A Pastoral Message from the ELCA Bishops of Pennsylvania
Advent 2024: A Season of Waiting and Hope Dear Pennsylvania Lutherans and Partners in Ministry, As we begin the season of Advent, we are reminded of the holy call to wait with hope and expectation. In this time of preparation, we recall the promise of God’s presence among us—Emmanuel, God with us—and
Announcing Isaiah 58:12 Fellows for 2024-2025
LAMPa is pleased to announce two fellows for the Isaiah 58:12 Fellowship for 2024-2025! Annamary Oslikova and Liliyana Beck will begin their projects in their congregations and communities to further racial justice and reconciliation. Annamary Oslikova, member of Evangelical Lutheran Church of Waynesboro, is beginning her project, “Racial Disparities In
“God’s Work. Our Hands. Our Voices.” Take the Peace Pledge.
"By equipping the faithful to act for peace in all their communities, the Church contributes to earthly peace. In recalling our identity in baptism, in gathering in peace around the Lord’s Table, in telling the biblical narrative, in teaching faith, hope, and love, the Church provides the basics of peacemaking
PA 2024-25 Budget Passed; Hunger Remains Underfunded
Late Thursday, July 11, the Pennsylvania General Assembly voted on a $47.6 billion budget for fiscal year 2024-25. The final compromise was about $860 million below what Governor Josh Shapiro had initially proposed in February but maintained commitments to key programs Lutherans in Pennsylvania have diligently advocated for this cycle
Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod Launches Renewed Commitment to Ending Hunger
In celebration of 50 years of Lutheran hunger ministries, the Hunger Team of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod has launched a renewed commitment to ending hunger in their communities and around the globe. A dedicated group braved scorching heat to participate in the synod's Walk for Hunger, held June 22
Bishop Eaton Expresses Disappointment in Grants Pass Supreme Court Decision
June 28, 2024 I am disappointed by the Supreme Court's decision in Grants Pass v. Johnson, which clears the way for onerous civil and criminal penalties for unsheltered neighbors forced to sleep in parks or on other public property. This could jeopardize the work of Lutheran ministries and organizations dedicated
Isaiah 58:12 Fellowship Deadline Extended
LAMPa has extended the deadline for applications to the Isaiah 58:12 Fellowship to July 28th, 2024. Communications and Advocacy Engagement Coordinator, Rev. Erin Jones, expressed her hope this extension would enable interested youth and young adults more time for creating their proposals. "We recognized that with the National Youth Gathering pending,
PA Budget Still Pending After Deadline
The June 30th constitutional deadline for the 2024-25 budget has come and gone, but both Senate Republican leadership and Governor Shapiro have expressed optimism that final negotiations will be reached soon. Governor Shapiro's proposed $48.3 billion budget includes several ambitious proposals around affordable housing, health care, and education equity. It
Bishop Eaton Issues Message on War on Gaza
June 5, 2024 Dear church, For eight horrific months war has raged in Gaza. Thousands of people have died, and thousands more are suffering. In recent days we have seen unspeakable images of violence in Rafah and escalating violence in the West Bank. Like the prophet Isaiah, we lament, “How
Add Your Voices to “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday in 2024
As members of the body of Christ, we are called to serve our neighbors in response to God’s grace. “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday, taking place September 8, is a chance to renew our commitment to love and to serve in and with our communities. We can make God's
