SOUTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD | ELCA
Resources for effective church leaders
+ July 7, 2022
From Living Lutheran: Where are the safe spaces

It’s beyond terrifying and sad that incidents of gun violence happen so frequently that denominations, including our own, have had to include a “gun violence litany” in our worship resources. The litany is powerful, expressing pain and sorrow. It’s one of those tools you hope you never have to use.
But we’ve had to haul it out multiple times recently.

The ELCA’s “60-day journey toward justice” provides an excellent path for communities of faith to walk with one another, exploring ways to grieve, advocate and live into Christ’s call to be peacemakers.
"Saying Thanks" Generosity Workshop Aug. 30

How often do you say “thanks” for your members’ giving? How do you say “thanks?” These are just some of the questions that the Synod Generosity Team will answer at its FREE workshop on Tuesday evening, August 30 at 7:00 p.m.  You can either attend in-person at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 2100 York Road, Jamison, PA, OR you can attend virtually. 
 
While the event is FREE, you need to register for the event by August 15 so we can properly plan and prepare. Visit https://community.ministrylink.org/saying-thanks-workshop to register. Thank you for considering this opportunity to extend your ministry.


Building a Culture of Generosity
A STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM FOR CONGREGATIONS SEEKING TO:
  • Stabilize and grow financial giving
  • Teach Biblical stewardship principles
  • Help members discover generosity
  • Building a foundation for a generous culture
Classes begin August 17, 2022, and end November 14, 2022. The cost for registration is $250. Interested in attending contact Pr. Bryan Penman via email or by phone at 267.323.3756. Read More

Help grow your congregation with Tithe.ly
Is your congregation growing?
Are you connecting with members and visitors?
Do you have a strategy for generosity?
Whether you answered yes or no, Tithe.ly wants to make it easier than ever to grow the church.
  • Receiving gifts online.
  • Building a custom church app and website.
  • Planning events.
  • Emailing and texting church members and first-time visitors.
  • Generating custom reports on growth and generosity.


Vacation Bible School Sets Available FREE

Augustus, Trappe has some beautiful sets and all the curriculum for To Mars & Beyond Vacation Bible School to give to any church who would like them and can pick them up. The sets were made by two very talented ladies at St. John's Phoenixville - they spend weeks doing this every year - they then go to Augustus for use the following year. If anyone can use these materials, please
contact Sonya K. Sowards, M.A.C.E. text/call 904-476-4409

Calvary Lutheran Church, West Chester seeks a Director of Family and Youth Ministry that will work with Calvary’s entire church community and will be responsible to grow, equip, develop and lead a comprehensive Family and Youth Ministry (FYM) program. This position will provide leadership, direction, and supervision in the areas of FYM to cultivate a Family of God who is inspired to grow, play, discover and serve together. Learn more.

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, King of Prussia seeks an Administrative Assistant to support its ministerial staff and church office operations. This is a part-time position averaging 20 hours a week, Monday through Friday, 9 am - 1 pm. The successful candidate will be self-motivated with a professional demeanor and presence, positive attitude, strong work ethic, and excellent verbal and interpersonal skills. Learn more.

St. John Lutheran Church, Phoenixville seeks a Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries the Director will promote the development of family ministry with enthusiasm and dedication to working directly with people of all ages. The Director will develop programming, fellowship, and service and worship opportunities; coordinate with the youth education teams; and, encourage volunteers and parents to provide fellowship and faith-building activities for our youth. Learn more.

Trinity Lutheran Church, Lansdale seeks an Assistant Director for Worship and Music to lead (Preschool/Early Childhood Music, Cherub Choir, Handbell Choir) and support (Children and Youth Choirs, periodic soloists/ensembles) the mission and vision of Trinity Lutheran Church and its music ministry. Learn more

Trinity Lutheran Church, Lansdale seeks an Organist to lead (congregational worship) and support (accompany adult choirs) the mission and vision of Trinity Lutheran Church and its music ministry. Learn more

St. Paul Lutheran Church, Philadelphia (Olney) seeks an Office Coordinator to who will support the congregation’s ministry, the pastor, and the faithful leaders of the congregation. Learn more.

Lutheran Disaster Response - Eastern Pennsylvania seeks a Disaster Case Manager to provide a full range of disaster casework/management services including but not limited to identifying survivors’ needs, making connections to resources, and working within the protocols of the local long-term recovery committees. Training provided. Learn more.

Ordinations:
Ms, Dedra Florence Johnson will be ordained to the ministry of Word and Sacrament on Saturday, July 9, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at Mediator Lutheran Church (2832 N. 28th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19132) she is called as Pastor, Grace Lutheran Church (3529 Haverford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104) A light reception will follow in the fellowship hall. Services will be live-streamed at https://www.facebook.com/dedra.johnson/

Mr. Kevin M. Tracey’s ordination to the ministry of Word and Sacrament as Pastor, St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Clifton Heights will take place Saturday, July 16th at 10:00 am at New Hanover Evangelical Lutheran Church (2941 Lutheran Rd. Gilbertsville PA 19525). The service will be live-streamed via New Hanover’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/NewHanoverLutheranChurch). A light reception will follow.

Vicar Brandi Hebert will be ordained to the ministry of Word and Sacrament on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, at 10 a.m. at Lutheran Church of God's Love (791 Newtown Yardley Road, Newtown PA 18940), where she is being called as associate pastor. A light reception will follow in the fellowship hall.

Installations:
The Rev. Dedra Florence Johnson will be installed as Pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Philadelphia on Sunday, August 14, 2022, at 3:00 p.m. The Rev. Regina Goodrich, Dean of Central Conference will be presiding. A light reception will follow in the fellowship hall. Services will be live-streamed at
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The Rev. Bob Fisher, assistant to the bishop for mission interpretation/communications
[email protected] / 267.323.3743

Ms. Cynta Outterbridge, communications assistant
[email protected] / 267.323.3742