In preparation for the 2022 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, ELCA members are encouraged to participate in a series of online Bible studies that will explore the assembly theme, "Embody the Word," from Luke 24. The assembly, the highest legislative body of the ELCA, will meet in Columbus, Ohio, Aug. 8-12.

Register here for the live Bible study series held on Zoom.

The Bible study series will comprise four online sessions to be held Sundays in July from 1–1:45pm MST/PDT, 2–2:45pm MDT. Each session will focus on the meaning of "embodiment," open with a video presentation and continue with a moderated discussion.

Members are encouraged to consider the double meaning of the assembly theme, "Embody the Word": "embody" can mean both the incarnation of Jesus Christ and the life of the church emerging from a pandemic, whereas "word" can mean both Jesus Christ and Scripture.

The Bible study schedule is:

• July 10 – Rev. Jay Alanís, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in San Juan, Texas.

• July 17 – Sally Azar, currently studying in Germany with plans to serve the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL) as its first female pastor.

• July 24 – Man-Hei Yip, assistant professor of systematic theology at Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa.

• July 31 – Denise Rector, doctoral student in womanist theology and race and history at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago.

The series will culminate at the assembly on Aug. 10 with a theological presentation hosted by the Rev. Anthony Bateza, associate professor of religion at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn.

• Register for the live Bible study series.

• Find out more about the 2022 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, including livestream information.

• The sessions will also be available on demand from the ELCA YouTube Channel.