Activated by the gifts of the Holy Spirit, we equip the saints and the congregations for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.
FACE is a theological metaphor. God is seen in the FACE of Christ. Christ meets us FACE to FACE. We FACE our own sin and make an about-FACE in order to be the FACE of Christ to our neighbors.
Rather than a traditional “strategic plan” and funding goals, we have discerned God’s call to us and want to find people whose passions and gifts extend those directions, and release them for service.
Now it’s time to move from listening and talking to doing.
Rather than a traditional “strategic plan” and funding goals, we have discerned God’s call to us and want to find people whose passions and gifts extend those directions, and release them for service.
Four circles of leaders have been meeting and praying and dreaming about what can be released in these four directions. But most of what will happen will be thought up and prayed up by you in your congregation and in your daily life. And you’ll be able to connect with others with similar passions to make things happen beyond your local context.
Read on through this website to learn about what is already happening in these directions and what is possible. Major presentations are available in video format, so you can share in them even if you weren’t at the Assembly. You’ll also find information about the business of the church conducted at this year’s Assembly.
God has a plan…We’re it!
“We are God’s incarnational presence, the very Body of Christ, the hands and feet and FACE of our Lord,” said Bishop Claire Burkat as she unveiled the results of the year-long discernment process that involved nearly 2,000 people across the synod. It represents four strategic directions that emerged:
Instead of yielding a traditional strategic plan, this listening process revealed the instincts and passions of our people to grow deeper in faith and to share that faith with our neighbors in word and deed.
The Assembly reflected that result, devoting significant time to hearing directions and dreams from circles of leaders who have been working in each of the strategic directions, and giving attendees time to reflect on and explore God’s call in conversation. Read more about the process at http://tinyurl.com/sepaface
“Like social networks, the gospel is spread and extended through relationships,” the bishop said. God’s plan is about relationships so we can use whatever tools we need to accomplish that plan. We connect in order to be released for mission.
“Mission and ministry will happen because people at the grassroots, in our neighborhoods and in our congregations, want it to happen and are listening to God to direct them, not because it is a synod plan,” said Bishop Burkat.
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View a video of the bishop’s address at http://tinyurl.com/bishopaddress View videos of all of the key presentations at http://tinyurl.com/sepavideos Download the “facebooklet” discussion guide at http://tinyurl.com/facebooklet |
Assembly news:
2010 budget includes small increase, deficit
The Assembly passed a 2010 budget with an anticipated income of $2,876,000 and anticipated expenses of $3,167,175. The 2010 budget represents a 2% increase over 2009 and an anticipated deficit of $291,175. Budget deficits are currently funded out of the Fund for Mission. Partnership Support for 2008 was down 4 percent, or just over $116,000.
In 2008 the Assembly authorized a year-end special synodical appeal, which brought in $40,000. After passing the 2010 budget, the Assembly authorized another appeal to for 2009 to occur on a date to be decided by the Synod Council.
Read more at http://tinyurl.com/budget2010
Resolutions:
Assembly says “yes” to ministry changes
The Southeastern Synod Assembly Friday expressed support of the proposal before the ELCA to allow ordination of persons in long-term, monogamous same-gender relationships. The Assembly passed by voice vote a resolution urging the ELCA Churchwide Assembly to adopt the Social Statement on Human Sexuality. The resolution also recommended adoption of the four-parts of the proposed Recommendation on Ministry Policies.
An additional clause asked the church to develop resources for faith communities that choose to support same-gender relationships by holding them publicly accountable in the exchange of promises of lifelong love and fidelity. Learn more at http://tinyurl.com/sepayes
The Assembly had earlier defeated a resolution calling on the Churchwide Assembly to require a two-thirds majority on votes relating to the proposals on sexuality. Learn more at http://tinyurl.com/sepatwothirds
In other actions:
The Assembly voted to become a “Book of Faith” synod committing “to live in and from the Word of God.” The resolution encouraged all congregations to commit to the initiative and become Book of Faith congregations in order to explore new opportunities for engaging the Bible. The voting members of the Assembly also agreed to covenant together to participate in regular Bible study and prayer. Learn more at http://tinyurl.com/bookoffaith
The Assembly passed a resolution asking the Churchwide Assembly to reaffirm support and funding for Lutheran Disaster Response, a nationally recognized organization to bring comfort, healing and renewal to those affected by a variety of disasters. A resolution seeking to strengthen efforts to encourage young adults of color to consider a call to public ministry was passed. Learn more at http://tinyurl.com/moreresolutions
The Spirit was present at the 2008 Synod Assembly, as God's people from across Southeastern Pennsylvania met for inspiration, praise and to do the work of the Church May 2-3 at Franconia Mennonite Church, Telford. Learn more at the Assembly website.
“We are God’s incarnational presence, the very Body of Christ, the hands and feet and FACE of our Lord,” said Bishop Claire Burkat as she unveiled the results of the year-long discernment process that involved nearly 2,000 people across the synod. It represents four strategic directions that emerged: Faith formation; Faith in Action; Connecting and communicating; and Equipping and developing. Instead of yielding a traditional strategic plan, this listening process revealed the instincts and passions of our people to grow deeper in faith and to share that faith with our neighbors in word and deed. The Assembly reflected that result, devoting significant time to hearing directions and dreams from circles of leaders who have been working in each of the strategic directions, and giving attendees time to reflect on and explore God’s call in conversation. Read more about the process at http://tinyurl.com/sepaface
The “facebooklet” used by the faith, action, connecting and equipping circles as part of their Assembly presentations is available for you to download and use in your congregation. You can also view videos of all of the 2009 Assembly's major presentations online.
The Southeastern Synod Assembly Friday expressed support of the proposal before the ELCA to allow ordination of persons in long-term, monogamous same-gender relationships. The Assembly passed by voice vote a resolution urging the ELCA Churchwide Assembly to adopt the Social Statement on Human Sexuality. The resolution also recommended adoption of the four-parts of the proposed Recommendation on Ministry Policies.
2012 Synod Assembly registration materials available for download. Early bird registration deadline is Wednesday, March 14.
Currently the synod office is closed to the public for repair of water damage after a fire in the building. Staff members are working in various locations and will check messages periodically. Thank you for your patience.