Pastoral message on the verdicts concerning the murder of Ahmaud Arbery 11/24/2021 3:20:00 PM In response to the verdicts in the trial of Travis McMichael, Gregory McMichael and William Bryan in Brunswick, Ga., for the murder of Ahmaud Arbery, we offer a word of prayer and healing. We pray for Arbery’s family because no verdict can ease the…
A pastoral message on the Rittenhouse acquittal 11/19/2021 4:00:00 PM Dear church, In the book of Leviticus we read: “You shall not render an unjust judgment; you shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great: with justice you shall judge your neighbor” (19:15). Our social message on Community Violence urges us to become…
Ever wondered what a carbon footprint really is? Or how about the green house effect? In an article published by FutureLearn, those and other climate related terms are explained and suggestions made for everyday steps we can take to care for God’s creations. FutureLearn offers these brief definitions: Carbon footprint. A measure of the total amount…
On September 11, the Sierra Pacific Synod of the ELCA installed Bishop Megan Rohrer. Rev. Rohrer, the first openly transgender pastor on the ELCA roster, was ordained by the Extraordinary Candidacy Project (which became Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries) in 2006, when the ELCA did not yet allow LGBTQIA+ rostered ministers to serve openly. In 2010, Rohrer…
Just two ways the generous people of St. Mark chose to make a positive impact in the community this week. The Social Justice Team spearheaded an effort to put together care packages for homeless people as a part of “God’s Work. Our Hands.” Sunday. There was an amazing response from our congregation over the last several…
A People of Hope: Until All Are Fed An online benefit for ELCA World Hunger When: Thursday, Oct. 14, 7:30 p.m. Central time Where: Zoom webinar Dear friend in Christ, You’re invited to join me and Rick Steves, guidebook author and travel TV host, as we celebrate World Food Day! This online benefit for ELCA…
Professor of contextual theology and ethics Craig L. Nessan, in his article Tear Down Magical Walls, suggests that congregations are summoned to form members who can connect faith and life. This requires adaptive change to turn congregations inside-out. Educational programs for all ages should begin to explore what faith means for daily life. Members should be…
From ELCA ADvocacy – July 16, 2021 U.S. representatives regularly return to their home districts to stay engaged with their constituents. Traditionally, August Recess is one such time – and while everyone needs some rest and relaxation, lawmakers are likely busy during this period with Town Halls, arranged meetings and other contact points that give you a…
An alternate expression of God’s Work Our Hands. If many little people, in many little places, do many little things, they can change the face of the earth.
“The crucifixion was an act of violence meant to silence Jesus and his gospel of liberation and hope.” After witnessing acts of violence this week, particularly against Black and Brown people, Bishop Eaton reminds us of all the ways our church has committed to do justice – on racism, on health care, on education, on…