Why a lament, as opposed to a prayer or litany? This lament is intended as an action that acknowledges what has been broken in our relationship with our neighbor – the neighbor that we as the ELCA are called to love as we love ourselves. Specifically this lament is a way to recognize points of brokenness in the relationship between the ELCA and African Americans.
Read MoreIn 2014, during the lead-up to the commemoration of the Reformation’s 500th anniversary, a group of African descent Lutheran theologians gathered to explore and reflect on Martin Luther’s Small Catechism. While affirming the catechism’s gift in the life of the church, they recognized the importance of broadening its explanations of Christian faith to address the experience of Lutherans of African descent.
Read MoreThe Stewardship Team of the Grand Canyon Synod invites you to a presentation on “Building an Effective, Productive and Faithful Stewardship Team", Tues. Feb. 23rd at 7pm MST, 6pm PST.
We will share the rationale and strategies for your congregational stewardship team to engage in effective year round ministry. Please register here.
Read MoreAs part of ELCA World Hunger’s 40 Days of Giving, this post and accompanying video begin a series weekly reflections.
Ending hunger means seeing what unjust power tries to keep hidden. It means defining “we” in a way that threatens the principalities and powers — including our own privilege — that make everything about “I.”
Read MorePhotographer Libby Oliver has a portrait series called “Soft Shells,” which explores people’s personalities through the clothes and accessories they wear. Libby asks subjects to collect every piece of clothing they own and then photographs them underneath their huge pile of clothes. In all the photographs the person’s identity is completely covered up.
Read MoreThis sold-out devotional returns to stock at Augsburg Fortress today, February 10, 2021. Quantities are limited. Order today to ensure timely arrival.
A Story to Tell: Devotions for Lent 2021 is a beautiful, full-color Lenten devotional highlights readings from the gospel of Mark with 46 entries, one for each day from Ash Wednesday to Easter.
Read MoreThe prophet Isaiah provides a beautiful column of words from which to build a thoughtful sermon, but truly on this Ash Wednesday the sermon will not be built by words, but by the world that is still trying to stop the hemorrhaging of our much loved friends and family. Truly we sit upon an ash-heap of tears and unrealized hopes in this pandemic.
Read MoreEnergy Star for Congregations (energystar.gov/congregations) is a federal government initiative to help congregations cut their energy use, save money and protect the environment. Resources include an Energy Star guide for congregations.
Read MoreThe Stewardship Team of the Grand Canyon Synod invites you to a presentation on “Building an Effective, Productive and Faithful Stewardship Team", Tues. Feb. 23rd at 7pm MST, 6pm PST.
We will share the rationale and strategies for your congregational stewardship team to engage in effective year round ministry. Please register here.
Read MoreDuring Lent, California Lutheran University and Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary are offering a short daily devotional email from our students, staff, faculty, alumni and friends.
Our theme this year is: Power. Privilege. Presence. To sign up to receive these short daily emails, click here.
Read MoreKnowing the numbers for hunger and poverty can go a long way to helping us talk about the issues accurately and craft effective, forward-looking responses. For those who share with their congregation information about hunger and poverty, these numbers can also be helpful in putting together presentations or workshops.
Read MoreA reminder that our Annual Congregation Meeting Resources page is available if you haven’t had your annual meeting yet.
Attorney Bryan Daum reminds congregations using the written ballot procedure in addition to an online annual meeting, “Please remember that you must send a written ballot to each voting member and not just the persons who attended the virtual meeting.” View our resource page for full info.
Read MoreThough our creeds do not speak of Jesus’ teachings, miracles or example, give thanks that, through Scripture, the Spirit reveals Jesus to be the source of our redemption and a trustworthy guide, instructing us how to live with one another, serve our neighbor and do God’s work in the world today.
Read MoreRemember in prayer those who continue to struggle with unemployment, underemployment and job searching as a result of the economic and health impacts of COVID-19.
Read MoreGive thanks for the Lutheran liturgy and worship practices that equip us for daily life, helping us to praise God, listen to God’s word and experience unity in the body of Christ.
Read MoreForm A & C Parochial Reports, which are due February 15, 2021, are available on the ELCA.org Office of the Secretary resource page. These reports, as well as many types of other resources, can be found on the page.
If your congregation did not receive your password from ELCA Churchwide, or if you have any questions, please contact Theresa Thornburgh in the synod office.
Read MoreHave you or your worshipping community ever encountered a tough problem and found yourselves unable to come up with a solution? Then design thinking might be able to help! Design thinking is being used every day by global companies, top universities and people around the world to help solve big challenges.
Read MoreGive thanks for the self-sacrificing generosity of people who demonstrate their gratefulness for God’s gift of life and their concern for their neighbors’ well-being by donating blood, plasma and even organs.
Read MoreMaximizing Social Media for Congregations, presented by Pastor Charles Newman and Melanie Moscicki of Crossroads Lutheran in San Tan Valley, is available for viewing on Vimeo or in this post. You can also view the Powerpoint presentation file.
We are grateful for the real-world expertise from the leaders at Crossroads, who are continually refining their digital presence.
Read MoreLydia, Dorcas and Phoebe, witnesses to the faith Praise God for the witness and ministry of women of the early church. Give thanks for women of all ages and backgrounds who, responding to God’s call, continue to use their gifts, life experiences, knowledge and passions to grow the church, serve all people and be bearers of hope and healing in the world.
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