The Synod has awarded $26,000 in grants funded by the Forward Together in Faith Campaign to 11 projects designed to network congregations and communities, start innovative ministries, enhance their communications, or equip leaders for ministry in the 21st Century. “We had many creative proposals and a limited amount of grant funds,” said Bishop Patricia A....
Category: Faith in action
January 16, 2019
Forward Together in Faith Grants Awarded
The Synod has awarded $26,000 in grants funded by the Forward Together in Faith Campaign to 11 projects designed to network congregations and communities, start innovative ministries, enhance their communications, or equip leaders for ministry in the 21st Century. “We had many creative proposals and a limited amount of grant funds,” said Bishop Patricia A....
December 18, 2018
Once he vandalized a church; Now they share a hopeful bond
‘What I did probably saved my life because I got the help I needed.’ By Mark A. Staples Reunions are commonplace during the holidays, but the one that took place between Christopher Rhoads and leaders of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lansdale in early December could not have been imagined three years ago. Early on...
December 12, 2018
RedeemerFest: Faith in Action
Redeemer, Jamison holds Redeemerfest on the first Saturday of October. It is a beautiful example of faith in action. All proceeds from Redeemerfest support a local charity. In 2017 it was the Food Pantry at St Johns, Hatboro. In 2018 it was the Code Blue Project of the Bucks County Coalition to Support and Shelter...
November 28, 2018
Ambler Union: Young Adults Living Well, Doing Good
The Ambler Union is a collaborative of local young adults and partner organizations dedicated to helping young adults (around 22 to 32 years old) live well and do good. They host events that bring young adults together to create community, enjoy good food and nature, explore tools for living well, and do good in the...
November 21, 2018
SEKOMU Raises Up Special Education Leaders
What do you do when you lack qualified people to help with your ministries? Well, you could start a university to train qualified people. That’s what the North Eastern Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania was facing, and what it did, according to Bishop Munga. Speaking at a Meet & Greet at Advent Lutheran...
October 31, 2018
Interfaith Leaders Stand with Jewish Community
Hundreds packed Temple Rodeph Shalom in Philadelphia Sunday night as people of many faiths and political leaders gathered to stand in support of the Jewish community after 11 worshippers were murdered during prayers at a Pittsburgh synagogue Oct. 27. The Philadelphia Inquirer reported: The tone was largely spiritual. The Rev. Mark Tyler of Mother Bethel...
October 31, 2018
Launching a Journey of Faithful Innovation
A cohort of leaders of Southeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey Synod congregations participated in a retreat to kick off a multi-year Leadership for Faithful Innovation program. The effort is part of a $1 million grant Luther Seminary received from the Lilly Endowment to help pastors and congregations move from “performative” ministry — a model in...
October 23, 2018
Mission Support: Faith in Action
Did you know that Mission Support — the offerings your congregation shares with the synod and the churchwide organization — helps put faith into action locally, nationally, and globally? Mission Support provides most of the funding to support the work of the Office of the Bishop. Your gifts help us to identify and nurture future...
October 22, 2018
Bless the Lord for SEKOMU’s 10th Anniversary
A message from the Rev. Dr. Anneth Munga on 10 years of Sebastian Kolowa Memorial University and its partnership with our Synod: “Bless the LORD Oh My Soul!” These words are painted on the front wall of one of the lecture halls at Sebastian Kolowa Memorial University (SEKOMU). The university is located in Magamba village,...
October 22, 2018
How to Teach Congregations about Mission Support
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve talked to Congregation Councils and congregational members who do not understand what the synod and ELCA do with the dollars contributed by our congregations. And often our rostered leaders aren’t sure how to teach the compelling stories that arise from the use of these funds in our...
October 17, 2018
Cross+Gen Movement Building Across SEPA
More than two years ago, about 20 congregational leaders turned up to discuss the challenges of the traditional, age-oriented approach to Sunday School and faith formation. On the other end of the Skype connection was author and consultant Rich Melheim. The energy and frustration released on that rainy spring day blossomed into the first synod-level...
October 9, 2018
Camp Noah Offers Hope, Builds Resiliency
More than 40 children who were displaced by Hurricanes Irma and Maria and relocated to Eastern Pennsylvania were treated to a week-long Camp Noah program at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Reading in August. Lutheran Congregational Services, an affiliate of Liberty Lutheran Services, helped coordinate the program, which included volunteers from many non-profit and faith-based...
August 25, 2018
Substance Abuse Forums
“Addiction is a chronic, relapsing, and progressive brain disease.” When talking disability ministry, we here at Able, Together like to cast a wide net. We delve into all kinds of illnesses, mobility and developmental issues, and mental health concerns including substance abuse. It has been heartening for me (Kathleen) to notice several area churches addressing...
August 25, 2018
Peaceful Living All-Ability Art Program Residence
Peaceful Living’s Art Program moved into Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Souderton this spring, bringing new life to the hallways. With artworks on display, and a classroom filled with bustling artists, things are looking joyful and exciting in this historic church. Elena Drozdova, Peaceful Living’s Art Director, recently spoke with me about this blossoming partnership between...
August 21, 2018
A ton of help for the hungry
Two congregations in Upper Bucks established a Community Vegetable Garden that provides fresh organic produce to two local food pantries. Jerusalem Lutheran in Almont and St. Michael’s Lutheran in Sellersville teamed up 3 years ago to tend the “Garden of Eat’n.” Donations are now approaching the 1 ton of produce milestone! The Garden is a...
July 19, 2018
St. Paul, Telford: Younger Youth Like to Serve, Too
While older youth had the opportunity to serve at the triennial ELCA Youth Gathering, younger youth like to serve also! Taking an idea from another local Lutheran Church, St. Paul’s in Telford held a 3-day mini youth work camp. Youth in grades 3 through 10 were invited to attend. Held from 9 am – 4pm,...
July 4, 2018
African Descent Ministries: Color-brave, not Color-blind
As president of the ELCA’s African Descent Lutheran Association (ADLA), Lamont Anthony Wells is on a mission to help build not “a color-blind” church but “a color-brave one,” he said. “It’s important for us to be brave enough to have discussions and solve some of the biases that are real in our church.” Read the...
June 26, 2018
Reclaiming Dignity Through Job Training
When Danny Peters was released from the State Correctional Institution at Graterford in the spring of 2016, he was one of the fortunate ones—he had a strong support system and determination. But after 35 years in prison, he knew he would need job training and someone to give him a second chance to prove he...
February 25, 2018
Coffeehouse for All at Temple
The first and second Monday evenings of every month have been lit up at Temple Lutheran in Havertown. That’s because they host the Our Community Cup Coffeehouse, and inclusive open mic and karaoke night for anyone affected by special needs, including caregivers! Temple is very glad to be the venue for New Avenue Foundation, who...
February 5, 2018
Philly Beats New England in Hunger Challenge
E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES! Yo! Philly fans. Thanks to you not only are the Birds Super Bowl Champions, but #ELCATeamPhilly took home the 2018 ELCA World Hunger Synod Challenge. In total, nearly $36,000 was raised for ELCA World Hunger. Despite a late push by Team New England, Team Philadelphia came out ahead with a total of $18,700...
