A Christmas message from Bishop Eaton

In her 2020 Christmas message, Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the ELCA, offers a reflection on what it means to be home in Christ. While many of us will not be physically home for Christmas this year, Eaton reminds us, “Precisely in our distress, in our dislocation, the Lord shows up. Emmanuel — God with us — makes his home in the very places we find foreign or isolating. … There is no God-forsaken place and we are never alone — not in hospital rooms, or sheltering in place, or Zoom calls or on dangerous roads.” Bishop Eaton’s Christmas message is available for download in English and Spanish.

Living Lutheran: Living in Mary’s time

This Christmas won’t be normal for any of us. But it might just be like that first Christmas, and we might find ourselves not at the inn but in the stable, sitting by the manger next to Mary. Waiting for her world, our world, to be changed, even to be reborn. Indeed, it’s time for new. In Living Lutheran’s December issue, we are given the opportunity to ponder with Mary the time, coiled with tension, between “How can this be?” and “Nothing is impossible with God.” Click here to read the piece; the study guide is available here.

Holiday giving with ELCA Good Gifts

Searching for the perfect gift? Choose from more than 50 life-changing, charitable gifts in lieu of traditional Christmas presents. Even in a year when the needs can seem overwhelming, ELCA Good Gifts provide an easy way to make a real impact. Your gifts share the love of Christ one goat, water well or school uniform at a time. New this year are gifts to prevent the spread of the coronavirus through the ongoing health care projects of ELCA World Hunger and the emergency measures of Lutheran Disaster Response.

Give online and you can print free cards from home to share with your loved ones. Browse gifts.

Ignite the Church
Monthly webinar series

Fund for Leaders
Scholarship application deadline

Invitations for Christmas


Even if you are worshiping online,
Christmas services provide an
opportunity for your community
to gather. Social media graphics
are available to extend a
welcoming invitation.


BROWSE

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

The theme for the 2021 Week of
Prayer for Christian Unity is
“Abide in My Love … You Shall
Bear Much Fruit” (John 15:1-17).
The week of prayer will take
place Jan. 18-25.


LEARN MORE

Considerations for electronic meetings

Take advantage of technology and continue to hold necessary meetings to conduct the business of your congregation.




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