October 2, 2009
This has been a turbulent and frightening week for the people of Asia. A typhoon, a tsunami and an earthquake have struck since Saturday, and another storm is expected to affect the region tomorrow. Click through to give a gift to Lutheran World Relief's Asia Disasters fund to provide food, water and other life-saving assistance.
September 8, 2009
Our Tanzanian companion synod's Sebastian Kolowa University College (SEKUCo) starts its third year in October with new programs in nature conservation and eco-tourism and a total enrollment of more than 800 students. Click on to download the Fall 2009 SEKUCo newsletter.
September 1, 2009
There have been some exciting steps our Church has taken recently towards fuller inclusion of youth and young adults in the decision making bodies of our ministries. Many of our congregations elect their voting members to Synod Assembly and their new Congregational Council members in the winter and so I wanted to be sure you had this information before those things took place.
August 22, 2009
The ELCA change in ministry policies to open the ministry to gays and lesbians in committed partnered relationships is "a change in our church culture that will take time, patience, and discernment to live into," Bishop Claire S. Burkat writes in a pastoral message to the Synod.
August 22, 2009
Images of SEPA people at work (and play) at the Churchwide Assembly. See how many you recognize!
August 19, 2009
"I am pleased that our Lutheran denomination has respectfully engaged in prayerful and faithful deliberation despite the emotions that arise around the subject of sexuality," Bishop Claire Burkat wrote in a message to the Synod on the adoption of the ELCA social statment Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust.
August 10, 2009
The ELCA Youth Gathering called “Jesus, Justice, Jazz” was, by all reports, the largest convention in New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina. This awesome and excellent event brought not only desperately needed revenue to the city, but 37,000 teenagers and adult leaders who poured love, faith, respect, sweat, and hope into Louisiana.
April 15, 2009
Today relationships happen as much using technology as in person. That’s the theme of A Renewal Enterprise’s next “4th Tuesday webinar” on April 28. Special guest will be Bob Fisher, SEPA's assistant to the bishop for mission interpretation and communications, who will share insight into the importance of using these tools to connect with people today.
February 25, 2009
The Conference of Bishop's January visit to the Holy Land was an experience of awareness, advocacy and accompaniment with Lutherans in Jordan and the Holy Land. "We became aware of the pain and suffering, the longing and prayers for the peace that is so elusive, and the miraculous resilience and courage of the people we encountered," writes Bishop Claire Burkat. "We returned as committed advocates for peace, justice and mercy for all people affected by the hatred and terror of the seemingly never-ending hostility that has infected the Holy Land."
February 19, 2009
About 60 SEPA Lutherans worked at Camp Victor, Ocean Springs MS the week of Feb 8-14.
February 14, 2009
"We are coping as well as we can." wrote Pastor John Carlson of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church on Feb. 13. "The four most recent fires were set outside the city limits so it is no longer a 'city issue,' -- it is a community issue. Everyone is encouraged to put their front and back porch lights on at night -- and we're doing it."
January 29, 2009
A work team from Christ Lutheran Church, Kulpsville, is back at Camp Victor in Ocean Springs, MS, this week, continuing the more than three-year long process of rebuilding from Hurricane Katrina. Check out this article for journal entries from Lois Kadel, which will be updated as we receive them.
December 16, 2008
If you would like to use a different hymn to honor Mary on Sunday, feel free to use this hymn authored by the Rev. Kay Braun of St. Petri-Hope Lutheran Church.
December 2, 2008
The story of Jesus Christ begins with profound joy! In her annual Christmas Message, Bishop Burkat celebrates God's gift of joy, based on the Mary's visit to Elizabeth in which John the Baptist lept for joy in her womb at the nearness of the yet-to-be-born Savior.
December 1, 2008
"We are at the intersection of a seismic shift, incomprehensible to anyone but God," Bishop Burkat writes in a message on our nation's economic, geopolitical and racial challenges. "We need to start looking for our Teacher, for Christ to show us the way saying: 'This is the way; walk in it.' Our God is calling us, indeed begging us, to lead a life worthy of the calling to which we have been called."
November 19, 2008
We are at the intersection of a seismic shift, incomprehensible to anyone but God. We need to start looking for our Teacher, for Christ to show us the way saying: This is the way; walk in it. Now is the time to shift to the next understanding and new insight, which is undeniably before us.
October 27, 2008
If you’re between the ages of 21 and 30 and want to find out more information on how to serve in the Czech Republic from September 2009-August 2010 at Silesian Diakonie, join Lutheran Children and Family Service at an informational meeting Tuesday, October 28th, at 1:00 p.m. at 5401 Rising Sun Avenue, Philadelphia, 19120.
October 24, 2008
"Financial downturns create uncertainty and fear," says Ed Kruse, ELCA director for stewardship. But Kruse notes that "generosity has never been a matter of how much money we have." He offers several tips for congregations who "want to grow a culture of generosity" on the ELCA website
September 8, 2008
Our second SEKUCo Sunday on Oct. 5 aims to raise $50,000 to support the development of a second campus for programs in law and eco-tourism and expand facilities at the Tanzanian college. Won't you help?
August 26, 2008
Many thanks to all who rode, volunteered and supported the 18th Annual Lutheran Charities Bike Ride on June 28, 2008. Bikers and volunteers from 40 Lutheran churches in the region took part in the annual event that benefits our social ministry agencies, sponsored by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.
