Seeds Monthly highlights new initiatives and celebrates Black History Month with stories, resources, and videos. Engage with a draft social statement on civic life and faith, explore Black Lutheran narratives, and mark your calendars for key ELCA events. Discover resources for peacekeeping, Lent, and advocacy opportunities, alongside job openings in global service.
Read MoreEpisode 3 of Talks at the Desk features a powerful sermon by the Rev. Solomon Missouri talking on Embody. In particular, he says bodily pleasure is not to be feared but rather can be seen as a form of prophecy. Check on this and more from Day 3 of the Reclaim gathering from September 2023. Reclaim featured workshops, praise and worship, shared meals and engaged conversations. We also share two highlights from last week: I am: Sharei Green and I am: Reclaimed.
Read MoreExplore the reflections of young people on what it means to be authentically created in God's image in the latest ELCA Youth Gathering Blog. Discover their personal stories and insights into being true to oneself, the importance of community support, and the empowerment found in authenticity.
Read MoreFor peace among nations where war and violence rage, especially Palestine and Israel, Syria, Myanmar, Russia and Ukraine, and Sudan…
For those facing infertility…
For safe and just resolution to protests in India, South Korea, and Poland…
For the memory of Nex Benedict, and for all who face bullying and violence…
For those who suffer abuse…
For those experiencing continued flooding and mudslides in California…
For all victims of gun violence, especially in Burnsville, MN; Tooele, UT; Allentown, PA; Overland Park, KS; Colorado Springs, CO; and Hollywood, FL…
In part one of an interview, Living Lutheran spoke with Rachel Young Binter about how embodied spiritual practices inform her work as pastor of the Corner House, the Lutheran campus ministry of the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. The second part of her interview focuses on the specifics of those practices, resources she recommends and a meditation she offered our readers.
Read MoreThis week's Faith Lens explores the challenging call of discipleship through the lens of Mark 8:31-38, examining the concept of losing to win in the realm of faith and life. Reflecting on personal experiences with winning, losing, and the profound lessons of showing up, the discussion delves into Jesus' teachings on the cost of following Him, inviting us to embrace sacrifice for the sake of God's Word and the restoration of our relationship with the Divine.
Read MoreGathering leadership shares some updates for the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, MYLE and the tAble this summer. To learn more about the Gathering or to register, visit elca.org/Gathering.
Read MoreExplore the theme of reconciliation in ELCA World Hunger's 2024 Lent Study. This week focuses on the transformative journey of Jerri Eliano de Quevedo and Sirlei Eloí in Kilombo Monjolo, Brazil, and the vital role of reconciliation in addressing hunger through the story of their community's resilience and partnership with the Igreja Evangélica de Confissão Luterana no Brasil.
Read MoreIn the latest monthly worship news from ELCA Worship, explore a diverse range of resources for Lent and Easter, including special materials for International Women's Day, enriching discussions on worship and culture, and the "All Creation Sings" worship guide. Join the journey through Lent with insightful conferences and the revival of ancient liturgies to enrich your congregation's worship experience.
Read MoreThe ELCA calls on its congregations and rostered ministers to complete the simplified Annual Congregation Report by March 1, 2024. This streamlined Form A is crucial for the ELCA's understanding of church vitality and planning. For forms and assistance, visit the ELCA website or contact the secretary's office.
Additionally, the Rostered Minister Report to the Bishop offers a direct communication line to Bishop Hutterer, also due by March 1. Your timely submissions reflect our collective identity and resourcefulness, helping us be a united church in mission.
Read MoreIt’s not too late to get your krewe together to attend the Gathering this summer. Registration will close on April 15. Join us for a week of faith formation, worship, fun, jazz and great food. Read more here.
Read MoreJoin Lutherans Restoring Creation and ELCA World Hunger for a compelling exploration of ecological solutions to climate change with the documentary "Regenerating Life: How to Cool the Planet, Feed the World, and Live Happily Ever After." Mark your calendars for Tuesday, 2/27/2024, 6pm MST, 5pm PST, for an insightful discussion with filmmaker John Feldman.
Register now to access this transformative film and be part of a movement towards climate justice and ecological healing. Don't miss this chance to engage with global voices and envision actionable steps for your community.
Read MoreEpisode 2 of Talks at the Desk celebrates and lifts up African Descent voices speaking on the theme of Embolden. It highlights Day 2 of the Reclaim gathering from September 2023. Reclaim featured workshops, praise and worship, shared meals and engaged conversations. We also share two highlights from last week: Struggles in the ELCA and What Black people don't play about.
African Descent Ministries of the ELCA celebrates Black History Month Talks at the Desk, a four-part video series that will explore diverse expressions of the church. A new video will premiere each Wednesday in February at 6:30pm MST, 5:30pm PST. Watch live at youtube.com/ELCA or download them at ELCA.org/ADM.
Read MoreIn the devotional "Shared Power" by Tomo Duke for the ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellows, the focus is on the transformative power of community unity through Christ, beyond the illusions of worldly power at the governmental level. Duke emphasizes the need for leaders who ground their authority in spiritual power and share it generously, highlighting the importance of recognizing our common fragility and humanity.
Read MoreThe most recent Go and Do Good News newsletter from ELCA World Hunger features the ELCA World Hunger Leadership Gathering in Houston. The event showcased the ELCA's enduring commitment to addressing global hunger and poverty, featuring enriching sessions, advocacy for migrants, and resources for Lent 2024 and the 50th anniversary celebration of ELCA World Hunger.
Read MoreFor peace among nations where war and violence rage, especially Palestine and Israel, Myanmar, Russia and Ukraine, and the Sudan…
For landslide victims in Turkey and families of those trapped, missing, or killed…
For peaceful resolution to farmers’ protests in India…
For all victims of gun violence, including victims of a subway shooting in the Bronx and members of Lakewood Church in Houston, TX…
For places experiencing flooding and severe weather storms…
For those who live with pain of body, mind, or spirit, visible and invisible…
For the church as we enter the season of Lent…
For peace and comfort as we confront our mortality, praying especially for those facing terminal diagnoses, those nearing death, and those who are grieving…
For the shalom of creation…
This Lenten season, the ELCA is encouraging congregations and individuals to learn more about the issue of Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women (MMIW). Visit ELCA.org/MMIW for a full list of resources to educate yourself and your community and plan a recognition of May 5, MMIW day.
Read MoreIn the latest Faith Lens blog, Joshua Serrano reflects on handling life's highs and lows through the lens of celebrity stories and the early ministry of Jesus. He discusses Adam Sandler's humble reaction to a professor's early criticism, juxtaposed with the Gospel account of Jesus' baptism and subsequent temptation. Serrano encourages finding strength in our identity as beloved children of God, regardless of life's fluctuating circumstances.
Read MoreThe ELCA calls on congregations to submit the streamlined Annual Congregation Report, Form A, by March 1. This consolidated form simplifies the process, aiding in future church planning and identity assessment.
Read MoreWe share the ELCA Mission Support Memo for February 2024. This month highlights the beauty and difficulty of attending a closing service of a local church in the Southeast Michigan Synod and how it was "Brutiful". Also find links to our ELCA resources to SOFIA, these Mission Support Memos, but also Annual Report Covers, Intent templates and more. There is also a heartfelt thank you to all treasurers and bookkeepers across our wider church. Read the memo here.
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