Resources for effective church leaders
+ March 8, 2023
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Celebrate International Women’s Day TODAY |
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In this message to congregations, current International Women Leaders (IWL) scholarship recipients share what their scholarships mean to them and their communities. International Women’s Day is March 8. The ELCA celebrates this day by uplifting the IWL program, which provides scholarships for emerging women leaders from our companion churches around the world to study at ELCA colleges and universities, ELCA seminaries and other institutions. The following Sunday, congregations are encouraged to take a special offering for IWL. Give to IWL at: http://ELCA.org/SupportIWL. T hanks to a generous donor, your gift will be matched, dollar for dollar, until we reach $50,000.
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Lutherans Make a Difference |
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New American Stories: Welcoming Ukrainians |
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February 24th, 2023 marked one year since the war in Ukraine began. But in Philadelphia, Ukrainian refugee families are building new homes and lives thanks to Bethany Christian Services and the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service network.
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Lutheran World Relief Senior Director for Humanitarian Operations, Fred McCray, is in Turkey and shares the urgent needs of children, women and men devastated by the earthquakes that struck on February 6, 2023. “It’s going to take years to rebuild this city and rebuild people’s lives,” he said. Learn more at http://www.lwr.org/turkey-earthquakes.
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March for Our Lives: PA Advocacy Day
Five years after more than one million Americans rallied for the March for Our Lives, hundreds will gather in Harrisburg to demand life-saving action in Pennsylvania. Join us on Thursday, March 23rd as we call on the new gun safety majority in the House to act.
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Concert Benefits The Welcome Church
Join Hazelita Fauntroy (soprano) and Rosemarie Coleman (piano) and special guests for a concert to benefit The Welcome Church on Sunday, March 19 at 3 p.m. at Christ’s United Presbyterian Church, 1020 South 10th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147. There will also be a Women’s History Month presentation. A free will offering will be accepted.
Ministry In The NOW Normal
Join us THURSDAY, March 9 at 11 a.m. on Zoom to talk with Pastor Keith Anderson of Upper Dublin Lutheran Church about the lessons learned building interfaith and business partnerships responding to community needs. As always we will have time for your questions. Join us at https://bit.ly/sepacomms. |
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One of the frequent questions at our NOW Normal Zoom calls is: How can congregations better engage people who worship online? Jim Keat, Digital Minister at The Riverside Church, offers 10 tips for congregations to strengthen engagement and build relationships with online worshippers.
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Rostered and lay ministers, seminarians, and Lutherans from across the synod are invited to the 2023 Chrism Service on Tuesday, April 4, at 10 a.m., at the Schaeffer-Ashmead Chapel on the United Lutheran Seminary Philadelphia campus (7301 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19119).
This traditional service of Word and Sacrament includes the blessing of oil for anointing, healing prayer, and renewal of ministry vows. Bishop Patricia A. Davenport will preside. The Rev. Dr. R. Guy Erwin, seminary president, will preach.
The Chrism Service is a time for ministers of Word and Sacrament and ministers of Word and Service to reaffirm promises made at the beginning of their ministries. Blessingsare also offered for congregational deacons and assisting ministers to honor their local ministries. It is also a time to worship our Lord and be strengthened and renewed as we prepare to lead the faithful to the Cross and Resurrection
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Upcoming Kindling Faith Events |
Theological Education with Youth, July 23-28. The TEY one-week summer Academy is for high school students to live in an intentional Christian community on the Gettysburg campus of United Lutheran Seminary. Dr. Teresa Smallwood challenges participants to live out Jesus’ call to justice.
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Lutheran Night at the Phillies May 20
The Phils should be exciting this year, fresh off their World Series appearance in 2022. Catch the action and help fund SEPA Synod Youth Programs by buying tickets to Lutheran Night at the Phillies, Saturday, May 20 at 4:05 p.m. against the Chicago Cubs.
Ordering your tickets is simple: Go to www.phillies.com/lutheran. Use the password: LUTHERAN. Then select from available tickets. Please contact Shannon Profy in the Phillies Sales Office at 215.218.5465 with any questions
Around the Synod
Mark your calendar for Sunday, Sept. 10, when congregations of the ELCA will join together for "God's work. Our hands." Sunday, our tenth annual day of service. Consider expanding your day of service this year by inviting a friend, partnering with a neighbor congregation or serving in collaboration with a local community group or event.
Grace Lutheran Church in Broomall is hosting “Menus with Meaning” this spring, supported by a grant from the synod’s Forward Together in Faith campaign. Gatherings are Thursdays, noon to 2 p.m., from March 16 to April 20. The first 30 people are free! Beyond the cost is $15 per person per week. Includes lunch and learning materials. Registration is required: gracebroomall@gmail.com or 610.356.1824.
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Have stories, events, or resources to share?
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Thank you
The Rev. Bob Fisher, assistant to the bishop for mission interpretation/communications
Ms. Cynta Outterbridge, communications assistant
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