Comfort My People - Trauma and Resilience in Ministry
2021-05-20 14:00 - 15:30, 2021-05-27 14:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | Online
For SEPA Synod rostered ministers.

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod invites rostered ministers to a series of three timely webinars on Trauma and Resilience in Ministry. This FREE workshop is facilitated by LeaderWise.

The series starts next week on Thursday, May 13. Please register ASAP so we can ensure a critical mass, but your attendance is important to us even if you decide 15 minutes in advance! When registering, please indicate which sessions you plan to attend.

Today’s world has certainly caused varying levels of trauma for almost all of us. And even if you feel like you’ve fared pretty well, undoubtedly you know someone who is having a tougher time, either in your family, your social circle, or in your congregation. This workshop provides a place to explore trauma and its effects – in learning and conversation together with colleagues, facilitated by LeaderWise staff. The workshop will be presented over 3 parts, 3 weeks in a row (each week from 2:00 – 3:30 Eastern):

5/13: Education on trauma, what it is and its effects and pervasiveness.
5/20: Reflecting on personal trauma due to the pandemic, systemic racism events of the past year, political strife and division, and other significant events in your lives.
5/27: Trauma in your churches – exploring how to help your people/congregations heal.

Additionally, first call pastors will have the opportunity to engage in additional conversation to process their learning and reflection. Each week, first call pastors will meet with one of the facilitators from 3:30 – 5:00 Eastern (a break between the two sessions will be incorporated).

REGISTER NOW

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwsceippzkrG9CToYiKqN2LVkbZnX9gDwzo

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

“Girl and Grief” by x1klima is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0

Lutheran Night at The Phillies
2021-05-24 08:00 - 17:00
Attention Lutheran Night Supporters!
Join us in cheering on the Phillies at Citizens Bank!
Wednesday, June 9 vs. The Atlanta Braves at
7:05 p.m.
Tickets (subject to availability) are available in select locations. $2 from each ticket sold
will benefit SEPA Synod Youth Programs.
To order your tickets today:
CLICK HERE
Select your ticket quantity (two, three or four seat pods) and seating location and proceed to checkout.
**Important Information**
To maintain social distancing, tickets are available in seating pods of four people. All tickets will be delivered to
your mobile device through the MLB Ballpark App. When attending a game at Citizens Bank Park, masks must be
worn at all times, unless when eating and drinking at your designated seating pod location. For additional Citizens Bank Park
health & safety guidelines, please visit www.phillies.com/fanhealth.
If you have any questions, or to order 25+ tickets, please contact Jen Leone in the
Phillies Group Sales Office at 215.463.5000 ext. 5112 or jleone@phillies.com.
For group orders, purchaser must provide exact breakdown of seating pods needed. Payment in full is
due at the time of purchase. No returns, refunds or exchanges.
By purchasing tickets, buyer is agreeing to the following Group Ticket Sales & Theme Night Policies & Procedures.
*Tickets are subject to availability and dynamic pricing.
Lutheran Night

How We Do Digital Ministry
2021-05-27 11:00 - 12:30 | Online
A presentation and Q&A session on taking digital ministry to the next level by Christopher Harris of Faith Growth Inc. Thursday, May 27 at 11 am on Zoom. You’ll learn:

What visitor-friendly church websites look like
What are the most important web pages you need to engage new visitors (i.e. what we’ve learned from building 100+ church websites)
What roles social media, podcasts and other digital communications can play in your ministry

Please note: A recording will be available after the webinar. Your name and email will be shared with Faith Growth so they can solicit feedback on the presentation.

Register now at
https://ministrylink.org/dig-min

Download poster to share

First Friday Prayer Vigil
2021-06-04 13:00
All clergy in Philadelphia and surrounding areas are invited to join in a First Friday Prayer Vigil focused on violence reduction and elimination. The vigil is coordinated by Black Clergy of Philadelphia and Vicinity. Faith leaders, congregants, and community residents are invited to join in praying in front of or near their houses of worship to prevent violence and for comfort and healing for all affected by violence in our region.
Learn more at: https://www.facebook.com/blackclergyphilly

Training to Work With People in Crisis
2021-06-12 16:00 - 2021-06-13 18:00
On June 12th and 13th, Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church and The Welcome Church (ELCA) are hosting training for outreach volunteers and others interested in working with people in crisis.
Whether you’re a volunteer with the Saturday Soup Bowl, the Food Cupboard, a Welcome Church Leader, or anyone else who is looking for insight or understanding around ministering with people in crisis, please join us on either Saturday, June 12 from 4-6 pm, or Sunday, June 13th from 2-4 pm. The two topics we are focusing on are de-escalation and recognizing and responding to harassment.

Register for Saturday program
Register for Sunday program

Book Signing: Parsonage: A Memoir of Shelter and Sharing by Shannon Almquist
2021-06-17 12:00 - 17:00 | Chadwick’s Restaurant and Bar, 2750 Egypt Road, Audubon, PA, 19403, United States
Who lives in the Parsonage? An immigrant family? A runaway teen? An abused mom? A homesick Ethiopian? A kindergarten foster child? They all do! This is the story of sheltering and sharing life in a church parsonage. Sometimes poignant, sometimes hilarious, always meaningful, the author describes life with her pastor husband and two children, as they integrate their personal life and faith with the sufferings of others.
Who: Open to Church Professionals
What: A luncheon, book signing and discussion with the author of “Parsonage.” Participants are responsible for purchasing their own lunch.
When: Thursday, June 17, 2021 at Noon
Where: Chadwick’s Restaurant and Bar
2750 Egypt Road Audubon, PA 19403
We will be outside, weather permitting.
Why: Because it will be lovely to be together and discuss this delightful book (You are invited to join us, even if you have not read the book.)
RSVP by June 15th to gskopstaff@verizon.net (with the subject line “Book Signing)

Bishop Zoom Call with Rostered Ministers
2021-07-14 13:00 - 14:30 | Online
Rostered Ministers will receive information via email.

Ordination: Ms. Kathleen A. Kerin
2021-07-17 10:00 | St. Paul Lutheran Church, Olney, 5900 N. Fifth Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19120, United States
Ordination and Installation of Kathleen A. Kerin
to the Office of Word and Sacrament in the ELCA
To be held on Saturday, July 17 at 10 am at
St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church
5900 N 5th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19120
Light refreshments will follow worship
Street Parking

The service will be recorded and posted afterwards due to technical concerns. There is still hope! The St. Paul’s community is praying for difficulties to be repaired in enough time for Livestream to our Facebook page @ https://www.facebook.com/StPaulsinOlney

Synod Staff Meeting
2021-07-26 10:00 - 12:00

Helping Victims/Survivors of Sexual Abuse
2021-07-29 11:00 | Online
For Rostered Ministers: Barbara Keller, the ELCA’s consultant for prevention of sexual misconduct, will host an hour-long Zoom workshop engaging best practices for helping victims/survivors of sexual abuse in our congregations.

The sessions will be Thursday, July 29 and Tuesday, August 3, at 11 am Eastern (10 am Central). She writes: “I will answer questions about other abusive issues as well ways to help pastors when victims want to talk about past sexual abuse. If you would like to participate, contact Jenna Leazott by email. We will provide information about recording the session. If you plan to be on the zoom, please prepare some questions.

Synod Executive Committee
2021-08-05 12:00

Palestinian-Israeli Conflict Open Conversation
2021-08-07 09:00 - 12:00
Many people are concerned about the violence throughout the Holy Land this summer during the ongoing Palestinian-Israeli conflict. We are providing an opportunity for you to zoom with Lutheran Palestinian Pastors who are current DMin students at ULS and a Palestinian Christian who recently became a naturalized US citizen:
‍
Pastoring in Times of Crisis: Three Palestinian Pastors share their stories – Saturday, August 7th at 9:00am
Participants will have a chance to ask questions and learn about the day to day life of those who’ve been affected by this ongoing conflict in the Middle East. You can register for one or both of these sessions by emailing the Rev. Dr. Martin Otto-Zimmann at mzimmann@uls.edu. You will then be sent a zoom invitation.

Palestinian-Israeli Conflict Open Conversation
2021-08-09 19:00 - 21:00
Many people are concerned about the violence throughout the Holy Land this summer during the ongoing Palestinian-Israeli conflict. We are providing an opportunity for you to zoom with Lutheran Palestinian Pastors who are current DMin students at ULS and a Palestinian Christian who recently became a naturalized US citizen:
From Jerusalem to DC: A Palestinian Experience – Monday, August 9th at 7:00pm

Participants will have a chance to ask questions and learn about the day to day life of those who’ve been affected by this ongoing conflict in the Middle East. You can register for one or both of these sessions by emailing the Rev. Dr. Martin Otto-Zimmann at mzimmann@uls.edu. You will then be sent a zoom invitation.

Registration Deadline: Parish Secretaries' Seminar
2021-08-13
The Planning Committee of the Parish Secretaries Seminar is excited to be hosting our annual gathering again of our parish secretaries and administrators after a year off due to the pandemic. It will be held October 5 and 6, 2021 at the Heritage Hotel, located in Lancaster, PA.

This year’s theme is “Re-engaging.” There will be two sessions on Tuesday: Pastor Tricia Neale will present “Re-engaging My Church” where we will discuss how to safely ease back into our lives as we settle into what this brave, new world looks like. Pastor Rebecca Knox will present: “Re-engaging My World”, a session on coping with our fears over re-engaging and grief over everything we’ve lost, from plans, events and social groups to loved ones. Wednesday will feature devotions with Holy Communion. Following that, Kathi Basehore will present: “Re-engaging My Life”, where we will discuss self-care techniques in this new normal.

Final registration deadline is August 13.

Download this registration packet to learn more.

Photo by Ehimetalor Akhere Unuabona on Unsplash

God's Work. Our Hands. Sunday
2021-09-12
Mark your calendar for Sunday, Sept. 12, when congregations of the ELCA will come together for “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday. Our church continues to live through the COVID-19 pandemic. Physical distancing has changed the way we worship and serve. But the need is great, and God’s church is at work.
We’re not sure what the impact of this crisis will look like in September, but we continue to be church together. We are witnessing the outpouring of love and concern that God’s people have for one another. Our congregations continue to maintain feeding ministries, serve communities disproportionately affected by COVID-19 infection and assist people who are financially burdened by the economic downturn.
“Service in the Time of COVID-19” was developed to offer service project ideas and considerations for safely supporting your community in this time of pandemic.
As we gather together in service to our neighbors, we are reminded of one of our most basic convictions as Lutherans: All of life in Jesus Christ — every act of service, in every daily calling, in every corner of life — flows freely from a living, daring confidence in God’s grace. Be sure to save the date and visit ELCA.org/DayofService for updates to our resources.
You work every day to make your community a better place. We look forward to working together with you on “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday.

Welcome Art Show
2021-09-19 12:00 | Ardmore Presbyterian Church, 5 West Montgomery Avenue, Ardmore, PA, 19003, United States
Download: WELCOME ART WELCOMES YOU

Welcome Art Welcomes You! Art Show
Explore the Welcome Church of Philadelphia’s Unique History while supporting local artisans.
Original Paintings | Hand-knit “Potato Chip” Scarves | Paper Bead Jewelry | Textile Art
Ardmore Presbyterian Church
5 West Montgomery Avenue, Ardmore, PA
Opening Noon September 19
** Masks required for entrance **

Installation. The Rev. Nancy M. Raabe
2021-09-19 16:30 - 18:30 | Grace Lutheran Church, Hatfield, 40 South Main Street, Hatfield, PA, 19440, United States
Rev. Nancy Raabe will be installed on Sunday, September 19 at 4:30 p.m. as Pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Hatfield, 40 N. Main St., with Rev. Bryan Penman representing the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod. The service, “Vespers in a New Key,” will feature a selection of beautiful evening hymns from Evangelical Lutheran Worship in contemporary arrangements complemented by brief readings, along with a prelude for organ and piano newly composed by Kevin Freaney. Light refreshments will be served on the veranda, weather permitting. The public is warmly invited and face masks are recommended.

LDR 'Muck and Gut' Training
2021-09-22 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
Interested in helping your neighbors following Hurricane Ida? Please join to learn the basics of helping survivors clean up after Ida and other natural disasters during a webinar on Wednesday, Sept. 22, from 10 am to noon. This workshop is offered by Lutheran Disaster Response in partnership with Lutheran Congregational Services.

Register online
Download a flyer

Synod Council Meeting
2021-09-23 16:00 - 18:00

Women's Retreat at Bear Creek Camp
2021-09-24 - 2021-09-26
Join us Friday, September 24th – Sunday, September 26th, 2021

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.

Get full information and register

Oktoberfest Benefits Disaster Response
2021-09-25 12:00 - 18:00 | St. Paul Lutheran Church, Glenside, 120 N. Easton Road, Glenside, 19038
Join St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Glenside, for the annual Oktoberfest to benefit Lutheran Disaster Response on Saturday, September 25, from noon to 6 pm at the church, 120 N. Easton Road, Glenside, PA 19038.

German food from Rieker’s Prime Meats
Free children’s activities
Good German music
Traditional German dancing
Silent auction

Tickets $28 for adults, $10 for children 4 and older.
For information visit stpaulsglenside.org or call 215.884.3005.

Download poster: Oktoberfest-2021-FLYER

Community Mental Health Series
2021-09-30 19:00 - 20:30 | Christ Lutheran Church, Kulpsville, 2211 Mainland Road, Harleysville, 19438
Christ Lutheran Church in Kulpsville is sponsoring a series of programs to assist people to care for their own mental health and help others. Topics include:

September 30, 7 pm: Substance Abuse and Recovery
October 2, 8:30 am-2:30 pm: Youth Mental Health First Aid Training☼ (Flyer)
October 14, 7 pm: Mental Wellness
October 21, 7 pm: COVID-19 Parenting Guide

The evening programs are offered in hybrid format: either in-person or online. Register here by navigating to the event or call 215.256.8738. The Mental Health First Aid certification program requires separate registration and requires self-paced pre-work.

☼This program may be of special interest to youth workers and rostered ministers.

Installation: The Rev. Marie Sager
2021-10-03 14:00 - 15:30 | St. Timothy Lutheran Church, Aston, 535 Lamp Post Lane, Aston, 19014, United States
The Rev. Marie Sager (she/her) will be installed as pastor of St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church in Aston on Sunday, October 3, at 2:00 pm. The service will be outside in the parking lot (535 Lamp Post Lane) Rostered ministers are invited to wear a green or rainbow-colored stole. Masks are required. A small reception will be held following the service All are welcome!

"Managing Self in Challenging Times"
2021-10-04 10:00 - 13:00 | Online
Princeton Family Center for Education Clergy Training Program for 2021-2022
In the midst of a global pandemic, societal tensions, climate issues, and the largest human migration in history, faith leaders need a framework for thoughtfully managing self in polarizing times. Awareness of one’s own emotional reactivity, patterns of emotional process in family and workplace, and clear thinking about one’s own guiding principles can lead to better functioning and organizational health.

[ Download: PFCE Clergy training document 2021 2022 ]

The clergy training program helps faith leaders learn the basic concepts of Bowen family systems theory, gain greater self-awareness, improve relationship skills, and become more proficient in applying systems thinking to real life situations at home and in the ministry setting. As a result, many clergy report that they are able to stay in ministry, better manage themselves when the congregation is stirred up, and enjoy enhanced family relationships, which in turn, has a profound effect on their ministry.
Each session includes didactic teaching on the basic concepts of theory, applications to family and ministry dilemmas, and reflection on participants’ own real life stories from family and work settings. Suggested readings and opportunities for viewing online video recordings will be available for participants wishing to learn more in between sessions. Three individual supervision sessions will be available to each participant.
Here are the details:
WHO: Individuals interested in learning or further learning about Bowen family systems theory.
WHAT: An opportunity to think, review and apply Bowen family systems theory to personal and family life, ministry settings, and the larger society. Faculty presentations, guest presenters, suggested readings, questions for self-observation, and group discussions will focus on using theory as a guide in these challenging times.
WHEN: 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Virtual Zoom Sessions will be held on the first Monday of the month as follows:
Oct 4, 2021; Nov 1, 2021; Dec 6, 2021; Jan 3, 2022; Feb 7, 2022; Mar 7, 2022; Apr 4, 2022; and May 2, 2022.
WHERE: Zoom Online
COST: $600 for the year (8 three-hour sessions and three optional individual supervision sessions).
HOW TO REGISTER: contact Rev. Julie Bergdahl (revjbb at verizon dot net, or 215-536-8353) or Lee Gardner (leegardner at verizon dot net or 609-203-0162) to indicate your interest. Payment shall be made and sent to: Princeton Family Center for Education, PO Box 331, Pennington, NJ 08534 or via Venmo (@Princeton-FamilyCenter) or PayPal (https://paypal.me/pfce).

Digital Ministry in Abnormal Times
2021-10-07 11:00 - 12:00 | Online
Ministry in the New Abnormal presents:
The last 18 months have brought huge shifts in the ways that we connect with one another, both inside and out.
While these changes were accelerated by COVID-19, they have been coming for a long time – and many people have been dreaming of ways that the tools of social media can help us to maintain relationships and build community.
Pastor David Hansen has been dreaming and teaching in the world of social media, technology, and the church for the last decade. He has helped numerous congregations and organizations to jump the chasm of the digital divide and connect with their members in deep and meaningful ways.
Join us for a Zoom conversation with David on Thursday, October 7 at 11 am as we dive into social media as a tool for community-building. We will talk about concrete steps to extend the network of your congregation, as well as how to use these tools in concert with rhythm of the liturgical seasons as Advent and Christmas quickly approach.
Register now!

In God's Image
2021-10-09 09:00 - 14:00 | St. John Lutheran Church, Mayfair, 3101 Tyson Avenue, Philadelphia, 19149
Join us for In God’s Image 2021! Interested in learning how to expand your ministries to be more intentionally welcoming for LGBTQIA+ persons? Is your congregation already Reconciling in Christ but you want to know what more you can do? Do you feel like you just don’t know how to be the best ally you can be? Well, then do we have a day for you!

Registration is now open for Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod’s Annual Event, In God’s Image: Shaping Your Ministry to be Inclusive and Safe for LGBTQIA+ Folk, on Saturday, October 9, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Philadelphia (Mayfair). Deacon Ross Murray will be the keynote speaker and will present on his new book Made, Known, Loved: Developing LGBTQ Inclusive Youth Ministry. The cost is $10 per person.
Update: The morning worship and keynote address will be live streamed through a private link. Registration is still required for anyone who wishes to receive the link and the link will be sent to registered participants the day before the event.
Contact ingodsimagesepa@gmail.com with any questions.
Register at: https://community.ministrylink.org/ingodsimage
Join us on Facebook for more event information and updates throughout the year: https://facebook.com/ingodsimagesepa

The Future of Work: Job Fair
2021-10-12 15:00 - 19:00 | West Chester University, 110 West Rosedale Ave., West Chester, PA, 19383, United States
Event: Future of Work: Job Fair hosted by Rep. Houlahan
Location: West Chester University Sturzebecker Center
Address: 700 South High Street, West Chester, PA 19383
Date/Time: Tuesday, October 12 from 3:00-7:00PM
Fee: Free to both employers and job seekers
Job Seekers: Click here to let us know you’re coming!
Employer Registration: Click here or call 610-883-5050
The event is free and open to the public. Jobs available are in both Chester and Berks counties, include both full- and part-time, and cover a broad range of skills including accounting, information technology, carpentry, manufacturing, social work, nursing, and much more. There will be space for on-site interviews and job seekers will have the opportunity to attend employment-related panels with local leaders.
Again, if you are interested in attending as a job seeker, click here to let us know you’re coming and what types of jobs you’re looking for!
If you are an employer and want to register for a table, click here. The deadline to sign up is October 5.

Adaptive Worship
2021-10-14 11:00 - 17:00
Ministry in the New Abnormal presents:
Join Deacon John Weit, ELCA Executive for Worship, to share ideas and discuss the continuing evolution of worship life in this lingering pandemic. As we head toward the Advent and Christmas seasons, we will consider together what adaptations may be helpful and necessary as we gather to worship in various modes while considering the safety of all.
Register now!

Installation. The Rev. Raymond A. Miller, STM
2021-10-17 15:00 - 17:00 | St. Peter Lutheran Church, Hilltown, 1530 Augsburg Drive, Hilltown, 18927
St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1530 Augsburg Drive, Hilltown, PA 18927 cordially invites you to the
Installation Service of The Reverend Raymond A. Miller, STM
Sunday, October 17, 2021 at 3:00pm.
Preservice music begins at 2:40pm. Light refreshments will follow the Service. Clergy are invited to vest and process. The color of the day is green. Masks are recommended.
