LAMPa’s Policy Council, representing each of Pennsylvania’s seven synods and United Lutheran Seminary, gathered for their annual retreat at Camp Sequanota.
LAMPa’s Policy Council met at Sequanota Conference Center and Camp in their annual working retreat Sept. 27-28. Representatives of each synod and United Lutheran Seminary gathered for prayer, worship, fellowship and discussion of the challenges and opportunities facing their congregations, communities and synods. They reviewed LAMPa’s work over the past year and began to frame priorities for the new year and a new legislative session that will begin in January.
“It is always inspiring to get together with folks throughout Pennsylvania who share a passion for making a positive difference in their own communities and the Commonwealth as a whole,” said the Rev. Dr. D. Michael Bennethum, Policy Council Chair and a representative from Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod. “Our all-too-brief time of learning and networking gave us new energy and new tools to help us wrestle with the complicated issues facing our society and advocate more effectively for the wellbeing of our neighbors, especially those who are most vulnerable.”
Policy Council members pray for communities in our nation and the world, including specific requests from ELCA global partners.
The policy council made preliminary recommendations for development of policy priorities for the upcoming legislative session. Look for LAMPa’s biennial survey coming soon. Advocates are encouraged to complete the survey and share within their congregations to help ensure that LAMPa’s work reflects the needs of our communities and captures the energy where the Holy Spirit is already calling the church.
“The 2026 retreat afforded us the opportunity to step away, center, and hold space for each other, our institutions and churches, and our state,” said the Rev. Stacy Chavis, a representative from Lower Susquehanna Synod. “The grounds offered respite and space for renewal; the intentional accompaniment allowed us to re-charge and regroup in peace and in hope.”
