August 22, 2009
The ELCA change in ministry policies to open the ministry to gays and lesbians in committed partnered relationships is "a change in our church culture that will take time, patience, and discernment to live into," Bishop Claire S. Burkat writes in a pastoral message to the Synod.
August 22, 2009
Images of SEPA people at work (and play) at the Churchwide Assembly. See how many you recognize!
August 19, 2009
"I am pleased that our Lutheran denomination has respectfully engaged in prayerful and faithful deliberation despite the emotions that arise around the subject of sexuality," Bishop Claire Burkat wrote in a message to the Synod on the adoption of the ELCA social statment Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust.
June 9, 2009
The Tour de Revs, three friends’ 13,000 mile trek on a bamboo bicycle to raise awareness of world hunger, is about three “revs” – revelation, revolution and revenue.
In a world where the richest 20 percent of the population consumes nearly 80 percent of the goods and services, and billions live on less than $2 a day, God’s word to Israel that “there shall be no poor among you” offers US Lutherans a chance to make a big difference in global suffering. Photos, video after the jump.
May 9, 2009
The Southeastern Synod Assembly Friday expressed support of the proposal before the ELCA to allow ordination of persons in long-term, monogamous same-gender relationships.
The Assembly passed by voice vote a resolution urging the ELCA Churchwide Assembly to adopt the Social Statement on Human Sexuality. The resolution also recommended adoption of the four-parts of the proposed Recommendation on Ministry Policies.
April 15, 2009
Today relationships happen as much using technology as in person. That’s the theme of A Renewal Enterprise’s next “4th Tuesday webinar” on April 28. Special guest will be Bob Fisher, SEPA's assistant to the bishop for mission interpretation and communications, who will share insight into the importance of using these tools to connect with people today.
February 25, 2009
The Conference of Bishop's January visit to the Holy Land was an experience of awareness, advocacy and accompaniment with Lutherans in Jordan and the Holy Land. "We became aware of the pain and suffering, the longing and prayers for the peace that is so elusive, and the miraculous resilience and courage of the people we encountered," writes Bishop Claire Burkat. "We returned as committed advocates for peace, justice and mercy for all people affected by the hatred and terror of the seemingly never-ending hostility that has infected the Holy Land."
January 25, 2009
In their travels in the Holy Land, Bishop Burkat and other ELCA bishops felt the appreciation of the people, learned the details of limitations on human rights in the region, and "saw partnerships among Christians, Jews and Muslims that offered hope that our shared Abrahamic tradition can lead to a shared land and a shared Jerusalem."
December 16, 2008
If you would like to use a different hymn to honor Mary on Sunday, feel free to use this hymn authored by the Rev. Kay Braun of St. Petri-Hope Lutheran Church.
October 16, 2008
"Let us maintain a level of discourse worthy of this important moment in our nation's history and the pressing issues demanding our attention," ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson writes in a pastoral letter to the church in the 2008 Presidential Election.
October 8, 2008
Lutherans are called to pray for and care for "those who are already vulnerable and struggling to survive" in the midst of the anxieties raised by the current global financial crisis, ELCA bishops said in a pastoral letter released Oct. 7.
September 15, 2008
"Visiting SEKUCo after its first year was a dream come true," writes local educator Michelle Macluckie. "I had seen pictures but the pulse of SEKUCo was in the faculty and students who greeted us so warmly. The proud students fully understand that they will be the agents of educational change in Tanzania."
August 26, 2008
Many thanks to all who rode, volunteered and supported the 18th Annual Lutheran Charities Bike Ride on June 28, 2008. Bikers and volunteers from 40 Lutheran churches in the region took part in the annual event that benefits our social ministry agencies, sponsored by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.
July 3, 2008
The Welcome Center at Holy Communion Lutheran Church is a safe haven where the city's homeless could step out of the cold and find a place to wash or sleep, to find someone to talk to for a while without being chased. The Welcome Center is not just a feeding program but a place for engagement, and lives are transformed in this sanctuary.
May 12, 2008
The 2008 Synod Assembly heard about missional principles that will shape our common ministry, based on this Biblical formula: "It's God's mission. Jesus is Lord. The Holy Spirit guides us." You can download a bulletin insert reporting on the meeting or get full details and watch video at the Assembly website.
The Assembly also heard Kelly Fryer describe common characteristics shared by congregations that are missionally engaged with their neighborhoods, received Emmaus Road Lutheran Church, and passed a resolution allowing congregations to send an additional youth or young adult voting member to the Assembly.
May 12, 2008
"Let;s not be afraid, and together let's imagine a revitalization of our beloved ELCA," Bishop Claire Burkat challenged the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod Assembly during her address Saturday morning, May 3.
February 20, 2008
At the 2007 Conference Conversations I presented this list of indicators of congregational health and vitality. Many of you asked for a way to score your congregation on these indicators, so we have provided this form to allow you to see how your congregation rates in these 10 priority areas of ministry. These are indicators that I and others have found useful in assessing the relative health of a congregation. I invite you to ask your council and other key leaders to rate your congregation's performance in each of these areas, then total the scores and rank them to see which areas your congregation should celebrate, and which might be areas of future growth.
August 27, 2007
Bishop Claire Burkat and Joanne Carlson have arrived safely in Tanzania. Their first full day in Tanzania they drove to the headquarters of the ELCT-North Eastern Diocese in Lushoto, Tanzania. When they arrived they were greeted by the leaders of the Diocese, members of the community and a full band!
February 13, 2007
After spending two weeks immersed in the culture and poverty of rural Mexico, three women from our synod are figuring out how to serve as bridges across this contentious border.
December 13, 2006
In 1995 the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod Assembly adopted a statement of welcome affirming that all persons, regardless of sexual orientation, are valued as unique individuals created by God, are welcome in ministries of the Synod, and are encouraged to share in our common sacramental and institutional life.
