Communications :: (n.) The art and technique of using words, images and metaphors effectively to impart information or ideas and influence behavior.
The role of the Office of Mission Interpretation / Communications is to tell the story of the ministry we share as the people, congregations and leaders of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod and to empower congregations and leaders to communicate the Gospel via multimedia, Internet, print and other media.
Telling God's story... and ours
Mission Interpretation provides a number of communications vehicles and services:
MinistryLink.org, the Synod's website, which provides news, the event calendar, resource downloads, and more to keep you connected with our Synod's shared mission.
SEPANews updates, our regular email blasts with the latest on Synod happenings, learning events to enhance your ministry, resources from the ELCA, the seminary and other partners, and other information to help your congregation's leaders work more effectively. Subscribe now!
Roster updates, occasional emails with special news, continuing education events and other resources for pastors, diaconal ministers, deaconesses and associates in ministry on our roster. Subscribe now!
Mission Interpretation inserts, reproducible mission stories that you can share in your newsletter or bulletin to help tell the story of how we do more together than we can do ourselves.
Communications counsel to the bishop, synodical organization and its programs and committees.
Media relations, our efforts to tell the story of our Church in the public media by building relationships with reporters and editors, issuing news releases and responding to reporters' inquiries.
Ministry technology, including audiovisual and new media support for Synod programs and events (including Assembly, conference gatherings, FLY, etc.); consulting about audiovisual installations and the use of media in worship; and the use of the internet and social networking in ministry.
Special purpose networks such as our networks for Council Presidents/Vice Presidents and for Stewardship leaders.
Crisis communications consulting for the Synod organization and congregations. If you are faced with a crisis situation that may involve public relations and the media, please contact Bob Fisher as soon as possible.
Telling your story
If you have a story that may be of interest to the local and regional media, or if you receive a call from a reporter and wish advice, contact Bob at 610.278.7339 or .
If you have information that you want to distribute to the synod via MinistryLINK.org or SEPANews, send the information in writing, at least 3 weeks in advance of desired publicity, to us . If you have a flyer or registration form you'd like us to consider posting on the website, please send it to this address in Adobe Acrobat PDF or Microsoft Word format only.
To be considered for SEPANews or the website each item must include a summary paragraph written in the format used in SEPANews. For examples visit the SEPANews Archive website.
Mission Interpretation Staff
Bob Fisher
Assistant to the Bishop for Mission Interpretation
Bob manages communications, including our Synod's website, Internet news, videos, newsletter and media relations. He coordinates our local cohort in the "emerging-missional church" conversation. Contact Bob with stories of your congregation's newsworthy activities or for consultation with worship media, emerging worship, outreach, and crisis communications issues.
Bob is married to Suzanne, a musician and teacher, and father to Wynne and Leah. He enjoys museums, singing and playing percussion in a band, exploring new music and films, geeking out with Mac and Windows computers, and discussing theology over a good Belgian beer.
Contact: (610) 278-7339 |
Cynta Outterbridge
Communications Assistant and Database Manager
Mrs. Outterbridge handles day-to-day updates to the synod website, www.ministrylink.org, and compiles the bi-weekly SEPANews e-mail updates. She also manages the synod databases of rostered leaders, congregations, congregational contacts and other constituents. Contact her with changes to your contact information. She also is assistant to Mr. Fisher and provides computer support for Synod staff.
Contact: (610) 278-7335 |
Upcoming Related Events
Related Links
- Synod Communications
Related 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.
World AIDS Day service Nov. 29
The annual Service of Holy Communion and Litany of Healing to mark World AIDS Day will be held Saturday, Nov. 29 at 3 p.m. at Reformation Lutheran Church, Mt. Airy.
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.
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.
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 News
Help avert humanitarian disaster in Zimbabwe
The ELCA is sending $600,000 to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe to help sustain the ministries of four hospitals in the midst of economic, political and social decline that has taken a disastrous toll on the country's food supply and medical institutions. The ELCA is also sending more than $300,000 to help secure food production. Learn more about how to help the ELCA International Disaster Relief.
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.