Beginning July 3 through September 4, 2026, The SEPA Synod Office will be closed on Fridays. | | | | |
NEW! 2026-2027 Forward Together in Faith Grant Applications Open
The mission of the Forward Together in Faith campaign is to support the communities of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod as we enter the changing mission field of the 21st century, in order to more successfully share the Good News of Jesus Christ. The goal of the Forward Together in Faith granting process is to provide resources to the congregations and ministries of this synod, in particular as those resources relate to the four pillars of the campaign, which are Networking, Innovating, Communicating, and Equipping. A strong grant application will integrate at least one pillar into their project proposal.
Networking: Creating and sustaining new networks and partnerships among congregations and leaders. Building bridges within the synod, and with other community partners.
Innovating: Prioritizing piloting new forms of ministry (such as worship, faith formation, and/or community service) and planting new communities of faith, particularly among underserved populations.
Communicating: Training/consulting for websites, social media, and use of other forms of media (e.g. video). Equipping the communication needs for events for communities, multiple congregations, and/or the larger synod.
Equipping: Training for lay leaders, mission/outreach based continuing education for rostered ministers, supporting seminarians.
The application deadline this year will be September 30.
COMPLETE AN APPLICATION
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In God's Image Vendor Registration Open
October 10, 2026
9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Reformation Lutheran
102 West Rose Tree Road, Media, PA
In God's Image, an annual event in SEPA Synod will be held Saturday, October 10. 9:00 am - 2:00 pm at Reformation Lutheran Church (102 West Rose Tree Road, Media, PA 19063). The keynote speaker is the Rev. Carla Christopher. Vendors must register using this link by September 15. Participant registration will open in August.
Contact ingodsimagesepa@gmail.com with any questions.
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In Our Prayers
The Rev. Bill Mueller upon the death of his wife, Laurie, which occurred Saturday, June 20, 2026.
Laurie’s funeral will be Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1000 W. Main Street, Lansdale, PA 19446. Visitation Hours: 9-11, with 11:00 AM service of resurrection followed by lunch. Bishop Bryan J. Penman, presiding.
Bill and Laurie have two adult children, Tara and Jonathan for whom we also pray.
Condolences may be sent to:
St. Andrew's Lutheran Church
2725 Egypt Road, Audubon, PA 19403
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Fourth of July Celebrations in Historic Trappe
Celebrate our nation's 250th with Augustus Lutheran Church.
INFORMATIONAL FLYER
For more information contact:
Augustus Lutheran Church
717 W. Main St., Trappe, PA 19426-1935
610.489.9625
music@augustustrappe.org
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Christ Ascension Lutheran Church to host Free Concert
July 5, 2026
1:30 pm
8300 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia
Christ Ascension is hosting a free concert of new music by three American songwriters on Sunday, July 5th at 1:30 p.m. (Doors open at 1 p.m.) The concert, “Three American Songwriters,” is funded by the Music Performance Trust Fund as part of an effort to provide free concerts to celebrate America 250. To enjoy the concert, come to Kimes Hall at Christ Ascension, 8300 Germantown Avenue. The concert will last approximately one hour and will be followed by ice cream.
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The Joy of Living One-Day Retreat
July 11, 2026
9:30 am - 3:00 pm
Grace Lutheran Church
2191 West Chester Pike, Broomall PA 19008
Deep breaths, laughter and playful experiments with new tools for joyful living.
Cost 60$ for materials snacks and lunch
Register by July 6, 2026 via QR code on flyer or visit Grace website
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Trinity, Lansdale to host Music Camp
July 13-16, 2026
9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Trinity Lutheran
1000 W. Main St., Lansdale
For children in grades 2-7. Registration fee: $125.
After-camp care is available until 5:00 pm for an additional fee of $25.
Nationally recognized musician Michael Burkhardt is the clinician. Children will experience singing, handbell ringing, drumming and Orff instruments, with a closing worship experience at 7:00 pm on Thursday evening. Register here.
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St. Paul's, Ardmore to Host Augsburg Fortress Summer Music Clinic
August 6-7, 2026
The Augsburg Fortress Summer Music Clinic will return to St. Paul's this year on August 6-7. These free events are a great opportunity to meet and network with other church musicians/worship leaders, attend workshops, and read through handbell, children's and choral music. More info and registration
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Trinity Lutheran, Coopersburg Celebrates 275th Anniversary with Activities
July 13-17: VBS
August 29: Faith Through the Generations Festival
November 8: Celebration Worship Service
For more information on any of these events visit Trinity's website
Trinity is located at 2170 Route 212, Coopersburg, PA
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Cohort 2 Applications Still Open
Interested in becoming part of The Love Revolution? Complete an application today!
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Save The Date!
Faith Alive Worship Learning Lab 2
Saturday, August 15
9:00 am-3:00 pm
United Lutheran Seminary, Philadelphia
Another opportunity to gather and learn more about how our congregations can welcome and support our youngest friends. Make plans now to attend this informative and fun event.
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Bear Creek Retreat Center Dedication -July 24th
This summer, we are honored to dedicate the Retreat Center in memory of Pastor Roy "PG" Gulliford, our founding Executive Director, as we mark 30 years since his retirement. Roy's legacy lives not in buildings, but in the generations of campers and staff whose lives were shaped by his vision, faith, and love for this place.
The entire BCC community is invited to join us on Friday, July 24th — dinner at 6:00 PM followed by a service of dedication at 7:00 PM. Registration is free, but required by July 12th. Gifts to the Gulliford Site Endowment will also be gratefully accepted.
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Bear Creek's Summer Theme
"Go!" is about being empowered to step up and explore the world- genuinely and authentically. To bring how we live at camp into our communities- taking action with intention, curiosity, bravery, and empathy.
Register today! Last day to register is July 26 for Session 8.
About Summer Camp
Bear Creek Camp’s overnight program is centered on spiritual growth, outdoor living, and small group development for all children who have completed grades 1-12. Each age group experiences a mix of small-group and all-camp activities throughout the week to meet their group’s spiritual, social, and developmental needs.
LEARN MORE ABOUT CAMP
REGISTER FOR SUMMER CAMP
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NEW! Interfaith Philadelphia
Interfaith Summer Mosaic Program
July 20-25
9:00 am - 2:00 pm
North Penn Mosque
600 Maple Ave., Lansdale
A FREE interfaith neighborhood experience for incoming 6th–8th grade students!
Build friendships, explore different faith traditions, and discover what makes each person unique through creativity, community, and fun shared experiences.
Participants will enjoy: arts and crafts, games, learning about other faiths, identity workshops,
snacks and lunch.
REGISTER
INFORMATIONAL VIDEO
Questions? Contact Taylor Muse
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Lutherans and the Revolutionary War
July 24
Location: Meet at the Dewees Tavern,
301 W. Main St. Trappe, PA
Cost: $25 per person
Tour Times: 10 am to 12 pm and 2 to 4 pm
Celebrate 250 years of history with a special guided tour hosted by the Lutheran Archives Center at Philadelphia in partnership with Historic Trappe, exploring how Lutheran families such as the Muhlenbergs were integrally involved in the Revolutionary War.
Learn how the war directly impacted Lutherans in southeastern Pennsylvania and enjoy rarely-seen artifacts from historic congregations including Augustus Lutheran, New Hanover, St. Michael's Germantown, and St. Michael's and Zion in Philadelphia. Co-hosted by Historic Trappe and the Lutheran Archives Center at Philadelphia, this anniversary program highlights the faith, community, and cultural traditions that shaped life during the Revolutionary era. Tours are led by a combination of staff including Lisa Minardi, executive director; Christopher Malone, curator; Sheila Joy, archivist; and Haley Wrye, assistant archivist.
Augustus Lutheran Church will also be open for tours from 12 to 2 pm both days included with your purchase of a ticket.
More information and to sign up
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Christmas-at-Sea in July
Seafarers International House, an ELCA affiliate based in New York City, invites congregations to assemble Christmas-at-Sea gift satchels this July or August — filled with knitted hats, scarves, warm clothing, and holiday greetings for seafarers who spend Christmas far from home. Thrivent clients can apply for $250 in seed money. For instructions, knitting patterns, or to donate $40 per satchel, visit sihnyc.org/christmas-at-sea. To order satchels or coordinate returns, contact Jeni Janis at jeni@sihnyc.org or 212-677-4800 ext. 7218.
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ReconcilingWorks Monthly Bible Study
ReconcilingWorks is starting a monthly online Bible Study, meeting every third Thursday of the month, led by a rostered leader. Upcoming dates include July 16, Aug. 20, Sept. 17, Oct. 15, Nov. 19 and Dec. 17. The Zoom link will be emailed to registrants two days in advance. The text for the study is for the Sunday 10 days after the Zoom gathering. Sermon notes will also be available on the website. Learn more and register. ReconcilingWorks: Lutherans for Full Participation advocates for the welcome, inclusion and equity of LGBTQIA Lutherans in all aspects of the life of their Church, congregation, and community. The study is free to participate, as is a book club series.
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ELCA “Facilities Self-Assessment”
Use this self-assessment tool from the Mission Investment Fund to reflect on how your facility is serving your current ministry. Identify areas of strength and potential improvement for capital planning.
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ELCA World Hunger VBS Resources
ELCA World Hunger offers several free VBS programs that include large-and small-group activities, crafts, games, snacks and more, all of which can be easily adapted to your needs and setting. Check out their latest VBS program, “At the Table,” which invites kids to grow as storytellers and story-hearers in preparation for a life lived on behalf of others. Physical copies of a bilingual version of the curriculum are available from the ELCA e-store.
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Equipping the Church to Dismantle White Supremacy: A 5-part Webinar Series
In partnership with the ELCA Strategy for Authentic Diversity, the Albert “Pete” Pero, Jr. and Cheryl Stewart Pero Center for Intersectionality Studies at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, and the ELCA Association of White Lutherans for Racial Justice, presents a 5-part webinar series running May 12, 2026 - January 12, 2027 surrounding the topic of equipping the church to dismantle white supremacy. Register for these remaining webinars:
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This week! Webinar 2: July 2
Freedom of a Christian: Reclaiming the Gospel of Justice
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Webinar 3: September 8
Dismantle: Using the Devotional in Congregational Life
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Webinar 4: November 10
Now is the Time: Living into our Church’s Declarations and Statements
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Webinar 5: January 12
Commemorating the Emmanuel Nine and George Floyd: Sacred Memory as Call to Action
REGISTER
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ELCA Youth Gathering 2027:
Imagine More
June 27-28, 2027
PRE-EVENTS
Multicultural Youth Leadership Event + the tAble
June 28 - July 2, 2027
THE MAIN EVENT
ELCA Youth Gathering + Young Adult Gathering
The 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering is more than an event — it’s a movement where young people and leaders come alive in faith, grow in hope and move with purpose. This is where the church comes to life.
Stay up-to-date with ELCA Youth Gathering news and deadlines by subscribing to the Gathering newsletter.
Region 7 Gathering Facebook Page
Get connected to others in our region who plan to attend the Gathering.
SEPA's Regional Representative for The National Youth Gathering is Pastor Cassie Hartnett. Congregational representatives can email her with questions.
UPCOMING WEBINARS
More information and registration
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Summer is a good time for advocacy
Take a moment this week to visit the Action Alert page on the LAMPa website. Now it's easier to send a letter to your legislators and let them know how you want them to vote on a particular issue. A few clicks can make a big difference.
Below are just a few of the active alerts.
State Level Actions
Federal Alerts
You can find out who your state legislators are here and write them directly about issues you care about!
Write to your members of Congress on federal issues by going to the ELCA Advocacy Action Center.
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LAMPa's June E-Newsletter: In Common
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Kindling Faith Events and Training
Kindling Faith of United Lutheran Seminary has a new website with events and training listings updated regularly. Visit their site to register for informative events and continuing education.
The Spark Newsletter, June 2026
The June edition of Spark from Kindling Faith shares upcoming opportunities for learning, leadership development, and spiritual renewal. Highlights include the inaugural Preaching the Paradox festival, Aging Grace-Fully author series, fall trainings in LGBTQIA+ competency, racial justice, and boundaries, as well as retreats, workshops, and pilgrimage opportunities. The newsletter also celebrates $130,000 in stewardship grants awarded through the Stewardship of Life Institute and introduces new web content manager Rev. Sarah Hess. Explore resources and events designed to equip leaders and strengthen ministry across the church.
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Aging Gracefully Series
Author Rosella Haydee White
July 30 + 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Rozella Haydée White is an author, public theologian, and executive leadership coach whose work invites leaders to live and lead with
courage, wholeness, and a deep love ethic. She is the founder of RHW Consulting LLC and The Waymaker Agency, where she partners with mission-driven organizations and faith leaders
navigating change, conflict, and growth.
Rozella is the author of Love Big: The Power of Revolutionary Relationships to Heal the World and a contributor to multiple publications exploring leadership, justice, womanist theology,
intergenerational wisdom, and embodied faith. Her writing weaves personal story, theological reflection, and practical application, helping readers reconnect to their beloved-ness while doing demanding public work.
With more than two decades of experience in nonprofit and church leadership, Rozella brings both pastoral depth and strategic clarity to conversations about faith in wilderness seasons. She writes and teaches about spirituality that sustains leaders over the long haul — spirituality rooted not in performance, but in presence.
REGISTER
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| | Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod, ELCA | 7241 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19119 | 267-323-3737 | | | | |
