Bishop
Bishop Hanson calls for peace
In these days of terrible violence, death and destruction in Gaza and southern Israel, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) joins its voice with all in the region and around the world who call for an immediate ceasefire. The continuing loss of life, infliction of serious injury and devastation of property will only deepen hatred and divisions, and will serve no good end. Lamenting the recent escalation of violence, only negotiations, leading to a two-state solution, will bring about a durable peace with justice for both Israelis and Palestinians.
Lutheran bishops proceed with Middle East visit
Bishop Claire S. Burkat will be among a contingent of ELCA bishops attending the 2009 Bishops’ Academy in the Middle East January 6-14. The unprecedented visit by many of North America’s Lutheran bishops will proceed, despite the outbreak of war in the Gaza Strip this week.
Christmas message: Eternal Joy!
The story of Jesus Christ begins with profound joy! In her annual Christmas Message, Bishop Burkat celebrates God's gift of joy, based on the Mary's visit to Elizabeth in which John the Baptist lept for joy in her womb at the nearness of the yet-to-be-born Savior.
Good news in the midst of bad news
"We are at the intersection of a seismic shift, incomprehensible to anyone but God," Bishop Burkat writes in a message on our nation's economic, geopolitical and racial challenges. "We need to start looking for our Teacher, for Christ to show us the way saying: 'This is the way; walk in it.' Our God is calling us, indeed begging us, to lead a life worthy of the calling to which we have been called."
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.
Bishops release pastoral letter on economic crisis
Lutherans are called to pray for and care for "those who are already vulnerable and struggling to survive" in the midst of the anxieties raised by the current global financial crisis, ELCA bishops said in a pastoral letter released Oct. 7.
It's God's Party events in Bucks, Chester
Join your colleagues and friends and excite your missional imagination at the first of our conference gatherings this fall: \ Lower Bucks Conference: Thursday, Sept. 25, 6:45 p.m. at St. Paul, Doylestown. RSVP: The Rev. Paul Sorcek, 215-355-2529. \ Chester Conference: Monday, Sept. 29, 6:45 p.m. at Calvary, West Chester. RSVP: The Rev. William Mueller, 610-436-0807.
It's God's party -- And you are invited!
Lay and rostered leaders of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod's nine conferences will gather under the theme "We are ambassadors for Christ" (2 Cor. 5:20a) in celebrations across the five-county region this fall. The party-themed gatherings will encourage participants to think and dream about the mission God has called us to here in Southeastern Pennsylvania. There will be party games and prizes, a time of learning and sharing, and some special time to celebrate the joy of the Lord.
Council President/Vice President Workshop Sept. 20
The next council president and vice president event with Bishop Burkat and Kelly Fryer from A Renewal Enterprise will be held Saturday, September 20, 2008 from 9:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.
Mayor, religious leaders hold service for peace, healing
Mayor Nutter and the Religious Leaders Council of Greater Philadelphia invite you to an Interfaith Service for Peace and Healing in our Community on Monday, June 2 at 11 a.m.
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.
Lutherans gather at Capitol
Lutherans throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania gathered at the Capital Building in Harrisburg on April 9, 2008 to meet with local representatives and discuss current issues before the Pennsylvania Legislature.
Bishop's Top 10 Indicators of Healthy Congregations
At the 2007 Conference Conversations I presented this list of indicators of congregational health and vitality. Many of you asked for a way to score your congregation on these indicators, so we have provided this form to allow you to see how your congregation rates in these 10 priority areas of ministry. These are indicators that I and others have found useful in assessing the relative health of a congregation. I invite you to ask your council and other key leaders to rate your congregation's performance in each of these areas, then total the scores and rank them to see which areas your congregation should celebrate, and which might be areas of future growth.
Released and Connected
Unpacking the phrase "We are living in God's amazing grace," Biishop Burkat finds "inspiration for our journey together as the Church."
