Coronavirus Impact on 2020 Census Operations
The 2020 Census is happening now. It has never been easier to respond on your own, whether online, over the phone, or by mail—all without having to meet a census taker. Taking time to respond to the 2020 Census now means a census taker will not need to visit your
Third COVID-19 Aid Package Passed and Signed: Thank You for Taking Action!
On March 27, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, H.R. 748 (CARES Act), a third economic aid package to help bring direct relief to families, reinforce struggling industries and the healthcare sector, and extend assistance to vital state and federal support programs. Members of Congress and
ELCA Releases First Draft of Social Message on Government and Civic Engagement: Discipleship in a Democracy
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in American (ELCA) has shared The First Draft of the Social Message on Government and Civic Engagement: Discipleship in a Democracy. The development of this message on government, civic engagement, the relationship of church and state and related matters, was called for by the 2019 ELCA
PA Improving, But Still Lagging In School Breakfast Participation
Pennsylvania ranked fourth in the nation for growth in the number of students participating in the free and reduced-price school breakfasts, feeding more than 362,000 students in the 2018-19 school year, according to a recently released report by the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC). With only 52.6 percent of
Online Course Offered: “Doing” Politics Through the Lens of Faith
The Rev. Matthew Best of St. Stephen, New Kingstown, LAMPa Policy Council member and former congressional staffer, will lead a five-week online course, “Doing” politics through the lens of faith, on Thursdays starting March 26. The online course, being offered through the Collaborative Mission Center, a partnership of Lower Susquehanna
PA Department of Education Seeks Sponsors for Summer Meals and Nutrition Programs
The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) is seeking organizations across the state to help provide nutritious meals to children in low-income areas during the summer months through PDE’s Summer Food Service Program. Participating organizations must be year-round, not-for-profit entities, which include schools, local, municipal, or county governments, libraries, churches, fire
PA Department of Education Announces School Breakfast Cafeteria Upgrade Grant Recipients
The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) announced more than $925,000 in competitive grants have been awarded to 72 elementary, middle and high schools across the state for the purchase of new food service equipment for cafeterias. Funding for the grants is made available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture and
New Resource: “Unpacking White Privilege: The Important Work of Making the Church Less Harmful”
For years, the ELCA has been working to educate and inspire Lutherans to promote fairness and racial equity in our churches, communities and country. At the 2019 Churchwide Assembly, the "Strategy Toward Authentic Diversity in the ELCA" was adopted. This strategy includes a commitment to digging deeper into the history
LAMPa Policy Council Sets 2020 Priorities and Elects Officers
LAMPa's Policy Council met on December 5, 2019 and adopted a broad agenda that encourages disciples to act where they are called, lifting their ministry context, lived experiences, vocations and gifts for public witness. Alleviating hunger, protecting all of creation, especially the most vulnerable, and addressing poverty and its root
Penn State Extension Offers Master Watershed Steward Programs
The Penn State Master Watershed Steward Program (MSW) was established to educate and empower volunteers to protect the environment by providing extensive training in watershed management and natural resources. Each year 15-20 people per county are selected for the program. Trainees attend classes that focus on a broad range of
