Sometimes we experience a tension in life. We want to see ourselves in a position of superiority, thinking of ourselves as better than “other kinds of people”. But we also feel a pull toward humility and a stance of shared humanity with all people. Resentment may come into play. We are tempted to dehumanize those we resent, maybe even punish them.
Read MoreFor those who are unemployed, underemployed, or experiencing financial hardship…
For those experiencing famine in Somalia and all who experience hunger and malnutrition…
For the people of Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Honduras impacted by Tropical Storm Julia…
For nations in leadership or regime transition, and for upcoming elections…
For an end to the continued war in Ukraine and all places of war and conflict…
For musicians, cantors, choirs, and instrumental ensembles who lead our assembly in worship…
St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, Oak Harbor, Ohio: Elementary general music teacher
“Attending church with my mom and grandparents is one of my earliest memories. My grandmother would hold me on her lap and rock me during the church service. Today I still hold this memory close to my heart, as I always felt safe and loved in her arms.”
Read MoreFor the victims and families of the mass shooting at a daycare center in Thailand…
For peace amid the escalating conflict between Palestine and Israel…
For the victims and rescue workers in the aftermath of a landslide in Venezuela…
For the safety of protestors speaking out amid episodes of violence in Pakistan…
For congregations engaged in annual stewardship appeals…
For an end to the continued violence and war in Ukraine, especially amid nuclear threats…
It is my prayer that each of you had a wonderful Indigenous Peoples’ Day, and that as you looked around you saw more and more non-Indigenous people observing this holiday in ways that lifted up the gifts and beauty of the Indigenous people in what is presently known as the United States.
Read MoreI keep thinking about the people’s determination in the Ukraine. It has been nearly eight months since the invasion began. Ukraine’s population is forty-four million compared to Russia’s one hundred forty-four million. This giant has attacked them, and it has not been as easy as Russia had hoped. What makes the Ukrainians continue to resist?
Read MoreSince June 2022, Pakistan has experienced historic monsoon weather, with rainfall leading to torrential flooding. The flooding is causing a widespread humanitarian crisis, with people losing homes, crops and livestock. Millions of people are displaced and in need of humanitarian assistance, such as food, temporary shelter, health services and other supplies.
Read MoreThe Conference of Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) met Sept. 29–Oct. 1 at the Eaglewood Resort in Itasca, Ill. The conference, an advisory body of the ELCA, comprises 65 synod bishops, the presiding bishop and the secretary.
"We come together as the Conference of Bishops to give and receive encouragement as we serve in our respective synods," said the Rev. Tracie Bartholomew, bishop of the ELCA New Jersey Synod and conference chair. "We are at our best when we work collegially and celebrate all that God is doing throughout this church."
Read MoreThe ELCA Fund for Leaders 25th Anniversary Scholarship Awards Celebration took place on Friday, Sept. 30, 2022. Watch a recording of the full event honoring this year’s class of scholarship recipients.
Read MoreMonday, October 10, 2022, we observe Indigenous Peoples' Day, an opportunity to honor Indigenous Peoples and celebrate all the vital gifts that they offer to Creation from their cultures, traditions, theology, wisdom, creativity, ingenuity and so much more.
Read MoreIn 2018, three small congregations within a 10-mile radius of downtown Oklahoma City—Ascension, St. Mark and Redeemer—were struggling financially to maintain their buildings and meet associated expenses. They started with combined services on fifth Sundays and talked about a weekly joint meeting. Discussions about a formal merger had just started when the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
Read MoreFor an end to the continued violence and war in Ukraine…
For those recovering in the aftermath of Hurricanes Ian and Fiona, including our siblings in the Florida-Bahamas Synod and the Caribbean Synod…
For the ministries of American Indian and Alaska Native siblings in our church, and for all relationships of reconciliation with indigenous communities…
For the Supreme Court of the United States as it begins a new term…
For the social and political unrest in Iran and for all who strive for gender equality and human rights…
For the work of scientists, including the recent recipients of the Nobel Prize for Chemistry, who help us to learn more about our universe and God’s creation…
Vance Blackfox, the ELCA’s Director of Indigenous Ministries and Tribal Relations, shares this list of resources which includes books, videos, web resources, social media, news outlets, ELA resources, and more.
We were honored to have Vance present at our latest synod council and deans retreat.
Read MoreWhen the ELCA signed a request of President Biden to host a White House Conference on Food, Nutrition, Hunger, and Health, the group of organizations stated: “We can end hunger in America, and a public commitment to a White House Conference, with ending hunger as a key priority, is an essential step in accomplishing this goal.” Recordings of panel sessions and plenary sessions are available online.
Read MoreAfter a two-year pause, the Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) program is sending volunteers out into the world again. Mae Helen Jackson, Young Adult Outreach and Placement Manager, gives an update about some of the ways the YAGM team is bringing the program up to date and making it more welcoming for everyone. YAGM is ready for you! Submit your application beginning Nov. 1, 2022 at ELCA.org/YAGM.
Read MoreAs part of the church’s efforts toward reconciliation with Native Americans, an ELCA truth-seeking and truth-telling initiative has been organized around Lutheran involvement in Indian boarding schools in the United States.
In May the U.S. Department of the Interior published the Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative Investigative Report, detailing more than 400 federal Indian boarding schools that operated between 1819 and 1969.
Read MoreOn Sept. 11, 2022, ELCA congregations across the country joined together for “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday. From prairie restoration to fence and bench construction to meal kit assembly, volunteers participated in a variety of service projects this year. View a slideshow of projects in Living Lutheran here.
Read MoreELCA World Hunger's shares their Go & Do News for October, 2022, featuring new resources for Advent and Lent, ELCA World Hunger Education and Networking Grants, World Food Day, partner Fundação Luterana de Diaconia, and Hunger at the Crossroads webinars.
Read MoreMany physical places serve as a transition between two other spaces. In locations where outdoor temperatures can be frigid, some homes have a vestibule, which is an enclosed entryway that serves as a buffer between the warm interior and the cold exterior. Architects and other designers will often refer to transitional zones as “liminal spaces,” which means being at the threshold of something new but not quite there yet.
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