Remembering the Emanuel Nine on June 17, 2021

A collection of resources is available at elca.org/emanuelnine to help synods and congregations mark the martyrdom of the Emanuel Nine — the nine people shot and killed on June 17, 2015, during a Bible study at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, S.C.

These resources can be adapted for virtual worship, online conversation or individual reflection and devotion. Synods and congregations are encouraged to mark this commemoration locally.

Read More
Give a gift of real estate

For many individuals and families, real estate is a cherished and much-utilized asset. Real estate can be a great way to make a gift to your congregation and the ministries that matter the most to you.

Our ELCA Foundation regional gift planners, Lisa Marie Higginbotham and Josh Kerney, are available to answer any questions you may have on how a gift of real estate can benefit you and the ministries that mean the most to you!

Read More
Lutherans Restoring Creation interview with Bishop Eaton

Bishop Eaton offered the sermon for Lutherans Restoring Creation’s Good Shepherd Sunday service in celebration of Earth Day 2021. She also accepted our request to take some follow-up questions collected by the network.

Here are portions of their time with her that we encourage you to share with your congregation as these are questions we are all meant to wrestle with.

Read More
Form A & C Reports filing system shuts down on June 11, 2021

The filing system for Form A & C Parochial Reports on the ELCA.org Office of the Secretary resource page shuts down for the year on June 11, 2021. Forms should be submitted electronically before that date in order to be included in the 2020 ELCA statistics.

Thank you for your work with these reports. We know 2020 will be an interesting year. If your congregation did not receive your password from ELCA Churchwide, or if you have any questions, please contact Theresa Thornburgh in the synod office.

Read More
Stories of Spirit showcases Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center

'Stories of Spirit' is a video introduction to Spirit in the Desert in Carefree, Arizona. Through testimony from staff and guests, retreat leaders, board members and ministry partners, viewers will learn about the mission, vision and values of Spirit in the Desert, a holy place where people experience the love of God, joyful hospitality and renewal of their callings in the world. Enjoy!

Read More
Gratitude to our assembly goodie box volunteers

We thank the volunteers who helped prep the goodie boxes to be mailed to nearly 300 of our 2021 Assembly voting members. It was quite a—wait for it—assembly line!

While we’re letting the contents be a surprise, we want to share photos and thank all those who helped with this big mailing project: Jerry and Gayle Kingston, Pastor Pat Reed, Larysa Pagel (Pr. Jacqui’s daughter), council members Hannah Manzanares and Laura Musfeldt, Jeff Musfeldt, Karen Olson, Judy Campbell, Douglas and Daniel Thornburgh, and the crew from Phly: Casey Goslin, Erik Andersen, and three students.

Read More
Brian FlatgardComment
Rev. Albert Starr sermon will be available as a stand-alone download

Our visiting Churchwide representative for our 2021 Synod Assembly is Rev. Albert Starr, whose role with the ELCA is Senior Advisor, Ethnic Diversity. We’re pleased to announce his sermon will be available on Friday morning, June 11, 2021, for use by congregations and individuals.

Our entire worship service will be available as well. The service is provided by our assembly hosts at Community Lutheran in Las Vegas, including Rev. Benjamin Bergren, Rev. Brian Ward, and Bruce Ewing.

Read More
Lord of Life in Sun City West honors pandemic losses with memorial tribute

Lori Jensen writes: “Lord of Life members shared in a Memorial Tribute for all of our members who died while we were unable to gather in person.

After a time of music, Bible reading and a brief meditation, a luminaria bag with each person’s name on it was lit while names were read. It was a way for us to show support for our church family members as they collectively mourned their loss.”

Read More