Resources
Making Mutual Ministry Work
How do you tend the relationship of pastor and people as you engage in ministry, together? How can you keep a mission focus and broaden the vision for ministry? Consider attending one of two mutual ministry seminars to be held in the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod April 9 and 10. The workshops, in Philadelphia and Perkasie, will be led by Pastor Dick Bruesehoff of the ELCA Vocation and Education unit and Pastor Sue Lang of RevWriter Resources LLC.
Don't Miss Lutheran Night at the Phillies June 10
We're sorry to report that the limited block of tickets available for Lutheran Night at the Phillies have SOLD OUT due to the increased demand for Phillies tickets this season. We have inquired about obtaining more tickets and/or a second night, but neither option is available. We regret any inconvenience. As this is a fundraiser for Synod youth programs, individuals and congregations that wish to support this cause may still send a donation. Youth programs receive between $4 and $5 per ticket sold. If you wish to send a donation send it in care of Molly Dean at the Synod office.
Web Tips: Getting More Information
Did you know that you can get more information about every topic featured on our MinistryLink home page by clicking the article’s headline? If there is an image with the article, you can also click on that image to read more. There is also now a "Read more" link at the end of each summary. Try it! Click on this article’s headline or image to learn more about our site.
Save 2% in 2011!
Together we can save $36,800 – 2% on each congregation’s ELCA health plan contributions – if 65% of eligible plan members and spouses complete the online Mayo Clinic Health Assessment by April 30. The assessment brings you a $150 wellness credit and opens the door to additional health resources. If you’re a member of the ELCA health plan, we need your help to reach 65%. If you’re a congregational leader, encourage your church’s plan members to take the assessment.
Pray A Minute for the Synod
Our Synod’s Faith Formation team asks you to spend a daily minute in prayer for the ministries taking place across the Synod. The idea is for those interested in prayerfully supporting the work of the individuals, congregations and ministries of the Synod, as well as our bishop and staff, to make a pledge to pause one minute each day and offer up prayer on their behalf. The team suggests that you set an alarm or phone reminder at 1:11 pm each day to stop and pray. “This minute was not chosen because it is convenient, but because it is evocative; it reminds us that we are first and foremost people of prayer,” says the Rev. Leslie Richard, a spiritual director and member of the team.
Mobilize against hunger with CitySoup
Areas of Philadelphia are some of the hungriest in the nation. Recent statistics show that 1 in 4 Philadelphians are on the brink of hunger. It’s time for us to mobilize as a united community to fight this “silent crisis”. Join the Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger in City Soup Philadelphia, an interfaith, interactive, grassroots program designed to bring us up to speed on the issue of hunger in Greater Philadelphia. Share a bowl of soup with a community of your choice- your family, co-workers, neighbors, or religious congregation. Use the CIty Soup weekly resource/ educative guide to jump start conversation and learning about the issue of hunger and its hopeful/possible solutions.
Resource: Renewable Church Learning Community from ARE
Looking for an affordable way to learn and grow this year? Do it from the convenience of your home or office when you join The Renewable Church Learning Community. Members will attend six live webinar events (plus the recorded versions & discussion guides) and receive a monthly article to include in your own online and/or print newsletters, a free copy of the book “19 or More Ways To Ignite Passion in your Congregation” (due out mid-year), an invitation to the Renewable Church Retreat (onsite in the Chicago area this August), and discounts on books and resources all year long. The Renewable Church Learning Community is facilitated by Kelly Fryer, Dave Daubert, Tana Kjos, and the team at A Renewal Enterprise (ARE). Find out more about The Learning Community at www.RenewableChurch.com
Updated Pastoral Transition Guide Published
Our Synod offers many resources for congregations during times of pastoral transition. One is the brand new Pastoral Transition Guide, now available on the Synod website, www.ministrylink.org.
MIF Can Fund Church Building Needs
Despite economic uncertainty, the needs of a church building still need to be addressed. Aging boilers, leaky windows, old roofs, cracked sidewalks, facilities that are not handicapped accessible can all be obstacles to ministry. Corrective steps sometimes need financing. Consider the ELCA Mission Investment Fund for funding either large or small projects.
