Assembly
Register now for 2010 Assembly
The 2010 Synod Assembly will meet on Friday and Saturday, May 7 and 8, at Franconia Mennonite Church in Telford. Registration is open now. Early (discounted) registration will end March 19, and all registrations are due by April 9. Read on to download registration materials.
2009 Synod Assembly Summary
“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
Registration open for 2009 Assembly
Final registration deadline for the 22nd Synod Assembly -- Friday and Saturday, May 8-9 -- is April 3. Everything you need to know is on the Assembly website at http://sepaassembly.info/09/
Catch the spirit of the 2008 Assembly
The 2008 Synod Assembly heard about missional principles that will shape our common ministry, based on this Biblical formula: "It's God's mission. Jesus is Lord. The Holy Spirit guides us." You can download a bulletin insert reporting on the meeting or get full details and watch video at the Assembly website. The Assembly also heard Kelly Fryer describe common characteristics shared by congregations that are missionally engaged with their neighborhoods, received Emmaus Road Lutheran Church, and passed a resolution allowing congregations to send an additional youth or young adult voting member to the Assembly.
It's always God's mission!
"Let;s not be afraid, and together let's imagine a revitalization of our beloved ELCA," Bishop Claire Burkat challenged the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod Assembly during her address Saturday morning, May 3.
Assembly 07 sermon: For freedom Christ has set us free
"Like an orchestra, we need every instrument and every gift to play the masterpiece that is before us," said Bishop Claire Burkat in her sermon during the opening worship at the twentieth annual assembly of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod.
SEPA a Reconciling in Christ Synod
In 1995 the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod Assembly adopted a statement of welcome affirming that all persons, regardless of sexual orientation, are valued as unique individuals created by God, are welcome in ministries of the Synod, and are encouraged to share in our common sacramental and institutional life.
The Rev. Claire S. Burkat elected bishop
The Rev. Claire S. Burkat, a self-described "domestic missionary" and "midwife" to a number of new church plants, was elected the next bishop of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America on Saturday, May 6, 2006.
