Communications :: (n.) The art and technique of using words, images and metaphors effectively to impart information or ideas and influence behavior.
Assembly news at the official Assembly webpage and blog. Video of the bishop's sermon now online.
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 assists congregations with crisis communications and loves to equip congregations to improvie their communications. Contact Bob with stories of your congregation's newsworthy activities or for consultation with worship media, emerging worship, outreach, and crisis communications issues. He can also provide workshops on web communications, understanding our digital culture, social media, and more. Bob also manages IT for the Synod.
Bob is married to Suzanne, a musician and teacher, and father to Wynne and Leah. He enjoys museums, yoga, geeking out with new gadgets, 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 |
More than 360 youth from SEPA and New Jersey Synods helped clean up beaches and homes affected by Hurricane Sandy on April 27. Get a glimpse of their work in a video published by Liberty Lutheran Services, after the jump.
Rhawnhurst Turning Point has received a "Burst" grant from Wheat Ridge Ministries to support its Saturday Service Program, which takes youth and adults into the community to serve one Saturday each month. Turning Point partners with local non-profits to engage different types of service, to allow youth to discover their gifts and passions, develop their leadership skills, and connect with the neighborhood.
Pastor Jay Gamelin and Justin Rimbo, who are keynoting the Synod Assembly, will present a special workshop designed for church musicians and worship planners on the Saturday of Assembly, May 4, from 12:30 to 3:30 pm. "Emerging Worship: Honoring Tradition/Shaping Change" will discuss the ways we honor our traditions while finding new language, new musical vocabulary, and contextual cues which help us create worship that is not just the work of the people around the globe, but the people gathered in the local worship space.
In response to requests from congregations, we're establishing a network for congregation communicators -- people who edit newsletters, maintain web pages, manage Facebook and other social media for the church, produce e-newsletters, and AV and worship tech teams.
Tickets are now available for Lutheran Night at the Phillies on Friday, May 31 when the Phils’ take on the Milwaukee Brewers at 7:05 pm. Net proceeds of tickets sold through this offer will benefit Synod Youth Programs. To order tickets contact Scott McDade in the Phillies Sales Office at 215-463-5000, ext. 5434 or visit Phillies.com/Lutheran
As the ELCA celebrates its 25th year, it is living into its mottos – “God’s work. Our hands.” and “Always being made new” – in triune relationship with God, each other and God’s world.
The 2013 Assembly approved a balanced budget for fiscal 2014 that includes sending 50 percent of partnership support received to the churchwide organization. “We are committed to being a robust, changing church, but not a diminished one,” finance committee chair Rev. Christopher Weidner told the Assembly.