Throughout the Advent and Christmas season, we highlight submissions to the 2020 Generosity Film Festival.
This week, Jake Galambos, with Spirit of Hope Lutheran Church in Mesa, Arizona, shares his story of generosity: an act of kindness from his future mother-in-law. Jake wins the Most Heartwarming Story Award.
Read MoreThis has been, and continues to be, a very difficult year of coping with and recovering from natural disasters across our country and around the world. Pray that the presence and hope of God will be evident where there is despair, grief and uncertainty over how to begin rebuilding and healing. Pray that neighbors, communities and nations will work together to provide assistance, resources and relief workers where the needs are most critical.
Read MoreThe National Lutheran Choir Christmas Festival comes to audiences free in a virtual, multi-media format on December 11, 7pm MST, 6 pm PST. Watch at NLCA.com.
The Incarnation: For the Healing of the World brings music from around the globe announcing the birth of Christ with messages of peace and joy that nothing – not even a pandemic – can take away.
Read MoreThis “Experiments in Action” blog series features individuals and communities who are trying something new. This post features a story from The Rev. Rebecca Ehrlich, Interim Director for Evangelical Mission and Assistant to the Bishop in the Allegheny Synod and founder of an online community exploring Christian Minimalism.
Read MoreIn this week’s Story of Faith in Action (SOFIA), when God spoke to Jean Paul Kisuku, Kisuku knew he had to listen.
While living in the Congo, Kisuku spread the gospel through prayer groups with fellow Congolese and neighbors in nearby Uganda. After immigrating to the United States, he stepped away from ministry to focus on secular work to support his family. God had other plans.
Read MorePray that God will help us lead lives of holiness, godliness, peace and active engagement with the world as disciples of Christ who wait patiently for the day of the Lord.
Read MoreSpirit in the Desert Retreat Center offers special Daily Advent Devotions free by email this year. Subscribe on this page and opt in to the Advent Devotions from Pastor Steve Holm.
Read MoreIsn’t that the easiest question in the world to answer? Actually, it can be one of the hardest. When someone asks, “Who are you?” how do you respond?
Read MoreIf Mary and Joseph showed up on the steps of an inn in Palestine today, they would’ve had a bed, some coffee, and probably three servings of a home cooked meal.
Read MoreThe fifth session of the Beginning a Culture of Generosity fall stewardship program is available for review. It’s available here for those who missed it or are curious about the program. Read on for testimonials from participants.
Read MoreA new part time position is being created for a creative person to serve St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Las Vegas. Visit their site to contact and express interest. Read this post for a job description.
Read MoreLutherans Restoring Creation is hosting a Connections Call with Gayle Boss, author of All Creation Waits, on Wednesday, Dec. 9th, 6pm MST, 5pm PST. Click here to join or call 888-602-2749.
If you miss the call, explore and order the book here.
Read MoreNavajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission (NELM) shares their latest newsletter with a focus on Hózhó.
In the Navajo language there is no word for hospitality, religion or for art. The word that is used to describe them is Hózhó. Hózhó is a way of life, a spirituality that encompasses beauty, order, and relationship, and expresses the idea of striving for balance in all things – including expressing gratitude. Read more here.
Read MorePray for patience, caution and concern for our neighbor during the continuing COVID-19 pandemic; pray that the Spirit and our siblings in Christ will help us cope with and adjust to the implications of the pandemic for this season in which we are accustomed to gathering in person for meals, celebrations, worship, family gatherings and community events.
Read MoreIn this difficult year, please join us in a Service of the Longest Night, which will be available for viewing Monday, December 21, 2020, at 5pm MST, 4pm PST, on our Facebook and Vimeo pages, and at gcsynod.org/longest-night.
In the service, we recognize the dark night of the soul of 2020. Using four candles, you’ll be invited to light them one by one as the service progresses, with prayer, words, and music from Office of the Bishop staff, our conference deans, and synod musicians.
Read MoreMay we dwell in the story of Jesus’s birth in new ways, remembering the small intimacy of that night and the gathering of a family of three. May we be as surprised and astonished as the shepherds in the fields.
Read MoreGive thanks for caregivers, staff and nurses in senior communities, nursing homes, rehabilitation hospitals, and memory-care and assisted-living facilities. Ask God to grant them strength, wisdom, skill and a spirit of hope and joy as they go about their difficult and often tiring work.
Read MoreJoin Presiding Bishop Eaton as she lights the candles and says a prayer for the second week of Advent.
Read MoreEarth Ministry (earthministry.org) is a faith-based organization in Washington state committed to engaging the Christian community in environmental stewardship.
Resources include a handbook for congregations engaging in creation care ministries.
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