New resources are now available from ELCA World Hunger to enrich the life of your congregation in Advent 2022 and Lent 2023! The theme for the new seasonal materials is "A Journey Through the Psalms With ELCA World Hunger." Download free versions at ELCA.org/hunger/resources.
Read MoreRight before today’s assigned Gospel reading, Jesus clearly says “you cannot serve God and wealth” (Luke 16:13, NRSV). And in the following verse, the Gospel of Luke tells us that the Pharisees, “who were lovers of money” were upset and “they ridiculed him” (Luke 16:14, NRSV).
And then in this morning’s pericope, Jesus offers this parable about a chasm—the chasm between the rich man and Lazarus. This is the chasm between those who have a hard time seeing past themselves and those who go unseen, the chasm between the lovers of money and those who lose their lives as a result.
Read MoreAfter nearly two years of research and writing, Ryan Panzer is excited to share that "The Holy and the Hybrid" is available now to readers. Download the first chapters of The Holy and the Hybrid from Luther Seminary, or buy now wherever books are sold!
You can also listen to a podcast with Ryan Dunn, host of Pastoring in the Digital Parish. In this conversation, they talk about the cultural changes affecting ministry in a digital age.
Read MoreThe updated 2022 Model Constitution for Congregations is now available at ELCA.org.
It is recommended that ELCA congregations and synods review the adopted amendments for their constitutions as soon as possible after each churchwide assembly to incorporate the required changes and to consider the recommended changes.
Read MoreELCA Worship shares their September, 2022 newsletter, including:
Readings for the Assembly (Emended) is available for provisional use
Upcoming ALCM Webinar, “Tried and True—With a Twist!”: Friday, Oct. 7, 2 p.m. Eastern time
Music that Makes Community: Advent Planning workshop and other events and resources
Journey to Baptismal Living: North American Association for the Catechumenate
Boost your emotional health this fall by joining live webinar led by Learn to Live’s clinical team. 2022 September’s sessions – which run 15- or 30-minutes – focus on Time Management; Staying Refreshed and Preventing Burnout; and Avoiding Negative Thinking Traps. Click here to learn more about the webinars, and use the code PORTICO to register.
Read MoreJoin ELCA Coaching every Wednesday at 11am MST/PDT, noon MDT, as we practice Courageous Leadership. Log in info is on the ELCA Coaching website.
Join us on Wednesday, September 21, 2022, as we hear from digital creator Dylan Marron, who has racked up millions of views for various projects, but he's found that the flip side of success online is internet hate. Over time, he's developed an unexpected coping mechanism: calling the people who leave him insensitive comments and asking a simple question: "Why did you write that?"
In a thoughtful talk about how we interact with others, Marron will explain how sometimes the most subversive thing you can do is actually speak with people you disagree with, not simply at them.
Read MoreThe ELCA Foundations shares a webinar on planning your legacy, on Wednesday, 10/19/2022, 2pm MST/PDT, 3pm MDT. Register here.
The current economic landscape may influence your estate planning and charitable giving. This session will highlight a few key details of the current economic climate, give an overview of what you need for a solid estate plan, learn how you can leave a legacy to support your ELCA-related ministries and save on taxes.
Read MoreAndrea Arey, our Regional Representative from Portico, provides us with updates on 2023 Portico plans. Questions? She can be reached at AArey@porticobenefits.org or 949-338-9573.
Read MoreThe September, 2022, bimonthly e-newsletter for ELCA congregational and synodical leaders is here, featuring: Stewardship Kaleidoscope, Sept. 26-28 2022; church accessibility; 2023 Portico annual enrollment reminder; Lutheran Men in Mission’s National Bold Gathering; starting a risk control program; and Tithe.ly All Access.
Read MoreResources and a recording from our info meeting about the 2023 Grand Canyon Synod Grants are now available. View a PDF of the slides, and click here to view the Zoom recording, using this passcode: S$5$Hnqj
Grant Submission deadline is October 14, 2022.
Read MoreMackenzie Scott, novelist and former wife to Jeff Bezos, both of Amazon fame, is increasing her reputation for generosity with a significant donation to the California Community Foundation. This week she donated two mansions in Beverly Hills estimated at worth around $55 million. The foundation announced that 90% of the proceeds will go toward providing grants for affordable housing. The remaining 10% is slated to be used for programs for integration of immigrants.
Read MoreA common human experience human is to lose something. Losing something can be very frustrating and produce a lot of stress, especially when you’re in a hurry or it’s a really important item. There are many reasons for why this happens; more often than not, we find the things we’ve lost when least expect it.
But did you also know that it is common for people to “freak out” when they are the thing that is lost?
Read MoreApplying for grants may seem overwhelming, but we’ve simplified the process and we are here to help! On Tuesday, September 13 at 5:00 p.m., we will be offering a Grants Process Presentation by Zoom. This will be a great opportunity to get an overview of the program, ask questions, and get some helpful tips from the GCS Grants Committee on submitting a grant application. Please register here for the presentation.
Read MoreWe share the ELCA Worship Newsletter for August, 2022, which includes "God's Work. Our Hands." Sunday Worship Resources for Sept. 11 and Language for God: A Lutheran Perspective by Mary J. Streufert, which explores the ways language and images influence who we are and how we live.
Read MoreRise and Shine / Levántate y Brilla, a devotional guide for the 2022/2023 school year, is available from the Evangelical Lutheran Education Association (ELEA). Download the guide in English or Spanish.
Read MoreFor 2023, the Grand Canyon Synod is offering two categories of grant applications: Project Support Grants, and Adapting, Connecting, Transforming, and Sustaining (ACTS) Grants. More info at gcsynod.org/grants.
Grant Application submission window opens: September 12, 2022
Grant Application Webinar/Q&A – September 13, 2022, 5pm MST/PDT, 6pm MDT. Register here.
Grant Submission deadline: October 14, 2022
If you are interested in starting your own community garden, or finding new ways to expand the garden your community has, check out ELCA World Hunger’s Community Gardens How-To Guide, available in English and Spanish! You can order hard copies from the ELCA World Hunger resources page too!
Read the full post on community gardens on the ELCA blog.
Read MoreThis new resource from ELCA World Hunger will help you get started in learning about homelessness and affordable housing, advocating on issues connected to homelessness and affordable housing, and even building affordable housing!
Read MoreTo help you plan for "God's work. Our hands." Sunday, we invite you to visit ELCA.org/DayofService for resources including: a new invitational video, 2022 planning tool kit, 2022 worship resource, Service in the Time of COVID-19, posters, postcards and social media graphics, Spanish-language resources, special hymn text, music and recording.
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