On January 19th, 2022, home COVID-19 tests became available through the federal government. We need to ensure that stakeholders, especially the most vulnerable, have access to the testing resources they need in order ensure equitable testing distribution. In this post, find resources on how to help people get free tests and spread the word.
Read MoreWe’ve updated our Congregation in Transitions page, which also now includes a listing of congregations in the call process.
Each of the sixty-five synods of the ELCA is responsible for the management of the call process within the territory of their respective synod. Learn more about the call process here.
Read MoreThis full-day retreat will engage you in a thoughtful and inspiring look at the stories of how you came to be the person you are and the qualities of your life that can be a true legacy to future generations. Hosted at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, click any of three dates for more info and to register:
This Interim Ministry Training is based in the real-time real life work of an Intentional Interim Pastor. it uses a "coach approach," which believes the participants are "creative, resourceful, and whole," and is directed by a trained coach.
The cost for the six-month program is $585. To learn more and to register, please go to the Purposeful Pastor website. Beginning Friday January 28, 2022 through 7/8/2022, 2nd and 4th Fridays each month, 9:00am - 10:00am MST.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop continues to travel around the synod for services and meetings.
Read MoreThe number of cases per capita is approaching 400% compared to last winter’s peak. All counties are at extremely high levels of risk for unvaccinated people.
With many people testing themselves on at-home tests, and other infections going undetected, reported cases are an undercount of actual infections, but indicate how the virus is spreading. Case trends help officials, businesses and residents assess risk and make decisions.
Read MoreELCA Hunger invites you to continue your work by connecting your congregation to the church’s global work to end hunger and poverty during ELCA World Hunger’s 40 Days of Giving, which begins on Ash Wednesday, March 2.
To prepare, visit ELCA.org/40Days and download or order resources today. You’ll find free resources including a daily devotional calendar, a weekly study guide, an action guide for congregations, and weekly Lenten email series.
Read MoreJoin Lutheran Disaster Response, ELCA Ammparo and ELCA Advocacy in their webinar, “Boldly Serving Our Afghan Neighbors: A Call for Congregational Accompaniment and Co-Sponsorship,” Tuesday, 2/8/2022, 5 pm MST, 4 pm PST. Register here.
Read MoreAuthor Ron Rude joins Spirited Book Club to discuss his book, Amending the Christian Story: The Natural Sciences as a Window into Grounded Faith and Sustainable Living. This online gathering is hosted by Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center. Click either of two dates to register:
Read MoreThe Hunger Leaders Network meeting on Tuesday, January 25 at 6pm MST will feature a special guest speaker: The Rev. Elizabeth Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Bishop Eaton will pop in to the virtual meeting for 5-10 minutes to bring greetings and share updates from the ELCA churchwide. More info: January 2022 Agenda, Join Hunger Leaders Network, Join Zoom meeting.
Read MoreThe National Fund for Sacred Places is a grant-making program that provides capital grants ranging from $50,000 to $250,000 as well as wrap-around support services to congregations undertaking once-in-a-generation preservation project.
Join us for an introductory webinar on January 26th, 2022 at 10am MST, 9 am PST, to learn more about the program and whether your sacred place (or any of the sacred places in your community or judicatory) may qualify. Register here!
Read MoreWith Black History Month approaching, the ELCA introduces "Now Is the Time: A Study Guide for ELCA Declaration to People of African Descent" to help congregations wrestle with the meaning of the declaration, adopted at the 2019 Churchwide Assembly, and its accompanying explanation.
The five-part study resource, with a guide and participant materials, is available at elca.org/Resources/Racial-Justice. Direct PDF links to the Explanation of the Declaration of the ELCA to People of African Descent are here: Document, Study Guide and Participant Materials.
Read MoreThe Center of Addiction & Faith is hosting a one-hour free webinar ‘Addiction & Dry January’ on Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022, 10am MST, 9 am PST, with follow-up 30 minute Zoom discussion. Register here.
A spike in drinking during the pandemic has also come with a rise in those who are "sober curious." 1 in 5 Americans say they planned to participate in Dry January this year. In this webinar, we'll dig into these trends and explore how they can benefit you and your faith community.
Read MoreRev. Tina Mills, with Our Savior’s in Mesa, celebrates 11 years of ordination on January 25.
Rev. David Sivecz celebrates 4 years of ordination on January 27.
Deacon Carol Arnold celebrates 40 years of ordination on January 27.
Being Here, a podcast through Portico that explores real world issues and topics important to professionals in the faith community, has added three new episodes.
Join host the Rev. Melissa Pohlman, as she welcomes three new guests to share their experiences and points of view on navigating retirement; Christian conversations about racial justice; and creative approaches to innovative ministry. Listen here.
Read MoreThe winter 2021 edition of Promise, Mosaic’s national magazine, is now on our website for easy reading. Read the latest issue by clicking here.
This is our Called to be Bold issue, and it features three stories about four people with intellectual and developmental disabilities living bold and meaningful lives in the way that they choose on their terms.
Read MoreAfter many years of no increase, the recommended stipend for a substitute/fill-in pastor and deacon is now:
$200 for preaching one service. $50 for each additional service that same weekend.
Mileage reimbursement at the current IRS rate.
Hotel room if overnight needed.
Visit our substitute page for a list of pastors and deacons available.
Read MoreHave you ever seen a grassroots campaign for affordable housing? What about a ten year old preacher and professional artist? This is future church. New. Young. Diverse.
African Descent Ministries of the ELCA is celebrating Black History Month with a new series “Talks at the Desk,” sharing the diverse expressions of the church. View video trailer here. Join us each Wednesday in February at 6:30pm MST, 5:30 PST. For more updates follow @ELCAADM on social or check out facebook.com/elcaadm.
Read MoreThe ELCA shares a video featuring Humble Walk Lutheran Church, a community of folks gathering around about the West 7th Neighborhood of Saint Paul, Minnesota. More at humblewalkchurch.org.
Read MoreDue to the latest COVID-19 surge and recent changes in Gathering leadership, we are pausing registration so our team can evaluate and discern the most faithful next steps for the 2022 Gathering, MYLE and the tAble. Registration rates and other key dates will be adjusted accordingly. Stay tunedfor updates in the coming weeks.
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