A few months ago I was privileged to present a webinar on trauma-informed pastoral care (TIpC) for the Southeastern Synod.
One may wonder how trauma impacts our faith life and why LGBTQ+ people are in desperate need of a trauma-informed approach when seeking pastoral care.
Read MoreBeliever and non-believer. Educated and uneducated. Rich and poor. Democrat and Republican. Male and female… How numerous are the binaries with which we live!
In many ways 2020 was the year of binaries. Our world seems to be turning-in on itself. Yet we know we are inextricably connected.
Read MoreReflecting on the Day of Epiphany and events in Washington, Bishop Eaton asks that we consider our own epiphany, recognizing the brokenness of our country and how we can become part of the solution.
Read MoreGet to know Scott Peters, a member of Christ Lutheran Church, San Diego, and representative for California’s 52nd Congressional District. Peters shares about growing up in the church as a pastor’s kid, his vocational journey and his passion for environmental justice.
Read MoreBishop Eaton and the Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon, executive director of Churches for Middle East Peace and a pastor in the Evangelical Covenant Church, recently co-authored an op-ed published in Religion News Service.
Read MoreResponding to events at the U.S. Capitol, Bishop Eaton reminds us that “this is not a protest. This is not only breaking the law but it is a threat to our democracy.” We pray for peace and safety for all who are in harms way.
Read MoreDeja reflects on her international service year in the Argentina & Uruguay country program with Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM). If you are a young adult ages 21 to 29, you can apply for YAGM. The deadline to apply is Jan. 15, 2021, for service beginning in August 2021. Learn more at ELCA.org/YAGM.
Read MoreTony and Tabby reflect on their international service year in the Central Europe country program with Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM). If you are a young adult ages 21 to 29, you can apply for YAGM. The deadline to apply is Jan. 15, 2021, for service beginning in August 2021. Learn more at ELCA.org/YAGM.
Read MoreSometimes parents resist the news that their child is, or may be, autistic. Why do we need to label children so young? What good could possibly come of it?
As an autistic adult who was diagnosed at age 22, I wish my diagnosis had come much earlier in my life, because so much good has come of it. Getting diagnosed with autism is, quite simply, one of the best things that has ever happened to me.
Read MoreThe ELCA joined 16 Christian denominations and organizations in calling for the incoming Biden administration to change the course of U.S. policy and undertake renewed efforts to bring peace to the Holy Land.
The letter requests that the administration take six concrete steps to “build towards a future where human rights violations are ended and there is equality between Palestinians and Israelis.”
Read MoreAn earthquake, mass displacement, low-latitude tropical cyclones, COVID-19, a plague of locusts – 2020 has been a year of calamities in East Africa like no other. Among the most destructive and widespread for ELCA companions in the region was flooding, explored here in this letter by Daudi Msseemmaa.
Read MoreNative theologian Kelly Sherman-Conroy—a minister of social justice and advocacy for children, youth and family—shares a reflection on her experience serving as convener of the Twin Cities Movement Chaplains, part of a Living Lutheran series focusing on the personal stories of the ways in which Lutherans are striving for racial justice in the world today.
Read MoreNiveen Sarras, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wausau, Wis., was born and raised in Bethlehem. In Living Lutheran, she shares a Palestinian interpretation of the nativity.
“The nativity of Jesus Christ was a subversive attack on Rome’s imperial power and unjust peace. Jesus’ birth stands against all kinds of systemic injustices and military occupation. It is a message of solidarity with the disadvantaged.”
Read MoreIn March, I didn’t imagine we’d be grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic at Christmastime. On top of the usual challenges and joys of the season, grief and uncertainty from this pandemic may weigh heavily.
Yet, I keep watching my children, who show me Christmas is still coming, Jesus will still be born and the light of the world will not be extinguished.
Read MoreEnsuring that children have access to education and educational support, though, is a difficult goal to reach, and the COVID-19 pandemic has created even more obstacles for communities in need.
In Romania, the Evangelical Parish in Sibu has been hard at work adapting to these new challenges.
Read MoreFrom our family to yours, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and blessings in the New Year!
Read all the latest LSSN updates in their December 2020 newsletter.
Read MoreThis Christmas, we might find ourselves not at the inn but in the stable, sitting by the manger next to Mary. Waiting for her world, our world, to be changed, even to be reborn. Indeed, it’s time for new.
In Living Lutheran’s December issue, we are given the opportunity to ponder with Mary the time, coiled with tension, between “How can this be?” and “Nothing is impossible with God.” Click here to read the piece; the study guide is available here.
Read MoreThere is no more appropriate time for us to say Thank You and to express to you and yours every happiness in this beautiful season and throughout the coming year.
Read the full holiday newsletter from Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission (NELM).
Read MoreWe hope that everyone in our Cal Lutheran community finds moments of hope and peace this season.
Visit our site to experience the beauty of our talented students performing their annual Christmas concert virtually.
Read MoreThis year has challenged all of us — some have adapted to new learning environments, some to new workspaces and others to new methods of worshiping and communicating.
May you and your loved ones feel the presence of God’s boundless love in your homes and communities in this season and always.
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