During this anniversary year, marking a half century of Lutheran women being ordained in the United States, give thanks for the gifts and service that women pastors have brought to our church and our world; lament that women have been barred from serving and have been bullied, dismissed and excluded; ask forgiveness; and resolve that we will welcome, encourage and respect women of all ages and backgrounds as they respond to God’s call to ministry and service.
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 MoreFor those involved in the Beginning a Culture of Generosity fall stewardship program, the second session is available here for those who missed it or are curious about the program.
Because this program is intended for registered BCG participants, recorded sessions will only be available for about 4-6 weeks following each session. Contact Deb Elstad, 3E Associate Director, deb.elstad@gmail.com, if your congregation wants to benefit from this one-time-only program.
Read MoreRemember in prayer our siblings in Christ and companions in Latin America and the Caribbean region. Pray that we will support each other ― through prayer, generosity and sharing of resources ― to spread the gospel, train and support leaders, respond to the needs of communities, work for justice and grow the church.
Read MoreAs part of the ELCA’s Resourceful Servants initiative, we remind rostered ministers about Lutheran Social Service Financial Counseling, which offers a full range of financial services that empower you to conquer debt through tangible steps and personal guidance.
Read MoreJoin us on September 9, 11 am, as we hear from Sarah Jackson, founder of Casa de Paz and author of The House That Love Built, who transformed her life and the lives of thousands when she asked herself a powerful coaching question, "What if I said yes?"
Links to upcoming sessions and archives of past sessions can be found at https://www.elcacoaching.org/.
Read MorePray that the Spirit might help us understand and follow the ways and commandments of God for the well-being of humanity, and that our life together might shine with justice, compassion, unity, care for those who suffer and a vibrant faith in Jesus Christ.
Read MorePray for farmers, ranchers and agricultural workers as they struggle through the pandemic. Ask God to bless every aspect of their work, from planning and planting to tending crops and animals to harvesting and distributing their bounty, which feeds the world.
Read MoreConflict and hurtful actions are part of our human nature and experience — in the church, in society and in the world. Ask God to grant us humility, concern for one another and, when there is conflict, the courage to foreswear vengeance, engage each other and work toward truth, understanding, reconciliation and unity.
Read MorePray that, as Election Day grows closer, our conversations, deliberations and decisions will be guided by our faith, the teachings of Jesus, and our concern for justice, reconciliation, unity and the well-being of all people and communities.
Read MoreIn the name of the God who creates every human being out of love, and remembering the ELCA social teaching that “the God who justifies expects all people to do justice,” pray that more Christians will enter into public conversation about and take action to safeguard the dignity due to all children of God.
Read MoreThe next session for Beginning a Culture of Generosity, An Effective, Inspiring Stewardship Appeal, is Saturday, 9/5/2020, at 9 am. Need to review the first session? It’s available here for those who missed it or are curious about the program.
Contact Deb Elstad, 3E Associate Director, deb.elstad@gmail.com, if your congregation wants to be with the 25 other congregations who are benefiting from this one-time-only program during these unique times.
Read MoreThere is no better time than right now for us to hold on to what is good, treat one another with respect, extend hospitality to strangers and those different from ourselves, seek peace, and care for our neighbors, including our enemies. Pray for strength, empathy, compassion and boldness in our faith and daily life as we follow Jesus.
Read MoreSeptember often marks a time of beginning, with students starting school, congregations launching programs and creation transitioning into a new season. But due to the pandemic, this year is different, presenting challenges we have not faced before. Pray that the Spirit will grant us wisdom, creativity and patience as we seek new ways of being church together, attend to the needs of children and youth, care for one another and fight the spread of COVID-19.
Read MoreTwo Savings Matching programs through the ELCA’s Resourceful Servants initiative address financial challenges being experienced by rostered ministers, namely a lack of emergency savings and a lack of retirement savings.
These programs partner with rostered ministers to encourage a habit of saving by providing matching funding to more rapidly grow savings and retirement accounts. The due date to complete the process is October 15, 2020.
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.
Drawing on her experiences of simple and powerful ritual in her own life's apprenticeship with sorrow, Rev. Solveig Nilsen-Goodin will begin a six-month series on the sacred work of grief (the first Wednesday of each month, September through February).
Read MoreGive thanks and take comfort in knowing that God is trustworthy and unwavering in remembering and accompanying us every moment of our lives — in our joy, suffering and complicated situations.
Read MorePray for synod leaders and committees as they carefully plan assemblies rescheduled for this fall or next year. Remember that our strength and unity in Christ transcend traditional places, methods or times of gathering — we are the church, the body of Christ, in every setting and circumstance.
Read MoreAs we begin a month of Season of Creation devotions, we encourage you to visit the ELCA’s advocacy for the environment page, which highlights many ways to learn and take action.
Read MoreGive thanks that we have been transformed and made new through God’s love for us and our baptism in Jesus Christ. Pray that the living word of Jesus will guide our baptismal journeys so that we extend hospitality to strangers, love and serve our neighbor, overcome evil with good, accompany people who are suffering and in pain, and disavow vengeance and hate.
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