In this Pivot Podcast, discover a fresh approach to church community building through the concept of "rewilding" with Steve Aisthorpe, author of "Rewilding the Church."
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New ELCA Worship resources are now available, including liturgies for wildfires and hurricanes, newly released Arabic-language worship resources, and guidance on ethical music choices. Plus, explore upcoming Music That Makes Community events, new Lenten devotionals, and a worship planning handbook. Stay informed with the latest worship updates and resources—read the full newsletter here.
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On Sunday, Sept. 7, ELCA congregations will come together for “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday, an annual day of service celebrating our call to love and serve our neighbors. Whether through food drives, community clean-ups, or acts of care, this is an opportunity to put faith into action. If your congregation can’t participate on Sept. 7, choose another date—service is ongoing! Visit ELCA.org/DayOfService for resources and inspiration. Mark your calendar and join us in serving our communities!
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Looking for ways to strengthen your ministry leadership this spring? Thriving Leadership Formation is offering interactive workshops, a team-building Enneagram series, and weekly Lectio Divina sessions to help ministry leaders deepen trust, improve communication, and sustain their mission. With no-cost and low-cost options, these programs are ideal for church teams, councils, and synod staff. Pre-registration is required—sign up today! bit.ly/EventsTLF
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Rostered ministers, it’s time to complete your annual Report to the Bishop! Reports are due by March 1, 2025 and are an opportunity to connect directly with Bishop Hutterer. All submissions will be carefully reviewed, and each minister will receive a personal response. Forms are available online or as downloadable Word documents. Visit gcsynod.org/rostered-minister-report for full details.
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The Annual Congregation Report (Form A) portal is now open, and all congregations are asked to complete their reports by March 1, 2025. This year’s updated system makes reporting easier, with previous year data displayed, built-in instructions, and forms available in English and Spanish. To access the portal, visit ELCA.org/congregationreport using your congregation’s ID and password. If you didn’t receive this information, contact the Office of the Bishop. Your participation helps shape the future of our synod and the wider church—thank you for being part of this important work!
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Discover new ways to connect with your neighbors in a free webinar on Tuesday, February 25th, led by Dave Male, Director of Evangelism and Discipleship for the Church of England. Explore practical tools and spiritual practices to build genuine relationships and foster discipleship in today’s changing world. Learn more and register: faithlead.org/workshop/beyond-the-walls
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In this Pivot Podcast, join Rev. Canon Dave Male, Co-Director of Vision and Strategy for the Church of England, as he shares practical ways to build authentic relationships in your neighborhood.
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Is your congregation prepared for a crisis? A Seattle church recently experienced a disruption during worship, underscoring the importance of having a crisis communications plan in place before it’s needed. The ELCA Strategic Communications team has released best practices and planning guides to help congregations prepare for emergencies, ensure clear communication, and work with local partners. Read more and download the full crisis planning resources to protect your congregation.
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Join ELCA Coaching’s third-Wednesday gatherings through 2025 to cultivate connection, courage, and care in faith. Facilitated by Jen Kunka and Rev. Carlton Rodgers, these unrecorded sessions provide a sacred space for healing and reflection. Whether you see yourself as a leader or simply seek community, all are welcome. Lean into the risk of belonging—nobody journeys alone. For more details and additional weekly sessions, visit ELCA Coaching.
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February brings a wealth of opportunities for worship leaders, musicians, and faith communities. From Music That Makes Community’s singing workshops to the Institute of Liturgical Studies’ conference on rites of passage, these events offer learning and inspiration. The Lutheran Summer Music Academy seeks young musicians, while the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians provides training and networking for church musicians. Looking ahead to Lent, Augsburg Fortress has released Life Renewed: Devotions for Lent 2025. Discover more about these events and resources in this month’s ELCA Worship update: Read more here.
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Rostered ministers, it’s time to complete your annual Report to the Bishop! Reports are due by March 1, 2025 and are an opportunity to connect directly with Bishop Hutterer. All submissions will be carefully reviewed, and each minister will receive a personal response. Forms are available online or as downloadable Word documents. Visit gcsynod.org/rostered-minister-report for full details.
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In the latest Pivot podcast, Dr. Harvey Kwiyani shares how African Christians are successfully reaching secular Western societies in ways that traditional Western churches haven't.
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Join ELCA Coaching’s yearlong journey through Custer Died for Your Sins: An Indian Manifesto by Vine Deloria Jr. Engage in monthly discussions on the second Wednesday of each month in 2025, exploring Indigenous wisdom, truth, and healing. Facilitated by Rev. Solveig Nilsen-Goodin and Jason O’Neill, these gatherings are open to all. Visit ELCA Coaching for details and past recordings.
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Prepare your congregation for Lent with free resources from ELCA World Hunger! From an action guide to a Lent devotional calendar and a five-session study, these tools will inspire reflection and action as we journey together to end hunger. Download or order resources today at ELCA.org/hunger/resources and learn how your congregation can make a difference this season.
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Discover new ways to connect with your neighbors in a free webinar on Tuesday, February 25th, led by Dave Male, Director of Evangelism and Discipleship for the Church of England. Explore practical tools and spiritual practices to build genuine relationships and foster discipleship in today’s changing world. Learn more and register: faithlead.org/workshop/beyond-the-walls
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Curious about chaplaincy in the ELCA? Join the Seminaries of the ELCA and the ELCA Chaplain Corps for a virtual Fireside Chat on Thursday, February 13, 2025. Explore what it means to serve as a chaplain and discover pathways to this vital ministry. The Zoom event begins at 7 pm CST. Register now to secure your spot.
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Dr. Dee Stokes and Rev. Dr. Adam White share groundbreaking insights from their research on what makes preaching truly compelling in the latest Pivot podcast, also featuring our synod’s Pastor Katie Langston.
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In the latest news from ELCA Congregational Stewardship, Rev. Tim Brown shares a letter, as well as upcoming events, stewardship resources, and stewardship in the text.
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What does it mean to steward the Christian faith in the 21st century? Terri Martinson Elton’s article, “The Future of Congregations: Cruciform Communities of Hope,” invites congregations to embrace their calling as living communities of faith, hope, and love. Explore how shifting from programs to practices can transform congregational life, foster relationships, and create a vibrant Christian witness. Read more on our blog.
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