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...
Category: Youth
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.
October 15, 2009
Boxcity raises awareness of homelessness
Sixth Annual Boxcity to raise awareness about homelessness in Bucks County and raise funds for the Red Cross Shelter in Levittown. Members and friends of the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection in Yardley and Family of God Lutheran in Buckingham will sleep outside on Friday, December 4th to raise awareness and funds.
September 1, 2009
Fuller inclusion of youth and young adults
There have been some exciting steps our Church has taken recently towards fuller inclusion of youth and young adults in the decision making bodies of our ministries. Many of our congregations elect their voting members to Synod Assembly and their new Congregational Council members in the winter and so I wanted to be sure you had this information before those things took place.
