Category: Roster

November 11, 2013

Little Receives 2013 Purpose Prize

Welcome Church Pastor Violet Little honored with prize for people over 60 solving tough social problems.   The Rev. Violet Little, pastor of Philadelphia’s Welcome Church ministering to people experiencing homelessness, is one of seven winners of the 2013 Purpose Prize, which honors people over 60 who are using their “second acts” to make a...

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January 29, 2013

From the Deans: Come and See

The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, “Look, here is the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you looking for?”...

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November 20, 2012

From the Deans: Sharing God’s Blessings

By sharing their stories, worshipping and visioning together, and by working together on administrative tasks, the congregations of the Northeast Philadelphia Conference intentionally share God's blessings, the Rev. Kevin Hilgendorf writes in the December "From the Deans" column. Together they build faith, have fun, and even save some money through economies of scale. How can the congregations of your conference collaborate for mutual benefit?

November 1, 2012

From the Deans: Getting Rooted in Scripture

The Bible is a complicated book -- a library, actually, written over 1,000 years -- and its diverse literary styles and historical contexts have often seemed overwhelming, the Rev. Gordon Simmons, dean of Delaware Conference, writes in November's "Word from the Deans." Don't give up, he says. Keep reading Scripture, read in a group, focus on parts that work and listen for what God is trying to say. That's how to get (and stay) rooted in scripture.

September 27, 2012

From the Deans: Go to God in Prayer

"Our dwelling is where we live - we’re not just an occasional guest. Likewise, our relationship with God should not consist of only an occasional visit. Especially if that visit is solely for the purpose of helping us out of trouble," the Rev. Lamont Anthony Wells, dean of our Northwest Philadelphia/Olney Conference, writes in October's "Word from the Deans."

August 27, 2012

Introducing ‘A Word from our Deans’

In a new feature, "A Word from our Deans," the Rev. Serena Sellers of Upper Bucks Conference reflects on the gifts God has given us to share ideas and support each other to help congregations nurture the seeds faith, service and outreach. "Each of our congregations has areas where we are strong. We also have areas where with some additional focus and attention, we could build our capacity in ministry," she writes. "The way to make the Synod strong is to make the congregations strong. The way to make our congregations strong is to focus on the things that matter so that we grow our faith in the place that we are planted."

November 21, 2011

How PA Child Abuse Law Relates to Churches

In Pennsylvania, clergy - along with medical professionals, educators, peace officers and other who work with children - are required to report suspected child abuse, although information covered by the state's clergy privilege law is exempt. Surveys of mandated reporters indicate that there is often confusion about what is required. Look for information about the law and resources for reporting after the jump.