Assembly Article Archive
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.
SEPA a Reconciling in Christ Synod
In 1995 the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod Assembly adopted a statement of welcome affirming that all persons, regardless of sexual orientation, are valued as unique individuals created by God, are welcome in ministries of the Synod, and are encouraged to share in our common sacramental and institutional life.
The Rev. Claire S. Burkat elected bishop
The Rev. Claire S. Burkat, a self-described "domestic missionary" and "midwife" to a number of new church plants, was elected the next bishop of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America on Saturday, May 6, 2006.
Assembly 07 sermon: For freedom Christ has set us free
"Like an orchestra, we need every instrument and every gift to play the masterpiece that is before us," said Bishop Claire Burkat in her sermon during the opening worship at the twentieth annual assembly of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod.
Registration open for 2009 Assembly
Final registration deadline for the 22nd Synod Assembly -- Friday and Saturday, May 8-9 -- is April 3. Everything you need to know is on the Assembly website at http://sepaassembly.info/09/
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
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.
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."
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.
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.
It Takes All The Saints for Vital Lutheran Witness
Together we are the body of Christ. All the parts of the body are needed to give support, strength and flexibility for the ministry of Jesus Christ. Our Synod exists to oversee and support Christ’s mission here in Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod of the ELCA. We facilitate missional activities no single congregation could accomplish. And you can help this vital Lutheran witness remains healthy by supporting our annual It Takes All the Saints campaign as an individual, family or congregation.
Nominations open for Synod Council
The Synod's Nominating Committee is seeking gifted and qualified persons, clergy and lay, to serve as nominees for election to the Synod Council at the 2011 Synod Assembly. Read on for more information. Nomination deadline has been extended to Feb. 18.
2011 Synod Assembly Registration
2011 Synod Assembly registration materials available for download. Early bird registration deadline is this Friday, March 18.
Assembly explores 'Once and Future Church'
“The Once and Future Church” is the theme of the 2011 Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod Assembly May 6-7. Assembly participants will explore the challenges and opportunities our congregations will face in the future shaped by the growing population of adults aged 20 to 40. We will be guided and encouraged to find ways to engage this “Millennial” generation with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Synod Assembly Reports Online
The Bishop's report, the proposed 2012 budget, statistical reports and other materials related to the 2011 Synod Assembly -- The Once & Future Church -- are now online at the Assembly webpage, www.ministrylink.org/2011. Also online is a resolution on energy stewardship that will come before the Assembly, which meets May 6-7 at Franconia Mennonite Church.
2012 Synod Assembly Nominations
Each synod in assembly elects both clergy and lay voting members to the Churchwide Assembly. The Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod has been allocated eighteen (18) voting members, including the Bishop and the Vice President, at the 13th Churchwide Assembly, planned for August 12-18, 2013, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Accordingly, at its 2012 assembly, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod will elect sixteen (16) Churchwide Assembly voting members in the following categories: four lay female voting members; one lay female youth voting member; four lay male voting members; one lay male young adult voting member; and six clergy voting members.
