On January 19th, 2022, home COVID-19 tests became available through the federal government. We need to ensure that stakeholders, especially the most vulnerable, have access to the testing resources they need in order ensure equitable testing distribution. In this post, find resources on how to help people get free tests and spread the word.
Read MoreDuring this Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Bishop Eaton says “more than ever we need to have some kind of witness of the unity and the love that come from Christ…during this week it gives us the possibility to be a witness to the unity, to the beloved community, to the peace and wholeness that everyone knows in God.”
Read MoreA regular boiler inspection will help ensure that your boiler is operating at its highest level of efficiency and providing the most heat for the least possible cost. State and local laws often require boiler inspections, and failure to comply may result in fines or other penalties. Read more at Church Mutual Insurance.
Read MoreWe’ve updated our Congregation in Transitions page, which also now includes a listing of congregations in the call process.
Each of the sixty-five synods of the ELCA is responsible for the management of the call process within the territory of their respective synod. Learn more about the call process here.
Read MoreReview this checklist from Portico for important January tasks to keep your 2022 Portico benefits program running smoothly. It includes reminders on payroll updates and links to the complimentary Hammar tax guides for clergy. Employers may sign in to EmployerLink to view the checklist, and individuals can access the Hammar tax guide for clergy at MyPortico.
Read MoreELCA congregations using Tithe.ly’s online platform for giving will now enjoy a lower credit card processing rate. Effective Dec. 10, 2021, the rate for processing credit card donations has been reduced to 2.3% for Visa, Mastercard and Discover transactions.
Read MoreThis full-day retreat will engage you in a thoughtful and inspiring look at the stories of how you came to be the person you are and the qualities of your life that can be a true legacy to future generations. Hosted at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, click any of three dates for more info and to register:
For residents of Tongo, following devastating volcanic eruption, and for all areas feeling effects of the event…
For members of the Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas, following last week’s hostage crisis…
For Asian American communities grieving acts of racial violence…
For unity in the body of Christ in seeking health, hope, and wholeness in our world…
For health and stamina for nurses, doctors, emergency room, and hospital staff…
This Interim Ministry Training is based in the real-time real life work of an Intentional Interim Pastor. it uses a "coach approach," which believes the participants are "creative, resourceful, and whole," and is directed by a trained coach.
The cost for the six-month program is $585. To learn more and to register, please go to the Purposeful Pastor website. Beginning Friday January 28, 2022 through 7/8/2022, 2nd and 4th Fridays each month, 9:00am - 10:00am MST.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop continues to travel around the synod for services and meetings.
Read MoreThe number of cases per capita is approaching 400% compared to last winter’s peak. All counties are at extremely high levels of risk for unvaccinated people.
With many people testing themselves on at-home tests, and other infections going undetected, reported cases are an undercount of actual infections, but indicate how the virus is spreading. Case trends help officials, businesses and residents assess risk and make decisions.
Read MoreELCA Hunger invites you to continue your work by connecting your congregation to the church’s global work to end hunger and poverty during ELCA World Hunger’s 40 Days of Giving, which begins on Ash Wednesday, March 2.
To prepare, visit ELCA.org/40Days and download or order resources today. You’ll find free resources including a daily devotional calendar, a weekly study guide, an action guide for congregations, and weekly Lenten email series.
Read MoreJoin Lutheran Disaster Response, ELCA Ammparo and ELCA Advocacy in their webinar, “Boldly Serving Our Afghan Neighbors: A Call for Congregational Accompaniment and Co-Sponsorship,” Tuesday, 2/8/2022, 5 pm MST, 4 pm PST. Register here.
Read MoreAuthor Ron Rude joins Spirited Book Club to discuss his book, Amending the Christian Story: The Natural Sciences as a Window into Grounded Faith and Sustainable Living. This online gathering is hosted by Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center. Click either of two dates to register:
Read MoreThe Hunger Leaders Network meeting on Tuesday, January 25 at 6pm MST will feature a special guest speaker: The Rev. Elizabeth Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Bishop Eaton will pop in to the virtual meeting for 5-10 minutes to bring greetings and share updates from the ELCA churchwide. More info: January 2022 Agenda, Join Hunger Leaders Network, Join Zoom meeting.
Read MoreThe National Fund for Sacred Places is a grant-making program that provides capital grants ranging from $50,000 to $250,000 as well as wrap-around support services to congregations undertaking once-in-a-generation preservation project.
Join us for an introductory webinar on January 26th, 2022 at 10am MST, 9 am PST, to learn more about the program and whether your sacred place (or any of the sacred places in your community or judicatory) may qualify. Register here!
Read MoreWith Black History Month approaching, the ELCA introduces "Now Is the Time: A Study Guide for ELCA Declaration to People of African Descent" to help congregations wrestle with the meaning of the declaration, adopted at the 2019 Churchwide Assembly, and its accompanying explanation.
The five-part study resource, with a guide and participant materials, is available at elca.org/Resources/Racial-Justice. Direct PDF links to the Explanation of the Declaration of the ELCA to People of African Descent are here: Document, Study Guide and Participant Materials.
Read MoreThe Center of Addiction & Faith is hosting a one-hour free webinar ‘Addiction & Dry January’ on Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022, 10am MST, 9 am PST, with follow-up 30 minute Zoom discussion. Register here.
A spike in drinking during the pandemic has also come with a rise in those who are "sober curious." 1 in 5 Americans say they planned to participate in Dry January this year. In this webinar, we'll dig into these trends and explore how they can benefit you and your faith community.
Read MoreRev. Tina Mills, with Our Savior’s in Mesa, celebrates 11 years of ordination on January 25.
Rev. David Sivecz celebrates 4 years of ordination on January 27.
Deacon Carol Arnold celebrates 40 years of ordination on January 27.
Being Here, a podcast through Portico that explores real world issues and topics important to professionals in the faith community, has added three new episodes.
Join host the Rev. Melissa Pohlman, as she welcomes three new guests to share their experiences and points of view on navigating retirement; Christian conversations about racial justice; and creative approaches to innovative ministry. Listen here.
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