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Celebrate Rostered Ministers During October

Did you know that October is Rostered Minister Appreciation Month? Take time out during October to thank your pastors and deacons for all the ministry they do. Need ideas? We’ve created a list of 9 Ways To Appreciate Your Rostered Ministers.

Idea: An (extra) Sunday off

Rostered ministers are no different from the rest of us – We all need to take care of ourselves, especially in stressful times. Set a date and cover your pastor or deacon’s duties: Recruit a lay volunteer to preach, try to engage a supply preacher, schedule a Service of the Word or hymn sing, find a volunteer to teach their class – whatever is appropriate. Let them know far enough in advance so they don’t start preparing for that day.

Vitality Team Open Forum: When Church Stops Working

Join members of the Vitality Team and the Conference of Dean’s for a discussion of Andrew Root’s new book When Church Stops Working: A Future for Your Congregation beyond More Money, Programs, and Innovation. On Saturday October 21 at 10:30 a.m. we will gather on Zoom for a discussion of Dr. Root’s key points and take-aways from his book. We will explore how his approach to doing church relates to both the work of mission in the church and the biblical roots for discerning what God would have us do in this time when it feels like the church isn’t working anymore. Join us for this hope filled conversation about how we can bolster the spirit of God working in our congregations, our people and in our communities. All are welcome – even if you haven’t read the book! 

Holy Closure of Trinity, S. Philadelphia

The service Holy Closure of Trinity Lutheran Church, South Philadelphia will take place on Sunday, October 8, 2023 at 3 p.m. The church is located at 2300 S. 18th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19145. All are invited. 

With the closure of the church, other congregations of our synod are invited to come on Wednesday, October 10 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to see if there are any furnishings, etc., that might be useful in your church. It is an open invitation. The parking lot gates will be open for easy access.

WATCH: Why I am Against Christian Nationalism

Addressing Christian Nationalism, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton says this ideology “is a perversion of the gospel and a threat to our democracy. It’s precisely because I love my country that I warn against it.”

• Watch video

Saturday: LDR Oktoberfest



Oktoberfest for LDR, sponsored by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Glenside, has been held for over a decade. Join us Saturday, Sept. 30, from noon to 6 p.m. for a family friendly afternoon of great food, great music, and a well-stocked silent auction.

Funds raised support long term disaster response in eastern Pennsylvania. We continue to help survivors navigate and recovery from complicated challenges related to disasters. We are actively still serving those impacted by Tropical Storm Isaias (2020), Hurricane Ida (2021) and most recently several severe storms in the summer of 2023.

• Download an information sheet

Register for “In God’s Image” Oct. 7

“In God’s Image” is our synod’s inclusive ministry event on Saturday, October 7 at Upper Dublin Lutheran Church with keynote speaker Pastor Noah Hepler! In God’s Image is a day-long (9-2) program of worship, workshops, conversation, and resources. The cost is $10 per person, including lunch. Invite a team from your congregation to cover all of the workshops.

• Register

Register for the Gathering. Learn more on our website.

Oct. 7: Lay Eucharistic Visitor Training

Oct. 14: Ordination: Mycah Lynne McNett

Oct. 14: Gather, Rest , Renew Women’s Retreat

Nov. 14: Rostered Ministers Equipping Event

Bear Creek Winter Connect Weekend

4th - 12th Grade - January 12-14, 2024

CONNECT is a fun-filled weekend at Bear Creek Camp to share with camp friends and returning summer counselors in activities unique to BCC in the winter! The weekend kicks off on Friday night and runs until Sunday after lunch. Cost for the weekend is $130/person. Registration opens on Monday, October 3rd.

• Learn more at https://bearcreekcamp.org/camps/winter-camp/

SERVE: Assemble Gift Bags for Seafarers

Looking for a way that people in your church can serve? Seamen’s Church Institute is again collecting ditty bags with gifts for seafarers making port in Philadelphia. These seafarers work 24/7 in all kinds of weather to bring goods from around the world. You can help SCI thank them for their service by preparing bags of seven to ten items and delivering them to SCI by November 15.

• Download an information sheet
• Contact hpierson@sciphiladelphia.org with questions, or to make a financial contribution.

ELCA Guidelines for Live Streams and Recordings

As congregations continue to livestream and post worship recordings, the ELCA general counsel's office has issued guidelines for best practices.

• Guidance for Recording Live Streaming

Keep Up With Synod News and Resources

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