May Your Thanksgiving be Filled with Gratitude

Best wishes as you celebrate God's blessings in your family and congregation this Thanksgiving. -- Bishop Claire Burkat and the Southeastern PA Synod staff

Thanksgiving Volunteer Opportunity: Lutheran Settlement House's Jane Addams Place needs help doing Thanksgiving crafts with children during their Thanksgiving celebration on Thursda from 11 am to 2 pm. Jane Addams Place is at 25 S. 43rd St., Philadelphia PA 19104. If you can help contact koconnor@lutheransettlement.org or call 215.387.3587.  Photo: Bob Fisher

One of our 2014 Bishop's Convocation presenters was the Rev. Dr. David Lose, president of LTSP. He noted that the story of economic growth, unheard of at the time of Christ, has come to supplant the Christian story that "all shall not want." Giving to the church or community needs is a matter of identity, he said. The good news: "Creating a culture of generosity is possible," Lose said. "Practicing it over and over is everything."

Get resources from Convocation at http://ministrylink.org/gen2 

The Rev. Linda Manson, mission developer of Living Gospel Ministries, was ordained to the ministry of Word and Sacrament on Saturday, Nov. 22. She is pictured here with Bishop Burkat, the Rev. Patricia Davenport, director of evangelical mission, and her three sponsors: Pastors Carlton Rodgers, Violet Little and Andrena Ingram.

Living Gospel is a synodically authorized worshipping community that provides life-skills and spiritual community for former offenders and their families. "I'm so blessed to be doing this ministry, and I'm grateful that the Synod thinks out of the box when it comes to new forms of faith community." 

• It takes all the saints to support ministries like Living Gospel. Make a secure gift of support at http://ministrylink.org/giving/donate-now/
• Read more stories of mission in action at http://ministrylink.org/stronger

Ideas for Advent Devotions

Are you looking for personal or group devotions this Advent season? Presiding Bishop Eaton and the leaders of the Anglican Church of Canada, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada and The Episcopal Church have developed a series of devotions that you are welcome and encouraged to use. Download the devotions at http://ministrylink.org/article/bishops-offer-advent-devotions/ 

The Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod also offers contemplative prayer liturgies at http://gulfcoastsynod.org/advent/

Worship Honors Dr. King's Memory

The African Descent Lutheran Association, Philadelphia Chapter, invites you to celebrate Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at a memorial worship service Sunday, Jan. 28, at 3 pm at Tabor Lutheran Church. Get more info and a flyer at http://ministrylink.org/article/worship-honors-dr-kings-memory/

• Dec. 2 -- LTSP Presidential Conversations with David Lose 
• Dec. 7 -- SEPA Synod Christmas Ingathering
• Jan. 8-11 -- Project Connect Young Adult Retreat
• March 6 -- Harvey Cedars Lutheran Youth Retreat
• May 8-9 -- Synod Assembly at Franconia Mennonite Church
• May 29 -- Lutheran Night at the Phillies
• June 12-21 -- Exploring Lutherland: "Luther and the Arts" with Dr. Karl Krueger and Dr. Michael Krentz 

LTSP Tree Lighting Dec. 5

Start off your holiday season on the campus of LTSP with a Tree Lighting and Carol Sing Friday, December 5 at 4:45 pm at the plaza next to the Schaeffer-Ashmead chapel. New, unwrapped toys appropriate for children ages newborn to 11+ will be collected for the Salvation Army's Stockings for Kids program. Learn more at

St. Olaf Choir at Trinity, Lansdale

This famed choir will perform a concert on Sunday, Feb. 8 at 4 pm at Trinity, 1000 W. Broad St., Lansdale, PA 19446. $35 adult/senior; $15 student. Get info and tickets here. 

Host Discussions on Gender-based Violence

Emma Wagner is a Masters of Arts in Public Leadership student at the LTSP doing field work at LAMPa, learning about Pennsylvania policy on gender-based violence. She is experienced in facilitating conversations around the ELCA's Social Statement Draft for Gender-Based Violence. If you'd like to host such a conversation, contact her at ewagner@ltsp.edu or 410.375.8133.