Marissa and Pastor Matthew Metevelis welcome their son into this world: Jeremiah Peter (JP) Metevelis. Both of Reformation Lutheran Church in Las Vegas, Marissa works with youth ministry and Matthew is a pastor.
Marissa writes: “Happy groundhog day, super bowl 100, and birthday to Jeremiah Peter (JP) Metevelis. He arrived earlier than planned 2/2/20, but came into this world @ 1:57am surrounded by family and an amazing birth team…”
Read MorePray that when we are embarrassed or hesitant to speak of the crucified and risen Christ, our faith in God’s love and the gospel message will encourage and embolden us to be confident yet humble witnesses in the world.
Read MoreAsk God to deepen our understanding of the peace that God desires for the world. Pray that the Spirit will inspire us to be bold peacemakers grounded in God’s vision of peace, the gospel and love for our neighbor.
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 MoreThe ELCA Federal Credit Union now offers a corporate credit card program and a small-loan program specifically suited to the unique needs of ELCA ministries. The ELCA Federal Credit Union World Mastercard for Ministry is a cost-effective alternative to standard corporate credit card programs. For ELCA congregations and related ministries looking to fund small projects or make purchases, the credit union extends loans of up to $50,000 at favorable rates.
Read MorePeople with intellectual and developmental disabilities receive limited income each month to provide for their basic needs. Most of this income is used to cover their healthcare and living expenses, leaving very little for basic needs like haircuts, toiletries, clothing and more. In Illinois, for example, people are guaranteed $60 per month to cover these types of expenses.
Read MorePray that God will soften our hearts and focus our love on our neighbors in poverty and food insecurity, communities grieving for victims of violence, people in regions of conflict and war, refugees and immigrants, and people who are persecuted or disparaged.
Read MoreThe Internal Revenue Service has issued the 2020 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business and charitable, medical or moving purposes. Beginning Jan. 1, the business mileage rate decreased one-half cent for business travel and 3 cents for medical and certain moving expenses from 2019. The charitable rate is set by statute and remains unchanged.
Read MoreLooking ahead, 2020 is likely to be an eventful year. In the midst of societal shifts and opportunities, ELCA Advocacy has identified areas of priority for our work together on the federal level. “These priorities reflect ELCA Advocacy commitments for faithful and timely attention to pressing concerns that affect our neighbor’s well-being and the wholeness of creation,” says the Rev. Amy E. Reumann, Director of ELCA Advocacy.
Read MoreGive thanks for the gifts, accomplishments, influence and witness of our African descent neighbors and siblings in Christ — we stand together to glorify God as partners in the gospel, doing God’s work in the world together. Though we are unified as siblings in Christ, we ask God to guide and help our church as it recommits to the work of racial justice, socioeconomic equity, racial reconciliation and ending racism.
Read MoreWhen the year 2020 is abbreviated on official forms and documents, those looking to exploit unsuspecting people can easily manipulate those numbers and leave people potentially vulnerable to fraud.
Read MoreFree event! Saturday, February 22, 2020, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm. Join us in person at PLTS in Berkeley or remotely via Zoom. Download PDF flyer.
Please join us to learn how congregations can cultivate giving to fund long-term sustainability by creating, sustaining, managing, and growing endowments.
Read MoreThe Arizona Faith Network (AFN) is looking for people between the ages of 14 to 22 to serve on the Interfaith Youth and Young Adult Council (IYC). The council designed to help prepare Arizona’s next generation to be key leaders in interfaith communities.
Read More“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” Praise God and shout with joy!
Read MoreTen years ago, a 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck near Port-au-Prince, Haiti.This earthquake was the most powerful to strike Haiti in more than 200 years. About 300,000 people were killed in the destruction, and about 3 million people were affected altogether.
Read MoreHurry — applications for the ELCA’s Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) program are about to close! This is your chance to invite young adults to apply before the Feb. 15 deadline.
If you know young adults aged 21 to 29, reach out and encourage them to apply for this yearlong journey abroad.
Read MorePortico offers the set of annually updated Richard R. Hammar tax guides at no cost to pastors or congregations participating in the ELCA benefit program. Federal Reporting Requirements for Churches helps congregations understand federal reporting requirements. The Clergy Tax Return Preparation Guide gives special attention to tax-related topics relevant to ministers. EmployerLink: updated versions available. myPortico: updated versions available.
Read MoreIn October of 2019, the Multicultural Youth Leadership Event leadership team, including youth, young adults and adults, gathered at Luther Seminary to discern a theme for MYLE 2021. Before we began our conversations as a group, we took the time to learn about and understand the history of the land. This was led by an effort from Healing Minnesota Stories, to bring healing between people of faith and the Native American people who call Minnesota home.
Read MoreAsk God to help us when we feel discouraged or overwhelmed by or detached from the difficult challenge of reducing gun violence. Pray for wisdom, courage and boldness in advocating for legislation and cultural shifts that, though complex or unpopular, will protect the gift of life and honor the handiwork of our Creator.
Read MoreWe pray for Pastor Joseph Dillon and the congregation of Trinity Lutheran Church, in Phoenix, a loving Christian community, feeding God’s people in mind, body, and spirit.
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