Bishop’s Greeting from the Holy Land (Windows Media, 1.9MB)
This video greeting, recorded in Jerusalem in February, 2008, was used at the start of the bishop’s address to the Assembly.
Bishop Claire Burkat addresses the assembly.
You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea, and Samaria and to the ends of the earth. – Acts 1:8
“Let’s not be afraid, and together let’s imagine a revitalization of our beloved ELCA,” Bishop Claire Burkat challenged the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod Assembly during her address Saturday morning. Update: watch video of the bishop’s address. (more…)
Bishop Claire Burkat and LTSP President Philip Krey sign the lease agreement that will bring the Synod office to the Seminary this fall. Dr. Addie Butler, president of the LTSP trustees, Rev. Larry Smoose, and Synod Treasurer Dick Reimet look on.
Sporting broad smiles, Bishop Claire Burkat and President of the Lutheran Theological Seminary of Philadelphia, Pastor Phil Krey sat side by side as they signed the official agreement for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod to relocate to the seminary in December 2008.
“The move is a tool for mission so God’s grace will flow through us,” said Burkat. “It has already uplifted partners we could never have imagined, she said referring to the City of Philadelphia who has agreed to pay for the plaza outside the synod office. (more…)
Bishop Claire Burkat delivers sermon at Friday Communion service.
Listen to Bishop Claire Burkat’s sermon from this morning’s Communion service.
“We are anointed and sent to proclaim release to the captives,” said Bishop Claire Burkat at the opening worship service for the 2008 Synod Assembly of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod.
Preaching on Luke 4:14-22, the bishop challenged the Assembly to see, celebrate, and proclaim what the Spirit of God is doing among us. She reminded us that even as Jesus was anointed by the Spirit for his ministry, so are we also anointed by the Spirit for God’s purpose. “God doesn’t give responsibility without giving us power,” she said. We share in Jesus’ ministry described in today’s gospel.
Update: Audio and video now available.
The 2008 Synod Assembly has opened with a festive Holy Communion service, with Bishop Burkat preaching and presiding.
The Rev. Patricia A. Davenport was installed as assistant to the bishop for evangelical outreach and mission director during the worship.
Pastor Davenport was surrounded by her husband, Joel (left), Vice President Patricia Robinson, and Bishop Burkat.