The Conference of Bishops of the ELCA gathered for the first time virtually Oct. 1-2, 2020. Amongst many items of business, the conference elected the Rev. Deborah Hutterer to the executive committee of the Conference of Bishops. Read more about this first ever virtual gathering in this post.
Read MoreJoin Rev. Dr. Teresa Fry Brown and Rev. Dr. Mark Allen Powell as we crack open the Scriptures in new ways to see God’s love and share the Word for practical application in preaching: gcsynod.org/fall-gathering.
Join your colleagues—active and retired rostered ministers and deacons, interns, seminary students, synod council, and Diakonia students and graduates—and register today for this October 20, 2020 event.
Read MoreOn Saint Francis of Assisi Day many congregations observe blessing of the animals. In her weekly video, Bishop Eaton is joined by Toby the Ferret to share how St. Francis’ connection with animals and the natural world helps us understand that all of creation if precious to God.
Read MoreThroughout our baptismal journey, Psalm 23 encourages, calms and nourishes us with the reassurance that we are never without God’s love, attention and guidance. Give thanks to God and pray that we will reflect God’s loving presence and care in all that we do and say.
Read MoreBeginning a Culture of Generosity continues with Achieving a Strong Response, Oct 17, 2020, 9 – 10 am, MST. Registered congregations will receive log-in info.
Just a reminder that by Saturday, you should watch videos 6 and 7, and all the previous. To find the videos and all other materials, you'll need to log into bcg.gsbfundraising.com.
Read MorePray for our companion-synod relationships throughout the world, especially during this time of physical separation, that we will continue to nurture and strengthen one another for life and ministry through prayer, study, communication, and sharing resources for doing God’s work in the world together.
Read MoreWe pray for Pastor Rick Sherril and the people of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Phoenix (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube).
Read MoreWe pray for Pastors Dan Valasakos and Craig Larson, and the congregation of Mount Zion Lutheran, Tucson (Facebook).
Read MorePray that we, too, will hear Paul’s assurance to the Philippians in difficult times, that “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Ask that the Spirit fill our lives with peace, love and mercy that will shine brightly in the world.
Read MoreEnvisioning an Environmentally Just World with Ruth Ivory-Moore: Live via Zoom from SITD is Sunday, October 25, 2020, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
Ruth Ivory-Moore explores racial inequities, social & economic conditions, incorporating ESG principles into policy, sustainability & faith. Sponsored by Spirit in the Desert.
Read MoreThe Lutheran Office for World Community (LOWC), a joint ministry of the ELCA and the Lutheran World Federation, represents Lutherans at the United Nations. Give thanks for the LOWC’s work in monitoring issues of concern to the church, sharing our perspectives and speaking for peace, justice, human rights, respect for international law, and better standards of living for all people.
Read MoreGive thanks and praise to God for welcoming us into the kingdom of God, an undeserved gift to be shared with the world. Pray that we will never take the joy and blessings of this gift for granted or hide it from our neighbor.
Read MoreHow does cave diver Jill Heinerth focus during near-death moments while underground, in the dark, and in fast moving water? Take a really deep breath and focus on small, pragmatic steps. Listen to a Fresh Air interview as she discusses her memoir, Into the Planet.
Read MoreThis excellent article from the StarTribune follows six lives through the pandemic: a 51-year-old Eden Prairie man, a Wayzata funeral home director, a new mother in South Minneapolis, a young nurse in St. Paul, a Chinese restauranteur, and Minnesota’s health commissioner, who would set aside her grief from a deeply personal loss, and get to work. Read here.
Read MoreRemember in prayer those who have lost jobs or are furloughed from work, that they will have the resources and support to meet their daily needs as they seek employment. Pray that our congregations will be welcoming, supportive and ready to help, concerned for their dignity and their spiritual, physical and emotional needs.
Read MoreOver the next decade, the number of elderly homeless Americans is projected to triple — and that was before Covid-19 hit. In Phoenix, the crisis has already arrived.
In this New York Times Magazine feature article (also available to listen via Audm), we follow seniors through an Arizona summer. It’s good to see Phoenix’s Justa Center highlighted as well, the only daytime resource center in the state set up exclusively for older homeless adults. Read and listen here.
Read MoreThe Risk to Bloom with Dcn. Tammy Devine: Live via Zoom from SITD is Saturday, October 24, 2020, 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM.
Risk to Bloom Virtual Retreat with Tammy Devine offers an opportunity to pause… and to connect with self, with one-another, and with God. Sponsored by Spirit in the Desert.
Read MoreIn this podcast from the New York Times, health reporter Donald G. McNeil Jr. finds reasons for optimism in the historic speed of upcoming vaccines and other innovative interventions. Listen here.
Read MoreBishop Eaton addresses the importance of voting during an uneasy and important time in our nation. More resources available at ELCA.org/civicengagement.
Read MoreUnder the theme "The Bible – Word, Not Weapon," the 2020 Hein-Fry Book of Faith Challenge will address how Bible verses taken out of context can become weapons that discredit others or justify cruel treatment of those portrayed as different.
This year the challenge will comprise four online events. Register here.
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