Give thanks to God for Augsburg Fortress, the publishing ministry of the ELCA. Ask God to bless and further its work creating resources and partnerships “to support the ministries of faith communities in communicating the good news of God’s liberating grace.”
Read MorePray for insight and wisdom from the Spirit that will help us lead lives pleasing to God and glimpse the kingdom of heaven.
Read MoreMusician David Haas has been accused of sexual misconduct by several women spanning many years. Several institutions have requested congregations to no longer sing works by Haas pending an investigation.
Read MoreContinue to pray for our global companions as some countries experience a new wave of COVID-19 infections. Pray for those countries most affected, that we might share physical and spiritual support and resources, mutually encourage leaders and congregations, and wait patiently for the day when we can celebrate our unity and work together in person.
Read MoreThroughout the past several weeks, posts about Advent and Christmas planning have begun to appear on social media forums for worship leaders.
As a cantor, I’ve read such conversations with a mixture of interest and exasperation. There is much creativity in our midst, and many are faithfully planning with appropriate responsibility and care.
Read MorePraise God for leading us and renewing us with light and truth throughout our baptismal journey.
Read MoreELCA Coaching and Rev. Mike Weaver present Improv (aka Adapative Leadership) Techniques to Face the Unknown, Wednesday, November 11, 12 pm MST.
The Weekly Online Gathering for ELCA Leaders continues every Wednesday, 1 pm Central, 12pm MST. Links to the meeting at elcacoaching.org as well as archives.
Read MoreListen to devotional music available through Augsburg Fortress: “It is Well With My Soul;” “Rejoice and Let Your Lights Appear;” “The Beautiful Land.”
Read MoreLutherans Restoring Creation shares resources and processes for acknowledging native land. Native-Land.ca provides a searchable map.
Read their full list of resources and listen to their Nov. 12th Connections Call for more information.
Read MorePray for people and communities in the western states that are fighting wildfires, recovering from the devastation left by recent fires and worrying about the increased threat of wildfires and longer fire seasons. Ask God to protect the firefighters, emergency responders and volunteers who work tirelessly and at great personal risk to protect lives and property.
Read MoreO God of justice and love, you illumine our way through life with the words of your Son. Give us the light we need, and awaken us to the needs of others, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.
When we come before God in worship, we bring our whole selves. What does that actually mean? For many people in the ELCA it means coming to worship with the assistance of a mobility, audio, visual, or sensory device.
Unfortunately, in many of our churches or places of worship, it is our siblings in Christ who have disabilities and need such devices who feel the least welcome at the table.
Read MoreAs congregations across the ELCA creatively find new ways to worship online and in person, and continue to support the work of important ministries including ELCA World Hunger, we want to equip leaders with useful resources this season.
Read MoreWe are called to be disciples and students of Jesus, to study Scripture and to learn from the bearers of faith who live by what they teach. Pray that the Spirit will open our hearts and sharpen our minds to distinguish between those who are trustworthy and those who use their position and powers of persuasion to tempt us from the truth and ways of God.
Read MoreHave you ever known a “prepper”? Preppers are people who prepare for emergencies or disasters by storing large quantities of items they might need.
Being prepared is an important life skill all can develop. It goes beyond having what you need and extends to planning the response you’ll make when something unexpected happens.
Read MoreLast week, Mikka McCracken, Director of the ELCA Innovation Lab, spoke about our call to “fail boldly” and what it means to ABIDE in failure.
Check out this video which explores the importance of taking risks in service to our neighbor, and remembering that our worth is not defined by our success or failure but rests in our identity as loved children of God.
Read MoreBecause of the increased threats to cyber security, the Grand Canyon Synod will be hosting a Zoom presentation with Anthony Cicero, CISSP, Professor of Cyber Security at Scottsdale Community College. Monday, November 9 at 6 pm MST. Please register for the meeting here by November 6.
Read MorePray for the Spirit to grant us wisdom and courage in our discernment and decisions as we elect leaders for our nation, states and communities. Pray that those chosen to serve will do so with compassion, justice, concern for people with critical needs and a commitment to the well-being of all people and communities.
Read MoreIn this session, Wednesday, November 4, 12 pm MST, Rev. Solveig Nilsen-Goodin will invite us into a prayer practice based on Jesus' prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. Links to the meeting at elcacoaching.org.
To watch the previous two sessions, visit Rituals of Renewal and Everything We Love, We Will Lose.
Read MoreThe fourth session of the Beginning a Culture of Generosity fall stewardship program is available for review. It’s available here for those who missed it or are curious about the program.
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