The seventh Summer Theological Academy gathered 19 rising high school seniors, called “scholars,” from nine synods at the campus of Susquehanna University from July 22 to August 5.

Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod was well represented by six leaders from five congregations: Nathan Derr (Friedens, Oley), Jenifer Moore (Christ, Jim Thorpe), Gabe Newman (St. Paul, Easton), Ally Schneeberger-Klotz (St. John, Jim Thorpe), Karen Ward (Trinity, Pottsville) and Samantha Wertz (Trinity, Pottsville).

Creative and challenging courses in theology, daily Morning and Evening Prayer, servant learning with an urban congregation, workshops on vocation, and ministries in the arts are at the heart of this empowering community.

For Ally, “This was an experience that is once-in-a-lifetime. We learned so much about ourselves and about God’s love that you just can’t sit still — it makes you want to help others see God, too.”

The strong emphasis on high-quality theology was a refreshing surprise to Nate Derr: “I found I can be very theologically minded if I try to be.”

The Academy’s servant learning focused on congregational and community ministries engaging the continuing challenges of HIV/AIDS, in partnership with St. Luke Lutheran Church in Williamsport, Pa. Biblical and practical preparation and debriefing took place at Susquehanna, co-led by the pastors of St. Luke, the Revs. Anke and Eric Deibler.

In the city, the congregation hosted a “holy conversation” among Academy scholars and staff, joined by persons allied with and served by AIDS Resource of Williamsport. In small teams, the group conducted a neighborhood survey of attitudes and public policies addressing AIDS.

In addition, a group of Academy scholars produced an original panel for the national AIDS quilt, in thanksgiving for the life and witness of a St. Luke member, Dennis. “By the examples of those living with HIV/AIDS, I see that the simplest story can change someone’s life and strengthen their faith forever. That’s how Jesus worked,” observed Jenifer Moore.

Many youth participants echoed the comments of Sami Wertz, who said, “What’s distinctive about the Academy is the freedom given to us, and the level of respect granted to us, and how we were gently pushed to challenge ourselves …”

Note: The Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod supports these events through scholarships. See more at the end of the article about Crossroads.