Governance 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.
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.
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.
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.
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/
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!
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.
Assembly approves 2011 budget
After engaging in passionate discussion in support of the ministry of the whole church, the assembly adopted a spending authorization plan for 2011 in the total amount of $2,808,595. This was adopted in the anticipation that the future revenue will be at the same level as 2009.
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.
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.
