In the latest monthly worship news from ELCA Worship, explore a diverse range of resources for Lent and Easter, including special materials for International Women's Day, enriching discussions on worship and culture, and the "All Creation Sings" worship guide. Join the journey through Lent with insightful conferences and the revival of ancient liturgies to enrich your congregation's worship experience.
Read MoreIn the latest Faith Lens blog, Joshua Serrano reflects on handling life's highs and lows through the lens of celebrity stories and the early ministry of Jesus. He discusses Adam Sandler's humble reaction to a professor's early criticism, juxtaposed with the Gospel account of Jesus' baptism and subsequent temptation. Serrano encourages finding strength in our identity as beloved children of God, regardless of life's fluctuating circumstances.
Read MoreThe ELCA Worship's blog post for February 8, 2024, showcases a variety of resources and events offered by Lutheran and ecumenical partner organizations. Highlights include the Institute of Liturgical Studies' conference on liturgy in consumer culture, free music compositions from Lutheran Summer Music, and the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians' educational conference. Augsburg Fortress presents liturgical resources for the Three Days of Easter, while Music that Makes Community shares practices for communal song-sharing. Luther Seminary’s Faith+Lead introduces a course for lay leaders on planning worship experiences.
Read MoreThis week’s "Faith Lens" blog post by Rachel Larson discusses the power of affirmation, especially within the context of faith. Reflecting on personal experiences of both receiving encouragement and facing criticism, the post delves into how these interactions can impact one's sense of self and calling. It connects this concept to the Transfiguration of Jesus, where God's affirming voice declares Jesus as His beloved son, setting the stage for Jesus' mission.
Read MoreIntroducing two FREE compositions from Lutheran Summer Music by Anne Krentz Organ: Holy Manna, for .solo instrument with keyboard accompaniment, and Be Thankful, for SATB chorus, descant, keyboard accompaniment, optional: assembly, handbells. Free sheet music download: lsmacademy.org/resources
Read MoreDiscover the transformative power of a simple hug in the latest ELCA Faith Lens, "Healing Touch." Dive into how Jesus' healing actions and our everyday gestures of compassion can significantly impact our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
Read MoreIn the wake of a historic all-female city council swearing-in in Saint Paul, Minnesota, the diverse books chosen by the officials highlight the guiding principles of our leaders and pose the question: what grounds us in our roles and lives? Explore this theme of grounding and the importance of focusing on what truly matters, drawing from Jesus' example of seeking solitude for prayer amidst his bustling ministry. Discover the full context and discussion on the significance of these guiding principles in the Faith Lens weekly blog post.
Read MoreDiscover enriching resources for Lent, the Three Days, and Easter with "All Creation Sings," featured on ELCA Worship's latest blog post. Additionally, explore the newly available worship resources for the crisis in the Holy Land and learn how you can support and nominate talented young musicians for the Lutheran Summer Music Academy and Festival 2024 at Valparaiso University. Plus, delve into the daily Lenten devotions offered in "Gathered Into One," a reflection on unity and diversity in faith.
Read MoreAmidst the digital world's confusion, where verified statuses can be bought and authenticity is questioned, we are reminded of the importance of discerning the true voice of Christ. Like the first disciples, may we learn to follow not the symbols of verification but the undeniable call of love and truth.
Read MoreExplore a wealth of worship and music resources from ELCA partners, including new leadership at Music that Makes Community and transformative events like the Messy Church conference. Embrace the spirit of Lent with dedicated workshops and enrich your congregation's musical journey with Lutheran Summer Music Academy. Engage with the Calvin Institute's grant program to invigorate your worship services. Discover these and more, offering guidance and inspiration for your faith community's worship experiences. Dive deeper into the full array of resources and events detailed on the ELCA Worship’s blog.
Read MoreIn a world where AI-generated content blurs the line between reality and fiction, ELCA's Faith Lens challenges us to explore the authenticity of our faith experiences. How do we discern the truth in what we see and share a genuine testament of God's love in our lives? Dive into a thoughtful discussion on the intersection of faith and perception at ELCA.org.
Read MoreDiscover the intersection of urgency in our lives and faith in this week's Faith Lens. Reflect on the festive season and explore the deeper meanings of our traditions and the Gospel of Mark. For thoughtful insights and discussion, check out the full post.
Read MoreExplore the power of belief and the importance of listening to women's voices in this week's Faith Lens post. Drawing inspiration from Britney Spears' memoir and her #FreeBritney movement, we delve into the societal tendency to dismiss women's stories and the impact of such attitudes. This post connects this theme to the Gospel, emphasizing the significance of believing Mary's account of Jesus' divine origin and the ongoing struggle to give women a voice in the church and society.
Read MoreExplore the challenging yet enriching call to step beyond our comfort zones in the latest Faith Lens blog, which delves into the history and current impacts of Indigenous people’s subjugation, drawing parallels to John the Baptist's unsettling call for change and repentance. Engage with thought-provoking questions and activities that encourage embracing Jesus' liberating message of love and justice.
Read MoreLiving Lutheran shares this table prayer for Advent.
Blessed are you, O Lord our God, the one who is, who was and who is to come. At this table you fill us with good things. May these gifts strengthen us to share with the hungry and all those in need, as we wait and watch for your coming among us in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Read MoreExplore the challenging yet enriching call to step beyond our comfort zones in the latest Faith Lens blog, which delves into the history and current impacts of Indigenous people’s subjugation, drawing parallels to John the Baptist's unsettling call for change and repentance. Engage with thought-provoking questions and activities that encourage embracing Jesus' liberating message of love and justice.
Read MoreExplore how faith can guide us through life's unexpected upheavals in this week's Faith Lens. Delving into the apocalyptic imagery of Mark 13, we're invited to consider the transformative power of God's presence in times of change.
Read MoreThe latest ELCA Worship newsletter offers valuable resources for spiritual growth and worship. It includes prayers for the crisis in the Holy Land, the Spanish edition of "Hear My Voice: A Prison Prayer Book," and insights from "All Creation Sings" for Advent and Christmas. Also featured are videos from the World Council of Churches' assembly, details of the ALCM’s PONDER ANEW conference in 2024, and the "Sundays and Seasons: Preaching, Year B 2024" guide.
Read More“Exploring Mattering and Our Worth in God's Eyes" dives into the concept of 'mattering' - feeling valued and adding value to others' lives. This edition of Faith Lens engages with this crucial aspect of human well-being, examining how it shapes our relationships, self-perception, and spiritual life. The discussion extends to the Parable of Talents, inviting us to reflect on how we use our God-given gifts and understand our inherent worth as children of God.
Read MoreDiscover a wealth of resources the latest roundup of ELCA Worship partner highlights. Engage with the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians (ALCM) at their upcoming conference, embrace free musical compositions from the Lutheran Summer Music Academy and Festival, explore the Institute of Liturgical Studies' focus on combating consumerism through liturgy, and navigate the path to discipleship with Journey to Baptismal Living's new website.
Plus, prepare for the seasons of gratitude and expectation with Music that Makes Community and delve into fresh perspectives on preaching, allyship, activism, and campus ministry with Augsburg Fortress. Join the Calvin Institute in their mission to rejuvenate worship with their grants program.
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