Second Sunday after Epiphany, Year B: Sometimes we feel as if we have no word from God, no vision, no place to come and see what God is doing, no center in a time of alienation. But, as the Psalm says, God has seen us and known us. More: in our baptism, God has called us, like Samuel, Philip, and Nathanael were called.
Read MoreOver the last year, as the world has reeled from the effects of a deadly pandemic, we long for the time when we “will hunger no more, and thirst no more … and God will wipe away every tear from [our] eyes” (Revelation 7:16-17).
We invite you and your congregation to join the church’s global work to end hunger and poverty during ELCA World Hunger’s 40 Days of Giving, which begins on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 17. To prepare, visit ELCA.org/40Days and download or order resources today.
Read MoreGod is mighty, majestic and eternal throughout the universe, generously sharing strength and blessings with us. Give glory and thanks to God, and shout for joy!
Read MoreThis weekend we celebrate and remember Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and all that he accomplished through the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. We still feel Dr. King’s impact today. Dr. King sought equal rights for African Americans and all who are oppressed by the systems in the United States.
Read More“Advocacy 101 for Young Adults: When Faith Meets Policy” is a new guide prepared by Hunger Advocacy Fellows in tandem with ELCA Advocacy and ELCA World Hunger. The easy-to-use resource is divided into four sessions and is designed for use with young adult groups on college campuses, in congregations and in other settings.
Read MorePray for our faith-based schools, early childhood education programs and day care centers as they provide experiential education, social interaction, stability and calm for the youngest of our children, who are often most vulnerable during times of uncertainty and anxiety.
Read MorePolicies and procedures are an essential part of any organization. Together, they provide a roadmap for day-to-day operations.
Often the person creating the policies and procedures store them to memory – leaving the organization vulnerable to variances in how things are done. Read more at smartchurchmanagement.com.
Read MorePray for parents, students, employees and business owners whose plans and routines change day by day and week by week due to the uncertainty of the pandemic, that they might be hopeful, resilient and able to adapt, change and endure.
Read MoreGive thanks for God’s love and forgiveness in baptism, which marks the beginning of our journey with our siblings in Christ to share the good news, serve all people, grow the church and strive for peace and justice in the world.
Read MoreIn Christ we have received forgiveness of our sins and salvation through God’s unfathomable grace, showered upon us every day. Praise God!
Read MoreGive thanks for the people in our lives who inspire hope, faith and courage, and whose words and actions touch us, teach us the meaning of grace and move us to become bearers of mercy in the world.
Read MoreThe New and Renewing Team of the Grand Canyon Synod invites you to Maximizing Social Media for Your Congregation, January 26, 2021, 6pm MST, 5 pm PST. Register for this Zoom presentation here.
Pastor Charles Newman, Lead Pastor of Crossroads Lutheran Church, and Melanie Moscicki of Social Manna and the Social Media Director at Crossroads will share their Crossroads strategies and best practices for social media engagement.
Read MoreAs the pandemic continues, pray for doctors, nurses, emergency responders and health care workers who need renewal, strength and our gratitude and recognition as they continue to serve at great personal risk and sacrifice for the sake of our health and well-being.
Read MoreListen to devotional music available through Augsburg Fortress: “My Soul Proclaims Your Greatness;” “Borning Cry;” “Spirit of the Lord.”
Read MoreMany people go out to John, confessing their sins and hoping his baptism will be the sign of a new age, an indication of God creating all things anew. We, too, hope for such a new beginning and we, too, have been baptized, confessing our sins.
Read MoreEsperanza Lutheran is sharing their working documents on coronavirus health safety, including HVAC recommendations. Esperanza’s Council President is co-owner of a company that does environmental testing.
These documents—the Esperanza COVID19 Plan (Word doc) and Esperanza HVAC Report (pdf)—can be a starting point for public health discussion in your organization.
Read MoreEpiphany As people of faith, we are not immune from wondering about God, Jesus Christ and the Spirit. Pray that God will be patient with us, illuminating the truth of who we are as baptized children of God and the reality and certainty of the good news of Jesus Christ, the true Son of God, our Savior, Messiah, Redeemer and teacher.
Read MoreWe’ve created a Zoom resource page, where we share tips and tricks we’ve collected as we explore this technology.
Whenever you schedule a Zoom meeting, feel free to share this page, www.gcsynod.org/zoom, with attendees as a resource.
Read MoreLike most of you, I am eager to for my turn to come. When either of the approved vaccines becomes available, my sleeve will be rolled up and ready. These months have been lonely and life has been devoid of so many of the small experiences which make life such a joy.
Read MorePray for Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton, members of the ELCA Church Council and the Conference of Bishops. Give thanks for their humble service, their faith in Christ, their leadership and gifts, and their commitment to wrestle with difficult decisions and issues for the sake of the church and the world.
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