We have a curious set of readings for this first Sunday of Lent. Biblical scholars believe that Deuteronomy 26:5-10 is a script for someone making an offering of what was called the “first fruits,” a religious practice for farming communities. These verses fit well with this somber season. Lent is, if nothing else, a time of looking backward and a time of looking forward.
Read MoreIt started in Canada. They called it the Freedom Convoy. Truckers driving in a convoy (a line of trucks all traveling in the same direction) began a noisy, horn-honking, but originally peaceful protest against the government’s requirement of COVID vaccinations for workers.
Read MoreWorshipWell offers a Turning, worship resources based on the Gospel of John. “Poring over the Lenten texts from John’s Gospel, we are dizzied by all of the turning: God turning toward humanity’s pain as Jesus weeps at raw and unbearable grief; Jesus turning Lazarus’ death into something confusingly hopeful; Jesus turning into a servant, turning clear water brown with the disciples’ gathered dust, turning them toward loving their neighbor.” Read an overview here and visit worship-well.com where this series is available at no cost.
Read MoreAs we prepare to enter the season of Lent, we want to invite you to join ELCA World Hunger’s 40 Days of Giving. At ELCA.org/40Days, you’ll find these downloadable resources to enrich the life of your congregation and family this season.
Read MoreBold Women’s Day—observed annually on the fourth Sunday of February—celebrates all Lutheran women who have acted or are acting boldly on their faith in Jesus Christ.
How will you to plan to celebrate Bold Women's Day with others in 2022? Access Bold Women's Day resources here.
Read MoreOver the past two years of the pandemic, an increasing number of our congregants have come to the church for help with personal issues like depression, substance abuse, and domestic violence.
Our leaders minister to them and often need to refer them to others. View a list of resources in this PDF or in this post. Barbara Keller will host a one hour zoom workshop on this topic on Thursday, Mar 3, 2022 9am MST, 8 am PST. Register here.
Read MoreLutheran Social Services of the Southwest has compiled a calendar (PDF) and resources to support LSS-SW clients and your broader community throughout the season of Lent. Each day, you'll find a way to participate and be involved in making a difference. Learn more at lss-sw.org/lent-with-lss.
Read MoreThe 2022 Beijing Olympics wrap up this week. The last few weeks have been full of amazing moments: great displays of jaw-dropping talent, individuals and teams who are at the absolute top of their game, even heart-warming displays of camaraderie and sportsmanship.
Read MoreThe notion of enemies is all over the news. There’s military buildup at the Ukrainian border with Russia, making enemies of global neighbors. Many countries are enacting diplomatic boycotts of the Olympics, making enemies of athletes who often train together, regardless of their national origins.
What I’ve found fascinating are the stories of people whom we might consider enemies behaving rather friendly.
Read MoreAmericans across the country are resigning from their jobs in mass numbers. Though you may not be in the working world yet, chances are that you know an adult who has resigned from their job sometime since March of 2020. Maybe your teacher or your medical provider has resigned.
One of the major reasons cited for resigning is burnout. The feeling of extreme exhaustion due to prolonged stress makes it difficult to take care of oneself and work. While burnout isn’t an official medical diagnosis, it does affect your physical and mental health.
Read MoreI was intrigued by an article about a rare deep-ocean creature which had washed up on a California beach. As one who watched Disney’s Finding Nemo a lot when my children were little, I recognized the pictures as being the type of deep sea “monster” that is angling to turn Marlin and Dory into a meal. What I didn’t know was how rare a find such a specimen is.
Read MoreThe role of governance in the life of the congregation continues to evolve and can be challenging. Yet, it remains an essential component to ensure our mission, inspire generosity, and protect our organizations.
Congregation council members and rostered leaders are invited to a Zoom presentation on congregation governance, given by Evan Moilan, CFRE and organized by the Office of the Bishop. Tuesday, 2/8/2022, 6pm MST, 5pm PST. Register here.
Evan Moilan, CFRE brings more than 24 years of experience in leadership, and will share best practices in governance, along with practical and implementable steps for your ministry that you can begin to use immediately.
Read MoreThe Internal Revenue Service has issued the 2022 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business and charitable, medical or moving purposes.
The business mileage rate increased 1 cent for business travel and 1 cent for medical and certain moving expenses from 2021. The charitable rate is set by statute and remains unchanged. For more information, visit the IRS website.
Read MoreIf your organization provides employees with cell phones for business use, both their business and personal use of the cell phone is a nontaxable fringe benefit. Likewise, reimbursement stipends and cell phone allowances that cover employees’ personal cell phone costs are still nontaxable benefits. Read more at Thomson Reuters.
Read MoreOn the internet there’s a meme out there called “what I got vs. what I ordered.” There are hundreds of stories of people getting something very different than they asked for. One man ordered a rug for his room but didn’t check the dimensions. He ended up with a rug that was no larger than a napkin.
Read MoreOn 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 MoreA regular boiler inspection will help ensure that your boiler is operating at its highest level of efficiency and providing the most heat for the least possible cost. State and local laws often require boiler inspections, and failure to comply may result in fines or other penalties. Read more at Church Mutual Insurance.
Read MoreReview this checklist from Portico for important January tasks to keep your 2022 Portico benefits program running smoothly. It includes reminders on payroll updates and links to the complimentary Hammar tax guides for clergy. Employers may sign in to EmployerLink to view the checklist, and individuals can access the Hammar tax guide for clergy at MyPortico.
Read MoreELCA congregations using Tithe.ly’s online platform for giving will now enjoy a lower credit card processing rate. Effective Dec. 10, 2021, the rate for processing credit card donations has been reduced to 2.3% for Visa, Mastercard and Discover transactions.
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.
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