On “Black Friday” — a day of sales, buying and consumption — take time to reflect prayerfully on the difference between wants and needs, on generosity toward our neighbors, on stewardship of wealth and abundance, on everything God has entrusted to us, and on our true identity as children of God who are loved, forgiven and granted a new vision of life.
Read MoreThe circuit preacher was an idea of the frontier past. Now it’s the cutting-edge response to shrinking churches.
Read MoreGive thanks for the abundant resources God has entrusted to us, and for family, friends and other people who bless and enrich our lives. Give thanks that the spirit of God is generous, compassionate and fair, and that our unique gifts and abilities are brought together in the body of Christ for the sake of the world, especially those in need who have been neglected.
Read More42 rostered leaders from ELCA’s Region 2 of the ELCA (the Southwestern United States) gathered in San Diego CA, for First Call Theological Education.
New pastors and deacons are encouraged to participate in additional education opportunities for up to 3 years after ordination/consecration in order to build collegiality, foster pastoral identity and increase skills specific to ministry.
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 MorePray for people who suffer hunger, food insecurity or lack of access to the nutrition necessary for life and health. Ask that the Holy Spirit will move us to bring relief, instill hope and end hunger and poverty wherever it exists.
Read MoreGive thanks that — despite war, conflict, hunger, poverty, suffering, illness and injustice — “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Pray that we will be emboldened by this grace-filled promise and reality to help and strengthen our neighbors in every situation and corner of the world.
Read MoreRemember in prayer our ELCA missionaries and young people serving as Young Adults in Global Mission as they support the programs and ministries of companion churches in Senegal, Eswatini, South Africa, South Sudan, Kenya and Zimbabwe.
Read MoreWhile we profess our faith in Jesus Christ, we sometimes puzzle over who Jesus is and over his resurrection. Pray that our wisdom and faith will grow and mature as, together with our sisters and brothers in Christ, we pray, study, converse and give ourselves over to the Spirit’s inspiration.
Read MorePraise God for the critical work we do together through ELCA Disaster Response and for our partners, who bring God’s hope, healing and renewal to people in the United States and around the world whose lives have been disrupted by natural disaster.
Read MoreELCA folks in Regions 1 & 2: Are you interested in leading a small group of Pastors, Deacons and/or Church (lay) Leaders? Would you like to be in a small group with others from across states/synods/regions?
If any of these questions spark something in your soul, we'd love to have you consider a role as an At-Large Cohort Leader for the Thriving Leadership Formation (TLF) Program. Learn more : bit.ly/atlargeTLF
Read MoreSing praises and make joyful noise for the wonderful things God has done and for God’s undeserved steadfast love and faithfulness.
Read MorePray for congregational and synod ministries and ELCA-related organizations that attend to the unique needs of women and men by encouraging faith, offering opportunities for service, helping develop and support leaders, creating safe environments for conversation and mutual care across generations, and affirming both our unity and our diversity in Christ.
Read MoreAsk the Holy Spirit to guide and shape our lives so that we might exemplify how to live and work together, care for one another, exercise generosity and tirelessly do what is right and just for the sake of our neighbor.
Read MorePray for the vision and impact of the 26 congregations, synods, ministries and ELCA-related agencies and organizations that have been awarded mental health ministry grants. Pray that their work will inspire others as they address mental health issues and develop new approaches to advocating for and assisting people with mental illness and their families.
Read MoreGive thanks for the leaders, ministries and resources of our church that deepen our understanding and practice of stewardship and generosity. Pray that we might spread the gospel, serve our neighbor and do God’s work in the world with the gifts and resources entrusted to our care.
Read MoreAnticipating Christ’s return, ask for God’s help to recognize and value what is important to God.
Read MoreThe Ecumenical Center for Clergy Spiritual Renewal (ECCSR) hosts a two-year “Contemplative Renewal” for early and mid-career clergy. The cohort of 19 men and women will discover renewal through the rhythms of prayer, Benedictine spirituality and community at Holy Wisdom Monastery, an ecumenical monastery outside of Madison, WI.
Early and mid-career ordained pastors, currently serving half-time or more in a congregational setting, are invited to apply for the next cohort, to begin in July of 2020. Funded by a Thriving in Ministry Grant from the Lilly Endowment, this unique experience is available at no cost. For more information: www.holywisdommonastery.org/eccsr.
Read MoreGive thanks that God is attentive to our prayers, acting as our refuge, strength and guide throughout life and in every situation.
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