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In Memoriam: Mr. Robert W. Fisher, Sr.
Funeral services for Mr. Robert W. Fisher, Sr., father of Robert Fisher, assistant to the bishop, will be held Tuesday, Jan. 6 at 11 a.m. at Oreland Presbyterian Church.
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Bishop Hanson calls for peace
In these days of terrible violence, death and destruction in Gaza and southern Israel, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) joins its voice with all in the region and around the world who call for an immediate ceasefire. The continuing loss of life, infliction of serious injury and devastation of property will only deepen hatred and divisions, and will serve no good end. Lamenting the recent escalation of violence, only negotiations, leading to a two-state solution, will bring about a durable peace with justice for both Israelis and Palestinians.
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Lutheran bishops proceed with Middle East visit
Bishop Claire S. Burkat will be among a contingent of ELCA bishops attending the 2009 Bishops’ Academy in the Middle East January 6-14. The unprecedented visit by many of North America’s Lutheran bishops will proceed, despite the outbreak of war in the Gaza Strip this week.
Assess your health and save
As the new year begins, all of us have a clean slate from the Board of Pensions. Starting Jan. 1, the new 2009 Health Assessment will be active, and again this year we will have the opportunity to save 2% on ELCA health benefit contributions if 75 percent of our eligible plan members and spouses complete the assessment.
Mutual ministry seminars tend relationship of pastor and people
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 in February.
New hymn honors Mary
If you would like to use a different hymn to honor Mary on Sunday, feel free to use this hymn authored by the Rev. Kay Braun of St. Petri-Hope Lutheran Church.
Human Trafficking Awarness Day January 11
Sunday, January 11, 2009, is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, a day committed to raising awareness of this horrific and increasing crime. The ELCA Justice for Women program is encouraging congregations to join together in raising awareness and fostering action, and provides a bulletin insert and other resources for that day.
Volunteers, housing, advocates still needed for Gulf recovery
Lutheran Disaster Response’s Linda Frey recently returned from a service trip rebuilding homes in Ocean Springs, MS, and notes that many challenges still remain in the more than 3-year cleanup from Hurricane Katrina. “The good news is that volunteers continue repairing homes and total rebuilds may soon begin,” she writes. “Please tell others about Hurricane Katrina recovery. Tell them everything is not OK. There is a need for housing, a need for volunteers, and a need for advocates.” Click the headline to read more.
Join SEPA LDR trip to Ocean Springs
The opportunity is still open to join others from southeastern PA in traveling to Ocean Springs, MS for rebuilding post-Katrina. We will be staying at Camp Victor. Our goal is to have at least 50 people registered by January 6, 2008.
Make Lutheran connections online
You can easily stay connected with the latest news and resources posted on the Synod's MinistryLINK website and with the latest ELCA News, advocacy alerts and daily prayer and scripture resources.
Christmas message: Eternal Joy!
The story of Jesus Christ begins with profound joy! In her annual Christmas Message, Bishop Burkat celebrates God's gift of joy, based on the Mary's visit to Elizabeth in which John the Baptist lept for joy in her womb at the nearness of the yet-to-be-born Savior.
Good news in the midst of bad news
"We are at the intersection of a seismic shift, incomprehensible to anyone but God," Bishop Burkat writes in a message on our nation's economic, geopolitical and racial challenges. "We need to start looking for our Teacher, for Christ to show us the way saying: 'This is the way; walk in it.' Our God is calling us, indeed begging us, to lead a life worthy of the calling to which we have been called."
Fill the bowl of the hungry
Join Lutherans from around the globe as we seek to raise $500,000 to support successful food growing programs. These programs will nourish individuals and families, giving them the ability to weather the difficult food situation and improve their livelihoods, ensuring access to education and health care.
