Installation. The Rev. Dedra Florence-Johnson
2022-08-14 15:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Grace Lutheran Church, Philadelphia, 3529 Haverford Ave, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, United States
Installation Service Sunday, August 14, 2022, at 3 pm
Grace Lutheran Church
3529 Haverford Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Rev. Regina D. Goodrich, Dean of Central Conference will be presiding. A light reception will follow in the fellowship hall
Services will be live streamed at: HTTPS://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/DEDRA.JOHNSON

“SAYING THANKS” WORKSHOP
2022-08-30 19:00 - 20:00 | Redeemer Lutheran Church, Jamison, Jamison, PA, United States
SAYING THANKS” WORKSHOP SCHEDULED FOR AUGUST 30 AT 7:00 P.M. AT REDEEMER, JAMISON AND ON ZOOM.
How often do you say “thanks?” How do you say “thanks?” These are just some of the questions that the Synod Generosity Team will answer at its FREE workshop on Tuesday evening, August 30 at 7:00 p.m. You can either attend in-person at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 2100 York Road, Jamison, PA, OR you can attend virtually.
While the event is FREE, you need to register for the event by August 15 so we can properly plan and prepare. Register by clicking this link: https://community.ministrylink.org/saying-thanks-workshop . Thank you for considering this opportunity to extend your ministry.

Vitality Team Training: Cultivating Generations of Generosity
2022-09-06 09:30 - 11:00 | Maryland
Cultivating Generations of Generosity – in partnership with GSB Consulting and ELCA Churchwide offices
Trainings that are being offered via churchwide to help congregations develop a year round stewardship appeal process that cultivates a deep and abiding sense of Generosity in the membership of the congregation.

Tuesday September 6th
VIRTUAL SESSION #2
An Effective, Inspiring Stewardship Appeal

Generosity Team Meeting
2022-09-08 10:30 - 11:30 | Maryland

Ordination. Mr. Richard Bergen
2022-09-10 10:00 - 12:00 | Trinity Lutheran Church, Lansdale, 1000 W. Main St., Lansdale, PA, 19446, United States
Mr. Richard Bergen will be ordained to the ministry of Word and Sacrament on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, at 10 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church (1000 W. Main Street, Lansdale, PA 19446), he is being called as pastot at St. Luke’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Ferndale (470 Church Hill Road, Ferndale, PA 18921). There will be light refreshments following the service.

Vitality Team Meeting
2022-09-12 18:30 - 20:30, 2022-10-15 10:30 - 13:30 | Maryland
For information contact Pastor Bryan Penman, bpenman@sepa.org

The Monkeypox Virus: What Faith Leaders Need to Know
2022-09-14 11:00 | Online
Philadelphia Department of Health and the Office of Faith-Based and Interfaith Affairs is sponsoring this free Zoom conference to give faith leaders basic information and answer their questions about the monkeypox virus in Philadelphia.
Sign Up

How to Increase Fall Stewardship
2022-09-15 15:00 | Online
Vanco, an ELCA preferred vendor for eGiving, invites you to attend their webinar, “4 Simple Steps for Increasing Stewardship.” This session will be presented by Keith Mundy of Vanco Faith on Thursday, Sept. 15, at 2 p.m. Central time . Here’s what you’ll be learning:

How to improve your financial call and inspire greater generosity.
How to incorporate storytelling to strengthen your ask.
How to encourage donations through Vanco Online.
How easy it is for your congregation to use Vanco Online to meet giving goals.

Get all the details about why Vanco is an ELCA preferred vendor and register for this webinar opportunity today!

Ordination. Vicar Brandi Hebert
2022-09-17 10:00 - 23:30 | Lutheran Church of God’s Love, 791 Newtown-Yardley Road, Newtown, PA, 18940, United States
Vicar Brandi Hebert will be ordained to the ministry of Word and Sacrament on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, at 10 a.m. at Lutheran Church of God’s Love (791 Newtown Yardley Road, Newtown PA 18940), where she is being called as associate pastor. A light reception will follow in the fellowship hall.

Backpack Blessing with the Bishop
2022-09-18 14:00 - 16:00 | United Lutheran Seminary – Philadelphia Campus, 7301 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, 19119
Bishop Patricia Davenport invites you to our Synodical Offices at ULS for a special Back to School Event. Join us as Bishop blesses each student and their backpack/lunchbox/devices used for school.
We’ll have some fun games, soft pretzels and water ice, too. The event is Sunday, September 18 from 2-4pm – RAIN OR SHINE. To help us have enough food, please RSVP with number of people attending to srea@sepa.org

Vitality Team Training: Cultivating Generations of Generosity
2022-09-19 09:30 - 11:00 | Maryland
Cultivating Generations of Generosity – in partnership with GSB Consulting and ELCA Churchwide offices
Trainings that are being offered via churchwide to help congregations develop a year round stewardship appeal process that cultivates a deep and abiding sense of Generosity in the membership of the congregation.

Monday September 19th
VIRTUAL SESSION #3
Sharing Stories of Generosity, Achieving a Strong Response (Part 1)

Peace Day Philly 2022
2022-09-21 11:00 - 13:00 | Philadelphia City Hall, 1400 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Philadelphia, PA, 19007, United States
Philadelphia will join with groups and organizations around the world to mark this global day of local opportunity September 21. The event will be held at the north side of City Hall, at Broad Street and JDK Blvd. The global Peace Day theme, set by the United Nations, is End Racism. Build Peace. Guests will speak to this theme and we will share in the global act of observing one minute of silence at 12 noon. Live music and poetry will also be a part of this event, as well as Chalk 4 Peace and peace button art-making. Free.

Peace Day Philly is the local initiative for the UN International Day of Peace, September 21. Since 2011, Peace Day Philly has encouraged, collaborated on and offered over 175 programs related to peace and justice on and around Peace Day. This September, over a dozen in-person and virtual programs will be offered from Sept. 15 – Sept. 21.
The global theme for Peace Day 2022 is: End Racism. Build Peace. Thus, some of our programs relate to issues of racism and peace on personal, local and global levels. We are offering films, a benefit concert, an intercultural dialogue, a march for police/youth relations, meditations, panel programs on subjects including gun safety and forced migration.
Our special Peace Day Program at City Hall on September 21 will include speakers, music and the minute of silence at 12 noon (an activity that takes place in all time zones around the world on Peace Day).
For a full list of programs and events, go to www.peacedayphilly.org/events.
A NEW Toolkit for schools and communities with ideas for engaging kids and communities in Peace Day is available at https://bit.ly/PDPToolkit

Synod Council Meeting
2022-09-22 18:00 - 20:00 | Online
172nd Meeting of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod Council.

Life of Faith
2022-09-24 15:00 - 17:00 | Maryland
Cohort gatherings for the congregations who are participating currently in the Life of Faith process. For information contact Pastor Bryan Penman, bpenman@sepa.org

Installation: Pastor Meagan Esterby
2022-09-25 19:00 - 21:00 | University Lutheran Church, 3637 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, United States
The Rev. Meagan Esterby will be installed as pastor of University Lutheran Church (3637 Chestnut St Philadelphia, PA 19104) on Sunday, September 25 at 7 p.m. All are welcome.

Kindling Faith: Soul Care
2022-09-29 09:00 - 12:00 | Online
Christ calls us into a resurrected life filled with grace, hope and love. We are grounded in a loving relationship with God and one another. Many of us feel spiritually tired and drained, longing for connection with God and one another. As baptized children of God, we are called to care for one another. Kindling Faith is working with the Lower Susquehanna Synod to create this sacred time and space together.
United Lutheran Seminary and the Lower Susquehanna Synod are partnering with The Rev. Dr. Gary Neal Hansen, author of Kneeling with Giants, for an intentional season of soul care. Beginning late September, we will gather in-person and online for days of spiritual retreat and refreshment. This invitation is for anyone desiring to grow deeper in their relationship with God.
This multi-day event is for the weary and worn. Come and rest with colleagues and friends and find hope and renewal for the journey. Schedule:

September 29, 2022, 9 am- Noon; via zoom (free intro. session)
November 3, 2022, 8:45 am – 3:30 pm; St. Stephen Lutheran Church, New Kingston, PA
December 8, 2022, 9:30 am – 3 pm; ULS Gettysburg Campus
January 19, 2023; 9 am – 11 am; via zoom
March 9, 2023; 9:30 am – 3 pm; ULS Gettysburg Campus
June 8, 2023; 9:30 am – 3 pm; ULS Gettysburg Campus
September 14, 2023, group reunion (tentative)

Cost is $450.00 per person (LSS rostered leaders get $100 discount). Registration closes one week prior to the workshop. Overnight accommodations available.
For more information, email Marty Shifflett at mshifflett@lss-elca.org or call 717-652-1852 ext. 115

Medical Perspectives on Public Health Concerns
2022-09-29 11:00 - 12:00 | Online
Dr. Tim Babinchak will join us this Thursday, September 29, at 11 a.m. to offer perspectives on the health concerns affecting our communities. How should we view the affect of COVID, monkeypox, the upcoming flu season, and other public health concerns when planning for our congregations.

If you have a specific question, please email it to comms@sepa.org in advance.

Join us Thursday at 11 a.m. at https://bit.ly/sepacomms.

Women's Retreat hosted by Bear Creek Camp
2022-09-30 - 2022-10-02 | Bear Creek Camp, 3601 Bear Creek Blvd, Wilkes Barre, 18702
Surround yourself with the beauty of nature and fellowship for an uplifting time at Bear Creek Camp
This retreat is designed to provide women with an opportunity to enjoy time both individually and collectively, participate in creative activities, explore outdoors, have time for rest and renewal, and be in the beauty of God’s creation in a peaceful setting.
Click Here to Register! – Registration Will Open July 11, 2022!
For more information about the event: Bear Creek Camp » Women’s Retreat

Bear Creek Camp » Women’s Retreat
CONTACT INFORMATION; Mailing Address: PO Box 278, Bear Creek, PA 18602 Physical Address: 3601 Bear Creek Blvd, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702 Phone: 570-472-3741
bearcreekcamp.org

Deadline for Forward Together in Faith Grant Applications
2022-09-30 | Maryland
Deadline is September 30.
Our Synod is offering grants to congregations and leaders in 2022-23 for new initiatives and ministries that support the emphases of the Forward Together in Faith Campaign. In all, more than $217,000 in grants have been awarded to congregations over the last three years.
Get all the details and download the application at https://ministrylink.org/congregational-vitality/forward-together-in-faith-grants/.

Film Screening - Addiction and Recovery
2022-10-01 19:00 - 22:00 | Trinity Lutheran Church, Lansdale, 1000 W. Main St., Lansdale, PA, 19446, United States
Trinity Lutheran Church, Lansdale, is sponsoring a screening of “Right Before Your Eyes,” a faith-based film about addiction and recovery, on Saturday, October 1, at 7:15 p.m. in the sanctuary. A Q&A with the film’s director will follow the screening. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. A free-will offering will be accepted.
Download: Movie Screening Ad – 10-1-22

Harvest Festival & Fundraiser to Benefit Sanctuary Village
2022-10-02 12:00 - 15:00 | Resurrection Lutheran Church, 620 Welsh Road, Horsham, PA, 19044, United States
You’re invited to a Harvest Festival and Fundraiser to benefit Sanctuary Village, Philadelphia’s future tiny house community, on Saturday, October 2, 2022 from noon to 3 pm at Resurrection Lutheran Church, 620 Welsh Road, Horsham, PA 19044.
Tickets are $25 and 100% of proceeds go to Sanctuary Village.
Enjoy:

Live Acoustic Music
Food Truck
Beer Tasting & Wine Tasting
Specialty Auction Baskets – Silent Auction – 100% to Sanctuary Village

Download: Fall Festival 2022-Flyer

Vitality Team Training: Cultivating Generations of Generosity
2022-10-03 09:30 - 11:00 | Maryland
Cultivating Generations of Generosity – in partnership with GSB Consulting and ELCA Churchwide offices
Trainings that are being offered via churchwide to help congregations develop a year round stewardship appeal process that cultivates a deep and abiding sense of Generosity in the membership of the congregation.

Monday October 3rd
VIRTUAL SESSION #4
Achieving a Strong Response (Part 2)

Fall Vitality Trainings
2022-10-06 | Maryland
Is your congregation ready to take the next step (even a small step!!) to revitalize or renew? Our Synod is participating in a series of Vitality Trainings here this fall with folks from across the ELCA. This training is great for pastor and a team of folks to take together to bring clarity about your own congregation’s mission, how to live in the community and build vital and key relationships. Facilitated by my fellow DEM Nancy Nyland, this is the third time they have offered this WONDERFUL opportunity for FREE!!!!
The four session are being offered October 6th and 20th and November 3rd and 17th, but even if you can’t make those dates work, sign up to at least get the emailed recordings! Each session is offered twice daily (so you choose the one that works best) 1:30pm – 3pm (eastern) & 7:30pm – 9pm (eastern).
To register – visit this link: https://ministrylink.org/vitality-fall-22 (Our SEPA Synod is 7F when you get to the list of synods)
As always, I look forward to the ways the Spirit will bless our time together this fall and equip the saints for the work of ministry! If you have questions about this training or any of our other equipping events, please let me know: bpenman@sepa.org / 267.323.3756

Installation. The Rev. Christian McMullan
2022-10-06 19:00 - 20:30 | St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, Chester Springs, 2440 Conestoga Road, Chester Springs, PA, 19425, United States
The Rev. Christian McMullan will be installed as Senior Pastor of St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Chester Springs, PA on Thursday, October 6, 2022 at 7:00pm. Bishop Davenport will be doing the installing. The church is located at 2440 Conestoga Road, Chester Springs, PA 19425.

In God's Image: Shaping Your Ministry
2022-10-08 09:00 - 14:00 | St. Luke Lutheran Church, Devon, 203 N. Valley Forge Road, Devon, 19333
Registration is open!

Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod’s Annual Event, In God’s Image: Shaping Your Ministry to be Inclusive and Safe for LGBTQIA+ Folk, will be held on Saturday, October 8, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm, at St. Luke Lutheran Church, Devon.
Jamie Bruesehoff [https://www.jamiebruesehoff.com/] will be the keynote speaker. Workshops will be held on worship, mental health, churchwide assembly actions, healthcare, the RIC process, and more!
Registration is open! https://community.ministrylink.org/2022ingodsimage
Follow us on Facebook for updates and resources year round! https://www.facebook.com/ingodsimagesepa
Contact ingodsimagesepa@gmail.com with any questions.

Free Webinars: Enfleshing Witness
2022-10-10 - 2022-10-11 | Online
Free registration via Church Anew.
Over the course of two days we will witness creatives, storytellers, musicians, preachers, poets, teachers enflesh the meaning of grief and hopeful longing as a practice of homegoing. We long to experience, to remember, to revive, to breathe the traditions of those places that ground us, sing to us, and hold us. Join us for Enfleshing Witness 2022, a free, virtual event.
Learn More and Register

Kindling Faith: Redevelopment Workshop
2022-10-11 09:00 - 15:00 | Online
What is the difference between a thriving and vital congregation and one that struggles to connect with and meet the needs of its community? Successful mission starts, vibrant redeveloped congregations and community-centered churches with active growth and clarity of mission share their pathways to Gospel-inspired active ministry in this one-day retreat for rostered leaders and members of congregational leadership teams.
This workshop on October 11, 2022 is from 9 am to 3 pm at the Gettysburg Campus of United Lutheran Seminary or online. Facilitators are The Rev. Carla Christopher, an ordained redevelopment and community engagement pastor in the ELCA, and Rev. Matthew Best, pastor of St. Stephen Lutheran Church in New Kingstown, PA. It is ideal for leaders in congregations of all sizes and varying locations—from rural to urban. The experience of this multicultural and cross-country group of success stories reveals that vital congregations are not a thing of the past, but a practical and accessible plan for the future. Download brochure.
$25 in person (includes lunch), $10 online.
To register, please click here or use QR code provided.
Through first person stories, interactive discernment exercises and practical tips, participants will complete their day equipped to move forward with a fresh understanding of the common traits all the involved vital congregations share; entrepreneurial ministry and equity-based stewardship, authentic community partnership, uplifting leaders from within congregational community, adapting mission style for context, and minimizing resource drain through using technology and best practice procedure in a useful way.

Sharing Your Faith Authentically On Facebook
2022-10-11 19:00 - 20:30 | Maryland
Liking, commenting, and sharing on Facebook is a means of evangelism and outreach. In this training session learn why you may want to share your faith online and how to do it authentically! This training is for lay people of all ages (and rostered ministers) to empower you to share your faith with your Facebook feed.
Hark! The Herald Facebookers Sing! Is offered by the Southeastern Synod, ELCA, on Tuesday, Oct. 11, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Register here for this free training.

Ministry in the New Abnormal
2022-10-13 11:00 - 12:30 | Online
Join your peers and Pastors Bob Fisher, Jonathan Suloff and/or Sue Lang for an informal time of learning, sharing, and mutual support.
For rostered ministers, church communicators, parish admins, tech teams, worship leaders, musicians, re-opening committees, councils…anyone navigating new ways of being, leading, scheduling, and planning church in the time of the pandemic.
Join us on Zoom at https://bit.ly/sepacomms.
