A thriving church is one so convinced of the resurrection that we’re free to give our lives in service to others. Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton shares how the ELCA continues to thrive in country churches, cityscapes and places with no walls in this message for 2020 Synod Assemblies. Watch in our blog post, YouTube or Facebook.
Read MoreA few months ago, the Netflix docu-series Cheer dropped and instantly the hardworking college cheerleading team it profiles became famous and world-followed. Maybe the breakout star is Jerry Harris, a young man who has had a tough life, but projects incredible positivity. He’s magnetic in the series and has drawn a huge following because of his story and energizing “mat talks.”
Read MoreWith many people’s travel plans on hold across the country, the hospitality industry has been left with millions of empty hotel rooms. Many are concerned that the spread of the corona virus poses an inherent danger to the homeless, who stay in cramped shelters.
Many immigrants who are seeking asylum or citizenship in the United States have been put in detention centers and are also in danger of contracting the corona virus, by simply being placed in close proximity to others who are detained. Large cities are finding creative ways to use these empty hotel rooms to house the homeless or those recovering from corona virus.
Read MoreIn this time of uncertainty, a fundamental truth gives us hope — that together, through Christ, we can do extraordinary things.
Today is #GivingTuesdayNow, a global day of giving and unity as an emergency response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19. Will you show your support with a gift today?
Read MoreWhile you’re on the Internet so much, why not follow the ELCA on social media? Keep informed with church news, events, pictures and video across many platforms. Look for us at Facebook.com/Lutherans; @ELCA on Twitter; @ELCA on Instagram and YouTube.com/ELCA. We are church together! Engage your faith through these online communities of Lutherans.
Read MoreAt the August 2019 Churchwide Assembly, the ELCA became a sanctuary church body. If you have had the opportunity to read the text of the memorial, you will see that it contains important information about what is meant by “sanctuary.”
The memorial directed the ELCA Church Council to provide guidance to all three expressions of the ELCA on sanctuary. Here is your opportunity to give your input. Results from this survey are anonymous. Visit surveymonkey.com/r/PMWFTY6 to participate.
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 MoreO God our shepherd, you know your sheep by name and lead us to safety through the valleys of death. Guide us by your voice, that we may walk in certainty and security to the joyous feast prepared in your house, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Read More12-year-old Abenet Coltvet is a bagpiper. When the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in St. Paul, Minnesota was cancelled, Abenet was disappointed. As the “Social Distancing” order went into effect due to the Covid – 19 pandemic, Abenet had an idea. Donning his kilt and other bagpiper apparel, Abenet made his way to the senior residence complex where his grandparents live and put on a concert.
Read MoreAll Creation Sings, the forthcoming supplement to ELW will include three new liturgical settings. Setting 11 (following the numbering sequence after the ten settings in ELW) will be a bilingual service in Spanish and English. Setting 12 will be a setting for Holy Communion with options for evening use. All Creation Sings will also include a service of word and prayer.
Read MoreIn the heated battle of humanity versus covid-19, the Zoom meeting app is booming. People want to see and be seen. Big learning curve for many. But free and open to everyone!
Indeed, being seen, and even loved, is one of life’s deepest joys. Conversely, not being seen, yet being hated, is a heavy stressor.
Read More“We will get through this together.” Over the past month, we’ve heard these words spoken countless times by health officials, governors, mayors, presidents, prime ministers, and journalists – but also doctors, nurses, grocery clerks, and other essential workers.
As a Christian, these words took on new meaning for me last week as my family navigated Holy Week while sheltering in place.
Read MoreWe are writing this blog because we see how the effects of this pandemic are compounded by the effects of systemic and everyday racism. The disparities seem even more stark and clear now. Since much of our nation is highly segregated, it can be hard to see beyond what one is personally experiencing.
Read MoreGiven the ongoing uncertainty regarding travel and large gatherings in the coming months, the decision has been made to cancel the 2020 Rostered Ministers Gathering. Refunds will be processed automatically within 30 days. Please visit ELCA.org/RMG for more information.
Pastor Christine Stoxen and the planning team thanks all volunteers for their gifts of time and talent in what would have been a spirit-filled event.
Read MoreFacing an increase of coronavirus cases in East Jerusalem, Augusta Victoria Hospital and other East Jerusalem health systems are in critical need of financial resources to help mitigate the spread of the virus.
Augusta Victoria Hospital is owned and operated by the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) and supported by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and several other member churches of the LWF.
Read MoreDue to the continued and anticipated impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Young Adults in Global Mission program has decided to postpone sending volunteers until the 2021-2022 year of service. This decision was made for the safety and care of volunteers and global companions. Watch the video and read the press release.
Read MoreEmergency room doctor Halleh Akbarnia shares a poignant op-ed about her first COVID-19 patient, Mr. C. They learn from one another as they share a long and frightening road toward his recovery, which is also healing for her. For twelve days she waited to see if her efforts would be successful. At the end of her wait, she went in to visit her patient. Mr. C looked up at her and said, “I remember your eyes.” Sometimes it is a small thing which establishes a deep connection.
Read MoreWhether born of fear, ignorance, or bigotry, the calumny and actual harm that the Chinese American community has suffered is morally reprehensible. The same is true for those of other communities who are assumed to be Chinese. Any sense of isolation that might be compounded by our silence only adds to the pain and offense.
Read MoreEvery day is an adjustment. As we continue to lean into the discomfort and the unknown of this pandemic, let us remember what we do know. We know that God’s love for us is boundless. God’s love cannot be measured. We know that God’s boundless promise, no matter the darkness, is that Christ prevails.
Read MoreDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, the ELCA churchwide organization is here to support our members, congregations, synods and partners. Call 800-638-3522 and press #4 or email HereToServe@ELCA.org for prayer, support and to ask your questions.
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