We give thanks to God for the presence of Rev. Albert Starr, our visiting churchwide representative. Rev. Starr led our Bible study and gave a churchwide report. We share his presentation files in this post, and you can view his sermon for our worship service here.
Read MoreThe ELCA has designated June 17 as a day of commemoration of the martyrdom of the Emanuel 9. On June 17, 2015, nine people were shot and killed during a Bible study at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina. Bishop Eaton reminds us to mark this day of penitence with study and prayer.
Read MoreFaithful Steps: A Step-by Step Guide for Congregations Starting to Engage in Racial Justice is a presentation by Brenda Blackhawk, Congregational Organizer for Racial Justice for the Minneapolis Synod to help congregations get started on doing racial justice work.
Join this Zoom event on Tuesday 6/22/2021, 4 pm MST/PDT. Click here to register and receive the Zoom link. Facebook event.
Read MoreBeing Here is a podcast that explores real world issues and topics important to professionals in the faith community. Hosted by the Rev. Melissa Pohlman.
Check out three episodes so far: Protecting Yourself from Burnout, Overcoming Compassion Fatigue, and Personal Finances for Faith Professionals.
Read MoreOur Learn to Live mental health benefit partner has created these quick half-hour sessions for employers. Learn to recognize the signs of mental distress in others, and how to talk about mental health, create a culture of well-being, and lift the stigma about mental health in the workplace. View PDF.
Register and attend together as a leadership group. Access code: PORTICO.
Read MoreFidelity has partnered with Portico to offer a virtual webinar series – exclusively for ELCA Retirement Plan members – that addresses the question: what does it take to be retirement ready?
Register for and view all the dates in the Retirement Readiness Series here. Sessions from June 21 through July 19, 2021. You’ll need to have your Portico login ready.
Read MoreWith so many lives in danger, we will continue to honor the Lutheran legacy of generous and compassionate welcome for those who seek refuge in our communities. How would we respond if the refugee on our doorstep were Jesus himself? As Jesus taught, “Just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me” (Matthew 25:40).
Read MoreIn her June/July column for Living Lutheran, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton reflects on what we’ve learned from the Apostle Paul about the deeply spiritual act of stewardship. Read her column in English at https://bit.ly/3gBIYFR and in Spanish at https://bit.ly/3xqt8ER.
Read MoreOn Wednesday, June 16 at 4:30 p.m. MST/PDT, the Ecumenical Consultation on Protocols for Worship, Fellowship, and Sacraments will host a webinar titled “Leading the Church in a Lingering Pandemic.”
Read MoreThe Ecumenical Consultation on Protocols for Worship, Fellowship, and Sacraments provides a comprehensive update to the guidance originally published in the summer of 2020. View/download the Care-Filled Worship and Sacramental Life in a Lingering Pandemic PDF document.
The consultation included an ecumenical group of theologians, scientists, physicians, pastors, bishops, and practitioners from at least seven church bodies.
Read MoreCongratulations on your role to bring a group from your congregation to the 2022 ELCA Youth Gathering. This is an incredible opportunity for you and all who will be involved. Perhaps you feel excited and/or overwhelmed, wondering where to start, especially if you have never been to the Gathering before.
Read MoreWith numerous bishop elections, we’re using this page to keep a running list of newly-elected Bishops in the ELCA.
Brenda Bos elected bishop of ELCA Southwest California Synod
Megan Rohrer elected bishop of ELCA Sierra Pacific Synod
Kevin Jones elected bishop of ELCA Northeastern Iowa Synod
Paula Schmitt elected bishop of ELCA Allegheny Synod
Timothy Smith reelected bishop of the ELCA North Carolina Synod
Lee Miller II elected bishop of ELCA Upstate New York Synod
Felix Malpica elected bishop of ELCA La Crosse Area Synod
Dee Pederson elected bishop of ELCA Southwestern Minnesota Synod
As you explore opportunities to participate in our dedicated day of service, visit ELCA.org/DayOfService for helpful planning resources: Planning toolkit, “Service in the Time of COVID-19”, posters, postcards and social media graphics, promotional items, videos, special hymn text, music and recording.
Read MoreGiovana Oaxaca, program director for Migration Policy and Mary Campbel, program director for AMMPARO (Accompanying Migrant Minors with Protection, Advocacy, Representation and Opportunities) share updates on the current situation and work being done by the ELCA to address change. Learn more and get involved at ELCA.org/AMMPARO.
Read MoreMost Americans incorrectly assume that federal laws will protect someone being evicted from their home or turned away from a place of business for the sole reason of being part of the LGBTQ+ community. There are no such laws.
But there could be. The Equality Act, a landmark piece of legislation which has already been passed in the U.S. House, would add the words “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” to the Civil Rights Act, affording protections in employment, housing, public accommodations, federal funding, credit, the jury system and more.
Read MoreLutheran Disaster Response provides a situation report on the Palestine-Israel conflict.
Read MoreThis Pride Month, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton gives thanks for the blessings of our LGBTQIA+ siblings and prays that we will all have a sense of pride in being part of this fearfully and wonderfully made family.
Read MoreThe latest version of the The Official Gathering Handbook: Tips & Tricks for Adult Leaders, a resource filled with helpful resources and guidance for having an amazing Gathering experience.
Read MoreRead the latest update from the 2022 ELCA Youth Gathering where you’ll find volunteer applications, info on a 6/17/2021 webinar, PASSAGE (a small-group ministry and resource development program for recently graduated high school seniors), and info on the 7/25 kickoff celebration.
Read MoreA collection of resources is available at elca.org/emanuelnine to help synods and congregations mark the martyrdom of the Emanuel Nine — the nine people shot and killed on June 17, 2015, during a Bible study at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, S.C.
These resources can be adapted for virtual worship, online conversation or individual reflection and devotion. Synods and congregations are encouraged to mark this commemoration locally.
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