Some people may hope for a return to normal after the world-changing events of the last 18 months, but sociologists tell us our future will revolve around living into a "new normal."
Presented by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), the 2021 Hein-Fry Book of Faith Challenge will probe this new normal.
Read MoreAfter much prayer and conversation, Gathering leadership have decided to require full COVID-19 vaccination or proof of a negative test result (likely 72 hours before arrival) to attend the 2022 Gathering, MYLE and the tAble.
For a list of updated Frequently Asked Questions, we encourage you to visit: elca.org/YouthGathering/COVID19.
Read MoreTom Cunniff, General Counsel with the ELCA, shares a a resource on items for congregations to consider when evaluating their relationship with the Boy Scouts of America. It can be found as a PDF on elca.org or in this post.
Read MorePresiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton encourages us to celebrate and pray for the new bishops being installed in our region and throughout America.
Read MoreELCA’s Region 2 celebrates the installation of Bishop Brenda Bos in the Southwest California Synod, and Bishop Megan Rohrer in the Sierra Pacific Synod. Check out information and highlights at the Southwest California Synod’s website and Facebook page, and at Sierra Pacific’s Synod website, Facebook, and this wrap-up newsletter.
Read MoreEveryone hoped that the conflict over whether to mask or not mask amid the COVID pandemic would be over by now. It isn’t. The number of cases continues to climb and mask mandates–and opposition to them–are also rising. A recent article points out that the issue can be framed as whether the vulnerable have a right to feel safe at school.
Read MoreWorking the overnight shift at the chapel at Ramstein Air Base in Germany is a challenge, but Chaplain Katie Osweiler is thankful to be helping refugees from Afghanistan on their way to new lives free of the Taliban.
Read MoreThe 2021-2022 Stories of Faith in Action resources are available at ELCA.org/SOFIA. Dive into the latest issue, which is now available in its digital edition or print edition, and includes:
A special message from ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton.
Nine inspiring stories from around the country and the world.
Your 2020 financial report on Mission Support — the portion of your offering your congregation shares with your synod, and your synod shares with the churchwide organization.
A story-based devotional for use at Bible studies or committee meetings.
Lutheran Disaster Response is contributing to an appeal from Church World Service (CWS). In the commune of Pestel in Grand-Anse, CWS is focusing on health, water and sanitation, shelter and psychosocial care. There is a special emphasis on supporting students as the school year begins in Haiti.
Read MoreAs the country marks the 20th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, this month, the legacy of Lutheran Disaster Response of New York (LDRNY) lives on in New York City.
Spontaneously created in a matter of weeks following the 9/11 terror attacks, LDRNY was a partnership of the Metropolitan New York Synod and the Atlantic District of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod.
Read MoreStephen Bouman was bishop of the ELCA Metropolitan New York Synod at the time of the terror attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. He shares his faith journey in this article in Living Lutheran.
Read MoreThe Dr. George and Emma J. Torrison Scholarship Fund makes scholarships available to students who intend to pursue careers in medicine.
Read MoreOur “How Your Charitable Heart Can Leave a Legacy” Zoom presentation is next week (September 21, 2021 at 6pm MST/PDT). This one-hour presentation will equip YOU as a congregational leader to educate your faithful members about best practices in navigating a pathway of charitable intent.
As a warmup we share some FAQs on planned giving in this post.
Read MoreApplications are now being accepted for 2021 ELCA World Hunger Education and Networking Grants!
Hunger Education and Networking Grants are one of the ways ELCA World Hunger accompanies congregations, synods, organizations, partners and local teams throughout the US and the Caribbean.
Read MoreAs we observe the 20th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, tragedies, Bishop Eaton invites us to remember, reflect and pray. Let us never forget the many lives lost or that many still carry the burdens of grief, trauma, and illness. As we remember the trauma of 9/11 and its aftermath, may we reflect on and hold fast to the promise that God has given us a future of hope.
Read MoreIn September, Living Lutheran is looking at some of the topics that may be hard to handle and how we engage with those we disagree with They start with one of our newest synod bishops, Megan Rohrer of the Sierra Pacific Synod, who says regarding the difficult topics they encounter, “All I have to do in the conversation is to be faithful.”
Read MoreThe Christian answer to the question “What shall I do with my life,” asserts Dorothy C. Bass, is vocation. In other words: “Respond to God’s call.”
This article from Living Lutheran provides great resources, insights into Martin Luther’s view of vocation, and the insight that “congregations are wonderful little laboratories of vocation.”
Read MoreHi everyone, my name is Roselle Tenorio, and I am joining ELCA World Hunger as the Domestic Grants Manager. I have a long and varied relationship with food justice and its intersections, starting at a young age volunteering with my family and community in Dallas, Texas, to researching food pantry systems while in college.
Read MoreLeaders and congregations that are financially well experience greater health and vitality overall and are better able to carry out the Great Commission — making disciples for Jesus Christ. For many rostered ministers, financial stress caused by a lack of retirement savings is a barrier to effectiveness and satisfaction in ministry. Learn more about the Readiness for Retirement program.
Read MoreAs this time of pandemic carries on, sometimes it’s easy to forget that we’re still living through something major and global. In the midst of anxiety and fear, Bishop Eaton shares the words of Jesus, “Come to me, all you that are weary and carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”
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