The new version of this popular overnight program brings youth together in the spiritual practice of fasting. Youth are given the chance to reflect on the role they play in God’s work to reconcile, heal and restore the world — and our church.
Read MoreLift up prayers of concern and support for people and communities affected by the widespread destruction caused by wildfires in Australia. Pray for the thousands of people displaced from their homes, for volunteer firefighters and relief workers, for the healing of nature and for the response efforts of the Lutheran Church of Australia, local congregations and Lutheran Disaster Response.
Read MoreAsk for God’s wisdom and creativity in developing our congregations as communities of faith where people discover a sense of belonging, feel grounded in the word of God and the sacraments, find opportunities for faith- centered learning and service, and know they are connected to the greater body of Christ.
Read MoreAsk for God’s wisdom and creativity in developing our congregations as communities of faith where people discover a sense of belonging, feel grounded in the word of God and the sacraments, find opportunities for faith- centered learning and service, and know they are connected to the greater body of Christ.
Read MoreThroughout Lent, remember and give thanks that God is our ready source of help, protection, strength and life.
Read MoreHarriet Tubman (1822-1913) and Sojourner Truth (1797-1883) were born into slavery but emboldened by their convictions of justice, equality, faith and concern for others to fight against slavery and to advocate for women’s rights. Ask God to grant us a similar boldness to live our faith and serve our neighbors who suffer injustice, poverty, oppression and hunger.
Read MoreThe ELCA Church Council voted today to remove "Vision and Expectations" from use in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Disciplinary standards for rostered ministers are outlined in "Definitions and Guidelines for Discipline."
The council encourages people to read the document, which states: "As an expression of its life in the gospel of Jesus Christ, this church embraces disciplinary processes of counseling, admonition and correction, with the objective of forgiveness, reconciliation and healing. Simultaneously, out of deep concern for effective extension of the gospel, this church remains alert to the high calling of discipleship in Jesus Christ."
Read MoreThank God for our special relationship with the United Church of Christ, a full communion partner with the ELCA since 1997; pray for the church, its diverse ministries and its members and leaders; and pray that together we will find mutual support, new partnerships and new resources for the work of sharing the gospel and serving our neighbor.
Read MoreTalk with God. Ask your questions even though some feel deep and perplexing, and trust that God will listen and respond as a loving, concerned parent.
Read MorePray for peace, reconciliation and healing in the world wherever there is conflict or war, especially in Iran, Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan and parts of Africa. Ask that the Spirit of God will guide and inspire political leaders, diplomats and mediators, soldiers and peacekeeping forces to be persistent and unified in seeking peaceful, just and compassionate solutions and treaties.
Read MoreGive thanks for the gift of grace we have in Jesus Christ, which sets us free to live our faith with boldness and to serve our neighbor.
Read MorePray that during Lent we will carve out time in our busy lives to pause and reflect on our faith, our baptismal journeys and the life and suffering of Christ, who sacrificed himself for us that we might enjoy a new life, reconciled to God and full of love, mercy, hope and a spirit of service.
Read MoreWith the outbreaks of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the United States, congregations and houses of worship need to be well-informed and well-prepared. According to the World Health Organization, COVID-19 is now a pandemic. A step-by-step approach to prepare for a serious outbreak can be useful. View the Congregational Planning Checklist for Public Health Concerns (updated 3/11/2020).
Read MoreThe ELCA has updated its “Worship in times of public health concern” document, available as a PDF document (updated March 12, 2020). Specifically addressed are best practices during passing of the peace and Holy Communion.
Read MoreBrad Munroe of the Phoenix presbytery would like to invite pastors and lay leaders to a Leading Emotional Systems Training (LEST) to be held at the presbytery office in Phoenix the week after Easter, April 13-17. See brochure.
The LEST training covers communication and family system dynamics the first three days and then divides into separate tracks for interim training and conflict reconciliation the final two days.
Read MoreBe glad and shout for joy! Trust in God’s love and mercy, which strengthen and preserve us in our every need and circumstance.
Read MoreGive thanks for the witness and work of the Rev. Lancelot Themba Mkhabela and Kwena Mkhabela, regional representatives for Madagascar, West Africa and Central Africa; the Rev. Kirsten Laderach, YAGM country coordinator for Madagascar; and the seven volunteers serving alongside our companions in that country as part of the Young Adults in Global Mission program.
Read MoreGive thanks for the contributions and impact of women of all ages and abilities who shape our society and communities, share their faith and wisdom, serve our neighbors in need and respond to God’s call to serve as lay and rostered leaders in our congregations and church.
Read MoreDuring the 40 days of Lent we recall how Jesus, the Son of God, withstood temptations even in a weakened state. Pray that we will find confidence and courage through faith in Jesus and will draw on the strength of God to endure the temptations and distractions of daily life.
Read MoreGive thanks for ELCA missionaries and young people serving in the ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission programs in Egypt, Israel, Jerusalem/West Bank and Palestine. Pray that God will bless and further their work with our companions in the Middle East and North Africa, especially in finding nonviolent paths to peace and justice.
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