MinistryLink News

May 9, 2024

Pastoral Letter on the United Methodist Church General Conference

May 8, 2024 Dear church, In 1 Corinthians 12:26 the apostle Paul reminds us that “if one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it.” For 15 years we have accompanied our full-communion siblings in the United Methodist Church (UMC) through joyous and challenging times. We...

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May 7, 2024

Rev. Bryan Penman Elected Next Synod Bishop

The Rev. Bryan Penman, pastor of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Conshohocken and co-Director for Evangelical Mission in the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod, was elected Saturday as the synod’s next bishop. Bishop-elect Penman received 203 votes on the fifth and final ballot for bishop. The Rev. Karl Richard, pastor of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Springfield...

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April 11, 2024

Statement by Bishop Patricia Davenport on Eid al-Fitr Shootings

Beloved, I was deeply troubled and saddened to learn of the shooting that erupted yesterday during a joyous celebration of Eid al-Fitr, the festival that closes the holy month of Ramadan, in the Parkside neighborhood in West Philadelphia. It is sobering for every person of faith to know that even public expressions of religious faith...

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April 10, 2024

Police Warn of Threats Against Synagogues

Received from the Philadelphia Police Department. The Philadelphia Police Department has been made aware of a number of mass emails and alleged bomb threats that have been sent to several synagogues and Jewish Institutions within our region [Tuesday, April 9]. We are working with the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, the Jewish Federation of Greater...

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April 3, 2024

Kindling Faith Programs – Summer 2024

This summer and fall, Kindling Faith is sponsoring a number of programs for everyone. Highlights include Theological Education with Adults focusing on 1 & 2 Corinthians; Wine, Cheese, and Chocolate (for Deacons, Pastors, and Spouses); Relevant Worship in a Strange New World; and more. Plus information on United Lutheran Seminary’s Spring and Fall Convocations. Details and registration links...

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March 27, 2024

Holy Week Message from Bishop Davenport

For This Reason A Holy Week message from the Rev. Dr. Patricia A. Davenport, bishop.   Adapted from her sermon on John 12:20-36 at the SEPA Chrism Service, March 26, 2024. Download printable PDF Watch sermon video   “Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say: ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No,...

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February 22, 2024

Clarification on Young Adult Voting Members

Clarification: Additional youth/young adult voting member is a voting member of the congregation up to the age of 25.   Under the Synod Constitution, voting members are: Rostered ministers under call in the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod or on leave from call but available for call. Retired rostered ministers who have indicated to the bishop their willingness...

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February 22, 2024

Nominations Deadline Extended to March 30

How does the work of Jesus get done in Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod? By faithful members of our congregations who love Jesus, love the Church, and are willing to take leadership positions in our Synod. At the upcoming Synod Assembly, May 3 & 4, 2024 we will elect leaders to serve on the Synod Council, the Consultation Committee, and the Committee...

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February 22, 2024

Join the “Toll the Bell” Project for Gun Violence Awareness

The City of Philadelphia is experiencing an unprecedented level of gun violence. On the first Friday in June, and the weekend immediately following, people across the country wear orange to honor victims of gun violence, using the traditional hunter’s color of orange to draw attention to this national issue. Penn Live Arts invites churches in...

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February 22, 2024

Seminary Debt Relief Grant Applications Open

Once again the synod has included a limited amount of funding in the 2024-25 budget to help rostered ministers of our synod for whom seminary student loan debt is a significant burden. Applications must be received by March 15, 2024. Awardees will be notified by April 30. Download the application