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Build an inclusive church training
Lutherans Concerned/North America and the Institute for Welcoming Resources will sponsor "Building an Inclusive Church Training" on November 19-21 at University Lutheran Church of the Incarnation in Philadelphia. Join the growing list of committed Christians who are working together across North America to foster the expansion of the welcoming church movement!
Transformational Ministry training June 18-19
Does your congregation have a willingness to learn more about God's mission for you? Are you experiencing a plateau, or do you want to renew your vision and sense of mission? If this sounds like your congregation, and you are open to honest self-evaluation and accountability, the Synod's Transformational Ministry Process may be for you. The first module training is provided by the SEPA Evangelical Outreach Team on June 18-19 (5:30 pm-10 pm and 8:30 am-8:30 pm) to be held at St. Paul's, Glenside.
Invitation to Transformational Ministry
Does your congregation have a willingness to learn more about God's mission for you? Are you experiencing a plateau, or do you want to renew your vision and sense of mission? If this sounds like your congregation, and you are open to honest self-evaluation and accountability, the Synod's Transformational Ministry Process may be for you. Click to read on for more information and download a brochure.
The Welcome Church installs pastor
The Welcome Center, a new church without walls in Center City that extends a special welcome to people experiencing homelessness, installed the Rev. Violet Little as pastor on Sunday afternoon in Rittenhouse Park.
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Synod News
Join the LDR ReadyChurch initiative
With the hurricane season in full swing and ongoing disaster responses in more than half of the U.S., there is no better time than now to think about how prepared (or not) we are for natural disasters. Disasters can happen at any time and place, often without warning, and it is vital for everyone to prepare ourselves for the possibility that a disaster could affect you.
ELCA Presiding Bishop Addresses Discernment, Repentance, Reconciliation
On a recent morning walk I reflected upon familiar words from Ecclesiastes, "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven" (Ecclesiastes 3:1, NRSV). As I walked, I prayed and pondered about this time in the life of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). It is my prayer that we use this time for discerning and engaging; for repenting and reconciling; for restraint but not timidity; and for rejoicing. A Time for Discerning and Engaging Throughout the ELCA I hear people asking, "Is my voice heard? Will my voice be respected as we seek together to discern God's purpose for us?" The answer is yes. Nevertheless, people of deep faith and a desire to be part of this church wonder: Do we mean it when we say we can preach, teach and hold divergent views on sexuality and be full participants in the ELCA's life and witness? Again, the answer is yes.

Pastor Pat Davenport works with new mission congregations as the deployed Mission Director for our synod, as well as redevelopment and congregational revitalization, evangelism, and transformational ministry. She also relates to the Central Philadelphia, Northeast Philadelphia, and Northwest/Olney conferences.