Dr. Kelly Fryer of A Renewal Enterprise keynoted the Assembly, with an interactive discussion. Update: Download a presentation outline: a-wake-up-call
“God is on a mission in the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod, and YOU are his plan for getting it done!” Dr. Kelly Fryer told the Assembly as part of her “A Wake Up Call” keynote presentation.
Bishop Claire Burkat delivers sermon at Friday Communion service.
“As much as we don’t like to think about it, every congregation will face transition,” said Jill Meuser, member of the Transitional Ministry Development Team. The team was created to strengthen and professionalize the practice of transitional ministry in the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod. (more…)
“We need to come together no matter how many miles come between us,’ said Susan Pursch, chair of the SEKUCo coordinating committee, during the companion synod report to the Assembly.
The Assembly heard reports from both companion synods of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod. (more…)
Listen to Bishop Claire Burkat’s sermon from this morning’s Communion service.
The Assembly passed a resolution urging rostered leaders of the Synod to take the Health Care Assessment available online through the ELCA Board of Pensions.
Pastor Larry Smoose explained that the ELCA, in cooperation with the Mayo Clinic, is working at health management and the prevention of illness. Rostered leaders have been asked to voluntarily participate in an online health assessment. Every congregation could get a discount of 2% towards health care costs if 75% of the rostered leaders covered in our synod take the assessment. (more…)
A resolution asking the ELCA to establish a minimum continuing education requirement for pastors was defeated, 266-177.
“As people in ministry we should have the same kind of accountability as those in other professions when it comes to continuing education,” said Pastor Larry Smoose, who submitted the resolution to the assembly. (more…)
“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.