Bishop Article Archive
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.
It's God's party -- And you are invited!
Lay and rostered leaders of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod's nine conferences will gather under the theme "We are ambassadors for Christ" (2 Cor. 5:20a) in celebrations across the five-county region this fall. The party-themed gatherings will encourage participants to think and dream about the mission God has called us to here in Southeastern Pennsylvania. There will be party games and prizes, a time of learning and sharing, and some special time to celebrate the joy of the Lord.
Mayor, religious leaders hold service for peace, healing
Mayor Nutter and the Religious Leaders Council of Greater Philadelphia invite you to an Interfaith Service for Peace and Healing in our Community on Monday, June 2 at 11 a.m.
Council President/Vice President Workshop Sept. 20
The next council president and vice president event with Bishop Burkat and Kelly Fryer from A Renewal Enterprise will be held Saturday, September 20, 2008 from 9:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.
It's God's Party events in Bucks, Chester
Join your colleagues and friends and excite your missional imagination at the first of our conference gatherings this fall: \ Lower Bucks Conference: Thursday, Sept. 25, 6:45 p.m. at St. Paul, Doylestown. RSVP: The Rev. Paul Sorcek, 215-355-2529. \ Chester Conference: Monday, Sept. 29, 6:45 p.m. at Calvary, West Chester. RSVP: The Rev. William Mueller, 610-436-0807.
Bishop's Top 10 Indicators of Healthy Congregations
At the 2007 Conference Conversations I presented this list of indicators of congregational health and vitality. Many of you asked for a way to score your congregation on these indicators, so we have provided this form to allow you to see how your congregation rates in these 10 priority areas of ministry. These are indicators that I and others have found useful in assessing the relative health of a congregation. I invite you to ask your council and other key leaders to rate your congregation's performance in each of these areas, then total the scores and rank them to see which areas your congregation should celebrate, and which might be areas of future growth.
Released and Connected
Unpacking the phrase "We are living in God's amazing grace," Biishop Burkat finds "inspiration for our journey together as the Church."
Bishops release pastoral letter on economic crisis
Lutherans are called to pray for and care for "those who are already vulnerable and struggling to survive" in the midst of the anxieties raised by the current global financial crisis, ELCA bishops said in a pastoral letter released Oct. 7.
Lutherans gather at Capitol
Lutherans throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania gathered at the Capital Building in Harrisburg on April 9, 2008 to meet with local representatives and discuss current issues before the Pennsylvania Legislature.
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.
Good news in the midst of bad news
"We are at the intersection of a seismic shift, incomprehensible to anyone but God," Bishop Burkat writes in a message on our nation's economic, geopolitical and racial challenges. "We need to start looking for our Teacher, for Christ to show us the way saying: 'This is the way; walk in it.' Our God is calling us, indeed begging us, to lead a life worthy of the calling to which we have been called."
Christmas message: Eternal Joy!
The story of Jesus Christ begins with profound joy! In her annual Christmas Message, Bishop Burkat celebrates God's gift of joy, based on the Mary's visit to Elizabeth in which John the Baptist lept for joy in her womb at the nearness of the yet-to-be-born Savior.
Lutheran bishops reflect on Holy Land visit
In their travels in the Holy Land, Bishop Burkat and other ELCA bishops felt the appreciation of the people, learned the details of limitations on human rights in the region, and "saw partnerships among Christians, Jews and Muslims that offered hope that our shared Abrahamic tradition can lead to a shared land and a shared Jerusalem."
Bishop Hanson calls for peace
In these days of terrible violence, death and destruction in Gaza and southern Israel, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) joins its voice with all in the region and around the world who call for an immediate ceasefire. The continuing loss of life, infliction of serious injury and devastation of property will only deepen hatred and divisions, and will serve no good end. Lamenting the recent escalation of violence, only negotiations, leading to a two-state solution, will bring about a durable peace with justice for both Israelis and Palestinians.
Synod staff in new offices
The Synod's offices are now located at the first floor of the Wiedemann Center on the campus of the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia. A new telephone number has been assigned: 267.323.3737. The mailing address for the new office is 7241 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19119.
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.
Synod staffing 'a new design for a new day'
Bishop-elect Claire S. Burkat unveiled the first draft of a new synod staff design to the Synod Council June 8. In the new design, there will be three full-time assistants to the bishop combining roles currently carried out by six synod staff members. Each assistant will relate to three conferences along with a portfolio of other duties.
Bishop spends first day touring flooding sites
When she was elected nearly two months ago, Bishop Claire Burkat had no idea that her first day in office would involve lunch in a fire hall, prayer in a half-gutted kitchen and lots of mud. The Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod's new bishop spent July 1 with Lutheran Disaster Response leaders viewing the damage left by the latest rampage of the Delaware River and meeting victims and volunteers attempting to clean up after the flood waters receded.
'Beginning Together' presentation online
By request, the presentation outlining the new synod design given by Bishop Burkat at this fall's conference meetings is available online. This presentation outlines the organization of the synod with three pastoral assistants in the areas of Connections and Resources, Evangelical Outreach, and Vocations and Leadership. The increased involvement of conference deans in working with congregations and rostered leaders is also explained.
Bishop greeted in Tanzania
Bishop Claire Burkat and Joanne Carlson have arrived safely in Tanzania. Their first full day in Tanzania they drove to the headquarters of the ELCT-North Eastern Diocese in Lushoto, Tanzania. When they arrived they were greeted by the leaders of the Diocese, members of the community and a full band!
Bishops issue pastoral word on Task Force documents
Reporting that its own conversations "expressed the diversity of opinion that is common throughout the church," the Conference of Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) addressed the church in a "pastoral word" concerning the contents of the church’s proposed social statement on human sexuality and recommendations that could make it possible for people in committed same-gender relationships to serve on the ELCA’s rosters
Save the date for Bishop's Convocation
The 2009 Bishop's Convocation will be held Nov. 18-20 at the Willow Valley Resort and Convention Center in Lancaster. Mark the date and stay tuned for more information on presenters and arrangements.
Discover the Secret conference gatherings
Bishop Claire Burkat invites you to an evening of discovery with fellow Lutheran leaders from your conference. At these evenings you will engage Scripture in a meaningful, interactive way, be encouraged for ministry, find strength for challenging times and share ideas for connecting with your community/ Please join us for an evening of fun and fellowship as we discover Paul's secret to a full, faithful life as outlined in Philippians 4:11-13.
Council presidents' event
The next council president and vice president event with Bishop Burkat and Janine Niwinski will be held Saturday, September 12, 2009 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon at Good Shepherd, King of Prussia, 132 E. Valley Forge Road, King of Prussia PA 19406.
Bishop praises respectful deliberation on social statement
"I am pleased that our Lutheran denomination has respectfully engaged in prayerful and faithful deliberation despite the emotions that arise around the subject of sexuality," Bishop Claire Burkat wrote in a message to the Synod on the adoption of the ELCA social statment Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust.
Pastoral message on historic ELCA votes
The ELCA change in ministry policies to open the ministry to gays and lesbians in committed partnered relationships is "a change in our church culture that will take time, patience, and discernment to live into," Bishop Claire S. Burkat writes in a pastoral message to the Synod.
SEPA at the CWA
Images of SEPA people at work (and play) at the Churchwide Assembly. See how many you recognize!
Conversation about sexuality statement and ministry policies
Join us for conversation about the social statement on sexuality and the ministry policy changes adopted by the 2009 Churchwide Assembly on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 7 to 9 p.m. at LTSP's Brossman Center. This will be a time for members of the synod to listen to one another and share joys, concerns and next steps as we live into these changes for our church.
Oldest Synod minutes restored
Bishops Claire S. Burkat (center left) and Samuel R. Zeiser (center right) display the newly restored minutes of the Lutheran Ministerium of North America dating from 1781. With them are John E. Peterson (left), Curator, and Kim-Eric Williams, Archivist, of the Northeast Regional Archives Center.
Bishop’s assistant accepts congregational call
The Rev. Serena S. Sellers, assistant to the bishop for connections and resources, has accepted a call as pastor of Peace-Tohickon Lutheran Church in Perkasie, effective December 1.
Convocation focuses on ‘financial sanity’
“If you don’t have a values based way to think, talk and do money, you will default to the culture’s: See money, spend money,” Share Save Spend founder Nathan Dungan told the 2009 SEPA Bishop’s Convocation on Wednesday. Dungan is one of three keynote speakers at this year’s convocation, which focuses on “The Last Conversion: Head, Heart and Wallet.” The title is drawn from Martin Luther’s observation that “there are three conversions a person needs to experience: The conversion of the head; the conversion of the heart; and the conversion of the pocketbook.”
Grace, guidance and gratitude
"In this season of Advent and Christmas, as we remember the miraculous gift of the coming of Christ into our midst, let us remember and appreciate the ways Christ continues to come to us, to be with us, and to bless us for God’s earthly mission," Bishop Burkat writes in her seasonal message to Southeastern Pennsylvania Lutherans. "In my daily devotions during the Advent and Christmas seasons, I will try to remember and embrace three free gifts of the Holy Spirit -- grace, guidance and gratitude."
Council Presidents' and Vice Presidents' Event—Mark Your Calendar!
The next council presidents' and vice presidents' event with Bishop Claire Burkat and Janine Niwinski will be held Saturday, February 27, 2010 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon in Benbow Hall of the Brossman Center at the Lutheran Theological Seminary
Rostered leaders' reports due Feb. 28
Rostered leaders are requested to file their annual Confidential Reports to the Bishop by Feb. 28. The reports are now available online for download from the ELCA website. Read on for full details.
Bishop joins global Ecumenical Journey
Bishop Claire Burkat will be part of an official Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) delegation of clergy and lay leaders visiting world Christian church leaders and key staff based in London, Istanbul, Rome and Geneva Feb. 3-17. The delegation of 12 official ELCA representatives, headed by ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson, plans to meet in London with the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan D. Williams, leader of the Anglican Communion; in Istanbul, Turkey, with the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, world Orthodox leader; and in Rome, with Pope Benedict XVI, leader of the world's Roman Catholics.
Discover the Secret with these videos, Bible studies
“People do have a lot on their minds these days, and they don’t mind sharing,” reporter John Rawlins observed introducing the person-on-the-street interview video used at last fall’s “Discover the Secret” conference gatherings. The video, the Bible study used at the meetings as well as a set of four additional Philippians studies are now available on the synod website.
How connected is your church?
The Council Presidents and Vice Presidents Gathering with Bishop Claire Burkat Saturday, Feb. 27 will focus on communications. What trends can shape communication with our members and neighbors? How can we collaborate to spread the Gospel and make our congregations more visible through communication? These and other questions will be addressed by Bob Fisher, assistant to the bishop for mission interpretation/communications. Please RSVP as soon as possible so that we may make appropriate arrangements.
Bishop's journal from ecumenical journey
Bishop Burkat is part of a delegation of ELCA officials led by Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson on the 2010 Ecumenical Journey to visit Christian leaders in London, Istanbul, Rome and Geneva, including the heads of the Anglican, Orthodox and Roman Catholic communions. "I thank God, ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson, and the people of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod for allowing me this most remarkable opportunity to visit the major faith centers and major Christian leaders of the global and ancient Church," the bishop writes in her first message from the trip. "More than any other time in history the one holy, catholic and apostolic Church is connected and accessible. By air, by sea, by land, by internet, by cell, and, yes, by clear, mutual conversation, consolation and communion, we have opportunities as never before to work pray for the peace of the whole of God’s world, the well being of the people of God, and the unity of all."
Forever Connected in Christ
"The most powerful learning is my new understanding and appreciation for the oneness of God’s people in Christ," Bishop Burkat writes about her participation in the recent ELCA Ecumenical Journey to the seats of Anglican, Orthodox and Catholic communions. "Yes, there were differences in culture, in worship, in theology, and in current pressing issues as we traveled to four major Christian centers, and met with prominent Christian leaders in London, Istanbul, Rome and Geneva. However, the hospitality, love and respect for us, and us for them, and our common faith in Jesus Christ transcended the difficulties, which sometimes threaten to divide us and undermine the common Christian witness to the world."
Join Bishop Burkat for annual Chrism service
On Tuesday of Holy Week, it is our tradition to gather for a service of Word and Sacrament, for blessing of oil, and renewal of ministry vows. The Chrism Service is a time for pastors, associates in ministry, deaconesses, and diaconal ministers to revisit and renew promises made at ordination/commissioning/consecration, and blessings for congregational deacons to honor their local ministries. It’s also a time to worship our Lord and be strengthened and renewed as we prepare to lead the faithful to the Cross and Resurrection. This year we will gather at St. Paul’s, Olney, on March 30, 2010 at 10:00 a.m.
Religious Leaders Council celebrates fourth year
The Religious Leaders Council of Greater Philadelphia celebrated its fourth year as a Council at its March 22 meeting. Members gathered to share their wisdom as they face common challenges. They also decided to launch ‘Zones of Peace’, an interfaith, grassroots initiative will bring together congregations and schools throughout the region to address the root causes of violence and work for peace. Bishop Burkat, a co-convenor of the council, presented on ministry with people who are "spiritual but not religious."
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.
Convocation explores Christianity at the Crossroads
Do you feel the ground shifting beneath your feet? Denominational loyalty is disappearing, replaced by new ranks of the “spiritual but not religious.” People mix and match from various spiritual traditions. Christianity is truly at a crossroads. Explore the upheaval around us at the 2010 Bishop’s Convocation with Phyllis Tickle, author of The Great Emergence, and Stephen Bouman of the ELCA’s Evangelical Outreach and Congregational Mission unit, Monday, Nov. 15 to Wednesday, Nov. 17 at the DoubleTree Resort (Lancaster/Willow Valley). Reduced price registration through Oct. 1. For more information visit www.ministrylink.org/convocation.
Taste and See! at SEPA Fall Gatherings
Join fellow Lutherans for a tasting of ways to form faith, put faith into action, communicate your story and equip people for discipleship (FACE). The 2010 series of fall conference gatherings feature a full menu of experiences that you can take back to your congregation to kick your discipleship program up a notch or two. This year there will be three gatherings, each held on Sunday afternoons from 3:30 to 7 pm: Oct. 10 – St. Luke, Devon; Oct. 17 – Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, Brossman Center; and Oct. 24 – Trinity, Lansdale. Click the image to read more.
