We're Stronger Together...Forming Candidates

Kat Steinly (center) with youth group at Good Shepherd, King of Prussia

Do you know how we, together, identify and form tomorrow's church professionals?

"We're blessed that the Synod's Candidacy process is evaluative, supportive and formative," says senior Seminarian Kat Steinly. "SEPA really tries to bring candidates together to build relationships," says Kat, who grew up at Trinity, Perkasie. The Synod is very supportive of the contributions of younger leaders, she says. "And I have really appreciated the financial support each year."

Molly Beck Dean, Assistant to the Bishop and Youth Ministry Specialist, has accepted a position as director of the ELCA Youth Gathering, effective in January. "Molly's love for our young people, her attention to equipping adult leaders, her creativity, courage and her deep spirituality have touched thousands of young lives during her 12 years as our Youth Ministry Specialist," said Bishop Claire Burkat. In her new role Molly will be responsible for faith formation events that bring together nearly 40,000 young people, adults and staff. "This is a huge opportunity and challenge, and I know that the Holy Spirit will guide and bless Molly as she is called to this new work," the bishop said. 

Calling Small Business Owners and Entrepreneurs

Calling small business owners and entrepreneurs! Urban Seeds Inc., a faith-based institution dedicated to providing services that educate people about their financial health, is now taking applications for small, low-interest loans for businesses, with a special emphasis on those who have had previous difficulty accessing capital. Applications for loans up to $3,000 are being accepted through midnight on Nov. 30, 2014. See more at: http://ministrylink.org/article/urban-seeds-taking-microloan-applications/

"These are my people and they deserve to be fed"

Jesus' insistence on feeding hungry people where they are is echoed today in the statement: "Why do I keep doing it? Because these are my people and they deserve to be fed." These are the words of Arnold Abbot, the 90-year-old Florida man recently arrested for feeding homeless persons on the street. Pennsylvania has had its own cases. Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in PA suggests that you can help oppose restrictions on feeding programs by connecting with groups that offer outdoor meals, listening to the stories of people they serve, and consider offering outdoor meals a place to come indoors. And mark April 27, 2015 for LAMPa's Lutheran Day at the Capitol that will focus on the theme of homecoming. Learn more at http://bit.ly/LAMPaFeed

Ordination of Mission Developer Linda Manson

A service of ordination for Linda Manson, mission developer of Living Gospel Ministries, will be Saturday, Nov. 22 at 1 pm at Lutheran Church of the Holy Communion, 2110 Chestnut Street. Living Gospel works with individuals and families engaged with the criminal justice. RSVP to livinggospel@verizon.net.

LTSP President David Lose will meet with constituents to have conversation about the seminary's current situation and future directions on Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 9:30 am on campus. Info and registration at http://ltsp.edu/ConversationWithThePresident 

At its meeting in October the Delaware Conference elected the Rev. Leslie Richard of Grace, Broomall, as dean. Get contact information for all of our Synod's deans at http://ministrylink.org/about/staff/deans/

Think of Spring...and Baseball

It's not too soon to be thinking about next year's Lutheran Night at the Phillies on Friday, May 29 at 7:05 pm against the Colorado Rockies. This long-running fundraiser supports Synod youth programs. Mark the date and start gathering a group from your congregations. Watch MinistryLink for updates.

Project Connect Retreat for Young Adults

Young adults aged 18-30 are invited to "Shining In, Shining Out," a vocational discernment retreat, Jan. 8-11 in New York City. Gather with other young adults and provide food, safety and a shining light to others. Cost is only $25. For info call Matt O'Rear at 215.248.6304 or visit http://bit.ly/ShineNYC

2015 Harvey Cedars Youth Retreat

Congregation youth groups (grades 6-12) are invited to the Harvey Cedars Lutheran Youth Retreat March 6-8, 2015. This year's theme is "Jesus is My Superhero." Cost is $115 per person if registered by Feb. 1. Full information and registration at http://www.gracelutheranroyersford.com/HarveyCedars/

LSH Thanksgiving Food Drive

Lutheran Settlement House wants to talk turkey with you. You can help feed those in need this holiday by bringing turkeys, turkey coupons or grocery store gift cards to Lutheran Settlement House, 1340 Frankford Ave., before Thanksgiving. For information contact Kanika at 215.426.8610, ext. 1242.

QuickBooks Now Available to Faithful

Exciting news! Now religious charities can qualify for Intuit donations at TechSoup. Automate your bill paying, expense tracking, donation reporting, and so many other financial tasks. QuickBooks 2015 has updated features to save time. Learn more about registering with TechSoup and requesting donations at http://www.techsoup.org.

Sites sought for immigration relief information meetings

Advocates for immigrant families facing separation because of deportation are seeking sites to host information sessions for those who might be eligible for any relief announced by President Obama in the coming weeks. If your congregation would be interested in hosting, the Pennsylvania Immigration and Citizenship Coalition (PICC) will help organize, provide resources and train volunteers. You may contact LAMPa or contact  PICC directly.