Care for and by children of God in Black skin has a long history in the Lutheran church, despite the impression one might have of the ELCA as currently a predominantly “white” denomination. The Rev. Richard Stewart, associate professor emeritus of communications and parish administration at ULS, gives a glimpse of significant early Black Lutheran...
Category: Communications
February 10, 2021
Historically significant Black lives that matter: A Lutheran legacy
Care for and by children of God in Black skin has a long history in the Lutheran church, despite the impression one might have of the ELCA as currently a predominantly “white” denomination. The Rev. Richard Stewart, associate professor emeritus of communications and parish administration at ULS, gives a glimpse of significant early Black Lutheran...
January 29, 2021
The Response to Violence and Hate is Beloved Community
A message from our Synod Secretary, the Rev. Karl M. Richard: Grace and peace from Jesus Christ, the redeemer of the world. I was horrified by the events that took place in Washington DC on January 6th when armed rioters stormed the capitol building in an attempt to overturn the election. It made me ask,...
January 14, 2021
Synod bids farewell to Mercedes Lee
We’re both delighted and sad to announce that Ms. Mercedes Lee, coordinator for congregational vitality, will be leaving the staff on January 15 for a position with the University of Pennsylvania’s newly formed office of social equity and community. We’ll miss Mercedes as an integral part of the synod team and for her enthusiastic and...
October 6, 2020
Stewardship Tip: What’s Your Narrative?
The Lake Institute for Faith and Giving had a survey of congregational leaders from across the country, Lake Institute on Faith & Giving in a July 2020 survey of 555 congregations found that congregational giving declined by 4.4 percent on average from February through June 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. A plurality...
September 9, 2020
UTI Celebrates 40 Years, Embraces Future
“Celebrating Our Past . . . Embracing Our Future”From September 22-25, 2020, United Lutheran Seminary’s Urban Theological Institute will hold a virtual 40th-year celebration featuring the annual UTI lecture, annual UTI sermon, chapel worship and piano concert. All events will be featured on the ULS YouTube channel. 9/22/2020 at 11:45am – Annual UTI Lecture with...
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...
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...
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 7, 2020
Help Local Kids Get Summer Meals
From the Greater Philadelphia Coalition on Hunger: Understanding Summer Meals Summer Meals is a federally funded, state administered program for the five-county region. Program administrators distribute food to community members and organizations, and are reimbursed for the cost of the meal. Community partners distribute the meals to kids, ensuring that they are well nourished when...
July 5, 2020
Masks Mandatory in Pennsylvania
From Gov. Wolf’s website: Governor Tom Wolf today reminded Pennsylvanians that mask-wearing is required and critical to prevent the spread of COVID-19. “The order to make mask-wearing mandatory when leaving home was put in place to protect all Pennsylvanians from the spread of COVID-19,” Gov. Wolf said. “This simple practice, combined with social distancing, handwashing,...
June 29, 2020
Today Marks 50 Years!
From Presiding Bishop Eaton: Fifty years ago, on June 29, 1970, the Lutheran Church in America voted to change the word “man” to “person” in its bylaws and opened the door for the ordination of women. The church was led by the Spirit to change. Fifty years later we celebrate the anniversary as a whole...
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...
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”...
June 4, 2020
Yellow Phase Faith in Philadelphia
Last week, the City of Philadelphia unveiled Safer at Home, a plan and executive order outlining the strategy for how Philadelphia will begin to reopen for business when the current Stay-at-Home Order is lifted, which is expected to occur later this week. The plan specifically outlines guidance for religious communities. Highlights include: Gatherings of over...
June 3, 2020
Prayers For PRIDE Month
Prayers for your use during PRIDE month in June. God of LOVE, we thank you for the Spirits who were trailblazers, moving and shaking people’s hearts and minds. Stir up in us that same energy of those who helped pave the way for where our LGBTQIA+ siblings are today. May we never stop expanding the...
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 19, 2020
Updated List of Coronavirus-related Messages
Since the implications of the coronavirus outbreak became clear in early March – before there were any cases identified in Pennsylvania – Synod Communications has been keeping you inspired by messages from the Bishop and staff and informed about the disease, closings and stay-at-home orders, online/digital worship, and financial and legal resources. This page collects...
April 16, 2020
Grieving Through COVID-19
A Professional Grief Counselor Shares Her Insights and How to Find Support Through times of loss, it is human connection that brings us comfort and hope. Amidst these unprecedented times of COVID-19, humans around the world are attempting to cope with a unique kind of loss. For many, this comes in the form of losing...
April 13, 2020
LSH Steps Up for Seniors, Families, and Victims of Abuse
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Lutheran Settlement House is defined as a life-sustaining organization. It is the reason we remain open, the reason we have quickly adapted to offer our services to more people as the needs in our community have grown. In times of crisis, too often the most vulnerable in our community are left...
April 13, 2020
CARES Act, Unemployment Updates
New Cares Act FAQ from Churchwide We have new resources available addressing Paycheck Protection Program loans for churches. An FAQ document and a video to explain the process are available at www.elca.org/publichealth. Download the FAQ Watch the Video Download the video Update on Benefits for Churches, Employees An update from Treasurer Janet H. Neff, CPA:...
