The ELCA Youth Gathering team announces the theme of the 2021 Minneapolis Gathering, “boundless: God beyond measure,” based on Ephesians 3:19 CEV. “I want you to know all about Christ’s love, although it is too wonderful to be measured. Then your lives will be filled with all that God is.” What are the stories of...
Category: Youth
October 28, 2019
2021 Gathering: Boundless
The ELCA Youth Gathering team announces the theme of the 2021 Minneapolis Gathering, “boundless: God beyond measure,” based on Ephesians 3:19 CEV. “I want you to know all about Christ’s love, although it is too wonderful to be measured. Then your lives will be filled with all that God is.” What are the stories of...
August 28, 2019
Collaboration Sparks Creative VBS
Vacation Bible School looks a little different, maybe, than it has in years past, especially at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fort Washington, which was close to closing its doors five years ago when The Rev. Kristie Chandler first arrived. She and the congregation chose to use the God’s abundant gifts to move forward with their...
July 17, 2019
Servants at Work in South Dakota
A cadre of youth, young adults and leaders from SEPA Synod are in South Dakota for our famous Servant Trip. Here’s a peek into some of what they’ve been up to: For today’s service project in South Dakota a group of us converted an old church basement into a beautiful space that will be used...
January 29, 2019
Box City Registration is Open
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER BY FEBRUARY 24TH We are excited to join with St. James Limerick for their 10th Annual Box City Event from March 23rd – 24th, 2019. The purpose of this event is to raise awareness about homelessness in Montgomery County and to raise funds to Main St. Homeless Shelter in Pottstown. During...
October 29, 2018
Registration Opens for Tuscarora Youth Retreat
Tuscarora Lutheran Retreat (formerly known as the Harvey Cedars retreat) will be held Friday, April 5 through Sunday, April 7, 2019. This year’s retreat our theme is Changed for Good, where we will focus on how we’ve been changed by our faith and how that in turn, helps us change the world. Get more information...
June 5, 2018
Youth Calendar 2018-19 Now Available
Be sure to download and save the NEW 2018-19 SEPA Youth Events Calendar with all of the exciting events we have coming up for the next year. We’re looking forward to an exciting year, and we hope to see you at some of these great events! Download PDF
January 4, 2018
5 Things to Consider Engaging Young Adults
Every congregation in the country is trying to figure out how to engage young adults. Many churches struggle because they they focus on their own needs to fill in a missing age group rather than seeking to meet the needs of the young adults they connect with. Living Lutheran offers five things that any congregation that...
February 7, 2017
Youth & Family Ministry Certificate at Bear Creek Camp
VibrantFaith will offer its first East-coast Training School for Children, Youth and Family Ministry this October at Bear Creek Camp. CYF Training School changes lives, equips leaders and helps transform ministries in effective and creative faith formation. After a five-night residency Oct. 15-20, participants will continue with online learning and coaching through June, 2018. Learn...
July 6, 2016
Servants: “We Are All Related”
“Mitakuye Oyas’in” — We Are All Related. Our SEPA Servants at the Rosebud Lakota Reservation are now at work. After an orientation to Native American culture and language, the crews spent Tuesday (July 5) doing demolition, landscape clean-up, and sorting thrift store donations at the Tree of Life warehouse. The day camp had 15...
March 7, 2016
Youth Ignite Service at Helping Hands Day
Youth and adults from across our Synod will fan the flames of service to our neighbors on Helping Hands Day: Saturday, April 16, 2016 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. This year’s theme is Ignite – hearkening back to the story of Pentecost and the Holy Spirit’s coming among us in power and fire. We’ll...
September 22, 2015
Bradley Burke Called to Youth, Formation Roles
Dionne Jackson also joins ministry team The Rev. Bradley R. Burke has been appointed Assistant to the Bishop for Youth, Young Adult and Spiritual Formation by Bishop Claire Burkat. Pastor Burke, who is currently serving as executive director of Lutheran Charities in Southeastern Pennsylvania, has been involved in youth and young adult ministry in our...
February 10, 2015
Churches Affected by Child Protection Laws
Pennsylvania recently passed new legislation regarding protection of children that affect all churches. Under state law clergy, paid staff and volunteers who work with children and youth in any capacity are now “mandated reporters” who must report suspected child abuse directly to authorities. The law also now requires all employees and volunteers who work with...
May 14, 2014
Ignorance is Not Bliss
Social Media for Adults Who Care about Youth Summary of an Assembly 2014 Forum led by Molly Beck Dean, Assistant to the Bishop/Youth Ministry Specialist. Contact Molly by email to arrange a presentation in your area. Factoid: 80% of internet-using teens say they are active with social media, engaging with it on a regular...
December 4, 2013
Invest in Your Synod Connections
Every day the leaders and congregations of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod are blessed by a wealth of connections that only happen because of the work of synod staff, deans, contracted experts and dedicated volunteers. Our synod has reformed into a network connecting you to the people and resources that equip you and your congregation for ministry...
October 31, 2013
Making a Difference, One Life at a Time
In late June, 111 Lutherans traveled halfway across the country to be of service to descendants of an ancient culture. Eager to make a difference in whatever ways they could, these youth and adults arrived east of Rapid City, South Dakota at Rosebud Reservation, home to the Lakota tribe. The group—representing 19 churches of the...
May 8, 2013
Malaria Fundraising Exceeds Goal
Our Synod’s Malaria Campaign, led by our youth, has exceeded its goal for the 2012-13 school year by more than $20,000 – and the school year isn’t over yet. Bishop Claire Burkat introduced the Malaria Team’s report to the Assembly Saturday morning by pledging $1,500 over three years to the Synod’s malaria eradication fundraising. So...
May 2, 2013
Youth Lend Helping Hands
More than 360 youth from SEPA and New Jersey Synods helped clean up beaches and homes affected by Hurricane Sandy on April 27. Get a glimpse of their work in a video published by Liberty Lutheran Services and a photo slideshow, after the jump.
July 15, 2012
35,000 Lutherans Make a Difference in New Orleans
“Citizens with the Saints” spreads literacy, beauty and inspiration. More than 35,000 youth and adults are heading for New Orleans for the “Citizens with the Saints” Youth Gathering. This event is the largest convention the city hosts, and the influx of Lutherans will boost the city’s population by 7% July 18-22. New Orleans welcomes the ELCA because they know we are there to make a difference. There will be 550 youth and adults representing SEPA congregations participating in the Gathering’s efforts to improve literacy, clean up the environment, and care for the New Orleans community.
July 6, 2012
Wonderfully Made Camp In the News
In a Huffington Post column, Nicole Greer writes that she found our Synod-sponsored "Wonderfully Made Camp" at a time when her local church was becoming uncomfortable with her self-understanding as a gay Christian. "Wonderfully Made opened my eyes to opportunities I have to minister to others who feel rejected by the church, and consequently have doubts about Jesus's love for them," she writes. Link to the article after the jump.
