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Living Lutheran: “Ornaments share the story of Jesus”
In 1957, Frances Kipps Spencer, daughter of a Lutheran pastor and missionary, began making ornaments for the Christmas tree at her congregation, Ascension Lutheran Church in Danville, Va. She wanted to make ornaments that replicated religious monograms and symbols because she felt the tree should tell the story of Jesus’ birth. She called the ornaments “Chrismons,” short for “Christ monograms.” Today, Ascension Lutheran carries on this tradition and even hosts workshops to teach people how to make the ornaments, and Chrismon trees can be found in congregations around the country. Read the full article to learn more about the history of this tradition.
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The Lutheran World Federation shares global Advent music
During this Advent season, member churches of the Lutheran World Federation are sharing hymns from their congregations to show how Lutherans around the world prepare to celebrate Christ’s coming into this world. A new video will be released each day until Christmas. This music celebrates the diversity of the Lutheran communion and our unity in Christ Jesus. View the video library.
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Last-minute giving with ELCA Good Gifts
Still shopping for the perfect gift? With ELCA Good Gifts, you can choose from more than 50 life-changing charitable gifts — such as a pig, school fees or a water well — and give something the world needs.
Each gift can be given in honor of a friend or loved one and goes on to create transformative change in the lives of people in need. You can even announce your gift with a printable, custom card. Browse gifts.
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WATCH THIS
Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton: Christmas Message 2019
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MARK YOUR CALENDAR
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FEATURED RESOURCES
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Invitations for Christmas
Welcome your neighbors with customizable graphics, posters, postcards and more.
DOWNLOAD
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“We Are Church, We Are Called” banners
In 2020, congregations are encouraged to hold commemorative events to celebrate and give thanks for the ministry of women. Use these downloadable banners to mark certain anniversaries.
DOWNLOAD
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Where does your offering go?
ELCA members in more than 9,300 congregations give approximately $1.75 billion in regular offerings to support ELCA ministries. Learn more about where your offering goes with this video and printable infographic.
VIDEO | INFOGRAPHIC
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BULLETIN BLURBS
These snippets are available for you to copy and paste into your bulletins.
Ask your senator to support the Dream Act of 2019 From now through spring 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court is deliberating on several lawsuits stemming from termination of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Lutherans have long supported young people who have come to the United States, known as “Dreamers.” ELCA Advocacy activity has supported the American Dream and Promise Act of 2019, which passed in the House and includes a path to citizenship for DACA recipients. Learn more about this issue at elca.org/advocacy and use this letter template in urging your senators to stand alongside young adult immigrants by supporting legislative protection for DACA recipients.
"Earth Day" turns 50 in April: Is your congregation ready? Only one calendar day each year is devoted to celebrating the common home God entrusts to us, but congregations across the country are working to restore and protect earthly gifts throughout the year. Find out how you can affirm your care for earth and neighbor and incorporate creation care into the identity and mission of your congregation. Download our free Lutherans Restoring Creation Congregational Kit here and tell us what you’re planning to do so we can help!
ELCA preferred-vendor agreements Preferred-vendor agreements between the ELCA and select companies serve to enhance operating efficiency, leadership effectiveness, congregational vitality and financial sustainability. Special pricing, communications and promotions accompany each agreement. See how your congregation might benefit from text giving, congregation apps, portable credit card readers and other services at ELCA.org/preferredvendors.
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