Although we are encouraged with overall declines in new COVID-19 cases, the counties of Southeastern Pennsylvania are still rated as having “very high” or “extremely high” risk of community transmission of the virus. Bishop Davenport continues to strongly recommend that congregations do not hold indoor worship until further notice. In addition, the bishop recommends that...
Category: Bishop
February 16, 2021
Continued Recommendation for Online-only Worship
Although we are encouraged with overall declines in new COVID-19 cases, the counties of Southeastern Pennsylvania are still rated as having “very high” or “extremely high” risk of community transmission of the virus. Bishop Davenport continues to strongly recommend that congregations do not hold indoor worship until further notice. In addition, the bishop recommends that...
February 10, 2021
Virtual Support for Rostered Ministers with Dr. Steve Treat
SEPA sponsors a time of Virtual Support For Rostered Ministers with Steve Treat on Tuesday March 9 and Thursday March 25 from 11 am to noon. Dr. Treat will address various topics including but not limited to: · Self-Care · Challenges of Covid · Holding onto your Differentiation · Anxiety and Depression as we continue to pivot in Ministry...
January 18, 2021
Bishop Davenport Offers Prayer for Our Nation
Greetings Beloved, As we prepare in our nation’s capital for the historic inauguration of Joe Biden, as our 46th president, and Kamala Harris as our first African America-South Asian American woman, vice president, we must not forget the fury, violence and vitriol unleased in our capitol on January 6th, for many it was truly an...
January 15, 2021
Bishop Eaton Offers Prayer for Our Nation
As we reflect on the events at the Capitol on Jan. 6 and look toward the inauguration, and share concern about possible violence at our state and national capitols, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton offers the following prayer: The psalmist reminds us that “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm...
January 5, 2021
Bishop Extends Recommendation for No In-person Worship
Greetings, Beloved! As we enter this new year 2021, I am writing to extend my strong recommendation that congregations do not offer in-person worship until further notice. My recommendation, made after much prayer and discernment, is based on our core Lutheran conviction of loving our neighbors – whether they be people in our communities, congregation...
November 17, 2020
Bishop’s Letter Regarding Latest COVID Spike
Nov 17 2020 Greetings, Beloved, “Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer.” Romans 12:12 Right now, new cases of COVID-19, positive test rates, and hospitalizations are spiking across Southeastern Pennsylvania. Public health officials are issuing new mitigation orders in our area. In order to protect our most vulnerable members, our pastors...
September 21, 2020
A Word of Encouragement from Bishop 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 and every one of...
August 21, 2020
A Prayer For The New School Year
Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. — Philippians 4:6-7 Bishop Patricia A. Davenport offers a word of Scripture and prayers...
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...
June 9, 2020
Bishop’s Letter on Black Lives Matter Protests
Dear Beloved, The question has been posed, “Is the bishop going to respond to the horrific death of Mr. George Floyd?” “What is the bishop’s response to the protesting, the rioting and looting throughout the city of Philadelphia?” I do have a response, and it is not unlike that of Rachel: “A voice is heard...
June 5, 2020
Church must combat racism at the grassroots
The riots and protests in the United States, following the killing of a black man by a police officer, are an opportunity for people of faith to “live what we profess, to stand behind our statements and to walk according to the teachings of Jesus Christ.” Many pastors and deacons are “on the front line”...
May 30, 2020
ELCA presiding bishop calls on church to observe national day of mourning
CHICAGO (May 29, 2020) — The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), has called on the church to join with faith communities across the United States in lament and remembrance, and on our elected leaders to observe Monday, June 1, as a day of mourning to honor...
May 30, 2020
ELCA Reaffirms Commitment to Combat Racism and White Supremacy
May 29, 2020 What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8). The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) reaffirms its commitment to combating racism and white supremacy following the recent murders of Black Americans. Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor,...
May 23, 2020
Bishop Davenport on Opening Churches
Dear Beloved, I am so proud of you for the ways you are keeping the congregations of our Synod open through the pandemic and stay-at-home orders. The church in Southeastern Pennsylvania has truly never “closed,” moving worship and education online and continuing to safely serve people in great need. You, church, are proving to be...
May 8, 2020
Synod Adjustments Due to Coronavirus
Synod Staff Working From Home During Stay-At-Home Order Per Governor Wolf’s latest order the Synod staff will be working from home through extent of the stay-at-home order issued by the governor for the five-county area. The staff is working hard from home and channels of communication (phone, email) are the same. The staff is in...
May 3, 2020
Bishop’s Reflection: Beloved Community
Two thoughts as I read this text. First, yes, this is the beloved community that I talk about in Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod. This is what we reflect as the people of God. I continue to pray for that even stronger now in this time of COVID-19. This is the fellowship that I am blessed to...
May 1, 2020
Bishop’s Letter on Possible Reopening of Churches
Greetings Beloved, Grace and peace to you in the name of the One who can do all things but fail, Jesus Christ, our risen Lord! I pray that you and your loved ones remain safe, sheltered in place and being mindful of others. Siblings in Christ, the questions of “when and how” do we re-open worship...
April 11, 2020
Easter Greeting From Bishop Davenport
Praise the Lord, everybody. Glory to God in the highest! Grace and peace to you, beloved, in the name of the One who can do all things but fail, Jesus the Christ! Today is Easter. We will gather virtually around the globe, sheltered in place, on one accord. Today we sing: Christ is risen! Alleluia!...
March 24, 2020
Staying Connected
March 24, 2020 Greetings Beloved, Grace and peace to you in the name of the One who can do all things but fail, Jesus Christ! This is my usual salutation, oh, but these are not usual times. The Coronavirus and COVID-19 has us as Christians, the disciples of Christ, us as the children of the...
March 18, 2020
Bishop: Churches Should Comply With Governor’s Order
Beloved, I’m sure you aware that Governor Wolf ordered that all non-essential business in Pennsylvania need to close, effective March 17, for two weeks. This is part of the ongoing mitigation efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus. My colleague, Bishop Michael Rhyne of Allegheny Synod, shares that their synod’s attorney informed them that...
