SOUTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD | ELCA | | |
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We're connected.
We are stronger together!
+ July 11, 2024
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In this newsletter:
▶︎Celebrations for Bishop Davenport
▶︎Installation of Our Next Bishop
▶︎Forward Together in Faith Grant
▶︎Parish Secretaries' Conference
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▶︎Job Opening with Church Anew
▶︎Addiction & Faith Conference
▶︎LAMPa at the Youth Gathering
▶︎In Case You Missed It
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Upcoming Events:
ELCA's MYLE & the tAble in New Orleans July 13-16
Open House at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in East Norriton July 16
ELCA Youth & Young Adult Gathering in New Orleans July 16-20
Ordination of Taylor Joyce Walker July 27
Bishop Davenport's Retirement Celebrations August 9-11
God's Work. Our Hands. September 8
Installation of Our Next Bishop September 14
In God's Image October 12
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Click the button below for more information and to RSVP for Bishop Davenport's Retirement Celebrations. Please register by July 21st for the BBQ and Dinner Gala. Please make hotel reservations at Homewood Suites by July 20th. | |
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). Examples can include:
Networking: Creating and sustaining new networks and partnerships among congregations and leaders. Building bridges within the synod, and with other community partners.
Innovating: Prioritizing piloting new forms of ministry and planting new communities of faith, particularly among underserved populations. Supporting worship, faith formation, and community service.
Communicating: Training/consulting for websites, social media, and use of other forms of media (e.g. video). Equipping the communication needs for events for communities, multiple congregations, and/or the larger synod.
Equipping: Training for lay leaders, mission/outreach based continuing education for rostered leaders, supporting seminarians.
Click the button below to learn more and download the grant application.
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Parish Secretaries' Conference
October 1-2, 2024 at the Heritage Hotel in Lancaster, PA
This is a one and a half day ecumenical, educational, rejuvenating non-profit seminar designed to provide opportunities to strengthen work skills, to network with other secretaries/administrators/office managers, and to grow spiritually. Click the button below to learn more and to register.
Registration deadline: August 9
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Church Anew is hiring an Operations Director
The Church Anew Operations Director will fuel congregational vitality and enrich Christian leaders by shaping the future of Church Anew, a dynamic and rapidly growing ministry of St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Eden Prairie, MN. The Operations Director will support all operations of Church Anew, including our worship resources, blogs, events, and grant initiatives. Click the button below to learn more or to apply.
Application deadline: August 2
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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.
Early Bird registration cost: $200 until August 1st; $250 after August 1st
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LAMPa Gives Away Week of Camp for Youth Gathering Participants
Calling all those heading to the Youth Gathering! Find Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania (LAMPa) at the Witness in Society Booth (F9D) in the Interactive Center at the National Youth Gathering! PA Youth and leaders can sign up at our booth to receive LAMPa communications and be entered to receive up to $500 toward a week at any of our amazing Lutheran camps in Pennsylvania! Click the button below to learn more. #CreatedtoBeAdvocates #GenZeroHunger
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Open House at St. Paul's Lutheran Church of East Norriton July 16th
Following the Holy Closure of St. Paul's Lutheran Church of East Norriton (6 Hancock Ave), the church will be hosting an Open House Tuesday, July 16th. Conference congregations are invited to come from 10am to 12pm. The rest of the Synod is welcome to come from 12pm to 2pm.
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Ordination of Taylor Joyce Walker
Saturday, July 27th at 11am
at Zion Lutheran Church in Spring City, PA
Clergy and seminarians of all faith traditions are invited to vest and process. The color of the day is red.
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Disability Ministries Grant Applications Sought! Deadline July 31st
Disability Ministries invites applications to fund requests or initiatives through a grant. Grant applicants are required to follow the guidelines below to be eligible to receive grant funding through Disability Ministries. Click the button below to learn more.
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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.
Registration opens soon. Contact ingodsimagesepa@gmail.com with any questions.
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Lutheran Disaster Response Training Camp September 4-6, 2024
What is it? A two-day training where attendees will leave having a deeper understanding of the elements of disaster recovery through a mix of real-life lived experience and didactic training.
When is it? This two-day training starts at noon on Wednesday, September 4 and concludes at 2pm on Friday, September 6.
Where is it? Camp Kairos in Chrisfield, MD. This is free to attend and includes overnight accommodation at camp barracks. Private accommodation available at an area hotel for a fee. Travel to the event is at the expense of the attendee.
We have an awesome training opportunity for anyone interested in learning more and getting involved in the long term disaster recovery process. The 3 day training is in southern Maryland and will cover all aspects of what it takes for a successful disaster recovery, with a focus on those most vulnerable in affected communities.
For more information or to register for this event, please contact Rev. Glenn Beard, Jr., gbeard@luthercare.org or Julia Frank, JFrank@LibertyLutheran.org.
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Are You, or Someone You Know, Discerning a Call to Ministry?
Do you feel like God might be calling you to public ministry as a deacon or pastor in the ELCA? Would you like some support on your discernment journey?
Sign up for a free, online discernment group! You will join 2 or 3 others for 3 or 4 sessions, led by an ELCA rostered minister (pastor or deacon). Topics covered include grounding in the God who calls all people, your particular gifts and passions, and an exploration of what the candidacy process to become a rostered leader in the ELCA looks like.
Questions? Email Pastor Jordan Miller-Stubbendick at Jordan.Miller-Stubbendick@elca.org
Sign up for a discernment group
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LAMPA’s New Racial Justice Youth Fellowship
Announcing the Isaiah 58:12 Fellowship: Empowering Lutheran Youth in Pennsylvania for Racial Reconciliation
Building on the prophet Isaiah’s vision of those who “will be called repairer of the breach, restorer of the streets to live in,” this fellowship empowers recipients to address racial injustice and enact reconciliation at the grassroots level. Up to 3 fellowships will be awarded. Fellows who successfully complete their projects will receive $1000 for college tuition or continuing education.
Application Deadline: July 28th
▶︎Find out more and apply.
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What Does it Mean to be Lutheran in a Crucial Election Year?
Kindling Faith presents: Review of ELCA Social Statements (six online webinars 8/27, 9/10, 9/24, 10/8, 10/22)
As our faith informs our day-to-day lives, Lutherans recognize that “faith is active in love [and] love calls for justice in relationships and structures of society” (ELCA, Social Statement on Church in Society, 1991). We also know the church is called to be a community that prays, deliberates, and acts together when it comes to complex social issues. In this election year, how might our Lutheran faith shape our thinking, acting, and voting on major issues? Join us to learn and ponder timely social teachings of the ELCA and to learn tips for leading discussions in your own community.
▶︎Download more information
▶︎Register here
▶︎More Kindling Faith events
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Between now and Sept. 30, 2024, you are invited to study and give feedback on a draft social statement on Civic Life and Faith by filling out an online survey or attending a hearing in your synod, as available. To access the draft and the survey, and to find information on how to host a hearing in your synod, go to www.elca.org/civicsandfaith. | |
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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