The 13 bishops of the class of 2019 will be leading a joint synodical Epiphany of Our Lord service on Jan. 6, 2020, 6pm MST, 5pm PST. This worship service will air via the Southeastern Synod’s Facebook page, YouTube channel, and website.
Join in as we confess, lament, lean into the light of God shining brightly in Holy Scripture, proclamation of the Word, and musical offerings from across the church.
Read MorePray that, in anticipation of Christmas, we will invite others into the joy of our meals, celebrations, community events and faith. Pray that the Spirit will move us to reach out with acts of love, hope, inclusion and good news to people who are alone, incarcerated or homeless.
Read MoreIn June, 2020, the ELCA adopted a social message on government and civic engagement titled “Government and Civic Engagement in the United States: Discipleship in a Democracy.” As we go through a transition in power, the next few weeks are a good time to review it.
To help dig into the text, there is a Study Guide, along with a Leader's Guide for those facilitating groups. A Spanish translation can be downloaded here.
Read MoreConcordia College in Moorhead is offering congregations a worship service recording for Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020. The service includes lessons, carols, poetic readings and music performed by Concordia students and alumni.
On December 21, 2020, the service may be viewed on the Concordia website or downloaded to share on your congregation's website. Participants are encouraged to have a candle available for the service.
Read MoreMany congregation leaders are asking how they can take advantage of technology to continue to hold necessary meetings to conduct the business of the congregation. The ELCA provides an FAQ of the questions being asked most often (view as PDF). This is also a part of our annual congregation meeting resource page.
Read More“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Pray that we will support and encourage each other in these good works and disciplines that keep our spirits, minds and bodies healthy and whole.
Read MoreWhat do you get when two lawyers, a Robert’s Rules of Order expert, and a Bishop walk into a Zoom room? A great set of resources for holding your congregation’s annual meeting online!
Visit our annual congregation meeting resources page to see a video of our resource meeting, our Zoom resources, Bryan Daum’s primer covering constitutions and state law, Pastor David Brandfass’s presentation on Robert’s Rules of Order, the ELCA’s FAQs, and our Q&A’s.
Read MoreLos Posadas This traditional celebration, popular in Mexico and observed by some ELCA congregations, uses lighted paths and processions to follow Mary and Joseph’s journey through Bethlehem in search of lodging. Pray that our recollection of Mary and Joseph’s experience might prompt us to welcome strangers, immigrants and neighbors in need.
Read MoreThe holidays expose underlying family dynamics in many families. Time together, gift giving, and special meals can all offer an opportunity for favoritism among siblings and cousins, or at least the illusion of such.
Read MoreWhat do our gifts mean, and what impact do they have? Pray for thoughtfulness when we buy gifts, for awareness of who we include and exclude, and for mindfulness of how the money we spend during this time of thanksgiving might fulfill God’s loving, merciful and generous promises.
Read MoreELCA Good Gifts provide an opportunity for you to support the ministries and programs —domestic and global — that mean the most to you and the people you love. Give thanks that our church believes God is calling us into the world together and that, through our generosity and love, we can make a difference.
Read MoreJoin Presiding Bishop Eaton as she lights the candles and says a prayer for the third week of Advent.
Read MoreBring your troubles and cares to a Blue Christmas Service from Women of the ELCA (WELCA), 6pm MST, 5 pm PST. Register now to participate. The service (webinar) will take place via Zoom. More info on the WELCA website.
Read MorePray that we might passionately witness to the light of Jesus Christ and boldly invite others to believe and to be baptized into the body of Christ and the community of all believers.
Read MoreGive thanks for the church traditions that remind us of God’s actions throughout history and inspire our faith, generosity and commitment to serve our neighbors in need. Pray that we will carry these meaningful traditions forward and create new rites and traditions that inspire and strengthen all generations in today’s changing contexts.
Read MoreAsk for God’s forgiveness and take to heart God’s word of love, peace, healing and guidance that restores our faith and spirit as children of God.
Read MoreThis has been, and continues to be, a very difficult year of coping with and recovering from natural disasters across our country and around the world. Pray that the presence and hope of God will be evident where there is despair, grief and uncertainty over how to begin rebuilding and healing. Pray that neighbors, communities and nations will work together to provide assistance, resources and relief workers where the needs are most critical.
Read MoreThe National Lutheran Choir Christmas Festival comes to audiences free in a virtual, multi-media format on December 11, 7pm MST, 6 pm PST. Watch at NLCA.com.
The Incarnation: For the Healing of the World brings music from around the globe announcing the birth of Christ with messages of peace and joy that nothing – not even a pandemic – can take away.
Read MorePray that God will help us lead lives of holiness, godliness, peace and active engagement with the world as disciples of Christ who wait patiently for the day of the Lord.
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