SEPANews Update / August 28, 2015
Networking
ELCA Joins AME In Commitment to End Racism

Presiding Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton has pledged that the ELCA will participate in "Confession, Repentance and Commitment to End Racism Sunday" on Sept. 6. This call to action was issued by the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, who call on all faith communities to "confess and repent from the sin of racism" during worship that day.
Learn more and download worship resources at: http://ministrylink.org/elca-ame-racism/
Communicating
Is Your Church Ready for Winter Cancellations?

telephone
Remember last winter's sudden Sunday morning icing event? If phone chains are ineffective, web services that allow you to call or text members can be an inexpensive and easy way to get the word out about cancellations or other emergencies. 
Equipping
Online Giving: A Worthwhile Investment
elca
 
Are you interested in increasing congregational revenue? Learn how online giving has worked for ELCA congregations at a free workshop on Saturday, Sept. 19, 9-11:30 am, at Christ Lutheran Church, 700 E. Pennsylvania Ave., Oreland, presented by the Synod Stewardship Team. Advance registration required.
 
Support for Bereaved Parents

Lutheran Congregational Services invites parents who have suffered the loss of a child to a free, faith-centered program on Sunday, Sept. 20, 1:30 pm, at Advent, Harleysville. The gathering provides a safe, confidential space for parents to meet and share with each other. 

Cross+Gen Worship Conference in October

Google "Kill Sunday School" and you get 23,000,000 results in 0.47 seconds. Evidently, it's a topic on people's minds these days. You can learn from ELCA congregations (and others) how they have replaced Sunday School with Cross+Gen faith communities at a Faith Inkubators Foundation conference in Colorado Oct. 5-8.

Resources for Reformation 500

Fortress Press will publish the first volumes in a new Annotated Luther Series in September, featuring essential writings of the Reformer, contextual background and visuals. The Atlas of the European Reformations will be released in October. 

Watch for info on the Synod's 2016 Luther Tour. Dates are being firmed up now. Stay tuned for updated information.

Innovating

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Cultivating Cross-Generational Learning

 

Lutheran Settlement House's Settlement Project paid teens to work this summer alongside folks from the Senior Center in its Urban Farm. This first-of-its-kind project also had youth lead games and activities with seniors. Zion, Tristian and Henry cultivated kale, tomatoes and sunflowers and built vibrant relationships with a number of elders. 

 
Events
ResourcesJobs
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