2025 Assembly Updates

Left to right: The Rev. Annemarie Hartner Cook, Program Director for Faith Alive; The Rev. Erika Wesch, Assistant to the Bishop for Formation; The Rev. Linda Manson, Director for Evangelical Mission and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Ministry; Ms. Cynta Outterbridge, Database Manager and Communications Assistant; Ms. Yvonne Curtis, Director of Operations, The Rev. Rick Summy, Program Director for Love Revolution; Mr. Martin Schwab, Senior Accountant; The Rev. Karen Sease, Assistant to the Bishop for Congregations; The Rev. Paula Lebo, Assistant to the Bishop for Mission Interpretation; Mrs. Carrie Schwab, Assembly Coordinator; Rev. Moses Suah-Dennis, Director for Evangelical Mission; The Rev. Kayla Sadowy, Grant Evaluation, Love Revolution.

Reference & Counsel Update:

Following the recommendation of reference and counsel, the assembly adopted the substitute resolution on child care.

RESOLVED that the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod values parents with young children and recognizes the very real struggles regarding participation in Synod Assembly and other synod events alongside their responsibility for caring for their children, and be it further

RESOLVED that the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod affirms the intersectionality of the vocations of parenting and church life by explicitly welcoming children who need to attend synod events under the care of their parents, and be it further

RESOLVED that the Synod Council establish a task force of not more than 9 persons, at least 3 of whom shall be parents of young children, to develop guidelines for synodical event childcare, in alignment with Pennsylvania state law and SEPA child protection policies, with the intent that such childcare be available by the 2026 Synod Assembly, and be it further

RESOLVED that a report from the task force be made to Synod Council by its February meeting for Council to determine whether the logistical supports are in place for childcare to be viable by the 2026 assembly, and be it further

RESOLVED that all ministries and congregations of this synod be encouraged to find ways that they can support those in their own communities who need childcare to live out their call from God in service to the church and our world.

Bishop Penman Welcomes New and Returning Clergy to Ministry in SEPA!

Top row: (L to R): The Rev. Ian Cements; The Rev. Paisley LeRoy; The Rev. Paula Lebo. Second Row: (L to R): The Rev. Linda Manson, The Rev. Lamont Wells, The Rev. Annemarie Hartner Cook

Recognition of Congregational Anniversaries

325th	New Hanover Evangelical Lutheran Church	Gilbertsville, PA
175th	St. Mark Lutheran Church	Philadelphia, PA
175th	St. Peter Lutheran Church	Riegelsville, PA
150th	Holy Communion Lutheran Church	Philadelphia, PA
75th	Reformation Evangelical Lutheran Church	Media, PA
50th	Family of God Lutheran Church	Buckingham, PA

Ms. Cheryl Lafferty elected as Synod Vice President

LAFFERTY, CHERYL (F-W): Senior Program Director, Philadelphia Academies. Inc. B.A. from University of Maryland, Baltimore County. M. Div. from Palmer Theological Seminary. Redemption Lutheran Church, Philadelphia. Congregational Deacon at Redemption NE Philly; past Council President; part of Forward Together in Faith committee; Adult chaperon/chaplain for South Dakota Mission Trip 2016; past SHYG/JYG planning committee member; Led congregational Youth Gathering trips in 2006, 2009, 2012; multiple years as Synod Assembly voting member/visitor/worship leader; Feast of Justice former Chairperson/current board member; past member of Rotary International (NE Sunrisers Club); Habitat for Humanity; Fostering Hope NE Philadelphia. Spiritual and/ or Personal Gifts:

• Empathy – Listening to others, connecting with/understand their POV, experiences and
feelings
• Commitment to justice/equity – an essential requirement of my faith
• Organizational Leadership- running meetings, working with volunteers and systems
• Strategic Thinking – looking ahead with courage, objectivity, big-picture viewpoint
• Public speaking – whether with large groups or one-on-one

Serving as council president, board chairperson, executive director, and now as Senior Program Director, I’ve learned to lead organized, impactful meetings, addressing challenges or disagreements, and coming together with staff and volunteers to serve others. Such work shouldn’t be done without being in community with others, listening to their needs, dreams, and concerns and learning to empathize with people from all backgrounds – for me, this is where a commitment to equity and justice is rooted. I’ve grown into a comfortable public speaker, not afraid to cast a vision and then help map out the strategic steps to achieve it.

MinistryLink

2025 Assembly Updates

Bishop Penman’s Address to the Assembly

Ponder Anew Spotlight: Transition Ministry Development Team

Bishop Penman Introduces Synod Staff to Assembly

Reference & Counsel Update:

Bishop Penman Welcomes New and Returning Clergy to Ministry in SEPA!

Recognition of Congregational Anniversaries

Ms. Cheryl Lafferty elected as Synod Vice President

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