In celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month which is celebrated in the United States September 15- October 15, ELCA Racial Justice shares an article which is cross-posted from Living Lutheran. The original post can be found here.
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The ELCA Disability Ministries blog post for this month is a sermon preached by Pastor Mack Patrick at the opening worship at the tAble, a pre-event to the 2024 Youth Gathering. Based on Psalm 139, it grounded attendees and staff in their time together, exploring “how we are created to be wHoly”.
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Join the Vital Congregations journey with ELCA and Kindling Faith! This six-month coaching program, starting on September 21, provides congregational teams with the tools to develop strategic plans for thriving ministries. Each monthly session includes practical resources and the support of a trained coach, helping congregations thrive in faith and outreach. Register here or download a flyer here.
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Join the #ELCAElectionActivator network to support and equip ELCA members for nonpartisan participation in the electoral process through monthly virtual gatherings and regular updates. Participate in activities that foster civic engagement. Sign up now to join the next meeting on 9/24/2024 and contribute to a just and peaceful society. Sign up here.
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Join the ELCA’s online workshop series through October to delve into how our faith informs our actions and voting on critical social issues. September's focus is Faith, Sexism and Justice with Dr. Mary Streufert, Director of Gender Justice and Women’s Empowerment, and Heather Dean, Program Coordinator of Theological Discernment at the ELCA. View a PDF flyer and register now to engage deeply with our social teachings and lead community discussions.
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In this week’s Faith Lens, we look at the story of Peter rebuking Jesus and the recent challenges in Springfield, Ohio, as immigrants and longtime residents navigate building a new home together. Just as Peter learned to follow God’s leadership, we are called to find our place in the greater story, trusting God’s guidance even when it challenges our assumptions.
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This week our global spotlight is on Bishop Leila Ortiz, the first Latina bishop in the ELCA, who blends her Pentecostal upbringing with Lutheran theology to create a ‘Luthercostal’ ministry that emphasizes grace, justice, and spiritual renewal. Now serving on the Lutheran World Federation Council, she provides fresh leadership and perspective on global church challenges.
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Join faith leaders on September 18 for the third session in the Advancing Equity series, focusing on the Vision Pivot in healing-centered leadership. This free workshop will equip you to reimagine your ministry leadership through a holistic, collective approach to well-being. Advance registration required. Learn more and register today. Wednesday, 9/18/2024, 9 – 11:30 am PDT/MST, 10am – 12:30pm MDT.
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Our ELCA spotlight is on the upcoming social statement, Civic Life and Faith, which explores the role of church and state. The feedback period is open until September 30, 2024. Participate by reviewing the draft and providing feedback. Visit elca.org/civicsandfaith for more details.
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For peace in our world, especially in Gaza and Israel, Ukraine and Russia, Syria, Sudan, Myanmar, and all areas of conflict…
For those in the path of Tropical Storm Francine…
For those affected by the wildfires in California and western states…
For victims of Typhoon Yagi in Vietnam and for relief and recovery efforts…
For families grieving victims of a capsized migrant boat off the coast of Senegal…
For victims of gun violence, especially in Winder, GA, and Omaha, NE, and London, KY…
For national politics during this election season…
For those navigating times of transition and in need of discernment…
Explore new resources and events for worship leaders and musicians in this September’s ELCA Worship Partner Organization Resources and Events! Highlights include ALCM’s Fall Webinar Series, free sheet music from Lutheran Summer Music, and fall workshops from Music that Makes Community. Mark your calendars for key conferences in 2025 and discover fresh resources for the upcoming church year.
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ELCA’s September 2024 Mission Support Memo gives you the opportunity to hear Rahim and Cecelia Brown's faithful journey of candidacy with the North Carolina Synod and the surprising and bounteous support they were given. Please also check out our new ELCA Mission Support: Deep Dive to learn how our churchwide organization stewards Mission Support dollars. We additionally celebrate "God's work. Our hands." Find the memo from Living Lutheran here too!
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Join White Lutherans for Racial Justice and the ELCA Office of Racial Justice for a free “train the trainer” event on Monday, 9/16/2024 at 5pm PDT/MST, 6pm MDT. This event will equip leaders to host anti-racist screenings of the documentary A Time for Burning, sparking important conversations in congregations across the synod. Sign up today to prepare for hosting screenings in October and November.
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Join the ELCA’s Virtual Discernment Event on Sunday, September 15th, 2024, to explore your call to ministry. Representatives from all seven ELCA seminaries will guide you through discerning your next steps. Register today to take part in this unique opportunity!
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The 2024 Farm Bill is at a critical juncture, and the ELCA is calling on Lutherans to advocate for hunger programs, rural community support, and conservation efforts. Congress will reconvene the week of September 9 for three weeks of legislative action. Take part by contacting your lawmakers and joining the ELCA Advocacy Network to ensure this vital bill reflects our faith values. Read more on the ELCA Advocacy blog.
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Rev. Danielle Dokman, supported by the ELCA’s International Leaders Program, is preparing to expand her leadership in Suriname and the Caribbean. Currently pursuing her doctorate in Old Testament at Luther Seminary, she aims to strengthen the visibility of the Lutheran church in society and train lay and clergy leaders. Read more about her journey and other updates from ELCA Global Mission in the latest edition of Global Links as well as updates on mission personnel and other news.
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Churches across the globe may soon celebrate a new Feast of Creation. This proposed liturgical festival, championed by both Eastern and Western branches of Christianity, could be introduced in 2025 as part of the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicea. The festival would focus on honoring God’s creation and recognizing the urgent need for environmental healing. Read more at ELCA.org.
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The September Sumud Newsletter calls Lutherans to speak up for peace and justice in Palestine and Israel. Updates include a $250,000 donation from Lutheran Disaster Response to support children’s education in the Holy Land, reflections on the ongoing violence, and Bishop Meghan Aelabouni’s new role in the Rocky Mountain Synod. Join us for the Global Sunday of Mutual Flourishing on October 6th by accessing worship resources at mutualflourishing.com. Read the full newsletter here.
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This is a transitional year! Women of the ELCA has an interim executive director. We are going to hit our goal for fundraising for Katie’s Fund! And we are all wondering about the next steps for the future of WELCA. You are invited to participate in a survey to gather ideas about what WELCA is and can be! We will use this time to reflect, dream and prepare together. Take the survey, share the survey and download the QR code!
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For those competing and assisting with the Paralympic Games….
For the ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza and the end of all such conflicts….
For the family of Hersh Goldberg Polin and all those who mourn those lost to terror and violence…
For those in Los Angeles affected by mudslides and all those affected by natural disaster…
For those injured or affected by the shooting at the West Indian Day Parade in NYC and an end to gun violence…
For efforts in the English Channel to rescue migrants from a capsized boat…
For wisdom and discernment as we engage with online resources…