On this Independence Day, I encourage us all to spend some time relearning our shared history. Take time to read through five reflections written by Women of the ELCA participants as part of a study of the ELCA Declaration to People of African Descent. Review the Repudiation of the Doctrine of Discovery, adopted by both the ELCA (in 2016) and affirmed by Women of the ELCA (in 2017). It’s a start.
Read MoreFor the apostle Thomas, whose life we commemorate this day: for the courage to name his questions, declare his belief, and for his devotion to Jesus…
For those who will gather this weekend to celebrate our nation’s independence…
For those affected by recent Supreme Court decisions, and those who feel anxious about precedent…
For parents of young children, who now have access to COVID vaccines after waiting for more than a year…
For those injured and killed in the Amtrak crash in Missouri, and for their families…
For those grieving and appalled at the death of 51 migrants trapped in a truck in Texas…
For world leaders looking to bring an end to the war in Ukraine…
For those living in Russia who will be most deeply affected by increased economic sanctions…
For election workers in this primary season…
When war came to Ukraine and desperate people began streaming across the international borders in the frigid days of late winter and early spring, the Rev. Miroslav Mató knew he and the members of his parish would be called upon to help.
Located in Gerlachov, a small village in Slovakia about 200 miles from the Ukrainian border, Rev. Mató and his wife, Rev. Jana Matóva, prepared to offer refuge.
Read MorePublic Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) is a program that may allow individuals to get the remainder of their federal student loans discharged. The waiver period, during which more people and loans qualify for PSLF, is currently scheduled to end Oct. 31, 2022, so don’t wait to act.
Read MoreThe Rev. Craig A. Miller, Mifflinburg, Pa., was elected June 18 to serve a six-year term as bishop of the Upper Susquehanna Synod of the ELCA.
Read MoreTo be a female, Black and gay pastor on “Freedom Day” necessitates a certain amount of introspection, for my relationship with the church has long been a queer dance whose steps I don’t often apprehend.
Galatians 3:28 says: “There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.” Yet this oneness has been elusive in the ELCA and elsewhere, has it not?
Read MoreAfter consultation with the presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and per the Sierra Pacific Synod Constitution (S8.54), the Sierra Pacific Synod Council has appointed the Rev. Claire S. Burkat as its interim bishop.
Read MoreWhen disaster strikes, it’s too late to think about what you should have done to prepare; before disaster strikes, that preparation can be daunting. This guide walks you through the essentials of severe-weather preparedness. Read this PDF from Church Mutual Insurance.
Read MoreDear church,
Whatever personal perspective one might take on the June 24, 2022 abortion ruling from the Supreme Court, it is the legal framework in which we now minister, and I wish to speak a pastoral word at this time.
Read MoreFor those grieving, injured, and displaced after the earthquake in Afghanistan, and for all relief and aid efforts…
For the people of Ethiopia, as their nation is torn apart by civil war…
For those whose lives have been upended by the war in Ukraine, including civilians trapped in their homes, prisoners of war held behind enemy lines, and those grieving loved ones who’ve been killed…
For those organizing and attending Pride celebrations…
For LGBTQIA+ siblings who cannot yet feel safe coming out…
In thanksgiving for the life and work of Clela Rorex, the first county clerk in the U.S. to issue a marriage license to a same-sex couple, in Boulder in 1975…
Participate in “Housing and Hunger” with Brooke De Jong (ELCA World Hunger) and get a new resource on housing – June 29, 2022, 3pm MST/PDT, 4pm MDT. Click here to register.
Questions about “Hunger at the Crossroads” can be sent to hunger@elca.org.
Read MoreThe ELCA Youth Gathering is planned and led by amazing, dedicated volunteers who serve on 10 different teams and a small staff from the ELCA Churchwide Office. Applications to serve on one of our planning teams will close on June 24, 2022. Learn more, and apply now!
Read MoreIn this ELCA Advocacy update, we highlight the update from LAMA, who shares news of their $20,000 Spark grant, photos and visits to Washington DC, and the first birthday of the Hunger Leaders Network.
Read MoreThe Rev. Stacie R. Fidlar of Rock Island, Ill., was elected June 18 to serve a six-year term as bishop of the Northern Illinois Synod of the ELCA.
Read MoreIn the video we shared at our 2022 Synod Assembly, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton urges us to follow Luther's example and use modern tools to spread the gospel, just as Luther shared the good news with the help of Gutenberg's printing press. 500 years ago this year, Martin Luther published his first translation of the New Testament into German vernacular.
Read MoreLutheran Disaster Response Western Regions shares their latest newsletter, Upsurge, with climate news and what to expect in Region 2.
Read MoreELCA Worship shares their June news in this newsletter, highlighting All Creation Sings, Spanish resources, and many summer resources and events.
“During the summer months, worship leaders often plan for fall and the next liturgical year. As part of this looking ahead, there can also be an intentional looking back to what has nurtured and shaped your congregation’s worship in the past months.”
Read MoreELCA shares their June, 2022 update, viewable on this web page. Highlights include the Museum of the American Printing House for the Blind, providing God’s Word in American Sign Language, Evangelical Lutheran Deaf Association 2022 conference, and the ELCA Disability Ministries blog.
Read MoreA well-written mission statement should clearly and concisely communicate the congregation’s purpose for existing and can provide the focus and motivation it needs to carry out its mission. View this PDF at ELCA.org.
Read MoreRostered ministers are heading to Phoenix in July, 2023! If you like to welcome people, help with registration, or have the gift of hospitality, please connect with Pastor Doug Dill: pastordoug@centrallutheranaz.org or 402-235-6969. More info about the gathering at elca.org/rmg.
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