Ask God to grant us the wisdom and humility to understand that our true identity and value lie not in earthly possessions, property, financial assets or positions of power and influence but in a life and faith centered in God’s love, word and ways.
Read MoreLift up in prayer farmers, ranchers and agricultural workers who have been adversely impacted by this year’s heavy rains, persistent flooding and, in some regions, heat and drought. Pray that they will find the support and assistance they need, be able to maintain their livelihoods, and be encouraged by our gratitude and awareness of how their work helps sustain and feed the world.
Read MoreJune 30 marked the successful completion of Always Being Made New: The Campaign for the ELCA. Give thanks to God for the generosity of ELCA members and congregations, which makes a difference in the lives of people around the world; pray that we continue to grow and support ministries that serve our neighbor, share the gospel, equip leaders and grow the church.
Read MoreGive thanks for the 12 young-adult summer interns serving in the ELCA churchwide office, who are helping our church carry out its mission through sharing generously of their gifts, skills and faith.
Read MoreUnited Nations World Day Against Trafficking in Persons Human trafficking for forced labor and sexual exploitation is a global issue affecting every nation. Women and girls account for almost three-quarters of all trafficking victims. Pray that the ELCA, our congregations and communities continue to work to end human trafficking, care for survivors and address root causes of trafficking, such as poverty, hunger and sexism.
Read MoreGive thanks for the fullness of life we have in Christ through faith, and that the light and truth of the gospel and God’s grace dwelling within us will transform us so we can convey hope to the world and love and serve our neighbor.
Read MorePray that we will be moved by God’s love and impartiality to extend hospitality and acceptance to our neighbor, especially those who are in need, are strangers to us or are disregarded by society.
Read More501(c)(3) organizations are prohibited from certain kinds of political activity, so your congregation must understand what is permissible and what is strictly prohibited in order to maintain its tax-exempt status.
Read MoreGive thanks that God is attentive and responsive to us. Pray that we will never be timid about bringing to God our every matter, need, hope, question, sorrow and joy.
Read MoreRemember in prayer the 10 young people working alongside our companions in Mexico as part of the ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission program. Remember also the Rev. Meghan Brown Saavedra, YAGM country coordinator, and the Rev. David and Alicia Brondos, ELCA missionaries teaching at the Seminario Luterano Augsburgo in Mexico City.
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 MorePastors, deacons and council of the Grand Canyon Synod are cordially invited to the Bishop’s Fall Gathering, October 21-22, 2019 in Chandler, Arizona.
We are very excited to bring in Tod Bolsinger, author of Canoeing the Mountains: Christian Leadership in Uncharted Territory, who will lead us in creating new possibilities of communicating Jesus and connecting people. Register by 8/30/19 to save $25.
Read MoreConflict is normal and inevitable whether in the home, school, community, church or workplace. The Mediation Skills Training Institute presented by the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center (LMPC) is designed to equip church leaders with the skills necessary to deal effectively with interpersonal, congregational, and other forms of group conflict.
The Mediation Skills Training Institute will be held at the Lutheran Center in Glendale, CA from August 26 - 30, 2019. Registering by July 26 to receive an early bird tuition rate of $695 ($895 after). Click here for more information and to download a brochure/registration form.
Read MoreThe Rev. Robert C. Blezard continues to provide a “Stewardship Toolkit” for congregations. This month’s theme is “Deceived by the lie of more.” We look at how our culture pressures us to seek happiness by endlessly accumulating more—more stuff, more money, more experiences. The result? Instead of finding peace, too many of God’s people are miserable and drowning in debt.
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. You can use this permanent URL, https://bit.ly/2EHozvX, for the toolkit. Rob will keep the URL the same but refresh it with the new content every month.more
Read MoreVisiting those in prison is one of the fundamental calls in fulfilling the gospel, but within that call lies an invitation to relationship. Pastor Fred Nelson from Redeemer Lutheran Church in Park Ridge, Ill., is founder and executive director of The Inside Out Network, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping connect people both inside prisons and those beyond the walls in more meaningful, effective ways. Listen to the podcast.
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 MoreRecent news stories of appalling conditions at immigrant detention centers and of deep human sorrow on our country’s southern border have many of us desperate to be part of change.
Lutherans have a deep-rooted history in refugee and immigrant issues. One of every six Lutherans in the world was a refugee or displaced person after WWII. The God-given dignity in all people and value of family unity have been cornerstones of ELCA faith-based advocacy, and we understand that many immigrants, as well as their families, are both afraid and confused by recent developments. Here are some ways Lutherans have acted and can continue to respond.
Read MoreJuly 15-19, 2019: This continuing education event for pastors and church leaders will explore how concepts from a MBA program can be applied to the arena of congregational life. Learn more about their entire program and register here: Executive Skills for Church Leaders.
Read MoreCrisis and urgency bordering on chaos are common themes of most news outlets’ headlines. Violence, climate change, hunger, migration… Are we faced with hopeless situations as the headlines seem to indicate? Absolutely not.
Addressing crises of the world may be urgent but must be expediently tactical. God has gifted us with many tools to help us navigate toward viable solutions. The Talanoa Dialogue process is one such tool.
Read MoreListen to Andrew Steele’s full interview with Rev. Rafael Malpica Padilla, executive director of ELCA Global Mission. Learn more about the church’s mission theology of “accompaniment,” which defines how ELCA missionaries carry out their work with more than 80 companion churches around the world.
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