The current congressional authorization for PEPFAR expires on September 30. This ELCA Advocacy Action Alert requests that you urge Congress to support this important legislation. Read more on the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona site.
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The gift of God’s son is for the world, not just our church buildings. The Future Church vision focuses on the world experiencing the difference God’s grace and love in Christ made for all people and creation. We are continually listening, learning and aligning ourselves with this vision and invite you to join us on this journey. To learn more, visit lovemadereal.elca.org.
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Discover key policy developments in the most recent Advocacy Connections post. From advancements in the Farm Bill to the Afghan Adjustment Act's reintroduction and WHO's new health network, these months have seen great strides. Yet, the Clean Water Act's reduced reach and changes in SNAP food assistance following the new debt ceiling bill remain concerning. Learn more and join the cause.
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For natural lands and communities affected by wildfires in Canada and Greece, and for regions facing compromised air quality…
For all people, ecosystems, and creatures struggling under extreme temperatures…
For people experiencing homelessness, especially queer youth, those fleeing abuse, and those formerly incarcerated…
For those in the path of Tropical Storm Calvin…
For areas of the United States suffering after storms and flooding, especially on the east coast…
For all evacuated due to heavy rains and flooding in South Korea, and for those grieving deaths of family or friends…
For victims of mudslides in Colombia, especially those grieving the loss of children…
For peace in areas of war and conflict, especially Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Sudan, Syria, and Haiti…
For clergy and all who serve the church…
The March, 2023, bimonthly e-newsletter for ELCA congregational and synodical leaders is here, featuring: Protect your church’s operating reserve; Know when to retain or discard synod or congregational records; Church building redesigned with MIF loan; Why feedback matters; Five ways to keep your building secure; 10 points to cover in volunteer orientation.
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Four U.S. leaders joined ELCA World Hunger at the 2023 UN High-Level Political Forum, engaging in discussions on Sustainable Development Goals.. Get an inside look into the event through a delegate's perspective this blog post on ELCA.org, Leaders Join ELCA World Hunger and Witness in Society at the UN.
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Facing rising anti-immigration sentiments, it's crucial to support advocacy for humane immigration laws and policies. Unearth the challenges, misconceptions, and the role of faith in fostering tolerance in this post from ELCA’s AMMPARO blog, With Anti-Immigration Sentiments Rising, More Action is Needed.
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ELCA Global Mission shares their Global Links newsletter for July/August, 2023. Meet the new YAGM volunteers preparing for service in global communities and celebrate the centennial ministry of Lutheran churches in Cameroon and Central African Republic. Discover how you can get involved and deepen your understanding of global fellowship in their latest ELCA Global Links update.
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The ELCA Advocacy Network provides a comprehensive update on Lutheran offices for world community and state public policy offices. Some highlights include:
The Lutheran Office for World Community participated in the UN Permanent Forum on People of African Descent.
California held its 4th annual Lutheran Lobby Day, focusing on legislative priorities.
The Rocky Mountain Synod Assembly in Texas is planning advocacy actions.
In Colorado, Juneteenth awareness was raised by the End Slavery Coalition.
Minnesota made legislative advances in clean energy and affordable housing.
Pennsylvania's Lutheran Advocacy Ministry is prioritizing hunger, housing, and climate policy.
In Washington, the Faith Action Network engaged in Pride Month and Juneteenth activities.
Wisconsin's Lutheran Office for Public Policy is addressing age regulations in the justice system and PFAS pollution.
For rescue, recovery, and rebuilding following flooding in Vermont and other parts of New England…
For all evacuated due to landslides in southern California…
For cleanup and recovery efforts following flooding in Japan, India, and Pakistan…
For wonder and joy to fill all who may view the Northern Lights this week…
For renewed compassion, humility, and collaboration among political leaders, nationally and globally…
For all victims of gun violence, especially in Forth Worth, TX; Portland, OR; Cincinnati, OH; Chicago, IL; and Montgomery; AL…
For victims of the Mount Everest helicopter crash in Nepal…
For earthquakes and volcanoes in Iceland…
For peace in areas of war and conflict, especially Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Syria, and Haiti…
Embark on a vivid journey with the "Paddle Pilgrim" as he navigates the Mekong River, winding through Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. In this article from Living Lutheran, David Ellingson recounts the team's adventures on the Mekong. Despite the physical challenges, the river serves as a profound teacher urging them to slow down, observe, and learn from the surroundings. Dive into the full article to experience this adventure for yourself.
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Discover the rich history of our beloved hymns originating from medieval texts in this article from Living Lutheran. Focusing on the hymn “O Sacred Head, Now Wounded”, the article sheds light on its origins in the writings of 12th-century French abbot Bernard of Clairvaux. Read more to trace its transformation through translations, adaptions, and influences from figures like Martin Luther and J.S. Bach.
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Each month ELCA Worship highlights resources and events from other organizations and institutions. Read the full post on ELCA.org, which includes: Lutheran Summer Music Academy & Festival; Music that Makes Community; Association of Lutheran Church Musicians; ALCM summer 2023 webinars; Augsburg Fortress Events and Resources; Sundays and Seasons:Guide to Worship Planning; Augsburg Summer Music Clinics; Lectionary Mosaics; Sale on ELW Gift and Pocket Editions; and Luther’s Small Catechism App.
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The ELCA mission support memo for June, 2023 is available as PDF, as a Word doc, or in this blog post. This month’s memo features a story from our synods in Pennsylvania and the Wittel Farm Growing Project and FriEDENs Garden, as well as an upcoming stewardship webinar, "Stewardship When Economics Are Uncertain," on August 21, 2023.
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As presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, I join my colleague, the Rev. Dr. Sani Ibrahim Azar, bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, in being "deeply dismayed at the ongoing Israeli military incursions into Palestinian communities, especially in the city and refugee camp of Jenin."
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The ELCA is calling all young adults passionate about addressing the climate crisis to apply for the Fall Climate Summit happening in Chicago, Illinois from October 20-22, 2023. Read more and apply at elca.org.
Whether you're a seasoned climate advocate or just starting on your advocacy journey, this event promises to be a unique opportunity to gain new skills, deepen understanding of climate justice issues, and create an action plan for making a real difference in your community. The application deadline is July 19, 2023.
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For peace in Palestine, Ukraine, Yemen, and Syria…
For all victims of gun violence, especially in Philadelphia, PA; Washington D.C.; Fort Worth, TX; Salisbury, MD; and Hayward, CA…
For students and for higher education professionals as they respond to and adapt to new legislative actions…
For police protests in France and for all who advocate for racial justice around the world…
For safety and relief in areas of the United States experiencing extreme heat…
For those suffering heavy rains, flooding, and heat waves in China and the Asia Pacific region…
For areas still struggling with compromised air quality due to fires and pollution…
For the ongoing effects of climate change and for increased compassion for our earth…
For protection and mercy upon all who travel, out of necessity or for pleasure…
Watch the National Indian Lutheran Board’s Panel Discussion, from June 21, 2023
“Read the Truth in July” – consider reading a book written by a Native author and hosting a book discussion. Get some suggestions at Native Reads.
July 16 2023: "Indian 101" class. Led by Vance Blackfox .
July 24 2023: “Introduction to the Truth & Healing Movement". Led by Vance Blackfox.
Descriptions and links for the Truth & Healing Movement are posted on the ELCA's website.
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In this article from Living Lutheran, we read how Rev. Kenneth Wheeler was compelled to write his new book US: The Resurrection of American Terror (Precocity Press, 2022) after connecting the trauma he’d experienced under Jim Crow segregation to the rise in Christian nationalism he’d seen in recent years. Read the full article in this post, and be sure to participate in our Conversations with Rev. Kenneth W. Wheeler, July 11 and August 1, 2023, at 10 am.
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The book of Proverbs asks us to bring our whole lives with us when we read it. This is true for the whole of Scripture but especially for Proverbs.
As part of the biblical books known as wisdom literature, Proverbs centers human experience as a way of discerning God’s work in the world and our participation in it. Proverbs rarely shows up in the lectionary and isn’t known as a favorite in Lutheran circles, but it teaches careful reading and interpreting.
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