Author Archive
January 26, 2024
Kindling Faith 2024 Programs
Kindling Faith has amazing programming scheduled as we begin 2024! For Congregational Councils seeking to learn more about this vital ministry of the church—a new six-part zoom series kicked off on January 8th at 7 pm (meeting on the second Monday of each month through June). Cost is now only $80. Click here to learn...
January 26, 2024
ELCA Update on the Middle East
Download this Message (PDF) Siblings in Christ, As you know, the news from the Holy Land continues to be bleak. The bombardment of Gaza continues to destroy lives and communities by the thousands, not only through the staggering death toll, but also through the severe life-changing injuries faced by survivors with limited access to medical...
December 20, 2023
Christmas Message: Embracing The Hope of Christ
Click here to download printable copy: 2023 Christmas Message Text only: Embracing the Hope of Christ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came...
December 15, 2023
‘Love Revolution’ Funded by Lilly Endowment Grant
/love-revolution-grant/ The Lilly Endowment, Inc., has awarded the synod $1.070.392 to establish a program called “Love Revolution: Love God and Love Neighbor.” This new initiative will help congregations evolve from an institutional church built on programs and resources into a missional church built on relationships and service. This funding is earmarked to launch this new...
December 15, 2023
Invest in Synodical Ministries
As 2023 concludes, we invite you to give generously in support of all that God has called Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod to do in the five-county area. Congregational mission support and financial contributions from individuals are needed as we live out the Good News. Give online or mail a check to 7241 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19119 ATTN:...
Honoring Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
December 13, 2023
Kindling Faith Programs for 2024
Kindling Faith has amazing programming as we begin 2024 together! For Congregational Councils seeking to learn more about this vital ministry of the church—a new six-part zoom series kicks off on January 8th at 7 pm (meeting on the second Monday of each month through June). Click here to learn more! For church leaders who...
December 6, 2023
All Saints Appeal Supports Youth and Young Adult Formation
“What a joy it’s been to watch youth programs rejuvenate after what was a long pandemic,” says Pastor Skyle Rea, assistant to the bishop for youth and young adult formation. This year the Tuscarora Lutheran Youth Retreat resumed meeting in-person. Youths from several congregations participated in the Appalachia Service Project trip and worked to make...
December 6, 2023
$1M Grant to Launch ‘Love Revolution’ in Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod
The Lilly Endowment, Inc., has awarded the synod $1.070.392 to establish a program called “Love Revolution: Love God and Love Neighbor.” This new initiative will help congregations evolve from an institutional church built on programs and resources into a missional church built on relationships and service. This funding is earmarked to launch this new program,...
December 5, 2023
Ecumenical Leaders Call for Ceasefire in Holy Lands
Leaders of Churches Without Borders – an ecumenical partnership of the ELCA, The Episcopal Church, the Anglican Church in Canada and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada – released a pastoral letter calling for an end to war in Gaza, Israel, and the West Bank. Churches Without Borders also released an Advent Cycle of Prayer...
December 5, 2023
Cost of Living Increase for Rostered Ministers
The SEPA Executive Committee at its most recent meeting approved a cost-of-living increase of 3.2% (following the determination of the federal government) for Rostered Ministers. Therefore, for 2024: Word & Sacrament – SEPA Unadjusted Minimum Salary is $48,164 plus Housing Allowance of $18,000 totaling $66,164. Word & Service – SEPA Unadjusted Minimum Salary is $49,610. Please...
November 17, 2023
PA Lutherans Advocate for Farm Bill
▶︎ Tell us how your congregation fights hunger: Take our survey By Rev. Bryan Penman and Rev. Bruce Davidson In just a days, many of us will gather around tables with friends and family and celebrate a holiday that centers around food. For some of us though, that food will be missing as many...
November 7, 2023
Video: When Church Stops Working
If you missed the live event you can now watch video of the Vitality Team discussion of Andrew Root’s new book When Church Stops Working: A Future for Your Congregation beyond More Money, Programs, and Innovation. The presentation covered Dr. Root’s key points and take-aways from his book and explored how his approach to doing...
October 12, 2023
Anti-Racism Education Starts in November
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod’s Anti-Racism Team announces a new offering of anti-racism education, this time for both lay and rostered participants. The format consists of: One 90-minute Zoom meeting to introduce the curriculum, planned for Monday, November 6, 2023, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Nine online modules outlining the historical context of the systemic racism embedded...
October 10, 2023
Pastoral Message: War in Israel and Palestine
Dear Beloved, Grace, peace, power, and love in the name of the One who can do all things but fail, Jesus Christ! The eruption of war in Israel and the Gaza Strip opened a heart breaking and a terrifying time for Palestinians, Jews, Christians, and all people around the world. We join people of all...
October 10, 2023
“The Fruit of Justice Will Be Peace”
This message from the Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb is shared with us by The Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference. Rev. Dr. Raheb is a Palestinian theologian, former pastor of Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church in Bethlehem, and founder and president of Dar al-Kalima University College of Arts and Culture in Bethlehem. Just days before the bombs began...
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...
