We pray for the people of California Lutheran University and the surrounding community as wildfires make their way in California.
We also pray for first responders: God of earth and air, water and fire, height and depth, we pray for those who work in danger, who rush in to bring hope and help and comfort when others flee to safety, whose mission is to seek and save, serve and protect, and whose presence embodies the protection of the Good Shepherd.
Read MoreThe walk to Emmaus (Luke 24: 13-25) is a fairly “well-trodden” path for many Christians. It’s a story we hear once a year in the lectionary cycle – a story that comes together so well for me at the end when Jesus has vanished from the disciple’s sight – and yet, they “see” in a new and different way.
“Were not out hearts burning within us?” the disciples say to each other. Through the walking and talking, they caught a glimpse of God’s dream for a reconciled world – perhaps such a glimpse that the whole world might never look the same.
Read MoreAll Rostered Ministers in the ELCA are invited to join colleagues under the theme of "Rekindle the gift within you" (2 Timothy 1:6).
Let this gathering be an opportunity for you to remember, reclaim, rekindle and revive yourself. All rostered ministers are invited (active in call, on leave from call, awaiting call, retired). More information.
Read MoreRemember the reforming work and teachings of Martin Luther, who sought to re-center the church, its theology and its practices in Scripture and the gospel. Pray that the church today will always discern how best to participate in God’s work in the world, to share the gospel in changing contexts and to reform our church, its practices and its traditions in response to the stirrings of the Holy Spirit for the sake of mission.
Read MoreWe uplift Pastor Debra Slifer and the congregation of Mount of Olives Lutheran Church, in Phoenix.
Read MoreThe leaders of ELCA's American Indian/Native Alaska Lutheran Association were in Phoenix to plan their upcoming triennial gathering (Tulsa, OK, Jan. 2-5, 2020), and we were honored they took the time to visit the office.
From left: Elizabeth Gaskins, Treasurer; our very own Pastor Mary Louise Frenchman of NAUM; Pastor Joan Conroy, President; Bishop Deborah Hutterer; Loni Taylor, Secretary; and Pastor Jack Russell from Living Waters Lutheran Church, Cherokee, NC.
Read MoreIdentity theft has become a common problem in the United States, with an estimated 9 million people affected annually, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Here are important tips to protect your identity. Read the full article from Church Mutual »
Read MoreYou are encouraged to host a service of commemoration for the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, November 9.
Invite your congregation to break down walls. Schedule your service of commemoration next month. Share your prayers on social media with #BreakingDownWalls. Find resources in the Breaking Down Walls toolkit here.
Read MorePortico has updates on changes to the ELCA Benefits Plan, the annual enrollment, and earning Wellness Dollars by November 30.
Read MorePray for the witness of the nine young people serving alongside the Lutheran Church of Australia as part of the ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission program; the Rev. Kim Crawford and Rev. Henry Martinez, YAGM country coordinators; and the Rev. Sara Bishop, ELCA missionary serving in parish ministry.
Read MoreWe pray for Pastor Rick Lawrence and his wife Jill, as Pastor Rick begins treatments for cancer which will last through October. Pastor Rick serves Bethany Lutheran Church in Scottsdale, AZ.
Lord Christ, you came into the world as one of us, and suffered as we do. As we go through the trials of life, help us to realize that you are with us at all times and in all things; that we have no secrets from you; and that your loving grace enfolds us for eternity. In the security of your embrace we pray.
Read MoreAt the Bishop’s Fall Gathering, someone asked me, “Where do you find joy?” And, while I find many places of joy, it got me thinking. When I opened myself to serve in this role as bishop, I wasn’t thinking of joy. My prayer was, and still is, that God would use me to serve. Even though I get to do so many wonderful things, there are days when I struggle.
Read MoreIn a world where 820 million people go hungry, there never seems to be a lack of opportunity to support our neighbors.
Thanks to the generosity of ELCA World Hunger, the three of us are able to take part in a 12-month transformative journey that combines leadership development and faith formation with impactful advocacy that moves us toward an end to hunger and a just world where all are fed. Read the full story » We are elated to be part of the third cycle of the ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellowship in 2019-2020 and to introduce ourselves in the ELCA. ~ Jase, Nicole & Tessa
Read MoreGive thanks for the message of the apostle Paul — which had a profound impact on Martin Luther and the foundational beliefs of our church — that we are all flawed and broken human beings yet are reconciled to God by God’s gift of mercy and love in Jesus Christ.
Read MoreWe pray for the congregation of Gloria de Cristo Lutheran Church, in Yuma, AZ. We uplift these leaders as they proclaim and reflect God's love as revealed through Jesus Christ: Pastor William Timm; Jerry Grill, Choir Director, Worship Coordinator & Program Facilitator; Shirley Ehler, Organist; Char Schomisch, Administrative Secretary; Pianists Marge Graham and Marie Ritten; Bells of Glory Director Kay Lee Grunst, Stephen Ministry Leaders Russ DeVriendt, Joyce Hoeft, and Mike Rosenberg; Christcare Equippers Roy Cavanaugh, Carolyn Thorene, and Jo Larsen; Nursery Coordinator Isaac Timm, and Sunday School Coordinator Eliza Johnson.
We pray for their church council members: Roy Cavanaugh, Church President; Michelle Cegon, Vice President; Kay Lee Grunst, Secretary; Gil Richter, Treasurer; and Eliza Johnson, Lynette Layton, Ann Bird, Julie Villones, Doreen Caldwell, Jerry Randby, and Brenda Taylor.
Read MoreNovember 21, 2019 Webinar – Noon ET: An interview with Alice Hedt, retired Long-Term Care Ombudsman for the State of Maryland. Moving to a nursing home is difficult. This session focuses on how to find the best nursing home possible for your loved one or yourself. Register in advance.
Read MoreIn April, a group of creative youth, young adults and adults gathered in Minneapolis to discern the theme for the 2021 Gathering.
After reading through 2018 evaluations, listening to locals share about their city and much discussion about the spiritual lives of young people, the theme “boundless: God beyond measure” was chosen.
Read MorePray that our church’s relationships with the Lutheran World Federation, the World Council of Churches and the National Council of the Churches of Christ will continue to grow, and that we will share resources and utilize people’s diverse voices and gifts to do God’s work in the world and serve our neighbor.
Read MoreOn October 12th, Super Typhoon Hagibis made landfall in Japan leading 181 rivers to crest and causing widespread flooding and landslides across the impacted area. Lutheran Disaster Response, through local partner, CWS Japan, is responding to this disaster, prioritizing the most vulnerable communities.
Read MorePraise God! Give thanks that Jesus — the light and truth given for the world — sets us free from sin and the bondage of death, and transforms us for lives of love, mercy, peacemaking, serving our neighbor and sharing the good news with everyone.
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