In the latest devotional series from ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellows, Frances Dobbs reflects on the biblical values that should be embodied by leaders, drawing on Ephesians 3 and other scriptures. Justice, kindness, and humility are highlighted as key virtues, with the ultimate exemplar found in Christ. Dobbs underscores the importance of these values for those in authority, emphasizing that true leadership is marked by a commitment to the poor and a heart oriented towards God's justice.
Read MoreIn a compelling piece for Black History Month, Seminarian Clair Minson reflects on the significance of this observance, rooted in Dr. Carter G. Woodson's initiative to educate African Americans about their heritage. Minson emphasizes the transformative power of understanding one's history, paralleling the importance of biblical stories in nurturing faith. Black History Month, for Minson, is a call to remember the resilience and contributions of African Americans, urging a reevaluation of its meaning within our faith communities and a commitment to honor and value the lives of people of African descent.
Read MoreIn this video available for sharing with your ministries and congregations, Bishop Hutterer invites synod members to join the 40-day Lenten Challenge, marking ELCA World Hunger's 50th year. Participants are encouraged to engage in daily devotion, discipline, decluttering, and donations to ELCA World Hunger.
This initiative reflects on Lent's spirit, fostering connection and awareness of global hunger. The challenge aims to surpass last year's engagement, competing with partner Synods for the most participants. For details and to join, visit lentenchallenge.org.
Read MoreWilliam Milner's ELCA Advocacy blog post calls for political leaders who address the pivotal concerns of young voters, such as the Israel-Gaza conflict, student debt relief, gun violence, and equitable education funding. It emphasizes the significant electoral potential of Gen Z and young millennials, urging them to support candidates that resonate with their vision for social justice and a progressive society. Read more at ELCA.org.
Read MoreCelebrate Black History Month with season three of “Talks at the Desk,” a four-part video series by African Descent Ministries of the ELCA. This season focuses on the Reclaim Gathering and will explore its themes: reclaim, embolden, embody and liberate. A new video will premiere each Wednesday in February at 6:30pm MST, 5:30pm PST, beginning 2/7/2024. Watch live at youtube.com/ELCA, and view the trailer in this post.
Read MoreIn her poignant reflection, Autumn Byars, an ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellow with the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Arizona, part of our Grand Canyon Synod, calls for a disruption in the exhausting cycles of the federal election process through the power of compassion. Byars challenges candidates and constituents alike to approach the political arena with understanding and grace, fostering solutions grounded in our shared humanity rather than divisive rhetoric.
Read MoreIn the spirit of advocating for peace, the Lutheran Office for World Community (LOWC) participates in weekly prayers at the Church Center for the United Nations. Recently, they joined in reflection with the Flame of Hope organization, honoring a flame from Hiroshima as a symbol of transformation and peace.
This devotional from ELCA Advocacy at ELCA.org emphasizes the need for brave leaders who pursue peace and resist violence. As we remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy, LOWC calls for leadership committed to understanding, action, and the illumination of hope, transforming our world into one of justice and peace for all.
Read MoreFollowing the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. on April 4, 1968, The Lutheran ran this article in its May 8, 1968, edition. The piece is a first-person account by then-Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago student Harold Wesley Varner, who was feet away from King when he was killed. Varner, who died in 1996, served as a Lutheran pastor in the 1960s and 1970s.
Read MoreIn recognition of the National Day of Racial Healing, Rev. Jennifer Thomas reflects on her ongoing journey to address white supremacy and racial justice. A proponent of continuous learning, Rev. Thomas emphasizes the importance of understanding and actively working against the structures that harm our global neighbors.
She shares insights from her involvement with the ELCA's racial justice initiatives and invites others of European descent within the ELCA to join in the anti-racism efforts. Discover more about the ELCA's Truth and Healing Movement and find resources to support your congregation's journey towards racial equity.
Read MoreIn a recent ELCA Advocacy blog post, Quentin Bernhard reflects on the complexity of praying for elected leaders amidst political polarization. He shares insights from a Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania workshop, discussing the importance of seeing everyone as fully human and loved by God, despite differing views. This devotion is a call to open our hearts and minds, and act as agents of change in God's world. Discover the full reflection and join the conversation on depolarization as an act of discipleship at ELCA Advocacy's blog.
Read MoreAs this year draws to a close, I continue to be surprised and delighted by the spirit of generosity and commitment that is present throughout our church community. Your support and dedication have been the bedrock of our many achievements in 2023.
Read More“When God created the seventh day, God did not rest because God did all the work of creation in the six days prior. God rested because rest is intrinsically built in the rhythm of life. That means, if we choose Sunday to be the seventh day, then no matter what happened the past week, whether we fall to illness, or lose track of time, or projects and schedules fail in the many ways they often do, we still must rest. Rest allows us to be human, understanding that production may not work the way we need it to, but days of work will always come back around.”
Read MoreWhat is your response when someone asks, “Where are you from?” Mine is a joke and reality. I often reply with my Eswatini accent, “I am from Decorah, Iowa.” I was raised in Eswatini, attended Luther College in Decorah and Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minn., and am now a Lutheran pastor in Jersey City, N.J. For most people in America, “Where are you from?” is a tricky question. We need a different question if we are to be hospitable to one another.
Read More“O Little Town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie.” If you’re like me, when we enter the liminal season of Advent, this is the song that slows me down to a time of waiting and reflection. I imagine the quiet of Bethlehem, a world waiting for the birth of Jesus, waiting for the profound message of peace and reconciliation he brought into our world.
With the world, we are still waiting.
Read MoreThe Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem have issued a statement for the upcoming Advent and Christmas season amidst the ongoing war. They urge congregations to focus on the spiritual essence of these holy seasons, calling for a shift away from grand festive activities to a more contemplative and prayerful observance. The statement emphasizes solidarity with those affected by the war, advocating for prayer, support, and generous contributions to aid war victims. Read the full statement here.
Read MoreAs you gather this Thanksgiving season with friends and family—whether they be relatives or connections as family in Christ—I want to express my deep gratitude to each congregation and individual for your support and commitment to our mission as church together. Through prayer, presence, and financial gifts, your generous support has allowed the Grand Canyon Synod to accomplish so much this year. I am continually inspired by the way you live the call to love God and serve our neighbor.
Read MoreRead 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.
Read MoreConfronting the heartbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict, the ELCA urges a compassionate Christian response through the lenses of scarcity, abundance, and faith. Dr. Peter N. McLellan calls us to witness the suffering and respond with abundant life, extending beyond the political divides and into a realm of shared humanity. Discover ways to support, learn, and advocate for peace and justice in this time of crisis.
Read MoreBishop Eaton addresses the hatred and violence toward Arab, Muslim, and Jewish people in the U.S., acknowledges the grief and trauma of Jews and Palestinians, and offers ways that we can support our Palestinian members and our neighbors.
Read MoreAs Maine is added to the list of places that have experienced a mass shooting, we in the New England Synod raise our voices with the psalmist to cry out, “How long, O Lord? How long?” How much longer will gun violence ravage lives and rip apart communities?
We also lift up prayers for those affected by this tragedy in Lewiston. Those who have lost loved ones, are injured or in pain, as well as those who are tasked with the difficult work of helping to heal: first responders, medical personnel, chaplains, clergy, funeral directors, crime scene investigators, law enforcement officers, trauma counselors and more. We pray for them and all those affected.
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