Explore 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.
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The latest ELCA's Seeds Monthly newsletter offers a rich array of resources and opportunities for engagement. Highlights include the ELCA’s Truth and Healing Movement, Jamie Bruesehoff’s inspiring article in Living Lutheran, holiday shopping with ELCA Good Gifts, and celebrating the 10th anniversary of “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday. Additionally, it features important dates like the African-Descent Financial Empowerment Listening Session and the ELCA Youth Ministry Network Extravaganza 2024, as well as resources such as the Fall 2023 issue of “LifeLines,” worship resources for the crisis in the Holy Land, and guidance on key cultural shifts in “Pitfalls and Pivots for Church Leaders.”
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The 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.
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Enhance your loved ones' spiritual journey this holiday season with Faith+Lead's e-Gift cards from Luther Seminary. These thoughtful gifts offer access to a wide range of on-demand courses, covering topics like faith formation, leadership, and storytelling. The e-Gift cards are timeless, customizable with personal notes, and connect recipients to a vibrant faith-learning community. It's an enriching and uplifting gift choice for church staff, leaders, volunteers, or anyone seeking to deepen their faith.
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The ELCA is dedicated to honoring Mother Earth and Indigenous peoples through land acknowledgments and supporting the land back movement. A new class led by Vance Blackfox delves into the history, purpose, and implementation of land acknowledgments, as well as exploring the land back movement and reparations as part of its commitment to restorative justice practices.
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In their latest situation report, Lutheran Disaster Response is actively addressing the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Efforts include supporting Augusta Victoria Hospital in Jerusalem, aiding the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land with emergency education support, partnering with ACT Alliance for immediate relief, and providing psychosocial support through Salam Arabic Church and Mother of the Savior Church. The ELCA invites prayers and donations to assist those impacted by the conflict in the Middle East.
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The latest "Administration Matters" issue from the ELCA covers vital church administration topics including financial controls to prevent theft, Portico's health initiatives, the benefits of ELCA Federal Credit Union membership, payroll adjustments for 2024, Church Mutual's armed intruder emergency service, and tips for writing effective church job descriptions. Read the issue here.
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For peace among nations and for military de-escalation…
For safe return of hostages and for attentiveness to humanitarian needs in Palestine and Israel…
For residents of Iceland and New Guinea, as volcanic activity increases…
For continued rescue operations following a tunnel collapse in northern India…
For all victims of gun violence and for their loved ones, especially in Beavercreek, OH; Custer County, CO;
For cleanup efforts following the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico…
For families and friends who gather this week, especially those whose relationships are strained…
In thanksgiving for all of God’s gifts…
The Church Council of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) appointed the Rev. Michael Burk as presiding bishop pro tempore after its Executive Committee approved Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton's request for a four- to six-month leave of absence, to begin Nov. 17. The council, which serves as the ELCA churchwide organization's board of directors and interim legislative authority between meetings of a churchwide assembly, gathered at the Lutheran Center in Chicago, Nov. 9-12, 2023. Read the full post for other actions taken.
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On Nov. 16, 2023, the North American heads of Churches Beyond Borders met online with their Lutheran and Episcopal counterparts in the Holy Land for a time of solidarity and prayer. The six churches renewed their commitment to mutual accompaniment, solidarity and prayer as a witness to Christ's justice and peace, uniting our churches beyond all borders.
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The latest edition of ELCA Stewardship's "Where Your Heart Is" newsletter explores the theme of stewardship from a heartfelt and spiritual perspective. It delves into the changing focus from outdoor activities to introspective and communal engagements as seasons shift. The newsletter includes practical advice on stewardship, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and connecting with congregational members through meaningful narratives.
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For peace among nations and an end to violence, especially in Israel and Palestine, Russia and Ukraine, Syria, Iraq, Iran, and the Nagorno-Karabakh region…
For residents of Grindavik, Iceland and all threatened by volcanic activity…
For rescue operations following a tunnel collapse in northern India…
For victims of the bus crash east of Columbus, OH and for their families, classmates, and community…
For labor strikes and for equitable resolution to contract negotiations…
Living Lutheran will soon cease production of its print publication. Living Lutheran’s final print issue will arrive in mailboxes the first week of December. Content will shift to an all-digital platform, with new articles appearing daily (no subscription or login required). View livinglutheran.org for more info.
To continue to receive content, you can sign up for LL Stories, a free email digest, at livinglutheran.org/subscribe, and get Living Lutheran stories sent right to your inbox.
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“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.
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Read about the stark realities of migrant experiences in "Witnessing Cruelty and Compassion on a Dominican Highway." This powerful blog post by Stephen Deal from ELCA's AMMPARO shares a vivid account of a journey in the Dominican Republic, where the author encounters the inhumane treatment of Haitian migrants. Amidst this harsh reality, the story also highlights a moment of profound compassion from a local woman, offering a glimmer of hope and humanity.
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Discover how the ELCA’s Young Adults in Global Mission program offers young adults a transformative journey of faith, service, and global understanding. Applications are open for an August 2024 start with priority given to those applying by January 15, 2024. Learn more about this incredible opportunity at ELCA.org/YAGM.
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ELCA World Hunger introduces fresh resources for Advent 2023 and Lent 2024, themed "The glory of the Lord shall be revealed." From Advent studies to Lenten devotionals, these tools are designed to actively involve congregations in addressing global hunger. Sample packs are soon to be dispatched, and free versions are accessible on the ELCA website. Your dedication and creativity can further the mission to aid those in dire need.
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In the latest news from the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, we learn regular registration is in full swing!, with the regular registration fee of $425 per person until February 14, 2024. Discover five easy steps to kickstart your planning, from holding an information meeting to exploring the Getting Ready Materials. Plus, learn about the upcoming registration deadlines and the chance to experience the city before the Gathering at the ELCA Youth Ministry Network Extravaganza in January.
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In her article for Living Lutheran, discover Maria K. Miller's journey of self-exploration and healing at the "Living Water" retreat in Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp. Drawing parallels from Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman, Miller's powerful story of emotional release and finding faith in the midst of grief is a testament to the transformative power of spiritual surrender and the healing properties of nature.
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Living Lutheran magazine is transitioning to a digital future, continuing its legacy of sharing faith stories and church news in a new, more accessible format. In this Living Lutheran article, discover how this change reflects their enduring commitment to embracing new ways of connecting and communicating within our faith community.
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