The Synod Assembly is the annual meeting of the synodical expression of the church, a gathering of lay and rostered leaders to celebrate, and encourage and direct the ministries of the church.
2010 Synod Assembly
The 23rd Annual Assembly of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, will be held Friday-Saturday, May 7-8, 2010 at the Franconia Mennonite Church, 613 Harleysville Road (Rt. 113) in Telford, PA.
Early registration ends March 19, and final registrations are due April 9.
2009 Synod Assembly
Over the past year the people of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod have been listening together for God. We gathered to celebrate God’s activity among us and through us, and to discern though discussion, prayer, and bible study where God is leading us — right here, right now! Almost 2,000 people all across our synod participated.
We have heard that God has a plan…and we’re it! And we are hearing God call us to focus our resources in four strategic directions, easily described through the acronym FACE:
Faith formation + Faith in Action + Connecting and communicating + Equipping and developing
2008 Synod Assembly
The Spirit was present at the 2008 Synod Assembly, as God's people from across Southeastern Pennsylvania met for inspiration, praise and to do the work of the Church May 2-3 at Franconia Mennonite Church, Telford. Learn more at the Assembly website.
Joanne Carlson
Assistant to the Bishop for Global Vision and Events
Mrs. Carlson coordinates major synod meetings and events and works with our international partnerships with companion synods -- the North Eastern Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania and the Lutheran Church in Silesia (Czech Republic). She also works with groups related to World Hunger, Lutheran World Relief, Advocacy (international issues), Resources and Volunteer Opportunities (international) and all other international related issues/involvements.
Contact: 267.323.3759 |
Ginny Bailey
Administrative Assistant
Ms. Bailey supports Pastor Sellers and Mrs. Carlson and compiles the Bulletin of Reports and Minutes Book.
Ginny is an avid Flyers fan and enjoys traveling, spending time with her niece and five nephews and playing with her cats, Missy and Madison.She is a life-long member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church in North Wales.
Contact: 267.323.3749 |
Upcoming Related Events
- 2011 Synod Assembly
Friday, May 06, 2011, 8:30 AM - Saturday, May 07, 2011, 3:45 PM
Assembly Links
- Link to Bulletin of Reports goes here.
Related News
The FACE of the future
Bishop Claire Burkat challenged the 2010 Assembly to see how the four directions launched at last year’s assembly can lead the synod to embrace five trends that she sees emerging on the missional horizon. Represented by the acronym FACE, the directions are: Faith formation, faith in Action, Connecting and Communicating, and Equipping for evangelical outreach. Read more and view video of the bishop's remarks.
Fall in love with the Word
Bishop Claire Burkat introduced the theme of the 2010 assembly of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod in her sermon, Inbreaking/Outpouring: The Living Word. She spoke of the magnitude and power of God’s creative Word in our lives. “We will hear, see and experience the inbreaking of the Word of God, and take notice of its power and beauty in our lives while we are here together for these two days” said Burkat.
Assembly offering to benefit SEKUCo, mission fund
The offering at the Service of Holy Communion opening the 2010 Synod Assembly will be shared between Sebastian Kolowa University College (SEKUCo) in Tanzania and the Synod Mission Fund. If you wish to write a check for the offering please make it payable to "Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod."
Register now for 2010 Assembly
The 2010 Synod Assembly will meet on Friday and Saturday, May 7 and 8, at Franconia Mennonite Church in Telford. Registration is open now. Early (discounted) registration will end March 19, and all registrations are due by April 9. Read on to download registration materials.
2009 Synod Assembly Summary
“We are God’s incarnational presence, the very Body of Christ, the hands and feet and FACE of our Lord,” said Bishop Claire Burkat as she unveiled the results of the year-long discernment process that involved nearly 2,000 people across the synod. It represents four strategic directions that emerged: Faith formation; Faith in Action; Connecting and communicating; and Equipping and developing. Instead of yielding a traditional strategic plan, this listening process revealed the instincts and passions of our people to grow deeper in faith and to share that faith with our neighbors in word and deed. The Assembly reflected that result, devoting significant time to hearing directions and dreams from circles of leaders who have been working in each of the strategic directions, and giving attendees time to reflect on and explore God’s call in conversation. Read more about the process at http://tinyurl.com/sepaface
Synod News
Join the LDR ReadyChurch initiative
With the hurricane season in full swing and ongoing disaster responses in more than half of the U.S., there is no better time than now to think about how prepared (or not) we are for natural disasters. Disasters can happen at any time and place, often without warning, and it is vital for everyone to prepare ourselves for the possibility that a disaster could affect you.
ELCA Presiding Bishop Addresses Discernment, Repentance, Reconciliation
On a recent morning walk I reflected upon familiar words from Ecclesiastes, "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven" (Ecclesiastes 3:1, NRSV). As I walked, I prayed and pondered about this time in the life of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). It is my prayer that we use this time for discerning and engaging; for repenting and reconciling; for restraint but not timidity; and for rejoicing. A Time for Discerning and Engaging Throughout the ELCA I hear people asking, "Is my voice heard? Will my voice be respected as we seek together to discern God's purpose for us?" The answer is yes. Nevertheless, people of deep faith and a desire to be part of this church wonder: Do we mean it when we say we can preach, teach and hold divergent views on sexuality and be full participants in the ELCA's life and witness? Again, the answer is yes.