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.
Telling God's story... and ours
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 information that you want to distribute to the synod via MinistryLINK.org or SEPANews, send the information in writing, at least 3 weeks in advance of desired publicity, to us . 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.
Communications Staff
Bob Fisher
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 |
Cynta Outterbridge
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 |
Upcoming Related Events
Related News
Share your faith story on video
The 2010 Assembly will focus on the ways that God’s story revealed in scripture inspires and supports our faith. Your story is important, too, and we want to share it. Throughout the Assembly we will show a number of short testimonies from lay people around the Synod sharing how the Bible has formed their faith, driven them to action, connected them with others, or equipped them as disciples. Read on to learn how to participate.
ELCA seeks input on genetics statement
The ELCA is seeking input on a draft social statement on Genetics that will be presented to the 2011 Churchwide Assembly. Congregations and members are encouraged to review and discuss the draft statement, which addresses faithful responses to issues including human cloning, genetic testing and screening, genetically modified food, and other subjects.
Youth lend helping hands April 24
Helping Hands Day is Saturday, April 24th. This is an amazing event where young people and their adult leaders will worship, share, laugh, eat, work, sing, learn and serve God & our neighbors. Hundreds of Lutheran volunteers will join hands that day to do God's work in over 20 organizations throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Oreland pastor celebrates anniversary
"Relocating to Oreland last year was so perfect for the Rev. Kay Braun that it felt like divine intervention," The Springfield Sun says in an article about Braun's first anniversary at Christ's Lutheran in Oreland. “To me, the church is people taking God’s love into the world and that’s why Christ Lutheran is such a great fit for me,” Pastor Braun told the paper.
Lutherans gather at Capitol April 14
Join Lutherans from across the commonwealth to raise a voice for justice in Harrisburg on Wednesday, April 14. Lutheran Day at the Capitol, sponsored by Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania (LAMPa), is a day full of speakers, workshops, and networking that will equip you for a face-to-face visit with your legislators or their staff. Join lay leaders, pastors, social ministry organization leaders, students, and bishops as we work together on behalf of Pennsylvania's most vulnerable citizens. Read on to register and download resources.
Synod News
Watch new malaria video
A new 2-minute video features a school for orphans in Mozambique where a clinic is being built in partnership with the Lutheran Church in Mozambique and the Lutheran Malaria Initiative (LMI). The clinic will test for malaria, provide life-saving drugs and stop the deadly disease.
ELCA seeks input on genetics statement
The ELCA is seeking input on a draft social statement on Genetics that will be presented to the 2011 Churchwide Assembly. Congregations and members are encouraged to review and discuss the draft statement, which addresses faithful responses to issues including human cloning, genetic testing and screening, genetically modified food, and other subjects.