NEPA Synod Director of Communications Stacey Burke joined communicators representing 20 ELCA synods and the churchwide organization in Pittsburgh July 28–29 for two days of continuing education, collaboration, relationship building, and peer support.
The group is part of a network of ELCA communicators who typically connect through monthly Zoom gatherings to share resources, ask questions, and support one another in their work. The Pittsburgh gathering marked the group’s first opportunity to meet in person in more than six years.
Educational sessions explored timely topics in church communications, including artificial intelligence and ethics, social media engagement, communications planning, video production, and lessons from Pittsburgh’s own Mister Rogers. Participants also spent time sharing questions, exchanging ideas, and learning from the experiences of colleagues serving across the ELCA.
The gathering provided opportunities to build relationships that strengthen communications work beyond the two days in Pittsburgh. Connections among synod and churchwide communicators create an ongoing network for collaboration, resource sharing, problem-solving, and learning from practices being used throughout the wider church.
Special thanks to Tim Anderson of the Central States Synod, Neal Fischer of the South Carolina Synod, and Lauren Wolcott of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod for coordinating the gathering. Thank you also to Bishop Melissa Stoller and the Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod for their hospitality and support, and to the ELCA Mission Investment Fund, ELCA Foundation, Caffeinated Church, and Evoke for sponsoring portions of the gathering and helping make this time of learning and connection possible.
