Author Archive

November 12, 2020

Make Me an Instrument of Peace: A Guide to Civil Discourse

How many of us have ever prayed, ‘Lord make me an instrument of your peace,’ then found ourselves in complex and polarized situations that made peace seem impossible? This course is for you. Designed by The Episcopal Church’s Office of Government Relations and its Department of Faith Formation, Make Me an Instrument is a free,...

Read More →

October 23, 2020

Blessing of the stoles for 50-40-10 Honorees

In 2019 and 2020 we celebrate 50 years of Lutheran women being ordained in the United States, 40 years of women of color being ordained, and 10 years of LGBTQIA+ individuals being able to serve freely. A group of Lutheran sewers have banded together to make stoles honoring our active clergy for whom this joyous...

Read More →

October 6, 2020

Zoom Conversation on Reopening Church Facilities

On Oct. 1, our communicators group was joined by Mr. Dennis Smith, manager of buildings and grounds at Trinity Lutheran Church, Lansdale. Dennis shared with us good information about airflow requirements, ways to improve ventilation in enclosed spaces, and other considerations in reopening church facilities. The conversation took the entirety of our time today. Please...

Read More →

September 21, 2020

A Word of Encouragement (Interpreted)

Bishop Patricia A. Davenport: Greetings beloved. If I could sing, I would sing I woke up this morning with my mind stayed on Jesus, which I did. However, I also had you on my mind, and I just wanted to pause today just to say, God bless you. And I am so grateful for each...

Read More →

August 18, 2020

State Sales Tax Exemption for Churches Extended

Due to delays in processing of sales tax exemptions as a result of COVID-19, the state Department of Revenue extended the exempt status of the Synod and its subsidiary churches until September 30, 2020. The extension is intended to assist churches in continuing daily operations without interruption of exempt status. You may use this correspondence...

Read More →

August 18, 2020

Thanks For Your Support of Bishop Munga

We’re pleased to say that Bishop Stephen Munga of our companion synod in Tanzania is at home following heart surgery and weeks of rehabilitation. His family, including the Rev. Dr. Anneth Munga and son Daniel, and our partners in the North Eastern Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania share their thanks for the...

Read More →

August 17, 2020

Religious Leaders Respond to NAACP President’s Meme

In late July, local NAACP head Rodney Muhammad posted a meme to Facebook that Jewish groups considered anti-Semitic. In response, the Religious Leaders Council of Greater Philadelphia issued a statement that denounces bigotry, promotes solidarity, and calls for healing and understanding. Read the full statement here: Philadelphia Religious Leaders Respond to the Rodney Muhammad Posting...

Read More →

July 28, 2020

Bless Students Digital Devices This Fall

If you are a craftsman . . . only look at your tools, your needle, your thimble, your beer barrel, your articles of trade, your scales, your measures, and you will find this saying written on them . . . “My dear, use me toward your neighbor, as you would want him to act toward...

Read More →

July 28, 2020

ELCA unveils new design for future of church

Last week the ELCA unveiled a new design for the future of the church meant to ensure the answering of God’s call to invite more into the way of Jesus. This design will focus on attracting young, diverse people to position the ELCA for the future. “The world has changed but the message of the...

Read More →

July 28, 2020

Know Someone On A Mission To End Hunger

Do you (or someone you know) have the drive to help build ELCA World Hunger capacity to end hunger by deepening and expanding Lutheran advocacy efforts in synods, coalitions and networks? ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellowships are a great opportunity, and Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania (LAMPa) is offering one! Learn more and apply here.

July 20, 2020

Staying Connected with Family and Friends: Resident at The Hearth Attends Daughter’s Virtual Zoom Wedding

The staff at The Heart at Drexel, a Liberty Lutheran retirement community, continue to work hard to keep residents safe, while also offering empowering opportunities that foster outstanding lifestyles during these extraordinary times.  Here, you can discover how the team helped Nancy, a resident, attend her daughter’s wedding from the safety of her home.  Read...

Read More →

July 13, 2020

Will Your Finances Flourish or Diminish?

Tip of the Month July, 2020 :  Will Your Finances Flourish or Diminish? By 2026 checks will no longer be processed by banks!  So says, one of the ELCA preferred vendors who oversees Simply Giving, in a recent webinar sponsored by the ELCA Stewardship Desk.  In the past 15 years the use of checks has...

Read More →

July 8, 2020

Sacred Hospitality

Even before the 2019 Churchwide Assembly declared the ELCA a “sanctuary” denomination, congregations have been working out just what it means to be a “sanctuary.” For First English Lutheran Church in Columbus, OH, it means opening its doors to an undocumented immigrant who had lived in Columbus over a dozen years, held jobs, and paid...

Read More →

June 30, 2020

City Requires Masks in Public

On June 26, Mayor Jim Kenney and Health Commissioner Dr. Tom Farley signed an executive order requiring people to wear face coverings to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Philadelphia. In addition to staying at home, practicing social distancing, and washing your hands thoroughly, wearing a mask in public is one of the best ways...

Read More →

June 30, 2020

ELCA presiding bishop praises Supreme Court decision on LGBTQIA+ rights

ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has issued a statement in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s June 15 ruling that employment discrimination on the basis of a worker’s sexual orientation or gender identity is illegal under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. “The court’s decision is an important recognition of equal protection...

Read More →

June 30, 2020

Statement on Race, Racism, and Black Lives Matter from The United Lutheran Seminary (ULS) Alumni Association (TULSAA) Board

No thoughtful citizen of this country can look at the violence and systemic racism under which Black Americans live and fail to be outraged. The brutal deaths of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Rayshard Brooks, and countless others call us all—both as Americans and as Christians—to stand in solidarity with those who have been denied justice...

Read More →

June 16, 2020

Emergency Grants for PA Families Open Through July 12

Did you lose a job or work hours during the coronavirus crisis? You might be eligible for emergency cash assistance from Pennsylvania. The Emergency Cash Assistance Program will provide one-time cash grants to families who qualify. This could be helpful while you are waiting for your Unemployment Compensation to start. This program will end July...

Read More →

April 8, 2020

Holy Week Message from Bishop Davenport

March 17, 2020

Update from Bishop Davenport

Moving forward in ministry during the pandemic.

January 16, 2020

Extravagant Generosity Keynote 2 – J. Clif Christopher