Continue to pray for immigrants and refugees, who often experience daunting challenges and loneliness as they pursue sanctuary and a welcoming place to rebuild their lives in this country. Give thanks for the work of congregations, synods, individuals and agencies in welcoming and accompanying immigrants and refugees as part of the ELCA’s AMMPARO strategy (Accompanying Migrant Minors with Protection, Advocacy, Representation and Opportunities).
Read MoreLive from Omaha, Neb., it’s Sunday worship from Kountze Memorial Lutheran Church! Since 1962, this congregation has broadcast its Sunday service on cable TV.
Not all congregations can have a TV program, but many have technology ministries, whether they have purchased equipment and fully wired the church, project the hymns on big screens or post simple videos to a Facebook page.
Read MoreWe are “God’s servants, working together” for the sake of the world, sharing the gospel and growing the church. Pray that we will be of one mind and spirit as God’s humble servants, and that we will see accomplishments, growth and change as the result of God’s presence and power working through us.
Read MoreHow does the digital era both help and hinder our spiritual development? How can Lutherans leverage digital technology’s attributes—and respond to its challenges?
These were the questions Living Lutheran put forward to three ELCA experts on the topic, who guide us through the complex relationship between our spiritual lives and technology by offering their responses here.
Read MoreStewardship is more than annual pledge cards, balanced budgets and financial responses to God’s love ― it’s a way of life. Pray that we will recognize and give thanks for the breadth of resources and assets ― time, talents, possessions and money ― God has entrusted to our care as individuals, families and congregations, and that we will discover ways of using everything we have to live out God’s call to love God and our neighbors.
Read MoreThese reflections are a part of ELCA World Hunger’s Sermon Starter series which is published via email every Monday. You can sign up for the weekly email here on the right side of the page if on a computer or near the bottom of the page if viewing from a phone. You are invited to use the message below for personal devotion as well as prompts for sermon writing.
Read MoreActive and retired rostered leaders are invited to connect directly with Bishop Hutterer via the annual Report to the Bishop. She looks forward to your responses and feedback. Every report will be read by Bishop Hutterer, and you will receive a response.
Completion of this required report is one of the commitments rostered leaders are invited to make upon entering the synod. The report is due by March 27, 2020, and can be found at gcsynod.org/rlreport.
Read MoreGive thanks for the happiness we experience when we walk in the ways and wisdom of God.
Read MoreGive thanks for ELCA Global Mission programs, relationships, opportunities and partnerships with global companions that bring us together as the body of Christ for doing God’s work in the world.
Read MorePray for our president, legislators and other public servants, that their decisions and actions will be guided by a spirit of compassion and justice, a commitment to peacemaking and building relationships globally, and a determination to work across ideologies and political divisions for the well-being of our communities and of people in need.
Read MoreTrusting in God’s grace and forgiveness, pray that we will be repentant and humble when we consider our daily actions, words and thoughts, as well as what we fail to do. Ask God to redirect our lives so we might follow God’s ways and commandments, resist comparing ourselves to others and avoid citing cultural norms to rationalize contrary behavior.
Read MorePray that we will take to heart Jesus’ teachings that love is not weakness and that power does not equal force or superiority. Pray that we will follow Jesus’ example by being humble, loving servants in the world and will trust in the power of the Holy Spirit at work in us and through us.
Read MoreAmid our worries and turmoil, we ask for God’s help in seeking freedom for the oppressed, sharing our food resources with the hungry, sheltering the homeless and attending to the cries of people in poverty.
Read MoreFour of our first call pastors—Pastors Nannette Christofferson, David Sivecz, Mateo Chaves, Abel Arroyo—joined Pastor Jacqui Pagel and 48 other newly-rostered pastors and deacons at the Mercy Center in Burlingame, CA. This conference covered the topic of conflict and encouraged participants to use better language, self-reflection, and continued dialogue to strengthen our congregations and be better church together.
Read MoreThe light and warmth of God’s love is welcome nourishment for our faith and spirit. Pray that God’s love will move us to provide both spiritual and physical light, warmth and shelter for people who long for hope and relief during these dark, cold days of winter.
Read MoreGive praise and thanks to God for being our light and strength throughout our baptismal journey of following God’s ways; for being generous, merciful and compassionate; and for sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.
Read MorePray for church leaders as they gather for the Ignite the Church Conference in Orlando, Fla., an annual event that fosters conversation among leaders and inspires the church to live out its tradition of renewal.
Read MoreELCA Young Adult Ministry offers inspiration, opportunities and resources to young people aged 18 to 30. Pray for churchwide staff and leaders across the church as they work with young adults to form faith, discover identity and gifts, discern vocation and develop servant leadership.
Read MoreAs children of God, we are the salt of the earth and light of the world, bearing witness to God’s love and mercy. Pray that we will understand how our good works, words and faith — even when unseen or unappreciated in our lifetime — can have profound, far-reaching impact.
Read MoreGive thanks for pastors and seminary students who respond to God’s call to serve as federal chaplains, ministering to inmates and staff at federal prisons and to staff, patients and their family members at Veterans Affairs medical centers.
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