In the ELCA there is no mission “to,” only mission “with” and “among” as its missionaries walk together with those they serve. In this episode of the Three Sides podcast, we hear from ELCA missionaries and ELCA Global Mission staff who talk about what it means to “bear one another’s burdens” by walking together and sharing God’s love in communities throughout the world.
Watch We are one in the Spirit to learn more about Rev. Kirsten Fryer’s journey.
Read MoreThe Rev. Robert C. Blezard continues to provide a “Stewardship Toolkit” for congregations. Fitting for the month with Independence Day, July’s theme is “Stewardship of our civic freedoms.”
It consists of an original newsletter article and RCL-based “stewardship snippets” that they can cut and paste into their publications. It also has resources to explore the theme set out in the newsletter article.
Read MoreFrom Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) comes prayers for the season of Pentecost and A Litany of Hope, printable bulletin insert.
Read MoreThe Day of Pentecost has come, and we as a church continue to gather in community. Suddenly come the sounds of organs, pianos, guitars, drums, percussion, strings, brass and woodwinds, filling the sanctuaries. People sing, full of the breath of God, in languages, rhythms and melodies from around the world, ancient and new.
In worship, we give shape to our communal image of God. If you only ever worship using one musical style, you limit your capacity to paint a full image of God. Each song, instrument and rhythm has the capacity to reveal a new aspect of God to the worshiper.
Read MoreThe ELCA is saddened by the all-too-frequent occurrences of gun violence in the U.S. We invite you on a journey of prayer, scripture, stories and church teachings with this resource, "A 60-Day Journey Toward Justice in a Culture of Gun Violence."
Together through daily observances, it calls us to work toward the prevention of gun violence as people of God who strive for justice and peace in all the world. It may be used for individual reflection, group Bible study, adult education sessions, and congregational daily devotions. Your journey is intended to start on June 16th, but this resource can be used at any time.
Read MoreSobering news was released in May by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), which is an intergovernmental body of the United Nations. Using a team of 455 authors from 50 countries, IPBES spent three years reviewing 15,000 government and scientific sources to come to the assessment that one million species of plants and animals (roughly one in eight species in the whole world) are threatened with extinction, many within decades. Read the full blog post »
Read MoreI graduated from high school and asked myself the question, “What’s next?” While I knew that I would still have the network of friends and mentors who had supported my faith development, I also recognized that my graduation meant that I was no longer a “Youth” of the church. Instead, I was a “Young Adult” of the church.
Read MoreLearning the history of the Lutheran church is not complete without exploring the rich history of the African descent Lutheran movement. The black Lutheran church began as early as 1620 by most accounts.
In this episode of Three Sides, host Shanna Crawford spoke with Lutheran historian Dr. Richard Stewart, Pastor Lucille Mills and Pastor Albert Starr about the early years of African descent Lutherans, what’s happening in the church today and what the future holds. Learn more about Dr. Stewart’s research and a more detailed history on his blog, and listen to the podcast.
Read MoreNew resources for observing Migrant and Refugee Sunday are now available. The all-new resources for Migrant and Refugee Sunday include commentaries written by former refugees for preaching on the lessons for Pentecost, a Pentecost/World Refugee Day Litany, Prayer Petitions for June, and other worship and education materials that will be updated each month. Check out the website www.lirs.org/migrant-refugee-sunday
Read MoreThese petitions are offered as guides to prayer for the global, social and outreach ministries of the ELCA, as well as for the needs and circumstances of our neighbors, communities and world. Thank you for your continued prayers for the life and mission of this church. Download a Word doc, or PDF for letter size printout or legal size printout, or view the ELCA resource page.
Read MoreI was officiating at the wedding of two of our Clemson University alumni. Their friends stood up to make remarks – all of which were glowing and emotional. Some of these had gone to Clemson, so they included a “Go Tigers!” in their comments. Then there was the admission from one that she attended a college in the SEC Conference rather than the ACC. (College football rivalries are important in the South.) These exchanges were good natured and humorous; some such exchanges are not. Our country seems to be in a phase were name-calling and belittling have ceased to be taboo.
Read MoreMost people have heard of Joni Eareckson Tada, the woman who’s arms and legs entered paralysis at 17 after breaking her neck in a diving accident. It is hard to imagine how a young athlete could deal with the fact that she was not going to be healed, but famously, Joni did. Rather than being physically healed, she learned to paint by holding the brush in her mouth. She founded “Joni and Friends,” a ministry that helps persons with disabilities and their families reach independence, physically, financially, and spiritually.
Read MoreThe May issue of Administration Matters contains information on ELCA Churchwide Assembly observers and volunteers, contingency planning for congregations, background checks, reducing legal liabilities, painting and working with chemicals, and the inherent risk of guest Wi-Fi access at your church.
Read MoreIn this episode of the Three Sides podcast we speak with Dawn Rundman, author of “Little Steps, Big Faith: How the Science of Early Childhood Development Can Help You Grow Your Child’s Faith.”
Rundman discusses the science behind children’s brain development in the first five years of life and how to use this scientific insight in faith formation with daily practices for parents. She also provides insight into how congregations can create an inviting environment for children to experience God.
Rundman’s book is available from Beaming Books.
Read MoreWhat event has shaped and changed your life more than any other?
Transforming Moments: Yet again the nation is dealing with a school shooting, this time on the campus of UNC-Charlotte. On May 1, a young man entered a classroom and began shooting. Two were killed and four were wounded. Police were unclear as to the possible motives of the shooter. Read more»
Faith Lens features weekly bible studies that engage youth and young adults in connecting world events with the Bible, faith, and everyday life.
Read MoreThe Rev. Robert C. Blezard continues to provide a “Stewardship Toolkit” for congregations. This month’s theme: Develop a heart of generosity..
It consists of an original newsletter article and RCL-based “stewardship snippets” that they can cut and paste into their publications. It also has resources to explore the theme set out in the newsletter article.
Read MoreThis vacation Bible school curriculum explores the theme of "Who is My Neighbor?" Participants will learn about people around the world who are our neighbors in the kingdom of God and the work of ELCA World Hunger. Includes skits, schedules, snack and craft ideas, and more.
Read MoreWe are called by God to "keep the earth" (Genesis 2:15). On this ELCA page, https://www.elca.org/Resources/Caring-for-Creation, find resources and educational materials to help you and your congregation grow in your own faith journey to appreciate fully and cherish creation and find different ways to engage in earth-keeping activities.
Read MoreWhen you hear someone’s testimony, do you tend to believe it or question it? Why? Read more»
Faith Lens features weekly bible studies that engage youth and young adults in connecting world events with the Bible, faith, and everyday life.
Read MoreAs members of the ELCA, we believe that God is calling us into the world – together. And with generous, loving hands, we can make a difference. ELCA Good Gifts is your opportunity to provide critical support to the ministries and programs that mean the most to you and the people you love.
Read More
