Communications :: (n.) The art and technique of using words, images and metaphors effectively to impart information or ideas and influence behavior.
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.
Communications :: (n.) The art and technique of using words, images and metaphors effectively to impart information or ideas and influence behavior.
The role of the Office of Mission Interpretation / Communications is to tell the story of the ministry we share as the people, congregations and leaders of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod and to empower congregations and leaders to communicate the Gospel via multimedia, Internet, print and other media.
Mission Interpretation provides a number of communications vehicles and services:
MinistryLink.org, the Synod's website, which provides news, the event calendar, resource downloads, and more to keep you connected with our Synod's shared mission.
SEPANews updates, our regular email blasts with the latest on Synod happenings, learning events to enhance your ministry, resources from the ELCA, the seminary and other partners, and other information to help your congregation's leaders work more effectively. Subscribe now!
Roster updates, occasional emails with special news, continuing education events and other resources for pastors, diaconal ministers, deaconesses and associates in ministry on our roster. Subscribe now!
Communications counsel to the bishop, synodical organization and its programs and committees.
Congregational communications consulting, including conversations about how the changing communications landscape impacts your ability to reach out to your community.
Media relations, our efforts to tell the story of our Church in the public media by building relationships with reporters and editors, issuing news releases and responding to reporters' inquiries.
Ministry technology, including audiovisual and new media support for Synod programs and events (including Assembly, conference gatherings, FLY, etc.); consulting about audiovisual installations and the use of media in worship; and the use of the internet and social networking in ministry.
Special purpose networks such as our networks for Council Presidents/Vice Presidents and for Stewardship leaders.
Crisis communications consulting for the Synod organization and congregations. If you are faced with a crisis situation that may involve public relations and the media, please contact Bob Fisher as soon as possible.
Telling your story
If you have a story that may be of interest to the local and regional media, or if you receive a call from a reporter and wish advice, contact Bob at 267.323.3743 or . If you have a flyer or registration form you'd like us to consider posting on the website, please send it to this address in Adobe Acrobat PDF or Microsoft Word format only.
To be considered for SEPANews or the website each item must include a summary paragraph written in the format used in SEPANews. For examples visit the SEPANews Archive website.
Assistant to the Bishop for Mission Interpretation
Bob manages communications, including our Synod's website, Internet news, videos, newsletter and media relations. He coordinates our local cohort in the "emerging-missional church" conversation. Contact Bob with stories of your congregation's newsworthy activities or for consultation with worship media, emerging worship, outreach, and crisis communications issues.
Bob is married to Suzanne, a musician and teacher, and father to Wynne and Leah. He enjoys museums, singing and playing percussion in a band, exploring new music and films, geeking out with Mac and Windows computers, and discussing theology over a good Belgian beer.
Contact: 267.323.3743 |
Communications Assistant and Database Manager
Mrs. Outterbridge handles day-to-day updates to the synod website, www.ministrylink.org, and compiles the bi-weekly SEPANews e-mail updates. She also manages the synod databases of rostered leaders, congregations, congregational contacts and other constituents. Contact her with changes to your contact information. She also is assistant to Mr. Fisher and provides computer support for Synod staff.
Contact: 267.323.3742 |
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.
Most people know him as the man with no shoes. He lives on the street and plays the piano. Some of us know him as Raymond, the English name he shares because most of us can't pronounce his Chinese name. I have heard Raymond speak of Communist China, and there is something about living in an institution where he was forced to wear ill-fitting shoes that tortured his feet; but Raymond speaks to us through the piano, the instrument he learned to play by developing a mathematical system to translate the notes....
"We would like to send our warmest wishes for a Joyous Christmas and Happy New Year to all of the congregations of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod and to the Bishop and staff," missionaries Tom and Susan MacPherson write in their Christmas message from Tanzania. "Our Christmas tree (pictured) is made of pine cones, tissue paper and construction paper."
Lutheran Disaster Response volunteers are helping families and individuals recover from natural disasters both near and far. Teams from Advent Lutheran Church, Harleysville; St. John’s Lutheran Church, Sumneytown; St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Pennsburg and Trinity Lutheran Church, Lansdale have scheduled 2012 work team/mission team trips to Bloomsburg, PA, the Mississippi Gulf Coast and Joplin, MO. There are openings for adults 18 and over if people from your congregation would like to participate in one of these trips. The dates and locations are: January 8 to 13 to Bloomsburg, PA // February 11 to 18 to the MS Gulf Coast // March 10 to 17 to the MS Gulf Coast // April 14 to 21 to Joplin, MO
"Christ is a purpose and a promise bigger than the troubles and trauma we encounter every day in our lives and our world," Bishop Claire S. Burkat writes in her Christmas message to the Synod. In all circumstances, but especially at Christmas, we can apply St. Paul's encouragement to express joy daily, pray as often as we breathe, and live in gratitude.
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.
Corrected information. The information distributed in the Jan. 19 SEPANews is incorrect. Please use this information instead. Mark your calendar for Lutheran Night at the Phillies on Friday, June 1 at 7:05 p.m. vs. Miami. This is the 37th consecutive year for Lutheran Night. A portion of each ticket cost will support Synod youth ministry programs. Ordering information will be available soon. Plan on ordering promptly, as Phillies tickets go fast. A block of tickets has beenreserved for Lutheran groups on June 1. If those tickets sell out there will be an additional block available on an alternate date.