Pray for congregations, Christian education leaders, youth and family ministry leaders, and volunteers preparing for summer programs, that they will deepen and stir the faith of members and reach into neighborhoods and surrounding communities with the gospel and an active spirit of hospitality and service.
Read MoreAs we approach the twentieth anniversary of our full communion agreement, “Called to Common Mission,” we give thanks to God for the partnership we share with The Episcopal Church. In the coming months, we will pray for and with one another, seeking spiritual renewal in these challenging times, and revival for the common mission we share.
From Pentecost Sunday through the first Sunday in September, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and her Episcopal counterpart Presiding Bishop Michael Curry welcome congregations and individuals to regularly pray “A Prayer for the Power of the Spirit Among the People of God,” available in English, Spanish, and French.
Read MoreWe lift up in prayer Pastor Pat and Mike Reed and their family following the death of Pat’s father, Michael Nigro.
Eternal God, your love is stronger than death, and your passion more fierce than the grave. We rejoice in the lives of those whom you have drawn into your eternal embrace. Keep us in joyful communion with them until we join the saints of every people and nation gathered before your throne in your ceaseless praise, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Read MoreRich Johnson—Master Gardener and member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Mesa—got the front cover treatment in the May edition of Living Lutheran. The best quote from his “I’m a Lutheran” article?
Read More“I tell people that if they don’t believe in God’s power, you try making a tomato plant!”
Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton was interviewed live on CNN May 26 to discuss how the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is navigating a return to in-person worship during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read MoreI have been encouraged to respond to what I believe is an ill-advised statement to “open houses of worship,” given all the evidence that the coronavirus is still spreading. This week, the COVID-19 death toll across our country reached 100,000 souls. To date, infections number over 17,000 in Arizona and over 8,000 in both Nevada and Utah. Over 1,300 people have died in the three states.
Such statistics testify this is not the time to gather in-person. I would sum up guidance to churches in one, simple phrase: “Just because you can gather for worship, doesn’t mean you should.”
Read MoreGive thanks for the commitment, creativity and compassion of teachers, teacher assistants, professors, educators and school staff who, facing difficult and uncertain situations, have persisted in attending to the educational and personal needs of their students ― our children, youth and young adults.
Read MoreWe offer prayers of thanksgiving for the successful surgery of Rev. Dr. Gene Perry (retired). The surgery, a heart procedure designed to help prevent strokes had been delayed by the coronavirus pandemic.
O Lord, your compassions never fail and your mercies are new every morning. We give you thanks for giving our brother Gene both relief from pain and hope of health renewed. Continue in him the good work you have begun; that he, daily increasing in bodily strength and rejoicing in your goodness, may so order his life and conduct that he may always think and do those things that please you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Read MoreLEAN board member Sheila Freed shares the good news of how a gift through Sierra Pacific Synod made its way throughout Region 2, helping Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada (which straddles both Sierra Pacific and Grand Canyon Synods), Lutheran Social Services of Nevada, the Food Bank of Northern Nevada, and Nye Communities Coalition.
Read MorePray that we will be mindful and responsive to those who have become more lonely, isolated or distant over the past weeks and months, and that they will feel more connected and comforted as we reach out to one
another and discover new ways of being in community and relationship with each other.
The ELCA recognizes June, 17 as day of Commemoration of the Emanuel 9 and a Day of Repentance of Racism. This post by Kelly France is featured as part of a series to call the ELCA to address white supremacy and racism. To find additional worship materials for June 17, please visit elca.org/EmanuelNine.
I love living and serving as a pastor in rural communities on the Great Plains. I have spent most of my life in this environment, and my family has been part of this landscape for generations. My identity is tied to this place, and that comes with complex realities and shameful truths.
Read MoreA recent news story emphasizes the importance of interpreters in the dealing with the current pandemic. In a place such as New York City, where more than 800 languages are spoken, one can only imagine how hard it must be to make sure someone with any medical emergency can provide a description of their condition, as well as receive understandable instructions.
Read MoreWe pray for Pastor David Sivecz and his family as the grieve the loss of David’s grandmother after she contracted coronavirus.
Merciful God, you give us the grace that helps in time of need. Surround us your steadfast love and lighten our burden. By the power of your Spirit, free us from distress and give us a new mind and heart made whole in the name of the risen Christ. Amen.
Read MoreAuthors Patricia Rusch Duffey, Elizabeth Baldizan, and Pastor Paul Block worked with New Song Lutheran, Henderson, to publish their book, Knock, Knock (Who's there?) I AM.: 40 Real-Life Stories From People Who Experienced God In Their Lives, available on Amazon.
Read MorePray that the Spirit of God working in us will help us value every generation for its faith, wisdom, gifts and diverse life experiences, and that we will not disparage or discount one another because of age, mistakes or differences of perspective but instead will give thanks and affirm and support one another as members of the body of Christ, which includes all generations.
Read MoreO God, on this day you open the hearts of your faithful people by sending into us your Holy Spirit. Direct us by the light of that Spirit, that we may have a right judgment in all things and rejoice at all times in your peace, through Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Read MoreHouse of Prayer has become the 'warehouse' location for preparing food boxes for distribution to at-risk Rock Point residents. The Mission staff has made a list of more than 50 elderly and otherwise fragile community members. These boxes are delivered to the door, along with a check-in to ensure all is well in the household. Read more in the NELM newsletter »
Read MoreWith the outbreaks of coronavirus disease 2019 in North America and around the world many people may be without a physical copy of Christ in Our Home. To assist with devotional life during this time, Augsburg Fortress is offering a limited-time complementary email subscription. Sign up and we will deliver the daily devotional to your email at 4am Central Time through June 30, 2020.
Read MoreMemorial Day Today we remember, mourn and give thanks for the military men and women who have given their lives in pursuit of justice, peace and freedom for our country and all nations.
Read More
