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

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NEW! Funeral Arrangements for Bishop Davenport

CLICK HERE

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NEW! Introducing Quips: Stories from our shared ministry.

The name Quips comes from our Synod mission statement to "equip the saints for the work of ministry." Stories from our Synod's ministry and beyond shared to inspire hope and nurture our shared commitment to loving God and loving neighbor.

READ MORE HERE

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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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Help us help you!

Synod Communication Audit

SEPA Synod has contracted with LEAD Ministries to conduct a communication audit to learn how we can communicate with our Synod more effectively. If you haven't already, complete a quick survey (about 7 minutes) to help us.

COMMUNICATION AUDIT SURVEY LINK

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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

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In God's Image

Vendor Registration Open

Event: 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. 

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 wildfires across the United States

Those recovering after flooding from recent storms

NEW! Ice Response Training

Thursday, August 13

6:00pm

Are you concerned about the presence and activities of ICE and how that impacts your congregation and your ministries? Come to this training to hear about what you can do to make sure the legal rights of your neighbors are protected and how the church can respond.

ICE response training will be held in West Philly. Please RSVP here. 

You will receive an email within a few days of the event with the location. The specific location is not shared broadly for security purposes.

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NEW! Organ Concert

Sunday, August 16, 2026,

4:00 pm

Zion Lutheran

301 Jefferson Ave, Bristol, PA

Organist Matt Gerhard will present a program of fabulous hymn arrangements and organ music!

Matt currently serves as Director of Music at Kokomo Zion Church and directs the Cougar Choir at Indiana University Kokomo.

Matt earned a Bachelor’s in Church Music from Olivet Nazarene University and a Master’s in Choral Conducting from California Baptist University.

Matt has three albums of organ music, one of piano music, and an album featuring piano, organ, and congregation available to stream or download on most major digital platforms.

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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.

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NEW! 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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Music Camp at St. Paul's Lutheran church in Glenside

August 24, 2026

9:00 am 

A full day of fun and music making for children entering 1st grade up to children entering 7th grade in the fall. This year we will learn the musical Moses and the Freedom Fanatics.

The fee is $325 per student. (Early bird before August 3 $295) Scholarships are available.  

St. Paul's Lutheran Church

120 N Easton Road, Glenside PA 19038 

LEARN MORE HERE

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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

OPEN POSITIONS

Please visit SEPA's website for more information

Temple Lutheran

501 Brookline Blvd,

Havertown, PA 19083

Children's Minister

The Children’s Minister plays a major role in the faith development of children and families in the life of Temple Lutheran Church and beyond, both as a leader and as an example. This person should be familiar with or willing to learn ministry trends and practices for the church in the twenty-first century. We seek a creative, enthusiastic, organized, strong administrator who is self-motivated, and who appreciates the collaborative spirit of serving with a dedicated ministry team. READ MORE HERE

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St. Peter's Lutheran Church

211 S Main Street,

North Wales PA 19454 

Director of Music Ministry

St. Peter’s Lutheran Church (North Wales, PA) is seeking a faithful, enthusiastic, and collaborative Part-Time Director of Music Ministry (DMM) to lead and nurture the music ministry of our vibrant, historic congregation. Founded in 1776 and rooted in faith, hope, and community, St. Peter’s values music as an essential part of worship, spiritual growth, and congregational life.

Interested candidates are invited to submit a resume, cover letter, and references to: Ginny Bailey

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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

132 E. Valley Forge Road,

King of Prussia, PA 19406

Parish Administrator

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church is seeking a Parish Administrator to support its ministerial staff and church office operations. This is a part-time position working Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (beginning in 2027, Monday through Thursday during the Memorial Day through Labor Day period). READ MORE HERE

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St. Luke's Lutheran Church

3206 Big Road Zieglerville, PA 19492

Part-time Office Manager & Communications Coordinator

The Office Manager & Communications Coordinator will support the administrative and communication needs of the congregation.

To apply, please submit a resume and salary requirements to stlukes.application@gmail.com Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. READ MORE HERE

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

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

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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