Engage Scripture with Book of Faith
The ELCA’s Book of Faith initiative invites us to open Scripture and join the conversation about Scripture and life. Get started now with resources available on our web site. Download information sheets that describe the purposes, goals and resources of the program, and learn how to register your congregation and join in the Book of Faith social network.
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.
ELCA, Constant Contact team to offer you email options
The ELCA has partnered with Constant Contact, the provider the Synod has used for SEPANews email alerts since 2007, to provide you with an easy way to create professional looking and effective email communications for your congregation.
Tips for stewardship during economic downturn
"Financial downturns create uncertainty and fear," says Ed Kruse, ELCA director for stewardship. But Kruse notes that "generosity has never been a matter of how much money we have." He offers several tips for congregations who "want to grow a culture of generosity" on the ELCA website
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.
Bishop Hanson's pastoral letter on election
"Let us maintain a level of discourse worthy of this important moment in our nation’s history and the pressing issues demanding our attention," ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson writes in a pastoral letter to the church in the 2008 Presidential Election.
Volunteer for airport disaster exercise
Volunteers are needed to serve as "victims" at a disaster drill at Philadelphia International Airport on Saturday, Nov. 1. Learn more in the Lutheran Disaster Relief October update, now available online.
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.
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.
Join LDR in rebuilding Gulf Coast in February
Spots have been reserved for Lutheran Disaster Response - Southeastern Pennsylvania for a special week of rebuilding in the Gulf Coast at Camp Victor, Ocean Springs, MS, February 8-14, 2009.
ELCA ads: "God's Work. Our Hands."
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is adding television to a pilot advertising campaign with the tag line, "God's work. Our hands." The Travel Channel is broadcasting two 30-second spots a total of about 60 times from Sept. 29 through Oct. 12 on cable and satellite television.
