A new ministry opportunity for congregations

New: Open Doors Grants

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, you have served your communities with compassion and creativity, even as physical distancing changed the way we worship and meet. With vaccinations becoming available to more of the population, we hold onto hope that we may be able to gather safely in physical spaces in the upcoming months, as public health recommendations allow. Open Doors is a new initiative to support ELCA congregations interested in meeting new people during this time of regathering in physical spaces. If you have a concrete, actionable idea for meeting new people during this critical time, your congregation is invited to apply for an Open Doors Grant. Applications are open until May 19. Learn more and apply.

Living Lutheran: The power of storytelling

On Easter Sunday, people across this church gathered in their living rooms or sanctuaries to hear the story of Christ’s resurrection. The Easter story is our story — one of death, life, grace and love. In the April issue of Living Lutheran, seven ELCA storytellers share why their art remains vital for us as contemporary disciples. We hope their reflections will inspire you to introduce others to the greatest love story of all time — the Easter story. Read the article here and download the study guide.

Remembering the Emanuel Nine

As part of the 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, voting members adopted a resolution designating June 17 as a commemoration of 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. A collection of resources is available to help synods and congregations mark this commemoration. 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. Please email worship@elca.org if your synod or congregation is planning a dedicated, online commemoration service that you wish to share with others. May God continue to guide us as we seek repentance, renewal, and racial justice and reconciliation among God’s precious children. Learn more.

WATCH THIS

“Jesus Christ Is Risen Today” — ALCM Easter virtual hymn

This year’s virtual Easter hymn from the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians features over 1,700 singers and instrumentalists. See anyone you know?

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Kuambatana (Accompaniment): The Ministry of Mark and Linda Jacobson Documentary premiere	Earth Day Worship Service Lutherans Restoring Creation
Volunteers Webinar ELCA Youth Gathering	“God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday Day of service

FEATURED RESOURCES


“Thriving Beyond COVID” “Thriving Beyond COVID” is a Scripture-based study to encourage, inspire and challenge congregations for the post-COVID journey ahead. This small- and large-group study is available for free download and includes a leader guide, a participant guide and videos. VIDEO \| DOWNLOADS	River of Life Vacation Bible School This vacation Bible school program, “River of Life,” focuses on the importance of water, highlighting how ELCA World Hunger is working with our neighbors around the world on clean-water projects. DOWNLOAD \| BROWSE	“A New Heaven and a New Earth” Each year, Creation Justice Ministries offers Christian education materials that equip faith communities to protect, restore and more rightly share God's creation. The 2021 theme is "A New Heaven and a New Earth," with materials focusing on health, environmental racism and eco-justice. SIGN UP \| DOWNLOAD

BULLETIN BLURBS

These snippets are available for you to copy and paste into your bulletins.

Online Worship Service for Earth Day

Lutherans Restoring Creation is happy to present the ELCA community with a special online service. In celebration of Earth Day, this service is intended for use on April 25 but can be downloaded for use according to a congregation's needs. Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton will be preaching as part of this service of liturgy, visual journeys, musical offerings, pastoral insights and inspiration from lay leaders. Register now to receive a special link with download instructions. Visit Lutherans Restoring Creation for updates and details.

Discover what churchgoers are saying about virtual ministry

How do congregation members feel about virtual ministry and giving? In 2021, Vanco conducted a nationwide survey of 1,000 virtual churchgoers to uncover the answer. Download its study to learn how churchgoers feel about attending virtual services, how they’re staying connected to their churches and how they’re contributing to their churches while attending online.

This study is indispensable to churches as they navigate virtual services, in-person services and a hybrid of both. Download your free copy of the study today to take the guesswork out of maximizing participation and giving from members as they attend virtual services.

ELCA World Hunger's Daily Bread Matching Grants

ELCA World Hunger's Daily Bread Matching Grants support congregations as they work toward a just world where all are fed. Approved participants invite their congregation, networks and friends to donate. The funds raised are then matched by ELCA World Hunger with a grant of $500. Applications open April 26 for the 2021 Daily Bread Matching Grants. Learn more: ELCA.org/DailyBread.

What makes us Lutheran?

A global study on Lutheran identity by the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) is underway. You and your congregation are invited to take part in this process between now and June. The LWF has produced a discussion guide titled “We Believe in the Holy Spirit: Welcome to a Global Conversation on Being Lutheran” / “Creemos en el Espíritu Santo: Bienvenido/a a una Encuesta Mundial Sobre lo Que Significa Ser Luterano/a.” Using this guide, your congregation’s Christian education and/or youth group can embark on a journey of mutual discovery and learning and, in doing so, share its perspectives with the rest of the global Lutheran communion.

New this fall: Certificate in climate justice and faith at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary

Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary’s certificate in climate justice and faith offers a cohort-based, online curriculum that empowers participants to cultivate moral, spiritual and practical leadership in the work of climate justice, both in communities of faith and in collaboration with others. Topics covered include theology, ethics and spirituality related to climate justice; climate change knowledge; and social change practices that connect ecological well-being with racial, economic and gender justice. Lay and rostered leaders throughout the Lutheran World Federation and from other faith traditions are invited to apply. The program is scheduled for September 2021–May 2022. Learn more.

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