SEPANews Update / Feb. 4, 2015
God's Work. Our Hands.

Save the date and celebrate! On Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015, congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America will again have the opportunity to gather together for "God's work. Our hands." Sunday and celebrate who we are as the ELCA - one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor.
 
"God's work. Our hands." Sunday celebrates the work you do every day, serving communities in ways that share the love of God with all of God's people.

We look forward to doing this work together Sept. 13, 2015. If your congregation cannot participate on that day, please consider another time. Visit www.ELCA.org/dayofservice for more information. 
Eaton: Church is Place for Deep Conversation

Let's talk. In her February column in The Lutheran, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton admits that it's difficult to talk about race in this country. But not talking about it won't make it go away. She's convinced that "not only is the church the appropriate place for this conversation, it might be the only place where the deep, honest, even painful conversation about race can take place ...." Read her column at 

http://www.thelutheran.org/article/article.cfm?article_id=12424 or Download a copy
Stories Form Faith, Change Lives
"People are telling those of us committed to Christ that it is just not working anymore," says Dr. Audrey West. But it can work better if we use stories - God's and ours - to help form faith, she said in an inaugural lecture at LTSP in December. West told family stories, unpacked in great and careful detail the Parable of the Yeast in Matthew and used personal examples of story-telling episodes involving her niece and nephew to empower her audience to carry on the story-telling history of their faith in a way that has the potential to change lives.

Watch video of her lecture at http://ltsp.edu/thepowerofstory
Council Leaders - Save the Date

Our annual gathering for church council leaders will be held on Saturday, March 21. Council presidents, vice presidents and officers are invited. Please reserve the date. More information to come.

 

If your council has recently changed officers, please send information on new officers to Cynta Outterbridge at coutterbridge@sepa.org. 

 
Help Us Keep Our Records Up-to-Date

In order to keep our database up to date and help us to direct communications to the proper leaders, please use the congregational leadership form (download from http://ministrylink.org/equipping/resources/congregation-lay-leadership-information-form/) to provide us with current information about your leadership.


If your congregation has recently re-organized and you have new leadership, please return this form by fax or email by Monday, Feb. 17. If you will be selecting new leaders after that date, please send the form as soon as possible. Return forms to Cynta Outterbridge at coutterbridge@sepa.org or fax to 267.323.3777.

 

Or if you prefer you may submit this information online at https://community.ministrylink.org/layleadershipform  
Health Insurance Marketplace & Feb. 8 Enrollment Event

If you don't have health insurance coverage, time is running out to get covered this year. The Federal Health Insurance Marketplace Open Enrollment Period is going on NOW, but it ends February 15, so the clock is ticking. The Health Insurance Marketplace is where you and your family can get comprehensive, affordable health coverage. It is also where you can learn about other programs you may qualify for, including Medicaid and CHIP.  

 

On Sunday, Feb. 8, we are hosting an enrollment event after each service at

Two SEPA Congregations:

St. Mark's Lutheran Church                    St. Peter's Lutheran Church

6344 Broad Street                                   2167 74th Avenue

Philadelphia, PA 19141                           Philadelphia, PA 19138

 

Better Health Network  is hosting this event and will have trained, certified assisters, with computers, ready and able to help you with your application and enrollment. If you are not able to attend these workshops you may obtain help by calling 1-855-276-2557. 


The Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod is a network of relationships and resources that cares for your congregation and leaders and connects you to tools for 21st Century ministry. The Synod pools resources to do ministries that no congregation can do alone. Many vital synod ministries are strengthened by financial support from you and your congregation. 

Donate now to support ministries like these! 


In Brief

 St. Paul, Ardmore celebrates 250 years with a Hymnfest

The Hymnfest will be held Sunday, February 15 , 4:00 pm at St. Paul's Lutheran Church located at 415 E. Athens Avenue [at Wynnewood], Ardmore. Featuring Robert Hobby, organist, St. Paul's Adult Choir and the American Boy Choir Training Ensemble. Co-sponsored by the Philadelphia Chapter, American Guild of Organists. A newly-commissioned anthem "Come Share the Spirit" will be premiered. A $10 donation benefits Lutheran Charities and Aid for Friends [American Guild of Organist members free.]

 

Lutheran Church Music Profiles

If you're a worship and church music fan, video interviews conducted by Dr. Carl Schalk with ten leaders like Dr. Mark Bangert may be of interest. Check out "Profiles in American Lutheran Church Music" at Concordia University Chicago's website: www.cuchicago.edu/about-concordia/center-for-church-music/profiles-in-american-lutheran-church-music/  

 

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 "Join Our Mailing List" link below and encourage them to sign up to receive MinistryLink directly.

 

Bob Fisher

Assistant to the Bishop, Mission Interpretation and Communication

267.323.3743

sepanews@sepa.org