Resources for effective church leaders
+ September 1, 2021
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Give Now For Hurricane Ida Relief |
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Former Hurricane Ida continues to make news after devastating southeastern Louisiana and coastal Mississippi. Ida’s 150 mph winds, torrential rain and strong storm surge caused widespread flooding and wind damage left some areas of the region uninhabitable for weeks if not months.
The impact of Ida is yet to be fully assessed, but with a hurricane of this scale, rebuilding will be costly and take years. With extensive experience in accompanying communities throughout the relief and long-term recovery phases, Lutheran Disaster Response is working with local ELCA synods and Lutheran social service organizations to coordinate a response to Hurricane Ida. Immediate needs will include food, basic necessities and temporary housing. Long after the headlines change, Lutheran Disaster Response will continue to accompany communities on the journey of rebuilding their homes and lives.
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We pray for the millions of people affected by Hurricane Ida: Those awaiting rescue; the first responders, government officials and recovery workers assisting them; all those without electricity and the workers addressing the outage; and for all who have lost loved ones, those injured, and those whose homes and towns are uninhabitable.
At the end of the war in Afghanistan we pray for the families grieving loved ones killed in the conflict, especially those killed last week; for those relocating to other nations; for those in Afghanistan still at risk of violence.
Lord, In your mercy, hear our prayers.
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Help Needed To Support Afghanistan Evacuees |
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From Interfaith Philadelphia: As evacuees from Afghanistan land in Philadelphia, the City of Philadephia reached out to us to help fill the following needs:
- Imams to lead Friday Noon Prayers on September 3 and September 10.
- Religious Leaders (Imams, pastors, chaplains, etc) from multiple traditions who are available daily from 3-6pm to be at the airport for spiritual support to people from Afghanistan are welcomed. Afghans are primarily Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Hindu, and Baha'i.
- Translation to English from Dari, Farsi or Pashto
Thank you for your replies. If you are able to help, please fill out this form, and we will pass your information to the city. Please feel free to share this with others in your network.
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First Friday Prayer Vigils |
Join the Black Clergy of Philadelphia and Vicinity in praying in front of our near your house of worship this Friday, September 3, at 1 pm. First Friday prayers are asked to focus on violence reduction and other issues facing our communities.
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Moving Forward: Women of the ELCA Gathering |
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From SEPa Women of the ELCA: We invite you to join us for some fun and fellowship on Saturday Sept. 18th from 10 am to 1 pm at Trinity Lutheran Church, Lansdale. We will be meeting outside under a tent, so this is definitely weather permitting. We’ll wear masks, except when we are munching. The Board is providing prepackaged beverages and snacks.
The theme for the day is “Moving Forward”, using the Bible verse from Psalm 51:12, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me”. We will have devotions, sing some songs, share what we have been doing or not doing, and play a game.
Bring your own lunch and extend your opportunity to chat by lunching together. We are also asking you to bring paper towels as an in-kind offering for ta local food bank; and we will be taking a monetary offering to support WELCA’s Churchwide Organization. All women are welcome; you do not have to be a member of WELCA.
In order for us to contact you if we have to cancel, please let Linda Garcia know you are coming. (Phone 215.257.2925; email jaglsg@comcast.net)
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Update on COVID Precautions |
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We now have available a transcript of last Thursday's webinar on COVID precautions. Dr. Tim Babinchak, an expert in infectious diseases, advised congregations to continue with the precautions of wearing masks, maintaining social distancing, cleaning, and increasing ventilation as they continue with indoor worship services and other activities.
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Last Call for Forward Together in Faith Grant Applications
Our Synod is offering grants to congregations and leaders in 2021-22 for new initiatives and ministries that support the emphases of the Forward Together in Faith Campaign.
More than $130,000 has been awarded to congregations over the past three years. These grants 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.
Applications must be received by Sept. 30, 2021
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Synod Seeks Assistant to the Bishop for Youth and Young Adult Discipleship
The Assistant to the Bishop for Youth and Young Adult Discipleship provides leadership and support to the youth and young adult initiatives of Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod. The work of the Assistant to the Bishop will be shaped by the synod mission: We equip our congregations and leaders for mission and service in the 21st Century, fostering passionate spirituality, vital congregations, adaptive leaders, effective storytelling, and faithful generosity.
The successful candidate will build the beloved community with and among youth and young adult ministry in SEPA Synod. The Assistant will work collaboratively with the Bishop, synod staff, and partners to equip youth and young adults for leadership in the Church and community, equip adults who work with youth and young adults, and collaborate with congregations, social ministry organizations, ELCA, and ecumenical partners.
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Have stories, events, or resources to share?
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The Synod staff and deans continue to work remotely until we can ensure that staff can return to the office safely. |
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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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