The ELCA Youth Gathering is back — and we’re going to New Orleans from July 16-20! (MYLE and tAble pre-events will be July 13-16) Priority registrations began Friday, September 15, 2023 at 12pm CST. (1pm EST) We encourage you to read through the registration materials on the ELCA Youth Gathering’s website: https://www.elca.church/gathering/attend/congregations Here are the...

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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 7, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., at Upper Dublin Lutheran Church. Registration will open in September. Contact  with any questions.

Bishop Patricia Davenport will keynote the Ecumenical Women Pastors’ and Planters’ Summit sponsored by the Metropolitan Christian Council of Philadelphia on Saturday, Sept. 23, 10 a.m. to 1p.m. This summit encouraging pastoral vocation features the Rev. Lo Banfield, Rev. Dr. Leslie Callahan, Rev. Misty Fuller, and Archbishop Mary Floyd Palmer. At the City Line Hilton...

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Kindling Faith—because learning continues. Kindling Faith is for everyone (new events are in *bold)… For Rostered Leaders who want to improve their Pastoral Care Skills (offered on zoom every other month through July 2024!) For Everyone who enjoys the art of “The Naked Pastor” (registration closes Thursday, 9/14/23) For Church Musicians who want Inspiration (postponed...

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At the 2022 SEPA Synod Assembly, our synod passed a memorial to study and explore the state of Urban Ministry in our synod. The resolution contained three primary objectives: 1.) assessing the wage disparity for urban pastors, 2.) assess the state of our buildings and 3.) develop a program to develop pastoral leadership in urban...

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Things churches can do to help slow COVID transmission 1. Encourage vaccinations. CIDRAP’s Dr. Michael Osterholm urges everyone eligible to get the updated vaccine when it becomes available, likely in early-mid October. Don’t forget influenza and RSV vaccines: He recommends getting the RSV vaccine now and getting the flu shot once your area starts showing flu...

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COVID: “More Confusing Times” In his August 24 Update podcast, Dr. Michael Osterholm of the University of Minnesota said that even though there is concern that cases are rising and new variants are developing, the world is not likely to see the major viral surges that occurred with the original COVID, Delta, and Omicron. But...

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Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, Our synod will be electing a new bishop at the 2024 Synod Assembly. Bishop Patricia A. Davenport is concluding her six-year term and has informed the Synod Council that she will not stand for a second term. In 2017 the Synod Council adopted a Continuing Resolution outlining a process...

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When laity and pastors meet weekly on the SEPA “Now Normal” Zoom you never know what will be discussed. This week, participants explored ways to support and encourage laity in their daily vocations. [Join each Thursday at 11 am at https://bit.ly/sepacomms] Vocation was an important concept to Martin Luther as he believed that each person...

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After torrential rains caused severe flash flooding that claimed seven lives, including two children, in Washington Crossing on July 15, the community came together to grieve and honor those lost and to support their loved ones and the police and firefighters who responded that day and during many days of searching afterwards. Pastor Mukesh Cheedie...

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