MinistryLink

2021 Rostered Ministers' Equipping Event
2021-11-16 09:00 - 12:30 (America/New_York)
“Struck down, but not destroyed…”
The Road to Reconnection
SEPA Synod Rostered Ministers’ Equipping Event
November 16, 17 and 18, 2021
A Hybrid Event
REGISTER NOW!

Each year Bishop Davenport calls together rostered ministers for a gathering to be equipped, refreshed and reconnected with one another. We have heard your desire to connect in person, but at this point we believe that gathering in one place is too risky, given the uncertain trajectory of COVID and its variants. This year our plan is to gather in three satellite locations with an online-only option, so that all may participate in the most comfortable way for them.
This challenging time in our ministries brings to mind Paul’s message to the church at Corinth:
We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our bodies. – 2 Corinthians 4:8-10

We’re excited to announce that this year’s event is FREE to express appreciation for our Synod’s rostered ministers and your faithful work during the pandemic!

REGISTER NOW!
In-person locations are United Lutheran Seminary, Upper Dublin Lutheran Church, Little Zion Lutheran Church, and St. James Lutheran Church, Limerick. Attendance at each site is limited and will close once filled. Online participation is available. Proof of vaccination is required to enter the event. We’ve invited two speakers whose stories exemplify the hope that Paul portrays.
Bishop Dwayne D. Royster is a pastor, political activist, radio host and speaker who is a leading voice in modern faith-based activism. He heads POWER, an advocacy organization seeking to transform Pennsylvania, and is senior pastor of Faith United Church of Christ in Washington, DC.

Pastor Erich Kussman applies the hard-won life lessons earned through crime and punishment, mentorship and seminary, to his call as pastor of St. Bartholomew’s Lutheran Church in Trenton, NJ – in a neighborhood plagued by drugs, poverty, crime and violence. “People needed hope,” he says. By letting people know that they are loved no matter their station in life, “to me that’s preaching the gospel. That’s living the calling.” Pastor Kussman’s story was featured on A&E’s online series “The Redeemed.”

REGISTER NOW!

Winter COVID Update with Dr. Babinchak
2021-11-18 11:00 - 12:30
How will the availability of vaccines for 5 to 11-year-olds impact church activities for Advent and Christmas? What about travel and gatherings for the holidays, and the onset of colder weather? Join Dr. Tim Babinchak, an infectious disease specialist, for our regular COVID update for congregations and leaders.
REGISTER NOW

Installation: Pastor Lauren Bruno
2021-12-05 14:00 - 16:00 | St. John’s Lutheran Church, Ridge Valley, 910 Allentown Road, Sellersville, PA, 18960, United States
St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Ridge Valley, cordially invites you to the Installation Service of The Reverend Lauren Bruno on Sunday, December 5th with ONE service at 3 p.m. with Pastor Erika Wesch presiding and Pastor Joseph Klinger preaching.
There will be a social hour from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Clergy are invited to vest and process. The color of the day is Blue
St. John’s is located at 910 Allentown Road, Sellersville, PA 18960

Synod Staff Meeting
2022-01-12 11:30 - 13:00

Faith-based Security and Resilience Learning Series
2022-01-27 13:00 - 16:00 | Online
The Pennsylvania Governor’s Office of Homeland Security (GOHS), in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and other partners, is offering a quarterly virtual learning series to Faith-based Organizations. This series will provide valuable information to religious leaders, security personnel and members of the houses of worship to enhance security and resilience.

Please join us for the first quarterly event on Thursday, January 27, 2022, 1-4 pm, with keynote speaker Director Shawn Brokos, a retired FBI Supervisory Special Agent and current Director of Community Security at the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh. Director Brokos will be providing a case study on the Tree of Life Synagogue tragedy and lessons learned. Free, registration required.

DOWNLOAD A FLYER

REGISTER NOW

Anti Racism Education for Rostered Ministers
2022-01-29 10:00 - 11:30 | Online
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod’s Anti-Racism Team has developed a new format for the anti-racism education required for all rostered ministers.

The new format consists of:

One 90-minute Zoom meeting to introduce the curriculum. The first one for 2022 is planned for Saturday, January 29, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Nine online modules outlining the historical context of the systemic racism embedded in our current institutions. Participants will have at least nine weeks, at their convenience, to complete these modules.
One in-person day-long session at a date and place to be announced, most likely on a Saturday in May.

This educational program is free to all participants.

REGISTER NOW
Register today at: antiracism@sepa.org.

Please register by Tuesday, January 25.

Download printable information

Giving Strategies For The 21st Century
2022-02-01 12:00 - 13:30 | Online
Giving Strategies for the 21st Century: New Challenges and New Opportunities

Tuesday, February 1, Noon-1:30 p.m. Eastern

Learn new perspectives and practices for funding ministry in an increasing challenging environment. Join Dr. Lovett H. Weems Jr. and Dr. Ann A. Michel, authors of Generosity, Stewardship, and Abundance: A Transformational Guide to Church Finance, for this 90-minute interactive presentation exploring key changes in the landscape of congregational giving and new possibilities for enhancing generosity in the 21st century.

Learn more and register now.

Reference and Counsel Forum
2022-02-03 19:00 - 20:30 | Online
Join us February 3 at 7:00pm on Zoom to learn:

How you can create changes in the church through the Synod Assembly
What’s the difference between a resolution and a memorial?
Ways to write an effective resolution

REGISTER NOW
Download printable copy
The deadline to submit resolutions for consideration by the assembly is 3/30/22.

Synod Staff Retreat
2022-02-08

Reconciling Works Education
2022-02-12 09:30 - 12:30 | Online
REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

Saturday, February 12 at 9:30 am and 11:00 am.

Workshops with ReconcilingWorks for SEPA Congregations with ReconcilingWorks Ambassador Pastor Brenda Maynor.

9:30 am – Welcoming Churches: When All Means All
This workshop is for congregations interested in becoming Reconciling In Christ (RIC). This workshop will include background history of ReconcilingWorks, why this work matters, and a general overview of the RIC Journey.

11:00 am – You’ve Run the Race … Now What?
This workshop is for congregations who are already RIC. This workshop will include ideas of next steps for congregations to deepen and widen their worship and ministry experiences as well as reviewing the new commitments for racial equity and anti-racism within the church.

These workshops are presented free of charge, but registration will be required. Registration will open in January. Please contact ingodsimagesepa@gmail.com with any questions.

REGISTER NOW

Soul Talk: Ecumenical Equipping Event
2022-02-23 10:00 - 15:00 | Online
Our Annual Ecumenical Equipping Event is now virtual!
Annual Ecumenical Equipping Event: “Daunting to Daring: Unleashing Soul Power for Creative, Intentional, and Resilient Life and Ministry”
Join us for our annual Virtual Ecumenical Equipping Event on Wednesday, February 23, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. on ZOOM with Rev. Dr. Kirk Byron Jones.
This interactive and formative gathering is a partnership among the Presbytery of Philadelphia (PCUSA), Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod (ELCA), and United Lutheran Seminary. This event is FREE and open to all.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER AND GET YOUR ZOOM LINK!
This event is open to all ministry leaders! Bring your Team!

Author, pastor, teacher, and speaker, Rev. Dr. Kirk Byron Jones will lead this interactive workshop that will recognize the fragmentation of our lives while offering concrete remedies that, in the words of Howard Thurman, honor “the sound of the genuine inside you.”
Pastors and church leaders often feel overwhelmed because of the task at hand, but Dr. Jones proposes taking utmost care of our own souls is a benevolent act. Doing such prompts great creativity and imagination for what God has in store for our lives and the life of our community. This event is open to all.

Books by Rev. Dr. Jones:

Rest in the Storm, 20th Anniversary Edition
Rest in the Storm, The Creativity Journal
Soul Talk: How to Have the Most Important Conversation of All

Sponsored by:

+ Add to Google Calendar + Add to iCalendar

Active Threat Response Training
2022-02-28 10:00 - 13:00 | Towamencin, 1090 Troxel Road, Lansdale, PA, 19446, United States
An in-person two-hour Active Threat Response training is being offered by Police Chief Timothy Troxel of Towamencin Township on Monday, Feb. 28 at 10am, and is open to representatives from all churches. Chief Troxel is a certified trainer and has trained hundreds of officers in active threat response. The training is scheduled for the Towamencin Township Building at 1090 Troxel Road in Lansdale. Free, registration required.
REGISTER NOW

Prayer Vigil for Ukraine
2022-03-05 16:30 - 21:00 | Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 830 N. Franklin Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19123, United States
Dear Religious Leaders and Community Leaders,
Please join us this Saturday, March 5, 2022 at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Philadelphia for a Prayer Vigil for Ukraine. The vigil will start at 4:30pm and go to 9 pm and will be presided by Metropolitan Archbishop Borys Gudziak and Archbishop Nelson Perez.
Download a Flyer.

Preaching With Power
2022-03-13 19:00 - 2022-03-16 21:00 | Online
Preaching With Power, a forum on Black preaching and theology organized by the Urban Theological Institute of United Lutheran Seminary, will be presented virtually this year from March 13-16. Each event will be shown on the seminary’s the seminary’s YouTube channel channel.
Presenters include Scott O. Cumberbatch, Rev. Dr. Wayne E. Croft, Sr., Rev. Dr. Stephen G. Ray Jr., Bishop Yvette A. Flunder, Rev. Dr. Janet J. Sturdivant and Rev. Dr. Barry C. Black.
DOWNLOAD THE BROCHURE VIEW NOW

Our Resilient Communities In the Opioid Epidemic: Partnering for Equitable Solutions
2022-03-15 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
Please join Community Behavioral Health, Philadelphia’s Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services, and a guest panel for an urgent Community Conversation, bringing together a wealth of expertise from Philadelphia’s diverse network of support. We share common goals of helping our city and citizens to recover from the Opioid Epidemic and increase Equity in health care delivery, including use of Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT).

REGISTER

The agenda includes:

Welcome, Introduction and Background – Dr. Robin Hanson, Medical Director, CBH Quality Dept
Panel with Speakers – Moderated by Dr. Sosunmolu Shoyinka, Chief Medical Officer, DBHIDS

Roland Lamb, Former Deputy Commissioner, of Planning and Innovation, DBHIDS
John White, Jr., CEO, The Consortium
Dr. Kyle Kampman, Professor of Psychiatry, UPenn Perelman School of Medicine
Eddie Collazo, DBHIDS Director of Community Affairs
Rev. Naomi Washington-Leapheart, Director, Mayor’s Office of Faith-Based and Interfaith Affairs
Colleen Thomas-Philip, Outpatient Division Director, COMHAR
Rev. Jay Broadnax, Religious Leaders Council of Interfaith Philadelphia

Treatment Access and Assistance – CBH Member Services

Reconciling in Christ Resolution Forum
2022-03-28 19:00 - 20:30 | Online
Monday, March 28
7:00 pm on Zoom

The SEPA Synod Reconciling in Christ Task Force will hold an online forum in preparation of Synod Assembly. The Task Force will present a resolution coming to assembly as a motion from Synod Council. The resolution updates the Synod’s commitment to being a Reconciling in Christ Synod aligning with the new requirements from ReconcilingWorks. The forum will offer a time for questions about the process and resolution that will be voted on at assembly.

If you are not able to attend live, please register to receive the link to the video recording.

REGISTER

Chrism Service
2022-04-12 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
Ministers of Word and Sacrament and Ministers of Word and Service will gather for the annual Chrism Service on Tuesday of Holy Week, April 12, at 10 am online. This traditional service of Word and Sacrament includes the blessing of oil for anointing, healing prayer, and renewal of ministry vows. Bishop Patricia A. Davenport will preside.
Out of concern for gathering a large number of people from across the synod, this service will be live-streamed. The link will be posted soon.
The Chrism Service is a time for ministers of Word and Sacrament and ministers of Word and Service to reaffirm promises made at the beginning of their ministries. Blessingsare also offered for congregational deacons and assisting ministers to honor their local ministries. It is also a time to worship our Lord and be strengthened and renewed as we prepare to lead the faithful to the Cross and Resurrection

Synod Assembly Technology Test Session
2022-04-28 18:30 - 19:30 | Online
For voting members of the assembly to test their connection to our online platforms.

2022 Synod Assembly
2022-04-30 08:00 - 19:30 | Online
Saturday, April 30, 2022
Hope For Today, Strength For Tomorrow Through Community In Christ
The 2022 Synod Assembly will be held on Saturday, April 30 as an online business meeting. Conferences will participate in service projects on Saturday, April 23, and an in-person gathering will be scheduled later in the year, COVID permitting.

The theme for this year’s gatherings is Hope for Today, Strength for Tomorrow Through Community in Christ. Watch your email for registration information soon.

Installation: Pastor "Bo" Bannister
2022-05-19 08:00 - 17:00
Installation of Pastor Stratford Cuthbert “Bo” Bannister V as pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church, 505 North York Rd., Hatboro, PA 19040 will be held on Thursday, May 26th, 2022, at 7 p.m. Bishop Patricia A. Davenport will preside. The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Phelps will preach. Masks are required for the service.
The service can be viewed on Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87495989983.
Clergy are invited to process. Color of the day is white and gold. The Installation service will also have Ascension themes woven in.
A dessert reception will follow the service. For further info, please contact Office Manager Michele Muller at 215-675-2031 or email at office@sjlch.org.

Health and Wellness Fair at Grace, Broomall May 21
2022-05-21 10:00 - 14:00 | Grace Lutheran Church, Broomall, 2191 West Chester Pike, Broomall, PA, 19008, United States
Growing Whole: A Health and Wellness Fair for All, May 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 2191 West Chester Pike, Broomall. Meet providers to help with all aspects of your well-being, with free demos, a food truck, and activities for all ages. “While we are honoring Mental Health Awareness Month, there’s so much more going on! Cooking, fitness, retreats – it’s all part of growing whole. Come see what we’ve been up to.”

Download a poster

Listening Event For ELCA Social Statement on Civics and Faith
2022-05-24 20:00 - 21:15
A task force is at work on a new social statement about civics and faith, and it wants to hear from you. This social statement was requested by the 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly. Join members of the ELCA social statement task force for an ELCA-wide virtual listening event. There are two opportunities to participate:
Tuesday, May 24, 8-9:15 p.m. Eastern time
Wednesday, May 25, 8-9:15 p.m. Eastern time

To learn more about the social statement process, visit org/civicsandfaith
Register for this free event

Ordination: Megan Esterby
2022-06-11 11:00 - 13:30 | Lutheran Church of the Holy Communion, 2110 Chestnut Street, Philadelphoa, PA, 19103, United States
Meagan Esterby will be ordained to the ministry of Word and Sacrament on Saturday, June 11 at 11am at the Lutheran Church of the Holy Communion (2110 Chestnut St. Philadelphia, PA 19103). She has been called to serve University Lutheran Church of the Incarnation. A light reception will follow.

Lutheran Night at the Phillies
2022-06-11 16:00 | Citizen’s Bank Park, 1 Citizens Bank Way, Philadelphia, PA, 19148, United States

Installation. The Rev. Gary Costa
2022-06-12 16:00 - 17:30 | Peace Tohickon Lutheran Church, Perkasie, 100 Old Bethlehem Road, Perkasie, 18944
The Rev. Gary E. Costa will be installed as pastor of Peace-Tohickon Lutheran Church (100 Old Bethlehem Road, Perkasie PA 18944) on Sunday, June 12 at 4 p.m. The Rev. Matt Thiringer will preach and The Rev. Erika Wesch, Dean of Upper Bucks Conference, will preside. Rostered ministers are invited to process. The color of the day is white/gold. A dinner reception will take place after worship. Please contact Peace Tohickon’s church office for further information and to RSVP: adminassistant@peace-tohickon.org or 215.257.3294.

SEPA Pride Event
2022-06-16 18:00 - 20:00 | Online
As part of being an RIC (Reconciling in Christ) Synod, you are invited to the SEPA Synod 2022 Pride Event on June 16th at 6 p.m. eastern! This year’s event will include a panel made up of LGBTQIA+ rostered ministers addressing the questions similar to, “Why is welcoming LGBTQ+ people important?” After the panel, around 7 p.m., there will be a Service of the Word using pieces from past RIC Sunday worship resources.
Questions? Email Pastor Marie at pastormarie@sttimsaston.com

Download a flyer: SEPA Pride 2022

Bus Trip to Poor Peoples Campaign and Mass Rally
2022-06-18
From Pastor Violet Little of Welcome Church: We need 36 more folks to make the bus from United Lutheran Seminary (7301 Germantown Ave.) a go for the June 18 Poor Peoples Campaign and Mass Rally. A generous grant from ULS and SEPA Synod of the ELCA can help cover your travel cost. Please go to rally.co and under the event register for the United Lutheran Seminary Bus to join. Contact me for financial travel assistance while funds are still available. Philly buses also leave from West Philly, the Northeast, and Upper Darby as well.
What: Poor Peoples and Low Wage Workers Assembly and Moral March in Washington and to the Polls
When: Saturday, June 18, leave 5:43 am
Where: from United Lutheran Seminary, 7301 Germantown Ave (also stops in West Phila and Northeast)
Cost: $45 per person, with assistance available from a grant provided by SEPA and ULS
Register: rally.co (when you get to location page click United Lutheran Seminary, Philadelphia)
For more info: Violet C Little, 215.370.1204

Yoga Retreat Benefits Sanctuary Village
2022-06-18 08:30 - 15:00 | Grace Lutheran Church, Hatfield, 40 South Main Street, Hatfield, PA, 19440, United States
Sanctuary Village, a non-profit providing the means for people to transition out of chronic homelessness through a community of tiny houses, is offering a Yoga Retreat Fundraiser on Saturday, June 18 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Hatfield. Enjoy a peaceful day of yoga and the opportunity to experience the joy of movement through 4 different yoga practices. Suitable for all levels!

Register at https://www.tinyhousecommunity.org
Download a poster

Installation. The Rev. Kathleen D. R. Harkness
2022-06-23 17:30 - 20:00 | Trinity Lutheran Church, Pleasant Valley, 2170 Route 212, Coopersburg, PA, 18036, United States
The Rev. Kathleen D. R. Harkness will be installation as pastor of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Pleasant Valley, Route 212, Coopersburg, PA 18036 on Thursday, June 23, 2022 at 7 pm. Dinner will be served at 5:30-6:45 pm. Please RVSP if you plan to attend the dinner at office@trinitypv.org or 610-346-7282 (Please leave a message, if no one answers.) worship is at 7 pm. Dessert and fellowship after worship.
Bishop Davenport will preside; Rev. Jane Marston is the preacher; Rev. Erika Wesch, Dean of the Upper Bucks confront will serve as liturgist. Holy Communion will be celebrated. The color for the day is red.

Ordination. Kayla Sadowy
2022-06-25 11:00 - 13:00 | Lutheran Church of the Holy Communion, 2110 Chestnut Street, Philadelphoa, PA, 19103, United States
Kayla Sadowy will be ordained to the ministry of Word and Sacrament on Saturday, June 25 at 11 am at the Lutheran Church of the Holy Communion (2110 Chestnut St. Philadelphia, PA 19103). She has been called to serve Grace Lutheran Church, Broomall. A light reception will follow.
