"...to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ..." -- Ephesians 4:12
We can do more together than we can do alone!
One of our Synod's key functions is to connect congregations and their leaders with resources and opportunities that can sharpen their skills, deepen their faith and enhance their ministries.
This resource page is your home base for information about learning opportunity, resource materials and other services and publications to strengthen your congregational ministry. This page replaces the hard-copy mailing that was discontinued in March 2010. Electronic distribution furthers our efforts to be environmentally friendly and better steward our limited resources.
Our most recent resource links are at right. Click "View all related articles" to search farther back in our archive.
Below are permanent links to frequently accessed resources.
Monthly mailing/resource packet
The Stewardship newsletter that was part of the physical mailing may not be distributed electronically. Issues will be mailed with the statements sent periodically to congregational treasurers.
Featured resources
Discovering your church’s ministry opportunities has never been easier. MissionInsite provides instant access to community information for your church via The MI System. You’ll get desktop, web-based access to demographic data for a variety of geographic levels. Click here to learn more.
The Fisher's Net is an online learning and collaboration platform that your congregation can use to organize councils and workgroups and run online courses. For more information at the Synod Office.
Ideas and insights for active congregations...download for use within SEPA congregations.
Frequently used resources
- Synod calendar
- Compensation information
- Pulpit Supply list
- Parish Paper
- Model Constitution for Congregations
- Constitución Modelo para Congregaciones
Resources by email
There are several ways to get SEPA news and resources right in your email box.
Sign up here for SEPANews, our award-winning e-newsletter.
While you are there, sign up for occasional special interest email lists that are available.
RSS Feeds
Really Simple Syndication feeds "push" content to you via an RSS aggregator site (such as Google Reader or Bloglines) or your web browser.
Also follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
Upcoming Related Events
- Bishop's Convocation 2010
Monday, November 15, 2010, 9:00 AM - Wednesday, November 17, 2010, 1:00 PM
Related News
Convocation explores Christianity at the Crossroads
Do you feel the ground shifting beneath your feet? Denominational loyalty is disappearing, replaced by new ranks of the “spiritual but not religious.” People mix and match from various spiritual traditions. Christianity is truly at a crossroads. Explore the upheaval around us at the 2010 Bishop’s Convocation with Phyllis Tickle, author of The Great Emergence, and Stephen Bouman of the ELCA’s Evangelical Outreach and Congregational Mission unit, Monday, Nov. 15 to Wednesday, Nov. 17 at the DoubleTree Resort (Lancaster/Willow Valley). Reduced price registration through Oct. 1. For more information visit www.ministrylink.org/convocation.
Healthy Boundaries workshop for rostered leaders
Rostered leaders are invited to “Healthy Boundaries,” a workshop on misconduct prevention and SEPA Synod policy, on Wednesday, September 22, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Havertown. This free workshop is required for rostered leaders new to our Synod and those who have not yet attended the Synod’s prevention and policy workshop.
August 2010 Resource Page
August 2010 Resource Page includes August 2010 Parish Paper.
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.
July 2010 Events and Information
July 2010 Monthly Information: July 2010 Parish Paper -"Should Our Congregation Use Internet Social Media?" and SEPA Synod Youth Ministry Dates for the 2010-2011 School Year.
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.