In the devotional "Shared Power" by Tomo Duke for the ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellows, the focus is on the transformative power of community unity through Christ, beyond the illusions of worldly power at the governmental level. Duke emphasizes the need for leaders who ground their authority in spiritual power and share it generously, highlighting the importance of recognizing our common fragility and humanity.
Read MoreFebruary's Good Green News from Lutherans Restoring Creation highlights the upcoming event on regenerating life and land stewardship, the #NoPlasticsforLent initiative, and recent environmental wins. Join the movement towards a more sustainable and just world.
Read MoreThe most recent Go and Do Good News newsletter from ELCA World Hunger features the ELCA World Hunger Leadership Gathering in Houston. The event showcased the ELCA's enduring commitment to addressing global hunger and poverty, featuring enriching sessions, advocacy for migrants, and resources for Lent 2024 and the 50th anniversary celebration of ELCA World Hunger.
Read MoreSome may find it strange, but I welcome Ash Wednesday. While I believe we are a resurrection people, I also feel we can’t have that joy of new life without contemplating the reality that life is broken, and that things have an ending as much as a beginning.
Ash Wednesday, as well as the season of Lent, invites us as to reflect on themes that our modern world often encourages us to evade: confession, grief, and mortality. These are not subjects to be feared or shunned but embraced as vital in shaping the richness and depth of our lives.
Read MoreLet our Region 2 Lenten Challenge be your guide in your Lenten journey. With four daily practices to choose from, join others in our synod and Region 2 in daily devotion, daily discipline, daily declutter, and daily giving.
Read MoreFor peace among nations where war and violence rage, especially Palestine and Israel, Myanmar, Russia and Ukraine, and the Sudan…
For landslide victims in Turkey and families of those trapped, missing, or killed…
For peaceful resolution to farmers’ protests in India…
For all victims of gun violence, including victims of a subway shooting in the Bronx and members of Lakewood Church in Houston, TX…
For places experiencing flooding and severe weather storms…
For those who live with pain of body, mind, or spirit, visible and invisible…
For the church as we enter the season of Lent…
For peace and comfort as we confront our mortality, praying especially for those facing terminal diagnoses, those nearing death, and those who are grieving…
For the shalom of creation…
From Women of the ELCA’s Boldcafe blog, Rev. Ralen M. Robinson shares two writings for Lent.
Finding God in desolate places: We are called to step into the season of Lent for 40 days to fast, reflect, repent and sacrifice like Jesus did in the desert. We are called to find God in desolate places. Where are you finding God this winter?
Faith reflections: Finding something in nothing: How often do we challenge ourselves to see potential in the impossible? That is what we are called to do this Lenten season.
Read MoreJoin Lutheran Social Services of Nevada in creating an unforgettable Easter experience for those they serve. For more details or to get involved by collecting items, volunteering, or sponsoring, visit their Event Page.
Read MoreFollowing a stay in ICU and treatment at St. Joseph/Barrow Hospital this past week, Pastor Richard Staats is now returning home for healing after an additional inpatient stay at rehab recovering from a traumatic brain injury. Prayers for strength, patience, and discovering root cause of health crisis that began last July.
Read More“Following the Way of Jesus: a Lenten Holy Land Journey” begins on the Sea of Galilee. The introduction week will invite you into this 6-week series. Through this journey you will explore the Holy Land, the theology of Sumud and what it means for Palestinian Christians today.
Sumud is the ELCA’s new name for our church’s engagement in accompaniment, awareness-building and advocacy for justice in Palestine and Israel.
Read MoreThis Lenten season, the ELCA is encouraging congregations and individuals to learn more about the issue of Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women (MMIW). Visit ELCA.org/MMIW for a full list of resources to educate yourself and your community and plan a recognition of May 5, MMIW day.
Read MoreIn the latest Faith Lens blog, Joshua Serrano reflects on handling life's highs and lows through the lens of celebrity stories and the early ministry of Jesus. He discusses Adam Sandler's humble reaction to a professor's early criticism, juxtaposed with the Gospel account of Jesus' baptism and subsequent temptation. Serrano encourages finding strength in our identity as beloved children of God, regardless of life's fluctuating circumstances.
Read MoreBe alert to a wave of phishing emails impersonating church leaders. Confirm the legitimacy of requests, especially involving money or gift cards, to avoid scams.
Read MoreAttend the third session of the 'Aging with Grace' series at Community of Grace on February 21st. Ms. Barbara Kvittiem-Barr, CPA, will cover 'Living with Grace,' focusing on financial and legal aspects of extended care. This session is crucial for those seeking guidance on managing the financial intricacies of elder care, along with the importance of personal self-care.
For a deep dive into each weekly topic and to connect with valuable resources, visit the full series details at Community of Grace or in this PDF.
Read MoreLooking for a way to enhance your leadership and spiritual journey? Join the Thriving Leadership Formation Cohorts, a series of 12 sessions starting 2/16/2024 designed to create community and foster growth among church leaders. Dive into enriching spiritual practices in a supportive environment, all at no cost. Contact Pastor Susan Dollinger at bethanypastorsusan@yahoo.com for more info.
Read MoreRejuvenate your preaching spirit at the 2024 Festival of Homiletics in Pittsburgh. Sign up by February 15th for early bird rates and prepare for a nurturing, spirit-filled experience.
Read MoreAs rostered ministers of the Grand Canyon Synod, you have a unique opportunity to share insights and feedback directly with Bishop Hutterer through the annual Report to the Bishop. Your thoughtful participation is not only a commitment but also a valuable contribution to the synod's mission and future planning.
The deadline for submission is March 1, 2024, and the process has been made accessible with online and Word document forms.
Read MoreThe ELCA calls on congregations to submit the streamlined Annual Congregation Report, Form A, by March 1. This consolidated form simplifies the process, aiding in future church planning and identity assessment.
Read MoreWe share the ELCA Mission Support Memo for February 2024. This month highlights the beauty and difficulty of attending a closing service of a local church in the Southeast Michigan Synod and how it was "Brutiful". Also find links to our ELCA resources to SOFIA, these Mission Support Memos, but also Annual Report Covers, Intent templates and more. There is also a heartfelt thank you to all treasurers and bookkeepers across our wider church. Read the memo here.
Read MoreDiscover the transformative power of art at Lord of Grace Lutheran Church with the unveiling of a new sanctuary mural by Michael Schultz. Celebrate the close of a successful capital campaign with this vibrant expression of faith and community. Read more in our post and the article at lordofgrace.org.
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