SOUTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD | ELCA | | |
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We're connected.
We are stronger together!
+ September 20th, 2024
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In this newsletter:
▶︎With Many Thanks...
▶︎Hispanic Heritage Month
▶︎Grant Deadline
▶︎Lay Eucharistic Visitor Training
▶︎Passport to Understanding
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▶︎In God's Image
▶︎Rise Against Hunger
▶︎Living Among God's Faithful People
▶︎Let It Be Christmas Collaboration
▶︎Installations
▶︎In Case You Missed It...
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Upcoming Events:
Celebration of New Ministry for SAM Bobbie Hoffman Sun. Sept. 22
Installation of the Rev. Ann Shade Sun. Sept. 29
In God's Image Sat. Oct. 12
Rise Against Hunger Sat. Oct. 12
Installation of the Rev. Rachel Scheible Sun. Oct. 13
Love Revolution Launch Celebration Sat. Oct. 19
Bishop's Convocation "Ponder Anew" Nov. 21-23
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On Saturday hundreds of people gathered in the Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral sanctuary and across sacred cyberspace to celebrate the installation of Bishop Bryan Penman!
More than one hundred people shared their time and talent in the service and in supportive roles throughout the day. We thank Bishop Eaton who presided, the Rev. Dr. Jenn Phelps who preached, all the musicians who shared their voices and gifts, everyone who served in the service, and all who joined us in celebration, prayer, and praise!
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Earlier this year the ELCA bishops in Pennsylvania knew they needed to do something. Called to shepherd God’s people in a swing state during an already contentious election, all seven felt the deep responsibility to use their voices and authority to speak words of peace—to their pastors who are leading congregations with deep divisions, to their lay members who are feeling pulled in multiple directions by dangerous rhetoric and misinformation, and to the people of the commonwealth who increasingly feel that there is less and less they hold in common. Click here to continue reading...
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In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, we invite you to check out a newly published book from Fortress Press: Caribbean Lutherans: The History of the Church in Puerto Rico by José David Rodríguez (Author), Luis N. Rivera-Pagán (Afterword), Idalia Negrón (Foreword).
Caribbean Lutherans tells the story of the Lutheran church in Puerto Rico from a Caribbean perspective. Rodríguez intersperses archival research with cogent commentary and personal accounts, highlighting the power and agency of Puerto Rican and West Indian Lutherans amid the multifaceted legacy of Euro-American missionary efforts on the island. Readers may not be surprised to learn that... Click here to continue reading!
We are also excited to lift up the exploration between SEPA and the Latinx community of Norristown and the ministry of Iglesia Luterana Nueva Creacion as we hope to expand their ministry by planting communities across the synod.
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Forward Together In Faith Grants
The deadline for the Forward Together in Faith Grant Application is quickly approaching - Monday, September 30th at midnight!
These grants, drawn from interest earned by the principal of the campaign, will support new projects that help network congregations, leaders and community partners; innovate new forms of ministry and/or communities of faith; communicate through digital channels; and equip lay and rostered ministers (including seminarians).
Click the button below to learn more and download the grant application.
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Lay Eucharistic Visitor Training
Eucharistic Visitors are members of the congregation who are selected by their pastor and trained to bring the communion meal from worship to ill and homebound members of their congregation who are unable to attend service.
LCS’s training ministry engages learners in the Biblical and theological background of the Sacrament of Holy Communion and teaches potential Eucharistic Visitors about visitation and administration of the sacrament.
Fall Dates:
Saturday, September 28, 2024 at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church
285 Pond Hill Mountain Road, Wapwallopen, PA 18960
Saturday, October 5, 2024 at Advent Lutheran West Chester
1601 Green Lane, West Chester, PA 19382
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Passport to Understanding
As we face challenging days ahead, it is more important than ever to cultivate compassion, curiosity, and understanding as we seek to connect with others across lines of difference.
Explore the five practices of the
Passport to Understanding:
Be Curious ● Welcome In ● Venture Out ● Stand Tall ● Stand With
Join us for this 6-week program:
Wednesdays, 7:00 PM
October 9, 23, 30 and November 6, 13, 20
Reformation Lutheran Church of Media
102 W Rose Tree Rd, Media, PA 19063
For individuals seeking deeper understanding and connection in a diverse world, this series offers unique personal enrichment for those ready to challenge themselves and grow in a supportive environment.
Facilitators:
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Marilyn Berberich
Marilyn first connected with Interfaith Philadelphia through the Walking the Walk program for teens, initially as a mentor and then as a group leader. Read more
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Marjorie Scharf
Marjorie N. Scharf has dedicated her four-decade career to fostering community health and inter-group understanding. Read more
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Click below to REGISTER TODAY!
The Leadership Institute offers curated pathways to build skills, relationships, and knowledge for interfaith engagement. We partner with individuals, organizations, companies, hospitals, schools, and government entities to deliver workshops, training programs, and seminars that meet their most pressing interfaith issues and needs.
Questions? Contact Bronwen Henry: bmh@interfaithphiladelphia.org
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Registration is now open for
In God’s Image: Inclusive Ministry
SEPA's sixth annual In God's Image will be held on Saturday, October 12 from 9am - 2pm
at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Ardmore.
The Rev. Dr. Karyn Wiseman, professor of homiletics at United Lutheran Seminary and author of the upcoming book Queering the Pulpit, will preach during a festival worship. Workshops will be held on topics such as becoming Reconciling in Christ, engaging in DEI work in your congregation, advocacy, worship, and more! Vendors will also be present with resources and opportunities to support LGBTQIA+ businesses and organizations.
Click below to register, or contact ingodsimagesepa@gmail.com with any questions.
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VP Beasley needs your help!
Join VP Beasley and the saints of Reformation, Philadelphia at this Volunteer Meal Packing Event on Saturday, October 12, 2024 from 10am-12noon
Come for a fun, free, volunteer event that will address the issue of world hunger. Reformation Church is partnering with Rise Against Hunger and Thrivent. We will be assembling over 10,000 meals to help families struggling with hunger around the world.
Click below to sign up, or contact Rick Graber at 215-837-3762 for help signing up or if you have questions. RSVP by October 6th. Invite a friend!
Reformation Church is located at 1215 E. Vernon Rd, Phila 19150
No products will be sold at this event.
For additional disclosures, see Thrivent.com/social.
Rise Up Against Hunger
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Living Among God’s Faithful People
Synod Wide Learning Day & Love Revolution Launch
Saturday, October 19, 2024, 9am-3pm
St. Luke Lutheran Church
203 N Valley Forge Rd, Devon, PA 1933
How are you living out your baptismal call?
Congregations and their leaders are invited to spend a day exploring how we are called to live among God’s faithful people.
Bishop Dwayne Royster from Power Interfaith will be the keynote speaker.
Bishop Royster has extensive organizing, advocacy, political and faith leadership experience. He believes that it is imperative that a prophetic faith voice is heard in the halls of power calling for equity and respect for the moral value of every human life. He currently serves as the National Political Director of Faith in Action (formerly the PICO National Network), the nation’s largest faith-based organizing movement committed to racial and economic justice with 40+ federations in 26 States and 4 countries.
After worship, we’ll gather for a keynote session and several learning sessions that will address questions like: Who is welcome at the feet of Jesus?, What does it mean to live as the body of Christ, full of grace (imperfections, wounds, and scars included)? What does visionary leadership look like in the church today? And More!
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Discipleship in a Democracy
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania (LAMPa) encourages all to engage our common civic life through advocacy, voting, and peacebuilding. In a contentious election cycle, the Body of Christ is called to be informed, compassionate citizens. Visit our website for resources to help in the work of building up peace and understanding, while rejecting ideologies that promote hate and violence. We have webinars, support networks, devotionals, and more to help individuals and communities more faithfully engage in this important work!
Community Building Skills Series – Wednesdays at Noon
This online three-part series supports you in building and refining the skills used in interactions with those who might not agree with you. All are on Wednesdays at noon EST via Zoom. While you need to register for each separately, and are welcome to attend any or all, you will get the most out of attending all three in order.
Part I: Active Listening – October 2 -How to establish meaningful connection between speaker and listener, build a deeper understanding through dialogue, and get comfortable with potentially contentious exchanges.
Part II: Difficult Conversations – October 16 – Through understanding ourselves and others, how to turn difficult conversations into an opportunity to uncover common ground.
Part III: Managing Conflict – October 23 – How to transform conflict into a process that promotes ownership, fosters creativity, and generates outcomes that solve real community problems.
LAMPa is pleased to partner with Common Ground – USA to present this series of webinars.
Join LAMPa’s Election Support Network!
As we prepare for the General Election on Nov. 5, LAMPa encourages people of faith to sign up to be a part of our Election Support Network. Lutheran advocates and staff have been reaching out to county election offices across the Commonwealth to thank them for their service, offer prayers and ask about ways to offer support. Some need more poll workers. Others might need new polling places. Others would appreciate continued prayers and community contacts for support. This network is intended to connect the needs of elections offices in every county with a community of support to turn to as needs arise. This is a simple, yet important, way to live out our call to be active citizens. Join now!
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Save the date! Join ELCA World Hunger for a celebration of World Food Day and the 50th anniversary of ELCA World Hunger!
"World Food Day: Celebrating 50 Years of ELCA World Hunger" will be a special online event on Tuesday, Oct. 15, at 8pm Eastern time, and will be hosted by the Rev. Amy Current, bishop of the Southeastern Iowa Synod, and Imran Siddiqui, vice president of the ELCA. Visit ELCA.org/WH50 to register for the event and learn more!
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Mark your calendars and save the date for the
2024 Bishop's Convocation
"Ponder Anew"
Thurs, Nov. 21 - Sat, Nov. 23
at the Alloy
301 W Dekalb Pike
King of Prussia, PA 19406
The Synod has reserved a block of rooms.
Registration information will be available soon!
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A group is looking to form a small exploratory group of musicians and/or singers to put together a Christmas Program called "Let it Be Christmas", based on the music of The Beatles. The show is performed in the Midwest, but seemingly not in this area. Here's a link to a high quality presentation the program: https://vimeo.com/33602245
This small exploratory group would start by creating a plan to run auditions and rehearsals starting this year, with program performances targeted for the 2025-26 Christmas season (over a year from now). The concept is to build a traveling group who would perform throughout the tristate area.
Musicians, singers, producers, marketors, and promoters will be needed..
Please email any interest, suggestions/comments, etc. to Dave Hoch at DHoch10@gmail.com.
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All are invited to join us for the
Celebration of New Ministry for
Synodically Authorized Minister
Bobbie Hoffman
Sunday, September 22, 2024 at 3pm
St. Luke's Lutheran Church
35 Wilson Ave
Gilbertsville, PA 19525
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All are invited to join us celebrating the
Installation of the
Reverend Ann M. Shade
Sunday, September 29, 2024 at 3pm
St. Michael’s Evangelical Lutheran Church
25 E. Church Street
Sellersville, PA 18960
Dinner Reception to follow. For dinner planning purposes, please RSVP via email st.michael.luth@verizon.net by Wednesday, September 18.
Rostered leaders are invited to process. The color of the day green.
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All are invited to join us celebrating the
Installation of the Rev. Rachel Scheible
Sunday, October 13, 2024 at 3pm
Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church
102 N Hellertown Ave
Quakertown, PA 18951
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Lessons from Dietrich Bonhoeffer in a House Divided and a World on Fire
LAMPa is delighted to have available for congregational use this curriculum by Dr. Lori Brandt Hale. The curriculum explores the life and theology of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and the lessons we can use as we live at the intersection of faith and civic life today. The facilitator’s guide, participant workbook, and accompanying slides for each week can be found by clicking below.
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Clergy and Congregations Navigating the Election Season: A Webinar Series
We are excited to announce an upcoming webinar series, "Clergy and Congregations Navigating the Election Season," a collaborative effort between the Clergy Emergency League and the Wisconsin Council of Churches. This series is designed to equip clergy and congregations with the tools and insights needed to navigate the complexities of the election season faithfully and effectively.
We believe that this series will offer valuable guidance and support to faith leaders during this critical time. Each session will provide practical tools and theological insights to help you and your congregation navigate the heightened tensions and conflicts that often accompany the election season.
We look forward to your participation in these enriching discussions.
- Tuesday, October 1, 7-8:30pm
- Tuesday, October 15, 7-8:30pm
- Tuesday, October 29, 7-8:30pm
Grace and Peace,
Rev. Dr. Leah D. Schade (CEL co-founder)
Rev. Stephen M. Fearing (CEL co-founder)
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Kindling Faith Events & Learning Opportunities:
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ELCA Election Activator Network
Are you interested in what you can do as a non-partisan influence in this election cycle? Take your energy to the #ELCAElectionActivator network - an opportunity for individuals and our congregations to share in our communities love in action.
ELCA Election Activators from various parts of our ELCA faith community are invited to a call once-a-month to for updates and to hear from each other about local initiatives. Because the ELCA does not endorse a particular candidate, party or form of government or strive for a Christian one, participation requires sign-up and a non-partisan pledge. "Lutherans care about government because it is a gift from God intended for the safety and flourishing of human life" (from ELCA social message "Government & Civic Engagement in the United States: Discipleship in a Democracy").
The next virtual meeting is September 24. Learn more today!
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Reformation Lutheran Church (102 W. Rose Tree Rd. in Media) is hosting a fourth annual electronics recycling event on Saturday, October 5th from 9am-12pm. Anything with a plug is accepted. Larger or older items might require a recycling fee which can be paid by cash or card. | |
6th Annual Addiction & Faith Conference
“Addiction, Trauma, & the Power of Faith to Heal”
October 17-19, 2024, 100% Virtual
Hosted by the Center of Addiction & Faith
This conference enhances the awareness of people of faith about scourge of addiction. It brings the best of science, spirituality, compassion, justice and personal stories to the task of informing and inspiring both church and society regarding addiction in its many forms. Speakers and presenters are top-flight nationally-known experts. The conference is for everyone, clergy & lay, seminarians, healthcare professionals, people in recovery and those who love them, youth leaders, and addiction specialists. They strive to educate faith communities with what they need to help those addicted. Click below to learn more about the event, the featured speakers, and to register. Cost: $250
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St. Andrew's Repair Cafe' is Saturday October 26th 9am-Noon at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church, 2725 Egypt Road, Audubon!
Our repair volunteers will be on hand to help fix your broken lamps and small appliances - sharpen knives and scissors - mending and sewing (including fixing those ripped stuffed animals!) - small furniture repair - and other general repairs. (If you know your item needs a specific part, please feel free to bring it with you).
St. Andrew's Repair Cafe' puts repair volunteers together with the community to help repair things instead of tossing them in the trash! Neighbors helping Neighbors!
See you Saturday 10/26, 9am-Noon at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church, 2725 Egypt Road, Audubon!
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New Study Cohort in Bowen Family Systems Theory
In a time of societal regression, leadership that is thoughtful and responsible can raise the level of functioning in a family, organization, and society. By placing a focus on oneself, identifying guiding principles, clarifying values, and defining beliefs, leaders can make a difference and more effectively navigate through challenging times.
The Princeton Family Center for Education (PFCE) offers training programs for leaders using the lens of Bowen family systems theory. Dr. Murray Bowen's theory is a body of knowledge about human emotional functioning in family, work, and social systems. This knowledge provides a guide for more responsible functioning in one's own life. With knowledge from the natural sciences and an understanding of patterns of emotional forces that exist in all life forms, the concepts of Bowen family systems theory guide thoughtful choices and responsible actions in the life one lives and the work one does.
A new 8-month cohort begins online in October 2024. Participants meet monthly online for learning and small group coaching to apply theory to ones' own life and work. Individual consultation is available between sessions. For more information or to register, go to PFCE website at http://www.princetonfamilycenter.org
or contact Rev. Julie Bergdahl at revjbb@verizon.net for more details.
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Keep Up With Synod News and Resources
With so many events 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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