There’s an African tradition that when someone is physically present, it’s not just their “face” that is present, but life itself. Bishop Davenport, Pastor Bradley Burke, and Ms. Yvonne Curtis visited our companion North Eastern Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania this summer, sharing not only the life of our Synod but your prayers and gifts. In the previous year,...
Category: Faith in action
August 26, 2019
Our Global Connection With Tanzania
There’s an African tradition that when someone is physically present, it’s not just their “face” that is present, but life itself. Bishop Davenport, Pastor Bradley Burke, and Ms. Yvonne Curtis visited our companion North Eastern Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania this summer, sharing not only the life of our Synod but your prayers and gifts. In the previous year,...
October 2, 2019
Bishop Eaton: Bold Actions at Churchwide Assembly
By Elizabeth A. Eaton This church had a meeting in August. We gathered in Milwaukee for the 2019 Churchwide Assembly. We were filled with anticipation and excitement—what would unfold during the assembly? How would we be inspired by worship and Bible study? How would we be challenged? What new insight into the work of the...
September 25, 2019
In God’s Image: Inclusive Ministry October 12, 2019
Interested in learning how to expand your ministries to be more intentionally welcoming for LGBTQIA+ persons? Is your congregation already Reconciling in Christ but you want to know what more you can do? Do you feel like you just don’t know how to be the best ally you can be? Well, then do we have...
September 25, 2019
Vitality Awareness Day
Join members of the Vitality Team on Saturday November 9th at the Philadelphia Campus of United Lutheran Seminary for a day of Vitality Awareness. During the day we will help raise awareness for ministries efforts that matter in helping to transform your congregation into a vital ministry in your community. This day is for both...
September 25, 2019
Volunteer Opportunity: Feast Incarnate
One in four Philadelphians are food insecure. Help Feast Incarnate, a ministry of University Lutheran Church, feed people by becoming a meal provider or host. Feast Incarnate feeds people every Tuesday night, and they are looking for church groups able to help prepare and/or serve meals. For more information call Nell McCaslin at 203.520.2553. Download...
September 10, 2019
Help With Hurricane Dorian Recovery
God, you still the storms and are a very present help in trouble. We pray for all those suffering the effects of Hurricane Dorian. Bring comfort to the afflicted and strength to those who come to their aid. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. “About 17% of all Bahamians are suddenly homeless after...
September 3, 2019
Camp Noah Helps Children Traumatized by Disaster
Painting, singing, dancing, and more! Children at Camp Noah whose lives have been impacted by disaster and/or trauma enjoyed a week full of hope and fun. Thanks to incredible volunteers and partnerships from local churches and numerous organizations, these children have courage and resilience for their future. With Hurricane Dorian already making its impact, programs like Camp...
August 28, 2019
ELCA Declaration to African Descent Peoples
Acknowledging “with regret that the ELCA as an institution has and continues to contribute to racial harassment and discrimination against people of African descent through corporate action, policy, and practices,” the 2019 Churchwide Assembly formally adopted a “Declaration…To People of African Descent.” The Assembly “confess(es) and repent(s) of the Lutheran church’s complicity in four hundred...
August 28, 2019
Collaboration Sparks Creative VBS
Vacation Bible School looks a little different, maybe, than it has in years past, especially at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fort Washington, which was close to closing its doors five years ago when The Rev. Kristie Chandler first arrived. She and the congregation chose to use the God’s abundant gifts to move forward with their...
August 26, 2019
Young Adult Selected for Global Assignment
Cassandra Singh-Heuter, of Advent Lutheran in Harleysville, is one of 69 ELCA young adults selected for this year’s Young Adults in Global Mission program. Cassandra will be serving alongside Lutheran companions in Argentina and Uruguay. The YAGM volunteers will be sent to serve in 11 countries alongside our companions in Argentina/Uruguay, Australia, Central Europe (Hungary...
August 19, 2019
Quarterly Anti-Racism Training Events
“Having Helpful Conversations about Race in the Church” — Anti-Racism Training for Rostered and Lay Leaders” (Part 1 – Context). The first of a series of anti-racism training events for lay and rostered leaders will be held Saturday, September 21, 2019, from 9am to 5pm, at St. Luke Lutheran Church, 203 N Valley Forge Rd, Devon, PA 19333 Register by...
August 19, 2019
Holy Closure of Good Shepherd, Mayfair on Aug. 25
Remembering in prayer the saints at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Mayfair. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, a congregation in the NE/nW Philadelphia Conference, will hold their final worship service on Sunday, August 25, 2019 at 3 pm with Bishop Davenport presiding. Rostered leaders and members of the SEPA Synod are welcome to attend the final service...
August 16, 2019
Bishop’s Message on ELCA as ‘Sanctuary’
August 2019 Beloved siblings in Christ, Last week at our Churchwide Assembly, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America recommitted itself to walking alongside immigrants and refugees as a matter of faith.This Assembly action affirmed our history as an immigrant faith in the United States and the Lutheran church’s long history of assisting strangers in...
July 17, 2019
Pickleball Inspires Fellowship in West Chester
What could be more fun than a game of tennis or badminton or ping pong with friends? How about a game of pickleball—a combination of all of the above? The two West Chester, Pa., congregations of Advent and Calvary Lutheran churches decided to apply for a Forward Together in Faith grant to allow them to...
July 17, 2019
Servants at Work in South Dakota
A cadre of youth, young adults and leaders from SEPA Synod are in South Dakota for our famous Servant Trip. Here’s a peek into some of what they’ve been up to: For today’s service project in South Dakota a group of us converted an old church basement into a beautiful space that will be used...
July 2, 2019
Volunteers, Sponsors Needed for Camp Noah
Camp Noah Is Quickly Approaching! Planning is underway for Camp Noah at New Creation Lutheran in North Philadelphia Aug. 19-23, 2019! This is one of a series of camps around the U.S. for children who have been affected and/or displaced by disasters. There are tons of fun activities are being planned for the kids, many...
June 15, 2019
ELCA Presiding Bishop, Faith Leaders Issue Statement on Children in Detention
The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), has convened ELCA ecumenical and inter-religious partners in a statement addressing concerns over the well-being of children who cross the U.S. border seeking safety from danger and threats in their home countries. “Children coming to our nation for safety and...
May 29, 2019
Assembly Leftovers Feed Hundreds
The Synod Hunger Team, operating out of St. John Lutheran, Morrisville and assisted by St. John’s Service/Outreach/Parish Life Team and community members who assist with Aid for Friends put together meals for distribution using the leftovers from Assembly meals. Friday and Saturday lunches were delivered to the Homeless shelter in Levittown, PA and fed over...
May 29, 2019
LDR Responds to U.S. Tornadoes
Lutheran Disaster Response is working with relief agencies in areas of the central US impacted by severe storms and a significant outbreak of tornadoes over the last few days. LDR supports both immediate relief and long-term efforts. Pray Please pray for the communities who were impacted by these destructive tornadoes. May God’s healing presence give...
May 29, 2019
ELCA Presiding Bishop Addresses Well-Being of Children in Detention Centers
May 28, 2019 Children coming to our nation for safety and protection are still dying at our southern border while in U.S. detention. Carlos, a 16-year-old youth from Guatemala, died May 20 in the custody of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Wilmer, a 2-year-old, died May 14, also in...
