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SOUTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD | ELCA
Resources for effective church leaders
+ April 13, 2022
In the News
Bishop: “Lead With the Love of Christ”
Bishop Davenport offered words of inspiration and challenge in her sermon at the 2022 Chrism service yesterday, based on Ephesians 5:1-2: Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

"The Apostle Paul encourages us as beloved children of God to live in love as Christ loved us," the bishop said to the hybrid gathering of rostered ministers and congregational deacons and assisting ministers, which included blessing of oils for congregational use. Watch Bishop Davenport's sermon.
Participants received anointing.
Easter Message from Bishop Eaton
I know now that we’re entering the third year of this pandemic, and we see the signs of stress and incivility, even the signs of war and disease in Ethiopia and Sudan, in Europe. It might seem like death still has sway, but we can declare confidently on this Easter and all times what Job said, “I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth and after my skin has been thus destroyed, then in my flesh, I shall see God."
Philadelphia Reinstates Mask Mandate
From The Inquirer: “Starting next week, masks will once again be required in all indoor public places on Philadelphia, city officials announced Monday. Businesses can opt out of requiring masks if they require proof of vaccination instead. The mandate comes as the city moves up a response level, from “All Clear” to the second category: “Mask Precautions.”” Read more.
Synod Assembly
Registration for the April 23 Day of Service has been extended through April 16
Online Forum on SEPA Finances and Budget April 19

Join us on Tuesday, April 19, at 7 p.m. for discussion of 2021 financial reports, the 2023 proposed budget, and Q&A with Treasurer Janet Neff, CPA, and Albert Glenn, chair of the synod's Finance Committee.
Prayers
Prayers are requested for the Strawberry Mansion neighborhood and the people of Christ Lutheran Church in West Philadelphia after a 25-year-old man was wounded in a shooting outside the church at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 3.
Generosity and Stewardship
Assembly Your Team: Registration Opens April 18

The Southeastern and Northeastern Pennsylvania synods are sponsoring a hybrid Generosity Extravaganza on Saturday, June 18, 2022, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lansdale. Keynote speakers for “Stewardship and Vitality in the NOW Normal” are Louise Johnson and Soong-Chan Rah, with workshops featuring Dave Daubert, Ryan Burge, Doug Powe Jr., and others. The cost is $40 in-person or virtual. Here's why you should attend:
Did You Miss an Issue?
In Case You Missed It
‘Tree of Healing’ VBS Program Available for Free
 
ELCA World Hunger's new "Tree of Healing" Vacation Bible School program for 2022 is now available at no cost to you. You can access the files at https://elca.org/hunger/resources#VBS. Congregations hosting "Tree of Healing" can apply for up to $250 in funding to help support their program! More info can be found on ELCA World Hunger VBS Facebook page or at https://blogs.elca.org/worldhunger/edandnet/
Lay Eucharistic Visitor Training

Lutheran Congregational Services is hosting four one-day training sessions for lay eucharistic visitors. Training sessions will be held: May 7 at Good Shepherd Lutheran, Reading; June 4 at St. Michael’s Lutheran, Sellersville; September 10 at Christ Lutheran, Conyngham; and October 1 at Advent Lutheran, West Chester. Sessions run from 9:30 am to 4 pm. Cost is $30 per person. Register for upcoming training events by clicking here. You may also download and return the registration form to Julia Menzo at 7002 Butler Pike, Ambler, PA 19002.
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The Rev. Bob Fisher, assistant to the bishop for mission interpretation/communications
[email protected] / 267.323.3743

Ms. Cynta Outterbridge, communications assistant
[email protected] / 267.323.3742