors in our denomination or our ecumenical partner denominations serving in our congregations. This policy helps to set boundaries for both congregations and Sunday supply pastors/deacons.

 

• Rev. Mark Fischer, Twelve Apostles reports, “We donated $800 of proceeds from the Community Yard Sale Day to the Crawford County Career Technical Center. The remaining $1300 is earmarked for our church food bank which serves at least a dozen people each month.” AND “On September 25th we will hold our Harvest Home Dinner. Donations will go to Lutheran Disaster Response for Kentucky Flood victims.” IF your congregation is working to lift up the ministries in your community and beyond please let me know so I can share your work within this email AND invite those who might be interested in supporting your local efforts to show up in support.

 

• Please hold in prayer our pastors and deacon here in our synod along with all who step up as lay leaders to take on roles of increasing responsibility. Pray for them and their family’s health. While CWA did what could be done to prevent the spread of COVID, Presiding Bishop Eaton and several other bishops contracted the virus while in Columbus. One of our own voting members was among several who also contracted the virus. All are recovering. School will start soon for many in our synod along with Fall programing in our congregations. Please hold each other in prayer as we shift towards fuller fall schedules and the turning of the leaves.

 
 
Called to Serve,
 
Bp. Lozano

• I continue to expand the email list for the Bishop’s Notes. Please continue to share this information with folks in your congregations and conferences. If you are receiving duplicate emails from me please let me know.

 

• REGARDING EMAILS: You will notice I blind carbon copy (Bcc) everyone on this email list. The reason is simple, so your email is not stolen and used by individuals to solicit money or information from others as my email has on multiple occasions. It is a sad fact that there are individuals who impersonate people setting up “dummy” email addresses and then using known lists of emails to ask for money or gift cards, or even send fake bills expecting you to either outright pay the bill using a credit card or to contact the “person” or “company” and give out your personal information. DO NOT respond to these emails. If you receive an email from myself or anyone on synod staff asking you to give us money or gift cards, or to contact you regarding a “confidential” request or anything else that seems suspicious, contact me or our staff immediately via phone. There are websites you can use to report the suspicious email. Do not open the email or any attachments, do not respond to the email and delete it immediately.

 

• MORE New News From ULS: Please see the attached information and remember the expanded opportunity for continuing education at https://bit.ly/3tyrEbW.

 

• St. Paul’s Senior Living Community in Greenville, PA is searching for a chaplain. If you have an interest or know of someone who might have an interest in chaplaincy please reach out to me or Chaplain Julia Fraser.

 

• Summer Book Study: If you did not pick up a copy at Assembly, please watch your mail for the book. If you do not receive it by the end of June please let me know. If you are interested in joining the book study I have a few extra copies. Again, please let me know. We will start the study in July.

 

• The following is a list of upcoming events I will be attending in person. If I am in your area and you would like to go to lunch, coffee, have a chat, etc. let me know.

 

• 6 July at Synod Office
• 7 July Lutheran Home at Kane Board Meeting
• 9-10 July Chicago, IL Army Reserves
• 11-14 July working remotely Indianapolis , IN
• 16 July Synod Council
• 17 July Gethsemane, Port Allegany
• 20-24 July Chicago, IL Army Reserve Command Conference
• 23 July Vocations Committee
• 27 July at Synod Office
• 3 August at Synod Office
• 5-6 August Chicago, IL Army Reserves
• 7-12 August Churchwide Assembly, Columbus, OH
• 14 August ELP Beach Worship, Presque Isle
• 17 August at Synod Office
• 19 August  University Hospital, Cleveland One Year Anniversary Stem Cell Transplant Check Up
• 21 August Luther Memorial
• 24 August at Synod Office
• 27 August Bp. Collin’s Retirement Pizza Party, Camp Mt. Luther
• 28 August St. John, Girard
• 31 August at Synod Office
• 7 September at Synod Office
• 10-24 September Annual Training, Darien , IL
• 16-17 September Region 8 Candidacy and Steering Committee Meeting, Sunbury, PA
• 17 September Upper Susquehanna Synod Bishop Installation, Zion, Sunbury
• 26-27 September ULS Zoom Board Meeting
• 27 September – 1 October Conference of Bishop’s Meeting, Chicago, IL
• 1-2 October Chicago, IL Army Reserves

 

• Sunday Supply Dates: October 9, 23*; November 13, 27; December 11. *Mercer/Crawford only. I’ve begun work on my 2023 calendar of open supply Sundays. Look for a tentative list of dates in the next few weeks.

 

• Follow the ELCA Churchwide Assembly at www.elca.org/churchwideassembly

 

• Our 2023 NWPA Assembly will be (8) 9-10 (11) June 2023 at Thiel College. I will form a Synod Assembly Planning Team in the next few weeks. I will ask each Conference to nominate one lay person to be on this Planning Team. This core group along with the synod staff will begin the initial planning process for the next three Assemblies 2023,2024, 2025. As the core team progresses other individuals within our synod will be asked to join specific teams or committees centering around our upcoming 2023 Assembly and beyond.  

 

• Fall Convocation. The dates for Convocation are tentatively set for 24-26 October. Location is TBD.

 

• If you know of a young adult (18-30) who is interested in serving on Synod Council let me know.

 

• The Rev. Gary Harbaugh, Holy Trinity, Erie has announced his retirement. His last Sunday will be July 24, 2022. Let us give thanks to God for Pr. Harbaugh’s many years of faithful service to our synod and the Church.

• The following congregations have active ministry site profiles:
• Christ, Sharon and Holy Trinity, Hermitage. The congregation councils are working to develop a model for shared pastoral ministry.
• Faith, Venus and Holy Trinity, Shippenville. Call Committee working with Candidate
• Grove Chapel, Indiana and Harmony Grove, Creekside. Two-point parish.
• Immanuel, Erie
• Zion, Mayport
• Luther Memorial, Erie. Call Committee working with Candidate

 

• A prayer for the nation for this Independence Day weekend: Holy Trinity, one God, you show us the splendor of diversity and the beauty of unity in your own divine life. Make us, who came from many nations with many languages, a united people who delight in our many different gifts. Defend our liberties, and give those whom we have entrusted with authority the spirit of wisdom, that there might be justice and peace in our land. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, our sovereign and our Savior. Amen (ELW, 77)

 
Called to Serve,
 
Bp. Lozano

• These notes can either be considered late from last week or early for this week. Last week was of course our synod assembly and this week I will be attending the Upper Susquehanna synod assembly. There will be no bishop’s notes next week as I will be on vacation with Patti and Christopher.
• The current email list has reached over 100 individuals in our synod. Please share the information and send me the names and email address of individuals who want to be placed on the list.
• Our Synod Assembly was held on Friday, June 10 at Thiel College. Highlights of the assembly were Worship, the reelection of Pr. Mark Fischer as Synod Secretary and Mr. Ron King as Synod Treasurer. The passing of the 2023 budget, constitutional updates, and three memorials to the churchwide assembly were passed – gun violence; churchwide restructuring and governance; and reduction in greenhouse gas. Additionally, we received greetings from Thiel College president Susan Traverso and Rev. Christopher Otten our churchwide representative, a presentation by Rev. Brenda Martin on Camp Lutherlyn’s “family” connection to the Ukraine (an article will be in the August Living Lutheran) and Rev. Jake Jacobson and Rev. Doug Dyson rolling out a process to develop leaders in congregations and deepening faith.
• New News From ULS: With deep gratitude to Deacon Chelle Huth for her many years of dreaming faith into education and action, ULS announces an expanded opportunity for continuing education... https://bit.ly/3tyrEbW.  Also, the registration deadline for Theological Education with Adults has now been extended to June 20th. This year’s program is entitled “Worship after Corona: Singing, Speaking and Spaces of Community” with Dr. Kyle Schiefelbein-Guerrero, Gail Ramshaw, and seminary musician, Cathy Elkiss. Both zoom and in-person options are available. See the attached PDF for more information.
• Summer Book Study: If you did not pick up a copy at Assembly, please watch your mail for the book. If you do not receive it by the end of June please let me know. If you are interested in joining the book study I have a few extra copies. Again, please let me know. We will start the study in July.
• The following is a list of upcoming events I will be attending in person. If I am in your area and you would like to go to lunch, coffee, have a chat, etc. let me know.​
• 15 June at Synod Office
• 17-18 June Upper Susquehanna Synod Assembly
• 19-26 June Family Vacation
• 29 June at Synod Office
• 6 July at Synod Office
• 7 July Lutheran Home at Kane Board Meeting
• 9-10 July Chicago, IL Army Reserves
• 11-14 July working remotely Indianapolis , IN
• 16 July Synod Council
• 17 July Gethsemane , Port Allegany
• 20 July at Synod Office
• 21-24 July Chicago, IL Army Reserve Command Conference
• 23 July Vocations Committee
• 27 July at Synod Office
• 28-31 July Chicago, IL Army Reserves
• 3 August at Synod Office
• 6-7 August Chicago, IL Army Reserves
• 8-12 August Churchwide Assembly, Columbus, OH
• 17 August at Synod Office
• 19 August  University Hospital, Cleveland One Year Anniversary Stem Cell Transplant Check Up
• 21 August Luther Memorial
• 24 August at Synod Office
• 28 August St. John, Girard
• 31 August at Synod Office

 

• Sunday Supply Dates: August 14; October 9, 23*; November 13, 27; December 11. *Mercer/Crawford only.
• Fall Convocation. The dates for Convocation are tentatively set for 24-26 October. Location is TBD.
• If you know of a young adult (18-30) who is interested in serving on Synod Council let me know.
• The following congregations have active ministry site profiles:
• Christ, Sharon and Holy Trinity, Hermitage. The congregation councils are working to develop a model for shared pastoral ministry.
• Faith, Venus and Holy Trinity, Shippenville. The congregation councils are finalizing a model for shared pastoral ministry.
• Grove Chapel, Indiana and Harmony Grove, Creekside. Two-point parish.
• Immanuel, Erie
• Zion, Mayport
• Luther Memorial, Erie

 

• The most memorable line from my synod assembly sermon? “Roller coasters are like cooked brussel sprouts. Every so often I have to remind myself why I don’t like them.” I fear future congregational visits.

 
 
Called to Serve,
 
Bp. Lozano
 
 
 
Rev. Michael L. Lozano, Bishop
Northwestern Pennsylvania Synod
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
22598 Titusville Road
PO Box 43
Pleasantville, PA 16341
 
bplozano@outlook.com
(o) 814.589.7660

​Bishop’s Notes 26 May 2022
Ascension of Our Lord
 

• Assembly Registration: As of today there are 65 registered voting members of synod assembly. There are 73 congregations in our synod with each having two lay voting members, so we are far short of the total number of voting members. Remember There will be no day of registrations so please registered as soon as possible. A letter will be sent out to all registered assembly voting members tomorrow containing some pre-assembly information.

 

• The following is a list of upcoming events I will be attending in person. If I am in your area and you would like to go to lunch, coffee, have a chat, etc. let me know.

• 1 June Harrisburg, PA Region 8 Bishop’s Meeting
• 3-5 June Chicago, IL Army Reserves
• 6-8 June Pre Assembly Zoom Forums
• 8 June Synod Office
• 9 June Thiel College
• 10 June Synod Assembly
• 15 June at Synod Office
• 17-18 June Upper Susquehanna Synod Assembly
• 19-26 June Family Vacation
• 29 June at Synod Office
• 6 July at Synod Office
• 7 July Lutheran Home at Kane Board Meeting
• 9-10 July Chicago, IL Army Reserves
• 11-14 July working remotely Indianapolis , IN
• 16 July Synod Council
• 17 July Gethsemane , Port Allegany
• 20 July at Synod Office
• 23 July Vocations Committee
• 24 July Good Hope, Oil City
• 27 July at Synod Office
• 28-31 July Chicago, IL Army Reserves

 

• Sunday Supply Dates: August 14, 28; October 9, 23*; November 13, 27; December 11. *Mercer/Crawford only.

 

• Last call for the “book club.” We will be reading together: Becoming A White Antiracist website by Brookfield and Hess. if you are interested please let me know by June 1, 2022 so I can order the books and have them in time to hand out at our Synod Assembly.

 

• The Rev. Dr. Martin Otto-Zimmann writes: ULS is once again sponsoring a hybrid Theological Education with Adults event in mid-July featuring Dr. Kyle Schiefelbein Guerrero, Gail Ramshaw, and Cathy Elkis entitled: Worship after Corona: Singing, Speaking and Spaces of Community. Details and links are in the attached PDF (see attachment). Please share in your synod emails and newsletters.

 
He continues: Looking ahead, I will be creating a fall Zoom Book Club featuring various faculty members sharing their favorite reads and an early September event for Deacons and Pastors who simply need space to relax, share, and discern with mutually exhausted colleagues. Information will be forthcoming. If you have ideas for continuing education, please email them to learningwishlist@uls.edu.

• Fall Convocation. The dates for Convocation are tentatively set for 24-26 October. Location is TBD. Something to consider is holding the event in the Greater Erie Area or in downtown Erie near the waterfront and Presque Isle. Perhaps starting it on a Sunday evening. Having spouses attend. Proving more open time to have conversation or tour/walk the area. Having several keynote speakers and workshops on a variety of relevant topics. Moving Fall Convocation around the synod with Conferences “hosting” the event. If you have thoughts or suggestions regarding topics, or an interest in planning the event please send me a note with the subject line “Fall Convocation.”

 

• If you know of a youth (confirmation to age 18) or young adult (18-30) who is interested in serving on Synod Council let me know.

 

• Bishop Paula Schmitt of the Allegany Synod is seeking a retired pastor or Authorized Lay Worship Leader who might be able to support the congregation of Grace, Curwensville. If you are or know of someone on the eastern side of our synod who is able to help our neighbors please let me know.

 

• The following congregations have active ministry site profiles:
• Christ, Sharon and Holy Trinity, Hermitage. The congregation councils are working to develop a model for shared pastoral ministry.
• Faith, Venus and Holy Trinity, Shippenville. The congregation councils are finalizing a model for shared pastoral ministry.
• Grove Chapel, Indiana and Harmony Grove, Creekside. Two-point parish.
• Immanuel, Erie
• Zion, Mayport
• Luther Memorial, Erie

 

• Please hold Ellen, Jake and Doug, our synod staff, in prayer especially as we approach our Synod Assembly. It’s only one day, but there is still much to do in preparation for the Assembly.

 

• We pray for those who have family with health issues and for those who await test results.

 

• We pray this week for our graduates and our educators and for those who support them by their love, prayers, finances and presence.

 

• We pray for action rather than words to end gun violence in our nation.

 

• We pray for the families and friends who this weekend will call to mind their loved ones who have lived and died in service to our nation.

 

• A juxtaposition of thought. We remember those who died in service to our nation in order to protect our constitutional rights. Our constitutional right to bear arms allows for violence against our fellow citizens. Our both/and theology places us and these secular rights in tension.

 

• Yesterday I found myself in St. Marys, PA. Home of the Eternal Fountain of Beer. (Yes, a few years back I drank from the fountain, but not yesterday.) How many synods can lay claim to an eternal fountain of beer? Or the house where the movie Amityville Horror was filmed. Or the steel mill in Warren that produced the pieces to the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, MO? I wonder what other fun facts or hidden gems there are about our synod?

 
Called to Serve,
 
Bp. Lozano
 
 
 
Rev. Michael L. Lozano, Bishop
Northwestern Pennsylvania Synod
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
22598 Titusville Road
PO Box 43
Pleasantville, PA 16341
 
bplozano@outlook.com
(o) 814.589.7660
(c) 724.931.4848
 

Bishop’s Notes 12 May 2022
 

• Thanks for the feedback from last week’s Notes. Remember if you want to be removed let Ellen and I know.

 

• Health Note: I am in remission and on a maintenance oral/injection chemotherapy regimen for the next two years. I have also started receiving my childhood and adult vaccinations to rebuild my immune system. My oncologist did not like my idea of going to a local day care and spending a week playing with the children and picking up everything they could give me. So I’ll just have to take it slow. Thanks to everyone for the continued prayers.

 

• In the weeks ahead I will be expanding the email list to our Authorized Lay Worship Leaders, then more broadly to congregational leadership. But don’t let this stop you from sharing these notes with others.

 

• Assembly Registration: So talk about communication and hearing what is said! Ellen is rolling out Assembly Registration in phases so as to not bog down the online registration system. I heard, Assembly Registration is open. So, please register for our synod assembly as you are notified. You should receive or have received an email or mail notice for the assembly.

 

• Rev. Ben Austin’s installation as pastor of St. Paul, Drake’s Mill is Sunday, May 15 at 3:00pm. Please RSVP if you are attending. Please hold Pr. Austin and the community of believers in prayer as they together enter into this new ministry.

 

• The following is a list of upcoming events I will be attending in person. If I am in your area and you would like to go to lunch, coffee, have a chat, etc. let me know.

• 14 May Synod Council
• 15 May Pr. Austin Installation
• 17 May Punxsutawney
• 19 May Lutheran Home at Kane Board Meeting
• 22 May Indiana/Jefferson congregations meeting
• 25 May at Synod Office
• 1 June at Synod Office
• 3-5 June Chicago, IL Army Reserves
• 8 June Synod Office
• 9 June Thiel College
• 10 June Synod Assembly
• 15 June at Synod Office
• 17-18 June Upper Susquehanna Synod Assembly
• 19-26 June Family Vacation
• 6 July at Synod Office
• 7 July Lutheran Home at Kane Board Meeting
• 9-10 July Chicago, IL Army Reserves
• 11-14 July working remotely Indianapolis , IN
• 16 July Synod Council
• 17 July Gethsemane , Port Allegany
• 20 July at Synod Office
• 23 July Vocations Committee
• 24 July Good Hope, Oil City
• 27 July at Synod Office
• 28-31 July Chicago, IL Army Reserves

 

• Sunday Supply Dates: August 14, 21, 28; October 9, 23* 30; November 13, 20, 27; December 11, 18. *Mercer/Crawford only. Note: There are some Sundays not on the list of open dates. As an example the day of Pr. Austin’s Installation is open but I would need to stay to the western side of our synod. Similarly May 22 is open but I would need to stay towards the eastern side of our synod.

 

• Monday and Tuesday Rev. Tedd Cougar and I were at the ULS Philadelphia campus for the Spring Board meeting. A couple of highlights were: ULS is in a good place financially, enrollment is steady, but could improve, both campuses continue to have more open housing as students are opting to commute or attend classes via the “digital third campus,” a new faculty member was hired, a set of sabbaticals are in the offing for other faculty, and graduation is set for Friday, May 20th. Also the Board is starting a strategic planning process. Check out ULS and Ridge Museum

 

• While at ULS Dr. Kyle K. Schiefelbein-Guerrero (Dr. KSG) mentioned a book Becoming A White Antiracist website by Brookfield and Hess. He noted the faculty had read the book together as part of their continued effort to address racism and thought others might find it a good read and discussion as well. Pr. Cougar and I thought this idea might work in our synod. If you interested joining a “book club” send me a note. I believe I can find funds to purchase the book and have copies available at Assembly for distribution. As this project develops watch for more information in Notes to come.

• Fall Convocation. The dates for Convocation are tentatively set for 24-26 October. Location is TBD. Something to consider is holding the event in the Greater Erie Area or in downtown Erie near the waterfront and Presque Isle. Perhaps starting it on a Sunday evening. Having spouses attend. Proving more open time to have conversation or tour/walk the area. Having several keynote speakers and workshops on a variety of relevant topics. Moving Fall Convocation around the synod with Conferences “hosting” the event. If you have thoughts or suggestions regarding topics, or an interest in planning the event please send me a note with the subject line “Fall Convocation.”

 

• Please pray for our Synod Council which meets this Saturday: Rev. Jeff Ewing and Dennis Yarian, Rev. Stephen Fair and Rob Sundberg, Rev. Ben Travis and Anne Baver, Rev. Kristen Papson and Jacque Holmberg, Rev. Tedd Cougar and Beth Grafton.

 

• Also, if you know of a youth (confirmation to age 18) or young adult (18-30) who is interested in serving on Synod Council let me know.

 

• Please hold Ellen, Jake and Doug, our synod staff, in prayer especially as we approach our Synod Assembly. It’s only one day, but there is still much to do in preparation for the Assembly.

 

• When asked how he was doing, he replied, “I’m tired.” Continuing, he reflected that it seems now that the pandemic is endemic we picked up where we left off two years ago. Those years of not traveling, almost standing still, it’s a lose of stamina. I’ve thought and said something similar myself. I know the feeling. My prayers continue for you who are tired before the pandemic, for working through the pandemic and now in this endemic time. You are not alone.

 
Called to Serve
 
Bp. Lozano