Posts in ELCA
For What Shall We Pray?
  • For elected officials in the United States during the transition of power…

  • For an end to violence and armed conflict in the world, especially in Ukraine, Gaza, and Lebanon, and Haiti…

  • For Gisele Pelicot and all survivors of sexual assault…

  • For those working for more democratic governments in the world, especially the Hong Kong 47…

  • For the Maori people and all indigenous peoples fighting for their rights…

  • For severe weather threats in the Pacific Northwest…

  • For all who fight against racism, anti-semitism, gender bias, and all forms of inequity and discrimination…

  • For the reign of Christ to prevail, that God’s kingdom come and will be done on earth as in heaven…

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Protect, Prepare, and Prosper: Insights for ELCA Congregations from Administration Matters

The November issue of Administration Matters offers essential resources for ELCA congregations, including guidance on church safety, cybersecurity, financial planning for 2025, and sustainable practices. Discover actionable steps to strengthen your church’s ministry and operations. Read more on the ELCA blog.

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Lutheran Disaster Response: Bringing Hope Amid War in the Holy Land and Ukraine

As wars in the Holy Land and Ukraine continue, Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) is providing vital aid to refugees and vulnerable communities through partnerships with local and global organizations. From creating safe spaces for people with intellectual disabilities in the West Bank to converting bomb shelters into schools in Ukraine, LDR is bringing hope and healing in the midst of conflict. Read more in Living Lutheran and learn how your support can make a difference at elca.org/ldr.

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Answer God’s Call: Join the ELCA Disability Ministries Advisory Team

ELCA Disability Ministries is seeking 1–2 new advisory team members to help guide this vital work. If you have experience or knowledge of disabilities and a passion for ministry, apply by January 31, 2025. Visit this link to learn more and submit your application. New members will be announced by March 31, 2025! More info in this ELCA blog post.

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Creating Inclusive Spaces: ELCA Disability Ministries at the Extravaganza

Learn how to foster deeper inclusion in your congregation with ELCA Disability Ministries’ workshops at the 2025 Extravaganza! Held January 23-26 in Louisville, these sessions explore accessible games for youth groups and baptismal theology from a disability perspective. Register today at elcaymnet.org/workshops.

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Thanksgiving for Baptism: A New Resource Through the Lens of Disability

Discover a powerful new Thanksgiving for Baptism resource from ELCA Disability Ministries, crafted to celebrate the diversity of God’s creation and reflect on baptism through the lens of disability. First shared at the ELCA Youth Extravaganza, this inclusive liturgy is now available for congregational use, offering fresh ways to affirm the sacredness of every life.

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Honoring Transgender Day of Remembrance, November 20

Each year, we pause to remember the lives lost to anti-transgender violence, especially Black and brown transgender women. Vicar Vica-Etta Henrietta Steel reflects on the intersection of racial and transgender justice, urging us to honor this day by amplifying marginalized voices and committing to advocacy and allyship. Read more at ELCA.org about how the church can lift trans joy and pursue justice for all.

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Journey Through Advent: Exploring Justice and the Holy Land

This Advent, explore justice and inclusion through the fourth annual Advent Pilgrimage in Palestine, hosted by ELCA Sumud and ELCA Young Adults. Resources drop November 22, leading into weekly reflections in December that connect the story of Christ’s birth with themes of empire and justice.

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Faith Amid the Storms: A Synod’s Journey of Resilience and Rebuilding

Recent hurricanes have devastated congregations across the Florida-Bahamas Synod, yet the resilience of God’s people shines. From outdoor worship at Paradise Lutheran to emergency grants helping families rebuild, our church is responding with love and hope. Read how faith endures through the storm and how you can support recovery efforts.

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Lutheran Worship Updates: Advent, Music, and More

Discover enriching worship resources and events for Advent and beyond! From the Lutheran Summer Music Advent Calendar to the ALCM’s 2025 conference and Augsburg Fortress seasonal offerings, there’s something for everyone. Explore tools for liturgical renewal, musical inspiration, and meaningful congregational engagement. Read more at ELCA Worship.

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Faith Lens: The Impact of Loss

After a fire displaced ministries and residents at Christ Lutheran Church in Baltimore, the congregation is working to restore critical community services, including a shelter for women and children. Drawing from Jesus’ reflections on the Jerusalem Temple’s fall, we reflect on how loss shapes faith and new beginnings. Join us in prayer and support for the resilient community at Christ Lutheran.

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For What Shall We Pray?
  • For ongoing wars in Gaza, Ukraine, Lebanon, and for an end to the violence…

  • For the nation of Haiti in the midst of rising violence…

  • For the families of those killed in Zhuhai China…

  • For those affected by wildfires on both the east and west coasts of the United States…

  • For Tuskegee University and those affected by the shooting on campus…

  • For vision, integrity, and humility for all elected leaders…

  • For collaboration and dedication to the common good in our national politics…

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November 2024 Mission Support Memo: Mission Support Connects Digitally Near and Far

In our November 2024 Mission Support Memo we share a story about how the Accident-Friendsville Parish, in our West Virginia - Western Maryland Synod, was able to equip their rural congregations with digital technology and stream to reach out to member near and far. Plus consider attending a webinar on November 18th on “Theology and Practicality of Space Usage” (it will also be recorded so feel free to register to get the link).

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The Grace in Giving a Hand: Reflections from the Altar Steps

Assisting congregants up to the communion rail may seem like a small task, but it has brought unexpected blessings and a deeper sense of faith and fellowship. Through these weekly encounters, I’ve come to understand the beauty of shared vulnerability and compassion. Our journey together reveals resilience, humor, and connection that reinforce our faith and bring me closer to my church community. Read more in Living Lutheran.

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Finding Sacred Moments in the School Pickup Line: A Guide to Daily Prayers

In the quiet moments of waiting—whether in the school pickup line, at a red light, or as coffee brews—we can turn to prayer, finding peace and connection in these small pauses. This November, let’s embrace gratitude and prayer in our daily routines, teaching ourselves and our families to recognize God’s presence throughout our busy days. Explore daily prayer ideas and ways to serve as a family, making room for God even in our most ordinary moments. Read more in Living Lutheran.

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Woven Together: A Post-Election Message from Bishop Eaton

The day after the 2024 presidential election, Bishop Eaton reflects on the many expressions of our church being woven together as strands of a large tapestry, even as individually people are experiencing joy or grief. She reminds us that regardless of who is elected president or to other leadership positions in our country, our call to be Christ in the world doesn’t change. View on YouTube or in this post, or download here.

“As we're moving through these next years, no matter what happens and what befalls … imagine all of us woven together and in Christ, and we will continue to serve the gospel and to serve the world.”

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Bridging Divides: How Lutherans Can Foster Peace in Polarized Times

In a time of deep political tension, the ELCA calls on its congregations to be peacemakers. Anxiety around potential violence is high, yet our faith community has a unique role to play. Reflecting on the call to witness peace, truth, and reconciliation, the ELCA provides guidance to equip Lutherans to respond with love, serve as peacemakers, and support civil servants through prayer and action. Learn how we can embody Christ’s peace and advocate for a more just and respectful society in this post from ELCA Advocacy.

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Faith Lens: Give a Little Bit

This week’s Faith Lens focuses on the power of small acts of faith, inspired by the widow’s humble gift in the Gospel. When challenges feel too big, remember that even small actions—like the widow’s penny—can make a profound difference. We’re called to take one step at a time, trusting that God is at work, even in the smallest of our efforts. Read on to discover how your everyday actions can build toward lasting change.

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For What Shall We Pray?
  • For ongoing wars in Gaza, Ukraine, Lebanon, and an end to the violence…

  • For elections in the United States and a peaceful transfer of power…

  • For all elected officials as they serve well in their respective positions…

  • For all of those working to rebuild after natural disasters, especially Hurricanes Helene and Milton…

  • For the safety of those in the path of Tropical Storm Rafael…

  • For victims of flooding in Spain, and for those working to rebuild and repair…

  • For the family of Andre Hill and all those affected by police violence…

  • For all those affected by gun violence, especially in Austin, TX…

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