Pray for the leaders, voting members and others gathered for the Southeastern Iowa Synod Assembly and
participating in online sessions, that the Spirit will strengthen, guide and encourage them in choosing leaders, proclaiming the gospel, growing the church, serving our neighbor and doing God’s work in an ever-changing world.
Minnesota Public Radio provides an interview with Dr. Michael Osterholm. A message he’s been repeating lately is the importance of aerosol transmission and good circulation in buildings. Listen or read here.
We also encourage you to listen to his weekly podcasts. In the latest episode, "No Time to Rest," Dr. Osterholm highlights vaccine safety, face shields, and how to respond effectively to misinformation. His two-part series on reopening schools has resonance to reopening churches (parts one and two).
Read MoreCreating an environment with financial controls and best practices ensures that the resources entrusted to the church are handled in the best possible ways.
The presentation “Financial Best Practices for Congregations” highlights key aspects of separating financial duties, safeguarding offerings and handling expenditures.
Read MoreThe Weekly Online Gathering for ELCA Leaders continues every Wednesday, 1 pm Central, 11am MST. Links to the meeting at elcacoaching.org as well as archives.
Pastor Mary Martha Kannass with young adults of Hephatha Lutheran, Milwaukee joins us in this Wednesday’s online gathering, Wednesday, August 12, 2020.
Read MoreAsk the Spirit to help us be bold and articulate in sharing who God is, what God has done and what God is doing in the world for the sake of all people.
Read MoreDue to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Young Adults in Global Mission program will not be sending out volunteers this year. Give thanks for young adults who have volunteered for global service over the years, and pray that the Spirit will guide the Young Adults in Global Mission program as it prepares to continue its work and ministry alongside our global companions.
Read MoreThe Weekly Online Gathering for ELCA Leaders continues every Wednesday, 1 pm Central, 11am MST. Links to the meeting at elcacoaching.org as well as archives.
On August 5, we are thrilled to have Rev. Robin McCullough-Bade and Rev. Brenda K. Smith with us in "Naming our Laments and Recognizing our Resiliency."
Read MorePray that we will not be too inhibited to wrestle with God and God’s Word, or to have candid conversations with God, and that the Spirit will deepen our trust in God’s love, concern, forgiveness and patience with us.
Read MoreGive thanks for artists and craftspeople who share their creative gifts and perspectives, arousing our joy,
wonder, reflection and appreciation of life.
Pray that the story of Jesus feeding the hungry crowd will inspire us to be compassionate and generous,
and that, individually and together, we will be able and equipped to respond to the needs of our neighbor.
Pray for open hearts and minds, that we might reflect prayerfully on our church, society, institutions, laws, traditions and selves, seeking meaningful change and reform to combat racism and white supremacy wherever they exist, perpetuate injustice or influence us.
Read MoreThese petitions are offered as guides to prayer for the global, social and outreach ministries of the ELCA, as well as for the needs and circumstances of our neighbors, communities and world. Thank you for your continued prayers for the life and mission of this church. Download a Word doc, or PDF for letter size printout or legal size printout, or view the ELCA resource page.
Read MoreLift up in prayer our neighbors who are unemployed or underemployed and seek safe, meaningful work that will help them develop self-sufficiency and confidence and meet the needs of the people for whom they provide care, assistance and support.
Read MoreThe Weekly Online Gathering for ELCA Leaders continues every Wednesday, 1 pm Central, 11am MST. Links to the meeting at elcacoaching.org as well as archives.
Pastora Irma Bañales leads us through Expressing and Mourning our Grief in this Wednesday’s online gathering, Wednesday, August 5, 2020. She is the DEM for the Northern Texas-Northern Louisiana Synod, and will be with us the first Wednesday of each month through 2020.
Read MoreGive thanks for the special gifts, skills and minds of scientists, researchers and explorers who strive to better understand creation, improve the human condition, solve complex problems that cause us suffering, and restore and steward creation with a long view of sustaining future generations. Pray that they will make wise, responsible and just use of their research and discoveries for the well-being of all people and our planet.
Read MorePraise God for the joy and reassurance of knowing that there is nothing ― absolutely nothing ― that can separate us from God’s love in Jesus Christ.
Read MoreWhat gives you cause for happiness and hope these days? Give thanks and praise to God for desiring joy,
healing, renewed life and freedom for us and all humanity.
Being Church, Weekly Online Gathering for ELCA Leaders, Wednesdays, 11am MST. Links to the meeting at https://www.elcacoaching.org/. We look forward to hosting Sister Kelly Marciales, ELCA Community Organizing Program Coordinator and Director of the Organizing for Mission Network, on July 29.
Read MorePray that we will continue turning to and prayerfully studying Scripture ― individually and together. Pray that doing so will strengthen and deepen our faith, comfort and encourage us, guide us in loving our neighbor, and be a source of joy and thanksgiving.
Read MoreHow do you envision and understand the kingdom of heaven? Pray that we might stay well-rooted in Scripture and the teachings of Christ to better understand the kingdom of heaven, and to be cautious in embracing
cultural myths, traditions handed down and false promises about the kingdom of God.
