LAMPa Welcomes SWPA Synod Rep., Rev. Eric Damon, to Policy Council
Bishop Kurt Kusserow, of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod, has appointed the Rev. Eric Damon to LAMPa’s Policy Council. Damon is the pastor of Grace and Emmanuel Lutheran Churches in Manorville and Ford City, where he lives with his wife, younger daughter, dog, cats, and chickens. His older daughter still
SWPA Synod Appoints Amy Kelly to LAMPa’s Policy Council
This week, Bishop Kurt Kusserow of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod appointed seminarian Amy Kelly to fulfill the policy council seat left vacant with the hiring of the Rev. Erin Jones as LAMPa's new Communications and Advocacy Engagement Manager. A seminarian in the SWPA Synod, Kelly is working on her
LAMPa Names Communications and Advocacy Engagement Manager
LAMPa is pleased to welcome the Rev. Erin Jones as our Communications and Advocacy Engagement Manager. Jones, an ELCA pastor serving in Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod since 2018, brings experience in advocacy, communications and ecumenical community-building justice work to the position. “I’m beyond happy that Pastor Erin said 'Yes’ to this
LAMPa Accepting Applications for 2023-24 Hunger Advocacy Fellowship
Are you (or someone you know) interested in a year-long transformative experience that combines leadership development and faith formation with advocacy that moves us toward an end to hunger and a just world where all are fed? If so, consider an ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellowship. LAMPa is accepting applications now
PA Launches Statewide Food Policy Council
Pennsylvania's first statewide Food Policy Council launched May 25 with its inaugural meeting at the state Department of Agriculture. Advocates, including LAMPa, have been working for years toward the creation of such a council to foster coordination, collaboration and a holistic vision to the commonwealth's food system. "I am thrilled
Lutheran Day 2023 Garners Record Turnout for Study and Practice of Civic Life and Faith
Lutherans turned out in record numbers for LAMPa's annual day of advocacy, gathering in person after four years to wrestle with what it means for us to be disciples in this democracy in this time and to speak as church together for neighbors struggling with hunger or lack of a
Help Inform DEP About Environmental Justice Impacts of Climate Change in Your Community
The state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) wants to hear from you about current and future climate change impacts on your community and is holding a series of listening sessions plus an online survey to help prepare a guide to climate action for environmental justice communities. Pennsylvania’s climate is
Blanket Project Quilt Squares Return to Capitol with Invitations to Visit Ministries
Red-white-and-blue quilt patches were tucked inside cards and hand-delivered to members of Congress the day after Valentine's Day, urging them to act in love for our neighbors who are experiencing homelessness. The patches had been part of the first-ever Homeless Remembrance Blanket Project on the lawn of the U.S. Capitol,
PA Housing Alliance Recognizes Pastor of The Welcome Church with Frontline Leader Award
The Rev. Violet Little, pastor of The Welcome Church in Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod, was recognized with the Frontline Leader Award at the state’s Homes Within Reach Conference. More than 800 attended the conference, hosted by the Housing Alliance of PA, of which LAMPa is a member. The award recognizes those
Legislature Raises Cap on PHARE Fund for Housing by $20M
The General Assembly has approved a $20 million cap increase for the Pa. Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) Fund. The increase, which will take effect in 2023, will raise the capped amount of Realty Transfer Tax funds available to PHARE from $40 million to $60 million annually. LAMPa advocates
