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The Synod Office will be closed

on Monday, September 7

in observance of Labor Day

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Who to call for what

in the SEPA Synod Office

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NEW! 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

More information will be sent this week.

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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. 

In Our Prayers

Victims, families and first responders of the earthquake in Nepal

All those affected by Hurricane Lala

Those recovering from wildfires and other natural disasters.

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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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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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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NEW! 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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NEW! 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 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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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

NEW! 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.

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

Annual All Camp Reunion and Delaware River Canoe Trip.

September 11

It’s time for our annual all camp reunion Delaware River Canoe Trip.

We’ll paddle twelve miles from the Bushkill Access to Smithfield Beach past the old river camps – Hagan, Ministerium and Miller. Please arrive at Chamberlain Canoes near Shawnee on the Delaware by 9:30 AM so we can depart at 10 AM.  Bring your swimsuit, water shoes, sunscreen, camera, lunch and beverages for a great day on the river. Please no dogs on the trip as a courtesy to others. The cost is $39 per person for a canoe rental and $45 per person for a kayak rental. If you want to bring your own canoe or kayak the cost is $31 per person for boat transportation and shuttle service.  Paddlers must be at least 6 years old. Brad Sweeney of Chamberlain Canoes requests that you call in your reservation to be guaranteed the group discount rate (do not reserve it online) (800) 422-6631. Don't forget to mention the Miller-Hagan-Mini-Bear Creek Reunion Trip.  Payment is made directly to Chamberlain Canoes the morning of the trip.  Please DO NOT call or send payment to Bear Creek Camp for the canoe trip. 

Let’s have a great day on the river!   Dave Veil daveil9591@gmail.com

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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! Feast of Creation

The ELCA formally adopted Creation in Christ (or the Feast of Creation) this year as part of a wider ecumenical movement to inaugurate a new common festival shared across Eastern and Western churches—something that hasn’t been done for over a thousand years. Churches are encouraged to consider observing the festival on Tuesday, Sept. 1 or Sunday, Sept. 6. Read more about the background and practical implications for this addition to the church year calendar and access this year’s worship resource which includes liturgical texts, preaching help, and music suggestions.

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NEW! Interfaith Philadelphia's Religious Freedom Then and Now Series: Political Empathy and Religious Pluralism

September 9, 2026

5:30 pm

Old Swede's Episcopal Church

916 S. Swanson St., Philadelphia, PA 19147

Dr. Lia Howard of University of Pennsylvania's Political Empathy Lab will lead a presentation in the series that continues to celebrate our nation's 250th birthday.

RSVP HERE

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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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Upcoming National Alliance on Mental Illness, (NAMI) Programs

NAMI offers programs virtually, as well as in Lower Merion Township and throughout Delaware County - and welcomes participants from all over. 

NAMI Peer-to-Peer

September 22,

Zoom on Tuesdays from 5:30-7:30 PM for 8 weeks

NAMI Peer-to-Peer is a free, eight-week educational and support program led by trained facilitators with lived experience of mental health challenges, offering participants practical tools, information, and connection to help them on their recovery journey. Please contact Jen for more information at office@namimainlinepa.org or 267-251-6240. To register, please complete the interest form.

Stay Well, Build Your Skills

(*Specifically for Teens in Grades 8-12) Begins on September 24

Stay Well, Build Your Skills is free online wellness group for teens in grades 8-12. In this group, teens will learn skills to manage emotions, manifest calm, and cope with academic, social and community stresses. This group will meet every other Thursday from 7-8:30 p.m. beginning on September 24, 2026.   Please contact Lisa for more information at lisa@namimainlinepa.org or 267-251-6240.  Click here for more information about the weekly topics and to register.        

Breaking the Silence of Suicide: Awareness, Understanding and Hope - September 27, 3:00 - 5:00 PM

St. James United Church of Christ

135 Myrtle Ave., Havertown, PA 19083

Breaking the Silence of Suicide: Awareness, Understanding, and Hope is a free community program offering a supportive and safe space to learn about suicide awareness and prevention, hear from suicide and suicide-loss survivors and clinical professionals, and explore resources for finding hope and moving forward after loss.  Please contact Lisa for more information at lisa@namimainlinepa.org or 267-251-6240.  Click here to register. 

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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

NEW! Election Engagement Tools

Want some inspiration about nonpartisan civic engagement in an election year?

Join us September 3 from 1:00 - 1:30 p.m. ET (with an optional 15-minute Q&A following) to explore action steps and themes with ELCA leaders building from the new ELCA Election Engagement Toolkit. 

Register here. 

Join our Pennsylvania Election Support Network!

To follow up on this training and be connected to nonpartisan Pennsylvania-specific efforts, contact LAMPa at LAMPa@LutheranAdvocacyPa.org.

We are working to connect and train poll workers, observers and trusted messengers across the Commonwealth, including work with synods to support congregations serving as polling sites. If your congregation is currently serving in that capacity, look for an invitation to connect. If your congregation is interested in serving, drop us a line at LAMPa@LutheranAdvocacyPA.org.

Look for more resources and opportunities in September's E-News.

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Volunteer Callers Needed

For years, LAMPa has coordinated calls from a friendly Lutheran to the director of each county elections office, thanking them for their service, letting them know we pray for them and asking how we can help support them in their important role. We began this in 2020, when their offices began to experience significant pressure, threats and disinformation campaigns.

At first, a handful of volunteers divided up the state's 67 counties among them, but we have been attempting to have someone from a congregation in each county make the call to build up those relationships. 

LAMPa is looking for a volunteer from a congregation in each of the counties listed below. If you or someone you know is interested, please contact LAMPa.

SEPA Synod Counties

Montgomery 

Delaware

Chester

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.

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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