Pray that the Spirit will make us persistent and fearless in our prayers, especially on behalf of people who long for justice, mercy, peace and relief from suffering.
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I spend months and months planning before we leave for a Gathering, after I have thought and prepared and over-planned, I lay awake at night…Will they all get along? Will we bond as a group? Will this be worth it?
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Pray that we will seek ways of supporting and affirming youth and family ministers in their work of faith formation, equipping young people with life skills, engaging young people in service, supporting parents and inspiring and encouraging new leaders.
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From the ELCA Advocacy blog by guest blogger the Rev. Lamont Wells, President of the African Descent Lutheran Association
The sidewalk alongside 116th Street was filled with hungry consumers lined up to purchase that very popular chicken sandwich from Popeyes as I left my local gym. I paused and watched the line grow longer and overheard various conversations.
While I listened, a young male said aloud, “I haven’t registered to vote yet!” I ran upstairs to my condo and grabbed a handful of voter registration applications leftover from a previous drive.
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Pray for the countries of Central America, especially for children and youth who are traumatized by violence and have fled to other countries; for an end to gang violence and drug trafficking; for a more just distribution of wealth; and for Christians and communities of faith to have courage and persistence in living out the gospel.
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10/18/19 Deadline! As we take applications for 2020 GCS grants, we share stories from our 2019 Grant recipients, which you can see on our Grant Dollars at Work page.
House of Prayer, Rock Point, AZ: Participants are growing accustomed to telling their story and seeing themselves as a part of God’s story in this time and place. Visitors to the Mission are also engaging with local folks in conversation and sharing. Guests who have come to “eat and run” in the past are sticking around to talk. The conversation and encouragement is especially helpful to the elderly.
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From Allie Papke-Larson comes this reflection. Papke-Larson is Program Coordinator for Lutheran Campus Ministries/Canterbury Episcopal Campus Ministries at Northern Arizona University and Youth Director at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Flagstaff.
The cooling weather brings the changing and falling leaves, the sun shines with a less direct light, our once long days, shortening.
This time of year has me thinking about the transitions in my own life. I remember what a friend told me once, she said finding our way can be like being in the belly of the whale: we can’t see that we are moving, growing, crossing an entire sea. It feels like we are sitting still, even though movement and growth are happening.
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We pray for Pastor Abel Arroyo Traverso, and healing from his back injury so he may return to his chosen career of doing God's work.
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The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) joins the Church of Sweden and The Episcopal Church in a commitment to work together to advocate for national and international policies that address the urgency of the climate crisis and help create resilient communities while leaving no one behind. This statement is a renewal and update of the commitment made by the three church bodies in 2013.
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My parents moved to the United States from India in 1970. My mom was a newlywed and eighteen years old. Just a few months after marrying my dad, they packed up two suitcases, with $200 dollars to their names, and boarded a plane to travel halfway across the world. My parents were strangers in a strange land.
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We pray the congregation of St. John's Lutheran Church in Glendale, AZ, as they follow Jesus in the Lutheran tradition. We uplift in prayer Pastor Peter Perry, Church Secretary Jennifer Roland, Choir Director Leo Lai, and Organist Virginia Harmon.
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Remember God’s just and merciful works throughout history, the help and compassion we receive, the gifts and resources that sustain our lives, and the new covenant made with us in Jesus Christ.
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We pray for the congregation of Mount Zion Lutheran Church in Tucson, and Pastors Dan Valasakos and Craig Larson, as they offer themselves, their time and their resources in Christ centered programs, events and worship.
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ELCA Advocacy provides updates for: United Nations | California | Minnesota | New Mexico | Ohio | Pennsylvania | Southeastern Synod | Washington | Wisconsin
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In September the synod council, staff, and conference deans gathered in Tucson for a weekend of church business, worship, fellowship, and a border immersion experience. The experience comes out of our commitment to live into our strategic plan of communicating Jesus: “We will grow our public witness through advocacy, integrating our ELCA theology and engagement with current issues and contextual realities.”
The workshop included time to examine our perceptions around border issues, to cross the border and visit our Lutheran-Episcopal ministry, Cruzando Fronteras, and worship with the GCS’s oldest Spanish speaking congregation, Iglesia San Juan Bautista.
View reports, resources, and reflections of the participants.
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With the myriad of wireless devices in constant use, many churches provide Wi-Fi for the convenience of employees and guests. However, this complimentary benefit can come with a heavy price if security is taken for granted. You may want to forward this information to your IT support specialist before deciding to provide Wi-Fi access to your congregation.
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Pray for the members who serve on their congregation councils, that God will help them lead with wisdom, vision and compassion as they guide and manage their communities of faith for mission.
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From the ELCA Advocacy office in Washington, D.C. – the Rev. Amy E. Reumann, director
PROPOSED SNAP RULE CHANGE | AUGUSTA VICTORIA HOSPITAL | INTERFAITH CLIMATE CONSULTATION | YOUNG ADULT HILL VISITS
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St. Theresa was known for her life of contemplation and prayer, her theological reflection and writing, and her strong identification with people suffering poverty and illness. Remember the people who have helped shape our faith, values and life, and pray that, through the work of the Spirit, our faith, example and service will have a positive influence on our neighbors, the church, society and the world.
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Synopsis from a sermon preached by the Rev. Dr. Yolanda Denson-Byers at the historic “Lift Every Voice” African Descent Lutheran Association (ADLA) & Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries (ELM) Worship Service on Friday, August 2, 2019 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
I come before you with a pastor’s heart to address the hurt, pain, and suffering that I am aware is present in this room. As a human being who identifies as female, Black, and queer, I recognize that as African descent Lutherans, allies, and queer folks we make an unlikely assembly.
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