In this week's ELCA Faith Lens, Andrew Thompson shares a reflective piece on finding comfort and connection in assembling puzzles with family, drawing parallels to navigating the complex, interwoven stories of our world and scripture. The article, set against the backdrop of an increasingly digital and overwhelming news landscape, encourages taking a more focused and intimate approach to engaging with the vast "puzzle" of human stories and God’s unfolding narrative.
Read MoreThe ELCA Foundation's latest edition of "Insights" brings opportunities and tools for supporters to enhance their contributions to the church's vibrant ministries. Highlighting the rise in charitable gift annuity rates, the introduction of a new estate-planning resource, and inspiring stories of legacy, the newsletter underscores the impact of thoughtful giving.
Read MoreIn the latest ELCA Young Adult Ministry Updates newsletter, March is bustling with opportunities for young adults in the ELCA! Apply for the Horizon Apprenticeship, share your thoughts with the Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church, dive into next year's YAGM cohort, and don't miss registering for the 2024 Young Adult Gathering. Plus, a unique internship at Grace House in Atlanta offers a year of discovery and ministry.
Read MoreSeize a transformative summer with the ELCA's Horizon Apprenticeship Program. Designed for young adults of color or those whose primary language is not English, this initiative offers an enriching blend of internships, mentorship, and online learning from June 2 to July 28, 2024. Apply by March 12 to embark on a journey of growth, leadership, and deepened faith engagement.
Read MoreThe ELCA Advocacy blog post by William Milner and Alex Parker explores the profound significance of election engagement from a faith-based perspective. Highlighting the enthusiasm for the democratic process and the sacred calling to steward democracy, the authors encourage active civic participation as an act of service to neighbors and a commitment to justice.
Read MoreWe are deeply troubled by the actions of the Texas attorney general's office against Annunciation House, a volunteer-run faith-based organization that has been a pillar of welcome and hospitality in El Paso for more than 40 years. Annunciation House has been singled out by the attorney general's office over potential legal violations for the social services it provides to immigrants in Texas. We recognize Annunciation House's exemplary way of faith—by way of humanitarian works in close partnership with the federal government and other nonprofits in the region—that ensures migrants are treated with dignity and respect.
Read MoreAs part of our Creating Space for Conversations series, we share this video from the ELCA’s "Study Curriculum on Civic Life and Faith." Watch the video as a standalone resource, or explore the full set of the curriculum, including leader’s guides.
Read MoreYour insights can help shape the future of the ELCA. Participate in the Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church survey by March 15, 2024, and contribute to our church's mission of renewal and commitment to justice.
Don't miss your chance to contribute to this significant moment in the ELCA's history. The deadline for survey participation is March 15, 2024. For more details and to complete the survey, visit the official CRLC page: ELCA CRLC Survey. Questions and further inquiries can be directed to crlc@elca.org.
Read MoreOn Aug. 8, 2023, multiple wildfires broke out on Maui. Exacerbated by strong winds, they destroyed homes, businesses, and lines of communication. The town of Lahaina was the most impacted, although there was also damage from smaller fires near Kihei and Kula.
Lutheran Disaster Response is supporting the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA). The grant will assist their continuing work with fire survivors through the Kākoʻo Maui Relief & Aid Services Center, the resource center CNHA opened within weeks of the fire at the Maui Mall.
Read MoreThe Conference of Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is adding its voice to the growing group of faith leaders urgently calling for a permanent bilateral cease-fire in Gaza. We urge President Joe Biden, our legislators, and all who lead and make decisions on behalf of the United States to do everything in their power to bring an end to the current suffering and lay the foundation for lasting peace with justice.
Read MoreEpisode 4 of Talks at the Desk features truth and power from the Rev. Christina Montgomery on the theme of Liberate. We also hear from a collection of other wise voices from Day 4 of the Reclaim gathering from September 2023. Reclaim featured workshops, praise and worship, shared meals and engaged conversations. We also share a highlight from last week in which Black Lutherans share their experiences of being part of a predominantly White church and discuss ways the Church can be more welcoming.
Read MoreThe third week of the 2024 ELCA World Hunger Lent Study focuses on "Christ crucified" and its call to confront systemic oppression. Highlighting Bethlehem Lutheran Church's Community Table in New Orleans, the study explores encountering God in crucifixion and community resilience. It challenges participants to see God's presence in suffering and to engage in acts of compassion and solidarity.
Read MoreFor peace among nations where war and violence rage, especially Palestine and Israel, Syria, Myanmar, Russia and Ukraine, and Sudan…
For cease-fires and for safe return of hostages…
For nations in political transition, including Italy and Palestine…
For safe and just resolution to protests in Nigeria, South Korea, and across Europe…
For those grieving Laken Hope Riley and for the Augusta University and University of Georgia campus communities…
For all experiencing unseasonable, unstable, and extreme weather across the United States…
For those battling wildfires, especially in Nebraska and Texas…
For safety, compassion, and welcome for refugees, asylum seekers, and all migrants…
For victims of hate crimes, violence, and abuse…
For medical professionals, researchers, and scientists…
This week's Faith Lens explores transitions in leadership, coinciding with the retirement of the respected editor, Rev. William H. King, affectionately known as Bill. Bill's tenure saw Faith Lens flourish, becoming a well-visited resource that connected scripture with current events. Welcoming Drew Tucker as the new editor, the post outlines the future of Faith Lens, promising the same valuable insights with a year-round publishing schedule and inclusion of personal reflection activities.
Read MoreFebruary's Advocacy Connections from the ELCA Advocacy office outlines critical updates on social justice initiatives, including the expansion of the Child Tax Credit, potential funding shortfalls for the WIC program, and legislative efforts to protect human rights defenders. The update also highlights ongoing advocacy for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and concerns over proposed changes to immigration law, emphasizing the ELCA's commitment to social justice and humanitarian aid.
Read MoreThe ELCA World Hunger's Lent Study for the second week focuses on the theme of Transfiguration, exploring how encounters with God, as demonstrated in Mark 9:2-9, inspire both spiritual and physical responses to injustice. Through stories like Ahmed's, a youth supported by Church World Service and ELCA World Hunger, the study urges a faith that not only transforms perception but also motivates action in the real world, especially in supporting vulnerable migrants.
Read MoreThe ELCA has revamped the Annual Congregation Report for 2024, consolidating it into a single, more readable form, Form A. This effort simplifies the reporting process, which is now open and accessible, aiding in our mission to understand and plan for the church's future. Your timely submission by March 1 enables us to assess our vitality and resources, so we invite you to contribute to this essential task. Access the easy to use forms and worksheets here.
Read MoreSeeds Monthly highlights new initiatives and celebrates Black History Month with stories, resources, and videos. Engage with a draft social statement on civic life and faith, explore Black Lutheran narratives, and mark your calendars for key ELCA events. Discover resources for peacekeeping, Lent, and advocacy opportunities, alongside job openings in global service.
Read MoreEpisode 3 of Talks at the Desk features a powerful sermon by the Rev. Solomon Missouri talking on Embody. In particular, he says bodily pleasure is not to be feared but rather can be seen as a form of prophecy. Check on this and more from Day 3 of the Reclaim gathering from September 2023. Reclaim featured workshops, praise and worship, shared meals and engaged conversations. We also share two highlights from last week: I am: Sharei Green and I am: Reclaimed.
Read MoreExplore the reflections of young people on what it means to be authentically created in God's image in the latest ELCA Youth Gathering Blog. Discover their personal stories and insights into being true to oneself, the importance of community support, and the empowerment found in authenticity.
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