SOUTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD | ELCA | | |
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We're connected. We are stronger together! + March 13, 2024 | |
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Rostered and lay ministers, seminarians, and Lutherans from our synod are invited to the annual Chrism Service, Tuesday of Holy Week, March 26 at 10 a.m. at the Schaeffer-Ashmead Chapel on the Philadelphia campus of United Lutheran Seminary.
This traditional service of Word and Sacrament includes the blessing of oil for anointing, healing prayer, and renewal of ministry vows.
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ELCA Conference of Bishops Calls for Permanent Bilateral Cease-fire in Gaza
Statement from the ELCA Conference of Bishops: “The Conference of Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is adding its voice to the growing group of faith leaders urgently calling for a permanent bilateral cease-fire in Gaza. We urge President Joe Biden, our legislators, and all who lead and make decisions on behalf of the United States to do everything in their power to bring an end to the current suffering and lay the foundation for lasting peace with justice. …
“We mourn the loss of 1,200 precious lives in Israel on Oct. 7 by the actions of Hamas and the trauma for those 250 others who were taken hostage. We mourn the loss of over 30,000 precious lives in Gaza—including tens of thousands of women and children—who have died in Israel's military action since then and the trauma that ripples outward from this loss. We grieve the deaths of more than 400 Palestinians in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and in Israel since Oct. 7 as the circle of violence expands and makes casualties of yet more civilians.
“Too many have suffered. Too many lives have been lost. Strong U.S. leadership is needed to help bring a comprehensive permanent cease-fire and lasting peace.”
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An Evening with Joe Davis and Dave Scherer (a.k.a. AGAPE) | |
We are excited that Joe and Dave (AGAPE) will be in SEPA Synod! Tickets on sale March 14, 2024! Thanks to generous donors, 100% of ticket sales will benefit the SEPA Synod Youth Scholarship Fund. | |
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Lutheran Night May 31
Spring Training is almost here. It is a good time to plan to join Lutheran Night at the Phillies. Lutheran Night at the Phillies will be held on Friday, May 31 when the Phillies host the Cardinals at 6:40 p.m.! Proceeds benefit SEPA youth programs.
Start gathering your group now! We're aiming for 500 or more tickets across the synod so that the bishop will be able to throw out the first ball. To count, tickets must be purchased through the link below.
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Program Director for Love Revolution
Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod is seeking an innovative and spirit-filled individual to be Program Director for Love Revolution. Lilly Endowment, Inc. funded Love Revolution to help SEPA synod congregations evolve from an institutional church built on programs and resources and into a missional church built on relationship and service. The person fulfilling this contract will be responsible for the implementation and administration of Love Revolution alongside our Vitality Team, synod staff, Directors of Evangelical Mission, and Bishop. This person shall facilitate and report results formed to our Bishop and Directors of Evangelical Mission to ensure the effective execution of our grant program objectives.
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Click image for more information. | | |
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Click image for more information | |
Between now and Sept. 30, 2024, you are invited to study and give feedback on a draft social statement on Civic Life and Faith by filling out an online survey or attending a hearing in your synod, as available. To access the draft and the survey, and to find information on how to host a hearing in your synod, go to www.elca.org/civicsandfaith. | |
Celebrations of New Ministry and Installation | |
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Celebration of New Ministry for Pastor Brendan Galvin
A celebration of the new ministry of the Rev. Brendan Galvin at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Huntingdon Valley, will be held on April 7 at 4 p.m. at the church, 570 Welsh Road, Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006. A dinner will follow.
Celebration of New Ministry for Pastor Karen Nelson
Celebration of New Ministry of the Rev. Karen Nelson at Trinity Lutheran Church, Fairview Village, 1190 Valley Forge Rd, Fairview Village, PA 19409 on May 5 at 2 p.m. Reception to follow.
Installation: Pastor Jonathan Steiner
The Rev. Jonathan Steiner will be installed as associate pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church, Lansdale, 1000 W Main St, Lansdale, PA 19446 on May 19 at 2 p.m. Reception to follow.
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Preaching With Power March 10-13
The annual Preaching with Power series will be held Sunday, March 10 through Wednesday, March 13, featuring Rev. Jocelyn Kahn Hart Lovelace, Rev. Dr. Cory Jones, Rev. Dr. Judy Fentress-Williams, Rev. Dr. Kevin Vandiver, Rev. Carolyn Cavaness, and Rev. Reginald Sharpe.
This annual series of preaching and a keynote lecture is sponsored by the Urban Theological Institute of United Lutheran Seminary. Events are live on the Philadelphia campus and local churches, and can be viewed at youtube.com/unitedlutheranseminary.
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Keep Up With Synod News and Resources
With so many events and the bishop election process coming up we'd love to make sure that your congregation's office and key leaders are subscribed to MinistryLink. Many congregations encourage council members and program leaders to subscribe.
We encourage leaders, parish administrators or newsletter editors to forward MinistryLink (this link) to your congregation.
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Thank you
The Rev. Bob Fisher, assistant to the bishop for mission interpretation/communications
Ms. Cynta Outterbridge, communications assistant
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