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.
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.
Interpret the Assembly actions with the 2008 Assembly Report bulletin insert
- New! 2008 Synod Assembly minutes (unapproved)
- Read all of the latest Assembly news!
- View video excerpts of the Assembly
Bishop Burkat stimulated our missional imagination, outlining six principles that will drive the life and witness of the Synod in coming years. The principles focus on grace-filled, contextual and sending ministry under the banner: "It's God's mission. Jesus is Lord. The Holy Spirit guides us." Watch the video: 
Dr. Kelly Fryer led the Assembly in an interactive exploration of how we have been blessed, and how God has used us to bless our communities. “God is on a mission in the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod, and YOU are his plan for getting it done!” she said.
The Synod received Emmaus Road Lutheran Church, recently formed from the consolidation of Christ, Levittown, and Trinity, Fairless Hills, as the first new congregation formed since 2006.
The Assembly passed a resolution designed to increase generational diversity at future gatherings by allowing congregations to bring an additional voting member under the age of 25.
The Synod and the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia signed a partnership agreement that will house the Synod office at the seminary for at least the next 17 years.
The Rev. Patricia Davenport was installed as Assistant to the Bishop for Evangelical Outreach and Mission Director.
Read all of the latest Assembly news!
Assembly Staff
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: (610) 278-7332 |
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: (610) 278-7337 |
Upcoming Related Events
- 2009 Synod Assembly
Friday, May 08, 2009 - Saturday, May 09, 2009
Assembly Links
- Link to Bulletin of Reports goes here.
Related News
Catch the spirit of the 2008 Assembly
The 2008 Synod Assembly heard about missional principles that will shape our common ministry, based on this Biblical formula: "It's God's mission. Jesus is Lord. The Holy Spirit guides us." You can download a bulletin insert reporting on the meeting or get full details and watch video at the Assembly website. The Assembly also heard Kelly Fryer describe common characteristics shared by congregations that are missionally engaged with their neighborhoods, received Emmaus Road Lutheran Church, and passed a resolution allowing congregations to send an additional youth or young adult voting member to the Assembly.
It's always God's mission!
“Let’s not be afraid, and together let’s imagine a revitalization of our beloved ELCA,” Bishop Claire Burkat challenged the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod Assembly during her address Saturday morning, May 3.
Synod News
Help avert humanitarian disaster in Zimbabwe
The ELCA is sending $600,000 to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe to help sustain the ministries of four hospitals in the midst of economic, political and social decline that has taken a disastrous toll on the country's food supply and medical institutions. The ELCA is also sending more than $300,000 to help secure food production. Learn more about how to help the ELCA International Disaster Relief.
Synod office construction project delayed
The construction of new offices for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran church in America (ELCA) on the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (LTSP) campus is temporarily on hold due to the recent economic downturn. In the meantime, the seminary and synod are negotiating rent-free office space in another campus building, the Wiedemann Center, until the project can be resumed. The move into this temporary space is projected for early January.