A hymn titled “God’s Work, Our Hands” was selected as the winning entry in the ELCA’s “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday hymn contest. The selected hymn, written by Wayne Wold, references the official tagline of the ELCA and expresses how the people of this church live in service for the life of the world.
More than 120 entries were submitted to be considered as a hymn for “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday, the ELCA’s annual dedicated day of service, Sunday, September 8, 2019.
Read MoreJune 30 marked the successful completion of Always Being Made New: The Campaign for the ELCA. Give thanks to God for the generosity of ELCA members and congregations, which makes a difference in the lives of people around the world; pray that we continue to grow and support ministries that serve our neighbor, share the gospel, equip leaders and grow the church.
Read MoreO God, our beginning and our end, you kept Abraham and Sarah in safety throughout the days of their pilgrimage, you led the children of Israel through the midst of the sea, and by a start you led the magi to the infant Jesus. Protect and guide us now as we set out to travel. Make the ways safe and the homecomings joyful for those traveling to the Churchwide Assembly and bring us all at last to our heavenly home, where you dwell in glory with our Lord Jesus Christ and the life-giving Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Read MoreGive thanks for the 12 young-adult summer interns serving in the ELCA churchwide office, who are helping our church carry out its mission through sharing generously of their gifts, skills and faith.
Read MorePlease remember in prayer the voting members of the Grand Canyon Synod as they gather in Milwaukee: Veronica Alvarez, Roger Bailey, Pastor David Brandfass, Paul Gryniewicz, Bishop Deborah Hutterer, Norman Johnson, Erin LaHaye, Pastor Chon Pugh, Maria Valenzuela, Renee Waterstradt, and Deacon Janice Zimbelman.
Pray for save travel, and may the Holy Spirit work through them as the assembled discern the future of our church.
Read MoreIn July of 2018, I began the ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellowship. This fellowship comes from a partnership between ELCA World Hunger, ELCA Advocacy, and statewide public policy offices across the United States. It’s a 12-month program that combines leadership development with impactful advocacy – working together to end hunger and poverty by engaging directly with local, state and national governments, and equipping people of faith to seek justice and equity.
Read MoreMost years, Congress recesses for the month of August. Legislators return to their home states and congressional districts and connect with constituents.
This is a great opportunity for local advocates to engage with elected officials, ask questions and share concerns. Our August Recess Guide contains tips for communicating with your elected officials and candidates this month.
Here are some timely questions and talking points based upon ELCA Advocacy priorities.
Read MoreMy name is Joan Daye and I am a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Evanston, IL. I am sixteen years old, and I was one of sixteen high school students to go on the Interfaith Youth Justice Trip over spring break, youth from Grace, Beth Emet Synagogue and Second Baptist Church, all located in Evanston, IL.
Read MorePray for those involved in planning and preparing the 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Milwaukee, and for congregations, synods, voting members and leaders who will share their faith, wisdom, concerns and recommendations for strengthening and furthering our participation in God’s reconciling work in the world.
Read MoreRemember in prayer the 10 young people working alongside our companions in Mexico as part of the ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission program. Remember also the Rev. Meghan Brown Saavedra, YAGM country coordinator, and the Rev. David and Alicia Brondos, ELCA missionaries teaching at the Seminario Luterano Augsburgo in Mexico City.
Read MoreVoting members will convene Aug. 5-10 for the 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly at the Wisconsin Center in Milwaukee. This will be the 15th gathering of the assembly, the primary decision-making body of the ELCA.
To follow along with the assembly from home, livestream the proceedings at elca.org/cwa.
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 MoreBy your word, eternal God, your creation sprang forth, and we were given the breath of life. By your word, eternal God, death is overcome, Christ is raised from the tomb, and we are given new life in the power of your Spirit. May we boldly proclaim this good news in our words and our deeds, rejoicing always in your powerful presence. Direct the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America by your Word, as this church prepares to gather in assembly.
Read MoreLoving God, through holy baptism you continue to make us new and gather us together across all human divisions reconciling us to yourself in one body through the cross. Strengthen us by your presence, that our thoughts and actions may be rooted and grounded in your love for us. Direct the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America by your reconciling love, as this church prepares to gather in assembly.
Read MoreLet this gathering be an opportunity for you to remember, reclaim, rekindle and revive yourself. Gathering with colleagues from across the church for fellowship, renewal, continuing education, worship, bible study and refreshment for your spirit. Watch the promo video»
Read MoreIt’s been four months since Cyclone Idai hit Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe. Idai is the most severe natural disaster to affect southern Africa in over three decades.
Your swift response rushed aid to families in desperate need. You are helping them access safe water, stay healthy and replace essential items that were lost.
Read MoreJuly Update: Advocacy Connections: Posted on July 12, 2019 by ELCA Advocacy, from the ELCA Advocacy office in Washington, D.C. – the Rev. Amy E. Reumann, director.
BORDER SUPPLEMENTAL SIGNED | DREAM ACT | UN CLIMATE CHANGE SESSION | FY20 FOREIGN ASSISTANCE BUDGET | SUMMER MEALS
Read MoreIn this post, ELCA World Hunger summer intern Aml Mohamed reflects on her experiences of accompaniment in her home country of Egypt.
“Why are you interested in this position at the ELCA?” A classic, expected question during an interview. I paused and asked myself three questions. What is the difference between interning at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and a regular nonprofit? Would I care as a practicing Muslim to work at a Lutheran faith-based institution? Would my identity as an Egyptian allow me to work and understand hunger in the US?
Read MoreIt happens every single day. Somewhere in our country, gun violence shatters a community, a neighborhood, a family. Almost 40,000 people died in 2018 from guns. That equates with a city the size of Annapolis, the capital of Maryland, struck down in a year – year after year.
Although written in 1995, the ELCA social message on “Community Violence” reads as if describing today. “For some women and children, home is less safe than the street. Hate crimes continue. Neighborhood, schoolyard, workplace, or family disputes spark into violence and become lethal. They become headline news, reinforcing the atmosphere of violence and inspiring profitable entertainment media.”
Read MoreELCA Advocacy keeps us updated with the many activities our church is doing in: United Nations | California | Colorado | Minnesota | Nevada | Ohio | Pennsylvania | Southeastern Synod | Washington | Wisconsin.
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