Candice Hill Buchbinder, Public Relations Manager with the ELCA writes:

Open Doors is a new grant opportunity to support congregations interested in meeting new people as we anticipate transitioning back to in-person gatherings. (Understanding this transition will look different in different places, and may still be some months away.) 

If members in your synod have questions about this opportunity, there is a detailed FAQ at ELCA.org/OpenDoors. Additional questions can be directed to grants@elca.org. 

We’ve also developed a “Support Crew” site on Sway for our colleagues at Churchwide who are assisting with emails and calls. We thought it might be useful to share with you, as well, should you receive any questions from members in your synod. (You are under no obligation to sign up to help; we’re simply sharing this as a tool.)

Additionally, we’re trying out another new tool on the site. (New to us, anyways!) Padlet is acting as an idea-sharing platform for people to add their comments, photos and videos. This board can be embedded elsewhere or shared on social by clicking “Share.” Consider adding it to your site, blog or sharing it on social media to help folks generate ideas.

Thank you for supporting congregations as we continue to innovate together!

—Candice Hill Buchbinder