SEPANews Update / October 20, 2015
What Does It Mean to Be Lutheran?
Bishop Eaton
Appropriate to the upcoming Reformation celebration, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton asks this question in her October column for The Lutheran. What we eat, what hymns we sing, what jokes we tell, what color we are ... none of this binds us together or makes us Lutheran, she says. Our theology must define us. And it's all about God's grace, and our particular way of understanding the Jesus story.
LDR Connected Volunteers for Pope's Visit
Lutheran Disaster Response in Eastern PA connected volunteers with a number of groups working in support of Pope Francis' recent visit. "It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience," says Kathie Afflerbach of St. John, Quakertown. "I was in awe of the medical teams setting up their first aid stations and medical tents." 
Congregations Move Forward With Assessments
In the 21st Century Synods have to act and live differently. Through the Forward Together in Faith Campaign 23 congregations participated in a mission assessment process this year. Each congregation was provided with a review of their own congregation's results, and the Synod invited them together for an evening review of the areas of interest and potential for learning and growth that were common among all of the congregations. Learn more.

Another group of congregations will begin the assessment process in the near future. Funds raised by Forward Together in Faith will allow all congregations to participate.
Spread the Word on Social Media Sunday
Sunday, Oct. 25 is Reformation Sunday. And it's also Social Media Sunday - a perfect opportunity to share your Lutheran witness and tell your church's story. The concept is simple: encourage your social media connected people to share about your church's activities and the Gospel message with each other and their social circles. Learn how to join in at http://ministrylink.org/spread-the-word-on-social-media-sunday/
 
Inviting New Generations into the Christian Story
Dr. Lose
"Why Don't My Children and Grandchildren Go to Church (And What Can I Do About It?)"  LTSP President Dr. David Lose will explore the changes influencing the world our kids live in during a free presentation on Reformation Sunday, Oct. 25, at 1:15 pm at Upper Dublin Lutheran Church (411 Susquehanna Road, Ambler, PA 19002). Read more at http://ministrylink.org/event/why-dont-my-children-and-grandchildren-go-to-church/
LTSP Presents "Creation and Science"
Are creation stories and the modern scientific worldview compatible or necessarily at odds with one another? This class led by Dr. Nelson Rivera will consider both what the Bible says and what science is telling us about the world, as well as the meaning of faith in God in a scientific age. Classes run Tuesdays, Nov. 3 to Dec. 1, 7-9 pm at LTSP or online.
- See more Lifelong Learning opportunities


Looking for opportunities to sharpen your skills and enhance your congregation's ministries? Visit http://ministrylink.org/events to browse are always updated listing of equipping and learning events.
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Bob Fisher

Assistant to the Bishop, Mission Interpretation and Communication

267.323.3743

sepanews@sepa.org