MinistryLink - SEPA Synod ELCA   SEPANews Update / June 15, 2016
Convocation Explores Interfaith Relationships
In a time when some seek to expand divisions between religious traditions, Christian leaders are called to cross bridges and promote interfaith understanding and respect. At the 2016 Bishop's Convocation October 17-19, SEPA rostered leaders will explore ways to connect diverse religious communities in the bonds of peace and justice with Imam Anwar Muhamin, Rabbi David Straus, and Dr. David Grafton of Hartford Seminary. 
- Learn more at http://ministrylink.org/convocation

 
Time to Embrace Electronic Giving?
Do you shop and pay bills with credit cards or online? How about your kids? Can you (or they) use their preferred method to give to your church? "Electronic giving is no fad," writes Adam Copeland for the Lewis Center for Church Leadership. Copeland, director of the Center for Stewardship Leaders at Luther Seminary, cites research pointing to a "giving gap" in the church - attenders prefer electronic giving, but churches haven't caught up yet. If your church isn't on board with this culture shift, it's time to learn more at https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/embracing-electronic-giving/.
 
Join Adam Copeland, Mihee Kim-Kort, and Keith Anderson for Money, Mission and Media on Tuesday, Sept. 27, at LTSP, sponsored by Synod, Presbytery of Philadelphia, and the seminary. Learn more: http://ministrylink.org/event/money-mission-and-media/ 
 
I'm A Lutheran: Lenny Duncan
Duncan
Lenny Duncan
"I found my faith in the forgotten places, where hope seems like an intruder-homeless, mired in alcoholism and seemingly alone. The truth is it found me at the end of my rope," says Lenny Duncan, a candidate for ordained ministry and member of Temple, Havertown, in a recent Living Lutheran magazine. "I'm a Lutheran because my life only makes sense when viewed through the lens of grace."

  
Becoming A Welcoming Place for All
webcast
Click to watch
With increasing diversity in our culture and growing mobility of people across and into the U.S., how can we as ELCA congregations become places that affirm the God-given dignity and personhood of everyone? What will it take? What's our role? What's working? Watch Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, Pastor Ruben Duran, Mikka McCracken and Pastor Matt Stuhlmuller share solutions on the webcast "A Place For All" on YouTube. Watch at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YSpjTi1baI
Advocacy Alert: Childhood Hunger
The U.S. House of Representatives could vote soon on a bill that would roll back years of positive steps toward eliminating childhood hunger in the U.S. The ELCA is committed to fighting childhood hunger and advocates for strong renewal of child nutrition programs. This bill would jeopardize access to school meals for thousands of students. Learn how you can raise your voice in support of child nutrition programs.
Get Tech Donations From TechSoup
Have you signed up with TechSoup yet? They specialize in linking non-profits with donated software, discounted hardware, and tech training. Their page for religious organizations, http://www.techsoup.org/religious-organizations, lists donations of software including Office and QuickBooks as well as discounted laptops and training articles and webinars. Sign up for an account at https://www.techsoup.org/joining-techsoup/registration.
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Bob Fisher Bob Fisher

Assistant to the Bishop, Mission Interpretation and Communication

267.323.3743

sepanews@sepa.org 

 


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