MinistryLink

September 27, 2023

Vitality Forum: When Church Stops Working

Join members of the Vitality Team and the Conference of Deans for a discussion of Andrew Root’s new book When Church Stops Working: A Future for Your Congregation beyond More Money, Programs, and Innovation. On Saturday October 21st at 10:30 a.m. we will gather on Zoom for a discussion of Dr. Root’s key points and...

September 13, 2023

Are You Ready for the 2024 Youth Gathering?

The ELCA Youth Gathering is back — and we’re going to New Orleans from July 16-20! (MYLE and tAble pre-events will be July 13-16) Priority registrations began Friday, September 15, 2023 at 12pm CST. (1pm EST) We encourage you to read through the registration materials on the ELCA Youth Gathering’s website: https://www.elca.church/gathering/attend/congregations Here are the...

August 8, 2023

Widen Your Congregation’s Welcome

Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod’s Annual Event, “In God’s Image: Shaping Your Ministry to be Inclusive and Safe for LGBTQIA+ Folk,” will be held on Saturday, October 7, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., at Upper Dublin Lutheran Church. Registration will open in September. Contact with any questions.

September 15, 2023

Kindling Faith Events Update

Kindling Faith—because learning continues. Kindling Faith is for everyone (new events are in *bold)… For Rostered Leaders who want to improve their Pastoral Care Skills (offered on zoom every other month through July 2024!) For Everyone who enjoys the art of “The Naked Pastor” (registration closes Thursday, 9/14/23) For Church Musicians who want Inspiration (postponed...

September 15, 2023

Urban Ministry Task Force Update, Summer 2023

At the 2022 SEPA Synod Assembly, our synod passed a memorial to study and explore the state of Urban Ministry in our synod. The resolution contained three primary objectives: 1.) assessing the wage disparity for urban pastors, 2.) assess the state of our buildings and 3.) develop a program to develop pastoral leadership in urban...

August 28, 2023

5 Ways To Slow COVID Spread

Things churches can do to help slow COVID transmission 1. Encourage vaccinations. CIDRAP’s Dr. Michael Osterholm urges everyone eligible to get the updated vaccine when it becomes available, likely in early-mid October. Don’t forget influenza and RSV vaccines: He recommends getting the RSV vaccine now and getting the flu shot once your area starts showing flu...

August 28, 2023

What Does It Mean That COVID Cases are Rising?

COVID: “More Confusing Times” In his August 24 Update podcast, Dr. Michael Osterholm of the University of Minnesota said that even though there is concern that cases are rising and new variants are developing, the world is not likely to see the major viral surges that occurred with the original COVID, Delta, and Omicron. But...

August 8, 2023

Can You Help With 2024 Bishop Election?

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, Our synod will be electing a new bishop at the 2024 Synod Assembly. Bishop Patricia A. Davenport is concluding her six-year term and has informed the Synod Council that she will not stand for a second term. In 2017 the Synod Council adopted a Continuing Resolution outlining a process...

August 7, 2023

Ideas to Encourage Your Peoples’ Vocations

When laity and pastors meet weekly on the SEPA “Now Normal” Zoom you never know what will be discussed. This week, participants explored ways to support and encourage laity in their daily vocations. [Join each Thursday at 11 am at https://bit.ly/sepacomms] Vocation was an important concept to Martin Luther as he believed that each person...

August 3, 2023

“You Know…How Deeply We Are Hurting”

After torrential rains caused severe flash flooding that claimed seven lives, including two children, in Washington Crossing on July 15, the community came together to grieve and honor those lost and to support their loved ones and the police and firefighters who responded that day and during many days of searching afterwards. Pastor Mukesh Cheedie...

August 3, 2023

Who Is A “Real” American?

Column by Presiding Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton My husband and I live in Skokie, Ill., a diverse community. Our neighbors to the west are an octogenarian Taiwanese Evangelical couple who regularly order meals from Kosher to Go. Our neighbors to the east are a Ukrainian and Russian multigenerational family. Our grocery stores have both kosher...

July 31, 2023

Thrivent Resources for Flooding Relief

In response to recent flooding in communities served by the SEPA Synod,Thrivent is reminding our church leaders that Thrivent Action Teams can be used to support disaster response efforts. See flyer which includes Service project and fundraising ideas, and includes a promotion code, NEFlood2023, to expedite processing of Thrivent Action Team kits. Download Flyer All...

July 13, 2023

Can You Help Pay Food Forward in Philly?

The Welcome Church Community is seeking to launch Pay It Forward Philly, a simple plan to help Philadelphians share food with one another. Welcome Church envisions a citywide campaign inviting businesses and vendors to offer a product(s) of their choice to folks who cannot pay. The cost of the products would be covered by inviting...

July 13, 2023

LDR Responds to Berks, Bucks Flooding

An update from Lutheran Disaster Response-Eastern PA: What LCS is doing and what you can do On Sunday July 9, 2023, heavy storms impacted parts of eastern PA over the weekend, causing extensive flooding, especially in Berks and Bucks Counties. Right now, Lutheran Disaster Response – Eastern PA, a program of Liberty Lutheran and...

June 29, 2023

Phillies Event Supports Youth Ministry

Thank you to everyone who came out to Lutheran Night at the Phillies in May. We just received the check from the Phillies. With 299 tickets sold, you helped us raise $1,052 for synod youth programs. We are grateful for your continued support in this synod event and in supporting our synod youth programs. Special...

June 27, 2023

Stand Up for Fairness for LGBTQ+ Pennsylvanians

PA Bishops Support Proposed Fairness Act Pennsylvania’s seven ELCA Bishops have issued an open letter in support of proposed legislation that would expand the list of groups legally protected from discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations. The Fairness Act would amend the 1955 Human Relations Act — which already prohibits discrimination based on race,...

June 23, 2023

2023 Synod Assembly Highlights

We are grateful that the saints of Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod could again meet in person for Synod Assembly after four long years. The energy and spirit was uplifting as long-time friends greeted one another and new connections were made. The stories of our creative and sustaining partnerships in ministry were shared on screen, around Mission...

June 22, 2023

Make Your Voice Heard on PA Hunger, Housing Funding

Hunger — Pennsylvania’s charitable food network is overwhelmed. Across the state ministries are reporting need up to three times pre-pandemic averages. The state House has passed a budget that significantly increases funding for hunger-related programs. Now the Senate must take up the plan. Learn more and take action! Housing — Let’s Build on What Works...