Bishop Claire S. Burkat reflects on Mary’s visit with Elizabeth, a Spirit-filled encounter that may have allowed the realization of God’s great promise and fulfillment that was visited upon Mary begin to really sink in. “God did not promise Mary an easy life, a trouble free heart, an unburdened mind…but God promised her a life worth living, a purpose...
Archive for 2017
December 19, 2017
Christmas Message: Blessing Generation Upon Generation
Bishop Claire S. Burkat reflects on Mary’s visit with Elizabeth, a Spirit-filled encounter that may have allowed the realization of God’s great promise and fulfillment that was visited upon Mary begin to really sink in. “God did not promise Mary an easy life, a trouble free heart, an unburdened mind…but God promised her a life worth living, a purpose...
December 6, 2017
Tip: December is Generosity Month
December is the most generous month of the year. Churches and other Not-for-Profit organizations receive more contributions than in any other month. “Giving Tuesday” has now joined “Black Friday,” “Small Business Saturday,” and “Cyber Monday” in the pantheon of officially designated categories for spending/donating money. We need to applaud this addition and celebrate generosity as...
December 6, 2017
Learn. Pray. Give: California Fires
Massive wildfires fueled by intense winds continue at this writing to threaten Ventura County and the San Fernando and Los Angeles areas. More than 20 people have been killed, and more than 100,000 have evacuated in front of the explosive fires. More than 1,000 homes have been destroyed, and entire communities remain endangered. Lutheran Disaster...
December 6, 2017
Meaningful Conversations About Race
ART, SEPA synod’s Anti-Racism Team, has been busy in recent weeks. On November 11, ART members Janet Bischoff and Chase Ferguson presented an overview of what happens during anti-racism training to 12 members of Advent, Harleysville. And on November 12, ART members the Rev. Gwendolyn King and Deacon Kathie Afflerbach were the presenters and facilitators...
December 6, 2017
ELCA presiding bishop responds to decision to move U.S. Embassy in Israel
ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton said in a statement that she is “deeply disturbed” by the administration’s plans to move the U.S. Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. Bishop Eaton called on the president “to rescind this plan and instead continue to focus on our nation’s ability to contribute constructively toward a peaceful settlement of...
November 29, 2017
Give Gifts that Keep Giving
“It’s better to give than to receive.” The saying rings true for many of us as we begin Christmas gift shopping, especially when we consider that it comes from Jesus himself. When considering gifts this Christmas season, Kevin L. Strickland, ELCA assistant to the presiding bishop and executive for worship, suggests, “In this strange new-old...
November 18, 2017
Time to Ditch the Church Newsletter?
In our fast-paced communications environment, is there still a place for the printed and mailed church newsletter? On LivingLutheran.org, North Carolina pastor Tim Brown offers five reasons to ditch — or at least reconfigure — the church newsletter. Your congregation may be better off publicizing events and learning opportunities in your weekly bulletin and social...
November 18, 2017
Faith in Times of Disaster
How prepared are we to care for ourselves and our neighbors? A community dialogue on finding local solutions to mitigate extreme weather events will be held Saturday, Dec. 9, 9 am to 4 pm, at Sykes Student Union at West Chester University, 110 West Rosedale Ave. West Chester, PA 19383. [ Map ] Learn about...
November 9, 2017
Resources to Protect Your Church
Last Sunday’s deadly shootings at a church in rural Texas indicates that random violence can strike in any community. If your congregation is interested in taking a fresh look at safety and emergency preparedness, here are some resources you might find helpful: FEMA – Resources to Protect Your House of Worship Justice Technology Information Center...
November 8, 2017
Council Supports Synods Affected by Disasters
The Synod Council authorized distribution of $11,000 in aid to synods that felt the impact of recent hurricanes and wildfires. The confluence of natural disasters had significant impacts in eight of the ELCA’s 65 synods at the same time. “Saint Paul encourages the church in his letter to the Romans to ”rejoice with those who...
November 1, 2017
Stewardship Tip: It’s About Giving Thanks
This is the month when we are focused on Thanksgiving, the end of the calendar year and holidays. Yet, one of the areas that we do not use as systematically or effectively as we might, is giving thanks. We miss a HUGE opportunity. A recent stewardship thought from Margaret Marcuso of the Ecumenical Stewardship Center...
October 31, 2017
The Reformation Was Not Once-and-Done…
In this 500th anniversary of the Reformation, we Lutherans are mindful that the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther sought to reform the Church of the 16th Century — not to start a new denomination. The resulting split from the Catholic Church into a Protestant movement resulted in five centuries of division, as well as renewal. I am pleased...
October 30, 2017
Commemorating 500 Years Since the Reformation
Lutherans and Catholics gathered Saturday, Oct. 21 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lansdale for to learn about developments in Lutheran-Catholic ecumenical dialogue and to worship together. The Rev. Dr. Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A., president of Villanova University, delivered the homily. Catholic and Lutheran lay persons — including members of families that include both traditions —...
October 24, 2017
Is Your Church Website Disability Friendly?
Did you know that the front door of your church has changed? Rather than entering your actual building, first-time visitors get to know you through your web and social media presence. If your church has any kind of disability ministry, prospective new worshipers need to be able to find out about it on the web....
October 16, 2017
The Story is Right in Front of You
People will often ask me what the Synod and ELCA do with our mission support dollars. An example just came to my door – and your door – a treasure trove of resources – if you opened it. The cover told about ELCA Good Gifts. What better way to help children and adults see the...
October 16, 2017
Re-Mediation in the D-I-Y Church
While the church struggles to figure out what our belief in death-and-resurrrection really means for the church to live again, people outside the church “are figuring it out for themselves,” Pastor Keith Anderson of Upper Dublin Lutheran Church writes in the latest issue of The BTS Center’s Bearings magazine. “Indeed, although religious affiliation continues to...
October 11, 2017
Lending creativity to share the Bible’s story
For more than 20 years, a creative team at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Phoenixville has been going over the top with elaborate sets and props for the congregation’s annual Vacation Bible School. “We try to take the theme of the year and make it bigger than life,” says Bobbie, one of the core members...
October 11, 2017
Reformation, Mt. Airy Revival
Reformation Lutheran Church, 1215 E. Vernon Road, Philadelphia (19150) [Map] will host the Rev. Lamont A. Wells, National President of the African Descent Lutheran Association and assistant to the bishop in the Metro New York Synod, at a Revival service Friday, Nov. 3, at 7 pm. as part of its 75th anniversary celebration. Victory Chorale...
October 11, 2017
Need to refinance? Check out MIF
If your congregation or ministry is looking to refinance an existing loan, this may be the time to proceed. The Mission Investment Fund (MIF), the ELCA’s lending ministry, is offering a 3.875% APY (annual percentage yield) rate, available through October 31, 2017, on a five-year adjustable-rate mortgage. In addition to refinancing existing debt, MIF loans...
October 11, 2017
New Creation Reaches Out to Puerto Rico
One congregation that is active in response and support of Puerto Rico is Iglesia Lutheran Nueva Creación (New Creation Lutheran Church) in North Philadelphia. While keeping in touch with her own family in Puerto Rico, Pastor Lyzette Rios of New Creation has been finding ways to care for other members of her congregation and community...
