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Who to call for what

in the SEPA Synod Office

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NEW! Submit An Event

If you want to submit an event to appear in a future MinistryLink e-mail, go to the SEPA website and in the Contact Us tab, you can complete our Submit an Event form. The deadline for items to appear is Monday at Noon for Tuesday publication.

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Reminder! Church Councils: Portico Announces 2027 Benefit Costs

As church council members begin to plan for 2027, note that health plan rates, benefit option details, and out-of-pocket limits for next year are now available on myPortico.

Due to the significant rise in medical costs, there is a baseline 15% increase for ELCA-Primary health benefits.

Some 2027 member out-of-pocket costs have increased (e.g., brand-name drugs and out-of-network care) while others remain unchanged.

Review 2027 Annual Enrollment Details Here

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September Ordination Anniversaries

The Rev. Roy Almquist, 59 years

The Rev. Richard Bergen, 4 years

The Rev. Wende Bleam, 15 years

The Rev. Marie L. Caron, 39 years

The Rev. Katherine Cartwright Knodel, 36 years

The Rev. Annemarie Cook, 19 years

The Rev. Daniel Eisenberg, 12 years

The Rev. Susan K. Ericsson, 44 years

The Rev. Gerald W. Faust, 23 years

The Rev. Karen L. Hart, 23 years

Sister Katherine Homburg, 63 years

The Rev. Kayla Hopgood, 3 years

The Rev. Timothy B. Johansen, 14 years

The Rev. Axel Kaegler, 12 years

The Rev. Jane M. Marston, 18 years

The Rev. Dr. Christian McMullan, 29 years

The Rev. Timothy Ness, 13 years

The Rev. Matthew Ollikainen, 24 years

The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Phelps, D.Min., 24 years

Deacon Barbara Piston, 41 years

The Rev. Leslie M. Richard, 37 years

The Rev. James R. Saboe, 32 years

The Rev. Marie Sager, 11 years

The Rev. Andreas Wagner, 29 years

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SEASON OF CREATION

NEW! Make Living Water Flow this Season of Creation

Every act of care for creation becomes part of a global stream of hope. 

The Season of Creation, a church season, is from September 1 through October 4th. 

"The Season of Creation is a time to renew our relationship with our Creator and all creationthrough celebration, conversion, and commitment together. During the Season of Creation, we join our sisters and brothers in the ecumenical family in prayer and action for our common home."

Lutherans Restoring Creation Resources

Download The Celebration Guide

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NEW! Called by Faith: Caring 

for Creation

Zoom presentation October 5

7:00 pm

In Genesis 2:15, God calls on us to care for God's creation. How do we do that? In this presentation, we will explore the interconnections between our faithful missions of feeding the hungry, caring for the poor, racial justice, and creation care. 

The goals of the presentation are to:

• Provide information about our changing environment & climate
• Help you make the connection between faith & climate
• Empower you with solutions

REGISTER FOR OCTOBER 5

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NEW! Connections Call: Advocacy in our Congregations & Data Centers

September 28

7:00 - 8:30 pm, Zoom 

Join us as we discuss how we can bring advocacy into our congregations. First, three congregations in the SEPA synod will share examples of how they used the tool of advocacy. Second, we will be joined by the ELCA Program Director for Environment and Energy Policy, Christine Moffett and LAMPa's Tracey DePasquale to discuss the advocacy topic of Data Center expansion and environment impacts. An opportunity to share how your congregation participates in advocacy for various topics will be included.

REGISTER HERE

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Upcoming Ordination and Installation

Brynn Anderson has accepted a call to serve as pastor at Resurrection Lutheran Church, Horsham.

Ordination: September 12

11:00 am

Upper Dublin Lutheran Church

411 Susquehanna Rd, Ambler, PA 19002.

Installation: October 25

4:00 pm

Resurrection Lutheran Church

620 Welsh Rd, Horsham, PA 19044.

You are invited to join in this celebration. The color of the day is red.

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Join this important conversation

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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Don't miss the deadline!

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

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. 

NEW! What Really Matters? Middle School Retreat  

November 7, 2026

2:00 PM  

Bear Creek Camp

3601 Bear Creek Blvd

Wilkes Barre, PA 18702  

Youth Leaders & Confirmation Classes! Come spend 24 hours in the mountains with us and we'll explore concepts that are core to our faith. This middle school retreat includes worship, large and small group discussions, hiking, bonfire, outdoor games and we'll sleep in heated cabins.

Registration is open, $80 per person, spaces are limited.

Contact Karolin Brechbill or Janet Hilsmier for more details.   

MORE INFORMATION

In Our Prayers

Victims, families and first responders of the earthquake in Nepal

Lutheran Disaster Response Teams as they care for those recovering from natural disasters.

Those discerning calls.

NEW! Estrangement Grief Workshop

Thursday, September 17

6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Emmanuel Lutheran Church

69 West Broad Street in Souderton, PA

Parking is in the rear of the building.

The workshop will be presented by Randy S. Doaty from The Grief Ministry.

Family estrangement is a rising “silent epidemic” in Western society, with studies showing that 25%-38% of American adults are currently estranged from a family member. This affects roughly 67 million people in the US; these relational divides most often occur between parents and adult children and can last for many years.

We will have light refreshments and ask that you contact the office to sign-up for the Workshop. There is no charge to participate, just your presence.

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NEW! Autumn Festival and Five-Year Celebration

Grace Wellness Center

October 11, 2026

Noon to 3:00 pm

Grace Lutheran Church

2191 West Chester Pike, Broomall

For More Information, contact Sister Paula Estornell

INFORMATIONAL FLYER

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This week

Advent, West Chester Announces Concert Series

A Concert Honoring America

September 11, 2026

Mada and Hugh Piano Duo

7:00 pm

INFORMATIONAL FLYER

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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God's Work, Our Hands: Feeding the Hungry  

September 13, 2026

10:30 AM

Redeemer Lutheran

2100 York Road, Jamison

On September 13, 2026, we will be having our meal assembly event for “God‘s Work, Our Hands” Sunday. Last year, we made 20,000 meals in about two hours. ALL of the meals went to local food banks. This year we will be doing another 20,000 meals. Half will be macaroni and cheese and half will be rice and beans.

We will meet in the Fellowship Hall, right after worship at 10:30 am. After we are done with the meals, we will have something to eat! No need to sign-up in advance.

If you have any questions, contact the staff at Office@RedeemerJamison.org.  

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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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Zion Lutheran Church 

Organ Recital Series

Friday, September 18, 2026

7:00 pm

301 Jefferson Avenue, Bristol

Parish Organist, Dylan David Shaw will present an evening of light organ music. 

Dylan served as Assistant Grand Court Organist at the Wanamaker Organ, performing multiple concerts each week. He also serves as Associate Organist at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey, home to the Midmer-Losh Organ, recognized as the largest musical instrument in the world. He is a two-time participant in the Longwood Gardens Organ Academy, an intensive week-long program devoted to organ transcription. A defining feature of Dylan's artistry is his passion for transcribing and performing orchestral music for the organ.

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Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church Celebrates 200 years

Saturday, September 19, 2026

1:00 pm

Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church, 733 Ridge Road, Sellersville PA 18960

We give thanks to God for His enduring faithfulness, and it is with great joy that we invite you to celebrate the 200th Anniversary of Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church.

As fellow laborers in the Gospel, your presence would be a tremendous encouragement to our pastor, congregation, and community. We would be deeply honored to lift our voices in worship alongside you. Clergy are invited to vest and process. The color of the day will be red, and clergy who will be processing are asked to arrive by 12:30 p.m.

Please let us know if you can attend by RSVPing by Sunday, September 13, 2026, via online at www.jelchurch.com

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Trinity, Perkasie Concert Series Opens

Sunday, September 20

3:00 pm

Trinity Lutheran

19 S 5th St, Perkasie, PA 18944

The Montgomery County Concert Band opens the 2026-27 season of Trinity's Concert Series on Sunday, Sept. 20 at 3:00 pm. Freewill offering, handicapped accessible.

MORE INFORMATION

Or call: 215-257-6801

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To Those Who Have Left Their Mark

September 20, 2026

Augustus Lutheran Church

717 W. Main St., Trappe, PA

Join us for a special presentation on the recent historical analysis and research on the various markings carved into the woodwork of Historic Old Trappe Church. Special Guest presenters Beth Houting, Executive Director at Schwenkfelder Library and Heritage Center, and Scott Houting, Curator and Executive Director of the Peter Wentz Farmstead, will present their findings on the names, dates, and various other markings peppered throughout the church as well as the context and historical significance. Come discover the untold stories of Old Trappe Church and a rather unique aspect to this historical building. The presentation and luncheon will follow the 10:30 AM service. All are welcome - Hope to see you there!

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Flea Market

Advent Lutheran Church

45 Worthington Mill Rd.,

Richboro, PA 18954

(at the corner of 2nd Street Pike (232) and Worthington Mill Rd.)

September 26, 2026

9:00:00 AM 

This Flea Market is a rain or shine event (held inside the church in the event of rain) for church and community members to sell and buy items or just browse and socialize. A non-refundable registration fee of $10 is charged per space (parking lot size) for the selling of one's items. Flea Market registration forms for a space will be accepted until September 22, 2026 or until spaces are filled. Anyone interested in participating in or attending the event can call 215 355 2529 (church office) for more information regarding registration.  

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Advent, West Chester Concert Series

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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2nd Annual Community Family Fun Day

Sponsored by

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

Saturday, October 10, 2026

Warminster Community Park.

We hope you will join us again and help us continue building upon the success of this special community event.

Vendor spaces are still available! If you are interested in participating, please email for a registration link.

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OPEN POSITIONS

Please visit SEPA's website for more information

Soprano Section Leader

Augustus Lutheran Church in Trappe, PA has an opening for a paid soprano section leader. The choir rehearses on Thursday evenings, 7:00-8:30 and sings for one Sunday service September-June. The successful candidate will be a strong sight reader and provide vocal leadership while blending with the section. Please contact Dr. Darryl Roland at  for audition information.

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Office Assistant – Part Time 

Immanuel Lutheran Church in the far Northeast is looking for an individual who has experience as an Office Assistant with the ability to multi task, possess articulate communication skills, along with a strong attention to detail and familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel and Power Point. Background in Servant Keeper and Publisher, IT experience and knowledge of the German language are helpful, however, not required. Compensation based on experience.

This is a part time position, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, three to four days a week and is flexible.

Accepted applicant will be required to pass a child abuse background check.

Local residency in lower Bucks County or NE Phila. area is preferred. Please forward a cover letter, salary requirement and resume to office@immanuelphilly.org to the attention of M. Morris.

NEW! Metro DC Synod Youth Ministry Coordinator

More Information 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

NEW! You're invited to the ELCA Church Property Resource Hub Webinar: “Land Back as Property Stewardship Ethic”

Thursday, September 24, 2026

7:00 pm (Zoom)

Honoring the ELCA's commitment as a church through the social policy resolution “Supporting ELCA Land Back Efforts and Indigenous Ministries,” this webinar is focused on land return.

Indigenous leaders from within and beyond the ELCA will share about the Land Back movement and repudiation of the Doctrine of Discovery. Participants will also hear from congregations and synods taking part in land return and reconciliation efforts. 

Register today.

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NEW! Virtual Discernment Event 2026

Sunday, September 27

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM EDT

Zoom

Join representatives from the seven Seminaries of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America to explore your sense of call, learn about the variety of affordable and flexible seminary programs, and consider your next steps.

REGISTER HERE

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NEW! National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools: September 30

The ELCA has committed to observe the National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools each year on or near September 30, inviting all congregations and ministries to participate through prayer, education, and visible signs like wearing orange shirts as an act of solidarity and lament. This remembrance is part of a broader, faith-shaped work of truth-seeking, repentance, and healing for the church’s role in boarding schools, trusting that Christ calls us to stand with survivors and Indigenous communities in justice and reconciliation.

ELCA Resources

ELCA Prayer Service

Order an Orange Shirt

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NEW! Meet Lydia - New Online Quilt and Kit Tracking Tool

Lutheran World Relief created a simple new way for you to see exactly where your love travels. Meet Lydia — your new online quilt and kit tracking tool.

With Lydia You Can:

• Pre-Register your boxes before an Ingathering
• Track them all the way to their final destination
• Use any Devide computer, table or smartphone.

LEARN MORE

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NEW! Applications now open for Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM)! Plus: Support the 2026-27 YAGM cohort

Young adults are invited to apply for a year of international accompaniment in one of YAGM’s program countries. Walk alongside our global companions and share in the ministries of partner churches and organizations. Applicants must be U.S. citizens ages 21-35. Learn more and apply.

Not a young adult? No problem! You can support a 2026-27 YAGM volunteer who is getting ready to start their year of service. Visit their fundraising page to read their stories, see where they’re headed and make a financial contribution.

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NEW! 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.

Lutheran Congregational Service’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.

Upcoming Dates

Saturday, October 10, 2026

9:30 am-4:00 pm

St. Michael’s Lutheran Church

Sellersville PA

Saturday, October 24, 2026

9:30 am-4:00 pm

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church

Kingston PA

REGISTER HERE

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NEW! ELCA World Hunger: Daily Bread Grants

ELCA World Hunger Daily Bread grants provide daily bread for neighbors experiencing hunger while also serving as a catalyst for garnering additional financial support. Daily Bread grant funding is available in the form of one-time $500 grant and is meant to supplement existing public serving food-based ministries.

The application window is October 1 - 21, 2026!

LEARN MORE AND APPLY

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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 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

ELCA Election Engagement Toolkit

Motivation meets nonpartisan action suggestions with this ELCA Election Engagement Toolkit, covering 10 topics with succinct inspiration and tools. We can activate and energize love in an election season as people and communities of faith.

LEARN MORE

Cultivating Relationships with Local Election Officials

Cultivating relationships with local election officials can be an important support for the individuals, communities and generations impacted by the outcomes of U.S. elections. Learn more about this important role and how you can build valuable relationships.



LEARN MORE

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.

Fall Convocation 2026 – The Double-Edged Sword: How the Digital World Hurts and Heals

September 17

9:00 am - 4:00 pm

United Lutheran Seminary Philadelphia Campus

7301 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia

The internet, smartphones, Al-all are utilities which both enhance and detract from our daily living. What is the ethical means by which we engage with technology which is rapidly

changing our fragile world community?

COST:

In-person (Philadelphia) $40

Online: $20

MORE INFORMATION

REGISTER HERE

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