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In this newsletter:

▶︎Installation of Bishop Penman

▶︎Religious Leaders Unite for Peace

▶︎Civic Life & Faith Listening Sessions

▶︎Domestic Abuse Symposium for Faith Leaders

▶︎ Installation of the Rev. Ann Shade

▶︎ Electronics Recycling Event

▶︎ Repair Cafe'

▶︎Bishop's Convocation

▶︎In Case You Missed It

Upcoming Events:

God's Work. Our Hands. September 8

Installation of Bishop Penman September 14

Installation of the Rev. Ann Shade September 29

In God's Image October 12

Love Revolution Launch Celebration October 19

Bishop's Convocation "Ponder Anew" Nov. 21-23

All are invited to celebrate the Installation of The Rev. Bryan Penman as the 6th Bishop of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod on Saturday, September 14, 2024 at 2 p.m. at the Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral (19 S 38th Street Philadelphia, PA 19104) and streamed online at MinistryLink.org. All are invited to stay for a light reception & celebration following the service at the Episcopal Cathedral.

Pastors, Deacons, and Clergy of all traditions are invited to vest and should arrive by 1:15 p.m. Children are welcome in worship and invited to participate in the Procession and the Children’s Message. The color of the day is red.

All are invited to share their gifts of music in the service through the Synod Choir. There will be a rehearsal tomorrow (Saturday, September 7th) from 10am to noon at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (132 East Valley Forge Road, King of Prussia, PA 19406). There will also be a full choir rehearsal Saturday, September 14th at 10am at the Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral before the service at 2pm.

The choir will be directed by Ms. Carolyn Jackson of New Life Ministries in Philadelphia and Deacon Tom Snyder of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Phoenixville.

To RSVP, sign up to sing in the choir, or find out more about the day - click the link below to be taken to the installation's webpage.

Religious Leaders Across Pennsylvania Unite for Peace During Election Season

Today, religious leaders from across the state, representing more than 3 million Pennsylvanians of various faith traditions, gathered at the Pennsylvania Capitol to issue a call for peace during this election season. Acknowledging the current climate of political unrest and polarization, they pledged to foster dialogue over division and urged civic leaders to use responsible rhetoric, reject all calls for violence, and inspire hope rather than fear.

In a statement signed by more than 330 religious leaders, they called on... 

Listening Session/Hearing on the ELCA Draft of a Social Statement on Civic Life & Faith for SEPA Synod

The ELCA Task Force on Civic Life and Faith will hold two hearings within the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod on the Draft Social Statement on Civic Life and Faith.

The hearings are:

Wednesday, September 11^th, 7-8:30 pm

at United Lutheran Seminary, Brossman Rm. 209

7301 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia

Tuesday, September 17^th, 7-8:30 pm

at Trinity Lutheran Church

1000 West Main Street, Lansdale

The hearings provide a special opportunity to respond to the text of the draft statement and to hear the perspectives of others. Views gathered from the hearings will inform the final draft of the statement, which will be presented for consideration and vote at the ELCA Churchwide Assembly, July 28-August 2, 2025 in Phoenix.

Attendees should read the draft statement before the hearings. We will go through the draft section by section, so it will be helpful to note any changes, additions or deletions you would suggest the drafting team should address. A recorder will note this and it will be sent on to the team.

The draft social statement is available in English and Spanish on the ELCA website (https://www.elca.org/Faith/Faith-and-Society/Current-Social-Writing-Projects/Civic-Life-and-Faith).

All are invited to join us celebrating the

Installation of the Reverend Ann M. Shade

Sunday, September 29, 2024 at 3:00 pm

St. Michael’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

25 E. Church Street

Sellersville, PA 18960

Dinner Reception to follow. For dinner planning purposes, please RSVP via email st.michael.luth@verizon.net by Wednesday, September 18.

Rostered leaders are invited to process. The color of the day green.

Reformation Lutheran Church (102 W. Rose Tree Rd. in Media) is hosting a fourth annual electronics recycling event on Saturday, October 5th from 9am-12pm. Anything with a plug is accepted. Larger or older items might require a recycling fee which can be paid by cash or card.

St. Andrew's Repair Cafe' is Saturday October 26^th 9am-Noon at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church, 2725 Egypt Road, Audubon!

Our repair volunteers will be on hand to help fix your broken lamps and small appliances - sharpen knives and scissors - mending and sewing (including fixing those ripped stuffed animals!) - small furniture repair - and other general repairs. (If you know your item needs a specific part, please feel free to bring it with you).

St. Andrew's Repair Cafe' puts repair volunteers together with the community to help repair things instead of tossing them in the trash! Neighbors helping Neighbors!

See you Saturday 10/26, 9am-Noon at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church, 2725 Egypt Road, Audubon!

Registration is now open for

In God’s Image: Inclusive Ministry 

SEPA's sixth annual In God's Image will be held on Saturday, October 12, 9 am - 2 pm, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Ardmore.  

The Rev. Dr. Karyn Wiseman, professor of homiletics at United Lutheran Seminary and author of the upcoming book Queering the Pulpit, will preach during a festival worship. Workshops will be held on topics such as becoming Reconciling in Christ, engaging in DEI work in your congregation, advocacy, worship, and more! Vendors will also be present with resources and opportunities to support LGBTQIA+ businesses and organizations.  

Click below to register, or contact ingodsimagesepa@gmail.com with any questions. 

Mark your calendars and save the date for the

2024 Bishop's Convocation

"Ponder Anew"

Thurs, Nov. 21 - Sat, Nov. 23

at the Alloy

301 W Dekalb Pike

King of Prussia, PA 19406

The Synod has reserved a block of rooms.

Registration information will be available soon!

God’s work. Our hands.

Sunday, September 8th:

This day is an opportunity to celebrate who we are as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America — one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor. Service activities offer an opportunity for us to explore one of our most basic convictions as Lutherans: that all of life in Jesus Christ – every act of service, in every daily calling, in every corner of life — flows freely from a living, daring confidence in God’s grace. Click this button for more information and resources from the ELCA.

Forward Together In Faith Grants

It’s time again to apply for grants to support new initiatives and ministries that support the emphases of the Forward Together in Faith Campaign. The next application deadline is September 30th.

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).

Click the button below to learn more and download the grant application.

Lessons from Dietrich Bonhoeffer in a House Divided and a World on Fire

LAMPa is delighted to have available for congregational use this curriculum by Dr. Lori Brandt Hale. The curriculum explores the life and theology of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and the lessons we can use as we live at the intersection of faith and civic life today. The facilitator’s guide, participant workbook, and accompanying slides for each week can be found by clicking below.

Pixels for Peace: Digital Peacebuilding Webinar with LAMPa

September 12 @ 12:30-1:30

As Christians, we are called to be peacemakers. This work is deeply needed in digital spaces, where conflicts and disinformation too often drive apart congregants and friends. Common Ground USA and Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania (LAMPa) invite you to Pixels for Peace to understand how our digital worlds are shaping polarization and what we can do individually and together to build peace online.

Pixels for Peace will cover:

• How and why digital spaces shape the way we understand the world and each other
• How forces of disconnection try to manipulate online audiences
• What works to respond to online division and hate



Register here for September 12 at 12:30 pm!

Clergy and Congregations Navigating the Election Season: A Webinar Series

We are excited to announce an upcoming webinar series, "Clergy and Congregations Navigating the Election Season," a collaborative effort between the Clergy Emergency League and the Wisconsin Council of Churches. This series is designed to equip clergy and congregations with the tools and insights needed to navigate the complexities of the election season faithfully and effectively.

We believe that this series will offer valuable guidance and support to faith leaders during this critical time. Each session will provide practical tools and theological insights to help you and your congregation navigate the heightened tensions and conflicts that often accompany the election season.

We look forward to your participation in these enriching discussions. 

• Tuesday, September 17, 7-8:30pm
• Tuesday, October 1, 7-8:30pm
• Tuesday, October 15, 7-8:30pm
• Tuesday, October 29, 7-8:30pm

Grace and Peace,

Rev. Dr. Leah D. Schade (CEL co-founder)

Rev. Stephen M. Fearing (CEL co-founder)

United Lutheran Seminary Events:

• Aging Grace-Fully: an Author Series for Aging Adults and Those Who Care for Them
• A Review of ELCA Social Statements (six online webinars)
• Fall Training Events for Rostered Leaders
• Annual Urban Theological Lecture featuring the Rev. Dr. Willie Francois III titled "The Church and Christian Nationalism" Tues. Sept. 17th at 11:45am
• Fall Convocation on the Philadelphia Campus on Wed. Sept. 18th featuring Pastor Chris and Jamie Breusehoff, author of Raising Kids Beyond the Binary: Celebrating God’s Transgender and Gender-Diverse Children.

ELCA Election Activator Network

Are you interested in what you can do as a non-partisan influence in this election cycle? Take your energy to the #ELCAElectionActivator network - an opportunity for individuals and our congregations to share in our communities love in action.

ELCA Election Activators from various parts of our ELCA faith community are invited to a call once-a-month to for updates and to hear from each other about local initiatives. Because the ELCA does not endorse a particular candidate, party or form of government or strive for a Christian one, participation requires sign-up and a non-partisan pledge. "Lutherans care about government because it is a gift from God intended for the safety and flourishing of human life" (from ELCA social message "Government & Civic Engagement in the United States: Discipleship in a Democracy").

The next virtual meeting is September 24. Learn more today! 

Crisis Cleanup Volunteers Needed

Hurricane Debby last month brought heavy rains to much of Pennsylvania. While some counties in northern Pennsylvania were hit especially hard, like Tioga, Potter, and Lycoming Counties, pockets of heavy rains caused flooding for residents all over Pennsylvania.

Anyone who needs help with cleanout should call the Crisis Cleanup Hotline 1-844-965-1386; more info is here.

Crisis Cleanup is a partner with Lutheran Disaster Response and Pennsylvania Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster. We rely heavily on their tool to manage work flow.

Successful activation of Crisis Cleanup relies on a pool of call center volunteers. We are actively recruiting volunteers to help take calls. Volunteers take calls on their own time and from their own laptop and phone, without making your phone number available to the caller.

If you are interested in supporting the call center, please contact Julia Frank at Liberty Lutheran.

6th Annual Addiction & Faith Conference

“Addiction, Trauma, & the Power of Faith to Heal”

October 17-19, 2024, 100% Virtual

Hosted by the Center of Addiction & Faith

This conference enhances the awareness of people of faith about scourge of addiction.  It brings the best of science, spirituality, compassion, justice and personal stories to the task of informing and inspiring both church and society regarding addiction in its many forms. Speakers and presenters are top-flight nationally-known experts. The conference is for everyone, clergy & lay, seminarians, healthcare professionals, people in recovery and those who love them, youth leaders, and addiction specialists. They strive to educate faith communities with what they need to help those addicted. Click below to learn more about the event, the featured speakers, and to register. Cost: $250

New Study Cohort in Bowen Family Systems Theory

In a time of societal regression, leadership that is thoughtful and responsible can raise the level of functioning in a family, organization, and society. By placing a focus on oneself, identifying guiding principles, clarifying values, and defining beliefs, leaders can make a difference and more effectively navigate through challenging times.

The Princeton Family Center for Education (PFCE) offers training programs for leaders using the lens of Bowen family systems theory. Dr. Murray Bowen's theory is a body of knowledge about human emotional functioning in family, work, and social systems. This knowledge provides a guide for more responsible functioning in one's own life. With knowledge from the natural sciences and an understanding of patterns of emotional forces that exist in all life forms, the concepts of Bowen family systems theory guide thoughtful choices and responsible actions in the life one lives and the work one does.

A new 8-month cohort begins online in October 2024. Participants meet monthly online for learning and small group coaching to apply theory to ones' own life and work. Individual consultation is available between sessions. For more information or to register, go to PFCE website at http://www.princetonfamilycenter.org 

or contact Rev. Julie Bergdahl at revjbb@verizon.net for more details.

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