Related News
Pakistan floods: The Critical Hour
The recent flooding in Pakistan, alone, is a devastating disaster. But piled atop the hardship of the past five years, the situation for many families in Pakistan is nothing short of dire. Click the image to read how Lutheran World Relief is responding to bring comfort to those affected.
Help LWR fill the well
Water affects every aspect of life. Without clean, reliable sources of water, farmers can't grow crops to sell and feed their families. Women and children must often travel several miles each day to collect water, taking precious time from work and school. With your help, Lutheran World Relief (http://www.lwr.org) can continue to make sure families have the life-sustaining water they need now and well into the future. Fill the Well today. Click on the image to watch LWR's new water video.
Check out Glocal Mission Gatherings
2010 brings with it a full slate of Glocal Mission Gatherings. These exciting events bring experience and resources in global and domestic ministry together in convenient locations accross the country, so leadership teams can build the skills needed to be a part of God's mission, no matter where service happens. Launched in April in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, six more Glocal Mission Gatherings are planned through November. The events cost just $35 per person for 1-1/2 days of programming.
Assembly offering to benefit SEKUCo, mission fund
The offering at the Service of Holy Communion opening the 2010 Synod Assembly will be shared between Sebastian Kolowa University College (SEKUCo) in Tanzania and the Synod Mission Fund. If you wish to write a check for the offering please make it payable to "Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod."
Bishop joins global Ecumenical Journey
Bishop Claire Burkat will be part of an official Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) delegation of clergy and lay leaders visiting world Christian church leaders and key staff based in London, Istanbul, Rome and Geneva Feb. 3-17. The delegation of 12 official ELCA representatives, headed by ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson, plans to meet in London with the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan D. Williams, leader of the Anglican Communion; in Istanbul, Turkey, with the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, world Orthodox leader; and in Rome, with Pope Benedict XVI, leader of the world's Roman Catholics.
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.

Mrs. Carlson coordinates major synod meetings and events and works with our international partnership with our companion synod, the North Eastern Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania. She also works with groups related to World Hunger, Lutheran World Relief, Advocacy (international issues), Resources and Volunteer Opportunities (international) and all other international related issues/involvements.
Ms. Bailey supports Pastor Sellers and Mrs. Carlson and compiles the Bulletin of Reports and Minutes Book.