News and Updates for the week of August 25, 2025 | | Lutherans Together. Loving God. Loving Neighbor. | | SEPA Synod Updates & Events | | THE SEPA SYNOD OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED ON SEPTEMBER 1 IN OBSERVANCE OF LABOR DAY | | |
SEPA Synod Building Summit
Saturday, September 27
10:00 am- 3:00 pm
The Brossman Center, United Lutheran Seminary
7241 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia
The Building Summit brings together three leaders in development to discuss innovative strategies for transforming how buildings serve their communities. One of the key themes of the summit is the adaptive reuse of existing structures—rethinking how to make use of underutilized buildings.
The Building Summit is free, but you must register in advance as lunch will be provided. Space is limited to no more than three leaders per congregation. Register no later than September 20.
Our presenters
Robert V. Peters, B.Th., B.A., M.A., M.P.S. Founder of two award-winning nonprofits, PRAXIS HOUSING and HOUSING INNOVATIONS. Long time consultant on both economic and housing development projects.
Wes Willison He currently lives and works in Kensington, Philadelphia. Active on the board of New Kensington Community Development Corp and the Simple Way and works as a licensed Realtor.
Marcus Toconita Partner with Callahan and Ward, a Philadelphia-region housing and mixed-use developer. Winner of several housing awards.
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LAST DAY TO REGISTER!
Lunch and Learn
Simplify Church Communications
Thursday, August 28 + Noon
This learning opportunity is for anyone who works with congregational newsletters, social media, websites and other forms of communication. The event is free and will be held via Zoom.
REGISTER HERE
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NEW! Love Revolution Presents:
SEPA Synod Fall Learning Day:
Who Is Our Neighbor?
Saturday, October 18
8:30 am to 12:15 pm
St. John Lutheran Church
3101 Tyson Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19149
Keynote presenter: The Rev. Emily Harkins, Lead Pastor and Founding Developer of The Dwelling, in Winston-Salem, NC. In a world that constantly tells people who are living on the margins that they don't belong, The Dwelling is a church that tells them that the world has it all wrong. Pastor Emily also will lead an hour-long workshop titled: Serving All People In The Name of Jesus.
Workshop presenter: Ms. Julia Frank, Director of Community Outreach for Liberty Lutheran and Lutheran Congregational Services. She will be leading an hour-long workshop on “Striving for Justice and Peace” which will include practical, hands-on opportunities for congregations to get involved in justice work.
Preacher: The Rev. Linda Manson, SEPA Director for Evangelical Mission and Assistant to the Bishop for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Pastor Manson brings her passion for connecting church and community to her new role in the Southeastern PA Synod. She looks forward to finding and developing ways for this synod to be a source of hope and light for the communities we serve, as well as continuing to serve our larger church body.
Come join your friends and neighbors in the SEPA Synod for this free day of learning, worship and fellowship. All are welcome! As part of the Love Revolution grant, these learning days give others a taste of what the Love Revolution is all about.
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NEW! Save The Date!
Faith Alive Worship Learning Lab
Saturday, November 22, 2025
9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Lutheran Church of God's Love, Newtown
More information on how you can register for this fun, interactive day will be coming soon!
Faith Alive is a Lilly Endowment funded process in SEPA Synod for creating a wider welcome for children (ages 0-12) to be fully themselves in worship.
You are invited to come along on this journey of faith and transformation.
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NEW! Updates to Congregation Constitutions Available
Following the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, updates and amendments to the Model Constitution for Congregations have been released. If your congregation is making updates, you can find the information HERE.
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Deadline to apply for Forward Together in Faith Grants approaching
The deadline to apply for SEPA's Forward Together in Faith grants is September 30. These grants, drawn from interest earned by the principal of the campaign, will support new projects that help network congregations, leaders and community partners, innovate new forms of ministry and/or communities of faith, communicate through digital channels, and equip lay and rostered ministers (including seminarians).
DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION
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Registration is now open for In God's Image
CLICK HERE for more information and to register for In God's Image being held October 4 at Trinity Lutheran, Lansdale beginning at 9:00 am. Childcare will be offered for this event, but you must register your child by September 15.
| | Announcements from SEPA Congregations | | |
NEW! Community of Love Open House
September 2
10:00 am to Noon
To see some of the items available, CLICK HERE
Community of Love Lutheran Church
117 4th Street
Oxford, PA.
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Meal Packaging Event at
Little Zion Lutheran Church 267 Morwood Rd, Telford
September 7, 2025
1:00 pm -3:00 pm
Meal Goal: 10,000
For additional information, contact Lisa Travis: music@littlezion.org
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Use this QR code
to sign up, or find the link on littlezion.org
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September 26-28
ELCA Youth Gathering: Faith In Motion
Crossroads, Port Murray, NJ
Registration is open!
These locations make travel simpler and more accessible while maintaining all the depth and connection you'd expect from the Gathering.
Throughout the weekend, youth will explore where God might be calling them and form lasting bonds with those around them. Adult leaders will have opportunities to connect with one another, share resources, and engage with the ELCA Youth Ministry and Gathering teams.
November 8-9, 2025
What Really Matters Retreat
Bear Creek Camp
Grades 6-9
Designed for middle school students grades 6-9, we'll explore concepts that are core to our faith. Come spend 24 hours in the mountains with us and learn how Jesus changed everything. Registration opens Sep 1, spaces are limited. Check out the linked flyer for event details. Contact Karolin Brechbill (kbrechbill@christlc.org) or Janet Hilsmier (kidsconnect@stjameslimerick.org) for more details.
November 22, 2025
SAVE THE DATE!
Faith Alive Worship Learning Lab
Open to all who want to learn more about including children in worship.
This workshop will center on the role of music in worship.
March 20-22, 2026
Tuscarora Lutheran Youth Retreat
Tuscarora Inn and Conference Center Mt. Bethel, PA
Grades 6-12
Tuscarora Lutheran Youth Retreat (formerly know as Harvey Cedars) is a weekend retreat for 6th - 12th grade youth and their leaders. This retreat fosters relationships between youth of different churches to unify the Lutheran churches and youth of the South Eastern Pennsylvania Synod of the ELCA. This retreat is also unique in the fact that it is run by the pastors and leaders of our youth groups so we depend on our adult leaders who attend with their youth to help make this retreat possible. We ask our adult leaders to be a part of small groups either through teaching, assistant teaching, or being an extra pair of hands in the classroom.
April 11-12, 2026
Box City
Christ, Harleysville (Kulpsville)
Grades 6-12
The purpose of this event is to raise awareness about homelessness and raise funding to support sheltering efforts. During the event, youth will hear real-life stories about homelessness, discuss and learn about this social issue in fun ways, and experience what it’s like sleeping without proper shelter.
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NEW! LAMPa Action Alert: It's Past Time for PA to Pass a Budget that Cares for the Well-Being of All!
Pennsylvania lawmakers have failed to pass a budget for FY26, and as negotiations continue to be drawn out, funds to many services and programs are at risk. Notably, a centerpiece of the negotiations are different proposals to fund public transit agencies across the state - SEPTA, PRT, and others. Public transportation is an issue that impacts rural and urban communities alike. In all 67 counties of the Commonwealth, public transportation provides critical access for our elders, youth, disabled community members, and households without access to a personal vehicle. Transit systems statewide are hitting a funding “cliff,” which would devastate communities already suffering.
Take action on this and other budget issues by letting your lawmakers know people of faith want our neighbors to be able to access all the tools they need to thrive! https://conta.cc/45YGAUp
| | SEPA Partner Organizations | | |
Saturday, September 27
St. Paul's Lutheran
120 N. Easton Rd., Glenside
German food and music, Traditional German and Irish Dance Performances, Children's Activities, Silent Auction and more!
Proceeds Benefit Lutheran Disaster Response
Event Co-Sponsored by Liberty Lutheran and Thrivent
READ MORE HERE
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What Mission Support Looks Like
A story about our 2025 Churchwide Assembly
Almost a thousand ELCA Lutherans made their way to toasty Phoenix, Ariz., to gather for the 2025 Churchwide Assembly from July 28 to Aug. 2. It was a joyous, thoughtful and busy week. Alongside the normal business of the assembly — considering resolutions, memorials and social statements — voting members were tasked with electing a new presiding bishop and secretary to lead our church for the next six years.
READ MORE HERE
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NEW! Gathering at the Gate Virtual Option
Fellow conspirators in Christ,
The time for our voices of solidarity with our oppressed, harmed and invisible neighbors is now.
The planning team understands that our September dates may not work for you to be in person. They value your voice. They would like to invite you to prayerfully consider our free virtual option.
With the free option you will have access to all the advocacy trainings (August 28 and Sept. 3 on Zoom), materials (Google docs for ease), community building, as well as the opportunity to amplify your voice to your Members of Congress on Sept. 17.
On September 17, you will be encouraged and invited to call or email your Members of Congress to demand that they fully fund SNAP, Medicaid and Medicare. No one should be hungry or without adequate healthcare in the richest country in the world. This is the day that the in person folks will be visiting their members of Congress. Let's flood the emails, phone lines and halls of Congress with the love of Jesus for the least of these!
The participants in person will also deliver letters written on paper plates (part of the ELCA Advocacy Paper Plate project as found in the World Hunger VBS "At The Table") that we will bless. Your congregation can send those paper plates to the ELCA Advocacy office In DC anytime!
You can sign up for the free option to ensure you receive the resources, or there is a $25 donation option to receive the livestream links for some of Sept. 16 and the workshops on Sept. 17.
Register for In-person or Virtual Participation by September 1.
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Gather+Philly's A Night At The Sanctuary
We’re Backkkk!!! It has been a long and eventful summer but we are so excited to meet again!
Mark your calendars for September 12-13 for “A Night at the Sanctuary” at Saint Luke’s in Devon. The night will be filled with games, snacks, fellowship, and of course a special screening of “Night at the Museum.” We will conclude with breakfast in the morning.
Saint Luke’s is an 8 minute walk from the Devon stop on the Paoli/Thorndale line!
Please RSVP either via DM/comment on our Instagram or FB, or email us at gatherphilly@gmail.com by Monday 9/8 to secure your spot!
So bring a sleeping bag and a friend! If you don’t have a sleeping bag, let us know and we will work to get you one! All Young Adults (18-35) are welcome and affirmed!
See you in September 🦕🦴🔍
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FREE Arrangement from Lutheran Summer Music by Anne Krentz Organ
Download a new free arrangement from Lutheran Summer Music 2025 by Anne Krentz Organ: Beach Spring for solo instrument with keyboard accompaniment. Based on the well-known shape-note hymn tune, this versatile work is this year’s installment in the LSM Hymn Tune Project and can be performed either in full or as individual movements. Listen and download for free at LSMacademy.org/lsmpress
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Interfaith Philadelphia is pleased to announce the launch of a new monthly opportunity for young adults.
Build meaningful relationships. Engage in dialogue across lines of difference
Explore timely social and cultural topics...all over brunch.
Who: Young adults (20s and 30s) interested in deep conversation, community-building, and interfaith exploration
When: Monthly, after religious services on Sundays
Where: At brunch spots, houses of worship, and apartments across the region
What to expect:
– Thought-provoking discussions
– A welcoming and inclusive environment
– Delicious brunch - sometimes potluck, sometimes fully provided, sometimes pay your way
– Guests Welcome
Questions? Contact Sara Zebovitz: ssz@interfaithphiladelphia.org
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Bear Creek Camp 5K + September 27
This family-friendly BCC event is open to all ages, and every step you take helps support our amazing campers.
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Asylum Pride House to Host Welcome Walk
Saturday October 18th
8:00 am check-in and 8:30 am start
FDR Park, Philly
For more information, CLICK HERE
Asylum Pride House’s mission is to provide housing and necessary initial resources to LGBTQ+ asylum seekers. All LGBTQ+ asylum seekers are welcomed, supported, and affirmed as their most authentic selves by every community encountered. Asylum Pride House is a partner ministry of UniLu Philadelphia.
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Kindling Faith Events
Equipping the Saints Lay Ministry Program
This new program co-sponsored by United Lutheran Seminary and the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary will provide a basic training program for lay ministers to the synods of the ELCA. Synods have the ability through this process to add their own requirements through the independent study course and other additional options. The certificate that participants receive is not transferable to other synods unless directed by the bishops of those synods. See attached promo for more details or register here.
Upcoming Kindling Faith Events
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Aging Grace-Fully Series. Register here..
- Somehow author Anne Lamott, September 11 at 1:30 PM
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10% Happier author Dan Harris on the Gettysburg campus October 23 at 1:30 pm. Click here.
Minding the Gaps Support Group for Rostered Leaders and Seminarians begins on September 4th. participants will have the opportunity to reflect on their call experiences, examine them in light of their current ministerial setting, receive practical tools and strategies to tend to potential gaps in their wellbeing (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, relational, etc.) in order to experience more hope, joy, and peace in their lives. Click here for more information..
Fall Convocation: “Is the Moral Arc Broken?” Monday, September 15th on the Philadelphia campus with Dr. Miguel De La Torre and Joan Trumpauer Mulholland (one of the 1961 Freedom Riders for Civil Rights). Registration coming soon. Save the date!
Come to the Well: Tools for Revitalizing Your Soul and Ministry, October 8th – 10th on the Philadelphia campus for rostered women with Rev. Dr. Stacey Brady. Gather around the following topics: compassion fatigue and burnout; moving from compassion fatigue to compassion satisfaction through acquiring resilience skills, trauma-informed caregivers, and Jesus' invitation to abundant life. Registration coming soon. Save the date!
Online Pastoral Care Series with Rev. Dr. Beth Toler returns this fall! Registration will go live soon. Here are the topics for the coming academic year:
- October 13/16 - Healing with Grace: Trauma-Informed Approaches to Spiritual Care
- November 10/13 - Grace in the Final Chapter: Spiritual Care and the Death with Dignity Movement
- January 12/15 - This is What Spiritual Care Looks Like: Community Activism and Engagement
- February 9/12 - Walking the Road to Recovery: Spiritual Care for those Facing Addiction
- March 9/12 - Standing in the Storm: Spiritual Care as Crisis Response
- April 13/16 - Caring for Souls in a Wounded World: Spiritual Care in the Context of Climate Change
Advent Icon Workshop. Monday, December 1 – 5. The Rev. Bonnie Oplinger leads a week-long workshop of growth and artistic expression as participants create/write an icon of the Madonna and Child. Registration coming soon. Save the Date!
Solidarity Trip to the Holy Land for Rostered Leaders, January 15 – 24.
This special pilgrimage for rostered leaders offers a unique opportunity to support the Christians of the Holy Land through sharing of our time, resources, and empathy. Our fellow Lutherans of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land often feel alone and forgotten – being present with them at Sunday worship and other opportunities for fellowship are important factors in sharing hope for a better world where walls become tables and peace with justice and equity becomes possible. Cost of $1500 is all-inclusive. Learn more here.
Remember, both the Philadelphia and Gettysburg campuses offer free lodging for up to three nights for rostered leaders who just need a break. Email mzimmann@uls.edu to arrange your place apart.
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Keep Up With Synod News and Resources
With so many events coming up we'd love to make sure that your congregation's office and key leaders are subscribed to MinistryLink. Many congregations encourage council members and program leaders to subscribe.
We encourage leaders, parish administrators or newsletter editors to forward MinistryLink (this link) to your congregation.
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Thank you for taking the time to read this edition of MinistryLink. Fellow church members and colleagues can subscribe by clicking below.
The Rev. Paula Lebo, Assistant for Mission Interpretation
ministrylink@sepa.org / 267.323.3743
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