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Equipping events for congregational leaders. Save this email for future reference!
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September
Central Philadelphia Conference Conversation on Collaborative Ministry
Sept. 6, 10 am. St. Michael's, Kensington
Contact Rev. Carlton Rodgers at 215.748.5533 or carodg@verizon.net. https://www.facebook.com/groups/centralphilutherans/
#ELCAdayofservice - "God's work. Our hands." SundaySept. 7. Across our synod and the ELCA.
Nationwide day of service by ELCA congregations.
http://www.elca.org/dayofservice
"Framing the Path: Practicing Things New in Children, Youth and Family Ministry" - Sponsored by Upper Bucks Conference
Sept. 9, 9:30 am, Christ, Pipersville
Presenter: Molly Beck Dean
Contact: Rev. Julie Bergdahl, stmikesrev@verizon.net
CANCELLED -- New Visions Training with Peter Steinke
Sept. 12-13, St. Paul Lutheran, Spring Grove, PA (near York)
http://newvisions.us/about
Lutheran Marriage Encounter
Sept. 12-14 at Spruce Lake Retreat Center, Canadensis, PA
Sept. 26-28 at Olmstead Retreat Center, Ludlow PA
http://www.godlovesmarriage.org
MacPherson Welcome Home Celebration
 Sept. 13, 5 pm, St. John's, Mayfair Hear our missionaries preach and tell stories of their time at Irente Children's Home. Worship at 5 pm, followed by pot-luck dinner and presentation. Bring a dish to share. Contact Mary Jones at 215.745.0992 or mloewer906@aol.com. ELCA Global Church Sunday Sept. 14. In your congregation. https://www.facebook.com/events/813038942054110/ Faith Formation Team Meeting Sep. 15, 7 pm, St. Matthew, Springfield Contact FaithInBloom@gmail.com, 267.417.4078, or visit http://www.FaithInBloom.com  "Facing Congregational Finances" - Upper/Lower Montgomery Conferences Sept. 16, 10 am-1 pm. St. Peter's, Lafayette Hill. "Why Marketing and Management are not Four-letter Words," with Dr. Jon Pahl of LTSP. For rostered leaders of all conferences. Contact Rev. Julie Dewerth, juliedewerth@comcast.net. http://ministrylink.org/?p=2666 Family Systems Training for Clergy, Religious Leaders and Pastoral Counselors - Princeton Family Center Sept. 22, Oct. 27, Dec. 1, Jan. 26, Feb. 23, March 23, April 27, May 18. 9 am- 3 pm. Peace Lutheran Church, Perkasie. In-depth continuing education opportunity to learn Bowen Family Systems Theory and application to personal and professional life. 8 monthly day-long sessions. For information contact Rev. Julie Bergdahl, 215.257.6040 or StMikesRev@verizon.net http://www.princetonfamilycenter.org/training-clergy.html 34th Anniversary UTI Lecture and Worship Celebration - LTSP Sept. 23, 11:15 am, lecture at The Brossman Center Sept 23, 7 pm , Worship Service at Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church The Urban Theological Institute celebrates its 34th anniversary with the annual UTI Lecture and Worship Celebration. The Rev. Dr. Kevin R. Johnson, Senior Pastor of Bright Hope Baptist Church in Philadelphia and frequent columnist for The Philadelphia Tribune is this year's special lecturer and preacher. All are welcome, and proceeds benefit the Jeremiah A. Wright, Sr. Chair http://ltsp.edu/UTILecture2014 Faith in Our Music Sept. 23-24. Union Presbyterian Seminary, Richmond, VA For clergy, church musicians, worship committees and church members. http://www.upsem.edu/music_conference Interim Consultation - SEPA Interim Ministry Sept. 24, 9 am- 2:30 pm Christ, Oreland Contact Rev. Marcia Bell marciagbell@comcast.net SEPA Hunger Ministry Team Sept. 25, 10:30 am. Synod Office Contact Annette Sample at sample.annette@gmail.com. ELCA Synodical Treasurers' Conference Sept. 25-27. Philadelphia.  Disaster Response: Train-the-Trainer Muck-Out Workshop Sept. 26, 9 am-4 pm. Chester County Public Safety Training Campus, Coatesville. For those interested in participating in or leading disaster cleanup crews. Register by Sept. 19. Contact Julia Menzo, jmenzo@lutherancongregationalservices.org. Adult Education: Living Stories Workshop Sept. 27, 9 am - 4 pm, LTSP Living Stories is a full day workshop with the Rev. Martha K. Spong. All clergy, worship team members, and laypersons interested in or involved in renewing worship are welcome. http://ltsp.edu/LivingStoriesRegister
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October is Lutheran Charities Month
 Lutheran Charities is a partnership of nine different life-giving ministries that together serve upwards of 80,000 people within our area every year. From inner city ministries, domestic violence programs, and education for children healing from trauma to intellectual disability services, non-profit retirement communities, and compassionate senior care...the reach of these ministries truly is extraordinary. Learn more at http://ministrylink.org/article/a-new-season-for-lutheran-charities/ Your congregation can be involved:
- "Like" Lutheran Charities on Facebook
- Host a Lutheran Charities Sunday in October - speakers available!
- Watch for lectionary-themed bulletin inserts for October.
- Do a fundraising drive or take a special collection one or more Sundays.
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Mental Health: Getting Off the Emotional Roller Coaster
Mental Health Association of Southeastern PA offers 10-week workshops for families of persons with mental illness, starting Oct. 1 in Philadelphia and Oct. 2 in Plymouth Meeting.
Contact MaryCatherine Lowery, 215.507.3865 or info@mhasp.com.
 Youth Ministry in Small Churches Training
October 3-4, Carmel Presbyterian Church, Glenside.
For volunteers and church leaders engaged in the joys and challenge of youth ministry in small churches. By Princeton Seminary's Institute for Youth Ministry.
http://www.sepayouth.org/2014/08/06/small-youth-ministry-training/
Seasons of Faith Women's Retreat - Bear Creek Camp
Oct. 3-5, Bear Creek Camp
Join Bear Creek Camp for worship, crafts, hiking, massages, great food and fellowship. Contact Bear Creek Camp at 570.472-3741 or http://www.bearcreekcamp.org
 Making Mutual Ministry Work
Oct. 4, 9:30 am-3 pm. New Hanover Lutheran Church, Gilbertsville
Explore mutual ministry and its possibilities for your congregation with Rev. Sue Lang, one of the authors of Pastor and People. For congregation teams of 3-4 leaders.
Details and registration at http://ministrylink.org/article/mutual-ministry-seminar/
Adult Education - Luther: Yesterday and Today
Oct. 4, Oct. 11, Oct, 18, Oct. 25, Nov. 1, LIVE on the LTSP Campus
Oct. 6, Oct. 13, Oct. 20, Oct. 27, Nov. 3, Online
This course will focus on essential theological insights by the Reformer and evaluate Luther's ongoing significance for contemporary Christians. With Rev. Dr. Nelson Rivera. http://ltsp.edu/LutherTodayTomorrow
Lutheran Historical Society Mid-Atlantic Fall Program
Oct. 4, 9:30 am-3:30 pm. Paul's Run, 9896 Bustleton Ave., Phila.
"Tradition or context: German Lutheran Congregations Confront the Melting Pot," presenters include Karl Krueger, Friederike Baer, and John Frantz. http://www.lhsmidatlantic.com
Stewardship for Mission-Minded Congregations 
Oct. 6, 7-9 pm. St. James Lutheran Church, Limerick
Resources from our stewardship team. Workshops on "Faith and Finances," "Healthy Congregations/Healthy Families," and "Asset-based Stewards."
Free, RSVP to Debbie Perez at dperez@sepa.org. http://ministrylink.org/article/stewardship-mission-minded-congregations/
Also Oct. 12 and Oct. 28 at different locations
Parish Secretaries' Seminary by Lutheran Congregational Services
Oct. 7-8, Lancaster DoubleTree, Lancaster, PA.
"Welcome to My World" offers skill advancement, networking and spiritual growth.
Contact Kathy Reyher, 610.770.9205 or Kathy@lutherancongregationalservices.org.
http://www.lutherancongregationalservices.org/congregations/parish-secretaries/
 Junior High Youth Gathering: "Dunked and Stuffed"
Oct. 10-11 and 11-12, Refreshing Mountain Camp, Stevens, PA.
For youth in grades 6 through 9 and adult leaders.
http://www.sepayouth.org/2014/08/12/dunkedstuffed/
Navigating the Unknown: Social Media for Ministry
Oct. 11, 8:30 am-3:30 pm. Moyer Hall, Muhlenberg College.
Meredith Gould, author of "The Social Media Gospel," will lead three sessions to help church leaders with strategy and tactics, social media tools, and making sure your church website works. Sponsored by NE PA Synod. http://bit.ly/1q8zL8F
Breaking Free from Generational Wounds - Institute for Christian Healing
Oct. 11, 8:30 am - 4 pm, Christ Episcopal Church, Pottstown, PA
Explore your personal and corporate generations for healing and blessing, in family, church, ethnicity and nation. Celebrate the good; lament, release, and restore the broken, and through the Holy Spirit unite all with Christ.
Contact Rev James A. Shelly at jashelly@comcast.net or 610.754.7001
Stewardship for Mission-Minded Congregations
Oct. 12, 2:30-4:30 pm. Lutheran Theological Seminary, Philadelphia
Resources from our stewardship team. Workshops on "Faith and Finances," "Healthy Congregations/Healthy Families," and "Asset-based Stewards."
Free, RSVP to Debbie Perez at dperez@sepa.org. http://ministrylink.org/article/stewardship-mission-minded-congregations/
Collaborating in Upper Bucks - Upper Bucks Conference
Oct. 14, Christ, Pipersville
Collaborating in service, benefit for a cause, joint purchasing and other things
Contact Rev. Julie Bergdahl at stmikesrev@verizon.net
 An Evening with Bishop Claire Burkat - Upper Montgomery Conference Oct. 21, 7 pm, St. Paul, Red Hill Contact Rev. William Vanderslice at pastor@stpaulredhill.org Webcast: Finding Common Ground for the Common Good Oct. 22, 2 pm. Live from historic Christ Church, Philadelphia. Sponsored by The Episcopal Church. Fourm moderated by Paul Raudenbush of the Huffington Post, keynote by Presiding Bishop Katherine Jefferts Schori. Info: Neva Rae Fox, publicaffairs@episcopalchurch.org. http://bit.ly/ECCommonGround Climate Justice: Faith in Action Oct. 26, 2-6 pm. Summit Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia. Annual conference of Pennsylvania Interfaith Power and Light. http://www.paipl.us/event/pa-ipl-annual-conference/ Fall Luther Academy Oct. 27-30, Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg. Features Euro Huovinen, Susan Wood, Christine Helmer, and Elina Vuola. http://www.ltsg.edu/fallacademy Stewardship for Mission-Minded Congregations Oct. 28, 7-9 pm. St.Paul's Lutheran Church, Doylestown Resources from our stewardship team. Workshops on "Faith and Finances," "Healthy Congregations/Healthy Families," and "Asset-based Stewards." Free, RSVP to Debbie Perez at dperez@sepa.org. http://ministrylink.org/article/stewardship-mission-minded-congregations/ |
November
 Reconciled with Grief: Shining a Light on Silent Suffering in the Church Nov. 1, 9 am-12 pm, Holy Spirit Lutheran Church, Emmaus, PA. Lutheran Congregregational Services brings you this workshop to help faithfully prepare the church community to name and walk with people in all stages of grief combatting our culture's urging to "move on" or "get over it." Register by Oct. 24. Contact info@lutherancongregationalservices.org or 610.770.9205. Disaster Spiritual Care Training Nov. 5 and 6. Norristown State Hospital, 1001 Sterigere St., 19401. Basic training for persons interested in becoming certified Disaster Spiritual Care Providers. Sponsored by PA Disaster Spiritual Care Network (http://www.pdscn.org). Trainers: Rev. Frank Sayford and Rev. Thomas Kadel. Contact Pr. Kadel at 215.256.8738. Info and registration at http://www.pdscn.org/#!training/c267 Witness in Common: An Explanation of Full Communion Agreements Nov. 10, 9:30 am-3 pm. Trinity Lutheran Church, Camp Hill, PA Sponsored by PA Council of Churches. Featuring the Very Rev. Tom Ferguson, former ecumenical officer of The Episcopal Church. http://bit.ly/PAFullComm  Bishop's Convocation: Generations of Generosity
Nov. 12-14, Hotel Bethlehem, Bethlehem PA. Explore the connection between story, faith and generosity, and congregational practices that nurture generous Christians with David Lose and Renée LiaBraaten. Information and registration at http://ministrylink.org/convocation. Advent Preaching Workshop - Lower Montogomery Conference Nov. 18, 10 am, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, King of Prussia Cost: $15 Presenter: The Rev. Dr. Karyn Wiseman; Professor of Homelictics at LTSP. Contact Rev. Julia DeWerth , juliedewerth@comcast.net. Preaching the Texts of Epiphany - Upper Montgomery Conference Nov. 18, 9:30 am, St. John, Sumneytown Present: Rev. Dr. Jennifer Ollikainen Contact Rev. William Vanderslice at pastor@stpaulredhill.org Leading Well Institute (formerly ELCA Head of Staff Event) Nov. 18-21, Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, Carefree AZ. http://bit.ly/leadwell14 Interim Consultation - SEPA Interim Ministry Nov. 19, 9 am- 12 pm, LTSP Contact Rev. Marcia Bell at marciagbell@comcast.net December
"Spirituality of Aging" with Rev. Ghislaine Cotnoir - Upper Bucks Conference
Dec. 9, Lutheran Community at Telford
Contact Rev. Julie Bergdahl at stmikesrev@verizon.net
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January
Lenten Preaching Workshop - Lower Montgomery Conference
Jan. 20, 10 am, Good Shepherd, King of Prussia
Presenter: Dr. Erik Heen, John H. P. REumann Chair in Biblical Studies at LTSP
Contact Julie DeWerth at juliedewerth@comcast.net
Tranformational Ministry - Upper Montogomery Conference
Jan. 20, 9:30 am, St. Luke, Obelisk
Presenter: Rev. Patricia Davenpert
Contact Rev. William Vanderslice at pastor@stpaulredhill.org
Interim Consultation - SEPA Interim Ministry
Jan. 21, 9 am- 2:30 pm, Location to be determined
Contact Rev. Marcia Bell at marciagbell@comcast.net
Creating Common Good: A Practical Conference for Economic Equality
Jan. 22-24. Trinity Church (Wall Street), New York, or webcast locations
Taking on economic equality with the Archbishop of Canterbury, Cornel West, Barbara Erenreich, Robert Reich, Rachel Held Evans and more.
http://ti2015.org.
February
"Stewardship of People" - Upper Bucks Conference
Feb. 10, St. Matthew's, Perkasie
Presenter Rev. Sue Lang
Contact Rev. Julie Bergdahl at stmikesrev@verizon.net
Healing Retreat - Upper Montgomery Conference
Feb. 17, 9:30 am, New Hanover - Gilbertville
Presenter: Rev. Susan Cole, Spiritual Director
Contact Pastor Bill Vanderslice at pastor@stpaulredhill.org
Senior High Youth Gathering
Feb. 20 -22, Crowne Plaza, King of Prussia
Contact Molly Beck Dean mbeckdean@sepa.org
March
Pre-Assembly Conversation - Upper Bucks Conference
Mar. 10, St. John, Quakertown
Contact Rev. Julie Bergdahl at stmikesrev@verizon.net
"Preaching during the Easter Season" - Upper Montgomery Conference
Mar. 17, 9:30 am, Grace, Royersford
Presenter: Rev. Dr. David J. Lose
Contact Pastor Bill Vanderslice at pastor@stpaulredhill.org
Mid Lent Retreat - Lower Montgomery Conference
Mar. 17, 10 am, Saint Raphaela Center
Presenter: Rev. Sue Lang
Contact Rev. Julie DeWerth at juliedewerth@comcast.net
Interim Consultation - SEPA Interim Ministry
Mar. 17, 9am- 12pm, Location to be determined
Contact Rev. Marcia Bell at marciagbell@comcast.net
Chrism Service
Mar. 31, 10 am, St. Peter, Lafayette Hill
Lunch served immediately following the service.
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April
Conversation with Bishop Burkat - Upper Montgomery Conference
Apr. 14, 9:30 am, St. James, Limerick
Contact Rev. William Vanderslice at pastor@stpaulredhill.org
Helping Hands Day
April 25, 2015
Lutheran Day at the Capitol
April 27, 2015
Healthy Boundaries Workshop
Apr. 29, 9:30 am, Trinity, Havertown
Contact Yvonne Curtis at ycurtis@sepa.org
May
Synod Assembly
May 8-9, 2015
Ascension Worship Service - Upper Montgomery Conference
May 12, 10 am, St. Andrew, Audubon
Contact Rev. Julie DeWerth at juliedewerth@comcast.net
Interim Consultation - SEPA Interim Ministry
May 13, 9 am- 2:30 pm, Location to be determined
Contact Rev. Marcia Bell at marciagbell@comcast.net
Young Adult Servant Trip to Cherokee, NC
May 17.
Details coming on http://www.sepayouth.org
Stewardship: Giving Trends Among Age Groups - Joint Gathering Upper Bucks and Upper Montgomery Conferences
May 19, Advent, Harleysville
Presenter: Bob Fisher
Contact Rev. Julie Bergdahl at stmikesrev@verizon.net
June
Mass Incarceration to Restorative Justice Conference
June 6. Location TBD.
Sponsored by Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod.
Contact Rev. Patricia Davenport, 267.323.3746 or pdavenport@sepa.org.
Lutherland Trip led by Karl Krueger
June, 2015. Dates and itinerary to be announced.
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Ongoing Opportunities
Communicators' Network Gatherings
 Our Communicators Network offers several learning and networking opportunities each year. Watch the MinistryLink e-news (subscribe) and ministrylink.org for details.
Info: Contact Bob Fisher, 267-323-3743, rfisher@sepa.org. https://www.facebook.com/groups/sepacomm/
Youth Ministry Network
 You are invited to join other youth workers from our synod for a monthly time of fellowship, food, networking, prayer, conversation, a devotion and renewal.
Fundraiser Mixers
Sept. 8, 12:30 pm at Advent, Harleysville
Sept. 13, 10 am at St. John, Centre Square
Take this opportunity to swap ideas with other youth workers and learn best (and worst!) practices for fundraising in youth ministry. Please RSVP to dperez@sepa.org by the Thursday before each event.
- Oct. 14, 12:30 pm at Christ, Kulpsville - Third Party Service Trips
- Nov. 1, 10 am at Good Shepherd, Southampton - Updates on the ELCA Youth Gathering
- Nov. 10, 12:30 pm at Calvary, West Chester - Updates on the ELCA Youth Gathering
- Dec. 9, 12:30 pm at St. Andrew, Audubon - Youth Ministry Article Discussion
Download the 2014-2015 Networking Gatherings document to get all the dates and topics on your calendar!
Marriage Preparedness Series
Lutheran Congregational Services offers a 6-hour Marriage Preparedness Series for engaged couples. Skills-based series centers on communication, conflict, values, finances, intimacy and spirituality.
Contact Rev. Jennifer Ollikainen at jollikainen@libertylutheran.org or 610.425.2981.
Details and registration at www. lutherancongregationalservices.org, under the "education" tab.
- Sundays, September 14 and 21, 2:00-5:00 pm at St. James, Pottstown.
- Saturday, October 11, 9 am - 3:30 pm at St. Paul's, Doylestown.
- Saturday, October 25, 9 am - 3:30 pm at Trinity, Lansdale.
- Sundays, March 15 and 22 (snow date March 29), 2015, 2-5:00 pm at Grace, Royersford.
- Saturday, June 20, 2015, 9 am to 3:30 pm at Reformation, Media.
- Saturday, September 26, 2015, 9 am to 3:30 pm, Emmaunel, Pottstown.
Lay Eucharistic Visitor Training
Lutheran Congregational Services offers a one-day Lay Eucharistic Visitor Training for congregationally appointed eucharistic ministers. Congreations may also host their own training for $250 plus instructor's mileage.
Contact Rev. Jennifer Ollikainen at jollikainen@libertylutheran.org or 610.425.2981.
Registration forms can be found at www.lutherancongregationalservices.org under the "education" tab.
- Saturday, October 18, 9:00-4:30, Emmaus Road Lutheran, Levittown.
- Saturday, April 18, 2015, 9-4:30, St. Michael Lutheran Church, Sellersville.
Faith Formation Resources
 Our Synod's Faith Formation Team is available to assist individuals, groups and congregations in the development of prayer groups and spiritual practices. The team will help you find reliable resources for prayer and spirituality and help contact you with like-minded congregations and individuals in the synod. If you would like to invite the Faith Formation Team to consult with your congregation, to receive resource information or inquire about attending an upcoming gathering, contact us at FaithInBloom@gmail.com, 267.417.4078, or visit http://www.FaithInBloom.com
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Fundraisers
Taste and See to Benefit KenCrest
Sept. 18, 6:30-8:30 pm, Manor House at Prophecy Creek Park, Ambler
http://bit.ly/1ARcueV
Oktoberfest for Lutheran Disaster Response-Eastern Pennsylvania
Sept. 20, 12 pm - 6:30 pm, St. Paul's, Glenside
Music, German dancing, silent auction, and children's activities. Proceeds benefit LDR-Eastern PA.
Contact St. Paul's by calling 215.884.3005 or on the church website at www.stpaulsglenside.org
Rhawnhurst Turning Point Beef-and-Beer
Sept. 26, 7-11 pm, The Southampton Room, Phila.
Contact Cheryl at 267.601.5147 or RhawnhurstTurningPoint@yahoo.com.
www.rhawnhurstturningpoint.com
 Support Scholarships at LTSP 150th Gala
Oct. 16, Ballroom at the Ben, 834 Chestnut St., Philadelphia.
Keynote by ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton. Benefits LTSP Scholarship Fund.
https://ltsp.wufoo.com/forms/ltsp-150th-gala-celebration-tickets/
"Lead/Learn" Image remixed by Bob Fisher from: "Learn" by Mark Brannan on flickr.com under Creative Commons License and "Lead" by Leo Reynolds on flickr.com under Creative Commons License
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- "Facing Congregational Finances" - Sept. 16
- Making Mutual Ministry Work - Oct. 4
- Bishop's Convocation - Nov. 12-14
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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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