Can your congregation withstand a $1.3 million workers’ compensation claim filed by an employee? Three surgeries after an administrative assistant took a fall, that’s what the bill came to.
In almost every state, employers are required to buy workers’ compensation insurance, both to protect employers from lawsuits that result from workplace accidents and to provide medical care and compensation for lost income to employees hurt in workplace accidents.
Read MoreThe English version of the newly amended Model Constitution for Congregations is now available at https://www.elca.org/About/Churchwide/Office-of-the-Secretary/Constitutions.
It is recommended that ELCA congregations and synods review the adopted amendments for their constitutions as soon as possible after each churchwide assembly.
Read MoreGive thanks for the reelection of Presiding Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton and pray that the Holy Spirit will strengthen her faith and will grant her wisdom, compassion and vision for the ministry of leadership to which she has been called.
Read MoreGive thanks for ELCA Disability Ministries and its work of connecting and assisting congregations, ministries and members to invite all people into full participation in this church and in the world. Pray that the Spirit will enrich and further the work and advocacy of intellectual and developmental disabilities ministries, mental illness ministries, deaf ministries, and blindness and visual impairment ministries.
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 MoreRecently featured in Living Lutheran, the Generosity Project connects generations and equips households for the faith practice of generosity. This is the week to register for the Phoenix and Tucson labs.
All Saints Lutheran, Phoenix, 10/5/2019
Our Saviour’s Lutheran, Tucson, 10/12/2019
Reformation Lutheran, Las Vegas, 11/2/2019.
Registration is open for the Youth Ministry Extravaganza in Anaheim, CA, January 31-February 3, 2020.
The “E" is for all engaged in faith formation with children and youth. The goal of the Youth Ministry Network is to connect, learn and educate. The location for this year’s gathering is CA, so consider sending your volunteers and paid staff who work with children, teens and young adults in your congregation.
Read MoreGive praise and glory to God that through our worship and liturgy we will be reminded of the promises spoken at our baptisms, the forgiveness and new life we receive through the washing with water and the word of God, and the call we receive to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness — as individuals and communities of faith.
Read MoreThis very popular continuing education event for pastors and church leaders will explore how concepts from a MBA program can be applied to the arena of congregational life. This event is for any denomination. Jan. 6-10, 2020 @ Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, Carefree, AZ. Download the flyer and view the event page.
For the 6th year, California Lutheran University offers a week of continuing education with faculty from the School of Management at Spirit in the Desert! In the complex environment of congregational management, we all can use new tools for ministry. Each day, we explore a different theme.
Read MoreReflect on the gifts, abilities and courage of faith we have received from the Holy Spirit, and on the joy and confidence we have in the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ; give thanks for who we have become in Christ for the sake of mission and service in the world.
Read MorePray for Bible study leaders, teachers and volunteers serving in our congregations who share their faith, help us study and explore Scripture, join us in prayerfully and thoughtfully wrestling with spiritual questions, and help us connect the word of God with everyday life.
Read MoreGive thanks that God is slow to anger and inclined to forgive our sins, shortcomings, mistreatment of our neighbors and deliberate wrongdoings, and to treat us with mercy and compassion for the sake of restoring our relationship with God and setting us back on track in our daily lives.
Read MorePray for the ministry of ELCA Advocacy, its Washington office and its state public policy offices as they work with ELCA members to develop and advance legislation that will overcome poverty, defend God’s creation and promote peace, dignity and justice.
Read MorePraise God who exists throughout the universe and all time yet has compassion and concern for people who are poor and in great need; pray that we will be moved by God’s ways, examples and commands to show attentiveness, mercy, compassion and love for our neighbors in need.
Read MoreDeadlines are quickly approaching for congregations and individuals to sign up for The Generosity Project’s Labs, which connects generations and equips households for the faith practice of generosity. Register and learn more here.
All Saints Lutheran, Phoenix, 10/5/2019
Our Saviour’s Lutheran, Tucson, 10/12/2019 • Registration deadline: 10/4/2019
Reformation Lutheran, Las Vegas, 11/2/2019 • Registration deadline: 10/25/2019
Pray for the 15 ELCA missionaries serving in parish ministry and education as they work alongside our companions in Slovakia and Russia.
Read MoreRemember in prayer ministry candidates who have responded to God’s call to ministry and leadership through the church and are involved in the process of preparation, discernment and waiting for assignment. Pray for candidates and their families during this time that can be both joyful and anxious; and pray that leaders and ELCA staff involved in the assignment process will be guided by the Holy Spirit in their discernment and decision-making.
Read MorePray that the Holy Spirit will work in us and guide us to be faithful, trustworthy and responsible with all God has entrusted to us in this life, that we may serve our neighbors in need, care for creation and honor God.
Read MoreA time of learning, examining next steps, embracing disruptive changes as doors to deeper mission, listen & learning as spiritual practices. Practical learning, Sabbath rest, worship & collegial support at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center. Begins Tuesday, Nov. 19 at noon, ends Friday Nov. 22 at 11:30 a.m. View the flyer and visit the event page.
Read More9/21 Matthew, apostle and evangelist: Pray that we will serve as willing, faithful and bold followers of Christ even though our backgrounds, life experiences, professions and gifts are diverse and may seem incongruent with what we imagine God desires in a disciple or evangelist.
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