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“We Are Church, We Are Called”
In 2019 and 2020, the ELCA is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the church’s decision to ordain women, the 40th anniversary of the ordination of women of color and the 10th anniversary of the church’s decision to remove barriers to ministry for persons in publicly accountable, lifelong, monogamous same-gender relationships. Congregations are encouraged to recognize and honor these anniversaries throughout the year. Resources, including Bible studies, banners, worship materials and more, are available. Read more about the anniversaries and download resources.
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Message on racism and white supremacy
On Sept. 13, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton issued a statement regarding actions the 2019 Churchwide Assembly took to address “the deadly power of racism and white supremacy.” The actions included offering a public apology titled “Declaration of the ELCA to People of African Descent,” adopting a resolution condemning white supremacy and adopting a resolution to establish June 17 as “Emanuel 9 Day of Repentance.” Eaton said, “Standing equally under the judgment and promise of the gospel, we, as a church, can recognize the overt and covert ways that a culture of white supremacy denies full humanity to all people, and we can work to dismantle it.” Read the statement.
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“Stories of Faith in Action”
“Stories of Faith in Action” is an annual publication highlighting how God changes lives through the ministries funded by your congregation’s unrestricted offering of Mission Support, which is shared with your synod and the ELCA churchwide organization. “Stories of Faith in Action” and the resources that go along with it are designed to share how important your weekly offering in your congregation is in sustaining and growing God’s mission. Stories, videos, bulletin inserts and an infographic explaining “Where Does My Offering Go?” are available at ELCA.org/SOFIA.
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WATCH THIS
ELCA Youth Leadership Summit
Youth leaders from each synod share God’s love and grace, learn about the needs of the world and take what they have learned back to their synods to inspire others to action.
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MARK YOUR CALENDAR
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FEATURED RESOURCES
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Breaking Down Walls toolkit
Commemorate the 30th anniversary of the fall of the
Berlin Wall with your
congregation this November.
DOWNLOAD
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“Declaration of the ELCA to People of African Descent”
This educational resource
includes the text of the
declaration, a history of
Lutherans regarding racial
injustice and steps
forward for the church today.
DOWNLOAD
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ELCA World Hunger Advent study
Focusing on the theme
“Nearness,” this study takes
readers through each week
of Advent with prayers,
devotions and questions
for reflection.
DOWNLOAD
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BULLETIN BLURBS
These snippets are available for you to copy and paste into your bulletins.
“Living Lutheran” reader call
From Ruth and Naomi to Moses and Aaron, the Bible is rich with tales of friendship. How do friendships enrich your faith? By Oct. 30, send your 300-word story—subject line “Friendship”—to livinglutheran@elca.org for an opportunity to be published in “Living Lutheran.”
ELCA Good Gifts: Brand-new gifts, cards and online store
The new ELCA Good Gifts catalog is here, and so is a new and improved online store. Shop now to find a dozen brand-new gifts (manure, anyone?) as well as returning favorites: goats, water wells and school fees for a girl. Each gift goes on to make a difference in the world. When you give in honor of a friend or loved one, you can mail, email or download a card to let them know. Resources such as coin boxes, Christmas cards and Advent tree ornaments are available to help make your fundraiser a success. Browse gifts and resources at ELCA.org/GoodGifts. Start planning your Christmas gifts now!
Support the response to Hurricane Dorian
Hurricane Dorian caused devastation in the Bahamas and damage in the southeastern United States. Lutheran Disaster Response is working with its partners to provide immediate relief and long-term recovery. To learn more or to make a donation, go to ELCA.org/disaster.
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Feb. 1, 2014, we launched Always Being Made New: The Campaign for the ELCA with the goal of significantly increasing support for existing and new ministries. Through this first-ever effort, we made a commitment to invest in the future of this church, deepen our relationships and expand ministries that serve our neighbors and communities here at home and around the globe.
Now, with the conclusion of this effort on June 30, we have been richly blessed. We have witnessed a significant impact across this church unlike anything we’ve seen before. Together, we are achieving things on a scale and scope we could never do otherwise.
Thank you for your support! Use the celebration bulletin insert and video to share a word of thanks with your congregation.
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