Learn how to inspire generosity and simplify giving in your congregation with the “Inspired to Give” webinar, hosted by Vanco and the ELCA on October 24, 2024 at 10 am PDT/MST, 11 am MDT. You’ll gain insights into storytelling, best practices for giving, and exclusive tips on utilizing Vanco’s tools. Sign up today to join or receive the recording!
Read MoreJoin the Thriving Leadership Formation series starting October 23, 2024. This weekly online workshop integrates the Enneagram with practical leadership skills to enhance self-awareness, communication, and conflict resolution. Each session is stand-alone, and registration is required. Don’t miss this opportunity to grow into a more effective and compassionate leader!
Read MoreHesitant to preach? Diakonia graduates are invited to a four-week Zoom course titled “Preaching Good News to a World in Shambles,” starting October 19. Led by Reverend Carl Zimmermann, this class will help participants craft and deliver heart-engaging sermons, drawing on resources from Dr. Tom Long and Pastor Barbara Brown Taylor. Register now on Diakonia’s website.
Read MoreThe 2025 Portico Compensation Guidelines highlight updated health benefits through Portico Benefit Services for rostered ministers and lay employees. Congregations are encouraged to review the available health plan options—Gold+, Value Copay, and Silver+—and engage in conversations with plan members to select the best fit for their needs during annual enrollment. Learn more about the shared responsibility between congregations and plan members and how to support the well-being of those serving in ministry.
Read MoreDiscover a wide range of worship resources and events available for leaders and congregations through the ELCA’s October update. Opportunities include the Lutheran Summer Music Academy for youth, conferences for church musicians and liturgists, and new publications from Augsburg Fortress. Explore more details and how to get involved on the ELCA Worship blog. Read the full update here.
Read MoreDiscover stories of faith and leadership in this month’s Thriving Leadership Formation update! From a reflective journey through Holden Village’s labyrinth to the reinstatement of the “Stories of Thriving” blog series, this newsletter is full of insights for life and ministry. Learn about upcoming cohort opportunities, leadership workshops, and spiritual practices that can support you this fall. Don’t miss out on the latest updates and events—click here to read more! Read the full newsletter.
Read MoreJoin the Thriving Leadership Formation series starting October 23, 2024. This weekly online workshop integrates the Enneagram with practical leadership skills to enhance self-awareness, communication, and conflict resolution. Each session is stand-alone, and registration is required. Don’t miss this opportunity to grow into a more effective and compassionate leader!
Read MoreIn this month’s ELCA Worship update, explore a new blog post on the Feast of Creation, fall worship planning resources, and Living Lutheran’s latest “Hymn of the Month” feature. View the full details here.
Read MoreUnder the theme “Created to Be,” Gathering Remix is a digital resource with 10 lessons featuring Mass Gathering recordings, exclusive interviews, discussion guides, and more, to enrich discussions with your middle school and high school groups.
Designed to sustain the energy from events such as the Gathering, this dynamic tool helps middle and high school groups stay engaged and inspired. To learn more or to purchase for your group, visit gLearn.
Read MoreAs we enter the season of change, it’s the perfect time for congregations to reimagine their approach to stewardship. Drawing from Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:21, we’re reminded that where our treasure is, our hearts follow. Are your current practices in generosity still sparking joy and connection? If not, this might be the moment to explore new strategies—narrative budgets, fresh offering moments, or seasonal shifts in appeals. Let this autumn be a time of transformation, as we align our stewardship efforts with God’s mission in our communities. Read more in this month's "Where Your Heart Is."
Read MoreThe ELCA Worship team is seeking feedback on ELW Pastoral Care and Occasional Services resources through a survey open until October 7, 2024. Your participation will help shape future worship materials. Click here to complete the survey today!
Read MoreThe Southeastern Iowa Synod Sumud working group and Pastor Peter Petit have developed a liturgy for congregations to use for a service of lamentation and remembrance to be used on or near Sunday, October 6, 2024. Bishop Current has provided a pre-recorded sermon to use as part of this service.
Additionally, the pre-recorded PowerPoint introduction to the Israel-Hamas war, including history of the area, the current conflict, and some ministry perspectives. These are great to use as an accompanying adult forum or study in your congregation. Download all the resources using links in our post.
Read MoreAs we approach the anniversary of Oct. 7, 2023, we remember a day of heartbreaking grief for the people of Israel and Palestine, devastated by Hamas attacks on civilians and by the bombardment of Gaza. Mindful that the people of the Holy Land are still living in anguish and in war one year later, congregations may consider incorporating prayers and laments in worship on Sunday, October 6 or at other times near the anniversary, in public worship or for devotional use at home or in other settings.
Read MoreThe ELCA has released a comprehensive set of worship resources for the upcoming national elections, including scripture readings, prayers, and assembly song suggestions. These materials are designed to support congregations during prayer vigils, weekly worship, or personal devotions. Download the free resource to help guide your community through this important time.
Read MoreThe 2024 Election Season Toolkit from Faith+Lead provides essential resources to help church leaders guide their congregations through the political tensions of election season. Learn how to foster empathy, promote peace, and ground conversations in Gospel values. Access the toolkit and subscribe for updates at faithlead.org/toolkit/2024election.
Read MoreTransform Your Ministry in Just One Year with Theologically-Sound Training and Leadership Development. The School for Lay Ministry Learning Community starts October 12, 2024. Join this year-long journey to enhance your leadership skills, deepen your faith, and serve your congregation more effectively. Enroll now to secure your spot!
Read MoreRooms for the Bishop’s Fall Gathering are sold out, but commuter registration is still open through October 7! Join Bishop Hutterer and special guests Rev. Andrea Roske-Metcalfe and Elder Perci Ami for worship, storytelling, and fellowship at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center. Meals are included for commuters—register now to secure your spot!
Read MoreRethink what ministry can look like in our increasingly digital world with the “Real Faith in an AI World: Rethinking Digital Ministry” Learning Community. This four-week course, starting on October 14, 2024, will equip you with the tools and strategies to integrate AI and digital tools into your ministry, ensuring authentic faith formation and community building in a tech-driven world.
Read MoreThe Campaign for Kindness Preaching Series from the Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod is designed to guide congregations through the 2024 election season with messages of kindness, humility, and reconciliation. Starting on a suggested date of October 6, this six-week sermon series encourages pastors to address political anxiety from a faith perspective. Learn more about the resources and join weekly discussions to promote kindness in your faith community.
Read MoreThis October, Thriving Leadership Formation is offering exciting opportunities to grow in faith and leadership through a Lectio Divina series (bit.ly/TLFLectioDivina), Enneagram workshops (bit.ly/TLFEnneagram), and cohort groups (bit.ly/TLFCohortGroupInterest). Sessions begin the first week of October, and all are welcome to participate.
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