In June, 2020, the ELCA adopted a social message on government and civic engagement titled “Government and Civic Engagement in the United States: Discipleship in a Democracy.” As we go through a transition in power, the next few weeks are a good time to review it.
To help dig into the text, there is a Study Guide, along with a Leader's Guide for those facilitating groups. A Spanish translation can be downloaded here.
Read MoreConcordia College in Moorhead is offering congregations a worship service recording for Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020. The service includes lessons, carols, poetic readings and music performed by Concordia students and alumni.
On December 21, 2020, the service may be viewed on the Concordia website or downloaded to share on your congregation's website. Participants are encouraged to have a candle available for the service.
Read MoreMany congregation leaders are asking how they can take advantage of technology to continue to hold necessary meetings to conduct the business of the congregation. The ELCA provides an FAQ of the questions being asked most often (view as PDF). This is also a part of our annual congregation meeting resource page.
Read More“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Pray that we will support and encourage each other in these good works and disciplines that keep our spirits, minds and bodies healthy and whole.
Read MoreWhat do you get when two lawyers, a Robert’s Rules of Order expert, and a Bishop walk into a Zoom room? A great set of resources for holding your congregation’s annual meeting online!
Visit our annual congregation meeting resources page to see a video of our resource meeting, our Zoom resources, Bryan Daum’s primer covering constitutions and state law, Pastor David Brandfass’s presentation on Robert’s Rules of Order, the ELCA’s FAQs, and our Q&A’s.
Read MoreLos Posadas This traditional celebration, popular in Mexico and observed by some ELCA congregations, uses lighted paths and processions to follow Mary and Joseph’s journey through Bethlehem in search of lodging. Pray that our recollection of Mary and Joseph’s experience might prompt us to welcome strangers, immigrants and neighbors in need.
Read MoreWhat do our gifts mean, and what impact do they have? Pray for thoughtfulness when we buy gifts, for awareness of who we include and exclude, and for mindfulness of how the money we spend during this time of thanksgiving might fulfill God’s loving, merciful and generous promises.
Read MoreELCA Good Gifts provide an opportunity for you to support the ministries and programs —domestic and global — that mean the most to you and the people you love. Give thanks that our church believes God is calling us into the world together and that, through our generosity and love, we can make a difference.
Read MorePray that we might passionately witness to the light of Jesus Christ and boldly invite others to believe and to be baptized into the body of Christ and the community of all believers.
Read MoreGive thanks for the church traditions that remind us of God’s actions throughout history and inspire our faith, generosity and commitment to serve our neighbors in need. Pray that we will carry these meaningful traditions forward and create new rites and traditions that inspire and strengthen all generations in today’s changing contexts.
Read MoreAsk for God’s forgiveness and take to heart God’s word of love, peace, healing and guidance that restores our faith and spirit as children of God.
Read MoreThis has been, and continues to be, a very difficult year of coping with and recovering from natural disasters across our country and around the world. Pray that the presence and hope of God will be evident where there is despair, grief and uncertainty over how to begin rebuilding and healing. Pray that neighbors, communities and nations will work together to provide assistance, resources and relief workers where the needs are most critical.
Read MorePray that God will help us lead lives of holiness, godliness, peace and active engagement with the world as disciples of Christ who wait patiently for the day of the Lord.
Read MoreThe fifth session of the Beginning a Culture of Generosity fall stewardship program is available for review. It’s available here for those who missed it or are curious about the program. Read on for testimonials from participants.
Read MorePray for patience, caution and concern for our neighbor during the continuing COVID-19 pandemic; pray that the Spirit and our siblings in Christ will help us cope with and adjust to the implications of the pandemic for this season in which we are accustomed to gathering in person for meals, celebrations, worship, family gatherings and community events.
Read MoreGive thanks for caregivers, staff and nurses in senior communities, nursing homes, rehabilitation hospitals, and memory-care and assisted-living facilities. Ask God to grant them strength, wisdom, skill and a spirit of hope and joy as they go about their difficult and often tiring work.
Read MoreEarth Ministry (earthministry.org) is a faith-based organization in Washington state committed to engaging the Christian community in environmental stewardship.
Resources include a handbook for congregations engaging in creation care ministries.
Read MorePray that the Spirit will give us a measure of John the Baptist’s boldness, commitment, humility and resolve as we share the good news of Jesus Christ and the promise of God’s love and mercy with everyone we encounter or approach throughout our baptismal journey.
Read MoreAs we are immersed in the joy, festivities and busyness of Advent and Christmas, pause to pray for our global neighbors who have suffered through devastating natural disasters and need our support, generosity and assistance. Pray particularly for the many nations that have experienced drought and for those impacted by the earthquake in Turkey and Greece, Typhoon Goni hitting the Philippines and multiple hurricanes impacting Mexico, the Caribbean region and the United States.
Read MoreWhat do you anticipate and watch for during this season of Advent? Pray for what you yearn and hope for, and give thanks that God is faithful to God’s promises, especially through the gift of life to the world through Jesus Christ.
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