Common Mission with Episcopalians firm locally and nationally
Leaders expressed support and encouragement for continued expression of the full communion between our traditions following both the 122nd Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington (EDOW), held January 28, 2017 in D.C., and the Lutheran Episcopal Coordinating Committee...
The good Samaritan
A MONTHLY MESSAGE FROM THE ELCA PRESIDING BISHOP I have been thinking a lot about the parable of the good Samaritan lately (Luke 10:25-37). Parts of it are so familiar—the unfortunate victim, the robbers, the priest, the Levite, the Samaritan—that...
“It’s not what we do”
A MONTHLY MESSAGE FROM THE ELCA PRESIDING BISHOP At the end of the sixth chapter of the Gospel according to John, many disciples who had been following Jesus left him. Looking at the 12, Jesus asked, “Will you also go...
How many loaves for 500 sandwiches?
Here's a creative way to celebrate that in 2017 we're marking the 500th anniversary of the Reformation! But planning may take some math... by Alan Van Nostrand* A goal of 500 sandwiches to highlight the 500-year celebration of the Reformation...
Life-changing outdoor camp experiences
by Sarah Lefler and Reuben Todd* Thousands of people each year at Caroline Furnace and Mar-Lu-Ridge are touched by the important camping and retreat opportunities they offer. We encourage you to participate in "I Love Camp" Month** during February to...
Immigrant roots familiar to Lutherans
“I’m grateful for the chance to be here to speak in favor of a country that supports refugees and immigrants,” said the Rev. Richard H. Graham, bishop, ELCA Metro D.C. Synod, at a Jan. 25, 2017 press conference sharing an...
Human trafficking lifeline
“It’s hard to imagine this horrific crime happening in our own backyards, but the truth is Virginia had the ninth-highest number of reported human trafficking cases nationwide in 2015,” wrote Virginia Attorney General Mark R. Herring. 1 Human trafficking victims...
Words matter
by the Rev. James Phillips The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. has been hailed by many as the most prolific orator ever, in these United States of America. As we honor his memory this month, let us contemplate the...
Happy New Year!
A MONTHLY MESSAGE FROM THE ELCA PRESIDING BISHOP Ah, a new year! It opens up before us with infinite possibilities like brand new notebooks at the beginning of the school year or the beginning of football season in Cleveland—everyone has...
From the Bishop’s Desk: The Holy Light
A CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM BISHOP GRAHAM The gospel stories of Christmas are warm and rich in detail. Matthew tells of Joseph dreaming, of Isaiah’s prophecy fulfilled and later of the Magi’s visit.* Luke’s account is of Mary giving birth far...