May 15, 2019
We are church in an environment that is “volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous,” Synod Vitality Team co-chair the Rev. Bryan Penman told the 2019 Synod Assembly. But by working toward what research has shown are key marks of vital congregations, SEPA congregations can become more connected and relevant in their communities, he said. The Vitality...
May 10, 2019
Bishop Patricia Davenport, the Fifth Bishop of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod of the ELCA, opened the Synod’s 2019 Assembly (her first as Bishop) with a reading from Psalm 34: 1-3. “… O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt God’s name together.” From the excitement of her election at the 2018 Assembly, to...
May 23, 2019
The beloved community is like this: ‘God takes it very personally how we treat one another,” the Rev. Dr. Wyvetta Bullock said in her sermon at the Assembly’s Saturday Eucharist. “The compassion we express to others is our expression of our love for God.” As humans we struggle with love that seeks nothing in return....
May 22, 2019
“It is time for our inadequate dreams to die in order for Christ to rise in us, and our church.” This observation by one pastor to Bishop Patricia A. Davenport grounded the preaching, prayer and lament during the opening worship service of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod’s 2019 Assembly. Several preachers and prayer leaders explored the...
May 21, 2019
“Our purpose comes out of the baptismal waters, where our leadership is grounded.” The Rev. Dr. M. Wyvetta Bullock, Assistant to the Presiding Bishop/Executive for Administration and ELCA Churchwide Representative, led a lively forum – “Leadership Rooted in Baptism” – on the first day of the assembly. As she began the forum, she shared that...
May 20, 2019
The Assembly adopted a budget for fiscal 2020 that anticipates total revenues of $3.33 million and expenditures of $2.88 million. The budget takes effect Feb. 1, 2020. Finance Committee Chair Albert Glenn outlined one significant change to the 2020 budget. The synod regularly gives support to United Lutheran Seminary, including about $50,000 for tuition support...
April 10, 2019
The Rev. Karen M. Sease has been appointed Assistant to the Bishop for Vocations and Leadership/Mission Advancement by Bishop Patricia Davenport. Pastor Sease currently serves as Major Gift Officer and Director of Alumni Relations at United Lutheran Seminary. She brings over ten years of experience in fundraising, stewardship, and vocational discernment to her new role....
April 10, 2019
Dear Sisters and Brothers, This past weekend in Chicago, the ELCA Church Council considered how to move forward with a new statement describing the church’s vision for its rostered ministers. Titled “Trustworthy Servants of the People of God,” it is intended to replace the current document known as “Visions and Expectations.” Last month, the Conference...
April 8, 2019
Some years ago, David Ray traveled across the United States, west to east and north to south, and back north, visiting twenty-one smaller faith communities that were noted for the quality and faithfulness of their life together. He asked probing questions and listened carefully, looking for the common denominators, the faithful and exceptional qualities that...
March 27, 2019
Christ’s Lutheran Church in Oreland, PA and Reformation Lutheran Church in Media, PA were two of the eleven recipients of the 2019 KenCrest Community Champions. Gloria Dei Shining Star Committee, St. James Lutheran Church, Limerick and St. Peter’s Thrift Shop were Honorable Mention recipients. Every year KenCrest takes a moment to celebrate leaders in the community who go...
ELCA News
2018 Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
