MinistryLink News

December 5, 2023

Ecumenical Leaders Call for Ceasefire in Holy Lands

Leaders of Churches Without Borders – an ecumenical partnership of the ELCA, The Episcopal Church, the Anglican Church in Canada and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada – released a pastoral letter calling for an end to war in Gaza, Israel, and the West Bank. Churches Without Borders also released an Advent Cycle of Prayer...

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December 5, 2023

Cost of Living Increase for Rostered Ministers

The SEPA Executive Committee at its most recent meeting approved a cost-of-living increase of 3.2% (following the determination of the federal government) for Rostered Ministers. Therefore, for 2024: Word & Sacrament – SEPA Unadjusted Minimum Salary is $48,164 plus Housing Allowance of $18,000 totaling $66,164. Word & Service – SEPA Unadjusted Minimum Salary is $49,610. Please...

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November 17, 2023

PA Lutherans Advocate for Farm Bill

▶︎ Tell us how your congregation fights hunger: Take our survey   By Rev. Bryan Penman and Rev. Bruce Davidson In just a days, many of us will gather around tables with friends and family and celebrate a holiday that centers around food. For some of us though, that food will be missing as many...

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November 7, 2023

Video: When Church Stops Working

If you missed the live event you can now watch video of the Vitality Team discussion of Andrew Root’s new book When Church Stops Working: A Future for Your Congregation beyond More Money, Programs, and Innovation. The presentation covered Dr. Root’s key points and take-aways from his book and explored how his approach to doing...

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October 30, 2023

Proposed Constitutional Amendments for Consideration at the 2024 Synod Assembly

Dear members of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod, The 2024 Synod Assembly will be notable as we will be electing a Bishop to succeed Bishop Davenport.  Yet there will also be other items that will come to your attention for consideration and action.  We will be electing people to serve as Voting Members to the 2025...

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October 12, 2023

One Home, One Future

The ELCA is joining 30 other denominations and faith-organizations to launch One Home One Future, a multi-faith campaign that educates, activates, and supports clergy, congregants, youth, and all spiritual people in meaningful and just solutions locally, regionally, and nationally in ways that are accessible and positive. Learn more Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton said, “In the ELCA...

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October 12, 2023

LAMPa Names Communications and Advocacy Engagement Manager

LAMPa is pleased to welcome the Rev. Erin Jones as our Communications and Advocacy Engagement Manager. Jones, an ELCA pastor serving in Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod since 2018, brings experience in advocacy, communications and ecumenical community-building justice work to the position. “I’m beyond happy that Pastor Erin said ‘Yes’ to this new call,” said LAMPa Director Tracey...

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October 12, 2023

Your Mission Support at Work

Your congregation’s Mission Support contributions are shared with the ELCA for ministry across the church. Did you know that there is a new Congregation and Synod Support Team that includes Congregational Stewardship, Mission Support and Storytelling Engagement? The linked PDF provides contact information. This month we also highlight our Ecumenical partnerships with a story from...

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October 12, 2023

Anti-Racism Education Starts in November

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod’s Anti-Racism Team announces a new offering of anti-racism education, this time for both lay and rostered participants. The format consists of: One 90-minute Zoom meeting to introduce the curriculum, planned for Monday, November 6, 2023, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Nine online modules outlining the historical context of the systemic racism embedded...

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October 10, 2023

Pastoral Message: War in Israel and Palestine

Dear Beloved, Grace, peace, power, and love in the name of the One who can do all things but fail, Jesus Christ! The eruption of war in Israel and the Gaza Strip opened a heart breaking and a terrifying time for Palestinians, Jews, Christians, and all people around the world.  We join people of all...

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