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Synod Assembly Information

Synod Assembly

imago dei

May 29-30

Trinity Lutheran, Lansdale

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Read The Full First Email of Assembly Information

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Synod Assembly Registration is Open!

Registration for Synod Assembly is now open.

Registration closes April 30

There will be NO on site registration.

REGISTER HERE

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Assembly Choir

All are invited to be part of the SEPA Synod Assembly Choir, supporting the hymns, leading liturgy, and offering special music at the Closing Worship Service on Saturday, May 30th at 5:30pm at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lansdale. You do not have to be a voting member of the assembly to be part of the choir, or even to attend worship. We will rehearse at 4:00 pm that day--and have scheduled rehearsals at other times. When you sign up here, you will receive more information. All are welcome!

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Pre-Assembly Finance Zoom

You are invited to attend the Pre-Assembly Finance Zoom on May 11, 2026 at 7:00 pm.

Get your questions about the Synod's budget and finances answered prior to Assembly.

REGISTER HERE

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Synod Assembly Offering

The offering received at the 2026 Synod Assembly has been designated for The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL).

You can share this link: https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/253643?giving_to=synod assembly offering

Or, this QR Code

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land’s (ELCJHL) identity is shaped by their calling to a relationship with God and with others. The church is the local expression of the Lutheran communion worldwide. READ MORE

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Nominations Remain Open for Synod Assembly

At the upcoming Synod Assembly, May 29-30, 2026 we will be electing leaders to serve on the Synod Council, the Consultation Committee, and the Committee on Discipline.  Please consider serving when asked. If you know someone who might be interested, pass along the information.

You can read the full letter and access the Nomination Form HERE. All vacancies as well as a brief description of each area is included in the letter.

If you have questions, please contact Nominations@sepa.org

In our prayers...

Those affected by extreme weather--especially those in Hawaii. Find out how you can support the disaster response effort here.

Protection, compassion, and dignity for

immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers and those who support them

Save the Date!

Lutheran Night at the Phillies

June 5

The Phillies take on the Chicago White Sox.

Use Code LUTHERAN

Join with your family and friends to cheer on the Phillies. Make a day of it and start your America 250 celebration early by visiting local historical sites ahead of the crowds!

SEPA Announcements

The Welcome Church Stations of the Cross

You are invited to join The Welcome Church at Noon on Good Friday, April 3 outside the women's bathroom at the Suburban train station for their stations of the cross. More details will follow. All are welcome to walk and pray this powerful public witness.

NEW! ICE OUT Community Training

April 7, 2026

6:00 pm

Sponsored by SEPA, Power Interfaith and 215 People's Alliance.

More information when you RSVP here.

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NEW! Earth Day Extravaganza

April 18, 2026

10:00 am - Noon

St. Michael's Lutheran Church

25 E. Church St., Sellersville

Lots of free family-friendly activities to enjoy as you celebrate Earth Day.

INFORMATIONAL FLYER

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NEW! Muhlenberg Parish Spring Bazaar

April 25

10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Zion Lutheran, Spring City

39 Bonnie Brae Road, Spring City PA 19475. [The big white church with the red door on 724 by Colonial Gardens]

Flea market, vendors, crafts, fun!

All proceeds to benefit Rise Against Hunger and other community projects.

REGISTER FOR A SPACE HERE

Questions?

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NEW! St. Paul's, to host Rachel's Day Service

April 26, 2026 + 9:00 am

St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church

Applebachsville (Quakertown)

849 Old Bethlehem Road

Quakertown PA 18951

This is an open invitation to all people to join us to become aware, take action & denounce violence of any kind towards children, including bullying. 

INFORMATIONAL FLYER

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Local Congregation seeks repair person for Braille machine

Christ Ascension in Chestnut Hill is home to a member who is blind. Over the last few weeks, they have discovered that his Braille machine is broken--therefore, he cannot print the worship service.

The congregation has reached out to several organizations to possibly fix the machine with no luck. Now they turn to you. Do you "know a guy"? Perhaps someone who fixed typewriters or sewing machines?

The Braille machine's model is called “Index Blue Bar,” which is quite old. The mechanism which advances the paper is called “tractor feed,” and this is what is broken.

If you know someone or are the someone, please be in contact Katherine Reier.

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Organ Concert and Chance To Build An Organ

Sunday, April 12, 3:00 pm.

Trinity Lutheran Church,

Fifth & Chestnut Streets, Perkasie PA

Experience a unique opportunity to hear beautiful music and build a pipe organ! Doppelflote, featuring flutist Melissa Freilich and organist Vincent N. Ryan, will perform both new and established compositions. Interspersed between the pieces will be a demonstration of "Orgelkids Build", which is a DIY pipe organ kit for children. Mr. Ryan, Minister of Music at Advent Lutheran Church, Harleysville, and Ms. Freilich, a music educator, debuted Doppelflote in 2022 in Wittenburg, Germany. Their performances, characterized by a sincere connection to the music, resonate with audiences on a profound level. 

A free will offering will be received and the church is handicapped accessible.

For more information: www.trinityperkasie.org; 215-257-6801.

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SEPA Antiracism Team to discuss videos

SEPA's Anti Racism Team invites you to meet with us on ZOOM to discuss some short Anti-Racism Videos. We will be looking at two, videos from the Facing Race series: Racism and Privilege Explained, and Teaching Kids about Racism. The third video will be a TED Talk: Racism Has a Cost for Everyone. 

We will meet online, Monday evenings, April 27, May 4 and 11, from 7 to 8 pm. Please register at antiracism@sepa.org by April 23. Once you've registered you will receive information about how to access the videos, which we ask you to view before we meet each week. You will also receive the ZOOM information. 

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Augustus Lutheran Spring Turkey Dinner and Craft & Vendor Fair

April 25, 2026

Dinner: 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Craft and Vendor Fair: 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Live Music: 2:30 pm - 6:00 pm

717 W. Main St., Trappe, PA

Tickets for the dinner are only $22.00 presale with payment / $25.00 at the door and it is a take-out only event. A limited number of self-service seating will be provided and the famed Gavin Elison will be playing live music from 2:30-6:00 PM. The Craft & Vendor Fair has free admission and runs from 2-6 PM. With Mother’s Day just a few weeks away from this event, it could be the opportunity to pick up that perfect and unique gift while supporting a charity, local artists, and vendors. Proceeds benefit Dr. Stephen & Jodi Lynn Swanson, Missionaries in Tanzania. Supplemental funds provided by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

Tickets are going fast. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door. For dinner reservations, call 610-489-9625 OR purchase online at www.AugustusTrappe.org

Interested Vendors Contact: AugustusCraftShow@gmail.com

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Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Holy Communion celebrates its Sesquicentennial year

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Holy Communion celebrates its Sesquicentennial this year.  They have planned an event for every month and you're invited.

Saturday, April 25, time TBD - “Lutherans and the American Revolution” with the Rev. Dr. Karl Krueger, retired professor of church history at Lutheran Theological Seminary.                                

Free-will offering.

For information or tickets to this event, contact the church at:

2110 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103           

phone: (215) 567-3668     

email: info@lc_hc.org        

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Save The Date!

Ascension Worship Service to host ULS Dean Rev. Dr. Teresa Smallwood as preacher

Thursday, May 14, 2026

Reformation Lutheran Church

102 W Rose Tree Rd, Media

6:30 pm Light Dinner

7:30 pm Worship Service

Rev. Dr. Teresa Smallwood  is the Dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs and The James Franklin Kelly and Hope Eyster Kelly Associate Professor of Public Theology at United Lutheran Seminary.

Dr. Smallwood’s career includes over 20 years as a practicing attorney in several capacities:  as staff attorney with Legal Services of the Southern Piedmont in Charlotte, NC and the Children’s Law Center; as Assistant District Attorney; and as proprietor of a private law practice.

Following this, Dr. Smallwood went on to study theology and earned Master’s and PhD degrees from Howard University School of Divinity and Chicago Theological Seminary.

She has taught at several colleges and seminaries including Lancaster Theological Seminary in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the Religious Freedom Center in Washington, D.C., Chicago Theological Seminary, Chicago, Illinois, and Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Arkansas. 

Most recently, Dr. Smallwood served as the Associate Director of the Public Theology and Racial Justice Collaborative at Vanderbilt Divinity School from 2017 to 2021. From 2021 to 2024 she served as Associate Professor of Public Theology at United Lutheran Seminary in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. On July 1, 2024, Dr. Smallwood became the Dean and Vice President of Academic Affairs at United Lutheran Seminary.

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Muhlenberg Summer Institute

June 28 - July 11

This summer, Muhlenberg College will offer a two-week, on-campus pre-college program for rising sophomore, junior, and senior high-school students — the 2026 Muhlenberg Summer Institute. The Muhlenberg Summer Institute will provide hands-on, project-based opportunities in a variety of subjects including new media and journalism, entrepreneurship and economics, theatre, political science, and psychology. The program also includes a half-day Career Accelerator session aimed at translating the summer experience into future opportunities.

Full program details and registration

For more information, contact: summerinstitute@muhlenberg.edu 

Muhlenberg College is one of 26 ELCA Lutheran Colleges and Universities and our Synod's partner.

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Save the Dates!

Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Holy Communion celebrates its Sesquicentennial year

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Holy Communion celebrates its Sesquicentennial this year.  They have planned an event for every month and you're invited.

Saturday May 16, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm - Outdoor Block Party

on Chestnut and Van Pelt.

All are welcome. Join neighbors and friends for Holy Communion’s outdoor festival with good food, beverages, and entertainment.

Sunday, June 28,

Gala Dinner and Raffle/Silent Auction -Celebrate Holy Communion’s 150th anniversary gala banquet and silent auction in Merz Hall.  

Price/person - $100.

For information or tickets to any of these events, contact the church at

2110 Chestnut Street,

Philadelphia, PA 19103           

phone: (215) 567-3668     

email: info@lc_hc.org        

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Save The Date

Mediator Lutheran Church Anniversary Celebration

Mediator Lutheran Church will be celebrating 120+1 years of faith, legacy, and community. September 13, 2026

Mediator Lutheran Church is located at

2832 N. 28th Street, Philadelphia

Upcoming Ordination

Madison DeLuca

Saturday, May 2nd, 2026

11:00 am.

Little Zion Lutheran Church

267 Morwood Road,  Telford, PA 18969

Livestream will be available via Facebook live on Little Zion’s Facebook page.

Color of the day will be red.

Reception will be immediately following the service in the fellowship hall. 

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NEW! Upcoming Installation

Pastor Christopher Drummond

Sunday, May 17 + 3:00 pm

Holy Spirit Evangelical Lutheran Church

2545 Franklin Avenue, Secane

Color of the day is white.

A reception will follow the service.

Love Revolution STRIVE Gathering April 18

Your congregation received an email last week inviting two members of your congregation to come join the STRIVE gathering of cohort 1. Participate in the day with the cohort, learn from our speakers and ask questions. REGISTER by April 11! Hope to see you there.

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Love Revolution Applications Open

If your congregation would like to be part of Love Revolution's second cohort, complete an application by April 30, 2026.

NEW! Webinar: Reimagining the Children's Message

Thursday, April 23, 2026

7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Eastern

Register now for a free one-hour online workshop led by Erin Reed Cooper on how to think differently about the possibilities and purposes of the Children’s Message in worship. Sponsored by the Hub for (Re)imagining Ministry at Wesley Theological Seminary.

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.

SEPA's Regional Representative for The National Youth Gathering is Rev. Cassandra Lewonczyk. Congregational representatives can email her with questions.

UPCOMING WEBINARS

More information and registration

Coming Soon! Register Now!

Fireside Fun-Raiser for Bear Creek Camp

Saturday, April 18

6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Reformation Lutheran Church

102 W Rose Tree Rd., Media, PA

Join us in person for a cozy evening of laughter, storytelling, and good vibes at the Fireside Fun-Raiser, benefiting Bear Creek Camp campers. Gather around the fire, enjoy great company, and unwind together at Reformation Media in a fun, laid-back setting. There will be a community moment at 7:00 pm, and your support at this event will go directly to BCC camperships.

Informational Flyer

Bulletin Insert

Register Here

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Summer Camp 2026 

Summer camp is more than just fun—it’s a place where campers feel welcomed, try new things, build friendships, and create lifelong memories. At Bear Creek Camp, we celebrate community while growing together through meaningful, faith-filled experiences.

Learn More and Register 

NEW! Action Alert: Reject Voting Barriers and Oppose the SAVE Act | SAVE America Act

The SAVE America Act (S. 1383), which is an expanded version of The SAVE Act (H.R. 22/S. 128), would create far-reaching changes to federal voting law. Changes would include adding requirements for voters to provide burdensome proof of eligibility, including documentary proof of U.S. citizenship like birth certificates to register to vote, and stricter photo identification, such as passport requirements for casting a ballot. READ MORE AND TAKE ACTION

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NEW! LAMPa Seeking Communications and Advocacy Engagement Manager

Do you (or someone you know) have professional communications experience, a passion for justice and a call to serve God's mission in the world -- especially in the public square?

LAMPa is seeking a communications and advocacy engagement manager. Learn more here, including how to apply for this full-time position within ELCA Witness in Society.

Witness in Society encompasses some of the work and ministry the ELCA does in the public sphere, advancing justice and shining a light on peace and dignity. Witness in Society equips advocates across the ecology of the ELCA and engages them in advocacy activity coordinated from the ELCA’s federal hub in Washington, D.C. alongside the Lutheran Office for World Community at the United Nations in New York City; Lutheran state public policy offices (SPPOs) in California, Minnesota, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin; and more than 15 directly affiliated locations serving even more states; and through the ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program.

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania (LAMPa) is a State Public Policy Office within ELCA Witness in Society, a partnership of the ELCA, Pennsylvania’s synods, congregations, seminary and social ministry organizations. Its mission: In response to God’s love in Jesus Christ, LAMPa advocates for wise and just public policies in Pennsylvania that promote the common good. LAMPa equips disciples to live into their baptismal call to strive for justice and peace.

This position will create, implement, and manage communications strategies for supporting productive relationships with internal and external partners as well as effective advocacy with policymakers. This position will equip Lutherans for public witness and advocacy campaigns that include voices from and encourage accompaniment of communities and individuals who are most affected by public policies, yet often neglected in policy formation. 

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Register Now!

Citizens With The Saints: A Day In The Capitol As Church Together

(formerly Lutheran Day at the Capitol)

Monday, April 20

They’ll know we are Christians by our love. In a time of turbulence in our nation and around the world — with consequences that threaten our neighbors, our democracy and our common home — what does it mean to show up as church together for the sake of the world God loves?

Join us on Monday, April 20, for a day of learning, community-building, inspiration, and advocacy. Gather with advocates from across the Commonwealth to be grounded in our faith and equipped to act together on issues that make a difference to the wellbeing of all. For decades, this has been known as Lutheran Day in the Capitol. This year we are leaning into a call to equip all disciples to act for justice and peace — building more welcoming communities and a more resilient Commonwealth.

We will learn from each other about what is working in our communities, including lessons from the church around the country. We will learn from legal and policy experts about what to expect in 2026 and how we can be prepared to act. We will learn from peace builders about progress in Pennsylvania and how we can both model a vision for a better future and support and encourage leaders who are building bridges now to help us get there together. To cap the day, we will travel to the Capitol to advocate together for a more just Commonwealth.

Learn more and register here.. Discounts are available for students, first-call leaders and congregations bringing teams of three or more. Event Link

For scholarship inquiries, email LAMPa at

lampa@lutheranadvocacypa.orglampa@lutheranadvocacypa.org.

SEPA Youth Events



Registration Now Open!

April 11-12, 2026 

Box City

More Information  

Informational Flier to Share

Box City is an overnight event for students in 6th - 12th grades. This year's focus is on Food Insecurity. This year's fundraising beneficiary is

Toti's Place of Hope, the new year-round shelter in Lansdale.

Registration is open at bit.ly/boxcity26.  

$30 per person, discounts/scholarships are available. Register your group by March 1 to guarantee t-shirts that fit. Register by March 31st to participate (t-shirts still included!) Packing lists, covenants, permissions, flyers to share are all on the website.

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.

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

Nolde Human Rights Lecture

with Rev. Dr. Clarence Wright:

Theology of Fred Rogers (Mr. Rogers).

Wednesday, April 15th

7:00 pm 

7301 Germantown Ave.

Philadelphia, PA 19119 

Program will be offered in person or via livestream

This is event is FREE for everyone.

REGISTER HERE

READ THE FLYER

Partner Opportunities

Lutheran Congregational Services Lay Eucharistic 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.

Saturday, April 25, 2026

9:30 AM - 4:00 PM

St. John’s Lutheran Church

826 Mahoning Dr. W, Lehighton, PA 18235

Saturday, May 23, 2026

9:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Advent Lutheran Church

1601 Green Lane, West Chester, PA 19382

To register for training, please complete the online form and submit the $30.00 fee per person.

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New ELCA Website

The ELCA has launched their new website. Some links are not working properly. They are working on this. Some things you may have bookmarked or saved, will not work. You will need to go to the new site and find the new location. If you encounter an issue that you cannot solve, email communications@elca.org and explain the issue.

Also, links that SEPA have sent out prior to last week, may not work. If you have an issue with a link SEPA sent, please be in contact with Pastor Paula at plebo@sepa.org

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Community Resilience, Support and Justice Grants

ELCA community resilience, support and justice grants back projects and initiatives focused on service and justice work and initiatives in the U.S. and around the world. The grants and partnerships are a powerful combination, helping communities everywhere understand, address and overcome challenges arising from wars, disasters, climate change, social injustices and historical inequities. Could an ELCA grant help a ministry at your church?

LEARN MORE HERE

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