April 11, 2014
In This Issue

Blessings to you, your family and your congregation as you again experience our Lord's Passion and Resurrection this Holy Week, from Bishop Burkat and your Synod staff.

 
Renew Ministry Vows at Chrism Service
 
Tuesday, April 15, 10 am
at St. Peter's, Lafayette Hill

Bishop Burkat invites you to gather for this service of Word and Sacrament, blessing of oil and healing prayer. It is a time for pastors, associates in ministry, deaconesses and diaconal ministers to renew ministry vows and be strengthened to lead the faithful to the Cross and Resurrection.


Join Your Colleagues in Health and Savings
 
Thanks to the many of you who have completed the Mayo Clinic Health Assessment. As of the start of April we need 36 more covered members and spouses to take the assessment by April 30 so every congregation will earn the 2% discount on health insurance premiums this year. 
 
"The health assessment offers a good reminder of some of the factors which promote good physical, emotional and spiritual health." - Rev. Daryl Nelson
 
"I took the assessment because it helps the synod and my family save money, and with the (rising) cost of health insurance I want to do all I can. The benefits of focusing on my health are important too, and the ELCA offers nice wellness support and encouragement through our benefits." - Rev. Cindy Muse 
 
"I find it helpful to take the Mayo Health Assessment because it helps you to know you overall health status and give you guidelines of how to correct any health issue you may have." 
- Rev. Mukesh Cheedie

As extra incentive,
if we earn the discount we will give away FitBit fitness trackers or $100 to 10 people who let us know they have taken the assessment. If you have taken it, send an email to sepasynod@gmail.com with the subject "Health Assessment" to be entered for these prizes. Get full details at http://ministrylink.org/article/help-us-save-55k-health-costs/ 
 
Take the assessment at http://www.elcaforwellness.org 
 
Change Passwords After Internet Encryption Breach
     

You may have seen media reports about the so-called 'Heartbleed' vulnerability in the software that secures two-thirds of websites. This is a threat you should take seriously.

 

Our vendor reports that our registration and secure donation website, https://community.ministrylink.org, is no longer affected by the bug.

 

Portico took its portals offline for a time in order to allow for updating security software, and we are informed that their portal at https://myportico.porticobenefits.org is now safe.

 

Security experts recommend that you change your passwords on any site that depends on the secure https protocol (display the padlock symbol). This is because the bug has existed for 2 years and there is no way to know if passwords have been revealed.

 

Some news reports indicate that sites including Facebook and Instagram, Yahoo Mail and Gmail and some commerce sites were affected and some are urging users to change passwords as well. 

 
Assembly Updates

This year's Synod Assembly is May 2-3 at Franconia Mennonite Church. Our keynote speaker is the Rev. Mark Hanson, former presiding bishop of the ELCA, addressing our theme: God's work. Our hands.

 

Mission videos: Submit a short (2-1/2 minute or less) video showing how your congregation lives into the theme: God's work. Our hands. Videos should be submitted by April 20. See http://ministrylink.org/article/share-mission-story/ for more information. 

 

Call for pictures: We want to show pictures of the highlights of your congregation's ministry since our last Assembly. These are probably pictures you have already shared on Facebook or your website. Please send photos and a short description to rfisher@sepa.org or post the photo and description to Facebook with the hashtag #WeAreSEPA. 
 
Engaging with "Nones"
     

 
Last night the Philadelphia Seminary's "Exploring Series" hosted a program with New England Synod Bishop Jim Hazelwood conversing with four "Nones" with no church affiliation. Some quick observations about what "Nones" had to say:
 
Welcoming people as they are and where they are on their faith journey is important. "Nones" can "smell" insincerity when they walk in the door.
 
Being dogmatic about doctrine or becoming defensive when someone raises questions drives "Nones" away.
 
 
In his summary, Bishop Hazelwood urged church leaders to accept that the church is no longer in a central, privileged position in culture, and start joining God outside the walls rather than trying to invite people in to church. -- Bob Fisher
 
Annual Fund 12
It Takes All the Saints...
...to ensure vital Lutheran witness in Southeastern Pennsylvania. 

Each year hundreds of individuals and congregations give extra mile gifts through our annual "It Takes All the Saints" campaign. 

These gifts help us continue and expand our ministries to equip leaders (lay and rostered) and congregations for ministry in the 21st Century.

Quick Links
Looking for an Easter-themed cover image for your Facebook page? Feel free to borrow this one created by Bob Fisher for our page at https://facebook.com/SEPASynod.

THANK YOU 
for taking the time to read this edition of Roster Update. We hope you find this electronic newsletter a valuable resource in our shared ministry. 
 
Bob Fisher
Assistant to the Bishop,
Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod ELCA
rfisher@sepa.org
267.323.3743 
 
Cynta Outterbridge
Communications Assistant
coutterbridge@sepa.org
267.323.3742
 
 
"Activated by the gifts of the Holy Spirit, we equip the saints and congregations for the work of ministry, for building up the Body of Christ."

Submit information for publication to sepanews@sepa.org 3 weeks
1 month before your desired date for publicity.