Social Ministry Article Archive
Social Ministry grant applications due April 14
Have an idea for elder ministry? The Synod Social Ministry Committee is now accepting grant applications to help seed programs helpin senior citizens.
Center City church welcomes homeless
The Welcome Center at Holy Communion Lutheran Church is a safe haven where the city's homeless could step out of the cold and find a place to wash or sleep, to find someone to talk to for a while without being chased. The Welcome Center is not just a feeding program but a place for engagement, and lives are transformed in this sanctuary.
Join First Suburbs Project in effecting regional change
The SEPA First Suburbs Issues Convention on May 31 will bring together leaders from across the region to seek solutions to critical problems in the area of infrastructure, housing, education finance and social services. You're invited to join the conversation at Bishop McDevitt High School in Wyncote at 9:30 a.m.
Ride for a good cause
Ride, walk or run for a good cause at the 2008 Lutheran Charities Steeplechase on Saturday, June 28. All proceeds benefit Lutheran Charities and the social ministry agencies in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Registration forms and publicity materials are available online now.
LAMPa welcomes Marissa Harris
Marissa Harris has joined Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania (LAMPa) our ELCA state public policy office, as advocacy developer.
SEPA Social Ministry Coalition Update
Want read more about what’s happening in our Social Ministry Organizations?
Lutheran Settlement House Announces New Leadership
Lutheran Settlement House's Board of Directors appointed Kate Hyzer, former Special Assistant to the Executive Director as the new Interim Executive Director.
Water pumps gifted to Lutheran Disaster Relief
Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) in Southeast Pennsylvania is happy to announce the distribution of five completely outfitted Briggs & Stratton commercial power water pumps.
40 churches aid Lutheran Charities bike ride
Many thanks to all who rode, volunteered and supported the 18th Annual Lutheran Charities Bike Ride on June 28, 2008. Bikers and volunteers from 40 Lutheran churches in the region took part in the annual event that benefits our social ministry agencies, sponsored by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.
Take Action to Fight Poverty Sept. 11
On Thursday, Sept. 11, 31 ELCA bishops including Bishop Claire Burkat are in Washington meeting with their members of Congress and discussing various issues, including domestic hunger and poverty. You can support their in-person efforts by calling your senators and representative on Sept. 11 and telling them about your concern for the poor and vulnerable among us!
Young Artists Have Something to Say About Domestic Violence
Children don't have to be physically or verbally abused themselves to be hurt by domestic violence. That's why, with the help of the Alonya P. Saraka Children's Fund, LSH holds an annual awareness and prevention event for children and young adults called Listen Up: Young Artists Have Something to Say About Domestic Violence, Tuesday, Oct. 14, 6 to 8 p.m., at ArtJaz Gallery, 53 N. Second St., Philadelphia.
LAMPa director accepts ELCA post
The Rev. Neil Harrison, director for the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania (LAMPa), has accepted a Call to serve as the Director for Renewed Evangelizing Congregations at the churchwide office of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) in Chicago effective December 1, 2008.
Diakon supports local social ministries
As part of its annual program to promote congregation-based, community-focused social ministry efforts, Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries has awarded grants to two local social ministries: The Welcome Center based at Holy Communion, Philadelphia and Feast of Justice Ministries based at St. John, Mayfair.
Fill the bowl of the hungry
Join Lutherans from around the globe as we seek to raise $500,000 to support successful food growing programs. These programs will nourish individuals and families, giving them the ability to weather the difficult food situation and improve their livelihoods, ensuring access to education and health care.
Human Trafficking Awarness Day January 11
Sunday, January 11, 2009, is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, a day committed to raising awareness of this horrific and increasing crime. The ELCA Justice for Women program is encouraging congregations to join together in raising awareness and fostering action, and provides a bulletin insert and other resources for that day.
Lutherans provide Christmas for 1,200 children
Local Lutherans contributed more than 1,200 gifts for children served by Lutheran Children and Family Services, food items for food pantries, quilts for Lutheran World Relief and other items in the annual Christmas Ingathering Dec. 7. In all about 3,000 people will be served by donations to the Ingathering, which totaled over $100,000. About as many people participated in gathering and making gifts and delivering them to drop-off points across the Synod.
Lutheran Day at the Capitol May 12
** DEADLINE EXTENDED to MAY 8 ** Join Bishop Burkat and the rest of Pennsylvania's bishops, and meet with legislators and fellow advocates during the annual Lutheran Day at the Capitol on May 12. Learn about advocacy ministry and meet with your local legislators. Andrew Genszler, Director of the ELCA's Washington, D.C. office, will be keynote speaker.
Connect faith to action at M2EP
Join the movement to cut poverty in half at the upcoming Mobilization to End Poverty (M2EP) event, April 26-29 in Washington D.C. ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson will be a featured speaker along with Jim Wallis, Tavis Smiley, Alexia Kelly and many others. ELCA members receive a special reduced group rate of $199 until April 24.
Synod Green Team forms
A new network of local Lutherans who are concerned about stewardship of our environment has been formed through Facebook. The SEPA Synod Green Team will be offering regular updates on ways that you can increase environmental awareness and care for creation in your congregation through the SEPANews e-letter and our Ministrylink.org website.
Ride for Lutheran Charities June 27
The Lutheran Charities Bike Ride is a great way to support the social service agencies of our Synod, which help more than 40,000 children and adults in need each year. Join us on Saturday, June 27, starting at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Audubon, for courses ranging from 2 to 62 miles and share the love with people served by our social service agencies.
Pastors trek 13,000 miles to fight hunger
Why would three 60-ish Lutheran pastors trek 13,000 miles in 100 days on a bamboo bicycle built for three? They’re on a “mission from God” to help bring an end to world hunger. The trio bring their “Tour de Revs 2009” to Philadelphia on Monday, June 8, from 7 to 8:30 pm at the Brossman Center at the Lutheran Theologial Seminary at Philadelphia. They will talk about their experiences, the unique bamboo-framed triplet bicycle (modeled after cycles built in Ghana that are helping lift people out of poverty), and their mission to raise awareness and $5 million for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s World Hunger Appeal.
Cyclists' three R’s of hunger – revelation, revolution and revenue
The Tour de Revs, three friends’ 13,000 mile trek on a bamboo bicycle to raise awareness of world hunger, is about three “revs” – revelation, revolution and revenue. In a world where the richest 20 percent of the population consumes nearly 80 percent of the goods and services, and billions live on less than $2 a day, God’s word to Israel that “there shall be no poor among you” offers US Lutherans a chance to make a big difference in global suffering. Photos, video after the jump.
Tell your story in video. Win cash!
How is God at work through your congregation? If you've got a story to tell, the ELCA has a contest for you. Tell the story of a ministry that excites you and submit it from June 15-July 15. Prizes include a $5,000 ministry grant for a congregation or a $2,500 cash prize for an individual.
Pastor rides again for Lutheran Charities
Each June, Pastor Gordon Simmons hops on his bike to ride over 60 miles for Lutheran Charities, the social ministry agencies of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. He is joined by more than 100 bikers of all ages who ride through Chester and Montgomery counties to raise funds for eight Lutheran Charities agencies. This year's ride is June 27.
A faith-inspired vision for healthcare
The Pennsylvania Council of Churches Ministry of Public Advocacy’s July focus is “A Faith-Inspired Vision for Health Care.” Health care is a faith issue: Achieving a truly accessible health care system means identifying and overcoming all barriers to and disparities in health care so that all can live out their full potential as individuals and members of society. Read on to learn how you can help to deliver this message to your congregation and legislators...
Forum on homelessness in suburbia
The Well, a church in Feasterville, is sponsoring a Forum on Homelessness in Suburbia on Thursday, July 30 from 5 to 9 p.m. You are invited to a night of networking and learning about this unique and often invisible issue, which is real and growing in the Philadelphia suburbs. Share resources with other churches and agencies and learn from a panel of government and community leaders.
Bike ride benefits Lutheran Charities
125 cyclists aged 8 to 78 and more than 50 volunteers participated in the 19th annual Lutheran Charities Steeple Chase Bike Ride June 27 to benefit social ministry agencies in southeastern Pennsylvania.
It's food for the soul
University Lutheran Church of the Incarnation's "Feast Incarnate" was featured at the ELCA Churchwide Assembly Tuesday (Aug. 18). The congregation submitted a video about the weekly meal and Bible study for persons with HIV/AIDS to the ELCA's video contest. The UniLu segment was shown Tuesday morning when the Assembly also was introduced to the church's HIV/AIDS strategy.
Philadelphia joins ONE anti-poverty campaign
Philadelphia is now a ONE city, committed to raising awareness of the global anti-poverty campaign launched here in 2004 by U2 singer Bono and other co-founders. Mayor Michael Nutter signed a proclamation designating the city as a “ONE city” on Aug. 25. “This is Philadelphia-style ‘brotherly love’ at its finest,” Pr. Matt Staniz of Temple, Havertown, said at the City Hall signing ceremony.
Lutheran AIDS Network offers immersion experience
Are you currently involved in HIV and AIDS ministry, or interested in learning more about how you can create a ministry in your own congregation or community? The Lutheran AIDS Network (LANET) is organizing a study tour January 15-19, 2010 to Central City Lutheran Mission (CCLM) in San Bernardino, California.
August 2009 Social Ministry update
Did you know that 11 social ministry organizations serve God's people in your name across Southeastern Pennsylvania? Get to know what they are doing -- and how you can help -- by downloading the August 2009 Social Ministry Organizations Coalition report.
Center for torture survivors to close
The Liberty Center for Survivors of Torture has provided services to victims of torture that have made Delaware Valley their home for many years and is now sad to be saying goodbye to the community. Please join us for a Closing Service and Dedication at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Lansdowne on Sunday, December 13th at 3:00 p.m.
2009 Christmas Ingathering
Congregations from across the Synod participated in the 2009 Ingathering on Sunday, Dec. 6, filling a truck with gifts for the less fortunate.
Lutherans open shelters for Code Blue
Trinity, Lansdale and Emmaus Road, Levittown are among the area churches responding to the homeless community by serving as shelters on nights when officials call a "Code Blue," with temperatures and wind chill below 20 degrees, including last night and tonight.
Center for torture survivors closes
Clients, staff and friends of the Liberty Center for Survivors of Torture gathered Sunday night (Dec. 13) at Immanuel Lutheran, Lansdowne, to celebrate U.N. Human Rights Day and to close the Center after eight years of ministry. The Center has been the region’s central resource for the restoration of torture survivors’ health, happiness and hope since 2001. It is closing because federal funding to continue its work was not awarded.
Food pantries rise to skyrocketing demand
Across the region, the slumping economy is sending more and more people to local food banks to supplement their grocery budgets. At Shepherd's Shelf at Christ Lutheran Church, Kulpsville, for example, more than 140 families were served in November -- 15 percent of whom were first time visitors. The church gave out 850 bags of groceries valued at more than $24,000 in the month.
Box city raises awareness of homelessness
About 70 teenagers and several adults slept out as part of the 6th Annual Box City held Friday, Dec. 4 outside on the lawn of Lutheran Church of the Resurrection in Lower Makefield Township. The youth raised awareness of the issue of homelessness and raised over $6,000 for the American Red Cross Homeless Shelter.
Churches help seafarers have brighter holiday
People from eight area churches helped the Seamen's Church Institute throw an annual Christmas party for seafarers in port in Philadelphia. St. Luke, Ferndale -- whose Pastor, Rev. Bill Rex, is a chaplain with SCI -- joined a number of local Episcopal parishes in hosting the party.
Charities' bike ride celebrates 20th on June 26
Join us for the 20th Annual Lutheran Charities Steeplechase Bike Ride & Walk on Saturday, June 26, 2010! It’s a great way to support the social ministry agencies of the Synod, and help more than 40,000 children and adults in need. Proceeds benefit Lutheran Charities including Artman Lutheran Home, Lutheran Children and Family Service, KenCrest Centers, Paul’s Run Retirement Community, Manatawny Manor, Lutheran Settlement House, Mary J. Drexel Home, Silver Springs-Martin Luther School, and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod.
Code Blue volunteer training
If you are interested in volunteering at Code Blue shelters in Bucks and Montgomery counties, training opportunities are upcoming in Langhorne on Jan. 31 and in Lansdale on Feb. 6 and 21.
Ocean Springs journal: Still so much to do
Once again a team from Christ Lutheran, Kulpsville, is in Ocean Springs, MS. Lois Kadel is keeping a journal of the group's activity as the group works, even with their eyes and hearts fixed on Haiti. Now is the time to join a SEPA-LDR trip to Mission Starfish (formerly Camp Victor) in March -- your interest needs to be noted by Jan. 24.
Advocacy days focus on immigration
Ecumenical Advocacy Days (EAD) will be March 19-22, 2010, in Washington D.C. This year's theme is "A Place To Call Home: Immigrants, Refugees, and Displaced Peoples." Join hundreds of faith-based advocates in taking action on U.S. legislation that welcomes immigrants, protects refugees, and prevents displacement for millions. On Saturday, Lutherans will gather for fellowship and to hear more from the ELCA Washington Office staff.
Lutherans join faith groups urging healthcare reform
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has joined with other faith groups and leaders in writing to President Obama and members of Congress urging completion of comprehensive healthcare reform. "Hundreds of thousands of Americans will lose their homes, thousands who would otherwise live will die, and countless people will continue to go without needed care if Congress does not pass health reform," said a Jan. 27 letter to the president signed by 23 leaders including Rev. Andrew D. Genszler, ELCA director of advocacy.
Mobilize against hunger with CitySoup
Areas of Philadelphia are some of the hungriest in the nation. Recent statistics show that 1 in 4 Philadelphians are on the brink of hunger. It’s time for us to mobilize as a united community to fight this “silent crisis”. Join the Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger in City Soup Philadelphia, an interfaith, interactive, grassroots program designed to bring us up to speed on the issue of hunger in Greater Philadelphia. Share a bowl of soup with a community of your choice- your family, co-workers, neighbors, or religious congregation. Use the CIty Soup weekly resource/ educative guide to jump start conversation and learning about the issue of hunger and its hopeful/possible solutions.
From the Street shares stories of homelessness
"From the Street," a photovoice project with individuals experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia, will be on display May 22 and June 1-4 in two locations in Center City.
Destination APO sends troops comforts of home
Congregational Deacon Marilyn Griffiths of Faith Lutheran Church, Philadelphia, supports military men and women who are currently serving overseas on deployment through a project called Destination APO. The mission is to enhance the quality of life to military personnel serving in Iraq and Afghanistan and remote locations. If you have a loved one or congregational member serving, read on to find out how to put them on the list to receive packages or learn how to donate items.
Ride for Lutheran Charities June 26
Join us for the 20th Annual Lutheran Charities Steeplechase Bike Ride & Walk on Saturday, June 26, 2010! Support the social ministry agencies of the Synod, and help more than 40,000 children and adults in need. Everyone is welcome to take part, as an individual biker, a member of a group of bikers, a walker, a sponsor, or a volunteer. For information and registration go to http://lutherancharities.org/
ELCA Pastor Shares World Food Prize
Bread for the World head David Beckmann, a Lutheran pastor who once worked for the World Bank, is one of the winners of the 2010 World Food Prize, which is often seen as the Nobel Prize on issues related to food security, hunger, and farming.
Free summer meals for Philadelphia children
Summer is the hungriest time of year for children in Philadelphia. During the school year, more than 134,000 children eat breakfast or lunch at school. But when summer arrives and school is out, many low-income children can no longer count on school meals. So the city and hunger organizations are teaming up to provide more than 1,000 sites to provide breakfast and/or lunch to needy children this summer.
Liberty Lutheran Celebrates 10 Years
Liberty Lutheran Services will celebrate its 10th Anniversary on Sunday, Jan. 30, with worship, praise and thanksgiving. Bishop Claire Burkat will give the homily at the 3 p.m. service at Upper Dublin Lutheran Church, Ambler.
Help Seamen at the Holidays
Every December the Seamen's Church Institute’s chaplains and ship visitors distribute around 3,000 Christmas Ditty Bags to the merchant mariners who will be at sea during the Christmas Holidays. For some, this is the only gift they receive. We invite your congregation to support our efforts to bring cheer and hope to our “far flung congregation”.
Bike for Lutheran Charities June 25
The 21st Annual Lutheran Charities Bike Ride & Walk will take place on Saturday, June 25, 2011. This annual event benefits the Social Ministry Agencies of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod. It includes a SteepleChase Bike Ride on roads through Montgomery and Chester counties and a Fun Ride & Walk on the Perkiomen and Schuylkill River trails.
Ride or Walk to Support Lutheran Charities
22nd Annual Lutheran Charities Bike Ride & Walk will take place on Saturday, June 23. The event benefits the Synod’s eight social ministry agencies serving 50,000 people in need. Cycle scenic marked roads on a Steeplechase through Montgomery and Chester counties or join the Fun Ride & Walk on the Schuylkill River Trail. Register online at http://www.lutherancharities.org.
