What’s on the horizon for congregations and parishes as we transition from the crisis of the moment to the long-term implications of the coronavirus pandemic? The pandemic has fast-forwarded us into our future at warp speed. Normal has changed forever. With the advent of the digital church, not all of our congregation is physically present....
Category: Public Health
May 15, 2020
What’s Next: How will COVID-19 Shape the Church’s Future?
What’s on the horizon for congregations and parishes as we transition from the crisis of the moment to the long-term implications of the coronavirus pandemic? The pandemic has fast-forwarded us into our future at warp speed. Normal has changed forever. With the advent of the digital church, not all of our congregation is physically present....
May 8, 2020
Gov. Wolf Announces Protections From Evictions, Foreclosures
Shared by our partners at Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania: Governor Tom Wolf, joined by Attorney General Josh Shapiro, announced that he signed an executive order that protects Pennsylvanians from foreclosures or evictions through July 10. The action builds on a Pennsylvania Supreme Court order which closed court eviction proceedings until May 11 and ensures no renter...
May 8, 2020
Synod Adjustments Due to Coronavirus
Synod Staff Working From Home During Stay-At-Home Order Per Governor Wolf’s latest order the Synod staff will be working from home through extent of the stay-at-home order issued by the governor for the five-county area. The staff is working hard from home and channels of communication (phone, email) are the same. The staff is in...
May 3, 2020
Bishop’s Reflection: Beloved Community
Two thoughts as I read this text. First, yes, this is the beloved community that I talk about in Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod. This is what we reflect as the people of God. I continue to pray for that even stronger now in this time of COVID-19. This is the fellowship that I am blessed to...
May 1, 2020
Bishop’s Letter on Possible Reopening of Churches
Greetings Beloved, Grace and peace to you in the name of the One who can do all things but fail, Jesus Christ, our risen Lord! I pray that you and your loved ones remain safe, sheltered in place and being mindful of others. Siblings in Christ, the questions of “when and how” do we re-open worship...
April 29, 2020
Synod Assembly Cancelled
Dear Siblings in Christ, We are in the midst of difficult times. Governor Wolf has issued “Stay at Home” orders across the state and has banned non-essential businesses from operating until further notice. Even with the upcoming exceptions anticipated mid-May, churches do not yet fit that designation. Because of this, the Synod Council unanimously adopted...
April 28, 2020
Disaster Update: COVID-19 Response
Be a part of the response: Pray Please pray for people who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. May God’s healing presence give them peace and hope in their time of need. Give Thanks to generous donations, Lutheran Disaster Response is able to respond quickly and effectively to disasters around the globe. Your gifts...
April 18, 2020
A Message for Congregations in Transition
To the Churches of our synod that are currently in transition: Dear Siblings in Christ, Our churches like the tomb are empty. And yet we proclaim: CHRIST IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED, ALLELUIA. The Pandemic of Covid-19 has brought sudden and drastic changes to our way of life and to the way our congregations...
April 16, 2020
Grieving Through COVID-19
A Professional Grief Counselor Shares Her Insights and How to Find Support Through times of loss, it is human connection that brings us comfort and hope. Amidst these unprecedented times of COVID-19, humans around the world are attempting to cope with a unique kind of loss. For many, this comes in the form of losing...
April 16, 2020
7 Ways to Keep Donations Flowing During the Covid-19 Crisis
Stewardship expert Rob Blezard, one of our workshop leaders at our Stewardship Extravaganza in January, outlines steps your church can take to address the financial challenges created by the COVID-19 crisis. Key strategies include staying in communication with donors, including an offering time in online worship, and considering the CARES relief program. Your congregation may have...
April 13, 2020
Feast of Justice is Food ‘Supersite’
As the need for emergency food grows in Philadelphia and food sites dwindle, Feast of Justice in Northeast Philadelphia decided not to close and instead expanded its services to food-insecure people in the city. They are prepared to serve from 600-700 households per week, up from 285 households a week before COVID-19. Volunteer with Feast...
April 13, 2020
LSH Steps Up for Seniors, Families, and Victims of Abuse
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Lutheran Settlement House is defined as a life-sustaining organization. It is the reason we remain open, the reason we have quickly adapted to offer our services to more people as the needs in our community have grown. In times of crisis, too often the most vulnerable in our community are left...
April 13, 2020
Ministry Good News
In the midst of the coronavirus crisis, SEPA congregations are stepping up to continue or create ministries to serve their neighbors. Here are a couple of these stories. What is your congregation doing to serve at this time? Send your information, stories and/or photos to Bob Fisher and we will publish them. Emmaus Road’s Manna...
April 13, 2020
CARES Act, Unemployment Updates
New Cares Act FAQ from Churchwide We have new resources available addressing Paycheck Protection Program loans for churches. An FAQ document and a video to explain the process are available at www.elca.org/publichealth. Download the FAQ Watch the Video Download the video Update on Benefits for Churches, Employees An update from Treasurer Janet H. Neff, CPA:...
April 11, 2020
Easter Greeting From Bishop Davenport
Praise the Lord, everybody. Glory to God in the highest! Grace and peace to you, beloved, in the name of the One who can do all things but fail, Jesus the Christ! Today is Easter. We will gather virtually around the globe, sheltered in place, on one accord. Today we sing: Christ is risen! Alleluia!...
April 10, 2020
St. Paul’s Gets Creative in Olney
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in collaboration with the health ministry staff of St. Helena Catholic Church, regularly hosts Senior Wednesdays each week for the older adults of their community. Providing opportunities to benefit their spiritual, physical, and mental wellbeing, this program brings seniors together and provides ministry, meals, activities, exercise and more. But with the...
April 10, 2020
‘E-Meals’ Fill the Gap in Souderton
Knowing that other local food sources would be stressed, Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Souderton started the E-meals program on March 16. Meal bags are for “anybody in need,” Pastor John Heidgerd said. “We don’t ask any questions. We don’t ask you to prove that you’re in need. You come to us for help and the...
April 6, 2020
Considerations for Remote Council and Congregation Meetings During the COVID-19 Pandemic
During this time of social distancing because of the COVID-19 pandemic, many congregation leaders are asking how they can take advantage of technology to continue to hold necessary meetings to conduct the business of the congregation. Please bear in mind that some matters may best be postponed until the restrictions on gatherings have been lifted....
April 6, 2020
NewPaycheck Protection Program FAQ
Updated FAQ from the ELCA Download: FAQ on PPP Loans Are churches eligible? Yes. There is some misinformation out there, and some lenders are confused, but churches are eligible. Where do we apply for Paycheck Protection Act (forgivable) loans? At a Small Business Administration-approved lender, which includes most financial institutions. What does the application entail?...
April 5, 2020
More Info on CARES Act Programs
Important Info From The ELCA Here are answers to some frequently asked questions: Are churches eligible? Yes. There is some misinformation out there and some lenders are confused, but churches are eligible. What is the application period for the Paycheck Protection Plan loans/grants? It opened April 3. There is no close date we are aware of, but because the...
