On Saint Francis of Assisi Day many congregations observe blessing of the animals. In her weekly video, Bishop Eaton is joined by Toby the Ferret to share how St. Francis’ connection with animals and the natural world helps us understand that all of creation if precious to God.
Read MoreBishop Eaton addresses the importance of voting during an uneasy and important time in our nation. More resources available at ELCA.org/civicengagement.
Read MoreJesus said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me.” Join us as Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton addresses what this call means for our church and for our nation.
Read MoreBishop Eaton shares a letter in solidarity with one of our ecumenical partners, the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, who has requested our prayers and support amid the increased hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Read MoreI have started to notice a sense of distance between myself and others. My heart sometimes feels like rubber, and human interaction, virtual or otherwise, bounces away, without a sense of connection.
It’s easy for me to go through my days trying to camouflage my way through any interaction. I move quickly, avoiding potentially hazardous strangers, anxious about six feet of distance, camouflaged behind a mask and caution.
Read MoreIn her September column for Living Lutheran, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton reflects on the uncertain times that we find ourselves in during the pandemic. But she believes we are on the brink of a “new thing that God is bringing about.” Are we ready to answer God’s call?
Read this Living Lutheran column in Spanish at https://bit.ly/2H5pWcT.
Read MoreIn this video, Bishop Eaton renews our commitment to the Shoulder to Shoulder Campaign, created ten years ago to eradicate anti-Muslim bigotry and violence.
Read MoreMy husband left the bathtub spigot running one day in late March. As he read the latest COVID-19 news on his phone, he forgot the water was running until a half hour had passed—a stealthy, wet destroyer.
I dwell in God in a permanent state of not-quite-finished. Read the full article in Living Lutheran.
Read MoreI encourage every congregation and ministry of our synod to take advantage of this disorienting time to intentionally ask God questions.
For the life of God’s beloved world, how can we more fully become the church the Spirit needs us to be? As the Body of Christ in our time and place, what conversations, partners, and resources help us explore the future we are being called to embrace?
Read MoreNow more than ever people are searching for meaning in life. In her weekly message, Bishop Eaton says that our mission as this church is to invite people into the way of Jesus, to show them they are loved and that there is purpose in life.
Read MoreAs the Associate to the Bishop for Candidacy and Faith Formation, I have one of the best jobs. Most of my time is spent building relationships with people to develop good leaders. I get to do my most favorite thing…talk!
It was with great joy that I recently participated in a few workshops: the Faithful Innovative Learning Communities program from Luther Seminary, and the Growing Young program from Fuller Seminary.
Read MorePastor Gary McCluskey provides us an update on a season of Lutheran Campus Ministry unlike any other.
Read MoreThe origins of Labor Day, established as a federal holiday in 1894, lie in the labor movement's persistent organizing for the rights and recognition of American workers.
This year's impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the heroics and faithfulness of the many we now know to be essential workers.
Read MoreIn a special message for Labor Day, Bishop Eaton reminds us to give thanks for all workers but pay special tribute to those essential workers for their contributions to our country’s well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read MoreThe question of exactly who is our neighbor is critically important in a time when the Oikoumene, the whole inhabited earth, is infected and affected by COVID-19, racism, and injustice.
For help, we can look to the recently issued joint document of the WCC)and PCID, “Serving a Wounded World in Interreligious Solidarity: A Christian Call to Reflection and Action During COVID-19 and Beyond.”
Read MoreWe continue our 50·40·10 celebration with a message from Eileen Ruppel-Doan, Master Divinity Student, United Lutheran Seminary. Ruppel-Doan shares her appreciation of growing up blessed with female pastors her entire life.
Read MoreMichaela Shelly writes, “Walking off of the Mass Gathering stage after speaking at the 2018 ELCA Youth Gathering, I don’t think I fully understood the magnitude of what I had just done. I stood up on stage to show others how you can take some of your worst moments, such as my terminal diagnosis, and use them to help remind others they do not have to feel alone in all of this.”
In this post, read her letter and watch her heartfelt Youth Gathering talk. Read her blog here.
Read MoreBishop Mark W. Holmerud, with the Sierra Pacific synod, writes this letter on the recent incomprehensible weather events.
Read MoreIn her weekly message, Bishop Eaton addresses the weariness of being church during pandemic amongst many storms around us, and offers a prayer.
Read MoreWhen I was 10 years old, I was in a community theater’s production of the musical Peter Pan. I was apart of the chorus, a lost boy who would run around the stage with twigs in my hair, a wooden sword in my hand, singing about flying to Neverland. This play gave me a taste for fantasy.
The author of A Wrinkle in Time, Madeleine L’Engle talks of fantasy being a guide to truth. She said; “Fantasy goes beyond easy possibilities to the possibilities that are much harder which open us and push us.”
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