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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.
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.
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.
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.
View All Disaster Response Articles
Synod News
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.
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.

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