For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. -- Romans 12:4-5

Connections and Resources

Connections and Resources includes a variety of ministries that build partnerships between our congregations and leaders, social ministry agencies, colleges/seminary, and other partners, and develop the resources -- energy, ideas, funds -- to support our common ministries.

With more than 95,000 baptized members, 172 congregations, nearly a dozen social service agencies, a seminary and an ELCA college on or near our Synod's territories, there are many Lutheran resources for ministry. Our Synod connects and resources ministry through the Connections and Resources program, which links diverse people and agencies in order to do more together than we can do alone.

Connections and resources encompasses:

and other related programs and agencies.

Connections & Resources Staff

Serena S. Sellers

Assistant to the Bishop for Connections and Resources

SerenaThe Rev. Serena Sellers has served large and small congregations in Northeast Philadelphia, Upper Bucks, Lower Mongomery, and Upper Montgomery in settled and interim calls. For the past six years she has trained with Dr. Peter Steinke and has used her skills as a facilitator and consultant to help congregations develop strength and health. She teaches at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia in the "Pastor as Theologian" class and serves on the seminary alumni board. Serena is married to the Rev. Raymond A. Miller and is mother to Matt, Lydia and Evelyn. The family includes a whippet, DaVinci, who might be described as a many elbowed lap dog. Serena loves the outdoors, making music, and doing puzzles. Her experience with constant transition in the church has given her an unshakable faith that God is good ALL the time.

Pastor Sellers' responsibilities include stewardship, resource development, social ministry organizations and developing other partnerships. She relates to the Delaware, Lower Bucks and Upper Bucks conferences.

Contact: (610) 278-7340 |

Ginny Bailey

Administrative Assistant

GinnyMs. Bailey supports Pastor Sellers and Mrs. Carlson and compiles the Bulletin of Reports and Minutes Book.

Ginny is an avid Flyers fan and enjoys traveling, spending time with her niece and five nephews and playing with her cats, Missy and Madison.She is a life-long member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church in North Wales.

Contact: (610) 278-7337 |

Upcoming Related Events

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"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

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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.

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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.

Synod News

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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.

Diakon supports local social ministries

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