July 8, 2020
Even before the 2019 Churchwide Assembly declared the ELCA a “sanctuary” denomination, congregations have been working out just what it means to be a “sanctuary.” For First English Lutheran Church in Columbus, OH, it means opening its doors to an undocumented immigrant who had lived in Columbus over a dozen years, held jobs, and paid...
July 7, 2020
From the Greater Philadelphia Coalition on Hunger: Understanding Summer Meals Summer Meals is a federally funded, state administered program for the five-county region. Program administrators distribute food to community members and organizations, and are reimbursed for the cost of the meal. Community partners distribute the meals to kids, ensuring that they are well nourished when...
July 5, 2020
From Gov. Wolf’s website: Governor Tom Wolf today reminded Pennsylvanians that mask-wearing is required and critical to prevent the spread of COVID-19. “The order to make mask-wearing mandatory when leaving home was put in place to protect all Pennsylvanians from the spread of COVID-19,” Gov. Wolf said. “This simple practice, combined with social distancing, handwashing,...
July 3, 2020
We recently learned of urgent medical needs for Rev. Dr. Stephen Munga, Bishop of our companion synod the North Eastern Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania. He fell ill and was diagnosed with transient ischemic attacks. Bishop Munga needs emergency medical treatment and the closest doctor that can help is in South Africa....
June 30, 2020
On June 26, Mayor Jim Kenney and Health Commissioner Dr. Tom Farley signed an executive order requiring people to wear face coverings to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Philadelphia. In addition to staying at home, practicing social distancing, and washing your hands thoroughly, wearing a mask in public is one of the best ways...
June 30, 2020
ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has issued a statement in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s June 15 ruling that employment discrimination on the basis of a worker’s sexual orientation or gender identity is illegal under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. “The court’s decision is an important recognition of equal protection...
June 30, 2020
No thoughtful citizen of this country can look at the violence and systemic racism under which Black Americans live and fail to be outraged. The brutal deaths of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Rayshard Brooks, and countless others call us all—both as Americans and as Christians—to stand in solidarity with those who have been denied justice...
June 29, 2020
’Our highest priority is to do no harm,” Bishop says As our suburban counties move into the “Green” phase of reopening, both the state as a whole and the city of Philadelphia in particular are seeing rising new cases of COVID-19. The city remains in a modified “Yellow” phase and health officials now require the...
June 29, 2020
From Presiding Bishop Eaton: Fifty years ago, on June 29, 1970, the Lutheran Church in America voted to change the word “man” to “person” in its bylaws and opened the door for the ordination of women. The church was led by the Spirit to change. Fifty years later we celebrate the anniversary as a whole...
June 29, 2020
To the Saints of Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod, Today concludes our offerings of formal video prayers for PRIDE month, based on the resources of Reconciling Works. With PRIDE set alongside our current national call for racial justice in the wake of the latest string of police brutality, we have been celebrating the trailblazers who moved people’s...
June 22, 2020
Last week, Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley wrote a letter to faith leaders in the city. Dr. Farley wrote: Because of the continued high risk of community spread of the coronavirus, we ask that you not hold in-person services or gatherings of any sort during the “Yellow” phase of reopening. While this guidance applies...
June 16, 2020
Did you lose a job or work hours during the coronavirus crisis? You might be eligible for emergency cash assistance from Pennsylvania. The Emergency Cash Assistance Program will provide one-time cash grants to families who qualify. This could be helpful while you are waiting for your Unemployment Compensation to start. This program will end July...
June 9, 2020
The committee of Deans of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod express their deep concern for the ongoing racism and racial injustice that is deeply embedded in the fabric of our society. We have chosen to respond with words of Holy Scripture, knowing and trusting that God’s Word brings both comfort and challenge. Pastor Erika Wesch,...
June 9, 2020
Dear Beloved, The question has been posed, “Is the bishop going to respond to the horrific death of Mr. George Floyd?” “What is the bishop’s response to the protesting, the rioting and looting throughout the city of Philadelphia?” I do have a response, and it is not unlike that of Rachel: “A voice is heard...
June 5, 2020
The riots and protests in the United States, following the killing of a black man by a police officer, are an opportunity for people of faith to “live what we profess, to stand behind our statements and to walk according to the teachings of Jesus Christ.” Many pastors and deacons are “on the front line”...
June 5, 2020
June 5, 2020 “Out of my distress I called on the Lord” (Psalm 118:5). We are a nation in distress. We are a church in distress. The coronavirus has killed 103,000 of us. The virus of racism has taken hundreds of thousands more throughout our history. Now these two deadly viruses converge. Under...
June 4, 2020
At Lutheran Settlement House, we believe that Black lives matter. We share in the love, heartache, and anger of protesters in Philadelphia, and across the country. On Sunday night, the protests sparked by the murder of George Floyd came to the block where our family shelter is located. The building next to ours caught fire and...
June 4, 2020
The season of Pentecost begins with a remembrance of the early Church gathered in Jerusalem, not long after their leader Jesus was executed by the Roman state and three days later was alive again. When the disciples were in one place there was suddenly a “sound like the rush of a violent wind” and “divided...
June 4, 2020
Last week, the City of Philadelphia unveiled Safer at Home, a plan and executive order outlining the strategy for how Philadelphia will begin to reopen for business when the current Stay-at-Home Order is lifted, which is expected to occur later this week. The plan specifically outlines guidance for religious communities. Highlights include: Gatherings of over...
June 3, 2020
Prayers for your use during PRIDE month in June. God of LOVE, we thank you for the Spirits who were trailblazers, moving and shaking people’s hearts and minds. Stir up in us that same energy of those who helped pave the way for where our LGBTQIA+ siblings are today. May we never stop expanding the...
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