News and Updates for the week of September 22, 2025 | | Lutherans Together. Loving God. Loving Neighbor. | | SEPA Synod Updates & Events | | |
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod Announces the Death of Companion Synod Former Bishop
Bishop Stephen Munga, retired Bishop of SEPA's Companion Synod in Tanzania, died September 20, 2025 in Tanzania. He was 65. Our hearts in the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod join with Bishop Munga's family, and the people of Tanzania in sorrow, as they mourn. Bishop Munga's legacy of courageous proclamation of the Gospel in Word, Sacrament and Service, his lifelong love of learning and teaching and his episcopal leadership not only, throughout the nation of Tanzania, but globally will be joyfully celebrated.
We were privileged to experience his generous hospitality, contagious joy in serving God, loyal friendship, love of family, and his strong faith and devotion to Jesus Christ and His Church. We are honored to have been blessed by many of the fruits of the Spirit he shared that will continue to abide as Jesus promised.
Bishop Munga was retired from the North Eastern Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania. Please hold Bishop Munga's family in your prayers.
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NEW! Need some good news?
Good News From the Margins
Book Signing
October 25 + 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
United Lutheran Seminary, Brossman Center, Lull Lounge
7241 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia
Join The Reverends Ruben Duran and Violet C. Little, along with Bishop Bryan Penman and those who have contributed to the newly released, “Good News from the Margins” for a book signing and conversation. A complimentary copy of the book will be provided for each congregation in the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod along with information on how other copies might be obtained.
The book is filled with stories of hope and good news from those living and working on the margins, along with reflections from the authors and questions for either individual or group use.
From the Introduction of Good News from the Margins
"From that place of the margin, Jesus used stories not only to change minds but also to transform lives. It is our hope that this collection of stories, reflections, and questions for discussion will bring you a glimpse of the life-changing power of love and hope offered to each of us when we walk together as a people of God, a God whose heart has no margins but only a wide place of grace for all."
We will meet in the Lull Lounge of the Brossman Center, United Lutheran Seminary. The signing will include a light reception.
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ELCA Indigenous People's Day Resources - October 13
Preparing for Indigenous People's Day:
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Upcoming Ordination
Sister Paula Estornell will be ordained to the Ministry of Word and Service
October 19 + 3:00 pm
Grace Lutheran Church
2191 West Chester Pike, Broomall
All are welcome
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NEW! You're Invited to A Celebration of Ministry
at St. Mark Lutheran
508 Harry St., Conshohocken
For The Rev. Dr. Karyn L. Wiseman.
November 15, 2025 at 11:00 am.
A reception will follow worship
Bishop Bryan Penman will preside
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A Conversation About the Future of Youth Ministry
in SEPA Synod
Sunday October 12 @ 2:00 pm
St. John Lutheran, Blue Bell
1802 Skippack Pike, Blue Bell (Rt. 73)
All those interested in discussing and planning for ministry needs for youth and young adults in the Synod are welcome to attend.
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In God's Image Registration Closing Soon! Don't miss this event on October 4.
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. Online registration will close on October 1. You may register on the day of the event, but you must pay by cash or check made payable to the Southeastern PA Synod. Childcare registration is now closed.
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NEW! SEPA Generosity Team offers information on Qualified Charitable Deduction (QCD)
The current tax law indicates that when a person reaches 73, they must take their required minimum distribution (RMD) from their traditional IRA accounts This applies to the Fidelity (Portico) balance as well. The amount of the distribution is determined by the balance of the account and your life expectancy determined by the IRS.
In the past, the RMD age was 70 ½.
Under the new law, a person can make a charitable contribution from their IRA account at 70 ½, they do not have to wait until 73. The taxpayer must inform the trustee of the IRA (i.e. the bank or investment company where the IRA is held) that they want to make a charitable contribution from their IRA. This is called the QCD. The trustee will be given the name and address of the nonprofit organization. By doing this, the amount of the QCD is deducted from the total distribution and sent to the nonprofit organization.
For instance, if your RMD is $25,000 and you decide to give $10,000 of that to your church or other nonprofit, you will only be taxed on $15,000. This reduces your adjusted gross income; you cannot deduct a charitable contribution as an itemized deduction, since it has already been deducted from income.
If you have questions about this, please discuss this further with your tax advisor and/or investment professional.
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Register Today!
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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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.
| | Announcements from SEPA Congregations | | |
NEW! Jazz Concert to Benefit Food Ministry
Christ Lutheran Church
30th Street and Diamond
Philadelphia
October 19 + 3:00 pm
All proceeds benefit Christ's food ministry
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NEW! Nativity Set Available
St. Peter's North Wales has a nativity set they would like to give to a church or anyone who would want it. It's in very good condition and comes with all the pieces shown. While it's hard to tell from the pictures, it measures 5 feet wide, 3 feet deep and 2 feet high when all the pieces are set up but can be adjusted depending on how it's set up or how many pieces are used. For more information, contact Ms. Ginny Bailey, Office Manager, St. Peter's at 215-699-4604 or secretary.stpetersnorthwales@gmail.com
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Instagram Live Prayer Ministry at St. John’s, Melrose Park is Asking for Your Help!
St. John’s in Melrose Park is requesting your help to keep our congregation's Instagram Prayer ministry alive.
St. John's has held Wednesday evening prayer services at 7:00 pm. Until recently, this was a free service for any subscriber on Instagram. However, due to corporate changes, Instagram now requires an account to have 1,000 followers to use Instagram Live, all of which has impacted small groups and communities ability to connect and support one another’s needs via social media.
St. John's is a small congregation, whose members are dedicated to keeping this ministry program alive, not only for our own spiritual benefit but for any who might be find it a helpful practice. They are therefore hoping that together with members of the synod, they might be able to assemble 1,000 followers so that this ministry can continue.
St. John's is inviting all who read this newsletter, other members of your churches - and maybe even your friends! - to follow St. John’s Melrose Park on Instagram. Our account is @StJohnsMelrose.
We hope that with the support of our fellow siblings in CSt. John's page, and of course if you wish, join in their weekly prayer ministry on Wednesdays at 7:00 pm. There is no obligation either way, but we are simply asking for your help in being able to continue this ministry.
Don’t forget to follow them on Instagram @StJohnsMelrose.
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NEW! Good Shepherd, Southampton announces open organist position
- Good Shepherd is seeking an Organist / Accompanist who will support our well-developed music program.
- The Organist / Accompanist will collaborate with the Pastor(s) and our Director of Music to support the worship service and the music program.
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This is a year-round salaried position, based on approximately 10 to 15 hours per week. The work hours and time are determined by the duties, responsibilities and program needs outlined HERE.
If interested, reply to: joe.haines@gslconline.org
Learn more about Good Shepherd HERE
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October 4, 2025
Trunk or Treat
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Christ's, Trumbauersville
218 E. Broad St., Trumbauersville
October 18, 2025
Trunk or Treat
3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Trinity, Lansdale
1000 W. Main St., Lansdale
Sponsored By Liberty Lutheran and Lutheran Congregational Services
October 21, 2025
NEW TIME! Youth Hayride
3:00 pm
AGA Farms, 1333 Elephant Road, Perkasie
Organized by Christ's, Trumbauersville
RSVP to Kayla Wulffleff: 1kwuffleff@gmail.com or 215-536-3193
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 16
Friendsgiving
4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Christ's, Trumbauersville
218 E. Broad St., Trumbauersville
RSVP to Kayla Wulffleff: 1kwuffleff@gmail.com or 215-536-3193
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.
December 7
Advent Night
4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Christ's, Trumbauersville
218 E. Broad St., Trumbauersville
RSVP to Kayla Wulffleff: 1kwuffleff@gmail.com or 215-536-3193
More Info! 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. INFORMATIONAL FLIER
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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LAMPa Action Alert: Speak Out for People in Immigration Detention
Urge your members of Congress to conduct essential oversight over ICE detention facilities and demand humane conditions.
The number of people in immigration detention has increased to more than 58,000 people, many of whom have no criminal charges against them. As existing detention centers are stretched to capacity limits and private corporations accept contracts to build new facilities and tent camps, it is urgent that we speak out against the mass detention of individuals and families, and for humane conditions and the right to legal counsel and religious expression for all those detained.
The ELCA social policy resolution, “Toward Compassionate, Just, and Wise Immigration Reform,” expresses support for “more humane, less costly, and more effective alternatives to detention, such as supervised release programs,” adding that, “When detention is necessary, compliance with humane standards and access to vital services must be ensured at every facility housing detainees.”
In their oversight role, members of Congress can draw attention to harsh conditions in detention centers and call on the administration to respect the rights and human dignity of all.
READ MORE AND SEND A MESSAGE HERE
| | SEPA Partner Organizations | | |
NEW! Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry's Installation
The Installation of the Rev. Yehiel Curry as Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America will be held on Saturday, October 4, at Central Lutheran Church, Minneapolis, MN. Worship will begin at 3:00 p.m. (EST) and will be livestreamed.
More Information about Presiding Bishop-Elect Curry and the Installation can be found HERE The livestream of the service will be from this same webpage.
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Lutheran Men in Mission Summer 2025 Ambassador-Gram
has just been released
You may access the most recent Ambassador-Gram HERE
If interested in past issues, you may access them HERE
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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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NEW! The Center of Addiction and Faith Annual Conference "Awakening the Church to Address Addiction"
October 23, 2025
11:00 am to 7:00 pm
The conference is online only.
This Conference is for everyone including clergy & lay, healthcare professionals, people in recovery, those who love people in recovery, those affected by persons with addiction, youth leaders, addiction specialists. Addiction is everywhere, and yet many churches feel unprepared to face it. This conference will give you the insight and tools to change that. Come and learn how your faith community can start addressing the addiction crisis in a meaningful way. By the end of the day you will walk away with a deeper understanding, renewed hope, and concrete steps to make your congregation a safe, welcoming, and recovery-friendly community. Cost: $50.
REGISTER HERE
MORE INFORMATION HERE
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Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association presents:
Hope in Practice: Applying Solution-Focused Communication: Techniques in Response to Crisis
Presented by Laurra Aagaard, MA, MS
As a faith community nurse, or other professional in ministry, you are on the front lines of mental health and substance use care. It is possible that you engage with people and their families during some of their most vulnerable moments. This interactive session introduces attendees to the Solution Focused model, an evidence-informed, strengths-based approach that emphasizes hope, possibility, and patient resources over pathology, diagnosis and problems.
Rather than focusing on what's wrong, this model guides faith community professionals in helping people move toward hope, and what is possible. Participants will learn and practice strategies such as the miracle question, scaling techniques, and exception finding, all tailored for use in time-limited, high-stress community environments.
REGISTER HERE
MORE INFORMATION HERE
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SEPTEMBER 2025 Mission Support Memo:
Where Faith Meets Justice: Mary’s Path from Accompaniment to Advocacy
By the Rev. Katie Carroll, reprinted from the blog of Florida-Bahamas Synod
Mary had set her sights on the Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) program since learning about it during her confirmation program. What with studying Spanish during college and having an interest in immigration, she knew she wanted to be in Central or South America. Mary was assigned to Mexico City to serve in the long-term immigration shelter named Tochan — the word for “our house/home” in the Nahuatl language. Orientation and training provided by the ELCA helped to prepare Mary for what lay ahead. Along with logistical preparations, the young adults were immersed in the ELCA’s accompaniment model, which underscores walking alongside our partners rather than entering a space to take over and direct. With the core values of mutuality, inclusivity, vulnerability, empowerment and sustainability, YAGMs explore what it means to join ongoing ministries — to serve, to learn and to share.
READ MORE HERE
| | | ELCA CHURCH PROPERTY RESOURCE HUB
You’re invited to explore the Church Property Resource Hub, a new initiative of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), developed in response to requests from synod and congregational leaders for support in navigating the challenges and opportunities that buildings and land present for both congregational vitality and the broader mission of the Church.
Sign up today for the Property Resource Hub e-newsletter to receive updates and resources.
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NEW! Youth Musicians Invited to Lutheran Summer Music 2026
Enrollment is now open for Lutheran Summer Music (LSM) 2026 at St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN! LSM is a faith-based residential music academy for high school students who come together to immerse themselves in musical excellence and build a supportive and fun community. Musical experiences include large ensembles (band, choir, orchestra), chamber music, private lessons, and electives like handbells, jazz, musical theatre, composition, conducting, church music, and more.
Priority enrollment deadline: December 1
Standard enrollment deadline: March 1
Learn more at LSMacademy.org/program
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Lutheran Congregational Services 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.
LCS’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
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Saturday, October 11, 2025
9:30AM-4:00PM
St. Timothy Lutheran Church
7965 Fillmore St, Philadelphia, PA
Fox Chase Neighborhood
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Saturday, October 18, 2025
9:30 AM-4:00 PM
Friedens Church
28 Wolf Creek Rd
Shartlesville, PA 19554
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The ELCA Wittenberg Center presents a 2025 Webinar Series:
BLESSED TO BE: EXPLORING GENDER, COMPANIONSHIP, AND SEXUALITY
Online via Zoom. 1:00 PM Eastern for each of the three dates.
This webinar series is free and open to all. English with live Spanish translations.
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Sept 30: Blessed to Be Bold: The Reformation, Power, and Women
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Oct 1: Blessed to Break the Mold: Marriage, Tradition, and Divine Disruption
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Oct 2: Blessed to Delight: Sexuality, Faith, and God’s Good Creation
Download the flyers below for more details.
English Webinar Overview
Spanish webinar overview
Register at: www.tinyurl.com/LutherWedding500
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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..
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10% Happier author Dan Harris on the Gettysburg campus October 23 at 1:30 pm. Click here.
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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