MinistryLink - SEPA Synod ELCA   SEPANews Update / March 31, 2016
Feast of Justice food ministry and St. John's, Mayfair, request your prayers. Yesterday a client arriving to receive food assistance was fatally struck by a car. Prayers are requested for his family and the clients, staff and Preschool children and families who witnessed the accident. Lord in your mercy...
LCFS Not To Renew Contracts for Most Services
We ask for prayers as the Board of Directors of Lutheran Children and Family Service (LCFS) has voted to not renew contracts for refugee resettlement, adoption, foster care, and after-school enrichment programs managed by the social service affiliate of Liberty Lutheran Services (LLS). LLS remains hopeful that clients will experience little disruption given that talks are underway with other faith-based and not-for-profit groups who are showing positive interest in assuming leadership of many of these programs and hiring some of the staff. Additionally, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service has confirmed with LLS that it remains committed to maintaining resettlement efforts in Pennsylvania and will soon identify a new local partner. 
Saying Thank You for LCFS Refugee Partners
Recently, a decision was made to not renew many of the contracts of Lutheran Children and Family Service (LCFS), including those that provide services to refugees. You are invited to our previously scheduled refugee collaborative meeting as a way to say thank you to those who have been welcoming refugees to our area over the years and celebrate this ministry. The meeting will be at 12 p.m. on Monday, April 4 at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Conshohocken (508 Harry St.). The meeting will be preceded by a service of celebration for the work of LCFS at 11 am.  
Try Some New Things in Stewardship
You're invited to join the Northeast Philadelphia Conference for a stewardship workshop led by Pastor Larry Smoose and Dr. Rich Stewart on Saturday, April 30, 8:30 am to noon, at St. John's Lutheran Church, 3101 Tyson Ave., Philadelphia.
  • "Stewardship 101" will offer new ideas for developing a stewardship campaign. This workshop is most effective with a team of 3-4 members from your congregation attending.
  • "Stewardship 102" focuses on creating a culture of year-round stewardship in your congregation. This will be most effective when both the pastoral leadership and congregation leaders can attend.
Cost: FREE (But Register so we know numbers for food and materials)
TO REGISTER CONTACT: Carolyn Edwards at [email protected]

  

Still Reforming... is Theme of Synod Assembly May 6-7
At the annual Synod Assembly May 6-7, we will learn from Dr. Kirsi Stjerna of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary about ways the major reforms of the 16th Century affect our lives together as Lutherans in the 21st Century. We will also hear from Martin Stelz of AugsburgFortress outlining resources to help your congregation celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation next year. If you're not registering for the Assembly, you'll be able to watch these keynotes -- and the entire assembly -- on our live stream. Stay tuned for details. Click here to register for assembly.
   
The Lutheran Magazine is now Living Lutheran
Beginning with its April issue, The Lutheran magazine will be called Living Lutheran and will have a new accompanying website, LivingLutheran.org, which launches March 31. Living Lutheran will continue to offer stories, reflections and news that illuminate Christ's presence in the world, including:
  • Stories and commentary from ELCA members and congregations.
  • Exploration of issues important to Lutherans.
  • Resources to help deepen your faith through worship,  stewardship, arts, music and more.
  • Best practices and ideas for mission and ministry. And more!
 
Bishop: Be Cross-Bearers, Not Bystanders
Be cross-bearers, not bystanders, Bishop Claire Burkat encouraged congregation leaders at the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod Chrism Service on March 22.

On a morning marred by news of deadly terror attacks in Brussels, the bishop noted the riptides of political and social unrest in our culture. "You are the lifeguards," the bishop told rostered and congregational leaders preparing to lead congregations through Holy Week. Ministers are called to "keep our heads as we minister to people who are afraid they will be washed out to sea," she said.

In the midst of fear, "this is a time for courage," the bishop said. Following Jesus, "love one another as I have loved you - even when it hurts."
 
Basics in Luther and Lutheranism
From LTSP's Institute for Lifelong Learning. With the approach of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, Lutherans and others may want to know what the big deal was - and is - about Martin Luther's theology. Five consecutive Tuesdays, April 26-May 24, 2016, 7-9 pm at LTSP campus OR online. Presenter: The Rev. Dr. Timothy Wengert, Ministerium of Pennsylvania Emeritus Professor of Church History, LTSP
 
Join Us for Revival Worship April 26
The ELCA Renewal/Prayer/Revival Team will hold a revival worship on the theme "I am about to do a new thing" (Isaiah 43:16-21) at LTSP Benbow Hall on Tuesday, April 26 at 6:30 pm. In addition to spirited preaching and uplifting music, there will be various stations where participants can receive individualized prayer, anointing, and prayer for justice.
  
ICYMI (in case you missed it...)

Words for Easter: In her Easter message, the Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), said, "On Easter morning we will gather to greet the risen Son and give thanks to God for the new life we have in Jesus Christ." Click on this link to watch Bishop Eaton's Easter message

Water for Flint: As the water crisis in Flint, MI continues, Salem Lutheran Church there has become one of the largest distributors of fresh water in the city of 100,000. Support this ongoing effort by making a secure online gift at https://community.ministrylink.org/flint 

Lutheran Night at the Phillies: Help support Synod youth programs and enjoy a Friday night at the ballpark when the Phillies take on the Brewers on June 3, 7:05 pm, for the annual Lutheran Night at the Phillies. To order tickets, go to http://www.phillies.com/lutheran, select tickets regularly priced at $47 or under, and use the promo code LUTHERAN.

Helping Hands Day: Youth and adults from across our Synod will fan the flames of service to our neighbors on Helping Hands Day: Saturday, April 16, 2016 from 10 am to 4 pm. Learn more at http://www.sepayouth.org/1350-2/

 
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Bob Fisher Bob Fisher

Assistant to the Bishop, Mission Interpretation and Communication

267.323.3743

[email protected] 

 


Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod, ELCA | 7241 Germantown Avenue | Wiedemann Center | Philadelphia | PA | 19119