Building Community Across Denominations
What is the “new thing” you have perceived God doing?
Assemblies of believers developing in non-traditional, non-denominational and community-building ways. – Rev. Paul Xander
Sharing our building with a group of another denomination. Trying to find ways to work together as well as carry out individual ministries. – Linda Woodley
Bringing people of all denominations to work together to be evangelists through the communities where we worship, live and work. – Cheryl Detweiler Read more 
A New Thing
The Prophet Isaiah reminds us to be on the lookout for God’s hand at work, in our communities, our churches and in our own lives. God’s “new thing” is a continuation of the care God has lavished on the world since the creation.
Bishop Claire Burkat inspired us to look for a perceive what God is up to in our lives, neighborhood and churches during the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod’s 2011 fall gatherings. This site captures the stories shared at these gatherings so that you can learn how others perceive God is at work.
You’re invited to share your stories of joining in God’s mission in your church or community using our quick and handy form.
Enjoy what your partners in ministry have shared, ask questions or join in conversation, and visit often for new stories!
Preparation For New Pastor
What is the “new thing” that you have perceived God doing?
God is guiding us to examine our congregation’s strengths and weaknesses, needs, mission and goals for the future; He is preparing us for a new Pastor.
How are you cooperating with God in this activity? How can other Christians and
congregations help?
We value and embrace the support of the Synod to keep us focused on God’s mission. We
are engaging in activities of self-examination, introspection and discernment. Read more
Congregational Spiritual Retreat
What is the “new thing” that you have seen?
St. David’s held its annual spiritual retreat weekend at the Luther Inn in Wildwood, New Jersey. The Bible study theme was “Reviewing the Sacraments.” Aside from singing and praying, evening campfires, walks on the boardwalk and beach, much (over) eating and much laughter, there were informal, intense reviews and discussions of Baptism and Holy Communion. Margie and her husband traveled over 7 hours from the Pittsburgh area to participate. Margie was baptized at the retreat. Read more
Called Out of the 4 Walls
What is the “new thing” that you have perceived God doing?
Calling us out of the 4 walls and into the community. Calling us to get to know our neighborhood – not just our church membership.
How are you cooperating with God in this activity? How can other Christians and congregations help?
Looking for ways to be more engaged within the community – using the teachings of Transformational Ministry with our leadership and congregation. Read more
Understanding the Need for Change
What is the “new thing” that you have perceived God doing?
The understanding for the need to change; the old doesn’t always work.
How are you cooperating with God in this activity? How can other Christians and congregations help?
Welcome input without being critical; be open minded. Read more
Five Cultural Shifts You Should Pay Attention To
Over at Duke Divinity School’s Faith and Leadership blog, Presbyterian pastor Carol Howard Merritt writes about some trends that church leaders should be paying attention to, particularly in relation to younger (emerging) generations. Her top five:
- Younger generations aren’t faring well in this economy. How do we handle money/debt/success, and are giving expectations realistic for them.
- Young workers often don’t have the choice to take Sunday off. Do we have opportunities for them to engage in community and worship at other times? Read more
Pay It Forward
What is the “new thing” that you have perceived God doing?
Pay It Forward
How are you cooperating with God in this activity? How can other Christians and congregations help?
Asking my friends to contribute to the cause and then matching their contributions dollar for dollar. Read more
Advocacy for Veterans
What is the “new thing” that you have perceived God doing?
Calling attention to the needs of our wounded veterans.
How are you cooperating with God in this activity? How can other Christians and congregations help?
Giving money, time, and attention to it. Tell your politicians to help the government to do the right thing. Read more
Gym Night for Community Youth
What is the “new thing” that you have perceived God doing?
Community is changing; trying to get church more involved.
How are you cooperating with God in this activity? How can other Christians and congregations help?
At Immanuel we have opened our gym Friday nights to youth. Read more
Serving Spaghetti
What is the “new thing” that you have perceived God doing?
Feeding the hungry and connecting the church and community.
How are you cooperating with God in this activity? How can other Christians and congregations help?
St. Matthew has a free Spaghetti Dinner the last Tuesday of each month. Read more
Commitment to Tanzania
What is the “new thing” that you have perceived God doing?
Getting our congregation more committed to Pangani, Tanzania
How are you cooperating with God in this activity? How can other Christians and congregations help?
Talking to other congregations; they can invite us to present. Read more
Lay Leaders take Ownership
What is the “new thing” that you have perceived God doing?
There is a new energy at St. Matt’s. Our lay leadership has taken ownership of the ministries. Where there were gaps in our ministry, volunteers have come forward. I’m not sure yet where this new excitement is taking us. Read more
Goodbye, Hello
What is the “new thing” that you have perceived God doing?
Saying goodbye to the “old” pastor and entering a transition to a “new” one.
How are you cooperating with God in this activity? How can other Christians and congregations help?
I’m the “old” one leaving. I will pray for them. Other congregations can pray for them. Read more
Community Worship
What is the “new thing” that you have perceived God doing?
The Swarthmore-Wallingford Interfaith Ministry sponsored a Community Thanksgiving Service last year (Sunday before thanksgiving). To be repeated. Read more
