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SEPANews Update / July 22, 2014
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Nurturing Vibrant Congregations
To increase the vibrancy of a congregation, "the big opportunity is to connect the faith story to daily life," the Rev. Dr. David Lose told two packed forum sessions at our recent Assembly. Video of one of these sessions is now available in our video library. As part of the Vibrant Congregations Project at Luther Seminary, Lose and other researchers found that success depends on "making the faith useful" to people. The video segment, suitable for use with congregation councils and other leadership groups, reviews the study's findings on how people in congregations today view "vocation," biblical preaching, stewardship and leadership, and outlines a number of key principles for congregations wanting to become more vibrant, featuring stories of where these principles have worked. Read more at http://ministrylink.org/vibrant-congregations
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A Visit With Children at the Border
 "It was either this or be murdered," Javier told members of an ELCA team in Texas July 16-18 to learn about conditions for unaccompanied children arriving at the US border. Listening to children, pastors and advocates, the team learned that with violence on the rise in Central America, poverty sometimes leads to desperate measures. The team learned of one 13-year-old boy who was beaten nearly to death for refusing to beat a demand, and after gang members ran him over with a car his mother gave him $30 and told him to head north.
An article on the blog of Bishop Michael Rinehart of the Gulf Coast Synod offered this analysis: "Look into their eyes. These are not cartels smuggling drugs across the border. These are children seeking asylum. They have been battered and mistreated. Who, with a heart, could deny them due process under the law and protection? When a ten-year-old shows up at the border seeking safety, at the very least they need the representation of a lawyer who knows the law to watch out for him."
To learn more of the team's experiences and to learn how you can help, read the entire post at http://bishopmike.com/2014/07/18/a-visit-with-children-at-the-border/
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Faithful Readiness Emergency Preparedness Workshop
Does your house of worship have a solid emergency operations plan? Learn how to begin developing a plan and respond to emergency scenarios and connect with partners ready to help support your church and community prepare for emergencies at the "Faithful Readiness" workshop Monday, Aug. 11, 9 am to 4 pm at FEMA's regional headquarters at 615 Chestnut Street, 7th floor, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Registration is free and space is limited. Reasonable accommodation will be provided to attendees with communication access needs and Limited English Proficiency. Learn more, download an info sheet, and find out how to register at http://ministrylink.org/article/faithful-readiness/
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October is Lutheran Charities Month
 Watch for a bulletin insert for October highlighting what Lutheran Charities does and how your congregation can be involved. Consider lifting up or taking a special offering to support Lutheran Charities in our region. A limited amount of speakers are available to come out to your congregation for the month of October! Please contact Jennifer Ollikainen at Jennifer@lutherancongregationalservices.org to request a speaker.
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Global Plunge for Young Adults to Geneva, Taizé
Do you know a young adult (ages 18-20) ready to deepen their spirituality and experience the global church? A "team of young adults from the US and Canada will take the "Global Plunge" May 27 to June 8, 2015. They will live in community in Geneva, Switzerland with Lutherans from another country, discovering how Lutherans work together through the Lutheran World Foundation and partner with other denominations. Participants will then experience a week in the Taizé Community, an ecumenical monastic order in Taizé, Saône-et-Loire in Burgundy, France.
Interested? Costs are approximately $1,300 plus airfare. You will need a valid passport and a sense of adventure. To apply contact the Rev. Serena Sellers at pastor@peace-tohickon.org. The application process closes in October, 2014.
Download a program brochure at http://ministrylink.org/article/global-plunge/
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Oktoberfest Benefits Disaster Response in Eastern PA
St. Paul's. Glenside will again host Oktoberfest to benefit Lutheran Disaster Response in Eastern PA on Saturday, Sept. 20, 12-6 pm. St. Paul's is located at 120 N. Easton Road, Glenside, PA 19038. The event features German food and music, children's activities, and a homebrewfest with more than 8 homebrew teams. Tickets are $25 each and include one beer, food, and a free mug for adults. Children's tickets for ages 4 and above are also $25 and include a soft drink, food, and unlimited rides.
Learn more, including how to volunteer, and download a flyer at http://ministrylink.org/article/support-disaster-response-oktoberfest/
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Mission of the Month: Working With Children in S. Africa
 | | Rachel Swenson and friend |
While serving with the ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission program, Rachel Swenson has come to some amazing conclusions about her reason for being there. Inspire your congregation with her story! For a colorful Word document to use in your congregation's bulletin board, bulletin or PowerPoint presentation, visit http://www.ELCA.org/resources/globalchurch .
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Presiding Bishop Calls for Peace in Holy Lands
 As the conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip further escalates, the Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, ELCA Presiding Bishop, expressed her profound concern for members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land in a July 17, 2014, letter to that denomination's bishop, the Rev. Dr. Munib A. Younan. "Our hearts are heavy as we read about and see images of the violence being inflicted on both Israelis and Palestinians. ... As followers with you of the Prince of Peace, and as children of God, the Creator and Sustainer of all life, we long for peace and a just resolution to the escalating conflict between the State of Israel and the Palestinian people," Eaton wrote. Read the full story at http://www.elca.org/News-and-Events/7681
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In Brief...
Taste and See to Benefit KenCrest
 KenCrest Flavors of the Community event will be held Thursday, September 18, 2014, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm at The Manor House at Prophecy Creek Park (205 W. Skippack Pike (Rt. 73), Ambler, PA) Food - Drink - Friends -- Highlighting restaurants, caterers, and beverage vendors from the communities that KenCrest serves. Enjoy samples from 25 local vendors at The Manor House on the beautiful grounds of Whitpain Township's Prophecy Creek Park. All proceeds will benefit the 7,600 children, youth & adults with autism and intellectual disabilities whom KenCrest serves each year. Purchase your tickets by visiting the website.
Invest in Leading Well
Leading Well institute offers Equipping for Leadership in God's world to People who are shaped for their ministries-in God's church and in God's world-within communities of faith. This learning event is designed for those who serve in leadership roles in which they are called to be intentional about shaping others for ministry. The dates are locations:
- November 18-21, 2014, Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, Carefree, AZ
- January 27-30, 2015 Duncan Conference Center, Delray Beach, FL
More Information and Registration Materials.
Fall Luther Academy in Gettysburg
Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg invites you to jFall Academy 2014, October 27-30, to take another look at the promises and challenges of the Lutheran theological tradition! Keynote lecturers include Rev. Dr. Eero Huovinen (University of Helsinki), Dr. Susan Wood (Marquette University), Dr. Christine Helmer (Northwestern University) and Dr. Elina Vuola (University of Helsinki). For more information and to register visit their http://www.ltsg.edu/fallacademy
Interested in Church Music?
Faith in Our Music a three day music conference for clergy, church members, worship committees, church musicians and anyone interested in church music. September 23-24 at Union Presbyterian Seminary Richmond Campus. Registration: $195 ($150 early registration by July 31st ) for the first two registrants from one church; $125 for each subsequent registrant. Cost includes dinner on Tuesday and Wednesday, lunch on Wednesday, and breakfast on Thursday. For more information or to register, visit their website: www.upsem.edu/music_conference
Consider Lutheran Marriage Encounter This Fall
 ATTENTION MARRIED COUPLES: Fall is the perfect time to fall in love with your spouse all over again! That is what couples overwhelmingly report is the result of attending a Lutheran Marriage Encounter Weekend, whether you have been married a year or 50 years! Weekends run from Friday at 8 pm to Sunday around 4 pm, and you can reserve your spot by paying a $45 per couple registration fee. Toward the end of the weekend, you will then be given an opportunity to make a confidential contribution of whatever amount you wish toward continuation of the program. Two nights lodging, 5 meals for each of you, and all supplies are included. Sign up now to get the 2014 Fall Weekend of your choice:
- September 12-14 at Spruce Lake Retreat Center, Canadensis, PA
- September 26-28 at the Olmsted Retreat Center in Ludlow, PA
To sign up for a Weekend, simply go to the website: http://godlovesmarriage.org/, fill out the form, and pay the registration fee with a credit card, or select the option to mail a check. For questions, or if you would like a brochure with registration form mailed to you, contact PA Directors of Lutheran Marriage Encounter, Fred & Julie Schamber, at: fjschamber@comcast.net or 724-325-3166.
Thrivent Philadelphia Chapter Picnic
Join the Thrivent Financial Philadelphia County Chapter at their hosted event on Saturday, August 9th at Brandywine Picnic Park. This chapter wises to say thank you to members covering up 50% off the cost of admissions. Please bring your friends and family for a day of fun and fellowship. Only 100 tickets are available through Thrivent for the discount rate.
- Full Price Ticket: 48" and taller $20.00
- Junior Ticket: 36" tall to 47" tall $10.00
- Under 36" tall = free
Picnic time = 11:00 am - 5:00 pm = Includes Drinks and Popcorn
All-You-Can-Eat buffett included and served = 12:00pm to 4:00 pm
For questions and tickets please contact Tracey Beasley at (610) 764-6398 or Jon Roth (610) 321-2665.
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Get Your Info in MinistryLink
If you have information you'd like us to consider publishing, please send it to sepanews@sepa.org at least 4 weeks in advance of when you would like it to appear.
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THANK YOU
for taking the time to read this edition of MinistryLink. We hope you find this electronic newsletter a valuable resource in our shared ministry. If you know of anyone who could benefit from the information in this newsletter, please forward it to them using the link below and encourage them to sign up to receive MinistryLink directly.
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Bob Fisher
Assistant to the Bishop,
Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod ELCA
rfisher@sepa.org
267.323.3743
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Cynta Outterbridge
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"Activated by the Holy Spirit, we equip the saints and congregations for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ."
- Synod Purpose Statement
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Keep In Touch With SEPA
Help your congregation's leaders keep up with the latest news, equipping resources and youth information from the Synod.
Please encourage all of your council members and key leaders to sign up to receive emails from the Synod in one of these ways:
Scan the QR code at right to subscribe.
Text SEPANEWS to 22828
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