Have you or your worshipping community ever encountered a tough problem and found yourselves unable to come up with a solution? Then design thinking might be able to help! Design thinking is being used every day by global companies, top universities and people around the world to help solve big challenges.
Read MoreGive thanks for the self-sacrificing generosity of people who demonstrate their gratefulness for God’s gift of life and their concern for their neighbors’ well-being by donating blood, plasma and even organs.
Read MoreMaximizing Social Media for Congregations, presented by Pastor Charles Newman and Melanie Moscicki of Crossroads Lutheran in San Tan Valley, is available for viewing on Vimeo or in this post. You can also view the Powerpoint presentation file.
We are grateful for the real-world expertise from the leaders at Crossroads, who are continually refining their digital presence.
Read MoreLydia, Dorcas and Phoebe, witnesses to the faith Praise God for the witness and ministry of women of the early church. Give thanks for women of all ages and backgrounds who, responding to God’s call, continue to use their gifts, life experiences, knowledge and passions to grow the church, serve all people and be bearers of hope and healing in the world.
Read MoreWe’ve developed a resource page on digital video, at gcsynod.org/video. We request video from people fairly often, and this page is a resource of tips and tricks for filming and transferring quality video.
If you have any tips, please contact Brian Flatgard, bflatgard@gcsynod.org, and we’ll put it in the mix.
Read MoreWhen, like Jonah, we are reluctant to forgive, practice mercy or share the gospel with those we deem undeserving, ask the Spirit to help us discern God’s ways, grace and mercy for all people, and to act boldly without personal bias.
Read MoreTheft and embezzlement are scary topics. You probably don’t want to think about them at all but knowing the warning signs to watch out for and taking steps to protect your organization can go a long way. Read more at churchmutual.com.
Read MorePray for ministries, nonprofit organizations and agencies that serve the daily needs of communities, families and individuals; pursue justice and equity; build resilience to cope with disasters and crises; accompany immigrants and refugees; and bring the hope and love of Christ where there is despair and weariness.
Read MoreIn Scripture we read about Jesus’ simple, personal and compelling invitations to Simon, Andrew, James, John and the other disciples to drop everything and follow him. Pray that when God calls us to follow and serve, we will respond with faith and trust, even if we do not yet know where God is leading us or what God is calling us to do.
Read MorePraise God that, as small and insignificant as we might be in the vast universe, we are wonderfully made and God knows every little thing about us and our human ways.
Read MorePray for reconciliation, understanding and renewal in our divided nation so that we might work together for justice, compassion and generosity, serving our neighbors in need and the well-being of our communities as they struggle with vexing, deep-rooted problems. Ask the Spirit to inspire and guide our lives so that our values, decisions, actions and words reflect the gospel, the teachings of Jesus and the ways of God, who is good, gracious, merciful and just.
Read MorePray for the ELCA World Hunger Leadership Gathering, an online event happening right now that gathers ELCA World Hunger leaders for learning, networking, sharing ideas and planning for our common ministry to address hunger and its root causes.
Read MoreWe invite you to study, pray, reflect and give with us during ELCA World Hunger’s 40 Days of Giving — for our families, our neighbors and communities around the world.
Order or download a week-by-week guide for congregational leaders to make it easier to engage your congregation in ELCA World Hunger’s 40 Days of Giving.
Read MoreInauguration Day As members of society and the church who represent varied political affiliations and perspectives, pray together for our nation’s newly elected president and vice president, that the Spirit will grant them wisdom, strength, commitment to serving all people, a deep understanding of justice and mercy, and the courage to enact change for the well-being of our communities and nation.
Read MoreWe may argue about what is legal, what we are entitled to or what we have the right to do with our bodies and lives. But Paul reminds us that we have been made one with the body and spirit of Christ; we “were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body.” Pray that the Spirit will guide us to live with humility and deference for who we are in Christ and in obedience to the ways and desires of God.
Read MoreBefore a natural disaster strikes, taxpayers are encouraged to be prepared, if possible. This includes developing evacuation plans, putting together kits of essential supplies and putting financial safety measures in place. The IRS has prepared a checklist.
Read MoreMartin Luther King Day Today we remember the life, ministry, sacrifice and activism of Martin Luther King Jr. Pray that his life and the legacies of others who have fought for civil rights and social reform will inspire our own commitment and persistence in working for racial justice, dismantling racism and combating white supremacy.
Read MoreGreen Faith (greenfaith.org) works to inspire, educate and mobilize people of diverse religious backgrounds for environmental leadership.
Programs include the “GreenFaith Certification” for congregations and the “Greenfaith Fellowship” program for individuals.
Read MoreJesus invited Philip to follow him as a disciple, and Philip, in turn, invited Nathanael. Ask God to help us be faithful followers, students and, at the same time, disciples eager to invite others to join in God’s good work in the world.
Read MoreThank God for our special relationship with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), a full communion partner with the ELCA since 1997; pray for the church, its members and its leaders, and pray that together we will find strength and new resources for the work of sharing the gospel and serving our neighbor, especially in these uncertain and challenging times.
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