SEPANews Update / May 21, 2015
Bishop: We Have Keys to Unlock Ministry
  "Jesus has given us the keys to unlock our ministry." Bishop Claire Burkat invited worshipers at the 2015 Assembly's opening Eucharist to keep our fear in perspective as we courageously meet the challenges of ministry in the 21st century.

"The keys enabled [the Apostles] to unlock the power of the Holy Spirit and unleash their minds for innovating, their tongues for communicating, their feet for networking, and their time for equipping," the bishop said. "We never lost those keys. We've had them in our hands all along."
PA Bishops Call for Education Equity
Bishops Jones, Burkat and Dunlop with Lutheran advocates at the Capitol.

"The area I serve, the five counties of Southeastern Pennsylvania has the distinction of having the highest spending district per student and also the highest poverty district," Bishop Claire Burkat said at a press conference in Harrisburg April 27 in which three Pennsylvania bishops called on the legislature to find an equitable way to fund schools in the commonwealth.

 

"We want bi-partisan support from legislators to make fair and adequate funding of our students' education a priority now," the bishop said. "Please let's join forces here in Pennsylvania to assure every child the education he and she needs for a lifetime." Bishops James Dunlop of Lower Susquehanna Synod and Ralph Jones of Northwestern Pennsylvania Synod also spoke. Learn more at: http://ministrylink.org/article/bishops-call-for-education-equity/
Watch and Discuss Mass Incarceration Film June 6

A free community screening of the thought-provoking documentary, "THE HOUSE I LIVE IN " will be held on Saturday, June 6, 9:00-12:30 p.m. at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, Brossman Center. Immediately following the screening, there will be discussion and reflection time. Watch the trailer here.


Since the 1970's the war on drugs has accounted for 45 million arrests and has cost more than $1 trillion. As a result, the United States has become the world's largest jailer, and the high volume of drug arrests have destroyed low-income communities, creating a vicious cycle that must be stopped. The film highlights the history of the drug war and the systemic failure of current drug policies, and weaves together the stories of individuals caught up in this war.

 

Help Support Youth Through Lutheran Night at the Phillies
phillies

We need your help to support Synod youth programs via Lutheran Night at the Phillies!

With a little over a week left, ticket sales for Lutheran Night at the Phillies are running far behind last year.

 

A percentage of each ticket sold to the Phillies game on Friday, May 29 at 7:05 pm against the Colorado Rockies will be donated to support youth ministry in our Synod.Did you know that you do not have to order in a congregational group: Individual ticket orders count!

 

Order tickets online at phillies.com/lutheran or contact Scott McDade in the Phillies sales office at 215-463-5000, ext. 5434.
Churches Earn Portico 2% Discount With 79% Participation

Thanks to the 4 out of 5 eligible Portico health insurance participants and spouses who completed the Mayo Clinic Health Assessment by April 30. Portico representative Barbara Debski (right) announced our 79% participation at our Assembly. All participating congregations will receive a 2% discount on premiums this year, and the Synod will receive a grant for health and wellness programs.
Courses to Revitalize Your Ministry @LTSP
 

The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia is offering three special summer courses to equip and rejuvenate your ministries in three critical areas -- urban ministry, building use, and worship. The Church in the City (June 1-5) with Drick Boyd will develop a holistic perspective on urban ministry. The Stewardship of Bricks and Mortar (June 8-12) is an intensive taught by Partners for Sacred Spaces (and is less expensive than hiring this well-regarded group as consultants. Revitalizing Congregations through Worship (July 6-10) with Dr. Marcia McFee will explore the depths of spirituality, excellence of practice in sensory-rich communication and intentional preparation needed by leaders of the 21st century church for worship that revitalizes congregations.
Thank You From Kathryn's Kloset for Baltimore Support

 

Diakon Kathryn's Kloset wants to thank all of its partners for the generous support that allowed the program to respond to the needs of Baltimore residents affected by the recent civil unrest in the city.  Diakon Kathryn's Kloset was able to offer personal and household products to residents of those communities most affected by the destruction of retail properties in their neighborhoods. Among items provided were personal-care kits, clothing, diapers, household cleaning products, laundry items, bathroom tissue, brooms, shovels and trash bags. To learn more about Diakon Kathryn's Kloset, please see our website at www.diakon.org/DKK or call 1-866-962-1972.
Disaster Case Management Training June 5

Lutheran Disaster Response in Eastern PA is offering a Disaster Case Management Training on Friday, June 5 at the Chester County Public Safety Training Campus in Coatesville. Topics include the impact of disasters on individuals, roles of emergency management and non-profits, best practices and info about how to become a disaster case manager volunteer and/or employee with LDR-EPA. Get full details on this free
Jobs at Lutheran Settlement House
Lutheran Settlement House is now hiring for several positions, including a medical advocate, part-time marketing and communications manager, part-time development assistant and part-time grants administrator.  




September 13 -- God's work. Our hands. Sunday day of service.
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