Category: Congregations

December 8, 2022

Is Your Church Ready for Christmas Eve?

Ask any of my previous interns, I am extreme nut when it comes to getting things ready for Christmas Eve. But for me, it’s the excitement of drawing so many people to hear the Good News that is at the heart of our faith – that God chose to dwell with us. The power of...

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October 31, 2022

Holy Closure: Bethany, Roxborough

Remembering in prayer the saints at Bethany Lutheran Church Bethany Lutheran Church, a congregation of the Central Philadelphia Conference, will hold their final worship service on Sunday, November 20, 2022 at 3:00 pm with Bishop Davenport presiding. Rostered ministers and members of the SEPA Synod are welcome to attend the final service at Bethany as we...

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October 27, 2022

After Tornado, UDLC is a Community Rock

When an EF-2 tornado struck sections of their community on September 1, 2021, the people of Upper Dublin Lutheran Church went into action. The winds and flooding spawned by remnants of Hurricane Ida left 140 families displaced and 1,400 homes with severe damage. Almost immediately the church became a hub to distribute supplies and dispense...

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October 11, 2022

5 Things to Know About Mission Support

We are grateful for your support of ministries here in Southeastern Pennsylvania, across the country, and around the globe through Mission Support. In a new video, the Rev. Karen Sease, assistant to the bishop, shares five things that you need to know about how these gifts are used. You can share this video with leaders...

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October 11, 2022

Lutherans Join Churches Going Solar

From The Philadelphia Inquirer: About 50 people gathered at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Ardmore for a not-so-typical blessing that they hope will become more commonplace. The group was there Sunday for the blessing and dedication of new solar panels estimated to save them about $74,000 over 30 years. Green projects such as solar panel installation, however,...

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September 13, 2022

Free Congregational Vitality Trainings

ELCA 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...

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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...

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May 27, 2022

Prayer and Worship Resources for Gun Violence

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...

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February 7, 2022

The Building Blocks of Congregational Renewal

Generosity logo SEPA “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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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....

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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...

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August 5, 2021

ELCA Congregations Lead Initiative

The Congregations Lead Initiative is a new, two-year program that will gather a cohort of 50 congregations from across the ELCA to unleash and harness their collective genius and discover new and useful ministry innovations. Your congregation is invited to apply today to join the Congregations Lead Initiative. Deadline for applications is August 15. Learn...

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August 3, 2021

‘Substantial’ Virus Seen in SEPA

As of August 1, the CDC reports that Philadelphia, Bucks, Delaware and Montgomery counties are experiencing “substantial” community transmission of coronavirus. The CDC recommends that all people, vaccinated or not, wear masks and maintain physical distancing in indoor public or multi-household gatherings. See this article explaining CDC guidance. Unvaccinated persons, including all children under 12...

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June 9, 2021

New Guidance for Safer Worship and Sacraments

Long-awaited guidance from the Ecumenical Consultation on Protocols for Worship, Fellowship and Sacraments, released June 8, advises houses of worship to go slowly with in-person gatherings where vaccinated and unvaccinated persons occupy the same space. “The group suggests limiting touching except where Christian rituals, such as laying on of hands for confirmation, require it; avoiding...

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June 2, 2021

Mediator Youth Honored in Tulsa Centennial Writing Contest

Tredon Stevenson, a member of Mediator Lutheran Church, Philadelphia, received second prize in the youth (ages 14-17) division of the ELCA African Descent Lutheran Association’s national writing contest to honor the centennial of the Tulsa Race Massacre. He is an excellent student and participates in youth programs and choir and is a worship assistant and...

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