Hurricane Fiona made landfall in Puerto Rico on Sep. 18 – five years after Hurricane Maria devastated the island. A Category 1 storm, Fiona caused an island-wide blackout and brought catastrophic flooding, with some areas receiving more than 20 inches of rain. After hitting Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Hurricane Fiona made landfall...
Category: Congregations
September 20, 2022
Pray, Give in Response to Hurricane Fiona
Hurricane Fiona made landfall in Puerto Rico on Sep. 18 – five years after Hurricane Maria devastated the island. A Category 1 storm, Fiona caused an island-wide blackout and brought catastrophic flooding, with some areas receiving more than 20 inches of rain. After hitting Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Hurricane Fiona made landfall...
September 16, 2022
Fall ULS Kindling Faith Events
This fall holds many opportunities for lay and rostered leaders to grow and learn at United Lutheran Seminary. Most of our events have an online option, so even if you’re further afield, you can still engage. Upcoming Kindling Faith Events Soul Care is a new multi-event program in collaboration with the Lower Susquehanna Synod with...
September 13, 2022
Free Congregational Vitality Trainings
Is your congregation ready to take the next step (even a small step!!) to revitalize or renew? Our Synod is participating in a series of Vitality Trainings here this fall with folks from across the ELCA. This training is great for pastor and a team of folks to take together to bring clarity about your...
September 12, 2022
Update on Portico Health Rates and Plan Changes
2023 Update on Portico Health Rates and Plan Changes ELCA-Primary health contribution baseline rate will increase 3%, the same rate increase as last year, which was the lowest in eight years. The 3% increase also applies to sponsored members receiving the ELCA Medicare-Primary health benefit Standard option. ELCA-Primary Gold+ option deductibles will increase to $1,500...
September 9, 2022
LDR Update: Kentucky Flooding
Situation: Beginning on July 27, a line of severe storms dumped record amounts of rain on eastern Kentucky, overflowing rivers and creeks onto streets and neighborhoods. Rising waters damaged infrastructure, including roads, bridges and power lines, which hindered rescue efforts. The flooding destroyed hundreds of homes and other buildings. Response: To respond to the flooding,...
June 3, 2022
Volunteers Needed for Hurricane Recovery
Lutheran Disaster Response – Eastern PA is helping survivors recover here in Pennsylvania from both Tropical Storm Isaias (2020) and Hurricane Ida (2021). Volunteers are needed for rebuilding in the Eastwick neighborhood of Philadelphia for Isaias response, and we are hiring contractors to support recovery from Hurricane Ida for disaster case managers and for program...
March 28, 2022
Seminary Debt Relief Grant Application
Dear Rostered Minister, The Finance Committee of the Southeastern PA Synod is pleased to inform you that, in the spirit of generosity, a limited amount of funding has been included in the Synod’s regular 2022- 23 budget to help those rostered ministers of our synod for whom seminary student loan debt is a significant burden....
March 25, 2022
Renewal of Ministry Vows April 12
Ministers of Word and Sacrament and Ministers of Word and Service will gather for the annual Chrism Service on Tuesday of Holy Week, April 12, at 10 am online. This traditional service of Word and Sacrament includes the blessing of oil for anointing, healing prayer, and renewal of ministry vows. Bishop Patricia A. Davenport will...
February 28, 2022
Pastors Suah-Dennis, Penman Appointed Co-Directors of Evangelical Mission
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod is pleased to announce the appointment of the Rev. Dr. Moses Suah-Dennis and the Rev. Bryan Penman as co-directors of evangelical mission. Dr. Suah-Dennis is pastor of Faith-Immanuel Lutheran Church in East Lansdown. Rev. Penman is pastor of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Conshohoken. They will continue to serve their congregations...
February 7, 2022
The Building Blocks of Congregational Renewal
“This interview is reprinted by permission from Leading Ideas, a free e-newsletter from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary and available at churchleadership.com.” What does it take to turn a congregation around? Lewis Center Director Doug Powe interviews Ed Brandt, a long-serving pastor who recently retired as chief of chaplains for...
February 1, 2022
2022 ELCA Youth Gathering Canceled
Our synod offers prayers for all who are affected by this decision. From The ELCA Youth Gathering Facebook Page: An update regarding the 2022 Gathering After much prayer, conversation and tears, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the 2022 Gathering, MYLE and the tAble due to the ongoing pandemic, the recent COVID-19...
January 31, 2022
Tuscarora Youth Retreat Moves to One Day
The Tuscarora Youth Retreat Committee has made the decision to change this year’s retreat to a ONE DAY EVENT due to the latest COVID-19 numbers and data. [Note: This is not a synod sponsored event and not subject to the synod’s events policy.] All 6th – 12th grade youth and their leaders are welcome to...
January 21, 2022
Contemplating the New Year
Two years into a global pandemic, the toll on human life and livelihood is undeniable, and the toll on mental, emotional and spiritual health is no less profound. Enormous shifts in the way we work, gather and worship have left many people reeling. How can faith communities be a resource for those struggling? For...
January 21, 2022
Celebrate Diverse Ministries for Black History Month
This is our future church: A ten-year-old preacher and professional artist; a grassroots campaign for affordable housing; young and diverse communities. African Descent Ministries of the ELCA is celebrating Black History Month with Talks at the Desk, a new series that will explore diverse expressions of the church. Join us each Wednesday in February at 7:30 pm...
November 23, 2021
Welcome Pastor Stacey-Kyle Rea
The Rev. Stacey-Kyle Rea has been called as Assistant to the Bishop for Youth and Young Adult Discipleship, starting December 1, 2021. Currently Pastor Rea serves Trinity Lutheran Church, Fairview Village, as senior pastor. She previously served St. John’s, Phoenixville, and St. John’s, Folcroft. She has been active with Synod youth ministry, leading groups of...
November 5, 2021
Free Training for Mandated Reporters of Child Abuse
In Pennsylvania, clergy and anyone who works with children — Sunday school and nursery providers, preschool teachers, youth group advisors, etc. — are considered mandated reporters of child abuse. Please share with the appropriate individuals in your congregation. Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance is providing VIRTUAL Mandated Reporter Training during November and December at no cost! Click this link...
October 15, 2021
Stewardship and Vitality in the NOW Normal
Due to the current COVID wave, this event has been postponed until June 18, 2022. SAVE THE DATE: The Southeastern and Northeastern Pennsylvania synods are sponsoring a hybrid Generosity event on Saturday, January 22, 2022, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lansdale. Keynote speakers for “Stewardship and Vitality in the NOW Normal” are Louise Johnson and...
September 15, 2021
The Joy of Third Things
Elise Seyfried (Christ’s, Oreland) writes in LivingLutheran: Many people have fond memories of special conversations that transpired while they were doing the dishes with a parent or going fishing with a friend. This third thing they do together makes it easy and comfortable for them to converse more deeply, often without even making eye contact....
September 15, 2021
Prayers From The North Eastern Diocese
We received the following message of concern and condolence from our companion synod in Tanzania following the destruction from Hurricane Ida: Greetings in the name of Jesus. Dear brothers and sisters in Christ in the South Eastern Pennsylvania Synod, receive our heartfelt greetings and deep condolence from your brothers and sisters in the Evangelical Lutheran...
