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The SEPA Synod Office is closed on Fridays through September 4.

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Bishop Davenport's Funeral Recording can be found HERE

Note: The SEPA Synod Office is closed August 17 and 18.

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In God's Image

Attendee Registration Now Open

October 10, 2026

9:00 am to 2:00 pm

Reformation Lutheran

102 West Rose Tree Road, Media, PA

The keynote speaker is the Rev. Carla Christopher.

Registration for attendees is now open! REGISTER HERE for this event. You also may register on the calendar on the Synod's website.

Vendors for 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). 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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SEPA Antiracism Team Presentation with Rev. Dr. James Thomas

September 22, 2026

7:00 pm

Reformation Lutheran Church

1215 E. Vernon Road, Philadelphia

Join the SEPA Antiracism Team for a conversation with The Rev. Dr. James Thomas on his book A Rumor of Black Lutherans: The Formation of Black Leadership In Early American Lutheranism.

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What new ministry could you do?

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

In Our Prayers

The family of Rev. Dr. Patricia Davenport.

The family of Lamar Manson, the son of Rev. Linda Manson, SEPA Synod DEM

All those affected by Hurricane Lala

Those recovering from wildfires and other natural disasters.

NEW! Spirituality and Aging: Why Hospice

September 12, 2026

9:00 am – 11:00 am

Messiah Lutheran Church

46 W. Lancaster Ave., Downingtown

Messiah Lutheran Church invites you to a thoughtful conversation about hospice care on Saturday, September 12, from 9:00–11:00 a.m. Alisa Cramer of Penn Medicine Hospice will discuss how hospice offers compassion, support, dignity, and peace for individuals and families facing end-of-life decisions. Refreshments will be provided. 

www.MessiahLutherans.com

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NEW! God's Work, Our Hands Day: Rise Against Hunger Meal Packaging Event  

September 13, 2026

1:00 pm

Little Zion Lutheran Church

267 Morwood Road

Telford, PA 18969

Little Zion Lutheran Church will host a Rise Against Hunger meal packaging event on God's Work. Our Hands Day. Our goal is to pack 10,000 meals for the Rise Against Hunger campaign.

To volunteer, click here.  

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NEW! Conference of International Black Lutherans (CIBL)

40th Anniversary Celebration Conference

September 9, 2026

United Lutheran Seminary

7241 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia

Join us in person or via Zoom to celebrate of the 40th anniversary of CIBL! Learn more on the CIBL webpage.

You are invited to explore the history of African American Lutheran history and learn more about the project project here.

Read the latest news release

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Mediator Lutheran Invites You To An Anniversary Celebration

September 13, 2026

3:00 pm

2832 North 28^th Street

Philadelphia, PA 19132

It is with deep joy and gratitude that we invite you to join us in celebrating a remarkable milestone—the 120+1 Year Anniversary of Mediator Lutheran Church. On Sunday, September 13, 2026, we will gather at for a special worship service at 3:00 PM, followed by a Celebration Luncheon, as we honor the legacy of faith, service, and resilience that has shaped our congregation since its founding in 1905.

Please RSVP by August 30, 2026, via: Email: Mediator121anniversary@mediatorlutheranphilly.com

READ MORE HERE

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Pouring Chalice Needed

St. Mark's, Conshohocken is in need of a pouring chalice. If your congregation has one to donate, please be in contact with Pastor Wiseman or the church office

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Advent, West Chester Announces Concert Series

September 11, 2026

Mada and Hugh Piano Duo

7:00 pm

October 24, 2026

Berten and Nina Flute/Piano

7:00 pm

December 5, 2026

Minas Bossa Nova Ensemble

7:00 pm

January 23, 2027

Philly Pops Jazz Quartet

7:00 pm

Advent Lutheran

1601 Green Lane, West Chester, PA 19382

(Rt 352 between Rt 3 & Rt 926) 

Wheelchair accessible, lots of parking, comfortable seating 

Purchase tickets online/learn more at

www.adventwc.net & click Concert Series

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Trinity Lutheran, Coopersburg Celebrates 275th Anniversary with Activities

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

Available Items

NEW! FREE Pew Modesty Panels

Trinity, Lansdale has (2), 33" high x 16'9" long modesty panels, with kneeling pads available. See picture..

Contact Miwa Sperring, Trinity Lutheran, msperring@trinitylansdale.com.

Must be gone by August 24.

Choir robes

Advent, Richboro has 45 robes (25 blue with white collar and 20 blueish with no collars) to donate to another church or organization. The robes are in good shape but not cleaning.  SEE PHOTO 

The robes will be available through the month of August, after which an alternative option will be completed. Please contact 215 498 7698 for information.  

Advent is located at 45 Worthington Mill Rd., Richboro, PA 18954  

Estey Piano

Advent, Richboro is in the midst of a building reorganization and have an Estey piano to donate to another church, organization, or individual. The piano works but is in need of tuning.  

The piano will be available through the month of August, after which an alternative option will be completed.

Please contact 215 498 7698 for more information.  SEE PHOTO

Advent Lutheran Church

45 Worthington Mill Rd.,

Richboro, PA 18954  

OPEN POSITIONS

Please visit SEPA's website for more information

Save The Date

Love Revolution SEPA Synod

Fall Learning Day

November 21, 2026

More information will be distributed soon.

NEW DATE!

Faith Alive Worship Learning Lab 2

Children's Sermons and Child Development

Saturday, October 17

8:00 am-2:00 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 that will focus on children's sermons and child development.

REGISTER HERE

Register Now!

Through the Woods Trail Run

Saturday, September 26

10:00am

Something new is coming to the Through the Woods Trail Run this year — we're expanding the event to include a 10k, a 5k, and a 1-mile fun hike!

Wind your way through forest paths, over hills, and through streams on 3,000 stunning acres. There's a distance for everyone! Families welcome, playground on site, and post-race lunch available for purchase.

Partner Opportunities

NEW! The Way of Saint Paul - A Pilgrimage Tour WALKING in the Steps of Paul in Greece

April 2-13, 2027

Prof. Mark Vitalis Hoffman of United Lutheran Seminary will be leading a walking tour (up to 12 miles in a day) of sections of the paths Paul traveled in Greece. It is a trip for explorers, seekers, ponderers, and wanderers. We will visit Thessaloniki, Philippi, Amphipolis, Beroea, Aigai, Meteora, Delphi, Corinth, Athens, and more. The trip cost is $4795 with round trip from Dulles. Space is limited to 20 participants. Due to the nature of the trip, people need to apply and be accepted before registering. For more information, and a link to the downloadable brochure: CrossMarks.com/TWoP/

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NEW! Free Sheet Music from Lutheran Summer Music

Download Kingsfold, a new set of theme-and-variations for solo instrument and keyboard by Anne Krentz Organ.

The third offering in the LSM Hymn Tune Project, Kingsfold is based on the beloved English folk tune associated with a wide range of hymn texts. Available for a variety of solo instruments and keyboard, the work may be performed in its entirety or as individual movements.

Preview and download for free at LSMacademy.org/lsmpress

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NEW! Interfaith Philadelphia presents: Art of Interfaith Understanding

Nature and Spirit: Prayerful Looking at American Landscapes

Sunday, August 30

1:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Philadelphia Museum of Art

2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia

Join Interfaith Philadelphia for a guided mini-retreat at the Philadelphia Museum of Art as we explore how art can deepen reflection, inspire conversation, and invite spiritual contemplation.

Facilitators: Rev. John B. Hougen, PhD, Art of Interfaith Understanding Coordinator and Volunteer Docent at the PMA.

The Art of Interfaith Understanding is a program of Interfaith Philadelphia, co-sponsored by the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s Office for Community Engagement. Learn More

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God's Work. Our Hands. Sunday

On Sunday, September 13, congregations of the ELCA will gather for a dedicated day of service, “God’s work. Our hands.” Since 2013, “God’s work. Our hands.” has inspired people of all ages to put their faith in action through service projects that share God’s love with all God’s people. As you explore opportunities to participate in your community, explore resources from the ELCA. “God’s work. Our hands.” is an extension of the work you do every day to make your community a better place.

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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 August 20, September 17, October 15, November 19 and December 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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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: 

• Webinar 3: September 8
  Dismantle: Using the Devotional in Congregational Life
• Webinar 4: November 10
  Now is the Time: Living into our Church’s Declarations and Statements
• Webinar 5: January 12
  Commemorating the Emmanuel Nine and George Floyd: Sacred Memory as Call to Action

REGISTER

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

NEW! Urge Your State Senator: Pass a 6-Month Moratorium on Data Centers in PA

A data center moratorium bill passed the PA House with bipartisan support! Now it moves to the state Senate!

House Bill (HB) 2496 calls for a 6-month pause on data center development for all Pennsylvania municipalities.

Data centers are becoming one of the fastest growing users of electricity and water in Pennsylvania. Without thoughtful regulation, their rapid expansion threatens our shared natural resources, strains public infrastructure, and deepens inequities—especially for households least able to absorb rising utility costs.

"The ELCA calls upon individuals, agencies, organizations, corporations, and governments to pursue goals, set policies, and establish practices that...Promote a just transition from fossil fuels to a clean-energy future that leaves no one behind, through public investments in economic development and job retraining programs." - ELCA social message on “Earth’s Climate Crisis” (pp. 11-12)

READ MORE HERE

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NEW! Assist People in ICE Detention Centers

The Pennsylvania Immigration Coalition is looking for volunteers to assist those in ICE detention centers. READ MORE HERE

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.

NEW! Aging Grace-Fully with Pulitzer Prize winning Author Geraldine Brooks

September 10, 2026

1:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Geraldine Brooks was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in fiction in 2006 for her novel March. Her novels People of the Book, Caleb’s Crossing, The Secret Chord and Horse all were New York Times

Bestsellers. Her first novel, Year of Wonders is an an international bestseller, translated into more than 25 languages and currently

optioned for a limited series by Olivia Coleman’s production company.

REGISTER FOR IN-PERSON OR ONLINE HERE

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