Related News
ELCA finishes 2009 in the black
Despite the financial challenges of 2009, much of it the result of the downturn in the U.S. economy, the churchwide organization of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) finished the year with net income of $3.9 million.
Convocation focuses on ‘financial sanity’
“If you don’t have a values based way to think, talk and do money, you will default to the culture’s: See money, spend money,” Share Save Spend founder Nathan Dungan told the 2009 SEPA Bishop’s Convocation on Wednesday. Dungan is one of three keynote speakers at this year’s convocation, which focuses on “The Last Conversion: Head, Heart and Wallet.” The title is drawn from Martin Luther’s observation that “there are three conversions a person needs to experience: The conversion of the head; the conversion of the heart; and the conversion of the pocketbook.”
60 minutes for stewardship Sept. 17
Update: This event has been cancelled. [The next SEPA Synod "60 Minutes" stewardship workshop is scheduled for Thursday September 17th at the Synod Office. This fast paced workshop begins with opening devotions at 7 pm and then, in a single hour, covers stewardship ideas and concepts in a dozen five minute presentations. Questions? Call Ginny Bailey at 267.323.3749.]
Consecration Sunday Leaders
As of August 16, 2004, the SEPA Synod will publish a list of trained Consecration Sunday guest leaders and speakers.
Consecration Sunday training Aug. 13
In these uncertain economic times, congregations are asking for leaders who can help them carry out a Consecration Sunday effectively. To meet the increasing need, a training for Consecration Sunday Leaders and Speakers has been scheduled for Thursday, August 13th, from 7-9 p.m., at the synod office. Registration deadline is July 31.
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.