PUC Ending Moratorium on Utility Shut-offs
As the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) ends the moratorium on utility shut-offs, they have adopted a series of enhanced consumer protections intended to safeguard families and small businesses who are struggling financially because of the COVID-19 pandemic – and also established a framework for future discussions about utility
Women of the ELCA Release Updated Resource: “Called to be Political (But I Don’t Want to be Political!)”
Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) have released a new updated version of "Called to Be Political (but I don't want to be political!)". This resource, easily adapted for virtual use, is designed to be used with Faith Formation, Sunday School, young adult or small group
Gov. Wolf Issues Emergency Order Extending Deadline in COVID Relief-Mortgage and Rental Assistance Program
Governor Wolf issued an emergency order extending the deadline for the COVID Relief-Mortgage and Rental Assistance Grant Program. The deadline originally scheduled for Sept. 30 was extended by the governor, effective Oct. 5, for 30 days until Nov. 4, 2020, in order for the program to be able to
ELCA World Hunger Accepts Applications for Daily Bread Grants
ELCA World Hunger's Daily Bread Matching Grants support congregations and their partners as they work toward a just world where all are fed. Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) congregations with feeding ministries are eligible to participate. Submit your application today! As part of the ELCA’s continuing response to the
PA House and Senate Introduce Bills Expanding PHFA’s Rental & Mortgage Assistance Program
The Pennsylvania Senate and House have introduced legislation aimed at assisting Commonwealth residents to more easily access Federal CARES dollars directed toward rental and mortgage assistance. Landlords and potential rental and mortgage assistance recipients have had difficulty navigating the multi-step application process. The House and Senate versions of this legislation
Gov. Wolf Urges Legislature to Protect Homeowners and Renters from Eviction
As his moratorium on evictions and foreclosures expired, Gov. Tom Wolf was joined by Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) Executive Director and CEO Robin L. Wiessmann, Sen. Jay Costa, Rep. Maureen Madden and advocates to urge the legislature to quickly pass legislation to protect Pennsylvanians from eviction from their homes
USDA Extends Free Meals for Kids Through Year-end & Allows Summer Meals to Continue
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced they will extend free meals for kids through Dec. 31, and will continue to allow summer meal program operators to serve free meals to all children into the fall months. This will help ensure that children have access to nutritious food as the
LAMPa Welcomes Seminarian Margaret Folkemer-Leonard
We welcome Margaret Folkemer-Leonard, who will be serving with LAMPa and St. Matthew Lutheran Church in York as part of her education at United Lutheran Seminary (ULS). "I am excited to grow in my call to word and service ministry, learning how to better bridge the gap between church and
Save the Date for Lutheran Day 2021 – October 28
As we continue to move through the pandemic, we look forward and invite you to mark your calendar for next year's Lutheran Day at the Capitol as we plan to gather in Harrisburg on Thursday, October 28, 2021. We have moved this annual event from the spring into the fall
LAMPa Welcomes New Policy Council Member from SWPA
The Rev. Jim Engel, pastor at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Uniontown, joins the LAMPa Policy Council representing the ELCA Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod (SWPA). "I am excited to have the opportunity to return to working with a state government to advocate for those who have been marginalized by power,